Welcome everyone to the third chapter of Ah! My Demon Goddess. With me again is new Co-Auther, Searchsnake00103.
Ssarch: Yes, hello there.
Sorry for the delay, things have just been busy on our parts.
Search: I've been going through things. Both life and personal, and haven't found the energy to write.
(Groans) I know the feeling… Been the same for me as well…
Search: At least it's here now though, so…. There's that at least.
True. Do you have today's guest?
Search: Huh? Oh right…. It's been a while so it must've slipped me by. But not to worry I'll just send him in. For today's guest, he looks like the fusion Dale Gribble and Present Mic, let's all give a huge helping hand for Hikozaemon Otaki.
Otaki: "I was promised a free meal for showing up to this shindig! Yet I don't see anything remotely edible at all, what gives?"
Search: You'll get it in the end. Now shush, and sit down.
Otaki: (Grumbles and takes a seat)
Er, yes well… Ahem, anyway, thank you for coming today Otaki. We appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to join us.
Otaki: "Hmph, well of course. Other than the free meal I was promised I'm also here to represent all my bros of the Automotive Club. After all, we need all the publicity we can get if we wanna start bringing in the moolah!"
… You do know that this is a nonprofit story right…?
Otaki: "... Well, at least I'm getting our name out there!"
Search: God, I should've gone with Rikido Sato's weird, mustached dad instead of Pocket Sand here.
Toraichi's just as bad as him, mate…
Search: Yeah well, at least without the facial hair he looks like someone from an anime. I'm not sure whether or not this guy's supposed to be in Japan or sipping beer in a Texas alley with his friends while wearing an orange hat.
Otaki: "I'm standing right here you know!"
CAN WE GET TO THE DISCLAIMER NOW BEFORE THIS TAKES UP MORE SPACE!? WE HAVE A STORY TO GET TO!
Search: Go right ahead, Gribble here's the one talking.
Otaki: "Why you-!"
(Glare at Otaki) DISCLAIMER! NOW!
Otaki: (Holds his hands up in surrender.) "Alright, alright, geez! I still want my free food after this, you hear!? (Looks to Viewer) These two do not own Ah! My Goddess or Oh! My Goddess it belongs to Kōsuke Fujishima, Kodansha Video, Telesuccess Productions, Inc. and Anime International Company, Inc. The only things they own are the changes to the story and OCs if they add any. (Looks to the two) That good enough?"
Search. Yeah, Yeah it was fine. Now take your food and the van parked out front will take you home. It's in the fridge in a paper bag.
Otaki: "Thanks~ … But don't I need to be here at the end of the story?"
(Groans) Let's… Let's just get to the chapter already…
Chapter 3: Ah! Home Sweet… Temple?
(Nekomi Tech: Next Day)
It was early in the morning within the confines of Nekomi Tech as the morning sun shone through the treeline and the birds sang as Bell, who not too long ago awoken from her rest in the car, decided to take a walk around while Keiichi was freshened up by a nearby fountain.
"It still amazes me how humans can build such things on their own." Bell stated in awe as she gazed around, taking in the sights of the nearby buildings in the distance just barely poking above the trees.
At the washing faucet outside of their little makeshift camp, Keiichi was washing his face, looking like he hadn't slept a wink at all. "Man… I'm so exhausted… Barely got more than five hours worth of rest last night…." He groaned to himself, splashing the cool liquid coming from the faucet on his face in order to keep himself awake. "Man, Bell can certainly be chatty when she sure wants to. Though I suppose that just adds to the charm."
(Flashback: Last Night)
Keiichi laid in his seat, tossing and turning slightly as he tried his best to get some sleep but finding it nearly impossible to do so as Bell continued to ask nonstop questions regarding the human race and its advancements. And while at first, he found it sorta endearing, he would be lying if he said it wasn't starting to get on his nerves a bit.
"Hey, Bell. I'm really glad you're all curious about humanities progress and stuff, but we should get some sleep soon." Keiichi stated. "I mean, it's getting pretty late and we've still got a big day tomorrow. Still need to look for a place to stay."
"Already?" Bell said, a bit of disappointment in her voice. "But there's still so much I wish to know. It's been far too long since the last time I paid your world a proper visit that wasn't just a few minutes to grant wishes. But now for the first time in a millennium I am finally unburdened by my responsibilities, and I now have the opportunity to take it slow and learn about your world. " She turned to look at him, smiling. "And I wish to spend and share that time with you, Keiichi~"
Keiichi's cheeks redden slightly. "W-Well, I appreciate that Bell. But we do need our rest to look for a place to stay permanently at."
Bell gave him the puppy dog eyes, and pleaded. "Just a little longer~? I just really like talking with you Keiichi~"
Keiichi tried, he truly did, but the look on the goddess made his will break. He let out a sigh, but smiled. "Alright, I guess a little bit longer wouldn't hurt, but not for too long okay? An hour or two at most. I wasn't kidding about needing our rest."
Bell beamed a smile at him. "Oh wonderful~!"
(Flashback ends)
For the rest of the night, a few hours before morning, the two would just lie there and converse, with him trying his best to answer whatever questions Bell shot his way. It was certainly cute the way she asked her questions with an almost child-like enthusiasm and he wouldn't say he didn't enjoy their talk last night as it was certainly a massive improvement over talking with the guys at the Auto club. Still though, he certainly did wish he could've gotten a little more sleep in. With the heavy bags under his eyes and the exhaustion from yesterday, Keiichi didn't know how long he'll last for today.
