Part 16: The Cat's Meow
Demon Central...
"The council may be dismissed, business of our latest pact opportunity is highly confidential and must remain in absolute secrecy..."
Elders and representatives left the room, walking in file along two demons that stood on the floor. One was the demon Mara, the other, a demon wearing a black jacket with a horned crown on his head.
As the last representative left the room, the doors slammed shut.
"Agh! I hate acting all serious... It's so boring!" Hild exclaimed and stretched out her arms. "Mmm!" She then stared down at her two demons and grinned as she rested her chin in her left hand. "Well then, you two know who's up on the cutting block now don't you?"
"Uhm..." Mara coughed. "Hild-sama, are you sure this concerns... ehem..." She looked over at the demon next to her.
"Well I'd say it would... being as how he had a minor relationship with the main course." Hild grinned. "Does the name...Hope Morisato make your mouth water?"
"HOPE MORISATO!?!" Mara's jaw dropped. "She's trying to form a pact with us!?"
The demon next to her seemed startled by this news as well, his response being his fists clenched.
"Well... not really, you see she made a lovely little prayer a few days ago..." Hild sighed and folded her arms. "She automatically qualified for a wish from heaven or a pact from hell."
"Well, somebody in heaven must've gotten to her first!" Mara said.
"Oh someone did, a rookie god, he tried to grant her heart's desire but the poor little thing just couldn't cut it." Hild giggled. "So we still have a chance, just think, how often do we get to make a pact with a goddess? So I thought that it would only be natural that I send her lov..."
"Forget it!" The demon barked.
"Ooh..." Hild stared over at him in surprise.
"You're not using me as a pawn to her soul Hild, you may be the queen around here but don't forget you don't have a collar around my neck." He said sternly.
"Lighten up your highness..." Hild teased. "I just thought it would be cute, after all it is your fault she's as vulnerable as she is now."
"Hmm?" He stared up at her.
"It's her wish to see you again... Lord Tyr..."
He looked down shamefully.
"But if you feel that way I guess there's no helping it, the big cats are such lazy but fierce things, so I'll just send Maa-chan instead."
"Uhm...I um...can't..."
Hild glared down at her. "Hmm?"
Mara gulped. "Well, you see I...she um, during Ragnorak she um... well she saved my life in all..." she twiddled her thumbs nervously.
"Hahh..." Hild sighed. "You two... disappoint me. However I must admit, I have my own selfish reason for being insistent on our making a pact with her..."
"What would that be?" Mara asked.
"Belldandy is all grown up into a Mother cat, so now I want her kitten instead." Hild grinned. "True she has dull claws, but just give them a little sharpening and she'll be able to slice through anything ..."
"Of course you'll be the one holding the leash to her neck won't you?" Tyr glared up at her. "What is it with you and power?"
Hild looked up for a moment and playfully answered. "I love it!"
Mara stared at them both then looked back up at Hild. "Hild-sama, would there be something you could motivate Tyr with?"
"Mara!" Tyr stared at her in shock. "Are you actually trying to help her do this!?"
"Well... she just wants to see you again..." Mara thought then turned red. "AGH! I mean! Why should I care if you don't wanna see her again anyway!?"
"Motivation you say...?" Hild grinned devilishly. "Tell me, the last time you saw her she was just a little thing now wasn't she?"
Tyr blushed. "Cut it out Hild!"
She pointed at the floor. "Look down Sweetie."
"Eh?" Tyr stared down, the floor turned into a giant TV screen.
"Introducing! Hope Morisato, the 17 year old edition!" Hild pressed a button on her remote.
"I wish I could just transform into my uniform but I guess it's better to just keep buying them from the store." Hope sighed as she picked up her top and put it on.
"AH?" Tyr's eyes bulged.
"Hope? Are you done changing yet?" Akina asked outside the door.
"Almost! I'll be out in a minute!" Hope called as she pulled up her skirt and straightened out her top.
"Ooh! She's not shy for the camera now is she?" Hild giggled as Tyr started foaming at the mouth.
"TYR!? HELL FIRE THUNDERBLAST! CLEAR!!" Mara punched him in the chest with the attack only to get no response. " CLEAR!!" She attacked him again.
Hope tied the bottom of her hair into a white ribbon and parted her bangs to the side. "Okay I'm ready! Sorry I kept you guys waiting!"
Hild turned off the TV and stared down at Tyr. "My my, wasn't she a knock out?" She grinned.
"Haaauuuu..." Tyr's eyes spun. "Panties...bra...panties..."
"I have to say she's rather gifted in the chest area." Hild giggled to make him dizzier. "You're missing out on all of that too, so what do you say Tyr?"
His eyes stopped spinning, he rose to his feet and straightened out his coat. "Just stay out of her life Hild, she just wants to be happy and live with her family." He said then glared up at her coldly. "Mess that life up and you'll have to deal with me!" He barked as he stormed out of the room.
"Tyr!" Mara called out.
"Let him go." Hild waved her hand carelessly. "I like that boy... he's stubborn, highly over confident, and very cute."
Mara sighed and looked up at her. "So, what are you going to do?"
"Hmm... I think I'll send one of my rookies too..." She looked to the side. "Eldir!"
Not much later, a demon came crashing in, flames flickering on his torn up work shirt garb. His black hair was wild and his crimson eyes were menacing. "You called?"
"Wonderful entrance..." Hild applauded. "Listen up, I have a very important job for you... and we need to hurry... school starts in a few minutes..."
Hope, Nauthiz, and Akina stood outside of the school, the prom was in six days, and it was obvious as to why almost everyone was out in the front lawn.
"What's going on Miss Hope?" Nauthiz asked.
Hope sweat dropped and looked at him. "It's almost time for prom, it's a sort of social gathering where your classmates come together in couples to a party at the end of the final semester." She said as couples began to form.
"Oh, I see, well should I ask someone to go to prom with me?" Nauthiz asked.
Akina quickly saw this as her opportunity. "Well, you have to be really careful about who you go with. You should go with someone who you really know well, like m..."
"I understand." He nodded.
"Really!?" Akina's eyes sparkled.
"When going to such events it should be with someone of great importance to the individual's heart. Most preferably someone that individual is infatuated with."
Akina's cheeks flushed red as she stared at him in awe. "Wow..."
"But... I'm not sure." He sighed. "I've never had a desire to attend such an event..."
Tears began to stream down Akina's face. "Really...?"
"Is there something in your eye?" He asked.
"N...no..." She sobbed.
"Er... Well Anyway." Hope sweat dropped. "Even though you don't want to go, there's going to be a lot of girls in that crowd that DO want you to go, so brace yourself and get ready to run."
"Very well." Nauthiz nodded, they both took a single step forward and in unison a large section of the crowd launched towards them with bouquets and screams.
