All major characters © 1996 Kosuke Fujishima, meaning Urd, Skuld, Belldandy and K1 are not mine, just the situations they are thrown in.

The character Xerangref was created and copyrighted by myself. If anyone wishes to use him in the future in any fanfic, you have permission to do so as long as credit is given.

A/N: This is my first shot at an AMG related fic. Although the story line follows fairly closely to the manga at first that is all that will really be related to it. Certain plots and such may be hinted at or explained, but that is all.

Further notes that should be noted are that if you HAVE NOT read the manga past volume 19, you should NOT read this story, as it is a tangent off a major plot line in volumes 19 and 20, but involve different situations and ideas that didn't happen in the manga.

I honestly have no idea how long this fic will be, it depends on whether or not I believe it's finished, which may be soon.

Ghost: Hate to jump in just to be a grouch, but what of Skuld's feelings for Sentaro? K1 and Bell's relationship isn't the only one that got disrupted by their time compressed absence.

-Would you want me to answer that or Fujishima Kosuke? Sentaro hasn't been seen in the manga since…the Noble Scarlet arc. And that was before volume 14 in a series which now has 32 volumes up and running. So I'm either assuming that Fujishima killed him off in the series or something happened between the two and he never visits anymore. But hey, you know what they say about people who assume.

Writers block sucks. That is all.

Warning: Certain language may not be appropriate for people not used to it.

Happiness' End

End of Chapter 14:

Urd sighed, "Look kiddo, I know you don't like this, but it's the best thing for Belldandy. You should be happy for her that Keiichi is finally starting to get some guts."

Skuld only nodded and looked back at the temple. She would have to deal with the new situation, no matter how hard it was. She didn't like it that Keiichi was slowly taking her precious onee-sama away from her, but she had to deal with it. Belldandy would always be there for her, just not as she wanted.

Both goddesses slowly got up from the porch and walked back in the temple and tried to make themselves comfortable. They also watched, with some amusement, Keiichi trying to move a few things for Belldandy. He would trip almost all the time, but regained his balance just before he fell face first into the ground.

From the outside of the temple wall sitting on a tree across the street, a dark figure sat and watched all that had happened. Things were definitely getting interesting.

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Chapter 15: Planning for Revenge

Mara was rather pissed. She was mad at the fact that the goddesses had tricked her so easily, yes. But what made her furious was the fact she made a complete and utter fool of herself after she fell into their little trap. No demon known in history had to fall in love with something that revolting and disgusting. Yet she suffered an entire night enduring it.

She was moody and otherwise unpleasant. More so than normal. She had understood that they were just trying to protect and defend themselves, but they made a complete mockery of Mara in the underworld. They would have to pay dearly.

Mara lurked in the shadows of her run down arcade hideout with a viewing mirror. She could only view from outside the gates, due to a ward of some sorts. Nothing was really happening. She saw Urd and Skuld having a little heart to heart talk, which was odd. Mara knew Urd liked the kid, but they never really showed it. She knew a great deal of things from the past friendship she had with both of the elder goddesses, but she had become a demon and tried to make them miserable.

Mara sighed heavily. She was doing way too much thinking for her job description. It wasn't normal, but then again nothing about her situation was normal. She looked around for some kind of solace from the world, but could find none.

Mara was suddenly pulled from her thoughts by the presence of a massive power. She froze in her spot as she realized that the energy signature wasn't divine. That meant a demon was here on Earth, and to have that kind of power, he had to be a higher up.

Mara gulped as a shadowy figure appeared at the door and glared at her.

"Hello Mara," a voice said in a rather deep, menacing and raspy tone.

"Uh, hi?" Mara squeaked slightly.

"Her majesty, the Daimakaicho Hild, has sent me to ask you a question and review your progress," he continued.

'Oh crap, I'm toast,' was all Mara could think before she was pulled out of her train of thought by his voice again.

"Oh no, Mara, not quite yet. Although your progress has been slight, the Daimakaicho is pleased with you making the three goddesses and mortal miserable at certain points."

Mara looked at least a little bit hopeful, "Really?"

"Yes, but she has one question for you…"

"Uh, shoot."

