Standard Disclaimer
Mass Effect Andromida isn't as bad as people are making it out to be, but man it is super side-quest the game. Work is...ugh...stupid. People just changing things without asking anybody and causing trouble. Lame
X-X
This Time Around
Chapter – 2
Listing heavily into Keiichi, Urd was comfortably drunk. Not blitzed or tipsy, but that level of drunk that left her relaxed and just a little bit on the randy side. Then again over the last three months that side had been growing, and she knew it was the same for Keiichi. Guy had all the signs, all the little tells Urd learned about him that screamed he was wanting to go to the next level. With her hand to his chest, Urd felt Keiichi's heart pounding in his chest. "I call that a successful day, even if all I did was sit in the car with you," Urd slurred just a little as she fixed her hair.
Holding Urd's arm by the wrist, lightly encircling it with his strong fingers, Keiichi nodded with a sense of pride. Shutting the door with his foot, "It was a team effort as always, but having you with me made it all the more special. The club really has turned you and your sister into mascots." Running his free hand under his nose, Keiichi would never let people undersell themselves. Peeking down the hallways of the darkened temple, no sign of the younger sister, Keiichi favored himself a little reward. Spinning Urd in his arms, he pulled her in close and reminded Urd that he was quite skilled at oral teasing despite his previous dateless nature.
Maybe this time…maybe…Urd dropped her shoes and wrapped Keiichi in her arms. Gently using her powers to lift the pair off the ground, she started floating them to Keiichi's room. It had been the longest she'd been in a relationship that hadn't traversed into the realm of adults, but there were reasons for it. Both were wanting, Keiichi very much so right now by the feel of him pressing against her, and that just stoked her flame as well. Getting to the door, "So how about we run another race, stud," she gave him her best enticing stare.
"Why my dear Urd-chan, I do feel I have the energy for that," Keiichi did try to play along. He was a goober and it was near laughable for him to try such statements, but it just garnered Urd's affection all the more. Reaching out blindly, Keiichi opened the door and scooped Urd up bridal style in his arms, her face going crimson, it was finally going to happen! Swallowing hard, his concern showing, "You didn't drink to much did you?" Always careful of Urd's drinking, Keiichi would be the worrier of the two.
Before Urd could say anything, a light switched on down the hall, and they both froze. Belldandy was home, she was coming, and like that Keiichi set Urd down and stepped away just a little. "Oh it IS you two. I was finishing with a wish and thought I heard something. Worried it was Mara again," Belldandy was clad in her goddess garb and upon seeing Keiichi flashed back into her earthling attire.
"We weren't too loud were we? Had a victory celebration and drank a little to much in the post party," Keiichi gave Urd an apologetic look. Again! It happened again! Right when they were about to finally walk into all the carnal bliss Urd could fill into the mortal's life, Belldandy just HAD to pop up. Belldandy, Urd learned, was a cold shower for Keiichi. Walking from his room to the living room, holding Urd's hand, "Urd saved the day for us. She found a cement drive under the sand, gave me the little extra we needed to win."
It had been a little more than that, not that Urd told Keiichi about the other bits. Tapping into satellites, sending out mini versions of herself to watch and report, and she even had two earth spirits tell her all they could. Urd wanted to win, wanted to wipe Aoshima's smug face in the sand. Little jerk was aiming for Belldandy with his swarmy pinky sized prig. Flowers, presents, and always with the complements, Urd knew what Aoshima wanted and she would NOT let the man have it. Once Belldandy joined her in helping the Auto Club, and he was banned from it, the asshole had to set up his rival branch to try and steal her! Well, Urd would never let him win.
"That is just darling! I'm so proud of both of you. I'll get some tea for us and you can tell me all about it. Oh and I can tell you about the lovely couple I helped today," Belldandy smiled sweetly before walking back to her room.
Flying over the back of the couch, Urd tried not to let her anger show but she was not good at that. Clenching her eyes shut, she took several deep breaths and tried to reign in her frustration. "I love her, but I swear she's doing this on purpose. We can never get a moment alone," Urd tapped her foot and reached for the remote. Some late night television might calm her, talk shows and soap operas were quickly becoming a staple of her life. When Keiichi started to massage her shoulders, she melted into it. Moaning musically, "Nice bribe human, but I do have other needs. You're going to have to get over your worries of her find out."
"Sorry, sorry, but ever since Mara showed up…" Keiichi trailed off and just let his hands to the talking. He was getting much better as shoulder and back rubs, it was his consolation prize. Working both the shoulder and the neck, Keiichi grunted out a sigh of his own, Keiichi was no saint and she was no priestess, they had needs and Belldandy was just always in the way! As he worked what stress he could out of her, "Can't believe you like this show, it's so stupid. People getting knocked about trying to get into a fake castle? Why do that?"
Rubbing herself against his calloused fingers for maximum enjoyment, Urd purred, "Some people like to do stupid things to relax is all. Tamiya and Otaki would do great on this, you though…you'd be to short and just run under everything." It was a low blow, but Keiichi knew she was only teasing.
"You shouldn't say things like that, Urd. Keiichi isn't that short, and those obstacles are really big," Belldandy however was a different story. Joining the two, sitting on the hand-me-down couch leaving a space between Urd and her for Keiichi. Urd knew he'd never take it, he was to shy which was part of the problem. His shyness and Belldandy's total naiveté was a nasty combo. Handing each a cup of tea, a mellow blend that would help with sleep rather than wake them up, Belldandy was a tea expert. Patting the couch cushion, "Why not sit down and relax, Keiichi-san?"
Laughing unevenly, he took his cup with one hand and continued pampering Urd with the other, "I'd just fall asleep if I sat. Booze and me aren't too good of friends, but the club insisted. Now how about Urd tells you about the race?" He sipped his tea and unconsciously breathed hot down Urd's exposed neck.
"You don't have class tomorrow so you could sleep late, so you better be staying up late," Urd again teased. Gods she was getting sensitive! Just his breath felt wondrous and frustrating against her skin, it coiled and roamed over her and her light robes. Moment she had gotten back to the temple she reverted to her normal attire, Keiichi loved how she looked in it and she wanted him good to go. "How about you tell us about your day first Bell, you seem really energetic today," Urd sipped her tea and found it good as always.
Picking up a tea cracker, Belldandy didn't eat it at first but played with it. Eying both Keiichi and Urd for a moment, an odd expression crested her eyes that Urd couldn't quite place. "Well if you insist, I would be glad to go first. But I still think you should sit, Keiichi-san. You both had a long day, and if you do fall asleep it is hardly a bad thing," she patted the cushion again. But when it was clear he wasn't going to move, she just smiled as if nothing happened.
Belldandy's tale was something that only Belldandy would find very interesting, well at least Urd thought. An elderly couple had become estranged from their son and wanted nothing else but to speak with him again. Well their little boy had fallen down the trappings of many college students, and was more interested with new people, new experiences, and most of which were bad ideas. Calling home was the last thing on the man's mind, but when he went to order out for food, some wires got crossed and the couple got their wish. "And they're planning on coming up to visit next weekend. It was very darling," Belldandy finished her story with a palm to her cheek and a rosy smile.
"Well let's hope that he cleans up his apartment before they show up or they'll have a heart attack," Urd joked. The game show was ending, the remaining contestants were suiting up to storm the castle, and that got Urd's blood up. One day she'd have to go watching this show getting filmed and help them win for once. Finishing her cup of tea, Urd was relaxed enough now to actually look at Belldandy without the budding frustration, "You going to watch the family reunion?" Take the hint, Bell, take it and leave for a weekend…leave for a day…hell leave for a night! Maybe they'd have to take a trip to the city where they had those love hotels…that had promise.
