This Time Around

by Zentrodie

A uncontrollable force is changing the multi-verse to suit its wishes, but in an act of desperation attempts to leave one lone iteration of the world without the taint.

4. Chapter 4

Standard Disclaimer

Work has been a lot of highs and lows lately, right now its defects and new requirements. Always fun. And a stupid hot heat wave is great. And the dude I knew that left the country is now back cause...reasons?

X-X

This Time Around

Chapter – 4

"Earth Help Center, hardly a fitting name," Peorth yawned as she dried her hair. Her shift was due to start soon and she just found herself lacking the normal care she had. A relief goddess was to be perky and joyous, to want to help and aid the humans of Midgard. And while she did care about her job, more so than most, the bloom was off the rose. Upon thinking that little phrase Gorgeous Rose bloomed from her back with a hint of worry. The plants in Peorth's dwelling blossomed and flourished in the presence of the fount of earth powers. Shaking her head, "Sorry Gorgeous, nothing is wrong. Just listless is all. And those dreams are bothersome."

Hugging her goddess counterpart, Gorgeous Rose handed one of her namesake to Peorth with a soft smile. The angel knew Peorth was taking the dreams seriously, not every evening a Goddess dreamt of herself and her angel from 'the future'. Putting her clothing on, Peorth felt that shudder of pleasure as the top squeezed against her sensitive flesh, been awhile since she had been with anybody and she'd become a little squishy. Snapping the leather straps on, "It doesn't make sense. 'Repeat Belldandy's wish.' What wish? That simpering waif has been granting wishes left and right, and none of them that matter."

Peorth added the last of her warding bangles, she put the rose she was given behind her ear after giving it a nice smell. Never one to take serious messages lightly, Peorth examined the dream carefully. It was always the same, it was a slightly older looking version of herself and Gorgeous Rose telling her that stupid cryptic message. "If I had to tell myself something, why couldn't I have been more specific? And why HERE of all people?" Peorth was not a fan of the Goddess Relief agencies number one wish granter.

Leaving her dwelling, Gorgeous vanishing back into the well of her soul, Peorth was awash with the light of the heavens. Belldandy and that pity filled garbage she tried doing! Peorth didn't need anybody's pity or handouts! What of that throw rug of a flower minded neutered woman did Peorth need to copy? Letting some family members met? A free extra order of eggrolls? Oh how about the one where they found a lost pet? Those were truly worthy of violating time protocol and sending messages back in time! "Chrono would have a fit if I abused time for something so petty. Then again, it is Chrono so maybe she'd just let me," Peorth did wonder if her friend would let her do whatever she wanted if teased enough.

Walking past gods and goddesses going about their own way to do their own business, Peorth wondered if maybe she should change positions. What more good could she do as a relief worker? With Belldandy down on earth, the Earth Help center had taken the majority of shares to be the top agency. That didn't give Peorth the joy she thought it would, she couldn't gloat over Belldandy's failure if the goddess wasn't around. Down on earth with her sisters, why would they want to stay down there? Watching the Valkyrie fly overhead in formation, she waved at Lind as they passed, Peorth muttered, "Maybe I should check why they're down there?"

Life had gotten boring and routine. And lonely. Peorth had her job, she had her few friends that she kept arm's length, and she had Gorgeous and that was it. Passing a few topiary, Peorth stopped to add some color to them. "I need a change, I need something else," Peorth sighed heavily. Finding the office a little animated with workers going about wish granting and helping, she put on her professional air. It wouldn't do to have her subordinates seeing their top wish granter looking glum about her boring life.

"So what are my wishes looking like today?" she asked a third class god that served as a gopher. Sitting at her station, sinking in with the system, Peorth watched a gaggle of Second class goddess's chatting. Had she ever been so open and catty when she had started? No, it was always professionalism and being the best. She had been successful too, except for that one blemish on her record of a 'team effort' with Belldandy. Taking the extended cup of mana, it was warmed just as she liked, "Well, are you going to answer or are you just going to gape at me?"

The god blushed and hotly turned his head away, "I didn't check out your wishes today. I was distracted. With the system brought back up, we've been hearing about what's been happening down on earth since the crash. I'll…I'll calculate that for you now if you want." The god's flowing green hair was starting to stick to his face as his sweating increased. Nobody could take a browbeating from Peorth without worrying about transfer, she ran the agency with as much authority as she could. Peorth was the shift leader or even a manager, but she had pull with them.

"I'll do it myself, get going. And in the future try to do your job and leave the rumors for when you aren't working," Peorth sneered and rolled her eyes. The crash…more proof that the heavens have become a routine place. Why a massive issue would be viewed so…positively…by the masses was beyond Peorth. Midgard was almost destroyed because some old program ran rampant? Where was the goddess/gods in charge during that mess? "The crash was a nightmare not a blessing, who cares if it was exciting," Peorth grumbled.

Talking just loud enough for Peorth to hear, the trio of second-class wish granters chatted. "Have you been watching? When she started getting younger and that small boy started hitting on her…I was wondering if she might just take him!" the short haired blond gushed.

"Well it's obvious they wouldn't make love with her that age, he isn't one of those creepers that likes little kids. But when he got those bracelets I had to stop watching! They just…just…maybe I should get my license increased to First class so I can have somebody wish for ME to be their lover!" a ruby red haired goddess adorned with numerous runes gushed. All three of them leaned in laughing at some shared little fantasy.

Tossing a balled up piece of parchment at them, Peorth bore down on them, "If you want to get a First Class license you need to do your work diligently and not prattle on. Our duty is to grant boons and blessings. If our numbers drop the Goddess Relief agency will pass us again. Understand?" Who were they talking about again? Peorth had heard more gossip in the last few months than she had in years. Most of which revolved around Belldandy's sister and that odd wish Urd granted. Being bound to a mortal via a major wish? Losing her license and nearly being deleted? Urd was always one for making a spectacle, this lately it was getting out of hand. "What was Urd even doing granting wishes, she's a system admin," Peorth grumbled.

"D-didn't you know already Peorth?" the red-head asked her runes flaring purple and gold. Where who two friends went back to work, the red-head wasn't quite done with her gab session. Unfurling the scroll Peorth hit her with, a request for an elderly woman to get a call from her son, she set it down and opened up her console. Finding Peorth tapping her bicep the younger goddess's head dipped, "U-Urd took the shift away from her sister that day. Isn't it romantic? The one day the half breed does something nice for somebody she gets tied to that mortal. I-I watch them quite a lot. Morisato is actually…I'll get back to work."

Peorth hadn't meant to scare the woman off, but something in what she said clicked in Peorth's mind. Urd's wish…Urd's wish was supposed to be Belldandy's? Seeing her queue number of wishes for the day, not a horrible amount, Peorth opted to do something she rarely did, slack off. Going into databases she saw her last search which was of her past, Peorth felt flush at her sordid history. Now she wasn't a prude, had lovers in the past and quite enjoyed the touch of another, her striving for the top spot had her doing bulk wishes. And some men and women had odd wants… 'Sweet dreams' as if she was some succubus! Not her proudest moment, but it was the job and she did it.

"But the dream said Belldandy specifically, not Urd," Peorth shook off her past feelings of remorse. Pulling up the last day of Urd's wish granting, Peorth was amazed at how many times the file had been accessed. The black sheep of the goddess's had been viewed innumerous times. Guess this little wish of hers got a lot of people's attention, or was it the situation? Peorth didn't have any beef with Urd or her half-breed nature, just her slacker nature. The system's department was running smoother now that Urd was down on Midgard. Reading the wish, a major one, "Be with me forever…silly mortal." But it got Peorth's attention, a mortal that earned a major wish, a real rarity at the age the mortal was.

Trying to pull up the mortal's file however Peorth was stunned, "Blocked? Why would it be blocked?" Only a few rare mortals had their files blocked from general reading. A few more searches and Peorth was stunned to see most details related to this mortal and the whole wish debacle were blocked. Tapping her foot impatiently, "Just how many of them have been wasting time on this soap opera?"

More than their should be, that was for sure. Anything 'new' and 'shocking' just got too much attention from the lower licenses. Drama, sex, and breaking the rules, what else did Urd ever create? But something about this mess made Peorth wonder. "What if it wasn't my future?" Peorth tapped the screen as she wondered. No, that was silly. It was just a dream, created from her rivalry with Belldandy and had nothing to do with Urd and her pet mortal. "Though I could use this…get some revenge on Bell," Peorth sipped her mana.

