A/N: This opens up a new arc in the storyline, and as such, I thought it might be cool to do this sort of letter style chapter. This sort of details what all of the individuals were up to during the split. It'll be back to our regularly formatted chapters after this...just a way to open up arc two.

Chapter 30

Dearest sister Urd,

I hope this finds you well, upon wings that soar with the light of the heavens, blessed by the peoples who bespeak your name in hopes and fondness. Yes, I feel as if that is the only way that you could receive something, such as this.

How long has it been since we last spoke to each other? It seems like forever, doesn't it? I find it almost funny, how time slips away from our grasp, before we can even fathom that it was there at all. As a Norn, that very thought seems almost silly, but, perhaps it's best. I don't know why I feel that way, and I can't understand what might be behind it. It's almost as if my ability to sense the flow of time itself, the very essence of the skill, has come to an end.

As worrisome as that may seem, in return, my powers have grown to include a much wider perspective than I would normally be able to reach, and I can only assume it's the new creation being birthed, that gives me such perception. I feel hesitant to say this, but, I can almost feel the pulse of the tree that I've been protecting. It surges with such distinct energy, that it murmurs to me.

Is it the same for you, Urd?

I wish I could regale you with all that keeps me busy, but I fear I don't have the ability to speak to you about that. This distance is indeed difficult, Urd, and I only wish it could have been easier on us. All of us. You know, I'm alright with not speaking to Keiichi about heavenly matters, as it was never within his realm of expertise in the first place.

His mortality, and his distance from heaven, was always part of the relationship to start with, so, I've endured keeping my lips tightly sealed. There were always so many things I couldn't say to him, and so, it became part of our love for each other to merely accept that. When he became a demon, the lack of information was merely an unspoken law.

Urd, I confess, even though I shouldn't be saying these things to you either, the burden is too heavy for my own shoulders. I miss him, Urd. I miss Keiichi so terribly, it hurts. I sometimes have terrifying dreams of realities I hope never come to pass. I hope, in perhaps confessing this to you, I may ease the loneliness that so troubles me. I hope you permit me to do so with a blessing.

Where should I begin? Perhaps I should start with known truths, as that is where the beginning is. Yes, indeed, I'll start there.

To this day, I still have no idea what drew me to that once mortal man. My heart throbbed for him, but that was rather strange of me, wasn't it? I wanted him, I wanted to love him, to commune with him, to be deflowered and sullied by his hands. I desired that he would give me his heart in return. I wanted to save him…deep down, I felt that within my heart. I wanted to redeem that man from a life that had so utterly wronged him. I'll admit, I did that in awful ways. Ways that even the heavens, the holy spirits, gods, and goddesses of our homeland, shook their heads in dismay. I wanted, so very much, to bear for him many children, and live a life that was gifted to me from his haphazard wish.

I wanted, more than anything, to simply wake up in his bed every morning. To see a sleepy smile on his face, and know that I had fulfilled his desires, and that he wanted to fulfill mine.

So, I prayed, Urd. I begged for Keiichi to become a god. I wished that I would be able to share a love that was otherwise impossible. Yet, it was the many hells that graced my wish to the best its ability. I know it's a sore topic, but Urd, I can only be grateful to Hild, for all that she gave me. I can only thank her from the bottom of my heart, and weep for her absence…

Because like it or not, Urd, she was like a mother to me too. She was not as kind as a goddess, of this I know, but she was there for you and I. She did more for you, than you will ever know, and I understand this all too well. Why?

Because I hate that Megumi chose to be a demon. I hate that Saria is the same…I hate that I can't be there in the hells with them.

I hate it, I hate it, I HATE IT!

I never thought I would give voice to that…but, Urd, its true…so horribly true…and may the greater creation help me, but I envy you…that you can still be by Keiichi's side, while I pine for him in ways I could never fathom before. If it were anyone else…I don't think I could even stand it at all, Urd. I don't know what I would do if it were anyone else but you.

Did Hild feel this way towards mother? I wonder that more often than I should, I think…it's troubling. I'm still searching for the answer. I think about our upbringing, and what they would have done in this situation…the conclusions I come to, make me miss our family all the more.

That's why I know, Hild loved you with all of her very heart and soul. It's why I know, deep down in her heart, she loved our father with all of her very being…and Urd, it's why I also know, that somehow, some way, she found the strength to let you go and be the goddess you felt you were, the goddesses you wanted and needed to be.

I am a first class goddess, yet, I desire nothing more than the black wings that you hate. There is nothing else I could possibly desire. Urd, it's different for you and me…we're sisters, and not having you here is more difficult than I thought it would be, because I need you…I need your help and guidance…I need my big sister to tell me that I'm being silly...that everything will be alright.

It's troubling here in heaven.

Skuld returned from the outer reaches with Lind shortly after departing. She said there was nothing left, so we've had to rebuild from the ground up. Power is rationed so sternly, that many have begun to lose hope. However, we may have just found something that we can use.

Hikari's older, and a little wiser, but she's so much like you that I can't possibly help her. I'm so terribly lost by how to guide her. She will not touch her angel's egg, she will not look me in the eye, or mention Megumi's name. I know that earth helped you, that you chose that place over the heavens and the hells, and that even if you haven't shared in a love that lasts through the eons, you are not without love in your heart.

Please Urd, I beg you as the goddess I know you are, tell me how to help her. I'm so terribly lost, I've no idea what to do anymore. Please be safe on your travels, and come home soon.

Heaven awaits you,

Belldandy.