Plus, there was still the issue of where they're going to live. Sure, that old junked car served as a decent little camp, but it was far from livable in any sense of the word. They needed accommodations, toiletries, storage space for food and supplies. Well, he needed them anyway, he wasn't too sure about Bell, after all if she was alive long before his great great grandparents parents were born, he doubted she needed any earthly substance. Point is, they need something a little better than a car. Which was easier said than done considering all the other apartments in Nekomi were expensive. Ugh, if push came to shove, he might have to ask his parents for a some mo-
Grumble
Keeichi's thoughts were silenced by the sound of his rumbling stomach, a result of having eaten nothing since yesterday. "Right, we also need food as well now…" He sighed out.
Bell appeared behind him, a teasing smile on her face. "Everything okay Keiichi~? It's too early in the morning to sigh like that~"
Keiichi jumped in shock at Bell's sudden appearance. "Gah, don't sneak up on me like that! You almost scare the life out of me!"
"Apologies," Bell said with an apologetic look. "I simply sensed your discomfort and wished to see how I could be of assistance."
"It's fine," Keeichi said, waving it off. "Just a little hungry is all. I didn't have much to eat yesterday."
"Then perhaps we should find you some proper nourishment before we continue our journey." Bell suggested.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Keiichi shrugged. "In fact, we're actually close to this little plaza with restaurants and stuff now that I think about it. Maybe we can stop there and grab a bite?"
Bell smiled pleasantly. "Then lead the way then~!"
"Oh, uh, sure." Keiichi said as he dug into his pockets for his motorbikes keys. "Let's go then."
Hopping onto the bike and sidecar, the two pulled out of their makeshift camp and made their way towards the college's nearby plaza.
(Short time later)
After a short bike ride there, the two had begun walking around the busy little plaza to see where they could stop to grab something to eat. However due to there being several places where it was possible to eat, all of which were pretty expensive mind you, Keiichi was having a difficult time settling on a place that wouldn't eat up a whole lot of cash. After a few minutes of wandering around, the two decided to take a seat on a bench to rest their feet and converse a bit.
While at first they talked about where they should eat, Keiichi's conversation with Bell slowly turned into where they should live. "We should probably try to get a place with at least two rooms, unfortunately I can't afford to spend more than what I was paying back at the dorms… And I can't ask my family for help, and what to save for a last resort, because I have no idea how to explain this all to them…" Keiichi groaned, taking a bite of his breakfast. "I'll have to find another job to pay for the expenses and try and look for deals on places to live…"
"I guess I'm starting to see why you were worried about taking care of the both of us, if having money is a big part in this world for supplies and everything you need," Bell stated, rubbing Keiichi's back in comfort.
"Yeah, that's the human world for you." Keeichi stated. "If you don't have any money, you can't do much at all…" He then thought of something. "Hang on a second," he paused, turning to Bell. "Aren't you magic or something? Can't you just conjure us a home or at the very least the cash to afford a new place?"
"I could, but that would raise questions," Bell stated. "For example, if I were to summon a house all of a sudden people would ask questions, even if I changed memories, which I'm against. For the money, it's the same reason, and would greatly affect your world's economy if I did so."
"Oh… But wait, didn't you say you would grant me more wealth than I knew what to do with when we first met?" he asked her, looking confused.
"That would be through giving you a blessing of good fortune and keen business knowledge, so you could win lotteries and/or the stock market all the time," she answered.
Keiichi was surprised. "Seriously?"
"I could try that right now if you like?" Bell asked him.
Keiichi shrugged. "If you really think it'll work."
Bell nodded and stood up, hands in a praying motion. "Spirits of Earth and Heaven, I stand here with a soul in need. If thou are listening, please help giver this soul with the light of life and with the sustenance he needs to live."
"That seemed more like a prayer then a sp-"
"Hey mister!" a young girl's voice called out to the two, waving at them, getting their attention. Keiichi recognized her, along with the woman standing beside her.
"Hey, wait a minute, that's the little girl I helped last night to find her mom," he started, surprised he ran into the two again.
A few minutes later, Bell and Keiichi were sitting with them at the restaurant, the girl's mother buying the two lunch.
"I still can't thank you enough for helping Hijiri yesterday," Hijiri's mother thanked Keiichi. "I was worried sick that I wouldn't be able to find my little girl, so you were a real lifesaver."
"It was nothing really, We should be thanking you for treating us to lunch." Keiichi stated, modestly before taking a drink from his soda.
Bell giggles. "He's truly modest, isn't he?"
Hijiri's mother nodded. "He really is." She turned to her daughter. "Hijiri, did you thank this kind man for helping you the other night?"
"Uh-huh," Hijiri nodded, before looking at Keiichi. "Hey mister, is that pretty lady your wife?"
Keiichi did a spittank at the question, splashing the mother and daughter. He was blushing madly. "W-What!? No she's- !" He paused upon noticing his little blunder. "Oh, I'm so sorry to spray you both!"
Hijiri's mother whipped her face with a napkin, while Hijiri just laughed at the action. "That was funny~! Look, his face is all red~!"
"No, I am not Keiichi's wife," Bell answered, while Keiichi decided to go back to drinking his soda in quite embarrassment. "I just arrived the other day and Keiichi was kind enough to help me~"
"That's so sweet of him," Hijiri's mother stated, smiling after getting the last of Keiichi's beverage off her face.
"Although, I'm not opposed to the idea of him being my husband~" Bell stated, taking his arm in her's, a teasing tone in her voice which made Keiichi turn redder, almost doing another spittank from what was stated.
"Gah, don't go saying that!" The young man said, embarrassed.
"Why~? Any girl would be happy to have a dedicated young man such as you as a partner~" Bell stated genuinely, but also teasingly.