Belldandy was staying down on Midgard to be with Urd and this mortal. "Bah! I'm thinking to much on this. Not like I can even interact with them, no reason to," Peorth grabbed her mighty braid and stroked it. Stupid, she was being stupid. But it was nice to dream herself, a little fantasy of her own. A whirlwind of romance and excitement, of not always having to be on point for this agency. Maybe just maybe rubbing Belldandy's face in something and getting back at that little goody-good. But it all hinged on one thing that was impossible, the same mortal getting another major wish. A dream, just that. But they were fun.

Falling into her job, Peorth doled out minor and simple wishes with all the skill of a First Class Unlimited goddess. Code compliers worked better, rashes went into remission, and old friends ran into one another and reminisced about old times. All through it she kept her little dream alive, a change…something different. "Repeat Belldandy's wish," Peorth parroted the dream again. Three nights in a row, all three nights the same dream. "Father if I ever become her I will send a better message. Being cryptic is a terrible thing." Those dreams though, she felt they were more than just dreams, they were to real, to boring to be an actual dream. A message, a message from the future that didn't make any sense.

"And through all this stupid mess they keep giggling and wasting time," Peorth paused after she helped a little girl find a kitten. The three goddess's and that god from before were all chatting again. More about Urd and her mortal's misadventures. Flavor of the month, let them be distracted. Eventually the newness of it will end they'd find something new to fixate one. Her phone started ringing, and Peorth grumbled, was it going to be another complaint she was working the others to hard? "Hello Earth Relief Agency, Peorth speaking," she kept her tone professional and upbeat.

A stunned and confused male voice responded, "Wait this isn't Mid-City Chinese delivery?" Voices on the other end of the line were muted but could be made out asking what was going on.

Peorth's heart skipped a beat as she actually looked at her phone. It wasn't an in-office call it was from Midgard? This was a major wish, oh Father this was something different! "No it is not, I will be right down to grant your wish, Keiichi Morisato?" Peorth saw the details flash on her screen. What the heck was this? Keiichi Morisato was the mortal Urd was bound to, and yet he was getting another wish? The notes on the now-unlocked file were clear.

Keiichi Morisato, to be granted a full major wish…just what was this all about. Primping and prepping herself, it was time to go see what this mortal was all about. Had Urd made such a colossal blunder in her wish fulfillment that the Almighty deemed this Keiichi worthy of another wish, a true wish? That had to be it, never send a Second Class to do a First Class's job!

'Repeat Belldandy's wish.'

The words reverberated in Peorth's mind…but it wasn't Belldandy's wish but Urd's. Thought it was supposed to be Belldandy originally granting the wish. Though who was to say the mortal would have asked for the same thing of Belldandy as Urd. Knowing, and drinking with, Urd gave Peorth enough to think maybe that personality of the bronze skinned goddess got the mortal's lust in a froth and that was why he asked what he did. "Belldandy would never get anybody hot and bothered…not like Urd or I could," Peorth nodded. Pointing her finger at her camera, Peorth dove into it and was washed over by the feeling of teleportation.

Standing before the mortal she was to give a wish to, Peorth was in a very cozy looking room, "Peorth of the Earth Relief agency at your service, Keiichi Morisato. Now, what is your wish?" She handed him her card with a smirk, he was pretty easy on the eyes. It fumbled out of his fingers and to the ground, his eyes wide and unbelieving. Eyes on her, Peorth liked that feeling…finally something new.

X-X

Walking away from his bike, Keiichi was really trying his best to keep himself smiling. Life was great for sure, but today was supposed to be a date night for Urd and him! They didn't get many since the Lord of Destruction accident, and he had really been looking forward for a nice romantic evening with his girlfriend. They learned after that first night together that they really enjoyed a little time between the sheets. Only, they didn't get much time for such acts as something always happened to get in there way. But today, another victory for the motor club (and yet another saving of Belldandy from Aoshima) was supposed to signal a personal celebration for the couple. Sadly Belldandy and Skuld didn't see it that way.

So rather than dropping off the younger sisters' and taking Urd out on the town and ending at their favorite little night spot, he was heading into the shrine with a few expensive bottles of booze. Urd looked just as frustrated as he was, she had woke him up with a heavy petting session so it was evident she was just as primed as Keiichi felt. Deep breaths though, deep breaths. They meant well, they wanted to join in the fun. Keiichi was patient, he was willing to wait, not like he had a choice. Belldandy and Skuld had a way of just 'being' there whenever Urd or he tried to sneak a little affection from the other.

Over the two months since Urd got her probational license back, they had two such evenings of uninterrupted time together. Each of them had been away from the temple, and Keiichi thought their home was now cursed. At first it was the need for him to make the moon bangles to provide as an alternate energy source for the goddesses. Seeing that little kid and Urd together…Keiichi learned he had a little jealous streak but was able to keep it private. Urd loved him, he knew that, but hearing her tease and talk about that kid…who was Urd's age at the time…it just bothered him. Urd countered that Skuld was hitting on him VERY hard in her older form, and Keiichi admitted Skuld seemed to. With Urd a child and Belldandy a foot tall, Skuld was the woman on his arm at school and she hugged that arm heavily.

After the moon bracelets got Urd her age back, it was Mara and her stupid doppelganger split of Urd's goddess and demon halves. That had not ended how Mara wanted, and Keiichi now knew what it was like to be with two women at the same time…it was the same woman doubled over…but whow that was intense. Then Banpei used the cast off skin from the doppelganger to become some super hero until it tore. Belldandy was her typical confusing self, Skuld was always wanting to work with him, and then there was the Shiho incident. If Keiichi thought he was a little jealous of Shohei and Urd's little thing, Urd blew it out of the water when that would be exorcist sent her love letter to Keiichi.

Many oddities and strange stories, but Keiichi never regretted his wish to be with Urd. It was just part and parcel for being with a goddess, one he'd gladly pay. But right now, as Urd hung on his arm and seethed as she glared at the back of Belldandy's skull, Keiichi agreed a little. "Hun, we'll just go out this weekend instead of me working on the bike. They helped us win the race, they deserve to have a part of the reward," Keiichi would always try to disarm the Urd emotional bomb.

"They want more than just part of the reward, they want the whole thing. Have you seen how Skuld's been lately? Think we need to get Sentaro to come over more," Urd bit her thumb hard. Swiping the bag from Keiichi's hand, she brushed past them all. Yup, she was frustrated and angry and it was boiling over to him now. 'Siding with my sisters over me' or some such. It was going to be a lot of shoulder rubs and a long night out to get her to get over this. Saddling up to Belldandy, a forced smile on her face, "So my dear sisters, what should we all do since we cancelled our reservations at that new Chinese place?"

Hair blowing in the breeze, Belldandy either didn't notice the brewing anger or didn't care. Putting her finger to the clef of her chin, she just gazed up at the twilight sky, "How about we play one of your games! We can listen to some music, play, and have fun together. You don't work or have classes tomorrow, do you Keiichi-san?" Belldandy spun around and smiled that sweet expression of adoring bliss at him, a face Keiichi just couldn't understand. During the de-powered time she stuck with him constantly in his pocket instead of Urd. Why did she stay with HIM over her sibling? Keiichi just didn't know, Belldandy was so polite and kind to everybody he didn't know if it was subtle flirtation or just how she was.

"I don't. Likely get started on one of my writing assignments later in the day tomorrow though. I'll have to hit up the library for some books for it. You good for that Urd?" Keiichi hoped she got the hint. Instead of working on his beemer, he'd take Urd out grab some books for his report and spoil Urd rotten. Or as rotten as his bank account would allow. Though with the system force still down, Belldandy admitted it was the last system to get worked on in-lue of the others needing repairs, Urd had taken to staying at the temple or doing her own thing while he was at class.

Opening the door and flipping the light on, Urd shook her head. "No. I'm going to be working in my lab tomorrow. Some of those reagents you got me have a short shelf-life and will go bad if I don't use 'm. But if you want, why don't you take Bell with you or Skuld. Hell take both of them," Urd tried to make it sound as if she meant it politely. Great, she was in a mood! Couldn't she tell he didn't WANT to miss out on his promised date tonight? It took him weeks to get the reservation at the posh restaurant! Then again, Urd wouldn't be Urd if she was more ruled by her heart than head.