Having taken up her knitting during the story, Belldandy just tilted her head and shook it as she continued her never ending clicking clacking of her needles. "I don't think that will be necessary. They only wished to speak to their son, and they got their wish. Speaking of wishes, the agency has given me full rights through my remote terminal now. Isn't that lovely? Now I can stay down here with you without any issues," Belldandy was radiant with her joy.
"Y-yeah that's great Belldandy-san. Will that cause any other changes for the temple?" Keiichi's strained voice was quiet telling. He like Belldandy, everybody did, but knowing she was going to effectively be living with them did mean they'd have to address the elephant in the room eventually. Keiichi didn't want to make love to Urd while Belldandy was around to hear it. They both thought Bell staying was only temporary, nearing its end. Now however she just admitted that it was more permanent. Burping and patting his belly, "To much drink and to much tea, be right back."
Watching Keiichi's tight butt swaying as he walked knees together to the bathroom, Urd was going to rock his world once they got the chance. Noticing Belldandy was watching him go as well, Urd felt a smidge of annoyance. Why was her sister watching her boyfriend? Belldandy never showed interest in men before, yet now she was…well maybe it was just Urd's imagination. "You sure you want to do this Bell? I mean I'm getting a better hand on this cleaning, and Keiichi is picking up tricks for cooking. We should be good now, hate to bother you," Urd only lied to be kind.
"Oh it is no bother at all. I am actually really starting to like it down here. We…drifted back up in the heavens. Being with you like this, it's like being a family again," Belldandy's needles continued to clacker together. With no further drive to rock the boat, Urd just hissed and watched the show, thankful her annoyance was matched with the tall and muscular man getting smacked into the lake. Setting her creation on her lap, "Is it me, or is Keiichi-san taking more time than normal? Oh and is there anything you'd like for supper tomorrow? I'd like to cook something special for your win."
Not one to count the seconds of Keiichi's piss breaks, Urd was again left wondering Belldandy and her motives. Was Bell here because of sisterly worry, or because something about her man got Belldandy's attention? Urd wouldn't lie, having Bell around DID make her feel better. Bell took the load off her to be with Keiichi, but in the same vein Bell did act as a cock block. What did the humans do? Put a sock on the door to symbolize 'room occupied'? They might have to do that soon, Urd was NOT one to go wanting but she was not one to cheat.
Settling into an odd silence, the sisters were left to their own mental devices as the show ended. A scream from the bathroom got both of them to stand up. "Mara?" Urd asked aloud before launching into the air, Belldandy running behind. Over the last month, Mara just had to mess with Keiichi and her twice, targeting each of them once. Telling Keiichi that she was Urd's fiancé did the man a mind job, and then Mara tried to trick Urd with a fake CD gift that would have sealed her…it left the two goddesses on edge for the next demonic trick
Throwing the door open, Urd had a force bolt ready to fly at anything out of the ordinary. What she got was the first full on look of her boyfriend's lower half, "Whow, for a little guy you're hung like Sleipnir." Not the biggest in the universe, humans didn't have the possibility for that, but Urd was more than happy with the view. Belldandy literally tripped and fell when she saw it and covered her eyes. Bolt at the ready, she rushed over the the fallen Keiichi, "What is…oh no…oh Father no…what are you doing here?" Urd's blood ran cold.
"Belldandy! What is going on here? Why did I hear you're going to be staying on earth from now on?" Skuld asked as she dashed to the kneeling Belldandy. Wrapping her arms around the middle sister's waist, the youngest of the Norns' hugged her beloved sister. Pointing her hammer at Keiichi, "Is that the mortal Urd is bound to?"
Tossing a towel over Keiichi's exposure, Urd winked at him and gave him silent 'wow' before standing between Keiichi and Skuld. "My boyfriend, yes. Keiichi Morisato meet the lesser of my sisters, Skuld. What is the systems debugger doing on earth without reason?" Urd leaned over giving Keiichi a show and to threaten her annoying littlest sister.
"We've seen a surge in bugs since Belldandy came down here, and rumors are starting to build about why she's here. They say you're not doing your job well enough and she has to pick up the slack. So until these bugs are under control I'm going to keep an eye on things. See what is causing them, as its due to something in this temple," Skuld stuck her tongue out at Urd and reaffirmed her hug.
With Skuld showing no sign of leaving that night, Urd officially gave up on any hope of getting a petting session in. IF they were quiet, they did some pretty hot and heavy prep-work just not the final step…not tonight though. With Skuld in tow, the trio of goddesses and mortal set about finding a place for the wayward goddess to sleep. Hopefully Skuld would leave after this bug issue was resolved…having BOTH sisters would be just about the worst thing for her love life.
X-X
Sitting in one of his mandatory yet boring classes, Keiichi did his best to pay attention to the droning teacher. It wasn't related to anything that was relevant to his major, writing essays and the like, but he at least understood why the university wanted him to learn it. He was just bored though, it held no interest to him as he understood the concepts without the teacher's prompting. Taking notes just to keep his eyes from drooping, he let his mind drift. Life…his life had changed so much over the last six months hadn't it? It was definitely odder now, but he wouldn't change it for the world!
"I'm think my brain is going to leak out and spill all over your lap…actually mind if I take a nap down there?" Urd asked playfully. One of her mini forms was peeking out of his jacket pocket and pointed down at his crotch. They had learned, quite to their massive relief, that if at least one of her mini forms stayed with him they avoided the System Force enacting any sort of vengeance on them. Not waiting for him to tell her no, because he was about to, Urd jumped out and floated down gracefully to his legs and laid down. Tease. Beautiful and witchy tease! Kicking her leg up at him, showing him those legs he loved, "It's so comfy down here."
Now much more awake than he was before, Keiichi squirmed a little to give Urd a better bed to lay on. Grateful most of the classroom was empty, he was only here because he was paying for the class so wasn't going to miss, he waggled his pencil over Urd as if he was playing with a kitten. "Boring I know, but at least you're not totally bored right? What are you doing with your sisters?" he whispered as low as possible. With fewer people, the older woman might hear him talking.
Getting into the kitten game, she batted and kicked at the floating eraser, every bit the wildcat she acted. "Not how it works. We're multi-threaded if you get the meaning. Each mini-me is a unique entity with its own mind and experiences. When we merge back together, the thread ends and the memories all merge together again. So I don't know what Belldandy and that spore are doing. Hoping they're with Megumi or we're going to have some trouble," Urd latched onto the pencil and took a savage bite out of the eraser. Rubbing her belly, what they could eat and enjoy was truly diverse.
"Skuld-kun isn't that bad," Keiichi told truthfully. Two days with the odd sister worshipping girl was different to say the least, but at the minimum Skuld tended to leave him alone. They chatted a little, mostly when Keiichi was working on his bike, and she had asked a million questions he felt about how it worked. Inquisitive, quick thinking, and a genius with her hands Skuld was a great engineer but her personality was bi-polar. If Belldandy was around Skuld was super sweet to the point of disturbing, if it was Urd she was quite the spoiled brat. But after talking with him, Skuld was warming up to him. Speaking without thinking, "Just we'll never have a night alone again will we"
Jumping up to her feet, and striking something that sensitive, Urd nodded fiercely, "I know right! Those two can't read the mood, like at ALL. They can't see how you're a savage wolf just waiting to ravage sweet little ol' me." Just to add insult to injury Urd's clothing transformed into the classic red riding hood adornment Halloween edition. Torn leggings, ripped bodice, and disheveled hair it was straight out of an adult magazine, and when she posed she started laughing at his reaction. "Ok, maybe it's the other way around. Going to have to lock them out soon. Or we have a date night that doesn't end back at the temple," she reverted to her standard clothing.
