Part 21: Friends
"You grasp constantly at the idea that you are some sort of hero, fancy yourself as the Universe's savior… stop indulging yourself in such childish fantasies," a horrid voice loomed within the shadows of Hope's fears. "Such perfection does not exist. It could not exist, not within you… she who is corrupt and pure, both at once."
"Ugh…" Hope cringed and grabbed at her chest vainly. "Hnn!!"
"Yes… you remember… you've never forgotten me. My mark stays forever with you as a constant reminder." A jagged hand pointed at the center of her chest. "It burns every time you think of me, every time it is reflected in a mirror… you cannot escape the truth my darling hybrid, my murderer… repent! Suffer! Writhe in pain from your sin!"
"Stop it… just move on and leave me be…" Hope cried tears of blood.
"I have… I live within new flesh… you however, cannot let go, you can never let go… because you are a murderer…"
"No… No I'm not! I'm Not a Murder!"
"Yes we are…" Despair stared her in the eyes. It frightened Hope, even though as much as she didn't want to believe, the look in Despair's eyes were full of reminiscent bliss. "When you and I killed Surt with our sword, to relieve such rage and frustration after so many years… it felt good. I want that feeling again, not from those petty creatures sent to destroy us… I want to destroy another impure soul…"
Hope vainly shook her head. "No, I don't want that!"
"Yes you do…" Despair reached to her and tore off a piece of cloth over her chest, revealing a star shaped scar. "That mark, burns every time you think about it! Let's do it! LET'S KILL AGAIN!!"
Hope's eyes quickly shot open, she stared at her bedroom ceiling with a bewildered stare then sighed to herself in relief. "Just… a dream?" She asked herself as she sat up in her bed, however, it was then she felt it, a burning sensation within her chest. "Hnn… no… not again!"
The Next Morning…
Hope stumbled out of her room wearing her Nekomi shirt; she had a tired look in her eyes due to the fact that after that nightmare she was only able to drift in and out of sleep. "Am I really like that inside? Did I enjoy destroying Surt? Or, was that supposed to mean something different?" She thought then stopped to stare at her hands for a moment. "What's wrong with me?"
"Miss Hope?" Nauthiz's voice asked in a startled whisper.
"Hmm?" Hope looked over her shoulder and saw the gentle god fully dressed in his garb. "Nauthiz?"Why are you up so early? And wearing that?"
He sighed and bowed to her. "Forgive me Miss Hope, I was about to leave…"
"You know you can't go around Nekomi dressed like that! Here let me get that magazine so you can find a casual…" She started back to her room until he gently took her arm to stop her.
"… To return to heaven." He finished.
Her eyes widened slightly and she looked up at him in disbelief. "You were going to leave without telling anyone?"
Nauthiz nodded shamefully.
"How could you even think about doing something like that? What about Akina!?" Hope whispered harshly.
"Miss Hope, I couldn't bear to see the look on her face… I never should have troubled her with my petty emotions to begin with."
Hope glared him in the eyes. "Nauthiz, you do like her don't you?"
"I…" He blushed slightly.
"Then you know that you owe her a decent farewell at least! You can't just turn and leave a girl like that!"
He looked up from the floor and into her eyes for a moment and smiled. "You only needed a minute to help me make the right choice; you truly are a revolutionary goddess."
Hope sighed with relief and blushed slightly with a smile when the gentle god gave her a grateful hug.
"Hey! Anybody up yet? GOOD MORNIN'!" Tyr opened the temple doorway with a cheerful shout. "Come on! Rise and… WHAT THE HELL!?"
"Oh… King Tyr!" Nauthiz glared up at him. "I insist that you lower your tone; there are residents in this household that are still sleeping."
His right eye twitched in fury as he marched towards them. "Why are you hugging my girl in her pajamas!?" He shouted somehow in a whisper.
"Oh Tyr! It's not what you think, it's just a friendly hug." Hope growled at him, embarrassed that he referred to her almost as if she were a possession.
"But… Pajamas!?" He pointed at her shirt then leaned forward. "You're wearing a bra right? EH!?" He lifted up the bottom of her shirt and sighed in relief. "And Panties, okay, there's nothing wrong then… what the hell did I just do?" He thought aloud.
Hope and Nauthiz turned completely red from head to toe but for different reasons.
"Tyr… YOU IDIOT!!" Hope punched him though the front temple door and chased after him with Skuld's mallet. "I don't know why I fell for you but now I'm starting to regret it!!"
"WHAT!? That's not true!" Tyr cried out as he dodged her enraged attacks.
"Uh… Underpants…" Nauthiz stared blankly as the Morisato family came out of their rooms.
"Uhm… Good Morning…" Keiichi sweat dropped.
"A rather noisy one."
"Eh?" They looked up to the heavens, due to that voice's heavenly chime. Just as Hope was about to throw a giant garden statue at Tyr's head, a beam came cascading down and within it the form of a goddess.
"Oh my, Lind?" Belldandy asked in surprise as the goddess's features became apparent.
"WHA!?" Urd and Skuld gasped in shock.
"And yours truly!" Peorth emerged after the warrior and smiled happily at the group. "Bon jour!"
"My, I better start making some tea."
"There'll be no need for that, we won't be staying long. And forgive my rude intrusion." Lind said as she marched towards the temple, though taking a moment to look at the strange girl bearing a striking resemblance to Belldandy with a strange statue heaved over her head. "You… are Hope?"
"Urm…" Hope looked up and chucked the statue over her shoulder. "Yes… Nice to meet you Lind." She held out her hand.
"Hmm, the same." Lind shook her hand. "Care to explain your appearance?"
She blushed embarrassingly and pointed over at the comatose Tyr whom had fallen target to the statue.
"I see, and I had such high hopes for the would be god of war." She sighed depressingly, making him twitch in rage.
"Would be? I AM THE GOD OF WAR!!" He roared as he dashed over to get in her face with the statue still balanced on his head.
"I see, though you look unmistakably like a demon." Lind pointed out. "Peorth is this really your son?"
"Peorth?" Tyr asked in shock when his mother suddenly appeared behind Lind with adoring sad eyes. "M… Mother?"
"OH… MY BOY!!" Peorth quickly glomped him. "You've grown up so much! You're almost a god! Or… Demon! Whichever you prefer!" She sobbed happily then grimaced. "HOW DARE YOU!!"