"OH! I can see that new electronics store! I've been dying to go there!" Skuld gushed as she ran into the temple. Sounds of her stomping her way to her room and things being thrown about could be heard, she was sorting and planning. Wonderful, Skuld was all about going now, it'd crush the girl if Keiichi didn't take her now!

Taking his shoes off, Keiichi saw Belldandy loitering at the doorway and gazing down at her feet and casting a wayward glance at Urd's departing form. "Did we spoil some plans you two had today? I know I surprised the two of you with asking to join your celebration…but sister seems upset. As for tomorrow, Skuld does sound to wish to go, and there is that new teashop…" Belldandy who never asked for anything just hinted at what could be considered a date!

"We had wanted to go to restaurant, but I couldn't afford to get us all food there. But I will order something for us tonight, a peace offering to her. As for tomorrow, if you want to go sure. You two did help a lot. Skuld's frame idea and your scouting, you both are part of the victory," Keiichi didn't want the younger sisters to feel like they were a burden. Just frustrating is all, guy wants to have some time with his girlfriend yet her two sisters just couldn't give them that space. For a moment Keiichi considered sneaking into Urd's room, but memories of Belldandy walking in on them the last time they did that came to mind. They had just gotten started, really started, and Belldandy cut through Urd's barrier worried it was Mara and…just watched them for five minutes in utter shock.

Stunning the man, Belldandy gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, "You are a dear man, Keiichi-san. Thank you for being you." With a skip in her step, Belldandy bustled off to grab one of Urd's games, leaving Keiichi there rubbing his cheek. Life was odd at the temple, and stuff like that just make it stranger for the poor college student.

"Everybody want the usual? Going to order delivery!" Keiichi yelled out in a mixture of frustration and hunger. They each responded in their own way, Skuld energetically demanded an extra eggroll as she left her room on her way to the common room, a list of tech she was hoping to get. Belldandy's voice echoed from the hall with Urd's games, and a deadpan and flat call for extra saki came from Urd already on the couch. Kicking his toes against the ground, Keiichi fought to keep his frustrations down, Urd had every right to be upset, he was too…so why was she taking it out on him! Taking the phone to his room, he plopped down on the ground and dialed up the number.

The phone rang a few times until a very chipper and rather quite lovely voice answered, "Hello Earth Relief Agency, Peorth speaking."

What? No? It couldn't be!? Keiichi held the phone away from his ear and just looked at it before timidly putting the receiver back to his head and nearly shouted, "Wait this isn't Mid-City Chinese delivery?" His yell got Belldandy and Urd's attention as they both called out if he was alright.

"No it is not, I will be right down to grant your wish, Keiichi Morisato?" the enthusiastic voice of the goddess who claimed to be Peorth answered. Moments later the cheap disposable camera Keiichi had sitting about, photos of Urd in a swimsuit waiting development, flashed and a woman appeared out of it enshrouded with rose petals that smelt lovely and her garb even more alluring than Urd's typical style. Bowing and giving Keiichi a peek down the horizontal slit in her top, "Peorth of the Earth Relief agency at your service, Keiichi Morisato. Now, what is your wish?"

Falling backwards, some of his books and tools falling with a loud clatter, Keiichi crab walked to the wall and just gapped at the new woman. Long black hair, full figured, creamy white skin, elaborate garb that just pleaded for wanton gazes, and a smirk that looked right on home on Urd. "Oh….no….what is this?" Keiichi gasped aloud.

"Like I said, Keiichi Morisato, I am here to grant…your…wish," Peorth sauntered over to him, and leaned at the waist to gaze into his eyes. Taking a rose from behind her ear she placed it over his and winked at him. Sultry and flirtatious, Peorth knelt down and put her hands on his shoulder, "So what do you want? Money, power, or maybe you want yet another Goddess bound to you, a Goddess First Class Unlimited."

Ok, she was way to close, not as close as Urd had gotten all those months ago, but this girl was not like the other First Class Goddess Keiichi knew. "Y-you know about that? I-I thought getting a wish was supposed to be rare…how could I get a second?" Keiichi muttered. Filling his whole world, Peorth smelt heavenly and the glimmer in her eye was bewitching. Added to it, Keiichi was feeling a bit randy due to the early morning pre-game and the plans for the evening, he wasn't proud of his current gutter mindset.

"Keiichi, you mind if I call you that," Keiichi shook his head to her question, "Nearly all the heavens, likely hell, know about your wish. Not every year a mortal binds a goddess to their existence. Then again it was a Second Class goddess…and speaking of goddesses." Peorth pressed her cheek against Keiichi's and they both followed the sound of stomping on its way to the door to Keiichi's room.

Throwing the door open, it was Urd that rushed in first with a force bolt in hand, "Keiichi we felt something breach the temple…did you…see…what the fuck? Peorth?" The bolt disappeared as Urd approached the pair on the ground. Peorth hugged Keiichi tighter as Urd neared, the vein in her forehead throbbing.

"Peorth-san? My, what would bring you to our home?" Belldandy was close behind Urd only sounded just as passive as always, nearly happy.

Yanked out of Peorth's grip, and practically flung into Belldandy's embrace, Keiichi was at Urd's whim. Arm hurting from the tug, "I tried ordering the food, she came from my camera saying I earned a-another wish. I don't understand." Rotating his arm, his shoulder felt a little tender from the abuse. Watching Peorth get up and Urd get right in her face, it was a clash of black and white. Urd was livid while Peorth was utter calm…and the view was filed right into Keiichi's mental back as quite enticing.

"I'm here on business. Seems you aren't fulfilling your duty Urd. And Belldandy, with you here I'm shocked you let things get this bad. But that is what I'd expect from the Relief agency, lackluster support. As such, one Keiichi Morisato is due another major wish. Anything you desire 'ma cherie', and I will gladly fulfill it," oh how those eyes and voice made it evident she meant exactly what she was saying.

"I can't do that, I'm with Urd," Keiichi eeped at the very blatant offer. Freeing himself from Belldandy's grip, Keiichi grimaced again as that pain spiked through his shoulder and down his spine. Urd had to have strained a muscle with her yank. Taking a step away from the woman that was playing with the long leather tongs of her garb, gazing at him over Urd's shoulder. Clearing his throat, "I don't need anything, Peorth-san, c-can't we just skip this?" He was happy with his wish, more than happy! Even if it was bad at times, it was the happiest he'd ever been.

Spinning around Urd, bending at the waist, Peorth gave a quick thrust backward and sent Urd stumbling. "Oh no-no-no, 'ma cherie', you get a wish and a wish I will grant you," gracefully sidestepping Belldandy, Peorth draped her arms around him. "Oh, did she dislocate your shoulder? Poor form indeed," she probed the arm and sent a healing pulse through it. Sniffing the air about him, "I can smell it on you. You two haven't been…Urd I'm stunned at you. After the Troubadour affair, I would have thought thAAAA!"

Keiichi had heard Urd mention that word before in secret or when really drunk and rambling…just who was this Troubadour? Right now wasn't the best time to think about it though, as Urd had slammed a bolt into Peorth and by proxy him. Laying on the ground, Peorth atop him…and she was very comfortable, his mind was more on the pain and confusing of what was going on. "Can…you give me time…to think…Peorth-san? Thinking I'm going to sleep right now. Long day," Keiichi just fell back. Laying on the ground of his room, Belldandy hovering over him with that worried expression of hers, Keiichi didn't want to think about it.

"Urd! What is wrong with you? You don't just force bolt somebody for no reason! And you hit Keiichi. No wonder I'm here. You're hardly fitting of a wish, and you Belldandy, you just let this happen? How far both of you have sank. And you 'ma cherie'," Peorth caressed Keiichi's cheek, "Will get what you are earned. But take your time…tell me your hearts wish when you are ready. You two though…find me a place to sleep. I'll be staying until I grant his wish." Getting off Keiichi, she winked at him and blew him a kiss as she left the room.

About to throw another bolt at her, Urd just pulsated with anger. Thankfully Belldandy took the Goddess of the Roses out of the room and Urd sighed. "Do you agree with her, Kei-chan? Today I've…not even your fault. You're just being you, and Bell would have followed if we went like planned…then your offer of the library…" Urd laid down snuggling close to Keiichi.

