Chapter 31

Truth in an Angel's Eyes

(cont'd)

Skuld had spent the next hour talking to Will about the Goddess Practice, and that although it wasn't per say a strict religious sect, it wasn't without it's supernatural ability. Will still had a very hard time believing her story. It was strange that she could change clothes, float in mid air, all those other things that she showed him to prove herself. It wasn't until Skuld brought forth Noble Scarlet that Will began to understand what she really said as the truth.

Skuld: "Will. I must show you something that most humans have never experienced. Come forth... Noble Scarlet!"

Her angel suddenly sprang forth from behind her, ever so quietly. With her gentle smile placed on Will.

Will: "Wha... What's going on here! Th-that's the angel from..my. MY Dream?"

Skuld: "Well, yes Will. Not your dream it was real. You were just so drunk i don't think you believed it really."

Scarlet leaned in close to Will to inspect his expression as he tumbled backward onto the floor to get away, his back now against the wall. Skuld just knelt close to him, letting her angel inspect him further.

Will: "But, she's an angel! How? How do you get and angel like that? I mean..i mean. Hell i don't know WHAT i mean!"

Skuld: "Will. Please don't be afraid. I have been forced to make you believe in me, what i really am, so we can continue to be together. Understand?"

Will: "Well yes, but. But do you really expect me to believe all this at one time. I mean, you have an Angel for crying out loud! And you can change your appearance and god knows what else. Wait, god DOES know what else, what am i saying?!"

Skuld: "Will, please. I just want you to know who..WHAT i really am."

After that comment Will suddenly looked to his right by the front door, to find Belldandy quietly listening. Skuld noticed and jerked up from her kneeling position.

Skuld: "Belldandy! I didn't know you were here! When did you get.."
Belldandy: "Oh. I'm sorry if i disturbed you both. Umm...Skuld? Why is Noble Scarlet here?"

Will: "That's what the hell i'd like to know!"

Skuld: "I...told him, Sis. I told him everything."

Belldandy looked on at Will and Skuld with a smile. Will was still shaking his head, in disbelief.

Bell: "Will, look at me please. Just a moment."

Will: "Huh? Ok, whaaaaaaaaaaah!! What the hell!? You too? Oh great, i..i think i'm gonna.."

Skuld: "WILL! Oh Will! Are you ok? Wake up Will!"

Belldandy: "Oops. I'm sorry Skuld. Maybe i just should have left."

Will lay on the floor with an odd smirk on his face, more like part smile, part smirk. He finally came around and slowly sat up, looking at both Skuld and Bell, Noble Scarlet and Holy bell. He gently reached out toward both the apparitions as they each took a hand and lifted him to his feet. Their touch was warm and soothing, it was similar to a warm bath, but not getting wet. It was an extremely odd feeling to him.

Will sat on the couch, to relax and take in all that just transpired. Still not one hundred percent convinced.

Will: "So this means that all three of you are goddesses, right? What the hell does that make Keiichi? A God?"

Skuld and Bell looked at each other and laughed.

Belldandy: "Well, he's my husband for sure, hehe!"

Skuld: "And really lucky on the other hand."

Will: 'What do you mean lucky?"

Bell: "He is a mortal too Will. Like yourself, i came to him in a awkward situation and he wished me to stay with him forever."

Will: "Hell of a wish. But i can see definitely why he did."

Belldandy could only giggle at the comment.

Will: "I'd still like to know how you guys are doing this?"

Bell tried to think about an easy way for Will to believe that what he's witnessing is real, but it was proving kind of hard with Skuld constantly babbling on about one thing or another. Will's head was beginning to seriously hurt from all the stress and a mind that wouldn't settle down and focus.

Bell: "You just have to trust me that what you've witnessed is indeed the truth. I have to go now, Kei is waiting. I just stopped buy to get something."

Will: "Well..i guess i'll give it a shot. Don't worry. I can't tell anyone, they would never believe me anyway."

Bell got up and smiled and walked to the door. "I'll see you two later?"

Skuld: "Sure. We'll be there in a little while ok?"

Will simply smiled as Belldandy got up to leave.

Will sat quietly as the door shut behind Bell, he slowly rested his head down into his cupped hands. He took a slow deep breath and tried to relax. Everything in his being, his mind, his knowledge of science, thoughts of religion and the universe. All turned upside down by a woman he was in love with. He certainly wasn't upset with her, but if this were an elaborate hoax, he certainly would commend them on a hoax well done afterwards.