"Huh?" He looked at her a bit confusedly until she began to crush him.
"It's been five years and not ONCE do you care to send your poor young mother a letter or even try to give her a call! Do you have any idea how worried I've been!?"
"I'm… sorry…" Tyr writhed in pain and glared over at Hope, who was grinning like a cat.
"You know what you have to say." She cooed evilly.
"Ergh…Mommy…" Tyr grumbled in a cute voice.
Peorth's eye's overflowed with tears. "THAT'S OKAY!! OOH! I missed you sooo much! And Hope! Look at you!" She added and raised an eyebrow. "So, I hope you two aren't planning on making a grandma out of me too soon…?"
"EH!?!" They and Keiichi exclaimed in shock.
"Well you're out here in your pajamas! What were you two doing?" she giggled in a delighted tone. "Returning from a romantic rendezvous from the forest, perhaps?"
"Miss Peorth…" Hope growled as the statue fell off of the demon King's head. "What kind of people do you take us for?"
"Hmm, you're right. Though I've noticed my son hasn't stopped blushing." She giggled delightfully. "Are those perverted thoughts running rampant through your mind?"
"MOM!!" Tyr barked in embarrassment.
"Enough!" Lind interrupted. "I've come for only one reason, now where is my son?"
"Son?" Hope asked.
"Mother?" Nauthiz stared in shock. "You've come for me?"
"Because you failed…" She stated flatly. "You know what we agreed upon."
"What!? WHOA!!" Hope interrupted. "You can't leave in such a hurry! I mean, stay around for a bit, I've always wanted to meet a Valkyrie!"
"You're buying time… you should plan out your lies a little better." Lind sighed.
"Now you know I can't lie! I'm a goddess after all." She scratched the back of her head with a laugh.
"And you are also a human." Lind pointed out. "I mean no offense Keiichi..."
"Don't worry." He sweat dropped.
"Mother, could we wait a short while? There is someone I must speak with before we leave." Nauthiz asked worriedly.
"What for? Everyone is here." She asked until she heard someone approaching the temple. "Hmm?"
Suddenly a flippy black haired girl came skipping up the walk way with a blush mark and a bright smile on her face. "GOOD MORNING EVERYONE! Are we all wide awake and happy? Ah?" She stared at the assimilation and sweat dropped. "I guess so… ehe…"
A few minutes later after everyone was properly dressed…
"WHAAAAT!?!" Akina screamed in shock. "Nauthiz! You hugged Hope in her panties!? How could you!?"
"It was an honest mistake Miss Akina I swear it." Nauthiz bowed humbly as she steamed with rage.
"Oh god! This has to be the worst thing ever! And Hope, don't you have any modesty!? The least you could do in the morning is wear some sleeping pants or something!?" Akina sobbed.
Hope only sweat dropped. "This is my home you know, and I was clothed enough…"
"But still…" She pouted until Urd slinked onto her shoulders.
"What's the matter Akina? Upset that Nauthiz saw Hope's panties first?" She giggled.
"HNK!? WHA!?!" Her face exploded crimson.
"That's enough…" Lind coughed. "Now, could we please hurry up…"
"NO WAY!" Akina quickly slapped her hands on the table. "It's not Nauthiz's fault that this happened! He stayed here on Earth and researched us humans so that he'd be better prepared for his second attempt to grant Hope's wish and all the other's he is going to grant someday!"
"Miss Akina…" Nauthiz blushed though he was filled with worry, a human girl just mouthed off to his mom.
"Weird how the subject changed so quickly…" Skuld blinked in amazement as the others nodded in agreement.
"That may be so, but when he was a little boy, Nauthiz pleaded to start training as a system maintenance/hotline god; rather than continue his training to become a Valkyrie like myself." Lind said calmly as she sipped some tea. "This is tea is very good, thank you Belldandy."
"You're welcome." She smiled happily until an angered fire burst up around Akina.
"Your point!?"
"The tea?"
"No! What's wrong with Nauthiz wanting to be a hotline god!?!"
Lind put her cup down. "You don't understand, though he does not appear it… my son is one of the most elite fighters in all of heaven… or at least he was to be, for some reason when he reached a near maturing age he became uncomfortable with training with all the other goddesses for combat."
"Other… goddesses?" Akina looked back at him. "What?"
Nauthiz blushed shamefully. "I am… the only god in heaven to receive valkyrie training…"
"Oh…" Akina stared at him blankly.
"So we bargained he could become a helpline receptionist on the condition that he does not fail his first wish. If he did, and that he did do, he would return to his training as a warrior god." Lind finished.
"That's not fair." Hope finally gathered the courage to say.
"Hmm?" Lind looked over at her, curious to hear the logic of Belldandy and Keiichi's daughter.
"I had an unreasonable wish, I wished to see Tyr, and you know very well that was a wish that Yggdrasil couldn't comprehend." Hope said. "It's not right that you force your own son into a destiny that he doesn't desire. You should support the fact that he wants to be a helpline receptionist, he's even a god first class at such a young age!" She said with full enthusiasm. "He works so hard, and he even fended off a demon for someone he loved."
This speech made the two blush whole heartedly.
"Miss Lind, please, let Nauthiz stay on Earth and continue his research." She begged, but she retained an unmoved look in her eyes.
"A promise must be kept; a bargain holds just as much weight. He shouldn't have bargained his fate if he desires it so much." Lind said and looked up at him, seeing the crushed look in his eyes, but also in Akina's eyes as well. It hurt her too ever so slightly.
"That's a shame… I'd really hate to loose one of my number one pupils…" Peorth said in a tone as she nudged Hope's shoulder with a wink.
She stared at her for a moment, and an idea suddenly snapped into her mind. "Miss Lind!"
"Hmm?" The warrior asked a bit startled.
"I challenge you, Nauthiz's fate in exchange for mine."
"WHAT!?" Akina and Nauthiz blurted.
"If I best you, you have to let Nauthiz stay; if I lose then he'll return with you."
"What do I have to gain from this?" Lind asked, not impressed with the current wager.
"… I'll become a warrior goddess too."
"HUH!?" Tyr and her entire family shouted in shock.
Meanwhile in Niflehiem…
"PHHHHHHH!!" Hild sprayed wine all over Mara. "WHAT THE!? NOOO!!!" She grabbed her TV monitor and shook in fiercely. "You little… Stop betting yourself to everyone! You belong to me!!"
