I'm putting this before just cuz.
Most of these chapters were finished up months ago. As it is, I have several more chapters and another Eva/Goddess fic finished. The reason for the sudden build up is I have a lot of free time on my hands (not by choice). Also, the coming weeks might become chaotic as I plan a possible move to Florida. Most of the following chapters as well as the next fic kind of reflect my current mood over the past month or so,
Dark.
Thank you to those of you who have been following along for so long now. It is because of you that I have continued this story with it's characters. I still have more ideas for stories so I'm pretty sure you will all be entertained for sometime to come.
Also be on the look out as I am currently working on a AMG/Harry Potter fic. It's been a bit slow going, but posting should begin soon.
Chapter 5
"How long are you going to keep this up?"
Sayoko turned and stared at Mana standing just off the back porch. "What?"
Mana sighed, "For the last day and a half you have been avoiding Belldandy. Come on Sayoko! She's your mother!"
"That is NOT my mother." Sayoko replied firmly, "I quite honestly have no idea who that person is." Sayoko then turned and walked off around the corner of the house.
"Thank you for trying."
Mana turned to see Belldandy standing on the porch.
"You heard?"
Belldandy nodded, "The porch does offer a few places to listen without being seen."
Mana looked back towards the corner where Sayoko had vanished.
"She's become a bit stubborn in the past several years." The Demoness said, "I think some of it is because she wants to set a good example for her kids." Mana then turned and looked back at Belldandy. "How's Keiichi?"
"Resting." Belldandy replied, "Though he is worried about Chihiro. He's hoping she can find a driver soon, otherwise, she'll lose the Whirlwind to Aoshima."
"Ouch." Mana winced, "Doesn't the motor club have any other drivers?"
Belldandy shook her head. "Keiichi was the only one for so long. The ones that have now just don't have the experience."
Unnoticed by Belldandy and Mana, someone listening around the corner turned and hurried off.
"I think I have an idea." Skuld said.
"What is it?" Mana asked.
Skuld held up the communicator that Sayoko had left. "This communicator. You told me a god or goddess could send out a distress call with it."
Mana nodded, "That's how we found Sayoko."
"With a little work, I think I can get it to send the distress call to your universe."
"And how are you going to do that?"
Skuld sat down at the table. "You told me the communicator's could detect your Yggdrasil right?"
"Yes."
"I'm going to build a device that will search out for your Universe." Skuld explained, "Each time we make a connection with another Universe, the communicator will try to detect your Yggdrasil. When it does, it will transmit the emergency signal along with location."
Mana smiled, "Sayoko always referred to you as the genius. How long?"
Skuld thought for a moment. "A couple of days, maybe before the race, hopefully sooner."
Chihiro sat quietly at the counter, staring off at the rest of her shop. A list of names sat on the counter beside her, most of them checked off.
"You were my pride and joy." She whispered to the store, "How long are you going to remain mine?"
The bell rang as someone opened the front door. Chihiro immediately stood up straight.
"Hello and welcome to the..." Chihiro began before she saw who had walked in, "What do you want?"
Sayoko calmly walked up to the counter.
"I think I know where you can find a driver."
"There is a big event planned in Nekomi." Hild said, "A motorcycle race."
Mara nodded, "Yes, the Nekomi Motor Club and the Whirlwind are sponsoring a cycle. They still plan to go ahead without Keiichi Morisato as their driver."
Hild smiled, "Knowing how Morisato and Belldandy are, they will be there to support their friends will they not?"
Mara nodded, "They will be there."
"The Auto club celebrates rather hard and loud do they not?"
"They do."
"Then during their celebration, we shall strike." Hild said with a smile, "Go, and insure the club's victory."
The next day.
Tamiya eased the truck to a stop, then climbed out and moved to the truck bed where he removed a wheelchair. Belldandy hopped out of the truck and made sure the chair was set up correctly before Tamiya gently lifted Keiichi from the truck and set him in the chair.