Skuld had transformed back to her evening dress, no hint of her goddess lineage except for her markings and the earrings she loved so much.

Will: "Know what's so unbelievable is i knew you three had some story behind you when i first met you all."

Skuld: "Huh?"

Will: "Just call it intuition i guess." Will paused for a moment before continuing. "I couldn't put my finger on it, but you and Bell, and Urd. You all seem, i dunno. Angelic? I guess that's the word i'm looking for."

Skuld: "So you aren't mad at me for fibbing to you all this time?"

Will: "Well i didn't say that did i?"

Skuld was suddenly afraid that things were going to blow up in her face. That was something she definitely did not want to hear from him right now.

Skuld: "Will, i. I'm very sorry, please don't be.."

Will: "I might be a little angry, but i still love you. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Skuld: "Aaah..well yes. I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me anymore."

Will: "You kidding? I wouldn't miss the future potential of this for the world..at least i think i wouldn't."

Skuld: "What do you mean by that."
Will: "Nothing, it was just a joke. So, you really weren't kidding when you said you made that robot huh? Looked state of the art to me. And just how did you give it circuits to understand language?"

Skuld blushed at his comment at first.

Skuld: "Well, i'll tell you about it later ok? Shouldn't we go to the races now? I know they're all waiting for us."

Meanwhile at the local meeting place, Regina and Kei were getting the club together to head over to the old industrial park. Belldandy and Urd were busy greeting everyone as they arrived at the parking lot. The entire club showed up to cheer all the racers on. Shane even showed up on his race bike, after hearing that one of the guys in Greg's club had a bike to run. After everyone showed up, Taka had the group follow him to the old industrial park where all the local street racing went on. It had been there for years, and was the only place in the whole town where there was no traffic. It was essentially a ghost town, with street lights.

At the site, Greg, Emilio and Donovan were prepping their racers for the night's event.

Greg: "Well, looks like this is it huh? You got all the cash Donovan?"

Donovan: "Yeah, don't you worry about that."

Mara: "This looks like it might be fun. So what do you guys do exactly?"

Emilio: "For you to be so hot, you sure are stupid."

Greg: "Shut up dude. She might not really know about all this stuff alright?"

Donovan: "It's simple babe. We race the other group with our cars, we win, we keep the cash and get bragging rights."
Mara: "So that Kei and Belldandy and her friends are the one's that are going to be here huh?"

Greg: "Why you so interested in them anyway? You know them?"

Mara: "You could say that, although i DON'T like them."

Donovan: "my kinda woman you are..although i don't care why you don't, but it's all good to me."

Mara: "Trust me you wouldn't understand anyway."

Emilio: "Huh? What you mean by that?"

Mara: "Quiet! Tiny penis, i wasn't talking to you."

Greg: "Ooooooooh. Guess she got you dude..HAHAHA!"

Emilio: "Shut up jackass! Man what a bitch."

Mara: "Why thank you for that nice comment.."

Donovan: "Hey. Here they come, i can hear them."

The gang approached the lot where Greg and Emilio's club were parked, all together Taka counted to himself that there had to have been sixty cars there, including all of their cars. They all pulled up in column formation, just across from where Greg and Donovan were standing.

Donovan: "So your little club ready to take on some real competition? Show me the money."

Taka: "Yeah, we're ready. Who's the starter?"

Donovan: "We thought it would be fair to use a neutral starter for this. We don't want any whining after all."

Taka: "That's fine by us. So, shall we get down to business?"

Greg: "Yeah, let's get it rolling."

An hour had passed before Will and Skuld showed up at the races. Taka and Megumi were busy trying to figure out why they had lost all of the races that had happened so far.

Taka: "Man, there's no way that we shouldn't have one at least ONE race. Something's just not right. Are we sure all the cars have good fuel in them? Maybe, maybe the fuel is tainted or something?"

Megumi: "I just don't know, i can't find anything wrong with the cars at all. I'm lost as to why this is happening."

Will: "Hey guys. How are things going?"

Kei: "We haven't won a single race yet out of ten."

Will: "WHAT? You're kidding me right?"

Sora: "No it's not a joke. They just keep outrunning us."

About that time Will and the others looked toward the screaming sound of high revving motorcycles pass them at a speed of around a buck fifty.

Will: "I guess his bike is having trouble."

Bell: "Aww. Shane lost his race too?"

Taka: "Dude, we can't win for loosing. This is starting to piss me off."

Shane pulled up to the group as he took his helmet off, shaking his head at Will.

Shane: "Jeez. There's no fucking way i just got beat by that GSXR. No way. I refuse to believe it."