"Beeeeeeeeell…. Stop it, you're just like my mom teasing me about girls I had crushes on back in elementary…! Ugh, I thought I was done with this kinda embarrassment after highschool…!" he groaned out, his head slumping.
"Hmhm~ The two of you seem very close," Hijiri's mother stated, a small chuckle passing her lips. "It's so sweet~"
"Excuse me lady," Hijiri called out. "Where did you get your clothes? They look really nice, but seem to be tight on you."
"Oh, well," Bell thought of a response. "I suppose you could say I made them myself."
"Oh, really~?" Hijiri asked in wonder.
"Y-Yeah, it's tradition where Bell's from and they can make what they like, and what they feel like," Keiichi bluffed his way through this.
"I know it might be a little… Revealing I guess you would say, here, but I am going to get some clothes from around here, and other fabrics to use, so I have clothes from Japan as well," Bell stated. She then looked sheepish. "I didn't have much time to change with all the house hunting we did…" Bell then got a mischievous glint in her eye as she placed a hand on her chin. "Although right now…."
Keiichi saw this, and was worried. "Uh… Bell… What are you doing…?"
"Young Hijiri, would you like to see a magic truck~?" Bell asked the small girl, ignoring Keiichi's question.
"Bell, please answer me…" Keiichi tried to get her attention, her last question scaring him on what she was going to do, and how fast he needed to get them out of there.
"A magic trick~!?" Hijiri asked in excitement.
"Bell…." The raven haired man said desperately, not liking where this was going one bit.
"I'll take that as a yes then~?" Bell asked her, getting a nod from Hijiri. Standing up from her seat, she gave Keiichi a mischievous smile.
"Please Bell, for my sanity and others, please don't do-" It was too late. Bell's body started to glow, shocking not only the three, but everyone else around also.
"Wow, look at that~!" Hijiri shouted in amazed awe while her mother could only stare wide-eyed, and Keiichi wasn't doing any better thanks to the many confused stares and murmurs coming from the pedestrians all around them.
As quickly as it began, the light dissipated from Bell, and she was in what looked like a business casual dress. "Tada~! How do I look~!? Great party trick, right~!? I do street magic from time-to-time, and I wanted to show off a trick I had been working on~! What did everyone think~!?"
Fortunately for Keiichi, most of the crowd seemed to buy that excuse as they simply shrugged and went on with their live's. Keiichi let out a sigh of relief though. Though some, like Hijiri's mother, were still stupefied by the spectacle they just saw.
"Aww, so it wasn't real magic…?" Hijiri asked, sounding disappointed.
The gleam in her eye appeared again, and waved the little girl over to whisper to her in her ear. "It was, I just didn't want to ruin the surprise for everyone~ A magician never reveals their secrets you know~ Don't tell anyone, it'll be our little secret, okay~?"
This admission, while making Hijiri gasp with excitement and wonder, was also overheard by her mother, which only added to her shock as she tried wrapping her head around what she just heard. "I– w-what are– who are you?!"
Bell winked at the mother, putting her finger to her lips, "Spoilers~ Don't want to ruin the wonder for your daughter, right~? But think of me as a guardian angel at least~"
Keiichi just groaned, facepalming at Bell's actions. The last thing he wanted to deal with was people learning about what Bell was, they didn't need the attention.
"C-Come along Hijiri, let's get moving now." Hijiri's mother said as she quickly got up and grabbed her daughter's hand, not wanting to be near whatever Bell was any longer. "W-We've got a busy day ahead of us."
Hijiri pouted to her mother. "Aw but mom, Bell is good, I can tell…"
Keiichi got up just as fast, grabbing Bell. "W-Well, we need to go too anyway," Keiichi agreed with Hijiri's mother, and not wanting this to get more convoluted. "S-Still have housing to find for us to stay at, since I got kicked out last night. Thank you again for the food ma'am." He bows to her in both thankfulness and apologetic for all the bruha that was going on. "But I can confer, Bell is a good person. … She's just mischievous at times… Like a kid…"
Bell pouted cutely at him for that comment. "Hey, I just like people enjoying life to the fullest and smile. Life should be enjoyed to the fullest with a giant smile on people's face~!"
"W-Well, I'm sure you don't m-mean us h-harm," Hijiri's mother said unconvincingly. "B-But I just remembered we have t-things to take care of anyway."
"Mommy is lying," Hijiri stated, pouting at her. "She's just making things up."
Keiichi sighed in exhaustion, not surprised by the mother's behavior. Not twenty-four hours ago, he was acting just like her after all.
"At least let us pay you back for the meal then." Keiichi said as he pulled out his wallet. "It's the least I can do for all this. I know how it is to have your worldview shattered, and trying to process everything. But I can confer with absolute certainty, she IS a good person."
"O-Oh you don't have to do that, after all it was on me after all, j-just, j-just keep your money okay."
"No, I can't. This mess is partly my fault for not keeping a better eye on Bell and not trying hard enough to stop her." Opening up his wallet, he went in for a couple bills of the few ten he had left. "Consider this an apology, from me to yo–."
He was stopped when Hijiri's mother pushed it back to him. She let out a sigh. "I see you two are good people, I-I just got scared a bit. I didn't think something like this would happen…"
"Trust me I know the feeling," Keiichi told her, letting out his own sigh. "But I still want to make it up to you ma'am."
She shook her head at him. "You said you're looking for a place, sense you lost yours. "I can't, in good conscience, make you waste your money without finding a place to stay first."