Swallowing hard at the very bold and open declaration, Keiichi was reminded of something else that changed in his life. Urd was making life so much more fun and adventurous, for good and bad. Attacks from Mara and otherworldly creatures were terrifying at times or just mildly annoying at others, but they did make for interesting events. Having a girlfriend, one as amorous and flirtatious as Urd, was doing his self-esteem a real boon! People were noticing him now, he was standing out, and that was questionable if he liked it. Call him shy if you wanted, he didn't always like being the point of attraction that Urd made them. Would he try and change that in her? Never. But ever since Belldandy moved in, and they finally started dating officially…they kept getting blocked.
They got close a few times, very close once, but Belldandy had the uncanny way of showing up or somehow interrupting them. Keiichi knew now what Urd tasted like and she him, he knew her voice when impassioned put the AV idols (and actual idols) to shame. But before they could actually go the distance Belldandy would come home early, would call, or otherwise put a halt to things. Something about the gentle girl just…Keiichi didn't know why but thoughts of sex and Belldandy didn't mix and when the two concepts interacted Belldandy won and Keiichi found his drive sapped.
"A date night is defiantly something I'd be game for. Name the time and place," Keiichi tried to keep his smile from being to dopey. He failed, a girl that was just as bored as he was noticed him and blanched. Gathering her things, the girl hurried out of the room, leaving Keiichi sulking. Shaking his head, focusing back on the class, "Guess I shouldn't get a fat head about things. I'm nothing special." If he was, that girl would have been enthralled to have him smiling at her.
Flying back up to his pocket, Urd waggled her finger at her, "You are special, Keiichi. People just can't always see what makes that so. I see it, and isn't that enough for you?" Making her nest in his pocket again, she settled in for the long haul. She was right after all, he had his cup overflowing right now and was quite content. Why be bothered if some random girl misunderstood him?
Finishing off the class, mind dancing over the next date they'd have, Keiichi let the incident slide. Doodling a little, the beamer, Urd, and him, Keiichi was finding himself much happier by classes end. Belldandy might be an odd girl, being so polite and kind, Skuld was a teenager with all the emotional confusion, but he could deal with them. If it was the package he had to accept to have Urd in his life, he'd gladly accept them.
"Feeling up for some lunch?" he asked aloud as he stretched leaving the room. Anybody that heard him would think he was asking himself. Nobody noticed, nobody cared, the joy of college. So many people, with so many things going on they just let oddities slide.
Before Urd could comment, Keiichi found a hand on his shoulder, it was thin and soft, a female hand. "Morisato-kun, have a moment, I need a favor," Sayoko Mishima was not one to ask favors of anybody let alone people like him. Turning Keiichi around, Sayoko peeked about the hallway for somebody that was typically with Keiichi. With a nod and smile, "Great that bi-Urd isn't with you. I need a big favor from you, not doing anything for the next two hours I hope?"
"Urd is with her sisters, showing Skuld the campus today," Keiichi wasn't sure he heard Sayoko right or not. Was she going to say something nasty or was it just Keiichi being protective? Sayoko was not taking Urd winning the beauty pageant for Miss Nekomi-tech well, and ever since Belldandy showed up Sayoko was even more active in Keiichi's life. But he was the type of guy that liked to help when he could so, "What did you need from me? I was about to get some lunch."
Latching onto his arm, squeezing it against her side, "I'll get you something to eat as repayment. Guy I asked to help fell through, and I don't have any other options. All I need you to do is stand still for two hours for a figure drawing session. Hardly the worse thing, right?" Sayoko batted her eyes at him and played up her beauty for maximum effect. Dragging the still semi-uncooperative man along with her, "And did you say Urd has another sister?"
Owing up to helping, it would be his bane to help when asked, "Yeah, their youngest sister. She's something of a prodigy and wanted to get a tour of the campus." Hard not to be considered such when you're a rung or five up the evolutionary ladder. Not being in the artistic wing of the university that often, Keiichi was amazed at how different it was than the tech side. "If you want I could introduce you to her later," he doubted Sayoko wanted this. If Urd was right, Sayoko was just jealous at her losing fame thanks to her and now Belldandy.
"Younger, that's acceptable. And I have an appointment after class so I'll have to take a check on that meeting," Sayoko at least tried to sound sincere. Pushing him through a room of art students, vast majority being female, Keiichi tried to move to the podium but Sayoko continued to push, "Need to go to the changing room first. Be right back, I have our model for today."
Keiichi tried to pass off the snicker Sayoko had when she said 'model', but it didn't stick. In the small supply closet, Keiichi's eyebrow rose, "Changing room, this is a closet, and what am I changing into?" What was the setup here? After Sayoko's rather hurtful turndown freshman year, Keiichi was not quite ready to believe what she wanted or said. Skeptical or not, Sayoko had not been so keen on him before her status as queen was removed.
"It's a figure drawing lesson, going to need you to…go au natural. You can't turn it down now, they're all out there and ready!" Sayoko made small circles on his chest with her finger. Leaning in closer to him, he had to shift to not have Urd get crushed, she put her cheek to his, "Do this for me and I'll owe you a favor. And it'll be anything you want, even things that odd foreigner won't do"
About to turn her down, Keiichi felt Urd poking into his chest, so he quickly looked down at her and nearly fell over. She was mouthing 'say yes' to Sayoko and Keiichi felt an odd rush. "If you need me to help I will. Just give me a few minutes to get psyched up," he slapped his hands together a few times for emphasis.
Actually blushing a little, Sayoko handed him a large cloth, "Cover yourself up when you leave and when we're done. No reason to go walking around like that. And thanks." She was about to lean in and kiss his check when she slipped and nearly fell. Caught by Keiichi's unexpectedly strong arms, she shook her him off, "Sorry about that, somebody must have spilled some paint or something. See you out there." Rushing out of the room, Sayoko shut the door behind her.
"That girl is as subtle as Belldandy," Urd said climbing out of Keiichi's pocket. Flying right by his face, Urd went in and finished what Sayoko started. She had that look about her though, one that promised trouble for him and likely Sayoko. Flying around the room, stopping when she found a small discarded lapel pin, "How about we have some fun with that little ex-queen? This is Urd country now with Belldandy as my second." Hovering over the pin, her hands waved about and the air had that small hint of electricity that her use of magic caused.
Taking the offered pin, Keiichi alternated from it and Urd, "Do I have a choice in this? And going to be hard to pin this on when I'm not wearing anything." He really didn't want to do this, but he promised. Damn it, next time he had to get the full story before he let Sayoko grief him into anything. He did stop to think of Urd in a classic queen's costume, but the voluminous costume kept getting skimpier and lighter.
"That's the joke! You don't have to change, just put that pin on and cover yourself like they asked. They'll think you're totally in the buff, trust me," Urd helped Keiichi put the pin on. Not going back into her pocket, that impish grin was telling enough, this wasn't some simple thing. Poking Keiichi in the cheek, more colliding with it, "Don't give me that look. She tricked you into this, it's only fair we trick her as well right? Now go out there and give him a good show."
Urd had a point, Sayoko did keep this little nudity thing from him so it was only fair. "I just hope this doesn't get you in trouble. Didn't Belldandy say using your powers to much is bad?" he hoped she wasn't punished for these odd tricks. Covering himself with the cloak, Keiichi headed out to the stage and found that even knowing they were going to 'think' they saw him in the buff, he was a little nervous. All eyes on him, he stood before them and let the cloak drop. Brushes dropped, people gasped, one woman even left the room. Sayoko's eyes were wide and just staring down at him…just what did Urd make him look like? He didn't want to know.
Two hours later, he found standing still harder to do than expected as his muscles wanted to move, thankfully Sayoko stood up. "A-alright everybody time is up. Finish on your own and Keiichi…I never knew and thank you," she rushed out of the room, the promise of food gone.