"You ask me these things already knowing my answer," Keiichi hugged Urd and kissed her temple. Inferiority complex, Keiichi saw it and personally identified with it. Grabbing a pillow nearby, both Urd and he propped their heads up on it. Urd feared herself a failed goddess when compared to Belldandy and given her half breed nature, Keiichi knew he was far lesser as just being a mere man compared to such powerful beings. But there in his room, arms holding one another, that didn't matter. Yawning, "We'll deal with this wish business in the morning. I'll just make some silly wish and it'll be over."

Shimmying down, using Keiichi's chest as a pillow, Urd yawned as well, "You don't know Peorth like I do. She won't stop at anything except pure success. Be careful around her. And I'll show her in the morning." With empty bellies, and while the moon was just rising, Urd and Keiichi fell asleep.

X-X

"Now don't give me that look. I'll be fine, just don't want you to see how brutal this is going to be. You can't lie to me and say you two haven't become a little chummy over the week. Now get going or I'll have Bell go with you," Urd had to be cruel to be kind. Hands firmly on Keiichi's butt, a place she rather liked them to be, she was shoving the man out of the door. He had classes, and she had a goddess fight to win. The fact a bet was involved that Keiichi didn't know about was partially the reason she wanted him gone. Once he was out the door and the beemer started, she shifted her cheek towards him, "Now if you don't perform your duties I'll have to ask Yoshida-kun to do it."

Stunning the goddess of the past, Keiichi didn't squeamishly kiss her cheek but leaned just enough to go for the full course. Having much improved his game, Urd leaned into it and savored a second helping of Belldandy's breakfast. Pulling away the bashful Keiichi was back with that dopey grin on his face, "Can't have that can I. Have fun, but…don't go to hard on here. I think she's lonely. Well she's a lot of things, and that might be one of them. Confused might be another." He shifted uncomfortably as he revved up the engine and walked the bike closer to the path.

"Hey wait! Let me come with you! I have a few ideas for your next bike I want to try!" Skuld rushed out the door. Throwing herself into the side-car, Keiichi and Urd shared an exasperated look as she accidentally flashed them both again. After righting herself, just a little red in the face, "I'll stay at the motor club while you have your classes," Skuld wasn't taking no for an answer.

Well at least he had one goddess with him, Urd scoffed and waved as they took off. "If he needs anybody with words printed on their faces he's safe now. Maybe Nobel Scarlett might resurface if something really nasty happens. Now…to more important things," Urd had to ready herself. Switching to her battle attire, she felt the need to put Peorth in her place. Urd was the only one that needed to taunt and tease Keiichi, and Peorth was getting bolder with each rebuff. Had to hand it to Keiichi, Peorth was laying it on THICK and he was able to keep the girl down. Back washes, trips to school with him, teasing under the table, over auditory assaults, and countless others Peorth was not slouching on her methods.

"She's actually more fun to have around than I thought," Urd smiled despite herself. Walking around the temple, she found Belldandy and her opponent already waiting for her. Now that was a pairing that was frigid. Peorth did not talk much to Belldandy outside of necessity, but whatever that bad blood was Peorth was tightlipped. When Bell wasn't around though, Peorth was (while stiff at times) oddly fun to play with. Somebody Urd could tease aside Keiichi that took the bait, a drinking buddy, and well…more like her just more professional. Creating a force ball, Urd hucked it over Peorth's shoulder startling the woman, "You ready for this? Standard best of three match. Winner takes Saturday."

Fixing her leather bangles, Peorth flicked her wrist and vines wrapped around Urd's ankles making her trip and face plant into a small muddy spot. After a haughty royal laugh, "I am always ready, unlike the two of you. Some of us are dependable, if only 'ma cherie' wasn't blinded by your…" Jumping away from another force bolt, Peorth sagely stopped her boast. What might have started as just her doing her job, Urd suspected, was becoming more personal for the Goddess of the Roses. Hard not to, Keiichi was an odd man that made a woman feel appreciated. At least Urd thought.

"It will be a match of three games. If you will both take your places, I shall officiate," Belldandy was only sounding a little nervous. Woman hated conflict, disliked it when people had these little tiffs of anger towards one another, but she would honor their wishes. Plus Urd noticed whenever Peorth got to close to Keiichi, her little sister was keeping steady watch on the pair.

One day Urd was just going to out and ask Belldandy about her feelings towards Keiichi, but not this day. Getting to the line drawn in the dirt, Urd let World of Elegance unfurl and stretch her bi-colored wings. "Want to make this even more interesting? Winner has to answer a question of the loser. That way you'll get something out of this contest," Urd was always one to hedge her bets. If she won, well Peorth was going to be gone and wouldn't mind a little mud in her eye…well metaphorical and not the actual mud she had in her hair. A loss however…a date alone with Keiichi was what Peorth was aiming for and Urd wanted to know why? A goddess first class, just why the focus on granting a mere mortal a wish?

"Think I can answer your question. Oh and before we start, I'd like to purchase an elixir from your quaint little lab. Going to need some stamina potion, going to be a long evening," Peorth tugged on her lower lip suggestively. With Gorgeous Rose blooming from Peorth's back, the two goddesses locked hands together. Showing no fear or hesitation, Peorth was a serious opponent as she was in all things. In times of play Peorth really let her hair down, when it was time to get serious the switch got flipped. Eye to eye with each other, "Tickle contest. First to laugh loses. And you'll find I am not one to laugh easy."

Kissing the air at the woman, hoping to fluster her, Urd was irked when Peorth returned the gesture. "With your clumsy hands, and my experience…I doubt I even feel you," Urd wasn't fully bluster on that either. On Belldandy's signal World of Elegance and Gorgeous Rose beset one another. Pushing hard against Peorth's palms, fingers entwined, Urd had to grit her teeth as Rose's tendrils were unexpectedly soft as they grazed against her. Glaring at Peorth, a snicker threatening to break as waves of vines went down her back, Urd was glad Keiichi wasn't here. Through her teeth, "Better than expected, but Kei-chan buffed my resistance and taught me a few things."

Sweating herself, her lips curling up in a reluctant smile, Peorth wasn't prepared for the onslaught of feathers and fingers. Blinking hard, "Y-you too. I'll have something t-to look forward too on o-own date." Their strength was starting to wane as the angels continued their sensual assault of one another. The shared feelings between Angel and Goddess tested to the extreme. But to the uninitiated the event could easily be seen as erotic, and Urd did not want Keiichi thinking of Peorth in that light.

"Try this one…he gets me every time with it," Urd had to actually bite her tongue. Giving World of Elegance the idea of going behind Peorth's knees, what gave both Urd and Elegance a very weak in the stomach and laughter overload, Urd thanked Keiichi. During one of the few almost evenings they had, Skuld had demanded Keiichi's time on that occasion, her man found a very sensitive spot. Urd knew she one the moment Peorth's eyes popped open in shock, mouth opening wide, "Finish it Elegance!"

Fingers rubbing along the side of Rose's side, feathers caressing Peorth's legs, Elegance cried out in soundless victory as Peorth fell to the ground laughing. Panting alongside her lifelong partner, Elegance beamed a very acceptable request to Urd. They needed to have Keiichi do that again to them.

"Point goes to Urd. Congratulations sister," Belldandy held up the black and white flag with Urd's face on it. Offering her hand to Peorth, who was rolling in the mud laughing and getting covered in it, Belldandy frowned when her hand was batted away. Offering Urd a towel to dry the moisture off, "How did you know to do that?"

The urge to tell Belldandy that it was from a heavy petting session with Keiichi was on Urd's tongue but she abstained. "Not the best time to talk about that, Bell. You ready for round two flower child?" Urd split her attention. Wiping her face clean with the towel, who knew trying not to laugh would cause such strain. Maybe have a nice 'tickle' match with Keiichi later, that'd be nice. Flashing Elegance the thumbs up, Urd tossed the towel back to Belldandy as her angel rejoined her soul. Summoning her hammer, "Not quitting are you. Or does the mud give you powers?"