"Thanks Sempei." Keiichi said, "It was getting boring back at the house."
"Chihiro wanted to make sure you were here to see the new driver make the test drive." Tamiya said.
Belldandy moved behind Keiichi's chair and began moving him towards the rest of the club. The driver of the cycle was already in their gear and had their helmet on.
"So who did she find?" Keiichi asked.
"I don't know." Tamiya replied, "She hasn't told me."
Just as they arrived, Chihiro waved her hand at the driver. With a roar, the driver sped off, leaving behind a long black trail of rubber on the pavement. The driver moved smoothly and quickly through each turn on the test course, taking some turns sharper then Keiichi thought anyone could. As the cycle raced past, Belldandy caught sight of something she did not expect. On the back of the driver's suit was a pair of angel wings.
"Oh my." Belldandy whispered.
"What is it?" Keiichi asked.
"I'm not sure." Belldandy replied.
Nearby Otaki looked down at his stopwatch, then glance over at Chihiro.
"Faster then Keiichi by almost ten seconds."
Chihiro smiled.
They let the driver make three more laps before Chihiro felt it was enough.
"Ok wave her in."
Belldandy and Keiichi both looked over at Chihiro in surprise.
"Her?"
The driver brought the cycle to a stop in front of the club then leaped off and walked over to Chihiro.
"Great job." Chihiro said, "Aoshima won't know what hit him."
Keiichi and Belldandy moved closer to the driver. Chihiro turned and gave Keiichi a smile.
"Keiichi, meet my replacement driver, Sayoko Aida."
Keiichi and Belldandy gasped as the driver removed her helmet, allowing her long grey and brown hair to fall down her back. Sayoko gave them a smile.
"Surprised aren't you?"
"How?" Keiichi started.
Sayoko looked own at her helmet and brushed the visor a bit.
"Auntie Megumi taught me to ride a motorcycle. I used Dad's old cycle when I was on earth. Been several hundred years since I rode one though." Sayoko looked back up, "Guess I still got it eh?"
"Guess so." Keiichi said. Belldandy said nothing.
"Alright," Chihiro said, "Let's get the bike put away and get going! The race is just a day away!"
"YOU HEARD HER TEAM!" Tamiya shouted.
With a cheer, the Motor Club quickly began to put away the motorcycle and their equipment, soon, leaving Belldandy, Keiichi, and Sayoko to themselves.
Sayoko sighed and looked at the ground.
"I owe you an apology Belldandy." She said.
"No," Belldandy replied, "You were right."
"Still, I shouldn't have gotten mad at you." Sayoko looked back up at the other Goddess. "I guess I hold you at a higher standard because of my mother."
"I suppose this whole thing with my Sayoko has me on edge." Belldandy said, "I'll talk to Sayoko Mishima."
Sayoko gave a smile.
The day of the race.
"There." Skuld said, setting the communicator into the device. "That should do it."
Mana, Sayoko, and Belldandy stared at it as several lights blinked.
"Well?" Sayoko asked.
"What? It's working." Skuld said.
"How do you know?"
"I just do ok!" Skuld shouted, "Besides, this is the best we could come up with! Urd and Peorth have struck out on everything else."
"Guess there's nothing left to do but wait." Mana said.
"Wait," Sayoko said, "And get ready. I have a race in a few hours."
"Come on." Belldandy said, "I'll help you get ready. Skuld, you and Mana get my Sayoko ready. This will be her first race."
Sayoko blinked, "You're actually going to bring her?"
"She's been cooped up here in the temple area for awhile now." Belldandy said, "Somehow I doubt Hild or Mara will try anything while you, me, Sayoko, and Mana are there.
A few hours later.
Aoshima walked happily down the path in the garage area. On either side, teams prepped their cycles for the race. Far behind him, Aoshima's Formula One team was finishing up it's preparations, but Aoshima didn't need to be there for it. Instead, he was heading towards the Whirlwind/Motor Club area. He had heard that Morisato had been in a bad crash and wasn't expected to race. Thus, he decided he'd give Chihiro the offer of withdrawing, and he would consider letting her remain at the Whirlwind after he took it over.