"What did you do, Urd," Keiichi asked after he retreated to the supply closet. Even after he had finished, all eyes had been on him, so he just knew Urd did something strange.
Flying back into his pocket, Urd was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes, "Well…you've heard the term Adonis right? Couple that with Thor's little mjolnir. Remember how is said human's don't have the physiology of the gods? Well now they've seen it and they'll all be giving you strange looks."
"You're terrible, but at least they won't be laughing at me for…" Keiichi was a man after all and he did have fears of inadequacy. But if what Urd was saying was true, could he ever actually make her feel good? He wasn't a god, he was just a man, if it was THAT different…he found himself stopping outside the art building and standing in the open quad. Fear and worry his old best friends came back, "U-Urd…about what you did…"
As if sensing his worries, Urd poked him in the chest again a few times with an exasperated expression, "Don't you be thinking bad about yourself. Size doesn't matter…I mean look at me right now. You are literally bigger than me right now. And…to be fair…after Skuld showed up and you flashed me…lil intimidated of the Keiichi cannon." A masterful tease to the end, Urd was known to lie, but Keiichi didn't think she was right now.
"MORISATO!" Tamiya bellowed and scared away many students that had been wafting around. Putting one of his massive hands on Keiichi's shoulders, the mountain of a man latched on. His voice echoed in the quad as he yell/spoke, "We got the next race planned! A mini-bike race, you will be the driver as you're the smallest! Come we need to plan!" Dragged away the reluctant and hungry man, "Dai-chan get the blueprints for Morisato so he can get started! We'll get the parts!"
With his afternoon now planned for him, Keiichi's heart was doing jumping jacks in his chest. Urd…he believed her. He wasn't going to worry about it, they'd cross those odd bridges when they got to them. Hopefully it wouldn't be to much later, Keiichi was finding his mind constantly going back to that little topic, and with how Urd was hinting so was she.
X-X
Life on earth was a very different experience than Skuld was expecting it to be. In the heavens everybody tended to have a bit of an attitude towards the realm, thinking it was a primitive place. And while it did lack the utter beauty of her home, Midgard had some nice perks to it. After a week of staying with this Keiichi, Skuld had to admit she liked the guy but his sister was something of an annoyance. Nobody critiqued her designs, and if Megumi continued to do so Skuld was going to have to educate. Currently sitting a one of the spare rooms of the temple, her tools all over the place, Skuld had created a few nice little gadgets to help with the whole bug issue.
"Once this is finished, Belldandy can come home with me and maybe we can come visit," Skuld chewed on a screwdriver handle. Wiping some sweat from her brow, she had to feel her Mr Scanner was coming along nicely. Her bedroom/workshop was actually quite nice as well, that Keiichi guy let her have it for as long as she needed. Laughing a little, she dropped the screwdriver, "Maybe he could rub off on Urd a little and make her a better person."
Urd just had to be that annoying busybody and act all better than everybody. Who was Urd compared to Belldandy? A half breed freak that was quick to anger and frustration, where Belldandy was polite and loving all the time. Still, Skuld cared for Urd when the woman wasn't teasing her or mocking her smaller stature. Maybe this time on earth could do some good for her eldest sister.
Scooping up the treat Keiichi left for her, Skuld was reminded of something else that was divine, ice cream. Having never really needed her power source since the system was always in peek order, she never had the chance to partake in it before. A true crime against nature to never have such a treat. Twirling it around, making a nice soup of it, Skuld drank it before turning on Mr. Scanner. It blinked on, ran a test, and promptly showed an error message. "Damn, still not enough power. Going to have to plug in more outlets," she already had three plugged in. Urd said not to, something about money and the cost of electricity? That had to be a joke though! Urd could MAKE electricity! Just being lazy.
Listening to the 'adults' in the other room chatting and laughing, Skuld ground her teeth against the wooden spoon. "You're too young for these games, Skuld, you'll just get in the way!" Skuld parroted Urd's jest from when they stuffed her in her room. Just because they were a little older they felt they could lord it over her, well one day she'd be an adult and they'd be elderly! Finding three more electrical cords, Skuld went about hijacking even more power from the temple for her scanner…that was until a bug jumped on her hand.
"Stupid things, why are you even here!" Skuld hated the six legged rabbit like monsters. With her trusty hammer, she went about rushing the room and trying to smash it. Damn thing just had to be quicker and more agile, plus she had already left quite a mess of machine parts in her workshop. Colliding with a stake of parts, they fell and made a huge racket, Skuld found herself nearly buried under them. Tears in her eyes, "I hate this, they should be helping!"
As if summoned, the door to her room opened and her beloved older sister came in with a concerned look and a hand to her cheek. Helping pull Skuld out of the mess, "Are you alright, Skuld-chan?" Belldandy was doing her best still to fit in with these natives language, and Skuld liked it when she got her little term of affection added on. Helping Skuld to her feet, Belldandy dusted off the child carefully, "Not hurt are you? Are we making to much noise for you?"
Shaking her head, she dashed past Belldandy and slammed her hammer down on the bug and it puffed out of existence. "Just a bug, more and more of them are appearing. I almost have Mr. Scanner ready to find out what and why they're coming. Did you want to watch?" oh she hoped Belldandy did. But she could hear that giant of a man making some joke and the others laughing and Belldandy turned to look at it. What was so fun about those humans? Why was Belldandy down here? Urd was an airhead most of the time, but even Skuld saw Urd wasn't slacking on her half of the wish so why stay?
"I should…" Belldandy started but then sighed a little and a bug appeared and landed on her head. Summoning her own hammer, very much smaller and more compact than Skuld's monster version, she tapped the creature. Shutting the door, Belldandy just nodded and accepted what just happened. Cleaning up the room a little, "I'll assist you while they are having their fun. It is essential that we fix this, it would be a terrible thing if it affected Keiichi-san and his friends."
True, if humans were impacted by this infestation they'd learn more than they should about the true nature of the world. But something about Belldandy was stoking Skuld's jealousy engine. "Well we can find out what's causing it and then fix it. Then everything will be good for us to go home. I think Urd has things under control down here," Skuld hoped at least. From what she saw it was more Keiichi and Belldandy tending to Urd and Urd flirting with Keiichi. But they were oddly fitting for one another, and Skuld did want Urd happy.
"Go home?" Belldandy stated with an odd far-off look in her eyes before another bug appeared. Her hammer made a squeak as she flew over and ended the bug. Sitting down next to Skuld, "I got permission to stay here and be a remote worker. Being on this plain does help facilitate my work. And it is nice to be down here, do you not agree?" Belldandy put a hand comfortingly on Skuld's shoulder.
Mind going into overdrive, Skuld didn't get much affection like this, so she just fiddled with the last of her wires. "It-it isn't bad, it has some nice things," being with her sisters like this was very nice. Soldering the last of the wires into place, Skuld nodded at her own genius. Rubbing her cheek against her new child, "It's perfect! Smooth and cool, the thrum of electricity through it is music to my ears! This will work for sure this time!" Skuld was positive it'd work.
Another loud cheer from the living room distracted both siblings, Urd was causing some scene again. The guys were chanting Keiichi's name while Megumi was chanting Urd on. Skuld saw Belldandy shift and nearly move, but when they voices just cheered, she sat back down on her heels. Why must everybody try to take Belldandy from her? Sure Mr. Scanner wasn't as fun as a party, but it was something! Turning it in, "This will show her I can be interesting," Skuld proved correct and the power surged and a fuse blew.
"Skuld! What did I tell you?" Urd's angry yell filled the whole temple. Muffled talking, heated and urgent followed Skuld's shrinking against Belldandy.
