"Belldandy, I got her! Now what?"
"Him. I'm a guy," was the ignored statement from Ranma.
"Hello Ranma. It's a pleasure to meet you," the young woman who was apparently 'Belldandy' sketched a quick bow and smiled self-consciously. "I do, however, wish it could be under better circumstances and in less stressful times."
"Um, what exactly is going on?" Ranma was bewildered and attempting to keep pace. Unfortunately, the fact that she had just woken up kept her from full use of her faculties.
"I promise, everything will be made known to you later," Belldandy shifted nervously. "Please follow me. You are in great danger, and you mustn't perish."
"Erm… good idea," was the muttered reply as she was led outdoors to where another woman was tracing a geometric design onto the ground.
"Urd, is that rune ready yet?" Belldandy called from the porch.
"Of course," said a voice Ranma recognized as belonging to the mysterious person from the cell phone. Green eyes flashed upwards. "Ranma, you need to stand in the middle of this circle. It will transport you to the heavens where you'll be safe until we figure this thing out."
"Figure what out?" Ranma asked, balking.
"There's no time to explain right now! Just do as your told and everything will be explained later!"
"No way. I ain't going anywhere or standing in no magic circle until I get some answers," Ranma declared, her agitation causing a decline in her grammar.
"I told you, we don't have time--" Urd stopped suddenly as Ranma's eyes rolled backwards and the rest of her pitched forwards. "Oh crap! She's--"
"She's fine, Urd." Skuld stepped forward and dragged the girl to the center of the circle. "Belldandy knocked her out."
A sheepish Belldandy responded to her older sister's inquisitive look with a shrug. "We really don't have time. I'm sure Ranma will forgive me once everything is made clear."
Nodding slowly, the eldest Norn recited an incantation. A pillar of holy light sprung up from the ground. A few moments later, it abruptly shut off. The three goddesses quickly retired to the temple to seek their own transportation mediums.
The circle was dispersed by a slight breeze. The temple stood empty.
--
Ranma was already flipping to her feet before her eyes had fully opened. She snapped into a defensive stance reflexively, and belatedly took stock of her situation.
"Honestly," she mused, glancing around. "This place needs some color."
Endless, featureless white stretched in all directions. The monotony was broken only by a small TV, a handheld mirror, and a teacup full of water. A soft whine filled the air as the three apparatuses glowed and the sisters stepped through. As abruptly as the girls appeared, their mediums vanished.
"Welcome," Urd stated with a broad sweep of her arm, "to the heavens! Home of the gods and goddesses from time immemorial!"
Taking in Ranma's decidedly unimpressed expression, Skuld snickered and cut into her sister's introduction. "He's a mortal Urd, remember? He's on probation. He can't see anything!"
Urd sweat-dropped. "I knew that."
Smiling slightly at her sisters' antics, Belldandy turned towards Ranma. "If you'll please follow me, I will take you where you need to go."
"And where exactly is that?"
"Everything will soon be made clear. Please follow me."
"As if I really had a choice," Ranma thought privately as she followed Belldandy through seemingly endless and pointless twists and turns. Eventually, two large oak doors appeared on the horizon. Belldandy and Ranma made a beeline for the doors.
"Once you enter here," Belldandy said as they reached their destination, "I cannot go with you. Be brave of heart and sound of spirit. Good luck, Ranma!"
The doors opened silently. Ranma entered.
--
The room Ranma entered was not exactly what she was expecting.
Although, to be honest, she didn't exactly know what she had been expecting.
The room appeared to be an office. Ash wood was prevalent, from the floor to the bookcases-- even the desk itself was made from this same wood. The size of the desk was incredible, taking up nearly a quarter of the room's huge space. Behind the desk there was what appeared to be an incredibly expensive (and comfortable, Ranma's jaded eye noted) leather chair. Within this chair sat a man of about forty years.
His hair was jet-black, but silvering at the temples. He wore a suit which complemented his broad shoulders and strong facial features. Eyes the same shade as Ranma's own looked up at her when the door opened. As he stood and smiled, he gestured for Ranma to take a seat in the chair opposite the desk. Ranma did so, somewhat nervously.
"Ranma," the man greeted, "I apologize about these circumstances. I assure you, however, that they were necessary."
"About that, I was wondering--"
"I'm sorry Ranma," the man interrupted, "but we don't have much time. I assure you, everything will be made clear." As Ranma clenched his fists and ground his teeth, the man reseated himself and pulled a file from beneath the desk. "You're Ranma Saotome, age sixteen. Born to Genma and Nodoka Saotome, Juuban General Hospital. Left on a martial arts training trip at the age of six, raised in the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. I understand that you are quite adept at your Art?" A curt nod answered his question. "Of course." Looking back at the contents of the file, the man continued. "Entered the cursed training grounds known as Jusenkyo, fell into the Spring of Drowned Girl," a glance of the top of the folder as though to reassure himself of the fact, "and thereafter contacted by the goddess Urd." The man stood and began to pace around the office.