Will: "Something wrong with the bike dude?"

Shane: "No. Nothing, it just didn't feel right. I mean it started out fine but it was like everything hit slow motion or something about half way. It never missed, i didn't blow a shift or anything. I can't understand what's up."

Will stood looking over at the other group of racers, high fives and hugs going around from all the excitement of winning. Belldandy silently tugged at Urd's arm and they walked a short way from the gang.

Bell: "Urd. Do you feel what i feel?"

Urd: "Huh? Oh. You mean the stale air around here? Yes. It feels like a demon is around, but if it is i have no idea who. There's a very strong spell suppressing what ever is being hidden."

Bell: "I knew something was going on. I've had trouble concentrating on anything since we got here, but i thought maybe it was just me. I wonder if Skuld feels the same thing?"

Kei: "This sucks. It's all my fault. I should have let everybody tune they're rides themselves. Guess i blew it for everybody."

Will: "Kei, this isn't your fault, so don't say that again, you hear?"

Kei: "Yeah, but..."

Regina: "Kei, you've done nothing wrong. So don't even think that."

Will walked away from the group quietly to the Red Mustang and got inside. He fired the car up and pulled off toward the other group of racers.

Taka: "Hey where's Will going?"

Skuld: "Huh? He was standing.."
Kei: "He's going over to Greg and the others."

Bell: "Is he going to race?"

Regina: "This is strange, he never said anything to me about racing tonite."

Shane: "I'll be right back." He said to the others as he threw on his helmet and started up his bike.

Urd: "Be careful Shane."

Shane nodded back at the group and followed Will over to Greg and his club.

Greg: "Hey who's this here? Never seen this car around."

Emilio: "Hell that's the 'Stang i was telling you guys about from the other day. This one's all mine guys."

Will pulled up and cut off the car and stepped out.

Greg: "It figures."

Emilio: "So it was you driving that car the other day huh? Wanna go again with that piece of shit? I already beat your ass last time."

Will: "In your dreams ass wipe."

Donovan took a look at Will. Then he looked away, toward Greg's Corvette.

Donovan: "So you wanna run huh?"

Will: "Why the hell not. Seems they can't win one tonight, so i figured i'd win one for them."

Emilio: "Is that so huh? You're a pretty cocky bastard."

Mara: "At least he's got more balls than you do 'Em."

Donovan and the rest of the gang laughed at her comment.

Mara walked up to Will, placing her hand on his chest and moving it up to his neck.

Mara: "You're a nice looking, big fellow. Very handsome, and strong too. What do you say to going out for a drink when this is over with hmm?"

Will looked at Mara and smiled in a polite tone, and he gently took her hand and removed it from his neck..

Will: "Sorry sweetie, i don't date strippers."

Mara: "And what makes you think i'm a stripper?"

Will: "It's the only piece of ass these guys can get."

Mara: "Humph. We'll we'll just see about that won't we?"

Will: "Let's get this shit over with. I haven't got all night."

Will walked back to the car and sat quietly when Shane leaned over into the window.

Shane: "I'll spot you on this alright, just be careful 'bro. Ok?"

Will didn't speak he simply cranked the car and gave a thumbs up and a smile.

Greg lined up the Corvette and sat patiently as Will pulled up along side him. They both performed small burn outs to heat the tires of their cars and they lined up against each other once again, at the starter.

Greg revved the 'Vette's engine lightly as Will never once looked over, his eyes glued to the hand motions of the starter. His head nodded as the starter pointed to him, Greg followed suit as he raised both hands high above his head. A few seconds had passed as all the members of both groups gathered behind the cars, while Shane and a member from Greg's club went to the finish line.

Once the flash of light was seen from them the starter threw down his hands down as Greg and Will left the starting line, tires biting for traction. Will had started with a car and a half worth of lead over Greg's Corvette and was making the lead even bigger. But as they reached the halfway mark in the road, Greg's car suddenly was alongside Will, and was slowly beginning to pull a half car lead. With the speeds approaching 100 plus miles per hour, Will's car suddenly broke loose as the right rear axle shaft gave way, and the car's power shifted to the left drive wheel, pulling the car into an instant left turn. As he got off the throttle, the car headed for the guardrail on the side of the road. He corrected for the left, but at those speeds it was difficult to completely recover and the car slowly spun to a halt in the middle of the road. Greg had since passed the finish line, and Shane had hopped on his bike to meet Will, who was quietly sitting in the car.

Shane: "Hey. Good save my man. You alright?"