The stranger took a rather large breath, "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING SITTING AROUND! YOU'VE BEEN LAZING ABOUT FOR ALMOST HALF A YEAR SO GET OFF YOUR ASS AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!"

Mara paled and sank away quickly as she heard the message. There was a low growl of laughter as the demon gauged her reaction.

"That, my dear Mara, is where I come into play," the figure stepped from the shadow to reveal a tall man. He had to have been close to six and a half feet. His forehead mark was that of a five-point star with the same cheek patterns as Mara. His skin was a lighter color than Urd's, but not by much. His spiked hair looked like a blooded morning star. His hair was a mixture of deep crimson red and dark black, giving him a rather odd look. His moustache matched his hair color with a rather odd twist of the two colors. Behind his spiked head dangled a waist length braid that was completely red. He was wearing what looked like a chest plate that was pitch black and outlined in red. He wore tan slacks underneath two dark black leg guards also outlined in red. At his left side, he carried what looked like a small dagger. Attached to the left side of the black belt he wore around his waist, a heavy, powerful and menacing looking mace dangled. She could also see what looked like a sheathed sword strapped to his back; a sword that ran almost the length of his frame. Flowing gently behind him was a black cape with blue trimming and trimmed on the inside with what looked like a vermilion color velvet.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Class 0, Type 0: Unlimited, Demon Xerangref. The council and the Daimakaicho herself have sent me to make sure your next attempt will not fail. You see, I have certain special…abilities that could be used to help."

Mara bowed and kneeled before the greater demon, "Of course, lord. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated. This time around, our success will be ensured, for I have the beginnings of another plan."

Xerangref smiled wickedly and began a rather low round of menacing laughter.

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The next day had passed quickly. Urd and Skuld had seemed to reach somewhat of a reconciliation after what had happened the other day. Skuld also seemed to be opening up a bit more after what had happened as well. She had lost the idea that Keiichi would steal her sister away from her completely, and even began to see him as a sort of elder brother figure. She knew she would have to get used to the idea, because it may happen that one day in the future, he would become her elder brother of sorts.

Urd had mysteriously vanished from the house, no one really knowing where she had gotten off to.

Keiichi had long left for work. As it was summer time, Wyvern had been completely swamped with orders for parts or a complete bike every day. As a result, almost all the staff had to be in for the opening shift. There was a rotation developed to make sure that the employees were not completely overworked. At the start of each week, straws were drawn to see who would work the night and closing shifts as well. The work load seemed fairly balanced, but it was still extremely hectic.

Belldandy had left shortly before lunch, apologizing to her sisters. Even though she stayed at the temple most of the time, if Chihiro called and asked for her help, she would gladly agree. She enjoyed working with her long time friend and former boss. The only times Chihiro called were when she was completely swamped or needed help on a specialty of Bell's.

Skuld was left alone to ponder the recent turn of events in their abnormal house. Some quiet time was nice every now and then, but at the moment it was unnerving Skuld greatly.

"I wish someone would come back…this is just so creepy."

Skuld looked around and began to work on a new project. She knew Keiichi ran late a few times so she wanted to make him a remote starter for his BMW. It would at least help out a little.

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"Yo Morisato!"

Keiichi turned around and saw a rather familiar face. He knew Imai from back in his NIT motor club days, but rarely got to see his elder. They either worked different shifts or Imai was stuck at a behind the desk job rather than being in the garage.

"Hello Imai, what's up?"

"Nothing much, man, nothing much. So how you been? Haven't seen you in a while. How are those babes you live with?"

"I've been good, a little tired but good. What about you? And Urd and Skuld still continue to make trouble as usual, but it's toned done a little at least."

"Still wild over there eh? Yea, sounds cool. Me? Bored out of my mind answering those phones. At least you get to have the fun out here with the guys," Imai motioned around them. "Alright man, I have to get back, breaks almost over. Nice talking to you, tell the girls I said hey."

After the pleasantries were exchanged, everything accelerated back to the clockwork pace of insanity.

Keiichi sighed and looked at his watch. Only another four hours and he would be done. He had the misfortune of getting the closing shift tonight. And it seemed things weren't going to slow down any time soon.