"Mistress Hild, this is only the second time… you make her sound … like…" Mara grimaced as she wiped the wine off of her face with her garb.
"RRGH!!" Hild growled.
"And don't worry; she beat you so there's nothing to worry about!" Eldir appeared dangling upside down from a chandelier.
"That my little minion… is what is called a fluke…" She snapped her fingers and the chandelier fell to the floor and smashed him into the ground. "She's clever that's what she is… I know she has a little plan up her sleeve."
"What makes you say that?" Mara asked.
"Because she has more to loose, a friend, another friend's happiness, and her life on Earth. Surely she'll win, but for wagering herself off without my consent, Mara?"
"Yes?"
"I have a lovely little punishment… heh heh…" The demon queen cackled in delight.
"Er… that's wonderful Mistress, I'll just go and…"
"You'll go and retrieve the key item for my scheme; I want you to feel just as responsible for Hope's torment as I'm going to. Such a wonderful feeling it will be!" Hild said naïve of the knife stabbing pain in Mara's heart.
"Y… Yes Mistress…" She said then sobbed little tears. "Darn you Hope, you're turning me into a bad demon…"
Later…
"Alright, rules are as follows." Keiichi instructed. "No outside help, except for the use of your angels. Second, there will be no attacking of the other racer." He pointed towards the ocean. "You'll both race from the ocean and Nauthiz will stand as the Finish Line here at the temple."
"Got it!" Hope nodded enthusiastically as Lind acknowledged the rules.
"Are you really going to race in that get up?" Lind stared at Hope's racing uniform.
"There's nothing wrong with it is there?" Hope asked then summoned forth Beautiful Melody. "Is there?" She asked her, the angel shook her head and smiled. "Melody doesn't seem to think there's anything wrong."
"Forget I asked…" Lind grumbled as she summoned her dual angels, Cool Mint and Spear Mint.
"Hope, are you sure you can do this? You DO realize what she's capable of right?" Peorth asked her nervously.
"Well, not really, I just have to try my best that's all." She said almost carefree as she and Beautiful Melody stretched out their arms and her wings.
"You're going to have to give it everything, trying won't be enough." Skuld added.
"Right! You're putting WAY too much on the line!" Urd said. "Trust me, this gamble is too hot to handle!"
Hope sighed at the lack of support and looked to Nauthiz and Akina. "…"
"Hope." Belldandy placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Momma?" Hope smiled, feeling a more positive vibe.
"May the goddess of Victory smile upon you."
"There's no way you could lose!" Keiichi patted her on the back then glared over at Tyr. "Well?"
He grimaced slightly. "I don't have to say anything, I know she'll win."
"Ahem." Lind coughed. "That's quite enough talk; I'd like to get this over with so my two pupils and I can return to heaven."
"Jealous cause you're not getting any pep talk?" Urd grinned.
Lind only growled and waited as Hope got into place and had Melody arch up her wings.
"ON YOUR MARK!" Keiichi called. "GET SET… GO!!"
With a gust of wind, both vanished almost instantly into the sky.
Nauthiz stared after them worriedly and held a hand over his heart as Akina prayed with all of her might.
"Please win Hope, please win!"
Lind grinned almost happily; Hope was trailing too far behind. "I admire you for having your Father's strength and determination, but I'm afraid those two traits will do nothing for you now!"
Hope's only response was, "She's fast… but so am I!"
For the longest time Lind held her lead, though her angels' wings began to weaken from flapping at such an altitude. "Hold strong you two; I know this race can be ours!"
They nodded as the beach came within their sights, however, so did Hope and her angel.
"HERE COMES THE TURN!!" Hope shouted above the wind as a pink orb came within their sights. "Fold your left wing Melody! Quickly!"
Melody quickly responded, when she did they spun around like a boomerang and gained a slight lead over Lind. "This is almost like… when I raced Tyr during the triple challenge of Vanir!" Hope thought until Lind quickly grained back her lead and slowly sped ahead of her. "But there's so much more at stake… If I lose… Akina and Nauthiz may never see each other again… and I, I may never see Tyr again!" Her heart began to pulse with adrenaline. "Think Hope! There's a way to gain a lead…" She thought urgently until Melody tugged at her baggy race suit. "Air resistance! Velocity!" Hope smiled and quickly orbed out of it, she was faster! However it wasn't enough, she was only able to get slightly near Lind. "Okay Melody, she me be a better fighter like everyone says but we're a better racer! So let's win this! For them!!"
Lind quickly stared back; a screaming sound filled her ears. "What is she…"
Melody had folded her wings tightly against her back and descended with Hope at a speeded angle. "Wha… INSANE!!" But she couldn't deny for that instant she saw both Keiichi and Belldandy shining through her. "…I see."
Meanwhile down in the town of Nekomi, a little boy with messy black hair rubbed at his right eye and sniffled back his tears. It was dark purple and blue, he had just been struck not too long ago. "Why won't they just leave me alone… it wasn't my fault Dad didn't give me money…" He sobbed then glared up at the sky. "I wish that… ah…" For an instant, he saw a figure in the sky. "Ah…?" Suddenly, in the light of the sun, the figure spread out two magnificent wings, its brown hair shimmered in the sunlight and suddenly a face. "AN ANGEL!!!"
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Wind shot through Melody's wings and flung Hope past the shocked Valkyrie. "Faster! FASTER!! We're almost there!!" Hope squinted from the pressure of the air until she saw Nauthiz standing in front of the temple with a surprised look on his face. "NAUTHIZ!!" Hope flung out her arms as Melody began to slow down when she noticed that Lind had dropped out.
"I lost." She sighed to herself. "Oh well…"
"I DID IT!!" Hope shouted out happily as she slammed into the gentle god, almost knocking him over. "Nauthiz!! You don't have to leave! You can stay here with Akina!!" she cheered almost like a little child.
"Miss Hope, I don't know how I can… I can't find the words to express my gratitude…" Nauthiz blushed as Akina quickly tackled her friend in a hug.
"YOU ARE THE COOLEST BESTEST MOST AWESOME FRIEND EVER!! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!!" Akina sobbed happily as she shook Hope like a rag doll.
"Y… You're Wel… Welcome…!" Hope responded dizzily until she heard Tyr's gasps of shock.
"P…pa… Panties…" He gasped. "HOPE!!"