Mrs. Tetsuya stared out a window at the madness and giggled. "Oh Dear..."
Just then, she heard the sound of high heals tapping on the floor. "Hmm?" She looked to the side to see a woman wearing a red business suit, dark skin, and white hair, strutting down the hallway. What stood out most about her were her devilish eyes. "I don't recall ever seeing you here before!" she stated in a cheery voice.
The woman stopped and grinned. "This is my first day, I'm your new school counselor." She held out her hand. "Dr. Bryn."
"I'm Mrs. Tetsuya, English teacher, nice to meet you." She took her hand and shook it.
"Hmm... there's something funny about this woman..." Dr. Bryn thought. "Maybe I'll give her a little shock to put her in her pla..." Her eyes widened as Mrs. Tetsuya pulled her into a glomp.
"I just know you and I are going to be GOOD Friends!!" She chimed and dropped her onto the floor. "Do forgive me! I get carried away easily!"
Dr. Bryn jumped up to her feet and straightened out her dress. "She's strong..." She thought then grinned. "Think nothing of it, I'll get you back for it someday." She giggled teasingly. "Now Mrs. Tetsuya, you wouldn't mind telling me which classroom would be Hope Morisato's homeroom?"
"That would be mine."
"Oh? Well then." She waved her hand, a boy in a white button shirt and baggy black pants walked over to them. "This is your new student Eldir."
"Oh my!" Mrs. Tetsuya stared. "Well aren't you a bold handsome young man? It's nice to meet you, I'm your homeroom English teacher Mrs. Tetsuya."
"Heh..." He snickered. "Whatever... you don't look so bad yourself lady."
Mrs. Tetsuya's eyes gleamed over. "OH MY!!" She glomped him. "How nice of you to say that!!"
"AAGH!!" his eyes bulged out of his head.
"I'll leave you so you can get to your classroom. Have fun Eldir." Dr. Bryn waved.
"Wa...it!!" He coughed until he fainted.
Mrs. Tetsuya dropped him to the floor and watched Dr. Bryn leave. "She appears to be nice, but you shouldn't judge a book by its cover..."
The floor began to rumble, followed by two distinctive yelps.
Hope and Nauthiz shot to the top of the staircase, Akina was wide eyed and tomato faced as Nauthiz carried her in his arms in the frantic run for sanctuary.
"Why every year grandfather!?" Hope sobbed as crowds of boys and girls stampeded after them.
"This happens every year!? Oh blast it all!! I should have brought an extra notebook to Earth with me to document more odd human behavior!!" Nauthiz lamented between breaths.
"You can write it down later!!" Hope panted and stared at their classroom door. "We're almost there...Ah?" she saw a Janitor at the end of the hall, with long blonde hair. "Ma..."
"Miss Hope!" Nauthiz grabbed her hand and darted into the classroom with her.
Meanwhile back at the temple...
Keiichi stayed at home that day due to almost throwing his back out at the shop the day before, it wasn't too bad despite the slight pain. "I shouldn't have lifted that box by myself." He groaned to himself as Belldandy put an extra pillow under his head and sat by his side.
"You were just trying to do your best dear, that's nothing to be upset about." She smiled. "Is there anything I can get for you?"
"A few dozen bottles of pain relievers would be nice..." He laughed jokingly.
Belldandy smiled and held her hands over his chest, she chanted quietly to herself and placed a translucent orb into his body. "Does that feel better?"
Keiichi immediately sat up. "100%!!" he exclaimed in pure relief. "Thanks Bell!"
Belldandy smiled happily now that Keiichi was feeling better again until she heard the temple door open.
"HELLO!! Morisato! I got a present for you!!" Chihiro's voice rang out.
"AGH!!" Keiichi panicked. "Bell! You gotta take that spell off!"
"But I don't want to see you in pain dear." Belldandy said worriedly.
"But I will ache even worse if Chihiro doesn't see me moaning in agony!" Keiichi sweat dropped, as sure doom slowly opened the bedroom door.
"Oh... Alright." She said nervously and took the spell off.
"Whew...thanks Bell...AAAAGHH!!" he fell back and cringed in agony.
"Oh Keiichi!!" Belldandy panicked. "Dear are you okay!?"
"Suits you right for trying to sit up after you threw your back out!" Chihiro scolded from the doorway.
"Is that agony I hear?" Urd peered over her shoulder. "My Vertebrae Vitamins will have you slaving for Chihiro in no time flat!"
Keiichi sweat dropped. "N...No thanks Urd I'll pass..."
"Really? Then how about Skuld's 'Ultra man back brace model 5'?" Skuld shoved her way into the room with an indescribable contraption.
"Why model 5?" Chihiro asked.
"Well...the other four seemed to short out and twist into positions not possible for any normal human to perform without breaking their back." Skuld said and smiled confidently. "But I'm sure that this one will work... wanna test it out Keiichi?"
Keiichi stared at them for a moment and held onto Belldandy's arm in utter fear. "They're going to kill me aren't they?"
"What Keiichi needs is rest." Belldandy stated plainly. "I'm sorry Chihiro, but Keiichi won't be able to work for some time."
Chihiro waved her hand with a smile. "Hey, Wife and Mother know best! I wouldn't let my Akina out of the house with a split end!" She joked then held up a sack. "I hurt my back like that once too, so I went to the store and bought him an ice pack."
"Why how nice of you Chihiro, thank you." Belldandy smiled.
"Y...Yeah, thanks." Keiichi smiled in surprise..
"No sweat Morisato! Now heal quickly! I plan on making you work overtime when you're back on your feet!" She smiled.
Tears streamed down his face. "I knew her kindness was too good to be true."
Hope collapsed onto her desk and sighed. "Six more days... just six more days of the horror..." She thought to herself until her nose cringed at the smell of too much expensive cologne.
"Your skin is flushed an elegant shade of pink, a pink such of that of a pink rose." A bouquet was dropped onto her desk.
"Wow... another bouquet of roses." Hope frowned and glared to the side. "Even though I'd hope that after all these years you'd finally realize that I'm never going to go out with you, Masahiro."
"Nonsense." He laughed confidently. "One day you shall succumb to my charm and wit."
"Charm and wit don't come in the form of cash." Hope teased.
His eyebrow twitched. "Urr... Aha ha ha, clever as always my darling, If only I could be the first to taste those clever words before they leave your lips."
Hope's cheeks flushed red. "Actually..."
"Yes?" He leaned towards her.
"Somebody already knows what I taste like!" She smiled happily.
"EH?" his eyes widened.
"Remember Tyr?" She asked. "The guy that punched you over the school wall with one hit?"
"THAT Ruffian?" Masahiro slammed his hands on her desk. "Surely you are joking!?"
