A/N: I love when you wiki/google/bing something and get two different answers, grr! Apparently, Nidheg, and Nidhogg are both proper names for the demonic super computer…I'm going to stay with Nidhogg for this story, since that's the name tied to Norse mythology's dragon…and thus if I'm using the wrong name, just overlook it, as I'm sticking with Norse principle on this one.

And chapter 5 is fixed, for those who didn't know.

Chapter 6

He'd once been told by Belldandy that she could read auras. Based on the color, she could determine how a person felt. It was an ability that all beings such as herself had. She also mentioned that such a skill consumed a great deal of power. She couldn't use it all the time because of strain. Keiichi never really tried to understand things beyond that, and he trusted that she wouldn't go snooping around in his thoughts.

Now he understood that the colors were very abstract, and not nearly explanatory as he first assumed.

At the age of fifty, if he were still a mortal, his hair would likely be thinning, and graying out. It wasn't. He didn't look a day over thirty, and due to that, he was often complimented by his family and friends. Instead of aging in the usual manner, he realized being a demon was much more fluent. When he woke up one morning, he could see the faint glow of colors around him, colors that were like lights, brilliant and beautiful…and yet entirely foreboding.

The morning sun rising in the sky, was not as captivating as usual. A dark cloud seemed to shadow overhead. It wasn't by any means sudden, but the looming truth made Keiichi ponder about how long he hadn't noticed it. It seemed so natural, and yet, impossible.

"Now, Skuld you know it isn't so bad." He heard Belldandy tell the youngest goddess as he entered the main living room. "If you don't train properly, you'll never be able to harness your gifts. You have so much light to give, Skuld."

"Big sis, I'm alright without all of that." Skuld had protested, despite the disappointment found in Belldandy's eyes. "I have my machines, and besides, I'm licensed in system administration. Even if I do get a commercial license, I don't think I'd be very good with all of this wish granting stuff." With a sigh, she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Belldandy, but I'm renouncing my training under a commercial license, and I'm going back to heaven."

"Why the change of heart?" Urd asked, leaning heavily on the table, sipping some sake. "You used to want to do everything Belldandy did."

"That's the thing." Skuld nodded. "I used to want to…but when I first got my powers as a goddess, it was because I'd found love for the first time." She shrugged. "I thought I understood what that meant, but, then Sentaro started to grow up, and I had to distance myself from him." Her smile seemed filled with grief, until she could no longer do even that. "He still calls all the time, but he has a huge family now. I'm still just a kid, and I haven't changed. I can't even see him because of that."

"You've matured greatly, and in that way, you're nearly there." Urd said, trying to comfort Skuld the best she could. "Goddesses age in a different way. We have an everlasting, fluid life, that tests time itself."

"I can't stay here on earth." Skuld finally said wiping away at her eyes. "I can't keep waiting around for what isn't here anymore." With a breath and a deep sigh, she looked to Belldandy. "I'm going to go train under our parents."

"Creation's law offices!" Urd exclaimed, shocked to hear that. "Why with them?"

Skuld became quiet for a moment. She was still unsure herself, but she knew one thing. "The law offices are one of the few places that have open contact to the demon realm."

"Skuld, are you positive you want to work there?" It was a tentative question, fragile at best. "If I were you, I'd consider working in a different office, or returning to Yggdrasil." Belldandy said, unhappy to hear the news. "You know that those who work in the law offices have very little time for themselves, or their families."

"What are the law offices, anyway?" Keiichi asked. "Is it the same kind of thing as here on earth, handling disputes and other such matters?"

"No, Keiichi." Belldandy said with a shake of her head. "Our grandfather, Odin, came up with the idea to have an office purely to remedy inconsistencies. Creation's law offices are an independent, third party, responsible for maintaining creation as an entirety. They're not only diplomats, they're far more. They oversee many different organizations in creation, such as the several types of helplines, special combat divisions, and the inter-species trials. Without their work, we wouldn't be able to maintain and regulate creation the way we do."

"Our father, Tyr, is one of the spearheads of that particular office." Urd muttered dryly. "Both heaven and hell have dubbed the office neutral territory. To say that demons, gods, and goddesses work among each other intimately, would be a gross understatement."

"Urd!" Belldandy shook her head. "That's not very nice."

"Well, it's true." The eldest Norn shot back. "I can't say my conception was a surprise. We both know that more inter-species procreation happens because of that office, than any other." Urd shrugged. "Most if it is out of wedlock at that."

"That's only because that particular office has both the divine and unholy entities working within it." Belldandy said simply. "It's ambassadorial, it's normal to assume that sort of thing would happen."

"Say what you want, it doesn't change the truth." Urd still didn't want to think about it. She hated that law office. "Skuld, if I were you, I'd avoid that branch. Hild still shows up from time to time to oversee her employees, she's a constant thorn in everyone's side."