"Ah…" She stared down; she was only wearing a white shirt and her tidy whities. "Erm… well I had to cut back on wind resistance and… and…" She blushed nervously as she scratched the back of her head.
"Underpants?" Nauthiz turned completely red.
"Oh my…" Belldandy gasped in surprise and noticed the completely flustered look on Keiichi's face.
"Geez! If it bothers you all so much then stop staring!" Hope grumbled as she tugged her shirt down over her rear.
"Well done Hope, and Nauthiz, I see now how much you really love it here." Lind smiled happily as she landed on the ground. "Even as I raced I couldn't bear the thought of making you return."
"WHA?!" Hope stared in shock. "Then what was the point of racing?"
"I was testing the strength of his allies, yes that's it." She said simply, making the group, except for Belldandy, trip over.
"Nevertheless, thank you Mother." Nauthiz bowed respectfully.
"You're welcome, and Hope…" She raised an eyebrow curiously. "Care to explain your appearance again?"
"Geez…"
Later that night…
Hope sat next to Tyr on the porch, with a cut up watermelon left un-attended.
"…Would you get over it already…" Hope sighed. "So Nauthiz saw my panties…"
"Everyone saw your panties…" He grumbled.
"Only you were really bothered by them."
He blushed slightly.
"Nauthiz was just blushing from modesty; you were blushing because you were mad." Hope said and picked up a slice of watermelon.
"Hnk… I'm not so much upset that you showed off your butt to the entire town but the fact that you hugged Nauthiz when… HMPH!!" He was cut short when Hope shoved the slice into his mouth.
"Nobody saw me, and if they did I'm sure they were looking at my wings." She smiled as he started to cool off. "Anyway… Lind told me something before she left..."
"Hmm?" Tyr munched on the watermelon and was surprised by the taste.
"Flat out, she told me that my beating Hild in that fight was a fluke…" She said and twiddled her thumbs. "She's right about that, and then I realized that I wish I was a little more powerful."
"You're not weak you know, I would have been in the same shoes as you if I had to fight that crazy demon. Anyone would, nobody can beat her… Well except maybe for Kami-sama…and…" He looked down at her.
"The Goddess of Revolution?" She asked and looked up at him with a smile.
"Hmm… say…" He picked up the tray of slices and finished one in two bites. "This is called watermelon right? Who'da thought that something so tasty could grow on Earth?"
Hope blushed innocently. "I grew up on Earth..."
"Ah!?" Tyr blushed too and looked up to the side. "S… Sorry…"
"N… No it's okay."
Slowly he rose up his left arm and placed it on her shoulder. "Listen… Hope I… UGH!?"
"Oh my… you two are getting a little friendly out here." Peorth blushed as she snuggled into Tyr's arm.
"Mother…" He grimaced.
"My little boy has grown up so much, better watch out Hope, he acts all innocent but you remember how wild and unruly he REALLY is!" Peorth nudged the completely red hybrid as she giggled evilly.
"HNGGRRRRRRRRR!! I'm RIGHT HERE!!" he barked.
"Oh I know that dear, and don't yell in Mommy's ear." She scolded then got to her feet. "Continue, oh and Urd's up in that tree spying on you."
"WHA!?" They both stared into the trees and saw her mischievous eyes staring down at them.
"Urm… Am not!" She called out innocently. "OH! Here's the remote!"
They both sweat dropped and sighed. "I hope Akina and Nauthiz are having better luck than we are…" Tyr sighed.
"Yeah… wait, what do you mean better luck?"
New Journal: Life as Tokyo Resident
By Nauthiz, God first class second category
It seems that there are so many things to learn from Earth and its inhabitants. They are all so diverse and different, but it is those diversities that made this planet into the planet it is today. Earth, is like a paradise to some, and a hell to others. Through the beauties of friendship, I have seen Earth as such a paradise that I have never seen before, such a world that I even chose over heaven.
What's even more special, this planet gave birth to one of the most magnificent goddesses to ever be inscribed in history. Her only weaknesses, is a complete disregard for her own welfare. Her greatest strength, the love and emotions of those around her, and the great power that vibrates with every beat of her heart... However…
"Writing another journal?" Akina peaked over Nauthiz's shoulder as he wrote in a new journal on a park bench.
"Yes, I wanted to start a new account on my very first day as an Earth Trainee." He smiled happily as he placed his pen into the book as a book mark. "Miss Akina, for everything that occurred today… I am sorry."
"Don't be." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "…I was a little scared that I was going to loose something great today… but that Hope, she swoops in to the rescue every time doesn't she?"
"Yes."
"We're really lucky to have a friend like her…"
"Hmm." Nauthiz smiled, as Akina slid her hand into his.
"Think we'll ever be able to help her out like that?" She blushed.
"I'm sure we will Miss Akina…"
"You know… you don't have to call me 'Miss' Akina."
Nauthiz looked at her for a moment, and blushed when he saw the sincerity in her sparkling brown eyes.
…I am even more fascinated with the powerful vibrations from Akina's heart…
~* A Fan Author's Worthless Ran*~
GYAAAAAAH X*D I AM SOOO INCREDIBLY SORRY THAT IT TOOK THIS LONG TO COME OUT WITH ANOTHER CHAPTER!! X* This one probably wasn't even good *Knives shoot into Liz's back* Garrgh… *Plops over*
I have a good reason though… I had the longest Writing/Artist block in history! Like 3 months? Also I got a job as X-mas help at GameStop… *It's really sad when you have a job at a store filled with everything you love yet you still hate it. * Plus my better paying job cleaning up my aunt's house (But I like that job ;3 )* Also you can glare knives at ADEPT for getting me hooked onto RPG's. Sometimes I'd be playing .Hack almost NON- STOP, now I'm foaming at the mouth to play Kingdom Hearts cause I wanna Play with Simba and Tigger and Beast *Slaps self to stop ranting* I love Disney movies X3 Anyhoo, Hopefully I'll get ch 22 and 23 cranked out soon cause I really REALLY wanna type an X-mas special! Yeah!
Anyway, again, SOOO SORRY!! If you're still reading this story despite the long wait then hugz and kisses for all of you X*3 My sweetie reader pies! Desuu! *GLOMP*
See you next time ;3
Edit: Some of you maybe familiar with Lind as Rind, but I chose to call her Lind because that's how her name was translated on a translator site and the back of vol.26.