Hope fell into a shoujo like background and her eyes sparkled. "Oh! I can remember it as if it were yesterday, Tyr held me in his strong arm and then... OH!! Why am I telling you this!?" She giggled and hit Masahiro into the wall.
"GAAAH!!!" His eyes went blank as he slowly slid down to the floor.
"Such strength Miss Hope has, that must be one of the odd abilities women get to thwart the efforts of pushy men." Nauthiz smiled until he noticed that five love letters appeared on his desk. "Odd, where did these come from?" He thought, oblivious to the winks and sighs he received from several of his female classmates.
"Nauthiz?" Akina nudged his shoulder.
"Yes?" He smiled.
"About Prom... I was wondering if... well maybe..." She blushed and looked down. "We could..."
"Okay Class! Let's get started!" Mrs. Tetsuya got up from her desk and smiled.
"Perhaps we can discuss your question later?" Nauthiz asked.
"Oh... okay..." She whispered.
"Now, today we have another new student joining us... he's a transfer student." She smiled, making eye contact with Hope.
Hope stared back at her, and looked over to the door.
"Come in."
Eldir came barging in. "Yo!" he grinned and stared around until he saw who he was looking for.
"Do you have anything you'd like to share with the class?"
"Nah." He shrugged.
"Oh! You're eager to start your lessons aren't you!?" She had stars in her eyes.
"BAH!! Keep those arms of death away from me!!" he slammed against the chalkboard in complete fear.
"Oh my! Very well then." She sighed and looked over. "Let me see... there's an empty desk behind Akina Fujimi, you can sit there."
"That's not fair! Why does Akina get to sit next to all the cute transfer students?" A girl student whined.
"Cause I'm special!" Akina chimed only to get hit in the head with a paper ball. "Who threw that!?"
"Oh dear..." Mrs. Tetsuya sweat dropped. "Then, Ken, take that seat and Eldir will sit next to Hope."
"Yes Mrs. Tetsuya." Ken got up from his desk and stepped over Masahiro's nearly lifeless body.
Eldir took a moment and observed the class. "Mortals... thank Hild-sama I'm not one..." He thought until he saw Akina. "Attraction? To her!? Why... oh..." He thought until he saw Nauthiz, catching a full glimpse of his narrow teal eyes that glared at him with anger. "What the Heck are you doing here!?"
"I am a transfer student as well you fool." Nauthiz said in a harsh tone as they both tried to eye the other down.
"Eldir?" Mrs. Tetsuya interrupted. "Unless you want to teach the class... please take your seat." She smiled.
"Right." He walked over to his desk and plopped into the seat. "This is so stupid, why is Hild-sama making me go to school with this chick?" He glared over at Hope, a little annoyed that she didn't even glance at him. "Heh, she's not so good... she probably doesn't even know I'm a..."
"Demon?" Hope finished and looked over at him.
"Erk..." He sweat dropped. "She read my mind!"
Hope smiled. "Don't worry, it's my fault mostly for being so emotional that day... I just hope that Nauthiz and you are the only ones that came for me."
"Why are you being so polite? Shouldn't you be pissed off?" He stared.
"Not at all, and by the way I don't intend to make a pact with you anyway."
"Hnnk..." His eyebrow twitched. "That so..."
"Before you try and force yourself on me or even threaten, I'd examine Masahiro on the floor there..." Hope glanced over at him. "As you can see I don't like pushy men, much less pushy demons."
Eldir stared at Masahiro's twitching corpse for a moment and burst out laughing. "IS THAT SUPPOSED TO SCARE ME!?" Just then a piece of chalk slammed into his face. "GAH!!"
"Eyes up front Mr. Eldir!" Mrs. Tetsuya giggled as the entire class burst out into laughter.
"I warned you." Hope grinned.
Eldir twitched for a moment then fell out of his desk.
"Oh dear, maybe I threw that chalk a little too hard... Hope?" Mrs. Tetsuya looked up at her. "Could you take him to the counselor's office?"
"Counselor's office?" Hope asked with a curiously raised eyebrow.
"Mmm Hmm." She nodded.
"Alright." Hope got out of her desk and grabbed the back of his shirt.
Nauthiz watched as she started to drag him off. "Mrs. Tetsuya, may I help her?" He asked.
"Why Nauthiz, that would be very kind of you." She smiled and gave him a monstrous hug before he grabbed the back of Eldir's shirt and dragged him on the floor, smacking him into the door way before leaving the room.
"Hmm..." Mrs. Tetsuya watched them for a moment then smiled happily at her class. "Okay everyone, let's begin!"
"Nauthiz..." Hope looked over at him. "You know this demon don't you?"
"Eldir, demon first class..." He sighed. "He is my doublet."
"Doublet!?" Hope gawked. "Are you serious!?"
"Very..." Nauthiz nodded. "Though it shames me to admit it." He glared down at him. "Eldir is like me, though he is a gentle-demon he tries to conceal it with his appearance and behavior. After all these years, whenever we would meet, he'd always make sure to make me remember by humiliating me or trying to best me in combat."
"Sounds more like you two are brothers..." Hope said.
"Hnnk..." Nauthiz growled.
"I'm sorry!" Hope panicked. "Wow... he must really hate him if he got that upset." she thought until they came to the counselor's office. "Here we are." She reached to knock the door, however, a presence loomed there that made her soul shudder. "Ah?"
"I feel it too..." Nauthiz gulped. "It's so very strong..."
"What is it?" Hope asked until the door flung open.
"HELLO THERE!!" Dr. Bryn exclaimed happily.
"Eh...GAH!!" Nauthiz and Hope tripped over.
"What's this? Naughty Eldir!" she picked him up. "Did you get into a fight on your very first day!?" She giggled.
"Ugghh..." He muttered.
"No ma'am, he interrupted class and our teacher threw a piece of chalk into his forehead, I'm not quite sure why she had us bring him here...at least until now I wasn't." Nauthiz stared at her nervously.
Dr. Bryn glared down at him with a grin. "Oh? Why don't you two come in?" She asked and dragged Eldir into the room.
Nauthiz quickly got to his feet and helped Hope up.
"Thank you." She smiled at him and walked into the room, taking a seat in front of Dr. Bryn's desk rather than at the sofa against the wall.
"Miss Hope... can't she sense the evil anymore? How can she dare to go so close to it?" Nauthiz stared at her as he cautiously stepped into the room.
"Please have a seat." The door slammed behind him.
"EGH, yes ma'am!" Nauthiz quickly sat down next to Hope.
"Hmm..." Dr. Bryn grinned at him then looked at Hope. "Hope Morisato, my, I have to admit that in person you bear a striking resemblance to your mother."