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Xerangref smiled as Mara concluded her explanation and overview of what she had seen in the last half year of observing the temple household.

"Interesting, quite interesting indeed. So Mara, you need a pawn for this to work out yes? Any idea where we can get one?"

"Not really sir. I've only really observed the life at the residence, not really anywhere else."

Xerangref nodded and stopped to think for a second, "Alright then, reconnaissance missions are needed. You are to observe them at any and all other wise social events that they go to and keep an eye out for any special targets."

Mara nodded, "Is there anything else needed to prepare sir?"

Xerangref looked down at the brief notes he had had Mara jot down, "No Mara, I can come up with something devious enough from the outline you've given me. All we need is the perfect candidate to be our control subject."

Mara nodded again and slowly melted into the shadows.

Xerangref liked the way this one thought, she was quite interesting. She had failed in the direct approach numerous times, so she tried the indirect. Her first plan had almost worked, but alas it did not work out in the end. This plan had much more promise, however. It was brilliant if it were to be tweaked just a little. And he was the demon to make sure it succeeded.

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Belldandy had just come home from working with Chihiro for a majority of the day. She looked at the clock and realized that Keiichi wouldn't be home for a while. He had told her that he was stuck on closing duty today and wouldn't be back towards the later part of the night.

She had free time to use, but wasn't sure how to use it. Normally about now she would be cooking dinner, and then afterward spend time with her Keiichi, but things were different tonight. She decided on making dinner at the usual time instead of delaying it. No sense in putting off what was normal routine. She could always just reheat Keiichi's meal when he came home from work, meaning more time for the both of them to be alone.

She smiled and put on her apron and looked around the kitchen before deciding on making a few roast fish with garlic vingerette sauce, a side of tempura and some rice balls. Simple and easy to make, but everyone enjoyed it nonetheless. Belldandy enjoyed cooking, but she also enjoyed the compliments she received, even though she would never admit to it.

Shortly after Belldandy had started dinner, Urd returned home from whatever adventure she had partaken of over the past day. She seemed tired and a little lacking in energy. She immediately flew to her room and had a couple glasses of saké before stepping out. She had to talk to Belldandy about what she had felt and what she suspected.

After a few glasses of her precious liquid power, Urd already looked a great deal better than she had before. She knew Keiichi would be at work probably for another two or three hours, since he had the closing shift. That meant she could talk with both her sisters about the feeling she had over dinner. If it was what she thought it was, then they would have to be fairly alert from then on.

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Keiichi sighed as he was finally able to leave. He was surprised that everyone was let off an hour early, since the customers had all but stopped almost 40 minutes ago. Keiichi looked at his watch and grumbled. It was just before 9 pm, meaning everyone would probably be waiting for him when he got back.

Without hesitation he signed out and quickly packed everything into his side car and left. He didn't want to take any chances that things might drag him back.

As he arrived at the temple, he could hear the clock inside ending its 9 pm chime. He heard the last two chimes and grinned. At least it wasn't too late. He parked, grabbed all of his belongings and began to walk to the temple when he had the strange feeling that something was watching him. He looked around, but couldn't see anything. Shrugging, the young man walked inside the temple and took his shoes off.

"I'm home!"

The quiet whispering he had heard in the kitchen stopped for a second before he heard Belldandy's voice, "Please come join us Keiichi-san."

As he walked into the kitchen, he noticed the grave looks all three of his housemates had. Belldandy immediately got up and reheated his dinner and sat it before him.

"What's wrong? You three look like Hild visited this afternoon."

Urd shook her head, "No, but close enough. We may have another demon to deal with, unless Mara got a power upgrade."

Keiichi's eyes widened, "Another one?"

All three nodded. Things suddenly became deafly quiet inside the temple as all the occupants knew that they had some bearing in all that was happening.

Xerangref cursed as he heard this. This would complicate things greatly.

A/N: This may be a last installment for a while whilst I read Trial By Tenderness by Cevn, Slayer6's new fictions and read a few things for my classes. Also, I'm not too hot on how to continue at this point. Thanks for reading, I appreciate it.