As he approached the pit area, he easily spotted Belldandy, her being a foreigner and rather tall. Beside her in a wheelchair was Morisato. Sitting in his lap was their daughter, Sayoko. Why they would name their daughter after his cousin was beyond him. Not even Sayoko herself understood why. Of course, his cousin had been acting different lately. She no longer cursed about how Belldandy had become so popular, nor did she care anymore of the mystery surrounding the woman.
"Greetings." Aoshima said, causing Belldandy and Keiichi to jump. "Where is Chihiro? I'd like to discuss the bet."
Keiichi's eyes narrowed at Aoshima.
"It's not enough you made the bet but now you're going to bother her while she's preparing for the race?"
"I'm just offering her the chance to honorably withdraw." Aoshima said with a smile, "If she does I'd gladly allow her to remain at the Whirlwind as my employee."
"Think again."
Aoshima turned to see Chihiro frowning at him. Just behind her were Otaki and Tamiya. Both men looked very unhappy to see Aoshima, and seemed to be just itching to pound him. Aoshima was unfazed as if they did do anything, they'd be disqualified.
"Ah Chihiro." Aoshima said, "Now why wouldn't you take the less embarrassing way out?"
"Because we don't intend to lose." Chihiro replied.
"Surely you jest. You don't have a driver with as much experience as Morisato here. And I very much doubt he is in any condition to race."
Chihiro just smiled.
"Mrs. Aida. Could you come here a moment?"
Aoshima's face turned to one of amazement as a woman who looked very much like an older Belldandy stepped out in full racing gear.
"Mrs. Aida here was very happy to step in for Keiichi." Chihiro said with a smile.
"Ma'am." Aoshima began, "Are you sure a woman your age should be racing? It may not be the best thing for your health."
The woman's face darkened considerably.
"Aoshima." The woman said, "Maybe you don't remember me from that race awhile back, but I'm sure this will remind you."
Aoshima suddenly was on his back, looking up towards the sky. His chin also hurt like hell. He slowly turned his head back to where Mrs. Aida had been standing. She was still there, holding her hand, in front of an Auburn haired girl with green eyes.
"Ow." She muttered.
"You didn't have to hit him Sayoko." The auburn haired girl said.
"But I wanted to Mana!" Sayoko replied, "He's such a prick!"
"But you're a Go..."
Sayoko covered Mana's mouth.
"He doesn't know that."
"Oops."
"Now." Sayoko turned and looked back down at the dazed Aoshima. "Could you run away like a good slime ball?"
"Sorry to have disturbed you." Aoshima said as he ran off.
Keiichi watched him run.
"Boy I'll never get tired of seeing that."
"Neither do we." Tamiya said, "And if you keep that up, we'll gladly worship you."
Sayoko blushed deep red. Mana looked at her friend confused.
"It's something between me and Kensuke." Sayoko whispered.
Mana still looked confused.
"He refers to THAT as worship."
Mana repeated Sayoko's words silently, then her eyes went wide.
"OH!"
About thirty minutes later.
Mara watched high above the track as the motorcycles raced around. She had to admit, the racing was good. Very good. And the Whirlwind/Motor Club team was out in front, no doubt due to the fact that their driver was that new Goddess. Strange thing was though, Mara couldn't detect her. Of course, she also couldn't detect the new Demon either. That in itself didn't worry her. Later though, it might cause her some concern.
For now Mara watched and waited.
"Damn." Chihiro said, watching Sayoko tear past the start/finish line, "She's good." She looked back at Keiichi. "She's really good."
Keiichi looked up at Mana. "Who taught her to ride?"
"Megumi." Was the Demons reply.
"Damn I'm good." Megumi said with a smile.
She felt free.