"Not on your life, and that was a nasty trick. But I'm not out yet," Peorth grumbled as she got up. In a flash of green light Peorth expunged the dirt and grime from herself. Woman was tenacious when she had something she wanted, and she wanted to grant that wish. Whatever it was. Slapping her palms together, she conjured her own mallet that appeared much like a croquette variety. Taking a steading breath to get the last of the giggles out of her, "Next challenge is a physical one, and I've seen how hard you work. Want to just give me the point?"

Low blow, but not untrue. Urd wasn't one for menial tasks such as cleaning, cooking, or well…much outside of her system admin work and alchemy. She didn't LIKE work. Keiichi did most of the work that Belldandy didn't cover while she watched her shows. "I'd sooner have Bell go out with him than you," at least that way she'd know nothing would happen. Peorth would push and push and well…Urd had to admit Peorth had an allure to her. She had to dislike the goddess, she was here bothering Keiichi, but Urd was having fun! Even this was something her sisters wouldn't do, and the other god/desses wouldn't humor with the 'tainted' one.

Fidgeting from her place between the two, her hips squirming from left to right, "You would want that?" Belldandy just was too naive for her own good. Peorth and Urd gave her a very 'not now' vibe and the poor Goddess of the Present just blushed and examined her feet. Showing both a time piece marked thirty minutes, "Whoever debugs the most in the allotted time wins. No powers allowed, only hammers. Begin in five…four…three…" Belldandy summoned a mass of furry cute buggers for the two combatants to squish.

Now Urd knew she wasn't in a very good physical shape, a life of lounging and relaxation was preferred to physical labor, but this was an eye opener. Where Peorth was focused and steady, smashing the fuzzy abominations without slowing, Urd had to keep pausing to catch her breath. For a moment Urd thought she found a loophole, the bugs were nuzzling next to Belldandy who pet the things unable to hurt them at all, but Peorth got there first. It was a slaughter, not even a challenge. And when Belldandy told them to stop, she was a sweating and miserable jumble while Peorth wasn't even winded.

Laying on the ground, her side split and aching, Urd glared at the smirking Peorth, "What are you monster. What demon spawned you so we may slay it?" Laughing a little, Urd just tried to breathe and not move as she got herself back together. Closing her eyes, she grumbled, one up and one down and she wasn't totally sure she could target to well right now. Feeling a slight breeze on her face, "Thanks Bell, you're a doll."

"Did you want some tea or maybe we could break for a snack?" Belldandy asked as she tended to Urd. Her little question still buzzed in Urd's mind, was it asked in fear, hope, or obligation Urd could see any option being true.

Blocking the sun from Urd's eyes, Peorth stood at her side. "Nope, you didn't give me time to recover from your tickle assault, why would I give you the opportunity. We finish this now, and then you can tell me where he likes to go. And where…that Tamiya doesn't go. Gorilla is anything but coy with his fixation," Peorth tugged on her straps.

Ah yes, Peorth and Nekomi had a very odd splash. Morisato has got himself another woman, do you see who is with the dork now, he must be hung like a horse to get such women. Urd just had to tease Keiichi about his newfound popularity. But one Tamiya of the motor club had been stuck hard by the lovebug when it came to Peorth, and he did not due subtle.

"Fine, fine, I'll just have to beat you quick. Maybe I can join Kei-chan for lunch and a little side trip," Urd reluctantly opened her eyes. Shoving Peorth away after she gave a few light kicks to the side, Urd got up and headed to the most open part of the lawn. "Loser as to fix the ground back up. I rather like the quaintness of this place and your craters won't improve the landscape," she summoned the score rings in the ground.

Resizing the rings to make the challenge harder, Peorth silently waited for Urd to complain, when she didn't, "Thinking this place could use a nice flower garden. Some rose bushes, lilac, or maybe even lilies. A place to give some real color and life to this place." Leading the way to the outer ring, Peorth unexpectedly stuck her hand out, "This has been fun. Everybody else I know is to intimidated by me to ever consider challenging me."

"They don't know the horny bitch you really are. Coming down to Midgard and trying to bang my boyfriend. If they saw you playing at him, they'd never get over it," Urd took Peorth's hand. Yanked up, the two stood at the edge and nodded. They could be friends, be odd, but they could. Summoning her rune the size of a basketball from the earth, Urd launched it up into the sky, "Hope you have your question ready. I really am thinking of visiting Kei-chan. If I'm not around that Mishima girl gets a bit to friendly."

Creating her own rune more than five times the size of Urd's, Peorth tittered as she launched hers up. "Hope you have yours ready. Because after I win, you'll have to tell our man what he'll be doing this weekend. He does know the heavens are polygamous right?" if she was joking or serious Urd didn't know. With both runes flying at the appropriate position in the sky, Peorth was not showing any sign of her true aims. Was this just for the job or had the Goddess of Roses actually started to care for her mortal?

Completely overwhelmed by the openness of Urd and Peorth's talking, Belldandy was suffering a full body blush and was trembling. Poor woman wouldn't know what to do with a man in a private setting if he came at her pants-less and swinging. "D-darts, b-b-best score wins, final round." Fanning herself, Belldandy was a maelstrom of motion and none of it focused, maybe Urd should tone it down around her.

Waiting for a cloud to pass the sun, an unspoken signal to start, Urd hurled her rune down as fast and hard as she could. With Peorth's size, if she didn't get in front of it she'd be unable to hit a high score. So power trumped finesse, and Urd rolled the dice.

"You bitch…that wasn't fair," Urd crumpled to the ground when she saw that Peorth's gambit had won. Maybe if she went smaller, say a baseball, she'd have had enough speed to overcome the small moon Peorth launched. But the score was telling, Peorth took the whole of the first three rings, Urd's had been knocked to the fourth. She had lost. But knowing she had to tell Keiichi that he had to spend an evening with the woman he'd been avoiding as if she were a hellbeast, she didn't want to know if Peorth was serious about her polygamous comment. Feeling Belldandy's hand on her shoulder, Urd thought of a different question, "Why are you so stand offish with Bell? What happened to make you dislike her, nobody dislikes her."

Standing smugly over her defeated foe, eyes closed as she was already talking to herself about all her plans for that evening, Peorth stopped. "You didn't know? Neither of you know why?" Peorth blanched. When they shook their heads, Peorth explained her agitation with Belldandy, who then cleared up the misunderstanding. Once the story was told, and Peorth reluctantly accepting Belldandy's apology, she went into the sky and flew towards the school, time to rock the boat.

X-X

Walking alongside Keiichi through the quad at Nekomi, Peorth was amazed at the feeling she felt. It was like being back home to a lesser degree! The people moving about, the vegetation, and the sense of life was very similar! Even how the individuals clumped together forming their own little clicks was reminiscent. A very nice place to be, very nice. Hugging Keiichi's arm closer to her body, this was another thing she was more than startled by. What started as just another job, just another wish was turning into something she was a little afraid of. Now Peorth was not a 'love at first sight' type of person, but she knew attraction when she felt it.

"Sorry for how our d-date started, but I need to turn this paper in or I won't get credit," Keiichi waved a folder in the air. Dressed just a bit nicer than he normally did, Keiichi was more than just uncomfortable. Urd had reluctantly told him about the bet, and he owed up to it since it was his 'wish' that started all this mess. Leading the lovely lady through the throng of people, they noticed them. How could they not, geek Morisato had another vision on his arm, and again his girlfriend was not around to be seen. Nervously running a hand through his hair, "Any place you'd like to go on it? You are new h-here."

Running her free hand along a low hanging tree branch and enjoying the texture of the leaves, Peorth hummed contently. "Well what do Urd and you do on your dates?" Peorth didn't want to tip her hand. Unlike the fun loving and outgoing Urd, Peorth really didn't have much in the way of dating knowledge. Hence when she originally landed, she read all the manga Skuld had for ideas of what and how humans courted. In the heavens things were different, much, and she had shied away from it and focusing on her work instead. Now, her mind was slowly thinking more and more about this mortal on her side. Spotting an annoyance up along the path, "Anything you want to do would be fully acceptable."

Laughing just a little, Keiichi stumbled a step only for Peorth to put that free hand on his chest to steady him. His squeamishness was evident, man wasn't used to new people touching him, "Oddly enough Urd is a bit of a homebody. If we don't have a club event she tends to stay in her lab. When we DO go out on dates, a lot of the time she just likes to ride around on the bike, get some food, or get a good drink." He held back a little at the end, and Peorth felt his heart rate spike and his aura shift just a little red.