"Ranma, you are here because an unauthorized entity penetrated the security protocols of the World Computer system, Yggdrasil, approximately sixteen hours ago. The entity restarted a process that had been near the end of its run-time. Nobody knows exactly what this process does. It has been here since time immemorial." Taking a deep breath and turning around suddenly, the man caught Ranma's eye with his own gaze. "The invading entity's signature matched your own." At the girl's vehement denials, the man simply shrugged. "How you are able to do this, nobody knows. But the fact is that somehow, you did do this. The process is set to begin again in eight hours. Hopefully, it will continue to be harmless." Having made a full circuit of the office, the man reclaimed his seat and leaned back wearily. "Do you have any questions for me?"
Ranma jumped to her feet. "Yeah I got questions for you! Who do you think you are kidnapping me like this? How can you think that I did this geeky stuff when I don't know nothing about computers? I ain't exactly had things 'made clear' for me yet. Also, why do those three girls out there keep tryin' to protect me? I can take care of myself!" Ranma's face was nearly the color of her hair. "You better start answerin', 'cause I'm done listenin'."
The man eyed the young beauty for a moment. "I have many names… you may call me Odin. I have already answered your question concerning your ability to bypass the security protocols. We don't know. The fact that your unique signature was attached to the process is irrevocable proof that somehow, you did do this. I assume my daughters," at the look of surprise on Ranma's face Odin nodded. "Yes, my daughters. Urd, Goddess of the Past, Belldandy, Goddess of the Present, and Skuld, Goddess of the Future." At the look of further surprise on Ranma's face, Odin scowled. "Didn't they introduce themselves or anything? I swear, you try to teach manners to children these days and the next thing you know…" he trailed off. "Anyway," he resumed after a breath, "I'd assume that they are attempting to protect you because they are unaware of your extraordinary martial prowess. You are, of course, currently the top target for nearly every demon in the Orient." Odin wondered vaguely if Ranma's face would be forever etched in a look of shock. "A mortal that is corruptible and able to access Yggdrasil? There's probably a bounty on your head millions of souls high." Looking at his watch, Odin sighed. "That's all I have for you today. Stay with my daughters until this thing is sorted out. They should be able to protect you."
"I don't need protecting from a bunch of girls," was Ranma's automatic reply.
"Of course not," Odin grinned widely. "But these are goddesses we're talking about, not mere mortal females. Also," the grin expanded, "might I suggest you curb your chauvinistic attitude while possessing the body of that you would seek to oppress?"
"Um… sure?"
"Good. You may leave now. Good luck, Ranma."
"Him. I'm a guy," was the ignored statement from Ranma.
"Hello Ranma. It's a pleasure to meet you," the young woman who was apparently 'Belldandy' sketched a quick bow and smiled self-consciously. "I do, however, wish it could be under better circumstances and in less stressful times."
"Um, what exactly is going on?" Ranma was bewildered and attempting to keep pace. Unfortunately, the fact that she had just woken up kept her from full use of her faculties.
"I promise, everything will be made known to you later," Belldandy shifted nervously. "Please follow me. You are in great danger, and you mustn't perish."
"Erm… good idea," was the muttered reply as she was led outdoors to where another woman was tracing a geometric design onto the ground.
"Urd, is that rune ready yet?" Belldandy called from the porch.
"Of course," said a voice Ranma recognized as belonging to the mysterious person from the cell phone. Green eyes flashed upwards. "Ranma, you need to stand in the middle of this circle. It will transport you to the heavens where you'll be safe until we figure this thing out."
"Figure what out?" Ranma asked, balking.
"There's no time to explain right now! Just do as your told and everything will be explained later!"
"No way. I ain't going anywhere or standing in no magic circle until I get some answers," Ranma declared, her agitation causing a decline in her grammar.
"I told you, we don't have time--" Urd stopped suddenly as Ranma's eyes rolled backwards and the rest of her pitched forwards. "Oh crap! She's--"
"She's fine, Urd." Skuld stepped forward and dragged the girl to the center of the circle. "Belldandy knocked her out."
A sheepish Belldandy responded to her older sister's inquisitive look with a shrug. "We really don't have time. I'm sure Ranma will forgive me once everything is made clear."
Nodding slowly, the eldest Norn recited an incantation. A pillar of holy light sprung up from the ground. A few moments later, it abruptly shut off. The three goddesses quickly retired to the temple to seek their own transportation mediums.
The circle was dispersed by a slight breeze. The temple stood empty.
--
Ranma was already flipping to her feet before her eyes had fully opened. She snapped into a defensive stance reflexively, and belatedly took stock of her situation.
"Honestly," she mused, glancing around. "This place needs some color."
Endless, featureless white stretched in all directions. The monotony was broken only by a small TV, a handheld mirror, and a teacup full of water. A soft whine filled the air as the three apparatuses glowed and the sisters stepped through. As abruptly as the girls appeared, their mediums vanished.
"Welcome," Urd stated with a broad sweep of her arm, "to the heavens! Home of the gods and goddesses from time immemorial!"