For the first time in almost 20 years, Sayoko felt free, like she didn't have a care in the world. The crowds whipped past her vision almost unnoticed. All she saw and heard was the track in front of her, and the roar of the engine. A quick glance to either side mirror showed that no one was even close to her. Sayoko smiled slightly before gunning the engine, increasing her lead.
The wind whistled past her, something she hadn't heard in so long. She felt like she could go on forever, then she spotted the flag...
Black and white checkered.
Sayoko pulled the bike into the winner's circle. Immediately she was lifted off the bike into the air by the Motor Club.
"YOU DID IT!" Chihiro called out, "YOU DID IT!"
Sayoko pumped her fist in the air over the Club members who roared even louder. Aoshima still sat in the bleachers, disgusted by just how badly his team had been defeated. He then began to mentally count up just how much he'd lost in this race. After all, Chihiro's wasn't the only bet he had running.
Sayoko was finally set down and pulled off her helmet. Several people let out a gasp, Mana included.
"What?" Sayoko asked. She had been in a race, of course her face might be a little dirty. The helmet couldn't block everything of course.
"Your hair." Mana whispered.
Sayoko's eyes went wide.
"What about it! Did it fall out? What?"
"It's normal." Mana said, "No grey at all!"
Sayoko blinked, then pulled her hair into view of her eyes. Mana was right. Where before she had streaks of grey and silver was now the original brown color.
"Wow." Sayoko whispered.
"Guess you lost a lot of stress out there." Mana said, "Maybe Kensuke needs to get you a motorcycle."
"Maybe."
"YOU DID IT!" Sayoko suddenly found herself being hugged by Skuld, Chihiro, and Megumi. "YOU WON YOU WON!" they shouted together.
Sayoko continued to be congratulated by everyone. Amidst this mass of happy people, Sayoko caught a glimpse of Belldandy, Keiichi, and young Sayoko. Belldandy gave her a smile, while both Keiichi and Young Sayoko gave her a thumbs up. Sayoko smiled back and returned the thumbs up."
Mara watched the celebration from above the track.
"Enjoy it while you can." Mara muttered quietly before she vanished.
An hour later
Sayoko was carried above the Motor Club team towards the temple house. The team sang their club song as they marched. Megumi, Skuld, and Chihiro followed with them, also singing. Mana hung back with Belldandy and Keiichi, carrying young Sayoko on her back.
"Is it true these parties get wild?" Mana asked.
"You really have no idea do you?" Keiichi said.
"I just have what Megumi and Sayoko told me." Mana said, "I've...never really talked to you, only Belldandy."
"So long as Sayoko goes to bed on time, I have no problem with the party." Belldandy said.
Mana glanced back at Sayoko. "Whatcha think Squirt? You want to party?"
"YEAH!" Sayoko shouted, pumping her fist in the air, much like her older self had done earlier.
"Just don't over do it too much." Mana said, "I know this person that..."
Mana's voice trailed off and she stopped moving. Belldandy too, also froze in her place. Further up, Skuld had stopped singing and even the older Sayoko was frozen, much as she could while being carried.
"What is it?" Keiichi asked.
"Mama." Sayoko said softly, "I feel cold."
"It's going to be alright Yoko." Belldandy said softly, looking around. When she spoke again, Keiichi knew she wasn't taking to him, or his daughter. "Do you feel her?"
"I feel them." Mana said.
"Them?" Keiichi and Belldandy said together.
Mana then turned and looked back at the older Sayoko, who was also looking back at the Demoness. Mana raised a hand and did several quick gestures. Sayoko nodded, then vanished, causing the entire club to shout in surprise. Sayoko reappeared a second later standing beside the club members in her full battle outfit. Mana too flared, and then reappeared in her battle outfit, young Sayoko still on her back. Mana pulled out her sword and continued to look around, causing more shouts of surprise. Belldandy took a step back, having never seen Mana with her full demon markings on her face.
"Looks like you all are going to party." Came a voice, "Mind if we join?"