Hope smiled. "Thank you, people have always told me that growing up." She said. "And I think the same can be said between you and my Aunt Urd... Grand Hild." She chimed.
"Grand?"
"Well, The Almighty is my Grandpa and I call my mother's mom Grandma, we're not related but you're Aunt Urd's Mom so I'll call you Grand Hild."
Dr. Bryn stared at her for a moment and knocked over her nameplate. "Hmm... so... CUTE!!" She launched over the desk and gave Hope a hug. "Oh if only Urd would be on such terms and called me Mother!! But don't worry dear you can just call me Hild!"
"What on Earth?" Nauthiz's jaw dropped. "Oh heavens! Why didn't I bring an extra journal to Earth!?"
Hild took her seat. "Ahem, anyway, I came here to talk business with you Hope." She said and glanced over at Eldir. "Though I thought it would be fun and a good slap in the face to Yggdrasil if the doublet for Peorth's trainee made a pact with you instead." She said then stared over at Nauthiz. "But surely not to insult you, cutie pie."
Nauthiz blushed and looked to the side with a huff.
"I'm sorry, but as I said to him before he was struck out with the chalk..." Hope smiled and looked at her. "I have no intention of making a pact with a demon."
Hild stared at her for a moment, she was impressed, Hope didn't flinch at all in her supreme presence, even when Hild unleashed 10% of her power. "Shame, I would really like to do business with you... it pains me so to see Tyr the way he is now..." She said then grinned. "Also, it would be interesting to see what would happen if you two were reunited."
Hope stared in shock. "You know Tyr?"
"King of Muspelhiem, my little fire tiger." She grinned. "I know him very well, he's less hot headed than his father I can tell you that much." She waved her hand in the air. "Plus he can take a joke... most of the time anyway."
Hope smiled slightly. "But... Tyr was always cute when he got upset... in a way I mean..." She blushed.
"He is cute isn't he?" Hild leaned back into her chair. "Hmm, I feel sort of bad for trying to make a pact out of your love for him... but being bad makes me feel good." She grinned. "How about this? I'll give him some spare time to come up and see you for a while... but in return, I need something that will make up for his absence..."
"Such as?" Hope asked.
"Your loyalty..."
"Loyalty?"
"Yes... a long time ago your mother was temporarily...loyal to me, you could say. I only ask for your permanent loyalty to me. So what do you say my little kitten?"
Hope smiled and looked down. "...No."
"Hmm?" Hild raised an eyebrow. "No?"
"No, my mother was never loyal to you, you had the angel eater take Holy Bell and put a demon egg in her place." Hope said. "I know the story, and Beautiful Melody isn't very happy about the fact that you put her mother in danger a long time ago." She said as the angel emerged from her back and shot Hild a nasty glare. "But you are a demon after all so I can't completely blame you... It's just your nature."
"Hmm..." Hild sighed. "I guess I'll just have to take you by force then won't I?"
Hope got up from her chair. "Maybe, if you can... Though I think it's pretty stupid of me to egg you on like that..." Hope said. "I want to see Tyr again, but I don't want to be your mindless slave. So how about a gamble?"
"You want to gamble against me?" Hild grinned.
"Yes, tonight after school, meet me at the temple. We'll fight, if you win, I'll be your kitten, if you lose, then you give Tyr an unlimited pass to Earth."
Hild jumped out of her desk and folded her arms proudly across her chest. "It's a deal, but let me mind you dear... I never loose."
"Miracles can happen." Hope smiled.
She looked at her for a moment. "Hmm... you'll need a very big miracle, now, get back to class the two of you." She smiled. "Tell Mrs. Tetsuya that Eldir will attend her class later."
"Okay, see you later Hild." Hope smiled and walked out the door as Beautiful Melody went back into her body.
"Ah..." Nauthiz was in shock. "M...Miss Hope!" He scrambled after her.
"So cute!" Hild smiled. "I'm definitely going to make her my little kitten."
"Ouch..." Eldir groaned.
"Oh can't you take a hit like a demon?" She groaned.
Nauthiz ran up to Hope's side and grabbed her hands. "I have to get you to heaven! You can't stay here!"
Hope shook her head. "Don't worry about it Nauthiz, everything will be fine."
"Miss Hope! Her power equals that of the Almighty! You just handed her your soul on a silver platter!"
"Brain over brawn, I think you missed out on a very important factor of that deal we made back there." Hope said as she continued her way to the classroom.
Nauthiz couldn't believe this at all. "Miss Hope..."
"In either case, it's a large sacrifice, but I want to see Tyr again... even if it means I have to beat the devil herself!" Hope said with determination, but suddenly had a look of surprise. "Hmm?"
"What's wrong?" Nauthiz stared around. "Is she trying something!? Don't worry Miss Hope I'll protect you from her!"
The Janitor stared at them for a moment and shook her head. "Hope's still as crazy as she used to be, first she took on Surt and now she's taking on Hild-sama..." She sighed nervously. "But I really hope that she knows what she's getting herself into this time, last time she got killed..." She said to herself, feeling slight guilt. "Hmm... Well, I'll just bet in her favor and watch over her from a distance as a school janitor." She smiled to herself for her excellent disguise until she heard a rumbling sound, almost like a stampede.
"MARA!!!"
Mara stared over her shoulder and saw Hope dashing towards her. "EH!?"
Hope had tears streaming down her face. "MARA!! IT'S REALLY YOU!! MARA!!!" Hope launched at her and caught her in a hug. "I can't believe it!! It's been forever!!"
Mara grimaced. "My brilliant disguise." She flung off her hat. "You saw right through it..."
"Of course I did!" Hope wiped her tears out of her eyes. "Oh wow! You don't know how happy I am to see you again!"
Mara stared at her for a moment. "Seriously?"
"Well Yeah! How come you never pay us a visit at the temple!?" Hope started shaking. "I can't believe it, it's really you." She sniffed and rubbed her eyes again.
"I'm... I'm sorry." Mara smiled and gave her a hug; it didn't feel so strange, she was pretty happy to see Hope again... just a little. "Stop crying already, you look like your Mom." She grumbled teasingly and patted her on the back.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it!" Hope laughed as she wiped her eyes again.
"I believe after I saw Miss Hope hugging the demon Mara that I finally began to understand. It doesn't matter to her if one is a goddess, demon, or human being. Perhaps she can see beyond all of that and see one for who they are on the inside. If that is so, perhaps Mara isn't as bad a demon as she appears to be, or maybe it is just a weakness in her heart for the little girl that forgave a past mistake and saved her life. However, I wonder, what did she see in Hild? Could there possibly have been something in there that let Hope relate to her? In due time I hope to find the answer to that question... also, Earth Notebooks and a pen substitute quite well for my journal."