Will: "I guess so."

Shane: "So what happened?"

Will: "I think i lost an axle. Felt like it anyway."
Shane: "In third or forth gear? That's kind of odd in a car this slow isn't it?"

Will: "Well, sort of i guess. It is a new rear end though. Might have been something wrong i wouldn't have known."

Shane: "Well. I'm just glad you're alright."

Soon after Greg pulled up alongside.

Greg: "What happened Will? You alright?"

Will: "Broke an axle i think."

Greg: "Damn. That sucks man. Good race though. If we're done i'm gonna split. See ya."

Will just waved him on his way, as Greg went back to his club to enjoy his victory. Soon after Regina and Kei pulled up to see if everything was alright.

Regina: "Oh my god Will! Are you ok?"

Will: "I'm fine Regina, not to say as much for the car though. I wouldn't feel so bad if it were actually my car and not a customers car. Heh."

Kei: "You had him there for most of the way though."

Will: "Not really, one second i'm two cars ahead and the next he's right next to me? He would have won anyway, had this not happened."

Kei: "Well, i'm glad nothing bad happened. Skuld was freaking out. I think you should go talk to her. Bell is trying to calm her down. We'll hook it up on the tow dolly to the van and get it home for you."

Will: "Thanks Kei. You're a great guy."

Kei: "No problem. Hey Taka! Come help me will you?"

Taka: "On my way Kei!"

Will climbed into the Thunderbird and rode back to the group, everyone surrounded them as they stopped and climbed out of the car. Skuld ran up to Will and gave him a great big hug. Will looked at her and smiled.

Will: "I'm alright Skuld. Try not to worry so much next time ok?"

Skuld only smiled and hugged him tighter.

Will and Regina explained to everyone what happened and talked everyone into calling it quits for the night. It was already approaching one a.m. They all agreed to meet at the club shop the next day around lunch to talk about what had transpired that night. And what to do different the next time. If there was a next time, they thought.

Will: "Hey sis? You mind riding home with Kei and Bell? I want to go for a short drive before going home."

Regina: "Well, i don't mind. You sure you ok?"

Will: "I'm fine i just want to clear my head about some things."

Regina: "Well if you say so. Just come home at a decent hour ok?"

Will: "It's already beyond decent hour ya think?"
Skuld: "Will. Um, could i go with you?"

Will: "Yeah. I don't mind. Just make sure you tell Bell you're with me."

Skuld: "Ok, be right back."

Will: "So what were you and your sisters talking about earlier?"

Skuld: "Oh. Bell and Urd were saying that they felt a demon presence here tonight."

Will: "Is that right? So there really are demons too huh?"

Skuld: "Yes. Not quite like most humans would think. Just the flipside of being a goddess."

Will: "So why don't you eliminate them?"

Skuld: "We can't. If we take one of them, then one of us are taken to keep the balance of power in order. It's the doublet system. In other words, we don't know if the one we eliminate would be "our" doublet or not."

Will: "I see. I guess it makes sense."

They rode in silence for a while. Will looked lost in thought. Skuld wasn't too concerned. She was already getting accustomed to his ways. Regina was a good informant, so her asking questions about him has seemed to help so far. Will looked over at her while stopped at a red light and smiled at her.

Will: "Say Skuld? Do you mind if we stay together tonight?"

Skuld: "Sure. I'd love that. Should i call Belldandy and tell her i'm staying at your place?"

Will: "Well, not my place. I thought we'd stay in a hotel tonight. So we could be alone in private to talk. Without a nosey sister hanging around."

Skuld: "Sure. Let me just give her a call."

Will pulled into a 24 hour package store and ran inside to get a six pack and another small pack of wine coolers and a few other things. He put the things in the back, and he drove a few blocks to the nice hotel near the airport.

Will and Skuld entered the lobby and approached the desk clerk.

Clerk: "Can i help you?"

Will: "Yes we need a room for the evening, please."

Clerk: "I only have smoking rooms available, is that okay?"

Will: "Um. Sure that's fine."

Clerk: "So you're Mr and Mrs?"

Will: "Harmmon"

Skuld looked at Will with a surprised face, she smiled full on at the answer he gave the clerk. Although it was completely unexpected. She merely leaned to him and grabbed his hand and held it tightly. She continued to replay his voice in her head, not listening to Will as he tugged at her to go find their room.

Will: "Come on Skuld...you can daydream when we get to the room. Hehe."

The clerk watched them as they left. "Man. You can sure tell when they're newlyweds."

Next Chapter soon...!