"But I-"
"I promise you it's fine," she stated sternly, turning her mother to look at him. "I do appreciate you helping my daughter… and I will admit, I love how happy she is in seeing that "trick" you finance pulled-"
"Wait she's not my-" he was cut off again.
"-but I do wish the two of you luck in your indervers. The least we can do is help someone that helped us out as well."
Keiichi sighed, knowing he wasn't going to win this argument. "Fine… But at least let me apologize again for what Bell did and said. Like we said, she's new here, so she'll take time to get used to everything…"
Hijiri's mother giggled lightly. "I can tell. Though her joke was a bit funny, now that I have time to think about it."
Bell smiled at her warmly. "Thank you ma'am~"
"But I would be happy if you two kept this between us," Keiichi pleaded. "Last thing I need is people hounding me and Bell about this."
"Yes, I think that would be for the best," Hijiri's mother nodded in agreement.
"Thanks," Keiichi said as he put his wallet back. "Well ma'am, thank you again for the food. It really helped."
"Oh, no need for thanks. It was the least I could for you after what you did the other night."
"Still though…" Keiichi said before deciding to just drop it. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you. But if you don't mind, I think it's time for me and Bell to be on our way. We got a lot to do after all. Come on Bell."
"As you wish Keiichi~" Bell said with a bow before turning to Hijiri. "Farewell little Hijiri, do take care of yourself."
"I will!" Hijiri shouted in joy, waving at the two as they began to walk off. "I hope to see more magic soon lady~!"
"I'm sure you will Hijiri," Bell stated as she waved back. "I'm sure you will."
After a short walk, the two quickly climbed into Keiichi's bike and were soon back on the road in hopes of finding a place to call home. With any luck, they could hopefully find a place before nightfall because, at least for Keiichi, he didn't want to spend a second night in that car.
(Apartment Street: Road)
As the two traveled down the busy road, passing by several buildings and vehicles, Keiichi was busy scolding Bell for her reckless action from earlier. "Listen, Bell, you can't go around using magic in public like that, you got lucky by calling it street magic while that family was very understanding. If word got out about you being a Demon, there would be untold pandemonium."
Rather than take in what Keiichi was saying, Bell decided to fawn innocence. "Master, please do not worry yourself. If it makes you feel much better I can only use that magic a few times a day." She had a tease in her voice. She then got serious. "I also did it to make them feel better, and try to get you to feel better as well, Keiichi. You were very stressed out from everything."
Keiichi sighs. "Be that as it may, it was still too reckless. I appreciate what you were aiming for, but you must be more subtle about this sorta stuff." Keiichi told her. "I mean, does magic need to be so…. flashy? Can't you guys just use it without all the theatrics?"
"Hmm, well I could," Bell said, before giving him a cheeky grin. "But where would the fun in that be? After all, if you have something most others don't, shouldn't you be able to fault it out every once and a while?"
"Not if it'll make things more difficult to be together," Keiichi told her somewhat sternly. "The last thing we need is some government agency kicking down our door and dragging you off to who knows where."
"Ah, but remember, if something does try to separate us, the System Force would intervene," Bell stated, though not without adding. "But I see your point, that could cause problems for everyone involved…"
"Bingo, meaning you'll have to learn as much as you can about this world so you can fit in better," Keiichi stated. "That means you gotta act, dress, and think like a normal human being. No magic unless absolutely necessary."
"Yes, I understand," Bell nodded in agreement. "I shall try my very best to get used to the customs of this world. I only hope to do so quickly."
Keiichi smiled. "I'm sure you'll get the hang of it, especially if we work together. So let's do our best to make this work out."
"Agreed."
"But first thing's first, we need to find a place to live," Keiichi stated. "Shall we?"
(Home Retail Office 1)
Their first stop was that of a yellow colored Home Retail. They were meeting the owner to look for a new place to live.
"Uh… We're looking for a place for the… two… of use…" Keiichi told him.
"Yes, well, let's see…" the business man started. "What kind of place do you have in mind?"
"Well… We want a place that has a full kitchen and two decemlty sized bedrooms." Keiichi started.
"Why two bedrooms Keiichi?" Bell asked.
"Well… I don't want to share right now. I want to take this slowly." he answered her.
Bell nodded. "I understand~"
"Now where was I, ah yes, with two bathrooms and a parking space for my motorcycle," Keiichi added.
"Hmm, I think we may have something you're looking for." The business man said as he hummed in thought. Though, before he could answer, Keiichi also added this little tidbit.
"Well… here's the thing… I'm in college so I can't pay more than 150 a month…" Keiichi knew he was reaching. "I know this sounds impossible, but I really need to ask it anyway."
The business man's right eyebrow twitched for a second, before throwing the two out, shouting, "What you're looking for doesn't exist!"
"Well that was quite rude…" Bell stated as she and Keiichi got up and dusted themselves off.
"But not unreasonable with what I was asking for…" Keiichi sighs.
(Home Retail Office 2)
The next one was a walk in Home Rental, where you just look at what they have to offer. Keiichi looked through the pamphlet, and sighed at the lack of anything in his price range.
"Why not go with the one bedroom idea I gave earlier?" Bell asked. "We can put two beds in the room to make it work."
"But then we won't have privacy to do things on our own," Keiichi stated.
"Oh~ But I don't mind sharing with you~" she teased him, putting her arms around his shoulders, making him go bright red from the action.
"C-Come on Bell…" Keiichi said, awkwardly. "Don't start with that sorta stuff."
"What stuff~?" She asked coyly. "I'm just making a simple suggestion. You're the one who's jumping to whatever conclusions you have in your head~."