To Be Continued...
Demon Central...
"The council may be dismissed, business of our latest pact opportunity is highly confidential and must remain in absolute secrecy..."
Elders and representatives left the room, walking in file along two demons that stood on the floor. One was the demon Mara, the other, a demon wearing a black jacket with a horned crown on his head.
As the last representative left the room, the doors slammed shut.
"Agh! I hate acting all serious... It's so boring!" Hild exclaimed and stretched out her arms. "Mmm!" She then stared down at her two demons and grinned as she rested her chin in her left hand. "Well then, you two know who's up on the cutting block now don't you?"
"Uhm..." Mara coughed. "Hild-sama, are you sure this concerns... ehem..." She looked over at the demon next to her.
"Well I'd say it would... being as how he had a minor relationship with the main course." Hild grinned. "Does the name...Hope Morisato make your mouth water?"
"HOPE MORISATO!?!" Mara's jaw dropped. "She's trying to form a pact with us!?"
The demon next to her seemed startled by this news as well, his response being his fists clenched.
"Well... not really, you see she made a lovely little prayer a few days ago..." Hild sighed and folded her arms. "She automatically qualified for a wish from heaven or a pact from hell."
"Well, somebody in heaven must've gotten to her first!" Mara said.
"Oh someone did, a rookie god, he tried to grant her heart's desire but the poor little thing just couldn't cut it." Hild giggled. "So we still have a chance, just think, how often do we get to make a pact with a goddess? So I thought that it would only be natural that I send her lov..."
"Forget it!" The demon barked.
"Ooh..." Hild stared over at him in surprise.
"You're not using me as a pawn to her soul Hild, you may be the queen around here but don't forget you don't have a collar around my neck." He said sternly.
"Lighten up your highness..." Hild teased. "I just thought it would be cute, after all it is your fault she's as vulnerable as she is now."
"Hmm?" He stared up at her.
"It's her wish to see you again... Lord Tyr..."
He looked down shamefully.
"But if you feel that way I guess there's no helping it, the big cats are such lazy but fierce things, so I'll just send Maa-chan instead."
"Uhm...I um...can't..."
Hild glared down at her. "Hmm?"
Mara gulped. "Well, you see I...she um, during Ragnorak she um... well she saved my life in all..." she twiddled her thumbs nervously.
"Hahh..." Hild sighed. "You two... disappoint me. However I must admit, I have my own selfish reason for being insistent on our making a pact with her..."
"What would that be?" Mara asked.
"Belldandy is all grown up into a Mother cat, so now I want her kitten instead." Hild grinned. "True she has dull claws, but just give them a little sharpening and she'll be able to slice through anything ..."
"Of course you'll be the one holding the leash to her neck won't you?" Tyr glared up at her. "What is it with you and power?"
Hild looked up for a moment and playfully answered. "I love it!"
Mara stared at them both then looked back up at Hild. "Hild-sama, would there be something you could motivate Tyr with?"
"Mara!" Tyr stared at her in shock. "Are you actually trying to help her do this!?"
"Well... she just wants to see you again..." Mara thought then turned red. "AGH! I mean! Why should I care if you don't wanna see her again anyway!?"
"Motivation you say...?" Hild grinned devilishly. "Tell me, the last time you saw her she was just a little thing now wasn't she?"
Tyr blushed. "Cut it out Hild!"
She pointed at the floor. "Look down Sweetie."
"Eh?" Tyr stared down, the floor turned into a giant TV screen.
"Introducing! Hope Morisato, the 17 year old edition!" Hild pressed a button on her remote.
"I wish I could just transform into my uniform but I guess it's better to just keep buying them from the store." Hope sighed as she picked up her top and put it on.
"AH?" Tyr's eyes bulged.
"Hope? Are you done changing yet?" Akina asked outside the door.
"Almost! I'll be out in a minute!" Hope called as she pulled up her skirt and straightened out her top.
"Ooh! She's not shy for the camera now is she?" Hild giggled as Tyr started foaming at the mouth.
"TYR!? HELL FIRE THUNDERBLAST! CLEAR!!" Mara punched him in the chest with the attack only to get no response. " CLEAR!!" She attacked him again.
Hope tied the bottom of her hair into a white ribbon and parted her bangs to the side. "Okay I'm ready! Sorry I kept you guys waiting!"
Hild turned off the TV and stared down at Tyr. "My my, wasn't she a knock out?" She grinned.
"Haaauuuu..." Tyr's eyes spun. "Panties...bra...panties..."
"I have to say she's rather gifted in the chest area." Hild giggled to make him dizzier. "You're missing out on all of that too, so what do you say Tyr?"
His eyes stopped spinning, he rose to his feet and straightened out his coat. "Just stay out of her life Hild, she just wants to be happy and live with her family." He said then glared up at her coldly. "Mess that life up and you'll have to deal with me!" He barked as he stormed out of the room.
"Tyr!" Mara called out.
"Let him go." Hild waved her hand carelessly. "I like that boy... he's stubborn, highly over confident, and very cute."
Mara sighed and looked up at her. "So, what are you going to do?"
"Hmm... I think I'll send one of my rookies too..." She looked to the side. "Eldir!"
Not much later, a demon came crashing in, flames flickering on his torn up work shirt garb. His black hair was wild and his crimson eyes were menacing. "You called?"
"Wonderful entrance..." Hild applauded. "Listen up, I have a very important job for you... and we need to hurry... school starts in a few minutes..."
Hope, Nauthiz, and Akina stood outside of the school, the prom was in six days, and it was obvious as to why almost everyone was out in the front lawn.
"What's going on Miss Hope?" Nauthiz asked.
Hope sweat dropped and looked at him. "It's almost time for prom, it's a sort of social gathering where your classmates come together in couples to a party at the end of the final semester." She said as couples began to form.
"Oh, I see, well should I ask someone to go to prom with me?" Nauthiz asked.
Akina quickly saw this as her opportunity. "Well, you have to be really careful about who you go with. You should go with someone who you really know well, like m..."
"I understand." He nodded.
"Really!?" Akina's eyes sparkled.
"When going to such events it should be with someone of great importance to the individual's heart. Most preferably someone that individual is infatuated with."
Akina's cheeks flushed red as she stared at him in awe. "Wow..."
"But... I'm not sure." He sighed. "I've never had a desire to attend such an event..."
Tears began to stream down Akina's face. "Really...?"
"Is there something in your eye?" He asked.
"N...no..." She sobbed.
"Er... Well Anyway." Hope sweat dropped. "Even though you don't want to go, there's going to be a lot of girls in that crowd that DO want you to go, so brace yourself and get ready to run."
"Very well." Nauthiz nodded, they both took a single step forward and in unison a large section of the crowd launched towards them with bouquets and screams.