Making a small light for them to see in the windowless room, Belldandy soothed Skuld as best she could. "Don't worry, she'll be fine in a minute. Urd's emotions are like a wave, cresting high and then smoothing out," Belldandy reassured.
The pair sat there and listened to the others for a little over ten minutes. Urd was seeing off the guests, then Keiichi and her were talking about something Skuld couldn't make out. Then the power came back on and Skuld felt fear growing as the sound of footfalls coming her way vibrated her spine. Slowly, oh so slowly, the door slide open thanks to Urd's spindly fingers, "Oh Skuld, care to tell me why you ruined our little party?" Opening the door fully, a very irate and more than a little tipsy Urd stood glowering over the Goddess of the Future.
"What is…how many plugs is that thing using?" Keiichi hurried into the room and saw the monstrosity that Skuld had birthed. Running his hand over the countless daisy-chained power splitters, Keiichi fell to his knees. Exasperated, "Power bill is going to be insane this month. What is this thing even for?" He turned to the trio of Norns.
Moving to Keiichi's side, Belldandy pulled his hand away from the sparking mess. "Be careful with that. The output is fatal for you, while just a mild inconvenience for us," Bell's worry came through loud and clear. Once he was no longer in harm's way, "And this is something Skuld-chan created to help find a problem with our system. Bugs cause all sorts of trouble, and if left unchecked could start an infinite loop which would be a very unfortunate event."
Plopping down on Keiichi's other side, leaning into him, Urd's eyes were red and she weaved back and forth. "I told you not to make stupid things! Power isn't free on earth, and Keiichi's money only goes so far. You're just being a pest and causing trouble. This stupid thing probably doesn't even work," Urd pointed at the green screen on the front of Mr. Scanner.
"It too will work! And why don't you just power this place?" Skuld retorted as she went to defend her newest creation. Not one to take slander lightly, Skuld wanted to prove her device would solve the issue so she switched it on again. The lights dimmed, the hum grew louder, but this time the power stayed on and the screen came to life. Pointing at the output, "See I told you it would work! It's already calculating the source of the bugs! After it's done…I'll just repay Keiichi with my body."
On her feet in a split second, Urd had Skuld's collar in hand and hoisted her almost off the ground. "Like hell you will! I haven't had a chance to be with him like that, I'll erase you if you try to get to him first! He's MY man, not yours, or yours, or those bitches at the university! MINE!" Urd dropped her target and dove at Keiichi. Taking him to the ground, Urd proved she was more than just drunk, she was having a real bender.
"That hurt you…you…" Skuld found herself paralyzed by the sounds coming from Mr. Scanner. It was chiming that it had found a powerful anomaly. Smashing her face against the screen, Skuld analyzed the readings and her mind quickly came to an unexpected and almost perfect resolution! "There is a rift creating between Belldandy and Keiichi? The closer they are to one another, something in Belldandy is fueling a rift in time and space…a rift between dimensions! And that is letting the bugs through! If we keep them apart the rift will seal!" Skuld cheered out and spun to show the mass of people the details.
They weren't watching to closely, or at all. Urd was rubbing against Keiichi who was trying to keep the drunken lout off him, and Belldandy was trying to help. Grabbing the smallest of her Skuld-bombs, the short engineer tossed it between the two and sent Urd and Keiichi rolling away towards the wall and Belldandy shaken but untouched away from them. Now that she had their attention, Skuld went over the whole explanation again.
"So something between Belldandy-san and me is causing these bugs you talked about," Keiichi stated. Thankfully the blast set him atop Urd and he got off of her and helped her sit down. Casting a worried eye at the middle sister, "Is there anything we can do about that?"
Standing up, Belldandy was not truly accepting the full story. "That is hard to believe Skuld-chan. Why would I be creating a rift?" Belldandy asked. But as she moved closer to Keiichi and Urd, Mr. Scanner let out a shrill yelp and another bug popped up right between the affected parties. Stepping away from the bug in almost horror, Belldandy's hammer was out and smashed it, leaving her bent at the waist looking at the floor. Gasping, "I am causing this problem? I could have gotten people hurt!"
"Yeah, but since she found this thing she can fix it. Hell just switch your resonation a few degrees and the cascade will collapse…just a small freak of nature," Urd burped out as she fixed her hair. Snuggling up close to Keiichi, she pressed herself against his back and her chin on his shoulders while her hands wrapped around him. "You're crazy warm you know that?" she kissed her hapless captive's cheek.
No, no, NO! It was perfect! Skuld could have given Belldandy a reason to leave without feeling guilty! That was why Bell stayed wasn't it? Upset that Urd was stuck on earth for a wish she technically should have granted? But watching in horror as Belldandy's eyes widened in joy and sure enough the readings on Mr. Scanner vanished, Urd had been correct. "Why did you have to say that!? WHY? Belldandy could have come home with me! She wouldn't be stuck here babysitting a half-breed screw up that is one from losing her license!" Skuld cried out. Grabbing a trusty bomb she let fly only to realize Keiichi was still a human shield.
The whole room filled with smoke from the detonation, but Skuld didn't wait to see it settle. She ran, and she ran fast! Feeling the wiz of electricity fly over her and to her side. It was evident Urd was not happy and not thinking clearly. Was it the half demon comment, was it the attack, or was it both? Skuld didn't know or care, a line had been breached and she was trying to escape from the outcome. Getting to the backyard, for a moment Skuld though maybe she escaped and Urd was stopped by Belldandy or Keiichi. He'd taken a blast before, it didn't leave any lasting injuries. Taking a moment to breath however was her mistake, as the moment she stopped she found herself tackled to the ground, "Now Urd, it was an accident!"
"You told him! He wasn't supposed to know and you told him!" Urd seethed as she sat on Skuld's chest. Working up the mother of all force bolts, she looked up at her offering with pride and when it was finished she turned back to Skuld. Through gritted teeth, "Little sister needs a good spanking and I'm just the sister to give it to he…"
A light from the heaven's blinded Skuld and stalled Urd. It wasn't Urd's bolt, it was something else, and when Skuld climbed out from under Urd and saw it, she wasn't sure what to make of it. "For abuse of power, Urd Goddess 2nd class is hereby suspended," Skuld read it out verbatim. What did THAT mean for the situation now? Skuld sure as heck didn't know, and when Keiichi and Belldandy joined them, neither of them had an answer either.
X-X
It was still too heavy and rattled too much when he revved up the engine, so Keiichi killed it. Stupid mini-bike was just being a pain right now. His lack of engineering knowledge was showing itself right now as he went back to his design for the umpteenth time. What was he doing wrong with this thing? No matter the frame used, material for the engine, or the supports installed something was always wrong! Unfastening the bolts again, Keiichi just slouched and smacked the wrench against his palm. He couldn't focus, and that was bad. The race was coming up soon and they still didn't have a viable entrant.
"Maybe I should get her a gift or take her out or something," Keiichi crossed his legs and went about debating this issue yet again. It had only been three days, but those few days were more than enough to have Urd visually depressed. Girl was controlled by her emotions, they overrode her mind and made her due things that weren't the best option. But that spark of chaos, the untamed wilds of her soul was something that really appealed to Keiichi. So seeing her so despondent really hurt him. Rocking back and forth, "But I can't afford much, until now she didn't have a need for physical things."
She did now through, Urd couldn't really make the things she used to. Her alchemy was still a viable option for her, but she couldn't replenish her stock of components. Her clothing used to be magic crafted, now she was borrowing a few pieces from Megumi, and just the spark was lacking in her eye. Sitting on the couch watching television most of the day, sleeping a lot, and avoiding him were her new 'favorite' things. First time he left without her with him and nothing bad happened was an eye opener for both of them. The System Force wasn't really caring about his wish.