Keiichi was opening and closing his mouth, trying to think of a retort, but couldn't. He just slumped his head in defeat.
"Aham," the two's attention was drawn to a nearby business woman standing nearby. "May I help you?"
The two looked sheepish. "Sorry, we're trying to find a new place and Bell is just excited," Keiichi told the woman. "But maybe you could help us. You see I'm trying to find a two bedroom place yet I don't have a whole lot to my name, so maybe you can find us a nice place that fits our budget?"
"Though we're also not opposed to sharing either." Bell butted in. "We are after all rather close~ We are a starting couple and want to get better acquainted with each other~"
Keiichi had a sheepish smile on his face.
To say the woman was not amused would be an understatement, she was looking at them with jealous fury, and pretty soon the human and Demon Goddess found themselves back out on the road after being banned from the Retail Office forever.
Bell looked sheepish and Keiichi's disapproving glare at her. "Ahehehehe… My bad…~"
"I think you made her angry and jealous, Bell…" he said flatly to the Demon Goddess, who didn't catch onto his sarcasm. He let out a sigh. "Next one…"
(Home Retail Office 3)
For Retail Office number 3, things seem to be going along far more smoothly as the manager of the business seemed more patient with the two after listening to Keiichi's specific requests.
"Hmm, I'll be frank with you kiddo, there aren't many places that fit with what you're asking." The manager, an elderly man wearing a three-piece suit and glasses, said as he leaned back in his chair, with his legs propped on the desk.
"O-Oh, I see." Keiichi said dejectedly, really hoping that this would be the place he would find a home.
"But," the manager continued, breaking Keiichi from his thoughts. "There is one place that does fit the bill on the other side of town. In fact it could actually be cheaper than what you're initially asking for."
"R-Really," Keiichi asked, shocked. "T-That sounds terrific, if that's the case then we'll take–!"
"Hang on a moment master Keiichi," Bell said, stopping the young man from acting too quickly. Something about the deal didn't sound right to her. Giving him a look that bored directly into his eyes, startling him, she asked. "Why is this place so cheap exactly?"
"Er, well," the old man slowly spat out as he had a nervous look on his face. "I-It is in a little… state of disrepair."
Upon hearing the word "disrepair", Keiichi's mood soured a bit. "Like, how bad?"
"E-Eh, well, um, how should I put this?" The old man nervously chuckled as he tried choosing his next words carefully. "F-For starters the roofs have been known to… leak on occasion, a-and the power can fluctuat now and then."
Bell and Keiichi gave each other a concerned look, already having an idea of what kinda place the manager was offering. "Anything else?"
"E-Eh, well," the manager gulped. "T-There may be a small, tiny, insignificant pest problem. But I'm sure nothing but a few traps can't fix those."
And that was all they needed to hear. Getting up, Keiichi gave the man a bow. "Well, thank you for the offer sir, but I think we'll be passing on the deal. I hope you understand."
The man sighs. "I figured. And I do apologize for that, but finding a good place like you ask and for that cheap isn't going to happen overnight. It's virtually impossible with this economy." Taking his feet off the desk and placing his elbows down, he asked in a begging tone. "But won't you please consider my option! I've been stuck with that place for years and haven't been able to sell it off! It isn't much but I'm sure such a capable young man like yourself can fix it up with a bit of elbow grease!"
The two looked at each other. "We'll think about it," Keiichi stated. "We'll keep it as a last resort, if that's okay?"
"Mmmmm," the old man's face scrunched up in an expression the two weren't really sure what, until he fell back into his chair. "Oh very well, I suppose that's the best I could ask from you. I hope to see you again soon."
"Well, we'll have to see." Keiichi said as he and Bell made their way to the door. "I thank you for taking the time to help us, and if we don't return then I hope you'll have luck with selling that place. We hope you have a nice day sir."
"You as well young man, and I wish you and your lady friend luck too." The old man waved as they two opened the door and began to leave. "Happy trails to you my friend."
"You as well sir." Keiichi said with his own wave as he and Bell passed the office's threshold and closed the door behind him. After hearing their footsteps fade into silence before the sound of a motorcycle leaving could be heard outside, the old man slumped into his chair as he let out a moan.
"Ugh, I'm never gonna get rid of that accursed place. I might as well face the music," tilting his head to the right, the old man stared directly at the nearby jerry can hidden behind the trash bin. "I might as well have to carry out my original idea and just torch the place and collect the insurance if those two don't come back."
(Sidewalk Street)
Keiichi and Bell were resting on the side of the road on the motorcycle, taking a break after spending a good chunk of the day looking for a home, though with very little luck.
"Man… this is turning out to be a whole lot harder than I thought…" Keiichi stated.
"Now I understand how hard it is to live on Earth," Bell stated. "How do people get by?"
"It's hard, hardships are a fact of life," he answered her. "So people work their hardest in hopes of things getting easier."
"Ohh, sounds monotonous." Bell pointed out, not liking the sound of that aspect.
Keiichi shrugged. "It can be, but if you can manage working and living on what you love, it makes it easier and makes it seem less like hard work."
"Perhaps," Bell shrugged. "But I rather preferred it back when humanity lived more simple lives, building their own homes without having to pay such extravagant prices. Everything seems so complicated now."
"Funny you should mention building, it's my dream to build my own motorcycle someday in the future," Keiichi stated, a smile on his face.
"Yes, I could tell by the condition of your items back at your old home." Bell nodded. "You certainly do take good care of your things. I'm certain that you'll do a wonderful job with creating and maintaining your own motorcycle."