Mrs. Tetsuya stared out a window at the madness and giggled. "Oh Dear..."
Just then, she heard the sound of high heals tapping on the floor. "Hmm?" She looked to the side to see a woman wearing a red business suit, dark skin, and white hair, strutting down the hallway. What stood out most about her were her devilish eyes. "I don't recall ever seeing you here before!" she stated in a cheery voice.
The woman stopped and grinned. "This is my first day, I'm your new school counselor." She held out her hand. "Dr. Bryn."
"I'm Mrs. Tetsuya, English teacher, nice to meet you." She took her hand and shook it.
"Hmm... there's something funny about this woman..." Dr. Bryn thought. "Maybe I'll give her a little shock to put her in her pla..." Her eyes widened as Mrs. Tetsuya pulled her into a glomp.
"I just know you and I are going to be GOOD Friends!!" She chimed and dropped her onto the floor. "Do forgive me! I get carried away easily!"
Dr. Bryn jumped up to her feet and straightened out her dress. "She's strong..." She thought then grinned. "Think nothing of it, I'll get you back for it someday." She giggled teasingly. "Now Mrs. Tetsuya, you wouldn't mind telling me which classroom would be Hope Morisato's homeroom?"
"That would be mine."
"Oh? Well then." She waved her hand, a boy in a white button shirt and baggy black pants walked over to them. "This is your new student Eldir."
"Oh my!" Mrs. Tetsuya stared. "Well aren't you a bold handsome young man? It's nice to meet you, I'm your homeroom English teacher Mrs. Tetsuya."
"Heh..." He snickered. "Whatever... you don't look so bad yourself lady."
Mrs. Tetsuya's eyes gleamed over. "OH MY!!" She glomped him. "How nice of you to say that!!"
"AAGH!!" his eyes bulged out of his head.
"I'll leave you so you can get to your classroom. Have fun Eldir." Dr. Bryn waved.
"Wa...it!!" He coughed until he fainted.
Mrs. Tetsuya dropped him to the floor and watched Dr. Bryn leave. "She appears to be nice, but you shouldn't judge a book by its cover..."
The floor began to rumble, followed by two distinctive yelps.
Hope and Nauthiz shot to the top of the staircase, Akina was wide eyed and tomato faced as Nauthiz carried her in his arms in the frantic run for sanctuary.
"Why every year grandfather!?" Hope sobbed as crowds of boys and girls stampeded after them.
"This happens every year!? Oh blast it all!! I should have brought an extra notebook to Earth with me to document more odd human behavior!!" Nauthiz lamented between breaths.
"You can write it down later!!" Hope panted and stared at their classroom door. "We're almost there...Ah?" she saw a Janitor at the end of the hall, with long blonde hair. "Ma..."
"Miss Hope!" Nauthiz grabbed her hand and darted into the classroom with her.
Meanwhile back at the temple...
Keiichi stayed at home that day due to almost throwing his back out at the shop the day before, it wasn't too bad despite the slight pain. "I shouldn't have lifted that box by myself." He groaned to himself as Belldandy put an extra pillow under his head and sat by his side.
"You were just trying to do your best dear, that's nothing to be upset about." She smiled. "Is there anything I can get for you?"
"A few dozen bottles of pain relievers would be nice..." He laughed jokingly.
Belldandy smiled and held her hands over his chest, she chanted quietly to herself and placed a translucent orb into his body. "Does that feel better?"
Keiichi immediately sat up. "100%!!" he exclaimed in pure relief. "Thanks Bell!"
Belldandy smiled happily now that Keiichi was feeling better again until she heard the temple door open.
"HELLO!! Morisato! I got a present for you!!" Chihiro's voice rang out.
"AGH!!" Keiichi panicked. "Bell! You gotta take that spell off!"
"But I don't want to see you in pain dear." Belldandy said worriedly.
"But I will ache even worse if Chihiro doesn't see me moaning in agony!" Keiichi sweat dropped, as sure doom slowly opened the bedroom door.
"Oh... Alright." She said nervously and took the spell off.
"Whew...thanks Bell...AAAAGHH!!" he fell back and cringed in agony.
"Oh Keiichi!!" Belldandy panicked. "Dear are you okay!?"
"Suits you right for trying to sit up after you threw your back out!" Chihiro scolded from the doorway.
"Is that agony I hear?" Urd peered over her shoulder. "My Vertebrae Vitamins will have you slaving for Chihiro in no time flat!"
Keiichi sweat dropped. "N...No thanks Urd I'll pass..."
"Really? Then how about Skuld's 'Ultra man back brace model 5'?" Skuld shoved her way into the room with an indescribable contraption.
"Why model 5?" Chihiro asked.
"Well...the other four seemed to short out and twist into positions not possible for any normal human to perform without breaking their back." Skuld said and smiled confidently. "But I'm sure that this one will work... wanna test it out Keiichi?"
Keiichi stared at them for a moment and held onto Belldandy's arm in utter fear. "They're going to kill me aren't they?"
"What Keiichi needs is rest." Belldandy stated plainly. "I'm sorry Chihiro, but Keiichi won't be able to work for some time."
Chihiro waved her hand with a smile. "Hey, Wife and Mother know best! I wouldn't let my Akina out of the house with a split end!" She joked then held up a sack. "I hurt my back like that once too, so I went to the store and bought him an ice pack."
"Why how nice of you Chihiro, thank you." Belldandy smiled.
"Y...Yeah, thanks." Keiichi smiled in surprise..
"No sweat Morisato! Now heal quickly! I plan on making you work overtime when you're back on your feet!" She smiled.
Tears streamed down his face. "I knew her kindness was too good to be true."
Hope collapsed onto her desk and sighed. "Six more days... just six more days of the horror..." She thought to herself until her nose cringed at the smell of too much expensive cologne.
"Your skin is flushed an elegant shade of pink, a pink such of that of a pink rose." A bouquet was dropped onto her desk.
"Wow... another bouquet of roses." Hope frowned and glared to the side. "Even though I'd hope that after all these years you'd finally realize that I'm never going to go out with you, Masahiro."
"Nonsense." He laughed confidently. "One day you shall succumb to my charm and wit."
"Charm and wit don't come in the form of cash." Hope teased.
His eyebrow twitched. "Urr... Aha ha ha, clever as always my darling, If only I could be the first to taste those clever words before they leave your lips."
Hope's cheeks flushed red. "Actually..."
"Yes?" He leaned towards her.
"Somebody already knows what I taste like!" She smiled happily.
"EH?" his eyes widened.
"Remember Tyr?" She asked. "The guy that punched you over the school wall with one hit?"
"THAT Ruffian?" Masahiro slammed his hands on her desk. "Surely you are joking!?"