"She also has to consult with our mother on a regular basis. Hild doesn't have any choice. She's an inter-species trial officer." Belldandy replied offhandedly, turning to Keiichi. "There are many offices in heaven, and most of my family choose to hold administrative licenses. We have a pretty heavy hand in creation when you think about it." She looked over to her sisters, and then back to Keiichi. "I also know quite a bit about administrative activities, but I chose to function on a commercial license instead."

It was Skuld's sigh that brought them back to the matter at hand. "Creation's law is strictly that, the very law and moral foundation upon which all other systems function. Since it's one of the largest offices, it's easy to find work there." She loved machines and computers, and that was one of the requirements needed to have the job. "Systems admins are elected to do high priority work that includes programming both Yggdrasil and Nidhogg. Since I'm good with machines, I think I'll be challenged more working there, rather than just staying a basic admin of Yggdrasil."

"I see." Belldandy said slowly with a nod. "Well, if that's what you want to do, Skuld, I won't stop you from attaining your goals."

"It is." Skuld said then looking over to Keiichi. "If you hurt big sis while I'm gone, I'm going to personally send Lind on assignment to come after you, so you better not do anything stupid, you hear."

"She can't actually do that, can she?" Keiichi asked, a bit concerned by the look of fire he was being given.

"Well, Lind does work under a special division license." Urd said with a smirk. "It's within jurisdiction, I suppose."

"I was afraid of that." He gulped.

…

Skuld left for heaven later that day, and Belldandy insisted to follower her to make sure all of the transfer paperwork was done correctly. Urd suspected that was only one reason, but she didn't comment as her sisters passed into their respective travel mediums. Instead, she took the time to relax, looking over some documents that had arrived for her earlier that day.

Even though Urd was on earth, she still had a job to do, and she had to do it right. Absentmindedly, she flipped through the code that had been sent, a bunch of heavenly lettering that would look like gibberish to anyone else. After she got bored, she set it aside. Meandering to the kitchen, she was thankful to find Keiichi hovering over the stove, and she took the time to grab a bottle of sake and sit down.

"She'll probably be gone for a few weeks, you know." Urd said in passing, getting comfortable.

"Belldandy can take as long as she needs." Keiichi said. "I promised her as a mortal, I'd wait for her no matter what." He tossed some chicken stock into the pot and turned the burner a little hotter. "That won't ever change."

"Haven't you bitten off more than you can chew?" Urd said then. "I mean, I understand that you wanted to help Belldandy, but what happens when Hild comes to get you for training?" Urd asked him. "Have you ever thought that time might come sooner, rather than later?"

"I know it will." Keiichi said. He left the cooking pot alone, and grabbed a beer from the fridge. "She probably knows how clueless I am to all of this stuff…so there's a good chance I'll get dragged away for training, but can live with that."

"I suppose that's just as well." Urd said with a soft smile. "You always were hopeless to a degree." She looked down at the clear liquid in her glass, and considered just what Keiichi's future would imply. "You know, while I can't say I'm altogether fond of you being with a demon, I'm happy you're looking after Belldandy as much as you are." Urd looked at him, and the devil's egg that sat around his neck. "You really are a demon now, aren't you, Keiichi?" She knew he was, but looking at him, it was hard to tell. Even so, there was something about him, and it made her realize that he was indeed changing.

"Does it really matter if I am or not?" He asked her. The question lingered in the air as he grabbed the trash to take it outside.

She didn't have an answer for him, nor could she seem to grasp one for herself. Instead of trying to figure it out, Urd nipped at her lower lip. She contemplated the greater question that Keiichi hadn't asked. Why? She thought, a bit angry at herself. Why should it matter? It wasn't so easy to let go of, and as she grabbed at her drink, she left to go run a bath, feeling the dire need to purify herself in a way she had never quite felt before.

...

Give me one good reason…just one good one, and I promise I'll return to my perch. The chattering deity said as she took the time to gussy herself up. For what, Urd hadn't the slightest idea, but her nerves were wearing thin.

You don't have to go into my soul. Urd finally relented. But, at least go do something. You're in my space.

Oh don't worry, master, I am. World of Elegance said, wagging a nail file in amusement. I'm going to be perfectly sure to keep busy, don't you worry.

Uh-huh… Urd gave a bored sigh, rolling her eyes as her angle tittered about happily. What has you so flighty today?

Oh, just this and that. World of elegance shrugged, fawning over her hair next. I was talking to Holybell the other day, and wouldn't you know it, she's obsessed about that new demon we've got parading around.

That's not a new demon, that's Keiichi. The retort fell on deaf ears, and Urd sighed. It's not like his power's changed him…at least not yet.

Say what you want, but Holybell has gotten smitten with him. World of Elegance nattered on. That won't do…I won't accept being ignored from the only eligible man that's to pass by. At the disapproving look Urd gave her, Elegance tossed up her hands. What's wrong?