"MORISATO! How goes our victory!" Tamiya burst into the room. With a box of materials heaped over his shoulder the humanoid mountain was followed by his constant life companion. They dropped more mini-bike parts, smaller than the previous set glossed with a green sheen, with an expectant air about them. Separating the pieces into appropriate piles, "We made a bet with Aoshima that if we win we'll get their clubhouse, if we lose they get ours. So we can't lose!"
Setting his own box of components, ceramic pieces Keiichi asked for, Otaki bobbed his head and his hair swayed with him. Tossing a few small bits to Keiichi, "No Urd today, she's been gone last few days. People are starting to notice. New members are getting upset…no Urd and no Belldandy make Den-chan a dull boy." His sparkplug earrings bounced about when Tamiya tossed a balled up towel in his face.
"I'm only worried about Morisato! When Urd isn't around he is not working his best! Our little Morisato was finally becoming a family man and now his happy family is in jeopardy!" Tamiya's eyes welled with tears as he shielded them behind his hulking arm.
The new pieces could really work, if only he could get the balancing issue fixed, Keiichi saw potential with these two. "Urd is just dealing with some bad news from home, she'll be back after she takes care of it," Keiichi stuck with the story set. Urd came up with it, listlessly after he begged her to come with him. She just flipped on the television, flopped on the couch, and rattled it off. Tossing away the broken and chipped parts that couldn't be used, not knowing where they got the pieces was for the best. Doing his best to keep his own growing depression down, "Thinking of getting her a gift to help try cheer her up. You guys have any suggestions?" They had girlfriends before right? Keiichi never really asked them this type of thing before.
Both of the current co-leaders of the Auto Club crossed their arms and closed their eyes in thought. Pacing the workroom they made circles with one another, how they kept in such perfect unison was always a wonder, but nobody tried to figure it out. At an unseen pulse, Tamiya opened his eyes, and maybe Otaki did but hard to tell with the constant sunglasses, and the men grabbed one another hands.
"You bring her victory! That could be your present to her! Win the race!" Tamiya bellowed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. With both Keiichi and Otaki just stared at him, the man realized that wasn't likely a good idea. A much weaker answer followed with, "How about…flowers? Girls like flowers right?"
Grabbing a box off the shelf, Otaki opened it and flashed the contents to Keiichi. Nodding his head at his own genius, "Spark plugs and other high grade parts! Who wouldn't like high performance engine supplies!" Snapping the box shut after he got the stink eye treatment, he put it back with the others. Pacing again, "W-what about candy? People like candy right?"
Ok, so these two had just as much experience with women as he did, or the type of woman they dated had unique tastes. Keiichi was on his own on this one. "Urd likes both of those, but I was wanting something a little more true to her character. Maybe take her out someplace nice instead. And how did this whole bet thing happen?" Keiichi started reassembling the mini-bike. Likely something silly or crazy knowing them, but he'd not be in the club had they not strong armed him into it with their oddness.
"He was nosing around the club trying to talk to Urd's sister," Tamiya scratched his chin. He had a little trouble actually saying Belldandy's name. Slapping his fist into his palm, he turned to Otaki for support.
Both men then lashed out and crossed forearms they tagged, "Yeah, he came sniffing at her. Why not let her in the work room, keep him from being himself on trying to steal her from the club."
"Wait this just happened? Belldandy-san is here?" Keiichi shook his head in disbelief. Why would Belldandy be here and just sitting alone in another room? About to get up, Keiichi found himself flanked by both of his sempai, each put a hand on his shoulder keeping him down. Nervousness growing, "W-what?"
Once they were sure Keiichi wouldn't try to squirm or get up, Tamiya gestured with his thumb to the door. "We'll bring her in, you keep working. She said she didn't want to bother ya. But if you WANT her in here, that will keep that slime from oozing about our place, until we get his place," with one final pat on the back, the two men left Keiichi alone with the tools and the hodgepodge of pieces to put the bike together.
A few moments later, Belldandy entered the dirty and oil smelling room, Belldandy shut the door gently and waved at him. Moving the small portable chair with her, Belldandy sat a safe distance out of Keiichi's swing zone, not wanting to be a bother. "Good afternoon Keiichi-san, not bothering you am I?" she asked delicately. Everything with Belldandy was poised and polite, gentle and measured, and ordered and placid. Almost the exact opposite of Urd, how where they even related?
"Of course not, though I do wonder why you bothered to come. Figured you'd be bored, Urd always is," Keiichi confessed. His hands covered in oil, smeared the mess over the pristine components as he assembled them. This time it looked like it might work, the ceramic was lighter than the metal he had to use and would alleviate the need for some of the heat sinks. Not hearing the neigh inseparable voice of Skuld, "Your little sister stay at the temple?"
Nodding, Belldandy was the very image of a rose in a garden of weeds. "She feels bad about what happened the other day. What she said, what she caused, she's trying to make something for Urd to cheer her up," Belldandy explained with a hint of forlorn. Family that cared about one another were bothered by situations like this he reasoned. If Megumi had an incident like Urd's, he'd be the same
"I was thinking the same. Get her something, or take her out someplace nice. If I had the money I'd take her to a high class restaurant or something," but Keiichi knew he didn't have that. Taking a moment to peek over at Belldandy, she was watching him quite closely, it made him a little nervous. Was she judging him, expecting him to do something or say something more to Urd than he was? Wiping away some sweat, the room had poor ventilation, "D-did you need something from me, Belldandy-san? You've never come to the club without Urd around."
A tinge of nervousness worked its way into her posture as she fiddled with her hair. "I'm covering for her. I have some of her possessions on me, and asked a favor to have my signature match hers more. If she isn't near you, the System Force will react, and if that happens she might lose her license permanently. You're not bothered by me being here are you?" more twirling of hair on her finger, her eyes glistened.
Waving his hand dismissively, Keiichi gave her his best smile to reassure her, "Its fine. Just worried you were upset I haven't done more to help Urd. This license thing doesn't make a lot of sense to me. All I know is she's depressed and I can't think of anything to do or say to her to help." So he kept his hands busy and tried to think of ideas, the bike really was a blessing right now as it kept him from dwelling too much. Turning the key and revving the engine, Keiichi was liking the sound but still a little upset with the vibration. The thing would rattle itself apart.
"So her…what Skuld said doesn't bother you? Urd and I didn't tell you about her dual nature. Urd is self-conscious of it and I don't find it a problem. But others are more judgmental," Belldandy moved from the chair to Keiichi's side. They both noticed it, and Keiichi feared one of those odd bug creatures would appear again, but it never did. Taking Keiichi's hand between hers, it dripped with oil and grease, "As for what you are doing for Urd, and planning, it is more than enough that you just talk to her…tell her what you feel. She is feeling conflicted, worried you'll see her differently now that you know the truth and that she's lost use of her powers."
Oh yeah, that whole 'half breed' thing, Urd didn't tell him what it meant and he didn't try asking the sisters. "What, what did that even mean? She half human?" Keiichi asked as he freed his hand from Belldandy's. Tossing her a cleaning rag, it somehow felt wrong to get Belldandy covered in muck. "Doesn't change who she is to me, she's still Urd," and he cared too much to let a little thing like genetics change that.
"N-not human, d-demon. Her mother is a demon. Prejudices exist against her because of that. You know about how the demons fight us for shares, Mara's intentions. So some think Urd is working with them to subvert us. You don't believe that do you?" Belldandy moved just a little closer to him. Inching along the screw and nut covered ground, knocking bits and pieces out of her way.