"You grasp constantly at the idea that you are some sort of hero, fancy yourself as the Universe's savior… stop indulging yourself in such childish fantasies," a horrid voice loomed within the shadows of Hope's fears. "Such perfection does not exist. It could not exist, not within you… she who is corrupt and pure, both at once."
"Ugh…" Hope cringed and grabbed at her chest vainly. "Hnn!!"
"Yes… you remember… you've never forgotten me. My mark stays forever with you as a constant reminder." A jagged hand pointed at the center of her chest. "It burns every time you think of me, every time it is reflected in a mirror… you cannot escape the truth my darling hybrid, my murderer… repent! Suffer! Writhe in pain from your sin!"
"Stop it… just move on and leave me be…" Hope cried tears of blood.
"I have… I live within new flesh… you however, cannot let go, you can never let go… because you are a murderer…"
"No… No I'm not! I'm Not a Murder!"
"Yes we are…" Despair stared her in the eyes. It frightened Hope, even though as much as she didn't want to believe, the look in Despair's eyes were full of reminiscent bliss. "When you and I killed Surt with our sword, to relieve such rage and frustration after so many years… it felt good. I want that feeling again, not from those petty creatures sent to destroy us… I want to destroy another impure soul…"
Hope vainly shook her head. "No, I don't want that!"
"Yes you do…" Despair reached to her and tore off a piece of cloth over her chest, revealing a star shaped scar. "That mark, burns every time you think about it! Let's do it! LET'S KILL AGAIN!!"
Hope's eyes quickly shot open, she stared at her bedroom ceiling with a bewildered stare then sighed to herself in relief. "Just… a dream?" She asked herself as she sat up in her bed, however, it was then she felt it, a burning sensation within her chest. "Hnn… no… not again!"
The Next Morning…
Hope stumbled out of her room wearing her Nekomi shirt; she had a tired look in her eyes due to the fact that after that nightmare she was only able to drift in and out of sleep. "Am I really like that inside? Did I enjoy destroying Surt? Or, was that supposed to mean something different?" She thought then stopped to stare at her hands for a moment. "What's wrong with me?"
"Miss Hope?" Nauthiz's voice asked in a startled whisper.
"Hmm?" Hope looked over her shoulder and saw the gentle god fully dressed in his garb. "Nauthiz?"Why are you up so early? And wearing that?"
He sighed and bowed to her. "Forgive me Miss Hope, I was about to leave…"
"You know you can't go around Nekomi dressed like that! Here let me get that magazine so you can find a casual…" She started back to her room until he gently took her arm to stop her.
"… To return to heaven." He finished.
Her eyes widened slightly and she looked up at him in disbelief. "You were going to leave without telling anyone?"
Nauthiz nodded shamefully.
"How could you even think about doing something like that? What about Akina!?" Hope whispered harshly.
"Miss Hope, I couldn't bear to see the look on her face… I never should have troubled her with my petty emotions to begin with."
Hope glared him in the eyes. "Nauthiz, you do like her don't you?"
"I…" He blushed slightly.
"Then you know that you owe her a decent farewell at least! You can't just turn and leave a girl like that!"
He looked up from the floor and into her eyes for a moment and smiled. "You only needed a minute to help me make the right choice; you truly are a revolutionary goddess."
Hope sighed with relief and blushed slightly with a smile when the gentle god gave her a grateful hug.
"Hey! Anybody up yet? GOOD MORNIN'!" Tyr opened the temple doorway with a cheerful shout. "Come on! Rise and… WHAT THE HELL!?"
"Oh… King Tyr!" Nauthiz glared up at him. "I insist that you lower your tone; there are residents in this household that are still sleeping."
His right eye twitched in fury as he marched towards them. "Why are you hugging my girl in her pajamas!?" He shouted somehow in a whisper.
"Oh Tyr! It's not what you think, it's just a friendly hug." Hope growled at him, embarrassed that he referred to her almost as if she were a possession.
"But… Pajamas!?" He pointed at her shirt then leaned forward. "You're wearing a bra right? EH!?" He lifted up the bottom of her shirt and sighed in relief. "And Panties, okay, there's nothing wrong then… what the hell did I just do?" He thought aloud.
Hope and Nauthiz turned completely red from head to toe but for different reasons.
"Tyr… YOU IDIOT!!" Hope punched him though the front temple door and chased after him with Skuld's mallet. "I don't know why I fell for you but now I'm starting to regret it!!"
"WHAT!? That's not true!" Tyr cried out as he dodged her enraged attacks.
"Uh… Underpants…" Nauthiz stared blankly as the Morisato family came out of their rooms.
"Uhm… Good Morning…" Keiichi sweat dropped.
"A rather noisy one."
"Eh?" They looked up to the heavens, due to that voice's heavenly chime. Just as Hope was about to throw a giant garden statue at Tyr's head, a beam came cascading down and within it the form of a goddess.
"Oh my, Lind?" Belldandy asked in surprise as the goddess's features became apparent.
"WHA!?" Urd and Skuld gasped in shock.
"And yours truly!" Peorth emerged after the warrior and smiled happily at the group. "Bon jour!"
"My, I better start making some tea."
"There'll be no need for that, we won't be staying long. And forgive my rude intrusion." Lind said as she marched towards the temple, though taking a moment to look at the strange girl bearing a striking resemblance to Belldandy with a strange statue heaved over her head. "You… are Hope?"
"Urm…" Hope looked up and chucked the statue over her shoulder. "Yes… Nice to meet you Lind." She held out her hand.
"Hmm, the same." Lind shook her hand. "Care to explain your appearance?"
She blushed embarrassingly and pointed over at the comatose Tyr whom had fallen target to the statue.
"I see, and I had such high hopes for the would be god of war." She sighed depressingly, making him twitch in rage.
"Would be? I AM THE GOD OF WAR!!" He roared as he dashed over to get in her face with the statue still balanced on his head.
"I see, though you look unmistakably like a demon." Lind pointed out. "Peorth is this really your son?"
"Peorth?" Tyr asked in shock when his mother suddenly appeared behind Lind with adoring sad eyes. "M… Mother?"
"OH… MY BOY!!" Peorth quickly glomped him. "You've grown up so much! You're almost a god! Or… Demon! Whichever you prefer!" She sobbed happily then grimaced. "HOW DARE YOU!!"