"Well how about we play by ear then. I saw a lovely garden on the way here, we could take a stroll through it. And I have to agree with Urd, rides on that bike are liberating," Peorth tickled his chest before pulling her hand away. Was this why Urd stayed with Keiichi, this surge of emotion she got from him? The fleeting life of mortals was not what Peorth expected. Her limited interaction with them from her wish granting never gave her a very solid impression. So vibrant and dynamic, each moment had meaning and purpose since they were so limited. Peorth saw Aoshima was drawing nearer, if he noticed them Peorth didn't know, hoped not.

Freeing himself from the rose scented embrace of his current companion, Keiichi opened a glass door of one of the building halls. "I'll be right back. I've something else to take care of real quick, so I'll try to hurry," his unease was telling enough, somebody needed a bathroom break. Scuttling off into the building, leaving Peorth behind, Keiichi went straight to the men's room.

"I understand why she didn't have the wish overturned," Peorth was a little envious, growing more so with each private moment. She had a few flings in the past, some fairly serious, but it didn't have the same…pop…as this mortal had. She could see something of herself in him, his seriousness when it came to something important, dedication to a task, fearless in the face of challenge, and she saw the love he had for Urd. And…dare she hope…she saw a glimmer of that when he looked at her the more she spent time with him. Was she…was she actually developing feelings for this man? The rose that was her heart was blooming.

Speaking of roses, one sad and drooping one was suddenly thrust under her nose, "Ah, such a lovely flower for a lovely woman. Here alone are you?" Aoshima bowed just enough to maybe be serious but likely just for show.

"I am waiting for my date to turn in a paper," Peorth would be polite when necessary. Refusing the sadly abused rose, she wrapped her arms around her waist. Mortal clothing was very confining, and the light brown skirt and top felt very constrictive all the sudden. Sensing Aoshima's aura, Peorth was reminded that all mortals were not bastions of warmth and selflessness. Taking a few paces away from the man, "And you? Just approaching all women or only the ones you deem worthy?"

Smoothing his hair, using the move to put the rose back in his lapel, Aoshima was not deterred. Following behind Peorth, "Date? Somebody from the motor club? My dear you need to increase your circle of friends. They are the dregs of this school, the freaks, and oddballs. Why not join my circle if you're interested in vehicles. As for myself, I was just enjoying a walk around the campus while waiting my next class." Not lying, Peorth could tell that, but his attitude soured much of Peorth's mood.

"That sense of originality and openness is why they always beat you, isn't it? They will do what they wish and without concern of how others see them. You have your image to maintain," Peorth spun and saw the man flinch. Ah, didn't like knowing he had never won against Keiichi's little club of weird and unusual. If Peorth had to choose between the odd and this man, she'd have taken Tamiya out for a date instead of Aoshima. Tamiya was at least honest and kind, just looked scary on the outside. Seeing weakness in the man, she pushed forward, "And I have heard of how you constantly scheme to get Belldandy to join your club. Have you ever considered just ASKING her?"

Not one to be intimidated by a woman, Aoshima was having a hard time not back stepping from the looming Peorth. "Just luck and odd circumstances is how they win. That midget Morisato likely is cheating too. As for that lovely flower that is Belldandy, she's wrapped around his finger thanks to that sleazy sister of hers," Aoshima fixed his glasses and looked away.

"Sorry for taking so long, Peorth, Prof Ishkawa had a few quest…Aoshima," Keiichi aborted his comment upon noticing they weren't alone. Giving Aoshima a wide berth, he went to Peorth's side and bowed his head just a little in apology. To his unintended rival, "Did I interrupt anything?"

With a new target, one he obviously didn't care for, Aoshima's grin went wide and feral. "Oh so THIS is your date. Morisato, cheating on your girlfriend already, or is this how your relationship truly is? Never figured you to be that type. Well, I'll be sure to tell Belldandy about this, maybe this will finally break whatever hold you have over her. As for you…Peorth…I misjudged you. Willingly dating a man you know is in a relationship. Far to open for my ta-HEY-HEY!" Aoshima yelped out in fear.

"You take that back now, or you count your teeth! I'm fine you talking trash about me, but not Urd or Peorth!" Keiichi had Aoshima by the collar. The smaller man was shaking the larger wildly, teeth bared just waiting for a provocation.

Gently putting her hand on Keiichi's back, he responded instantly by letting Aoshima drop. "No need for that Kei-chan. Aoshima was leaving now, wasn't he? And his opinion is hardly of importance," Peorth was finding her chest tighter again. Coiling around Keiichi's front in her best 'you'll never win' pose to Aoshima, she touched that sad rose…a parting gift. Keiichi was normally so docile, so calm, but at the comment about Urd and her he became a berserker! It made Peorth's eyes flutter, her heart beat harder, and just a little itchy.

Once free of Keiichi's grip, the man righted his collar and cleared away from the strike zone. "Savage, just a brutish savage after all. Using your fists when you can't use your words. Maybe I misspoke, I don't know the full of it, but I do know you and that dark skinned floozy deserve one another. I'll save the fair Belldandy someday," Aoshima's panic-stricken voice robbed the man of dignity. Turning on his heels, he hurried off away from the pair.

"Enjoy the rose, porc ," Peorth whispered at the departing man. The rose would regain its vitality and more importantly its thorns. Snuggling up close to the shorter man, his scent vibrant and fresh, Peorth was dizzy. What was this feeling, it was powerful and strong, and also terrifying! With a deep breath, she leaned just enough so her breasts would rub against him, her mind tittered when he noticed and blushed. This mortal was so fun to tease, such a simple thing got him so flustered. Hand to his chest again, "Shall we go then? Let's not let that abruti ruin our evening."

Flustered at both the touch and his outburst, Keiichi sulked, "Sorry about that. I shouldn't let him get to me. He's always doing things like that, but…I don't mind him calling me bad things. But Urd and you…" The silly mortal that thought so little of himself proved to be of the right timbre to stoke Peorth's heart. Patting her arm, "I saw that they're having a play in the south quad, some Shakespeare thing. Want to check it out. Midsummer's Night's Dream or something like that."

He could have asked for just about anything and Peorth would have agreed to it. Emotional highs and a very lonely life, Keiichi would have identified with Peorth very much at that point. "Sure, let us go and enjoy the show," Peorth couldn't keep her smile away. With a skip in her step and a song in her heart, she let the whole wish and dream issue slide into the back of her mind and just enjoy the day. Her little vacation was becoming a wholly new thing. Learning Belldandy hadn't pitied her and used her body to trap the bug, finding a new friend in Urd, and now this. Pulling Keiichi closer, "You're warm, share that with me…bit chill."

"Urd-chan says that all the time, and I guess fall is on its way," Keiichi did his best to not be embarrassed. He failed, as Peorth plied on the charms as she was want to do, and he was at her mercy. Urd made him promise before Peorth that he'd take this seriously, and the man wasn't a liar. Finding the play just about to start, the pair found open seats and joined the small audience.

It was amateurish, even by human standards, but Peorth was spellbound by it. Tales of love and frivolity, magic and whimsy, it captivated her. More her taste than the odd love stories Skuld read with those manga of hers, and the total humiliation it was when she tried to replicate it in real life. That had Urd laughing for over an hour, Peorth loved the stories but hadn't realized they were entirely fictionally. During the intermission Keiichi got them some food from stalls. Messy and covered her hands in a saucy mess but it tasted so different than mana and ambrosia.

When it ended, Keiichi stood and popped a joint in his arm, "So what did you think? Pretty good I feel, though a lot of the words flew over my head. Bet you're used to better." Keeping in front of the departing crowd, Keiichi was adept at finding the most open path through the people.

"We don't have…a lot of stories in the heavens. Tend to just watch Midgard," Peorth suddenly felt ashamed. The heavens didn't have anything like these stories, they didn't create much, just work and interact with one another. How odd, these humans made so much with so little, and she had so much more time and what had she created? A career based on dedication and fear of her underlings. Numbers she kept high, and what else? Not close to her family, she was just her, how empty WAS her life? The flame of emotion was flickering wildly now, "I-I really enjoyed that. Maybe we can see another sometime," would there be another time? After his wish, he'd be gone and she'd be back up in the center working day in and day out.