Keiici smiled at Bell, thankful for her support. "Thank you Bell, that means a lot." He then let out a sigh of exhausted frustration. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to build anything until we find someplace to live. Dreams don't earn you money after all…" Pulling out his wallet, he opened it to glare at the measly 2000 yen bill in there. "This is all the money I have to my name… It's all my savings I have to my name right now…"
"Yes, that is certainly unfortunate with this money you have. If only there was something we could do." Bell asked him, wishing there was some way to help with their financial woes.
"Yeah I know…" he said, letting out another sigh.
For a brief moment the two stood there, silently brainstorming any solutions that could help, when Bell got an idea. "Perhaps I can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in finding a suitable place for the two of us to live? May I ask for our assistance?"
"If you think it'll work, go for it." He shrugged, seeing no harm in trying. "Still surprising you can do something like that."
Bell smiled at him in comfort. She then put her hands in a praying motion. "Oh Spirit of this money, ye who bears the hopes and dreams of this kind and humble man, we ask of you, two wandering souls who seek refuge in our time of need. We call upon you now, to reveal the path that we must take."
After Bell finished her prayer, nothing happened, much to Keiichi's disappointment. "Well, either the spirits didn't hear us or they decided to pull one over us. Oh well…"
However, as if to contradict him, a mighty gust of wind suddenly appeared and somehow managed to blow the remaining yen out of his wallet and into the air.
"What the–!?" His jaw dropped in shock. "NO THAT WAS MY LIFE SAVINGS!" He turns to Bell in fear. "We need to go after it!"
"O-Oh, then let us make haste!"
Swiftly getting on his bike, the two drove off after it, making twists and turns down the streets as they followed after the cash that was bellowing in the wind, with Keiichi watching it like a hawk all the while. He sincerely hoped it landed someplace soon, and not into a puddle or some guy's grasp.
(Temple Shrine Tarikihongan)
After an intense, but short, chase, Keiichi stopped at a nearby Buddha Shrine Temple, looking frantically for where his money could have flown off too. "Where'd it go!? Where'd it go!? If we lose that, we'll be completely screwed! Forget looking for a home, we'll have trouble with getting a simple candy bar!"
"Keiichi, there!" Bell shouted, pointing to the air where his money was flying over the stone walls of the temple.
"Gah! There goes my money!" Keiichi exclaimed as he hurriedly parked his bike next to the wall and the two went after it.
Unbeknownst to either of them, inside the shrine a fairly middle aged monk was peacefully meditating in the main room when he sensed the two of them approaching the premise, not looking happy about the disturbance. Promoting him to slowly lift himself up with a heavy sigh, so that he may deal with these intruders.
Back outside, Keiichi and Belldandy ran up to the temple's offering box, seeing that Keiichi's money was in between the offering ports. "Oh thank the heavens. We found it. We were this close to losing my life savings…" He said, relieved, before finally taking notice of his surroundings for the first time and seeing that he and Bell were in a shrine. "Hey… That's funny… I never knew there was a temple around here before."
The Temple was very nice, nothing too fancy but quite serene in a city such as this, but it looked like it was in need of repairs here and there, as well as trimming some of the grass and trees.
"There are no evil spirits here, that I sense of," Bell states. "In fact, it certainly does give me a feeling of peace and it is quite lovely here in spite of its slightly worn down state."
"I have to agree with you on that," Keiichi stated. "But anyways, we should just get what we came here for, and head back to looking for a place to stay."
Keiichi went down to grab his money, only for the doors to suddenly slam open, revealing the monk holding a stick that is used for discipline. He brandished it with a battle cry, catching the two off guard, and struck Keiichi over the head with it. Keiichi fell on his back, causing his money to fall completely into the box.
"Keiichi!" Bell shouted in worry.
"Anybody seen my life savings…?" he asked, delirious from the blow.
Needless to say, their meeting with the temple monk wasn't exactly what you would call…. all that pleasant.
(Temple Shrine Tarikihongan: Guest Room)
A few minutes later, Keiichi and Bell were inside a room within the temple, Keiichi's head in Bell's lap while she used her powers to heal him in her blue, red and purple light. She finished, Keiichi starting to wake up.
Keiichi groaned awake. "Oh man… my head… What happened…? The last thing I remember is being clobbered over the head by somebody…"
"I'm glad to see that you're alright," Bell said, making Keiichi look up at her while she was smiling kindly at him. "You're going to be just fine, Keiichi."
Keiichi's eyes widened, his cheeks turning red as he tried to look away, not wanting her to see his flustered expression. He got off her lap, sitting up, making her giggle.
'W-Whoa… Bell put my head on her lap while I was knocked out…?' Keiichi thought in his head.
"Are you feeling better?" Bell asked. She then added in a playful teasing way. "If you're still feeling any pain I can put you on my lap again and heal you some more~"
"N-No, I'm fine, really!" Keiichi said in panic, not wanting to be embarrassed even further.
"So you've come back to the land of the living," a new voice said from the other side of the door, before it slid open to reveal the monk from before. A few minutes passed and the monk brought out a small table and tea for all of them, bowing to the two in apologies. "I'm incredibly sorry for my actions. I mistook you two as thieves trying to steal from the temple's offerings. I know I jumped to conclusions, and this is the mistake of my life."
"Oh, no, I should be the one apologizing," Keiichi stated. "Honestly, I'm not surprised that you thought I was stealing. Anyone can easily make that mistake."
"No, please, don't give it another thought," he said. He then put something on the table. "Oh, and as for this…" It was Keiichi's money. "Please take this, allow me to return this money to you. It's the least I can do to show you I'm sorry."