Everyone turned and looked up at the roof of the temple. Standing on the ridge of the roof was Hild, along with several dozen Demons, including Mara. They all leered down at the gathering.
"Hold on to me tightly." Mana said softly to the young Sayoko. She then glanced back at Belldandy. "They won't get her so long as I live."
"I believe you." Belldandy replied.
"Hand over the girl!" Hild shouted, "And no one will get hurt."
"There is no way in the entire Universe we're going to give her to you!" the Older Sayoko shouted. The Motor Club shouted the same.
Hild's eyes turned to Mana, and the young goddess on her back.
"I promise you that if you hand her over to me, you will be my right hand in Hell."
Mana raised her sword.
"You'll never touch a hair on her head."
Hild sighed.
"So be it." She snapped her fingers and the demons rushed forward shouting.
Within ten minutes it was all over.
Heaven
Urd tapped her fingers impatiently as she waited for someone to pick up the phone on the other end. It simply continued to ring and ring.
"Damn." Urd muttered.
Beside her, Peorth glanced over.
"You know it could be nothing." Peorth said.
Urd turned around and glared at Peorth.
"My mother has been after Sayoko for almost a year," she said, "We detect major Demon activity at the temple, and Yggdrasil can't see through it. And it's nothing?"
Peorth sighed, "I'll give Lind a call."
"You do that."
Minutes later.
Urd, Peorth, and Lind all appeared in Nekomi. Unfortunately, they appeared several minutes walk from their destination.
"Remind me why we teleported here?" Lind asked.
"The Demon's raised a barrier that blocked out Yggdrasil." Peorth said as Urd began walking. "We can't teleport there because of that same barrier."
"Oh."
The three goddesses walked quickly up the road. As they grew closer to the temple complex, Urd noticed something.
"Is that smoke?"
Peorth and Lind looked up the street. Somewhere over the trees, traces of black smoke went up into the air. The three goddesses looked at each other, then broke into a run. As the walls to the temple complex came into view, they could see that it was the source of the smoke. They reached the gate, then ran into the temple grounds.
Almost immediately they stopped.
Destruction was everywhere. The temple was missing several sections of it's roof, as well as several pieces of wall. The caretaker's house wasn't in any better shape. A large hole went from one side right through to the other. Several trees lay shattered on the ground, including the infamous Cherry Tree that had been the cause of so much trouble that one Christmas. Laying on the ground here and there were members of the Motor Club, moaning in pain or trying to stand up.
"What in Kami-sama's name happened here." Peorth whispered, stunned.
"Hild." The three Goddesses turned to see Belldandy limping towards them. She was in her battle outfit, but it looked in far worst condition then it had after Celestine had come back. As she got closer, Urd could see tears in Belldandy's eyes.
"Where's Keiichi and Sayoko?" Urd asked.
"Keiichi's in the house." Belldandy said, more tears rolling down her face, "Megumi's with him. Chihiro and Skuld are helping the others."
"Is anyone...?" Peorth started to ask. Belldandy shook her head.
"The Motor Club is fine, no one...died."
"Where is Sayoko?" Urd repeated.
The tears that flowed down Belldandy's face only increased.
"She took her." Belldandy cried out, "Mana fought Hild...but they...she's...THEY TOOK MY BABY!" Belldandy finally sobbed before falling to her knees. Peorth knelt beside Belldandy, wrapping her arms around the weeping Goddess. Urd looked around, knowing there had to be more. She spotted Skuld, helping a Motor Club member. She quickly raced over.
"What happened here Skuld?"
Skuld looked up at her older sister, dirt and blood covered her face and outfit.
"Hild came with a bunch of demons." Skuld said, "Onee-sama, that other Sayoko, Mana, and I fought them. Even the Motor Club fought." Skuld laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Like they could do anything against a Demon. Mana was defending Yoko, and doing great." She pointed over to an area of the temple grounds. There, Urd could see several demon weapons, as well as hands still holding them. "Of course she couldn't kill them." Skuld said, "But she couldn't hold them off forever. I got distracted, and when I looked over, Hild had Yoko and Mana was nowhere to be seen. The other Sayoko ran at Hild, but by then, her moon rock bracelet was worn out. She only withstood a few attacks, then fell asleep. Hild took her too."