With the sun already starting it's decent, the play going far longer than either anticipated, Keiichi lead them back to his bike. "You wanted a ride, right? Better to get it in while the sun is still up. Give you a good view of the countryside," Keiichi climbed onto the bike and gestured to the sidecar.

"Does Urd ride in the sidecar?" Peorth rose an eyebrow as she saddled up behind Keiichi. Wrapping her arms around his waist, quite stronger than the initial appraisal, and put her chin right into the crook of his neck. Squeezing her legs against his, maximizing the feel, "Now, let us have a ride." Oh how she loved those little double entendre, and wondered if he caught the majority she tossed his way.

Handing a helmet back to the woman, his eyes told her he understood much, Keiichi started the bike and off they went. It was boring at first, moving through the city at a slow pace and seeing nothing but gray and white buildings, but once they cleared that Peorth gasped. Trees and plant life was vibrant and in the midst of transition. Some of the leaves were already changing while others still a glorious green. Animals and birds scampered about, and for a moment Peorth wondered if some of those birds were following them.

Keiichi took Peorth on a long and winding tour of all around the temple and Nekomi in general. Whenever he signaled if Peorth wanted to stop she shook her head no. He was in his element, he was making his own type of music, and Peorth felt herself resonate with it. A wondrous sunset signaled Keiichi's turning around and driving back to the temple. It was getting later, almost supper time, and the end of their date.

Helping Peorth off the bike, dropping both helmets into the sidecar, Keiichi asked, "D-did you have a fun time? Not to good on this whole dating thing, without the wish with Urd I'd still be in the dorm with the guys." How this mortal didn't see his blessings was silly, but Peorth added it to his charms.

"You would have found somebody by now 'Ma Cherie', you would," Peorth kept close as they headed to the door. The last of the lightning bugs of the season were flying about, lighting the path with greens and yellows as the last of a waning crescent moon hung over head. At the door, Peorth didn't want it to end…this wasn't just about the wish anymore. "I had a lovely time, I understand why Urd is so smitten…and if you didn't know she truly is," Peorth gushed. As Keiichi opened his mouth to counter, Peorth pounced. Wrapping her arms around his upper back, she drew him close and just basked in the moment. He was…well he must have been trained by Urd as he was very skilled.

After an unknown period of time, "Oh do go on sucking the life out of my boyfriend succubus," Urd announced deadpan. Urd then caught Keiichi as Peorth hurled him away from her in shock. Spinning the lightheaded and confused Keiichi into the temple, swatting his behind as he moved, "Kei-chan, Bell has supper on already, go get a seat and I'll be right there. You and I need a chat."

"Yeah, uh…" Keiichi just stopped talking and pointed at the kitchen and hurried off wide eyed and muddled.

"Sorry Urd, it just sort of happened. Everything today was just…different for me. Everything has been different for me. Ever since I had that dream, things have been…what?" Peorth felt Urd grab her arms painfully hard. Spun around, Peorth was expecting a slap or an ultimatum to leave Keiichi alone, not a very focused and bewildered Urd, "What is it?"

Pulling Peorth away from the temple, they could hear Belldandy talking to Skuld and Keiichi about their days. Urd went to the far wall, and asked softly, "Dream? What dream?"

Going over her dream, Peorth was stunned when Urd confessed to a dream of her own. And there, in the early evening both goddesses felt a cold chill. Both of them had dreams, both related to Belldandy and a wish in some way. What did it mean?

X-X

Sitting in his room, door shut, Keiichi swallowed hard as he contemplated the next twenty minutes carefully. Urd was off getting more saki, Belldandy was cooking, and the others were off doing their own thing. He had a few minutes alone finally. If he went quick, he could alleviate his building frustration and flush it away before anybody noticed or smelt it, he hoped. Ever since that date with Peorth, the goddess of Roses had upped her game on the seduction track, add to that Urd's normal way of life and Keiichi was left about to explode! It wasn't a shameful act, hell he used to do it all the time, but now that he lived with women (girlfriend included) he was more worried about people moving about.

"Why can't we get an evening alone…" Keiichi moaned as he started moving books about. Oh he knew now, Peorth was here to take up the slack Belldandy and Skuld left behind. With no private time with Urd, hell no private time at all, Keiichi was more than pent up. And he wasn't stupid, he knew his sexual desires was what Peorth was hinting at wanting to alleviate with her wish to him. Finding one of his few relief aids, his heart started pounding as he pulled it out, "But how can I tell Peorth it's all a misunderstanding? She's so…dedicated."

Peorth had grown from a confusing annoyance to a good friend and in rare moments an image of carnal delight to Keiichi. But he was faithful, he was honest, and he would not cheat on Urd. A few moments of lust would not be allowed to ruin the great thing he had with Urd. Peorth had to be lying about the whole polygamous thing, Urd would have confirmed it. Had he made his wish with Peorth first though instead of Urd, Keiichi did know he'd likely be just as happy with life. Both were goddesses to him, and not because of their powers. "This is so humiliating," he flipped open the book.

Beautiful women stared out lifelessly at him from the slick pages, posed for maximum effect and Keiichi's mouth went dry. Not hearing anything in the temple, he was alone…he could do this. "But what if they walk in…what if they see," Keiichi's hand was poised over his zipper. Flexing his fingers into and out of a tight fist, he continued to debate. This was stupid! "I have to tell Peorth I don't need a wish, or just wish for something simple she'd believe. She'll understand if I talk to her straight," he hoped. Stupid heart, stupid head, he couldn't be thinking like he was, he shouldn't! But it was so tempting, she was so tempting.

"It looks like you're in need of a little wish here, Kei-chan," Peorth's voice wafted casually from behind the man. As he spun around, throwing the book away from himself, she flew over and caught it with a knowing look. Giving the page she caught a good look, she hummed appreciatively and then took the woman's pose. Floating in place over to him, "Is this what you like? Tried getting Urd drunk last night and getting what your fetishs are, but she passed out before she told me. Just going to have to ask you directly."

Damn it! This was exactly what he didn't want! How did she get in without him knowing it? Shit his camera! He forgot about it, she must have teleported into the room from it! "Now-now Peorth, let's talk about this. I know what it looks like, and it-it isn't what you think it is," even Keiichi didn't believe his lie. What else COULD it be? Man alone in a room with a dirty book and a box of tissues, he'd believe 'I was going to clean it' more than what he had said.

"Yes, let's talk about this Kei-chan," she was using that term all the time since the date and kiss. Tossing the book away, she flew in closer to the man, eyes dancing with delight. Wrapping her arms around Keiichi's neck but not actually touching him, she got right up in his face. Breathing softly against his face, "Hiding away from all of us, your aura such a deep red right now it's dripping. And only little ol' me to tend to it. So how about that wish?"

Looking away as best he could with her so close, he felt her soft touch across his neck and he shuddered. The back of his neck was crazy sensitive and she was gently grazing it. "C-could we not do this Peorth-san? W-what we have here…you and I…it's wrong. I'm with Urd and…" he felt something popped into his mouth. It was a small bulbous pill, the type he knew wasn't of human make! A pill from Urd's shop!? What was it? Truth serum, love potion, that stupid gender swap one again? Whatever it was he had to move and move now! Breaking out of Peorth's embrace he made for the door, "What did you give me? D-did you make it or was it one of hers?"

Flying slowly behind him, she gripped the doorframe as he tore off, "One of my own make. Just look at me Keiichi-san, and we can end all that tension you've got."

His bare feet slapped on the ground as he ran through the temple, making his way to the living room. Oh no, did Peorth know that some of Urd's reagents were things he gathered for her? That they were more potent than the original ingredients? Finding the Goddess of the Future playing with one of her drones while she watched television he had to get some help. "Skuld! Skuld, Peorth dosed me with a pill! You have to help me! Stall her while I get Urd or…" Keiichi locked eyes with the younger girl as she did him.

"Keiichi my love!" Skuld's face went full red and eyes glassy. The man skidded to a halt at those impassioned words, his feet hit the couch and tumbled over it. Quicker than expected, Skuld was atop the man near instantly, locking lips with him and a very inexperienced tongue worked its way into Keiichi's mouth. Pushed off after a few very uncomfortable and confusing seconds, "Don't push me away dearest! Let me feel you more! I know I'm not as developed as the others, but I'll make up for it!" The dazed goddess tore off her top showing a very underdeveloped goddess.