Taking in Ranma's decidedly unimpressed expression, Skuld snickered and cut into her sister's introduction. "He's a mortal Urd, remember? He's on probation. He can't see anything!"
Urd sweat-dropped. "I knew that."
Smiling slightly at her sisters' antics, Belldandy turned towards Ranma. "If you'll please follow me, I will take you where you need to go."
"And where exactly is that?"
"Everything will soon be made clear. Please follow me."
"As if I really had a choice," Ranma thought privately as she followed Belldandy through seemingly endless and pointless twists and turns. Eventually, two large oak doors appeared on the horizon. Belldandy and Ranma made a beeline for the doors.
"Once you enter here," Belldandy said as they reached their destination, "I cannot go with you. Be brave of heart and sound of spirit. Good luck, Ranma!"
The doors opened silently. Ranma entered.
--
The room Ranma entered was not exactly what she was expecting.
Although, to be honest, she didn't exactly know what she had been expecting.
The room appeared to be an office. Ash wood was prevalent, from the floor to the bookcases-- even the desk itself was made from this same wood. The size of the desk was incredible, taking up nearly a quarter of the room's huge space. Behind the desk there was what appeared to be an incredibly expensive (and comfortable, Ranma's jaded eye noted) leather chair. Within this chair sat a man of about forty years.
His hair was jet-black, but silvering at the temples. He wore a suit which complemented his broad shoulders and strong facial features. Eyes the same shade as Ranma's own looked up at her when the door opened. As he stood and smiled, he gestured for Ranma to take a seat in the chair opposite the desk. Ranma did so, somewhat nervously.
"Ranma," the man greeted, "I apologize about these circumstances. I assure you, however, that they were necessary."
"About that, I was wondering--"
"I'm sorry Ranma," the man interrupted, "but we don't have much time. I assure you, everything will be made clear." As Ranma clenched his fists and ground his teeth, the man reseated himself and pulled a file from beneath the desk. "You're Ranma Saotome, age sixteen. Born to Genma and Nodoka Saotome, Juuban General Hospital. Left on a martial arts training trip at the age of six, raised in the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. I understand that you are quite adept at your Art?" A curt nod answered his question. "Of course." Looking back at the contents of the file, the man continued. "Entered the cursed training grounds known as Jusenkyo, fell into the Spring of Drowned Girl," a glance of the top of the folder as though to reassure himself of the fact, "and thereafter contacted by the goddess Urd." The man stood and began to pace around the office.
"Ranma, you are here because an unauthorized entity penetrated the security protocols of the World Computer system, Yggdrasil, approximately sixteen hours ago. The entity restarted a process that had been near the end of its run-time. Nobody knows exactly what this process does. It has been here since time immemorial." Taking a deep breath and turning around suddenly, the man caught Ranma's eye with his own gaze. "The invading entity's signature matched your own." At the girl's vehement denials, the man simply shrugged. "How you are able to do this, nobody knows. But the fact is that somehow, you did do this. The process is set to begin again in eight hours. Hopefully, it will continue to be harmless." Having made a full circuit of the office, the man reclaimed his seat and leaned back wearily. "Do you have any questions for me?"
Ranma jumped to her feet. "Yeah I got questions for you! Who do you think you are kidnapping me like this? How can you think that I did this geeky stuff when I don't know nothing about computers? I ain't exactly had things 'made clear' for me yet. Also, why do those three girls out there keep tryin' to protect me? I can take care of myself!" Ranma's face was nearly the color of her hair. "You better start answerin', 'cause I'm done listenin'."
The man eyed the young beauty for a moment. "I have many names… you may call me Odin. I have already answered your question concerning your ability to bypass the security protocols. We don't know. The fact that your unique signature was attached to the process is irrevocable proof that somehow, you did do this. I assume my daughters," at the look of surprise on Ranma's face Odin nodded. "Yes, my daughters. Urd, Goddess of the Past, Belldandy, Goddess of the Present, and Skuld, Goddess of the Future." At the look of further surprise on Ranma's face, Odin scowled. "Didn't they introduce themselves or anything? I swear, you try to teach manners to children these days and the next thing you know…" he trailed off. "Anyway," he resumed after a breath, "I'd assume that they are attempting to protect you because they are unaware of your extraordinary martial prowess. You are, of course, currently the top target for nearly every demon in the Orient." Odin wondered vaguely if Ranma's face would be forever etched in a look of shock. "A mortal that is corruptible and able to access Yggdrasil? There's probably a bounty on your head millions of souls high." Looking at his watch, Odin sighed. "That's all I have for you today. Stay with my daughters until this thing is sorted out. They should be able to protect you."
"I don't need protecting from a bunch of girls," was Ranma's automatic reply.
"Of course not," Odin grinned widely. "But these are goddesses we're talking about, not mere mortal females. Also," the grin expanded, "might I suggest you curb your chauvinistic attitude while possessing the body of that you would seek to oppress?"
"Um… sure?"
"Good. You may leave now. Good luck, Ranma."