"Oh, well uh," Keiichi took the money as he spoke. "Thanks. But still, let us at least make up for the inconvenience. How about in exchange for the money, would it be alright for us to stay for one night? We haven't been able to find a place to live and have nowhere to go. And if this isn't enough to pay you, I'll do whatever I can to make it up to you."
"Hmm, I see." The monk said as he rubbed his chin with a thoughtful expression. "I suppose it would be fair to allow you two to stay here in exchange for doing some chores. This place has been falling apart lately and could use a touch up. Furthermore, I'll give you a good meal in return as well." He smiled at the two before gaining a serious look. "However, don't expect the work to be easy. If you're really serious about doing some hard work, then you better be ready to break a sweat."
This made Belldandy and Keiichi happy, smiling at eachother. "Of course sir. We're ready to do whatever."
"Glad to hear." The monk said before clapping his hands together. "Well, I guess now's as good a time as any. Work won't start itself you know~"
"Oh, yes of course." Keiichi said as he and Bell got to their feet. "We'll do our best sir!"
And with that said, after getting a list of chores from the monk, the two got to work cleaning. Keiichi was having a hard time with the work, not used to cleaning in the old style but was able to get the job done. He did get himself smacked a few times for messing up though. But Bell was doing things perfectly, making things sparkle. During the cleaning of the Buddha Bell's aura showed of both light and dark, she was happily cleaning it. The monk saw this and was wondering what was going on.
Soon enough the evening came, and Bell was sweeping the leaves while Keiichi was reroofing the tiles. While he was working though his shoulder that was struck by the monk's stick earlier flared up a bit, so rubbed the spot where he was hit. "I gotta say; that Koshian's the most violent monk I've ever met… I thought guys like him were all about preaching peace and stuff."
Bell heard him and replied back, "But I'm certain that his intention is not to harm you."
Keiichi sighs. "You might be right… I read that it was used for discipline… But how are we going to finish the temple anyways? The lawn is filled with so many weeds, that's going to be a major thing to pull all of them out."
Bell Smiled. "Hey, many hands make light work," Bell said. "And I'm sure it'll be fun working on it together~"
Keiichi smiled slightly. "I guess so. I just hope we can have some fun after- GAH!" He didn't get the chance to finish his sentence when one of the roof tiles gave way under his foot, making him trip and start to fall down the roof and over the edge.
"Keiichi!" Bell shouted in worry. She then started to chant to save him, the mark on her head glowing. "I am the Demon-Goddess, Belldandy. Heed my voice. I call forth to thee in the name of the Autumn leaves. Deliver this man into safety." Just then the wind picked up, and the leaves scattered about blew into the air and formed a pile just under where Keiichi was heading, cushioning his fall.
"I-I think I saw my life flash before my eyes…" Keiichi said, shaking.
"Keiichi, Keiichi, are you alright?" Bell asked worriedly, running over to him. "Speak to me!"
"I'm good." Keiichi groaned, sitting up just fine, albeit a bit spooked. Looking down at the leaf pile beneath him, he asked. "Did you do that, just now?"
Bell nodded. "I did. I know I said I'd be more careful using my powers, but I couldn't stand letting you get hurt. Please forgive my grievous mistake."
Keiichi shook his head. "You had to do what you had to do. There was no other way to save me in time." He smiled at her. "Besides, you did it to save me, so I truly appreciate that~" This made Bell smile brightly. "Thank you for saving me Belldandy~"
Bell smiled and hugged him. "You're welcome, Keiichi~"
Keiichi went red in the face from the hug. "Well, we better get back to fixing that roof, huh?" he asked, trying to change topics.
"You're right," Bell said, agreeing.
Unknown to the two, Koshian the monk was watching the two behind a tree, and saw everything. "How in the world did that woman do that…? And who, or what, is she? She has some sort of power… but what is it?"
(Temple Shrine Tarikihongan: Night)
It was now night, and Bell And Keiichi were asleep, with Koshian outside meditating, wanting to wait and see if Belldandy was an evil spirit. Though during the process he sorta…dozed off into the night.
Later on, Bell opened an eye, sensing that both were asleep. Bell walked out, seeing Koshian. She smiled at the man, and put a blanket over him. She walked to the main part of the shirine.
"Ah, such a lovely night~" Bell said. "I want to show my appreciation to Koshian." She then put her hands together and called out, "Holy Bell, Blue Lance, appear before me~" Just then, a blond and black haired angel with one white feather wing and one black feather wing and a wind demon with white and black hair with matching wings, but were bat-like instead. "Now then, come let us sing together~" Bell said, having the two nod in agreement. "Return this desolate place to its former glory~" Bell said, sending magic into the air.
While this was happening, Koshian woke up. He saw the blanket on him, and looked confused. "How did I- Oh no.." he opened the door where Bell and Keiichi were sleeping, and saw that Bell was gone. "I failed…" Just then he heard singing from not one, but three voices, confusing him. He recognized Bell's voice, but not the other two. "Where on earth are those voices coming from?"
In the courtyard, Bell, Holy Bell and Blue Lance were surrounded by golden and dark energy, singing in harmony and restoring the temple to what it once was, rewinding the time around the temple, making it look like new. After they had finished, Bell smiled at her Angel and Demon. "Thank you so much, Holy Bell, Blue Lance~" They just smiled and went back into Belldandy.
Koshian saw the whole thing, and was in shock, Belldandy had both the balancer of light and dark, true harmony. He made it to the buddha statue and prayed in front of it. 'My eyes have been open. She has both yin and yang, light and dark. She has the power of two counterforces that shouldn't be easy to keep together. She has achieved true balance and harmony. She is the pinnacle of Heaven and Earth itself. She has transcended the level of enlightenment, and has surpassed it. I see now, I still have a long way to go.'