Urd was part demon? "Huh…makes a bit of sense considering her personality. I don't believe she'd do anything bad on purpose. Human or demon, doesn't matter to me, or you it seems," Keiichi offered Belldandy a small nod and she fixed her hair over her ear and looked away. Getting off the ground, the bike was as good as it could be right now, and he was getting hungry, "How about we head home, and I'll try talking to her? Tell her it doesn't matter to me." That was a start at least, help get Urd passed the funk she was in.
Clasping her hands together, Belldandy stood up and nodded, "That sounds like a lovely idea. And I'll make something she'll really like for supper." Nothing seemed to keep Belldandy down for long, but Keiichi was glad for some positivity. They carefully avoided the other club members to lessen chances of getting caught up in something crazy. Climbing into the side-car, Belldandy put her helmet on with practiced ease, "I do enjoy rides on this the feeling of the wind on my skin is wonderful."
If Belldandy didn't act this way, well mostly, at other people Keiichi would wonder if she wasn't just a little bit interested in him. How she spoke, how she acted, and her motions kept reminded Keiichi of how Urd acted just to a much lesser degree. But Belldandy just seemed to be that type of person, so he tried not to think about it. Starting the bike up, he rode a bit slower than he usually did, Urd tended to force insane speeds that pushed his transport to its maximum while Belldandy was content with the speed limit.
Skuld was waiting at the gate for them when they arrived, and she gave Keiichi an odd look. She was silently asking 'Are you trying to get between us?' when she instantly stood between Keiichi and Belldandy. "How goes you're plans for a gift, Skuld-kun? I'm thinking of what I could get Urd as well," Keiichi tried to defuse the Skuld-Bomb before it ignited.
"Few ideas, nothing fitting yet though," Skuld sulked at Belldandy's side. They chatted as they entered the temple, Skuld going over all her crazy ideas while Belldandy simple complimented her on them. Of course Skuld needed to show Bell the latest one and that thankfully gave Keiichi some peace.
Hearing the television playing, some drama about a man that turned into a woman when hit with water, Keiichi knew where Urd was. Maybe he should wait until after supper, get some good food in her and she'd be in a better mood? No, that would just be running form the issue, and that wouldn't solve anything. "Hey Urd, still liking the show?" he asked loudly as he entered. The television was loud, and it was odd to see Urd actually sitting on the couch.
"Better now actually, they introduced a new female character. This one is an Amazon," Urd gripped the neck of her bottle but it wasn't open. Legs up on the couch, she just leaned against the armrest and let the television light the room. Yawning a little, she wasn't sleeping much, "How goes work on the bike?"
Sitting on the ground next to Urd, he reached for her hand and she jumped a little at his act. Not confident enough to touch people at random, his action was telling enough. "Going slow, guys finally got me some materials to work with. But it's still vibrating something fierce. Like that time you tried to do the laundry," he tried joking. Urd had destroyed a coin-op drier but putting too much weight into it.
"You'll get it, you're capable," Urd said but continued to watch the screen. A porcelain doll bathed in pale light. What she said was also a veiled slam against herself…Keiichi could do something because he had skills, she couldn't do anything because she lost her skills. Squeezing his hand tightly, "Bell went with you today, didn't she?"
A moment of courage and it was done, Keiichi thought Urd deserved that much. Using his free hand, he forced Urd to look at him, her eyes were glassy. "She did, and she told me about things. And I'm going to tell you right here and now, it doesn't matter to me. You are still the woman I love, your parentage doesn't matter to me. As for the license thing, we'll get through it. So you can't fly about, can't throw your force bolts, you're still you and you still have your lab. Maybe we can find alternatives to your reagents after you use them. So…c-can I get a smile?" he pleaded. It felt so hard to say such a small statement, but he felt better.
Urd didn't say anything, she just oozed off the couch and wrapped her arms around Keiichi and held him. No crying, no overt showing of happiness either, but she was warm and she didn't let go. Holding his hand during supper, she stayed at his side the whole night. And when it came time to sleep, she brought her futon into his room and slept at his side. It was something, Keiichi hoped.
X-X
College was everything Megumi wanted it to be and more. Lots of people, plenty of things to do, tons of new experiences, and never boring. Sitting in a grassy quad outside one of the engineering buildings, she was working with a group for a project and was having more fun playing around with them than working, they were nearly finished two weeks early. Now she wasn't on the make for a boyfriend, but she wasn't going to ignore the possibility. Guys on this group were pretty nice on the eyes and smart, just Takashi was a bit too full of machismo for her.
"Are you three going to pay attention or are we done for the day?" Mai rolled her eyes exasperated. Hard not to be when the group was unofficially done for the day and she just didn't know it yet. The bulk of the group all sounded in agreement, they had been working on this for over an hour. Knowing when to admit defeat, why she was a good project leader, "Fine, fine, we're ahead of schedule so we can end early today. I do want all of you to finish your individual parts of this by the weekend."
Scooping up her books and papers, Megumi sighed in relief, "Will do Mai-san. Thanks again for doing all the heavy lifting." Always good to be nice to the other group members, they did get peer reviews on these projects. Stuffing all her things into her bag, she got up and stretched. What to do now? Maybe she could go visit her dufus brother and his model girlfriend. "How he got a looker like that," Megumi wouldn't venture a guess. Keiichi was a good guy, a very good guy. But good guys and girls like Urd very rarely dated let alone date for as long as they have been.
Walking through the well-manicured topiaries and gardens of Nekomi on her way back to her bike, Megumi felt good. As odd as they were together, Megumi couldn't help but see Keiichi and Urd worked well together, at least in her eyes. Fun things always happened with them, some odd ones too. She still was a little disturbed by the dream she had about them from a month ago. Turning into a car, having Keiichi drive her around, and the all-consuming need for ultra-premium gas…she took a break from her car studies after that one.
"Morisato-kun! Morisato-kun!" a fain voice yelled out from across the quad.
Great, she wanted to go get something to eat, maybe bother Keiichi as a little sister is want to do, but another of her fans was calling to her? Megumi scanned the quad and found a small girl, maybe a junior high student, waving at her and running in her direction. Goodie, she was branching out of college popularity and into younger schools now. As the girl got closer, Megumi colored as she recognized the approaching woman…good thing she didn't say anything earlier. "Hey Sora, I'm in a bit of a hurry today. Going to get some food out at Keiichi's, so make it snappy," Megumi felt her stomach rumbling.
"Good…you can…check on…Urd-san," Sora was panting heavily. Girl wasn't that athletic and she just ran across the quad and dodged other students like a linebacker. Hunched over, holding a hand up as she took in massive droughts of air. Megumi rubbed the poor girl's back and was reminded again of just how much Sora resembled a young kid, but she'd never say it to her face. Once she wasn't a red faced and sweating mess, "Everybody at the club is worried. Morisato-san was talking to Otaki-san and Tamia-san about Urd-san having some family issues or something. I can never really understand those two. But they did say Morisato-san was asking about getting a gift to cheer her up. You know anything/"
Would explain why she hadn't heard of any new exploits from Urd, Megumi gathered. Typically once or twice a week Urd would do something outlandish or draw a crowd that would reach Megumi's ears. Lately it's been boring and droll, not a strange tale to be heard. "Been busy with a group project so I haven't been to the temple since our little party. You might not remember it though, you got smashed," Megumi had to tease to be kind. Sora wasn't a good drinker, she tried to take her top of and flash Keiichi at Urd's nudging.
"So you haven't heard?" Sora finally stood up and stopped showing everybody her bony behind, "Urd-san hasn't been at the club since the party. Morisato-san's been depressed too, was hoping you knew something." Fixing her glasses, her hair a mess, but it did much to age her up.
That wasn't good, hopefully nothing relationship ending Megumi hoped. "I'll see what I can find out. I bet it's nothing though, you know how Urd can get," Megumi hand waved away Sora's worries. But her own were growing now. She had been focused on her own life and tended to let Keiichi do what he would. He was far too soft hearted though, so worried about others, and if this was a break-up event he'd be a wreck. Kicking her toe against the ground, "Any idea why she's not been showing up? That sister of hers hasn't been around has she?" She started making her way to her bike.