Hope fell into a shoujo like background and her eyes sparkled. "Oh! I can remember it as if it were yesterday, Tyr held me in his strong arm and then... OH!! Why am I telling you this!?" She giggled and hit Masahiro into the wall.
"GAAAH!!!" His eyes went blank as he slowly slid down to the floor.
"Such strength Miss Hope has, that must be one of the odd abilities women get to thwart the efforts of pushy men." Nauthiz smiled until he noticed that five love letters appeared on his desk. "Odd, where did these come from?" He thought, oblivious to the winks and sighs he received from several of his female classmates.
"Nauthiz?" Akina nudged his shoulder.
"Yes?" He smiled.
"About Prom... I was wondering if... well maybe..." She blushed and looked down. "We could..."
"Okay Class! Let's get started!" Mrs. Tetsuya got up from her desk and smiled.
"Perhaps we can discuss your question later?" Nauthiz asked.
"Oh... okay..." She whispered.
"Now, today we have another new student joining us... he's a transfer student." She smiled, making eye contact with Hope.
Hope stared back at her, and looked over to the door.
"Come in."
Eldir came barging in. "Yo!" he grinned and stared around until he saw who he was looking for.
"Do you have anything you'd like to share with the class?"
"Nah." He shrugged.
"Oh! You're eager to start your lessons aren't you!?" She had stars in her eyes.
"BAH!! Keep those arms of death away from me!!" he slammed against the chalkboard in complete fear.
"Oh my! Very well then." She sighed and looked over. "Let me see... there's an empty desk behind Akina Fujimi, you can sit there."
"That's not fair! Why does Akina get to sit next to all the cute transfer students?" A girl student whined.
"Cause I'm special!" Akina chimed only to get hit in the head with a paper ball. "Who threw that!?"
"Oh dear..." Mrs. Tetsuya sweat dropped. "Then, Ken, take that seat and Eldir will sit next to Hope."
"Yes Mrs. Tetsuya." Ken got up from his desk and stepped over Masahiro's nearly lifeless body.
Eldir took a moment and observed the class. "Mortals... thank Hild-sama I'm not one..." He thought until he saw Akina. "Attraction? To her!? Why... oh..." He thought until he saw Nauthiz, catching a full glimpse of his narrow teal eyes that glared at him with anger. "What the Heck are you doing here!?"
"I am a transfer student as well you fool." Nauthiz said in a harsh tone as they both tried to eye the other down.
"Eldir?" Mrs. Tetsuya interrupted. "Unless you want to teach the class... please take your seat." She smiled.
"Right." He walked over to his desk and plopped into the seat. "This is so stupid, why is Hild-sama making me go to school with this chick?" He glared over at Hope, a little annoyed that she didn't even glance at him. "Heh, she's not so good... she probably doesn't even know I'm a..."
"Demon?" Hope finished and looked over at him.
"Erk..." He sweat dropped. "She read my mind!"
Hope smiled. "Don't worry, it's my fault mostly for being so emotional that day... I just hope that Nauthiz and you are the only ones that came for me."
"Why are you being so polite? Shouldn't you be pissed off?" He stared.
"Not at all, and by the way I don't intend to make a pact with you anyway."
"Hnnk..." His eyebrow twitched. "That so..."
"Before you try and force yourself on me or even threaten, I'd examine Masahiro on the floor there..." Hope glanced over at him. "As you can see I don't like pushy men, much less pushy demons."
Eldir stared at Masahiro's twitching corpse for a moment and burst out laughing. "IS THAT SUPPOSED TO SCARE ME!?" Just then a piece of chalk slammed into his face. "GAH!!"
"Eyes up front Mr. Eldir!" Mrs. Tetsuya giggled as the entire class burst out into laughter.
"I warned you." Hope grinned.
Eldir twitched for a moment then fell out of his desk.
"Oh dear, maybe I threw that chalk a little too hard... Hope?" Mrs. Tetsuya looked up at her. "Could you take him to the counselor's office?"
"Counselor's office?" Hope asked with a curiously raised eyebrow.
"Mmm Hmm." She nodded.
"Alright." Hope got out of her desk and grabbed the back of his shirt.
Nauthiz watched as she started to drag him off. "Mrs. Tetsuya, may I help her?" He asked.
"Why Nauthiz, that would be very kind of you." She smiled and gave him a monstrous hug before he grabbed the back of Eldir's shirt and dragged him on the floor, smacking him into the door way before leaving the room.
"Hmm..." Mrs. Tetsuya watched them for a moment then smiled happily at her class. "Okay everyone, let's begin!"
"Nauthiz..." Hope looked over at him. "You know this demon don't you?"
"Eldir, demon first class..." He sighed. "He is my doublet."
"Doublet!?" Hope gawked. "Are you serious!?"
"Very..." Nauthiz nodded. "Though it shames me to admit it." He glared down at him. "Eldir is like me, though he is a gentle-demon he tries to conceal it with his appearance and behavior. After all these years, whenever we would meet, he'd always make sure to make me remember by humiliating me or trying to best me in combat."
"Sounds more like you two are brothers..." Hope said.
"Hnnk..." Nauthiz growled.
"I'm sorry!" Hope panicked. "Wow... he must really hate him if he got that upset." she thought until they came to the counselor's office. "Here we are." She reached to knock the door, however, a presence loomed there that made her soul shudder. "Ah?"
"I feel it too..." Nauthiz gulped. "It's so very strong..."
"What is it?" Hope asked until the door flung open.
"HELLO THERE!!" Dr. Bryn exclaimed happily.
"Eh...GAH!!" Nauthiz and Hope tripped over.
"What's this? Naughty Eldir!" she picked him up. "Did you get into a fight on your very first day!?" She giggled.
"Ugghh..." He muttered.
"No ma'am, he interrupted class and our teacher threw a piece of chalk into his forehead, I'm not quite sure why she had us bring him here...at least until now I wasn't." Nauthiz stared at her nervously.
Dr. Bryn glared down at him with a grin. "Oh? Why don't you two come in?" She asked and dragged Eldir into the room.
Nauthiz quickly got to his feet and helped Hope up.
"Thank you." She smiled at him and walked into the room, taking a seat in front of Dr. Bryn's desk rather than at the sofa against the wall.
"Miss Hope... can't she sense the evil anymore? How can she dare to go so close to it?" Nauthiz stared at her as he cautiously stepped into the room.
"Please have a seat." The door slammed behind him.
"EGH, yes ma'am!" Nauthiz quickly sat down next to Hope.
"Hmm..." Dr. Bryn grinned at him then looked at Hope. "Hope Morisato, my, I have to admit that in person you bear a striking resemblance to your mother."