(Temple Shrine Tarikihonga: Morning)
It was the next day, and Koshian had gathered his things to head out on his journey of enlightenment.
Keiichi got up, feeling better than he ever had. "Man, I've never spelt better in such a long time~"
"Ah, good morning Keiichi," Bell called out to him as she entered the room. "I see that you've slept well."
"Like a log." Keiichi affirmed, before realizing his companion was already up before him. "Hey, what are you doing awake this early? With all the work we've done yesterday I figured you'd get up around the same time as me."
Bell simply shrugged. "I suppose I'm just a morning person is all. I figured that it would be nice to have a nice little walk around the temple."
"Is that so?" he asked. He then shrugs. "Well we should find Koshian and see what else he needs us to do."
"Ah, about that master. Since you brought it up, I should mention something." Bell said, catching Keiichi's attention. "While I was on my walk I ran into him, and to make a long story short, Koshian has told me he was leaving." This surprised Keiichi.
"Leaving?" Keiichi parroted, unsure of what she meant.
With Koshian, he had made it to the gate dressed in traveling monk attire with a bag hanging over his shoulder and a Kagyu hat on his head. Looking back at his temple home one last time before he left. "Farewell, Tarikihongan Temple. I shall return one day soon."
Turning away, he began to walk down the path once more before Belldandy and Keiichi rushed out of the temple, just in time to see him leave. "Mr. Koshian, please wait," Bell called out.
"Ah, good morning Mr. Keiichi, Ms. Belldandy. I'm so glad to see you both before I head off on my journey and say farewell."
"H-Hang on a minute, where are you going?" Keiichi asked, looking confused.
"There is still much training for me to do," he told the two. "To reach full enlightenment and balance, I must embark on a pilgrimage across the nation. So please, send me off with a smile."
"O-Okay…?" Keiichi, sounding confused. "But why all of a sudden?"
"I've been painfully aware of my own inexperience. I aspire to be like Ms. Belldandy one day, and have the ability to send others to a higher plane with such a glorious voice in the presence of a guardian angel and spirit. And find balance between light and dark~"
"Guardian angel? Spirit?" Keiichi asked, looking lost before putting two and two together and looking at Bell, who put on a nervous smile. However, before he got the chance to ask what she did, Koshian called out.
"Farewell you two!"
"Hey wait, what about your temple?" Keiichi cried, still not understanding why the man was leaving. There's no way he'd just abandon his temple, right?
"Until the time I have reached true enlightenment, I'm leaving this temple in your hands~" he stated, and then turned away one last time to begin his journey. Keiichi wanted to talk more, but sadly for him Koshian managed to get past the front gate and turned the corner of the temple wall, disappearing from sight.
Once he was gone, Keiichi looked at Bell. "Bell… Did you do something last night…?"
"I think he was referring to my partners~" Bell said, summoning Holy Bell and Blue Lance, surprising Keiichi.
"WHA! Who are they!?" Keiichi shouted in shock.
"Meet Holy Bell and Blue Lance~" Bell introduced him to her Angel and Demon. "They are the ones that protect me and are always me~ They are my higher self~"
"... I think Koshian jumped to a conclusion he probably shouldn't have…" Keiichi said, deadpanned.
"I don't know~I think I may have helped him on the path to being better than he already was~" Bell said. "And plus, thanks to his kindness and generosity we have a new home to live in, do we not~?"
Keiichi just looked up at the temple, still unsure of the whole thing. "I guess…" Then he looked down to the ground. "It's way too early for this kinda stuff." Stumbling back into the temple with Bell following close behind. "I guess we should get to work then. The place isn't going to fix itself."
Bell nodded in agreement. "Yes~ I look forward to it~" The two smiled, and got to work on fixing their new home.
To be continued
And we're finally done…
Search: Indeed, and only a day after Thanksgiving too.
Otaki: "You two took your sweet ass time."
Search: Well sorry, we have lives outside of story writing you know. In fact, why are you still here? Grab your food and get back on the transit that brought you here.
Otaki: "Sheesh alright, I'm going I'm going."
It was nice having you here mate. Thanks again.
Otaki: "Thanks, at least one of ya has some manners."
Search: I paid for your ticket back home. That not enough? Now leave auto man! Leave and never return!
Otaki: "Fine! Have a chill pill man!"
(Grabs his food and exits out the door)
Was that really necessary?
Search: Yes it was.
(Sighs) Well anyways. We hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a like, review and other things to tell us what you think.
Search: We hope to see you all soon. Stay safe and take care.
Agreed. And hope to see you all next time. Also, by the way did you pay for the right ticket?
Search: Of course I did. He'll get home just fine.
(Hours later)
Otaki: "Finally, I thought that bus ride would never end! Seriously, how long does it take to get back to the uni-" (he sees that instead of being back at the University, or being in Japan for that matter, he was in a small suburban neighborhood in America.) "WHAT THE HECK?! WHERE AM I?!"
(As if on cue, one of the houses doors opened up, revealing a rather scrawny man wearing sunglasses, an orange hat, and had a cigarette in his mouth)
Dale: "Okay Nacey, I'm heading to the gun club meeting. I'll be sure to pick up stuff for dinner." (Notices Otaki standing in his lawn and, seeing the resemblance between them, freaks out and runs back inside.) "Geh! Nacey! Code 52 Tango!"
Otaki: "THAT BASTARD GAVE ME THE WRONG TICKET!"
Please R&R
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