"Huh?" He looked at her a bit confusedly until she began to crush him.
"It's been five years and not ONCE do you care to send your poor young mother a letter or even try to give her a call! Do you have any idea how worried I've been!?"
"I'm… sorry…" Tyr writhed in pain and glared over at Hope, who was grinning like a cat.
"You know what you have to say." She cooed evilly.
"Ergh…Mommy…" Tyr grumbled in a cute voice.
Peorth's eye's overflowed with tears. "THAT'S OKAY!! OOH! I missed you sooo much! And Hope! Look at you!" She added and raised an eyebrow. "So, I hope you two aren't planning on making a grandma out of me too soon…?"
"EH!?!" They and Keiichi exclaimed in shock.
"Well you're out here in your pajamas! What were you two doing?" she giggled in a delighted tone. "Returning from a romantic rendezvous from the forest, perhaps?"
"Miss Peorth…" Hope growled as the statue fell off of the demon King's head. "What kind of people do you take us for?"
"Hmm, you're right. Though I've noticed my son hasn't stopped blushing." She giggled delightfully. "Are those perverted thoughts running rampant through your mind?"
"MOM!!" Tyr barked in embarrassment.
"Enough!" Lind interrupted. "I've come for only one reason, now where is my son?"
"Son?" Hope asked.
"Mother?" Nauthiz stared in shock. "You've come for me?"
"Because you failed…" She stated flatly. "You know what we agreed upon."
"What!? WHOA!!" Hope interrupted. "You can't leave in such a hurry! I mean, stay around for a bit, I've always wanted to meet a Valkyrie!"
"You're buying time… you should plan out your lies a little better." Lind sighed.
"Now you know I can't lie! I'm a goddess after all." She scratched the back of her head with a laugh.
"And you are also a human." Lind pointed out. "I mean no offense Keiichi..."
"Don't worry." He sweat dropped.
"Mother, could we wait a short while? There is someone I must speak with before we leave." Nauthiz asked worriedly.
"What for? Everyone is here." She asked until she heard someone approaching the temple. "Hmm?"
Suddenly a flippy black haired girl came skipping up the walk way with a blush mark and a bright smile on her face. "GOOD MORNING EVERYONE! Are we all wide awake and happy? Ah?" She stared at the assimilation and sweat dropped. "I guess so… ehe…"
A few minutes later after everyone was properly dressed…
"WHAAAAT!?!" Akina screamed in shock. "Nauthiz! You hugged Hope in her panties!? How could you!?"
"It was an honest mistake Miss Akina I swear it." Nauthiz bowed humbly as she steamed with rage.
"Oh god! This has to be the worst thing ever! And Hope, don't you have any modesty!? The least you could do in the morning is wear some sleeping pants or something!?" Akina sobbed.
Hope only sweat dropped. "This is my home you know, and I was clothed enough…"
"But still…" She pouted until Urd slinked onto her shoulders.
"What's the matter Akina? Upset that Nauthiz saw Hope's panties first?" She giggled.
"HNK!? WHA!?!" Her face exploded crimson.
"That's enough…" Lind coughed. "Now, could we please hurry up…"
"NO WAY!" Akina quickly slapped her hands on the table. "It's not Nauthiz's fault that this happened! He stayed here on Earth and researched us humans so that he'd be better prepared for his second attempt to grant Hope's wish and all the other's he is going to grant someday!"
"Miss Akina…" Nauthiz blushed though he was filled with worry, a human girl just mouthed off to his mom.
"Weird how the subject changed so quickly…" Skuld blinked in amazement as the others nodded in agreement.
"That may be so, but when he was a little boy, Nauthiz pleaded to start training as a system maintenance/hotline god; rather than continue his training to become a Valkyrie like myself." Lind said calmly as she sipped some tea. "This is tea is very good, thank you Belldandy."
"You're welcome." She smiled happily until an angered fire burst up around Akina.
"Your point!?"
"The tea?"
"No! What's wrong with Nauthiz wanting to be a hotline god!?!"
Lind put her cup down. "You don't understand, though he does not appear it… my son is one of the most elite fighters in all of heaven… or at least he was to be, for some reason when he reached a near maturing age he became uncomfortable with training with all the other goddesses for combat."
"Other… goddesses?" Akina looked back at him. "What?"
Nauthiz blushed shamefully. "I am… the only god in heaven to receive valkyrie training…"
"Oh…" Akina stared at him blankly.
"So we bargained he could become a helpline receptionist on the condition that he does not fail his first wish. If he did, and that he did do, he would return to his training as a warrior god." Lind finished.
"That's not fair." Hope finally gathered the courage to say.
"Hmm?" Lind looked over at her, curious to hear the logic of Belldandy and Keiichi's daughter.
"I had an unreasonable wish, I wished to see Tyr, and you know very well that was a wish that Yggdrasil couldn't comprehend." Hope said. "It's not right that you force your own son into a destiny that he doesn't desire. You should support the fact that he wants to be a helpline receptionist, he's even a god first class at such a young age!" She said with full enthusiasm. "He works so hard, and he even fended off a demon for someone he loved."
This speech made the two blush whole heartedly.
"Miss Lind, please, let Nauthiz stay on Earth and continue his research." She begged, but she retained an unmoved look in her eyes.
"A promise must be kept; a bargain holds just as much weight. He shouldn't have bargained his fate if he desires it so much." Lind said and looked up at him, seeing the crushed look in his eyes, but also in Akina's eyes as well. It hurt her too ever so slightly.
"That's a shame… I'd really hate to loose one of my number one pupils…" Peorth said in a tone as she nudged Hope's shoulder with a wink.
She stared at her for a moment, and an idea suddenly snapped into her mind. "Miss Lind!"
"Hmm?" The warrior asked a bit startled.
"I challenge you, Nauthiz's fate in exchange for mine."
"WHAT!?" Akina and Nauthiz blurted.
"If I best you, you have to let Nauthiz stay; if I lose then he'll return with you."
"What do I have to gain from this?" Lind asked, not impressed with the current wager.
"… I'll become a warrior goddess too."
"HUH!?" Tyr and her entire family shouted in shock.
Meanwhile in Niflehiem…
"PHHHHHHH!!" Hild sprayed wine all over Mara. "WHAT THE!? NOOO!!!" She grabbed her TV monitor and shook in fiercely. "You little… Stop betting yourself to everyone! You belong to me!!"