Hope smiled. "Thank you, people have always told me that growing up." She said. "And I think the same can be said between you and my Aunt Urd... Grand Hild." She chimed.
"Grand?"
"Well, The Almighty is my Grandpa and I call my mother's mom Grandma, we're not related but you're Aunt Urd's Mom so I'll call you Grand Hild."
Dr. Bryn stared at her for a moment and knocked over her nameplate. "Hmm... so... CUTE!!" She launched over the desk and gave Hope a hug. "Oh if only Urd would be on such terms and called me Mother!! But don't worry dear you can just call me Hild!"
"What on Earth?" Nauthiz's jaw dropped. "Oh heavens! Why didn't I bring an extra journal to Earth!?"
Hild took her seat. "Ahem, anyway, I came here to talk business with you Hope." She said and glanced over at Eldir. "Though I thought it would be fun and a good slap in the face to Yggdrasil if the doublet for Peorth's trainee made a pact with you instead." She said then stared over at Nauthiz. "But surely not to insult you, cutie pie."
Nauthiz blushed and looked to the side with a huff.
"I'm sorry, but as I said to him before he was struck out with the chalk..." Hope smiled and looked at her. "I have no intention of making a pact with a demon."
Hild stared at her for a moment, she was impressed, Hope didn't flinch at all in her supreme presence, even when Hild unleashed 10% of her power. "Shame, I would really like to do business with you... it pains me so to see Tyr the way he is now..." She said then grinned. "Also, it would be interesting to see what would happen if you two were reunited."
Hope stared in shock. "You know Tyr?"
"King of Muspelhiem, my little fire tiger." She grinned. "I know him very well, he's less hot headed than his father I can tell you that much." She waved her hand in the air. "Plus he can take a joke... most of the time anyway."
Hope smiled slightly. "But... Tyr was always cute when he got upset... in a way I mean..." She blushed.
"He is cute isn't he?" Hild leaned back into her chair. "Hmm, I feel sort of bad for trying to make a pact out of your love for him... but being bad makes me feel good." She grinned. "How about this? I'll give him some spare time to come up and see you for a while... but in return, I need something that will make up for his absence..."
"Such as?" Hope asked.
"Your loyalty..."
"Loyalty?"
"Yes... a long time ago your mother was temporarily...loyal to me, you could say. I only ask for your permanent loyalty to me. So what do you say my little kitten?"
Hope smiled and looked down. "...No."
"Hmm?" Hild raised an eyebrow. "No?"
"No, my mother was never loyal to you, you had the angel eater take Holy Bell and put a demon egg in her place." Hope said. "I know the story, and Beautiful Melody isn't very happy about the fact that you put her mother in danger a long time ago." She said as the angel emerged from her back and shot Hild a nasty glare. "But you are a demon after all so I can't completely blame you... It's just your nature."
"Hmm..." Hild sighed. "I guess I'll just have to take you by force then won't I?"
Hope got up from her chair. "Maybe, if you can... Though I think it's pretty stupid of me to egg you on like that..." Hope said. "I want to see Tyr again, but I don't want to be your mindless slave. So how about a gamble?"
"You want to gamble against me?" Hild grinned.
"Yes, tonight after school, meet me at the temple. We'll fight, if you win, I'll be your kitten, if you lose, then you give Tyr an unlimited pass to Earth."
Hild jumped out of her desk and folded her arms proudly across her chest. "It's a deal, but let me mind you dear... I never loose."
"Miracles can happen." Hope smiled.
She looked at her for a moment. "Hmm... you'll need a very big miracle, now, get back to class the two of you." She smiled. "Tell Mrs. Tetsuya that Eldir will attend her class later."
"Okay, see you later Hild." Hope smiled and walked out the door as Beautiful Melody went back into her body.
"Ah..." Nauthiz was in shock. "M...Miss Hope!" He scrambled after her.
"So cute!" Hild smiled. "I'm definitely going to make her my little kitten."
"Ouch..." Eldir groaned.
"Oh can't you take a hit like a demon?" She groaned.
Nauthiz ran up to Hope's side and grabbed her hands. "I have to get you to heaven! You can't stay here!"
Hope shook her head. "Don't worry about it Nauthiz, everything will be fine."
"Miss Hope! Her power equals that of the Almighty! You just handed her your soul on a silver platter!"
"Brain over brawn, I think you missed out on a very important factor of that deal we made back there." Hope said as she continued her way to the classroom.
Nauthiz couldn't believe this at all. "Miss Hope..."
"In either case, it's a large sacrifice, but I want to see Tyr again... even if it means I have to beat the devil herself!" Hope said with determination, but suddenly had a look of surprise. "Hmm?"
"What's wrong?" Nauthiz stared around. "Is she trying something!? Don't worry Miss Hope I'll protect you from her!"
The Janitor stared at them for a moment and shook her head. "Hope's still as crazy as she used to be, first she took on Surt and now she's taking on Hild-sama..." She sighed nervously. "But I really hope that she knows what she's getting herself into this time, last time she got killed..." She said to herself, feeling slight guilt. "Hmm... Well, I'll just bet in her favor and watch over her from a distance as a school janitor." She smiled to herself for her excellent disguise until she heard a rumbling sound, almost like a stampede.
"MARA!!!"
Mara stared over her shoulder and saw Hope dashing towards her. "EH!?"
Hope had tears streaming down her face. "MARA!! IT'S REALLY YOU!! MARA!!!" Hope launched at her and caught her in a hug. "I can't believe it!! It's been forever!!"
Mara grimaced. "My brilliant disguise." She flung off her hat. "You saw right through it..."
"Of course I did!" Hope wiped her tears out of her eyes. "Oh wow! You don't know how happy I am to see you again!"
Mara stared at her for a moment. "Seriously?"
"Well Yeah! How come you never pay us a visit at the temple!?" Hope started shaking. "I can't believe it, it's really you." She sniffed and rubbed her eyes again.
"I'm... I'm sorry." Mara smiled and gave her a hug; it didn't feel so strange, she was pretty happy to see Hope again... just a little. "Stop crying already, you look like your Mom." She grumbled teasingly and patted her on the back.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it!" Hope laughed as she wiped her eyes again.
"I believe after I saw Miss Hope hugging the demon Mara that I finally began to understand. It doesn't matter to her if one is a goddess, demon, or human being. Perhaps she can see beyond all of that and see one for who they are on the inside. If that is so, perhaps Mara isn't as bad a demon as she appears to be, or maybe it is just a weakness in her heart for the little girl that forgave a past mistake and saved her life. However, I wonder, what did she see in Hild? Could there possibly have been something in there that let Hope relate to her? In due time I hope to find the answer to that question... also, Earth Notebooks and a pen substitute quite well for my journal."
To Be Continued...