"I think they said something about a family issue or something, or starting a family issue they weren't to clear. And yeah Belldandy-san has been over more," Sora admitted. Trying to keep pace with Megumi as she started walking faster and faster, Sora was having to jog to keep up. Stumbling a little, she fell into Megumi and latched on to keep from falling. Holding onto Megumi's jacket, "Sorry, they weren't very clear. Think they're having relationship troubles? They were…quite the opposite at the party."
Urd was openly pawing at her timid brother, yeah that was quite the opposite of troubled. "I'm sure it is just something from back home. I'll get him to talk, and that gravure model will be bringing in new recruits before you know it," Megumi hopped onto her bike and put her helmet on. Tapping the side of it and flashing Sora a thumb's up, Megumi kick started her bike and was off.
"Keiichi would have told me something if they were having troubles, right?" Megumi asked herself. Would Keiichi ask her for help or would he just let whatever happened happen? Stupid question, Keiichi would just suffer in silence believing it was his fault or something! A product of their upbringing, the Morisato siblings were raised to be fairly self-reliant, so he'd just deal. Not a good thing, and why was that younger sister sniffing around? Now Megumi wasn't the fount of knowledge for relationships, but that Belldandy was a little shifty. Nobody was every THAT nice and selfless, were they?
Driving through the busy city, stuck behind a truck at a red light, Megumi saw quite an unexpected sight on the corner. A woman was selling various bottles of sprits, that was crazy odd. "But never look a gift horse in the mouth right?" Megumi might have to liquor up some lips to get some answers. For as outgoing and bombastic Urd was, woman was incredibly tight lipped about her troubles, much like Keiichi. Those two were a lot more similar than they liked to let on. Putting her bike in neutral, she walked it over to the curb and waved the seller over, "Hey got anything special? Hard stuff?"
"Of course I have hard stuff, it's the best stuff," the woman had a wide brimmed hat on. It shadowed her face and obscured her face, but Megumi was almost certain she recognized the blond woman from somewhere. Gesturing to an odd looking urn/bottle with a silly face on it, "Demon Lord Hakushon brand whisky. Guaranteed to wreck terror on your taste buds."
Taking the bottle into her hand, it was heavy for sure, Megumi examined it. Good heft to it, silly face, but no content details. "What proof is this? It's a gift for a friend and she likes her booze strong," maybe she'd buy it for just the novelty of the bottle. Far too cute to be called Demon Lord with its inane grin and pinchable cheeks.
"One hundred proof, you can't beat this urn, it'd make a great gift," the woman was putting on the hard sell. Another man came over and the woman turned to him and started going over her sales pitch again.
Fifty percent alcohol, not bad, odd for whisky but custom brews weren't unheard of. A little dubious of a street seller, Megumi check the cork and found it was very securely in place. Did Keiichi have a corkscrew? They might need one for this thing. As for the seller, woman had a heavy metal vibe about her, but since the man was buying something it couldn't have been too bad a scam. Even if the stuff turned out to be saki, if the price wasn't too bad it'd be worth it. "How much for it?" Megumi spun the bottle in her hand to have the face point at the woman.
"Three thousand yen," the seller said as she made change for the man buying a big bottle of vodka.
Not bad, good price really. What she'd expect to pay for a cheap bottle, so either she was getting a deal or she was getting just a little scammed. Bottle was worth it though. Handing over two two-thousand yen notes, "I'll take it. Such a cute bottle has to have a home with us." Getting her change, she stuffed it in her bike's storage and walked the bike back into the road. "This will get ONE of them to talk if nothing else," Megumi felt good about her purchase.
Making the rest of the ride in peace, the closer she got to the temple the more the roads emptied and she loved that. With such empty streets she could really open the throttle and let the engine sing! Thankfully the cops didn't patrol out here, nobody came out this far from Nekomi. All to quick the temple was at her side and she set the kickstand, and got off. Walking through the gates and approaching the quiet temple, "Hope somebody is here. It's never this quiet."
Just walking into Keiichi's home, she was always welcome as said by her brother so why bother. "Kei-chan I'm here to visit! I've got a gift for you!" she called out to the temple. They did lock the door when nobody was home, so somebody had to be here. "Keiichi? Urd? Anybody?" Megumi moved deeper into the temple. Oh gods please don't let them be having some afternoon nookie, she never wanted to see Keiichi in the sack. She did NOT believe the rumors the art students were selling about him. While Urd could be in magazines, she did not believe her brother had the body of a stripper and the member that went down to his kneecap.
"In the living room," Urd's bored voice called out. And like that the soft sounds of conversation filled the halls, volume must have been turned down when the front door opened. Laying on the couch, disheveled and frumpy, Urd waved at Megumi, "Kei-chan didn't say anything about a visit. Nothing happened did it?"
Handing over the bottle, Megumi could hear the concern in Urd's voice so her own chest relaxed. If she was worried about him, Urd had to care about him. "Spur of the moment thing. Hearing rumors from the auto club that you've not been around. Sora is worried something is up between Kei-chan and you," Megumi was always on the up-front side of things. Why bother drawing out things and beating around the bush.
"If anything we're closer now than ever," Urd took the offered bottle and set it on the ground, "Thanks." Flipping onto her back, she turned the television down, and scooted herself to be seated. Flashing Megumi some calf, "What are they saying? Nothing too bad, they saying I'm pregnant?"
Seeing a large variety of jars, herbs, and a mortar and pestal on the table, Megumi rose an eyebrow. Urd was into some odd things with her 'alchemy' but Megumi never saw her actually make anything. "No, just those two goobers that run it said you had family troubles, or were staring a family…they weren't to clear apparently. But you say things between Kei and you are good?" Megumi picked up a pill and tossed it between her palms.
"Careful with that, it'll make your hair grow a good two to three feet," Urd warned as she smiled. Shifting her legs again, seriously if Keiichi wasn't a leg man Urd was wasted on him, Urd grabbed at a few bottles on the table. Rubbing one against her cheek, "Going to need this one when we go out on our date, a lot of time to make up for. And yeah we're fine. I got some real bad news from home, but Kei-chan has been helping. Bell's been keeping tabs on him for me while I deal with things."
Grabbing her own hair, Megumi was almost tempted to call out Urd's bluff. If it worked she'd get to try having longer hair, if it didn't Urd would have to get rid of all this smelly garbage. "Glad to hear it. You two have been together long enough, and Kei's always had issues with girls in the past. Having a super model as a girlfriend though…hey if you two are happy I'm glad. So what is it? Maybe I can help?" Megumi put the pill back down on the table. The odd car dream came back to mind, best not push things.
For the next hour Urd went over a few oddities at the temple with the addition of Skuld. Megumi liked Skuld but the kid didn't think her ideas through enough. Great concepts but poor implementation. Urd did seem pretty down, but never went into the real 'family' issues she was having, none of her siblings did either, really tight lipped about their family. But Megumi wasn't to worried anymore. Eventually Keiichi and Belldandy returned from the grocery store and they had supper. She left feeling much better, but a little sad she didn't get to try that whisky. Oh well, maybe next time.
X-X
Author Notes
Trying to move quicker through some of the underlaying events but reference them enough. Keeping the pace at a nice click but not dwelling to long and padding. Hope its a nice balance.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie
PS if you're re-reading this and seeing those * are gone...its because I sometimes write at work and email myself what I did. They scan the emails for certain words/phrases so I censor what I email home and undo it when it get time. I forgot to do it this time around because of other issues. Sorry for the issues