Any fear Keiichi had of liking younger kids was lost instantly. Seeing Skuld as she was, did not fill him with longing it was a bucket of water to the fire that the kiss started. "Skuld what the hell are you talking about? Why are…oh god no," Keiichi suddenly understood. Typically Urd's potions and pills had instant effect, and since he felt fine it must mean the effect wasn't on him, but who he looked at!

"Kei-chan are you ready to look at your lovely Peorth and finally tell me your wish?" Peorth sang as she entered to room. She found a very unexpected sight as Skuld was crawling towards Keiichi, he saw her, Skuld saw Peorth, and all hell broke loose. Pointing a finger at the youngest Norn, "What are you doing Shrimp, he's mine right now!"

Drawing her hands up to cover her shame, Skuld drew he legs up close and screamed, "Pervert!" Her latent magic powers triggering and the words took shape and smacked Peorth right in the face.

Using the distraction as best he could, Keiichi freed himself from Skuld and ran again. He couldn't look at anybody, not in the eyes at least, or this nightmare would increase! Where to go next, where to go?! Outside! Urd's potions typically had a very short half-life, he just had to wait it out! Opening the door to get out, he ran smack dab into Megumi. Much against his wishes, he found himself staring right into the face of his sister.

"Kei-chan! I've come for you!" Megumi wrapped her arms around her brother. Pinning him against the wall, much as Skuld had, Megumi savored the taste of Keiichi. Now she was much more skilled than the youngest sister, her hands were iron as she held him firm. Grinding herself against him, Megumi's touches were brash and direct, tough and hard. Breaking away, the saliva connecting them for a moment, "I've loved you for so long Kei-chan. Take my virginity! I've saved it for you! Nothing can be stronger than the bond between brother and sister!"

Now this was something Keiichi never thought would happened in his darkest nightmares, nor did he ever want it! Not wanting to hurt Megumi, Keiichi was at a loss for how to get away. "That is the best reason NOT to do anything!" Keiichi yelled panicked. Using his shortness as an advantage, Keiichi let his legs go slack and slipped down and under his sister's legs. As he slide between those toned ballplayer's legs, he felt moisture strike his head and noticed she was gushing through her clothing! What the hell did Peorth do to his sister! And he did NOT want to know she was chaste, some things were not for him to know!

Without her pillar, Megumi fell forward and bonked her head against the temple wall. "Wait for me Kei-chan! You can't leave me like this, you have to take responsibility!" And it wasn't just Megumi, Keiichi could hear Skuld calling out for him as well from within the temple, and Peorth!

Spotting his salvation, hopefully at least, Keiichi ran towards Belldandy as she hung laundry. "Belldandy! You have to help!" he begged. Closing his eyes, he grabbed Belldandy by the upper arm, he felt her jump and tremble against his touch. Oh please all things holy, he mentally begged, don't let this magic work via touch as well. "Peorth gave me a pill, its causing people I look at to go crazy! Megumi and Skuld are already effected. Can-can you do something about it?" if he felt another kiss he'd be doomed.

"Oh my! That is terrible, I-I will help you Keiichi-san! Just stay here and I'll deal with them," Belldandy replied. A few moments of tenseness passed after Keiichi released her and he sensed her still standing before him. What was Belldandy doing, what was she thinking? The notion of Belldandy acting as Skuld and Megumi did cause Keiichi a moment of temptation. What WOULD Belldandy be like if she was effected? He squashed that feeling once Belldandy left.

Opening his eyes, he saw Belldandy hustling off towards the two hypnotized women. "Good, she's not effected. Now where to hide, where to hide," Keiichi didn't see Peorth. The utility shed he installed! It had all the lawn equipment and a little storage, he could hide there until this wore off or Urd came back! Crawling on his hands and knees to the shed, he opened the door just enough to squeeze in, no good giving away his hiding place. Crawling to the corner, "And now I just sit here with my eyes closed until this is all over."

"Not what I expected, not at all," Peorth teased. Blowing into Keiichi's ear, she wrapped an arm around him before he could try to escape. Using her powers she summoned vines to bar the door, and trap the two of them inside the shed. Pressing her forehead against Keiichi's, she straddled him, "Now…how about we talk about why you and I are here right now."

With all the action he'd been getting, with all the madness, Keiichi felt himself throbbing against the body pressed against him. But he was stronger than his base wants, he would not hurt either woman by doing something stupid. "Y-you are here because of my sexual frustration, at least you think you are. And I am frustrated, but not for the reasons you think. Urd and I are happy, we do…occasionally make love. But when you came, we'd planned a date night, but Skuld and Belldandy keep getting in the way. It would be wrong to do this without love…this isn't an act or some game…I only want to have sex with somebody…somebody I love," Keiichi heard Peorth gasp.

Cupping his cheek, Peorth rocked Keiichi's mind, "But I do love you. I Peorth of the Roses love you Keiichi Morisato. Is that not good enough then?"

Eyes popping open, Keiichi found that they weren't alone. Kneeling at their side was Urd and she had her unbelieving and annoyed look in her eyes. "I leave you alone for one afternoon and this is what happens? What did you do?" Urd grabbed Peorth by the ear and yanked her off.

"Don't look at me Urd! Peorth gave me something and everybody who looks in my eyes…my eyes…" Keiichi stopped, nothing had happened. He had gazed into both Urd and Peorth's eyes and neither of them reacted as Skuld or his sister had!

Flicking Keiichi's forehead with a grin on her face, "My potions don't mess with the real deal. I love you, you stupid lug, it won't affect me. That is if she used what I think she did. And you…a love at first sight potion? How desperate are you? Come on, let's make the antidote. Kei-chan you stay here until I give it to you. Last thing we need is Bell to get a look and then that nightmare would never end." Dragging the protesting Peorth with her, Urd was reading the latest Goddess the riot act.

Falling onto his back, Keiichi sighed in relief. "Doesn't affect the real deal huh?" Keiichi parroted. That filled his heart with such joy it was incalculable! If there feelings for one another were so true it reacted to Urd's potion, meant he didn't need to worry. The heat of the shed was welcoming, the earthy wooden smell soothed his mind. Closing his eyes, he felt like laughing and crying in equal measure. Words were just that, and some actions could be faked, but to have quantifiable evidence that Urd loved him as much as he loved her…that WAS a wish.

"But I looked at Peorth too…shouldn't she have…" Keiichi wondered. Peorth HAD said she loved him, but Belldandy said she loved everybody…was it that type of familiar love, or maybe he was thinking too much. He had told Peorth the truth though, he'd come up with some wish to fulfill her obligations and then she'd leave. "I don't want her to leave though…she's nice to have around. Gets along great with Urd," Keiichi muttered.

Laying on the ground for what felt like ages, Keiichi calmed down from the insanity of the last hour of frantic running and kisses. Hearing footsteps approaching, "Hey, just wanted to thank you again. Since this mess started you've been patient. I know I've been odd with Belldandy and Skuld around, I just don't want them to walk in on us or anything. You have to know I'm not doing it to hurt you, or because I don't want to make love to you. I love you. The wish for you to stay by my side forever was the best mistake I ever made."

"Y-your wish…is granted," Peorth gasped out. Rocketing up, Keiichi saw Peorth start to float into the sky as an all to familiar blue light started to surround Peorth, eyes pure white, she gazed up into the heavens and a beam flew out of her forehead rune into the clouds. Once the contract was made, Peorth floated back down, and just stared at Keiichi, they both heard the sounds coming from the temple, "I…uh…think I'll make this my room…until we get this sorted out…"

Oh no, what did he do!? Why did Urd send Peorth with the antidote, did she even HAVE the antidote? Turns out she didn't, Peorth snuck away while Urd was working, and Keiichi made another little mistake. A few minutes later, Peorth had confirmed that yes, a mortal COULD have two goddesses bound to him via wish. Life was about to get a lot more insane.

X-X

Authors Notes

Yup, predictable but going to be a funny outcome in the next few chapters. Thinking have about 4 or 5 more chapters before this is over. Then again still having a lot of fun with this so might slow it down it a little and have a few more chapters...maybe 10 total chapters tops. Hope you enjoyed.

Ja mata

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