Urd looked over the grounds. More of the Motor Club was on their feet now, many holding various parts of their anatomy. Peorth and Lind were now moving among them, healing the various wounds.
"Have you found Mana yet?" Urd asked.
"No." Skuld said, "Hild might have taken her too."
"Dammit!" Urd shouted, "If only I was here."
"What could you have done?" Skuld asked, "There was just too many Demons."
"I don't know! But I could have..." Urd's voice trailed off as the ground shook slightly.
Several of the Motor Club members looked around nervously. Even Peorth and Lind looked around. Belldandy rounded the corner of the house and looked over at Urd and Skuld, her tear filled eyes now full of fear.
The ground shifted again, this time Urd spotted red light coming from underneath the cherry tree. Lind pulled out her ax and moved closer to the tree. With a loud roar, the tree exploded, covering everyone in wood chips. Rising out of the explosion was Mana. Her Demon outfit was in tatters, the eye patch was no longer on her face, and blood flowed freely from a wound on her forehead. But the thing that struck fear into all that saw her was the deep red glow from her eye.
"Where the hell is she!" Mana screamed, razing her sword, "I'll teach that Demonic Bitch to drop a tree on me! WHERE THE HELL IS SHE!"
Belldandy stepped forward.
"They're gone. They're all gone."
Mana floated down to the ground before Belldandy. Her eye blinked, as it did, the glow faded slightly.
"Sayoko?" she asked.
Belldandy shook her head, tears beginning to flow again.
"She took them, both."
Mana fell to her knees, dropping her sword and looked down at the ground. When she looked up, her eyes were back to their normal green color, and her demon markings were gone.
"I failed you." Mana said softly.
"No." Belldandy said, falling to her knees as well, "You tried your best."
"I promised ..." Mana started to say, but Belldandy placed a hand over her mouth.
"Sometimes...we can't keep our promises." Belldandy said.
"I'll get her back." Mana said, "I go down to hell and..."
"And what?" Urd said, walking up. "One demon verses thousands? You'll end up with them!"
"At least it would be something!" Mana shouted back.
"You need to plan this out." Lind said, walking up. "Charging in there without a plan will not help either your friend, or Belldandy's daughter."
Mana started to open her mouth, then stopped.
"Dammit," Mana muttered, "Even here Lind makes sense. So what do we do?"
"We have to discuss this." Urd said, "We all can't just charge in there, the Demon system will detect Goddesses and alert all of hell."
"I can get there." Mana said, "I went there before I came here."
"But it still comes down to one demon verses thousands." Urd replied, "If only..."
A loud hum filled the air. Once again, the Motor Club members looked around. Mana jumped to her feet and moved her sword to the ready, as did Lind with her ax. Belldandy, Skuld and Urd moved beside each other, looking around for the source of the hum. There was a bright flash in the sky, and then a figure fell to the ground screaming. Everyone stared for a moment at the figure, apparently female, in gray robes with...red hair?
"What the..." Mana started to say, then stopped as the figure rose to her feet with her back to the Demoness.
"That's a heck of a ride." The figure said. "Auntie Skuld didn't say it was going to be that bad."
"DON'T CALL ME AUNTIE!" Skuld shouted out of reflex. The figure jumped and whipped around. Mana's eye widened in surprise.
"Yui!"
"Auntie Mana!" Yui quickly ran to Mana's side. "What happened to you! You're hurt!" Yui quickly began a chant and raised her hand to Mana's forehead. Within seconds, Mana was no longer bleeding.
"You have full powers?" Mana asked.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Well, what are you doing here?"
"Yggdrasil detected Auntie Sayoko's communicator." Yui replied, "Aun...Skuld traced it to this universe." Yui then whispered at Mana. "You know your eye patch is missing right?"