"Mistress Hild, this is only the second time… you make her sound … like…" Mara grimaced as she wiped the wine off of her face with her garb.
"RRGH!!" Hild growled.
"And don't worry; she beat you so there's nothing to worry about!" Eldir appeared dangling upside down from a chandelier.
"That my little minion… is what is called a fluke…" She snapped her fingers and the chandelier fell to the floor and smashed him into the ground. "She's clever that's what she is… I know she has a little plan up her sleeve."
"What makes you say that?" Mara asked.
"Because she has more to loose, a friend, another friend's happiness, and her life on Earth. Surely she'll win, but for wagering herself off without my consent, Mara?"
"Yes?"
"I have a lovely little punishment… heh heh…" The demon queen cackled in delight.
"Er… that's wonderful Mistress, I'll just go and…"
"You'll go and retrieve the key item for my scheme; I want you to feel just as responsible for Hope's torment as I'm going to. Such a wonderful feeling it will be!" Hild said naïve of the knife stabbing pain in Mara's heart.
"Y… Yes Mistress…" She said then sobbed little tears. "Darn you Hope, you're turning me into a bad demon…"
Later…
"Alright, rules are as follows." Keiichi instructed. "No outside help, except for the use of your angels. Second, there will be no attacking of the other racer." He pointed towards the ocean. "You'll both race from the ocean and Nauthiz will stand as the Finish Line here at the temple."
"Got it!" Hope nodded enthusiastically as Lind acknowledged the rules.
"Are you really going to race in that get up?" Lind stared at Hope's racing uniform.
"There's nothing wrong with it is there?" Hope asked then summoned forth Beautiful Melody. "Is there?" She asked her, the angel shook her head and smiled. "Melody doesn't seem to think there's anything wrong."
"Forget I asked…" Lind grumbled as she summoned her dual angels, Cool Mint and Spear Mint.
"Hope, are you sure you can do this? You DO realize what she's capable of right?" Peorth asked her nervously.
"Well, not really, I just have to try my best that's all." She said almost carefree as she and Beautiful Melody stretched out their arms and her wings.
"You're going to have to give it everything, trying won't be enough." Skuld added.
"Right! You're putting WAY too much on the line!" Urd said. "Trust me, this gamble is too hot to handle!"
Hope sighed at the lack of support and looked to Nauthiz and Akina. "…"
"Hope." Belldandy placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Momma?" Hope smiled, feeling a more positive vibe.
"May the goddess of Victory smile upon you."
"There's no way you could lose!" Keiichi patted her on the back then glared over at Tyr. "Well?"
He grimaced slightly. "I don't have to say anything, I know she'll win."
"Ahem." Lind coughed. "That's quite enough talk; I'd like to get this over with so my two pupils and I can return to heaven."
"Jealous cause you're not getting any pep talk?" Urd grinned.
Lind only growled and waited as Hope got into place and had Melody arch up her wings.
"ON YOUR MARK!" Keiichi called. "GET SET… GO!!"
With a gust of wind, both vanished almost instantly into the sky.
Nauthiz stared after them worriedly and held a hand over his heart as Akina prayed with all of her might.
"Please win Hope, please win!"
Lind grinned almost happily; Hope was trailing too far behind. "I admire you for having your Father's strength and determination, but I'm afraid those two traits will do nothing for you now!"
Hope's only response was, "She's fast… but so am I!"
For the longest time Lind held her lead, though her angels' wings began to weaken from flapping at such an altitude. "Hold strong you two; I know this race can be ours!"
They nodded as the beach came within their sights, however, so did Hope and her angel.
"HERE COMES THE TURN!!" Hope shouted above the wind as a pink orb came within their sights. "Fold your left wing Melody! Quickly!"
Melody quickly responded, when she did they spun around like a boomerang and gained a slight lead over Lind. "This is almost like… when I raced Tyr during the triple challenge of Vanir!" Hope thought until Lind quickly grained back her lead and slowly sped ahead of her. "But there's so much more at stake… If I lose… Akina and Nauthiz may never see each other again… and I, I may never see Tyr again!" Her heart began to pulse with adrenaline. "Think Hope! There's a way to gain a lead…" She thought urgently until Melody tugged at her baggy race suit. "Air resistance! Velocity!" Hope smiled and quickly orbed out of it, she was faster! However it wasn't enough, she was only able to get slightly near Lind. "Okay Melody, she me be a better fighter like everyone says but we're a better racer! So let's win this! For them!!"
Lind quickly stared back; a screaming sound filled her ears. "What is she…"
Melody had folded her wings tightly against her back and descended with Hope at a speeded angle. "Wha… INSANE!!" But she couldn't deny for that instant she saw both Keiichi and Belldandy shining through her. "…I see."
Meanwhile down in the town of Nekomi, a little boy with messy black hair rubbed at his right eye and sniffled back his tears. It was dark purple and blue, he had just been struck not too long ago. "Why won't they just leave me alone… it wasn't my fault Dad didn't give me money…" He sobbed then glared up at the sky. "I wish that… ah…" For an instant, he saw a figure in the sky. "Ah…?" Suddenly, in the light of the sun, the figure spread out two magnificent wings, its brown hair shimmered in the sunlight and suddenly a face. "AN ANGEL!!!"
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Wind shot through Melody's wings and flung Hope past the shocked Valkyrie. "Faster! FASTER!! We're almost there!!" Hope squinted from the pressure of the air until she saw Nauthiz standing in front of the temple with a surprised look on his face. "NAUTHIZ!!" Hope flung out her arms as Melody began to slow down when she noticed that Lind had dropped out.
"I lost." She sighed to herself. "Oh well…"
"I DID IT!!" Hope shouted out happily as she slammed into the gentle god, almost knocking him over. "Nauthiz!! You don't have to leave! You can stay here with Akina!!" she cheered almost like a little child.
"Miss Hope, I don't know how I can… I can't find the words to express my gratitude…" Nauthiz blushed as Akina quickly tackled her friend in a hug.
"YOU ARE THE COOLEST BESTEST MOST AWESOME FRIEND EVER!! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!!" Akina sobbed happily as she shook Hope like a rag doll.
"Y… You're Wel… Welcome…!" Hope responded dizzily until she heard Tyr's gasps of shock.
"P…pa… Panties…" He gasped. "HOPE!!"