You know perfectly well what's wrong. Urd warned her angel.

The words fell of deaf ears. He's a demon, it's perfectly natural for him to want to look around and sample his women.

At the risk of sounding like a bitch, I sometimes wonder if I should have swallowed you at all. Urd wasn't about to get into all of the ways her angel could find trouble, and instead, went back to what she had been doing before, gazing at a blank television.

That was the trouble with angels, they acted much more impulsively than their masters. They also, much to Urd's dismay, had an obligation to support their master whenever the need seemed to arise. There were many times goddesses required support. Mentally, physically, spiritually, and even when attuning to high level magical spells. A goddess required her angel, and, it was an irritating fact that the angel also required similar support from her goddess.

Urd was often solitary, and so her angle was the same. They were often independent of each other, but every now and then, Urd would find herself with a less than satisfactory angel who only served to provoke her ire. It was naturally due to Urd's half demon blood, but even so, Urd found herself on the verge of a massive headache.

You've been watching the blank screen for the past hour. Her angel's voice lilted, a seductive sigh slipping from her lips. You're losing your touch, Urd.

Quiet you. Urd told her angel, popping another corn puff into her mouth. I'm not in the mood.

No, but you are rather moody, aren't you? The half angel, half devil replied. She slipped he arms around her master's neck, smiling as she toyed with the shell of her master's ear. What is it Urd, can't take the heat?

Elegance! Urd scolded, pushing the trouble making deity off of her. What is it with you?

I would raise the same question, but it seems pointless. Don't you think? She ran her fingertips along Urd's jewelry, something that always seemed to captivate her. We both know what troubles you…how long you've waited to find someone who might accept you. She taunted her master, behind a smile that was far too playful for her own good. You know, Urd…he's a demon now, and demons males are very capable of attaining more than one woman. Like a vixen, she arched her back a bit, enjoying the idea of a male demon so nearby. He's demon who doesn't seem judgmental of what we are…he's perfect!

Urd sighed. Stop causing trouble. She knew…she was well aware of the demon male, and his growing power was quite the feeling to behold, every time he passed by unaware, his demonic aura it sent a shiver down her spine. Go back into my soul, where you belong.

Can't I play with him? World of Elegance asked. Please, just for a little while?

No! Urd shuttered at that. No you may not… She knew exactly what nefarious activities her reflection would get into, if left to her own devices. The very idea made Urd worry. He may be a demon, but Keiichi is still off limits, now more than ever. I'm not going to deal with a pissed off Belldandy, just because you've given Keiichi a heart attack or something.

It's been so long since I've felt such power. I wonder if he's as strong as he flaunts himself to be. The deity mused, a catlike grin on her face.

Do you really want to provoke Holybell? Urd questioned, truly surprised that her angle would even want to try something like that. She's not going to like it. If you go around playing with Belldandy's boyfriend, chances are, she'll start lobbing high level wind magic at you…and I doubt Belldandy would try to stop her.

World of Elegance frowned. Duly noted. Deflated, and no longer considering her plan a good idea, she found herself clinging to Urd again. Good mates are so hard to find. So many gods are judgmental, and most demons are always after power.

Urd never liked to talk about it, but although her angel was a beautiful creature, and half angel…she was also very much half a devil. She closed her eyes when her angel toyed with her, knowing that it was her devilish side feeling just a little frisky, but she bit her lower lip trying to suppress the basic urge to berate her servant for doing so.

How long has it been, Urd? World of Elegance asked, coaxing her master to answer her. We could use a good man, and he's strong…he appeals to me, master. Please, let me answer his power with one of my own.

Damn it, Elegance! I said no! Now thoroughly angry, Urd scowled She didn't want to be reminded of how alone she was whenever night greeted her. You keep your wandering hands and devilish whim to yourself.

Urd, I don't mean to stray… The angel finally admitted sadly. I'm only trying to do what's best for us…

I know. Urd swallowed hard. Keiichi is a good man, but you aren't going to jeopardize his relationship will Belldandy. You're my angel, not my devil. You're meant to be considerate of others, especially of Belldandy and Holybell. The two-toned angel had the decency to look admonished and repentant, but Urd knew better. Devils are so troublesome…even half breeds.

Speaking of that, what will you do when he has a devil for himself? World of elegance at least had the decency to look apologetic when Urd glared at her, but her question still remained. You-know-who will likely come up to visit.

I don't know, Elegance. I'll probably try to avoid her as much as possible. Keiichi's a demon, so I can't keep her from visiting him. Urd would simply play it by ear, acting in the only way she could. This is why I hate demons, they always find a way to torture me.

You don't hate Keiichi. World of elegance said, knowing the opposite was true. Urd respected him greatly.

No, but Keiichi has always been a special case in one way or another. Urd relented with a shrug. He always has been, and probably always will be. That's why you're not to stirr up any trouble. It's hard enough for them as it is, without your meddling.