Mana waved her hand. "Never mind that! We have bigger problems!"
"Um..." Mana and Yui turned towards Belldandy.
"Who is this?" Belldandy asked, "And why does she look like Asuka?"
"Oh wow!" Yui squealed, "Belldandy in her prime!"
Mana rolled her eye, then looked at the now five goddesses (Peorth had walked over).
"This is Yui Ikari, Daughter of Shinji and Asuka Ikari." Mana said, "She is also one of the Guardian's of Heaven."
"Guardian of Heaven?" the four goddesses repeated.
"Yep!" Yui replied, "That's me!"
"Think of a god or goddess with almost as much power as Kami-sama." Mana said, "And you have a Guardian. They answer only to Kami-sama and one other."
"Who's that?" Skuld asked.
"First things first." Mana said, "Heal the Motor Club, then go inside. It's chilly out here."
"Maybe because you're almost not wearing your clothes?"
"Shut up Yui."
A few hours later, the five Goddesses, Mana, Yui, Megumi, and Keiichi were all sitting around the kitchen table. The rest of the club had been fixed up as much as possible before heading home, with the promise of letting them know what happened.
"So where is Auntie Sayoko, "Yui asked.
"We're not exactly sure." Urd said, "But we think in hell, along with our Sayoko."
"WHAT!" Yui shouted, "WHY!"
"Hild wanted her for some reason." Belldandy said softly, "We don't know why. Your Aunt was taken at the same time as our Yoko."
"Oh man." Yui said shaking her head, "This sucks. All Mom said I had to do was come back here and get you two, and now we have to rescue Auntie from Hell? This isn't going to go well with..." Yui's voice trailed off. "Uh oh."
"What?" Mana asked. She was now cleaned up and had on a new eye patch, as well as a t-shirt and jeans.
"I forgot to report in." Yui pulled out a communicator and put it on the table. She hit a few buttons and lights on the device began to glow. Within seconds the air over the communicator shimmered, giving a holographic image of a young goddess with purple hair.
"Yui!" the hologram said, "Did you find Lady Sayoko and Lady Mana?"
"Cayla we have problems here." Yui said, "I found Mana, but Sayoko is another problem. I need to speak to the Boss."
Cayla nodded. "Alright, I'll get her." Cayla's image vanished, replaced by a large pause symbol.
"Her?" Peorth asked, "Since when is Kami-sama a her?"
"It's not Kami-sama she's getting." Mana said softly.
"Then who...?" Peorth started to ask, before the pause symbol vanished, replaced by another Goddess.
A goddess they knew very well.
Yui bowed her head slightly. "Lady Belldandy."
The hologram of Belldandy nodded slightly.
"Cayla said you have encountered problems."
"That's putting it mildly." Mana mumbled. The communicator picked it up. The hologram glanced over slightly.
"Did I just hear Mana?"
Mana sighed, then reached over and hit a button on the communicator. The hologram turned slightly towards Mana. It also looked over it's shoulder and spotted the other six people present. The Hologram then returned it's attention to Mana.
"I see you're amongst friends."
"Sayoko and Asuka have met them before." Mana replied, "The problem we have though is our Sayoko and their Sayoko were grabbed by Hild."
The hologram narrowed her eyes.
"I see. Any reason why?"
Mana shook her head.
"None that I know of, other then possibly to use against the Heavens, and Belldandy and Keiichi."
"Then we must get them both back."
"Exactly how?" Mana asked, "I know I can get into Hell easily without detection, as can Yui. But there are thousands of Demons."
"I'll send you reinforcements." The hologram replied with a smile, "The other four Guardians should be able to help. I'll also send two others."
Mana frowned. "Who?"
"Well first, the only person who can strike fear into the hearts of even the most powerful Demon." The hologram replied.
"Who the hell is..." Mana's eye widened as she realized just who the holographic Belldandy meant.
"Oooohhhh."