"Ah…" She stared down; she was only wearing a white shirt and her tidy whities. "Erm… well I had to cut back on wind resistance and… and…" She blushed nervously as she scratched the back of her head.
"Underpants?" Nauthiz turned completely red.
"Oh my…" Belldandy gasped in surprise and noticed the completely flustered look on Keiichi's face.
"Geez! If it bothers you all so much then stop staring!" Hope grumbled as she tugged her shirt down over her rear.
"Well done Hope, and Nauthiz, I see now how much you really love it here." Lind smiled happily as she landed on the ground. "Even as I raced I couldn't bear the thought of making you return."
"WHA?!" Hope stared in shock. "Then what was the point of racing?"
"I was testing the strength of his allies, yes that's it." She said simply, making the group, except for Belldandy, trip over.
"Nevertheless, thank you Mother." Nauthiz bowed respectfully.
"You're welcome, and Hope…" She raised an eyebrow curiously. "Care to explain your appearance again?"
"Geez…"
Later that night…
Hope sat next to Tyr on the porch, with a cut up watermelon left un-attended.
"…Would you get over it already…" Hope sighed. "So Nauthiz saw my panties…"
"Everyone saw your panties…" He grumbled.
"Only you were really bothered by them."
He blushed slightly.
"Nauthiz was just blushing from modesty; you were blushing because you were mad." Hope said and picked up a slice of watermelon.
"Hnk… I'm not so much upset that you showed off your butt to the entire town but the fact that you hugged Nauthiz when… HMPH!!" He was cut short when Hope shoved the slice into his mouth.
"Nobody saw me, and if they did I'm sure they were looking at my wings." She smiled as he started to cool off. "Anyway… Lind told me something before she left..."
"Hmm?" Tyr munched on the watermelon and was surprised by the taste.
"Flat out, she told me that my beating Hild in that fight was a fluke…" She said and twiddled her thumbs. "She's right about that, and then I realized that I wish I was a little more powerful."
"You're not weak you know, I would have been in the same shoes as you if I had to fight that crazy demon. Anyone would, nobody can beat her… Well except maybe for Kami-sama…and…" He looked down at her.
"The Goddess of Revolution?" She asked and looked up at him with a smile.
"Hmm… say…" He picked up the tray of slices and finished one in two bites. "This is called watermelon right? Who'da thought that something so tasty could grow on Earth?"
Hope blushed innocently. "I grew up on Earth..."
"Ah!?" Tyr blushed too and looked up to the side. "S… Sorry…"
"N… No it's okay."
Slowly he rose up his left arm and placed it on her shoulder. "Listen… Hope I… UGH!?"
"Oh my… you two are getting a little friendly out here." Peorth blushed as she snuggled into Tyr's arm.
"Mother…" He grimaced.
"My little boy has grown up so much, better watch out Hope, he acts all innocent but you remember how wild and unruly he REALLY is!" Peorth nudged the completely red hybrid as she giggled evilly.
"HNGGRRRRRRRRR!! I'm RIGHT HERE!!" he barked.
"Oh I know that dear, and don't yell in Mommy's ear." She scolded then got to her feet. "Continue, oh and Urd's up in that tree spying on you."
"WHA!?" They both stared into the trees and saw her mischievous eyes staring down at them.
"Urm… Am not!" She called out innocently. "OH! Here's the remote!"
They both sweat dropped and sighed. "I hope Akina and Nauthiz are having better luck than we are…" Tyr sighed.
"Yeah… wait, what do you mean better luck?"
New Journal: Life as Tokyo Resident
By Nauthiz, God first class second category
It seems that there are so many things to learn from Earth and its inhabitants. They are all so diverse and different, but it is those diversities that made this planet into the planet it is today. Earth, is like a paradise to some, and a hell to others. Through the beauties of friendship, I have seen Earth as such a paradise that I have never seen before, such a world that I even chose over heaven.
What's even more special, this planet gave birth to one of the most magnificent goddesses to ever be inscribed in history. Her only weaknesses, is a complete disregard for her own welfare. Her greatest strength, the love and emotions of those around her, and the great power that vibrates with every beat of her heart... However…
"Writing another journal?" Akina peaked over Nauthiz's shoulder as he wrote in a new journal on a park bench.
"Yes, I wanted to start a new account on my very first day as an Earth Trainee." He smiled happily as he placed his pen into the book as a book mark. "Miss Akina, for everything that occurred today… I am sorry."
"Don't be." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "…I was a little scared that I was going to loose something great today… but that Hope, she swoops in to the rescue every time doesn't she?"
"Yes."
"We're really lucky to have a friend like her…"
"Hmm." Nauthiz smiled, as Akina slid her hand into his.
"Think we'll ever be able to help her out like that?" She blushed.
"I'm sure we will Miss Akina…"
"You know… you don't have to call me 'Miss' Akina."
Nauthiz looked at her for a moment, and blushed when he saw the sincerity in her sparkling brown eyes.
…I am even more fascinated with the powerful vibrations from Akina's heart…
~* A Fan Author's Worthless Ran*~
GYAAAAAAH X*D I AM SOOO INCREDIBLY SORRY THAT IT TOOK THIS LONG TO COME OUT WITH ANOTHER CHAPTER!! X* This one probably wasn't even good *Knives shoot into Liz's back* Garrgh… *Plops over*
I have a good reason though… I had the longest Writing/Artist block in history! Like 3 months? Also I got a job as X-mas help at GameStop… *It's really sad when you have a job at a store filled with everything you love yet you still hate it. * Plus my better paying job cleaning up my aunt's house (But I like that job ;3 )* Also you can glare knives at ADEPT for getting me hooked onto RPG's. Sometimes I'd be playing .Hack almost NON- STOP, now I'm foaming at the mouth to play Kingdom Hearts cause I wanna Play with Simba and Tigger and Beast *Slaps self to stop ranting* I love Disney movies X3 Anyhoo, Hopefully I'll get ch 22 and 23 cranked out soon cause I really REALLY wanna type an X-mas special! Yeah!
Anyway, again, SOOO SORRY!! If you're still reading this story despite the long wait then hugz and kisses for all of you X*3 My sweetie reader pies! Desuu! *GLOMP*
See you next time ;3
Edit: Some of you maybe familiar with Lind as Rind, but I chose to call her Lind because that's how her name was translated on a translator site and the back of vol.26.