…
…

To all whom it may concern,

This decree is merely a suggestion to be taken in by the highest of regards…that is to say, that even though my theory seems inhumane, we've reached a crisis. With no power supply in which to draw from, we will be doomed. In a long ago past, upon my memory, I recall that moon stones could be used to draw power. My understanding of such a topic can be concluded as entirely narrow minded, as I am a goddess of combat, and not of science. Fashioning such power was not within my training.

I find, however, that in the outer reaches, there are power supplies. Wellsprings of dried, organic holy material…crystallizations, likely our fallen brethren. It is likely the essence of the gods and goddesses that disappeared before our very eyes. I bring this fact up, because it is a viable power supply, and not unlike the very principle of creation itself.

Consuming that which is there to be had, so that others can survive another day.

I bid you, my brothers and sisters, take note of these wellsprings now, so that you may live, and so that we may draw upon our power. To build and offer new life to the greater multiverse, will no doubt take countless eons to build. We need power to do that, and this is the only possible way I see fit. I understand it is difficult to comprehend the implication, but, please do so.

Nomadic groups should pack for a long journey ahead, because once we leave, we will not return until villages have been built from the ashes of history. A homeland founded by our very peoples in the heavens. The journey will be long, I have no doubt peril faces us, but, we must utilize what creation has to offer.

I will willingly take on any immortal, regardless of age. Any man, woman, or child, willing to come along as we embark on this task should seek me out. We depart soon.

Valkyrie leading officer,

Lind.

…

…

To my soul mate,

I hope this reaches you well. I've never been very good with letters, so, I'm finding it kind of difficult to figure out what I want to say, and, how to say it…Belldandy, I miss you. I guess, I should say that, but, I don't think it's enough. Right now, nothing will be. Maybe that's my greed talking. Maybe, it's just because I'm a lonely man. Who can say, really?

The demon realm is empty on the outskirts, but I expected it to be that way. In the inhabited areas, poverty strikes hard. Lind contacted me, speaking of a power that could be found, we located a similar organic matter, when we travelled through the outskirts of the demon realm. My people hunger, so they took to the idea immediately.

Urd was unwilling to consume the supply that the dust generated. At first, it was like she was feeling some sort of sentimental value towards it. She cried, told me it was wrong, and nearly starved herself of every ounce of magical reserve that she had. We force fed her…it got easier in time, but I'm starting to see just how much of a goddess that she is. Even with red seals, Urd just can't be as vicious as one of us.

I don't have the luxury to think the way she does…I wish that I did. That I could mourn the fallen for who and what they were, but if I do that, I know I would be unable to take in their power. I can't deal with this weakness, damn it! It's pitiful, and I should be doing a better job, I wish I could…I wish you were here with me now.

I know, deep down, your kind eyes would meet mine, and, like the woman that you are, you would tell me that all was right with the world…that my emotions were not the weakness I see them to be, and although I know this, I can't help doubting the very thought. I expect better of myself…I should be far, far stronger than this.

Megumi's growing powerful, as I expected of her to be. I hoped that we would finish all that needed to be done in a short amount of time, but I underestimated the respect given to Hild, may her sprit find solace…I assumed her strength was the primary reason demons were so quick to dance to her tune. It was merely a fragment of the real reason.

I now understand, it wasn't about her power, or her abilities as a ruler. I've begun to earn the respect of the demons, but really, it's Urd that they worship, Megumi too. Blood seems very thick among the demon realm, and while they've started to look to me as the ruler, they so love Urd…it's like light reaches their eyes in a few moments of hope. As soon as they see her, they cheer in happiness.

Naturally, Urd thinks they see her mother someplace deep within her, and she hates that.

I wish I could say more, but, if I do, I'll only worry you, and I don't want that. Knowing you, not saying anything will worry you anyway. Demons are assholes, sorry to say…and the fact you're bound to one, such as myself, makes me wonder how that hell that even happened. I've no idea how much longer I'll be away for, but I think about you every day.

Wait for me, Bell. I love you, Keep safe.

Keiichi.

…

…

I hope you're alright,

How's everything going? You're safe, right? Look, I know we don't talk much, but, I got my angel's egg. I haven't swallowed her yet...I don't think I will. Not yet at least. Aunt Skuld says that I don't really have a choice. I need an angel eventually. I just thought that you should know. I've been following the nomads, because I just don't want to be in the main city back in heaven right now. Aunt Skuld and I haven't seen mom since we left heaven's gate after we assembled the nomadic force.

She was crying, you know…that's how mom is. I get letters from her all the time, I guess I'm used to being away from her now, because she wasn't around all the time when we were little…but, I miss you. You were always there for me, so, I guess it hurts just a little more, since you aren't here.

Meg, talk to mom.

She loves you…we all do. I know fire drakes haven't been eating the letters we've been sending, even if aunt Urd can lie for you, she shouldn't be. Say something, anything.

We care about you, you stupid demon,

Hikari.

…

Oh, Big Sis,

If only you could see this place now. I know I haven't contacted you in a while, and I'm sorry for that. Things have been busy, more than I thought they would be. However, I have great news for you…really, really great news in fact.

The first official village has been erected from nothing!

I can't believe it! We've finally done it…and you know, it's the first time, in a long time, that we've had a proper celebration around here. It feels so good to look at all the houses, and families that have come along. I didn't realize how many orphans would sign up to come with us, and to be honest, at first, I felt really bad for them.

Most are recruits for the unit now, if you can believe that. Lind's got them training hard, day in and day out. Part of me feels as if it was meant to happen, that these young boys and girls, will be even more powerful than the gods and goddesses that preceded them. I know that, because my dreams tell me so. I see brightness for them...for all of us. I know I can't talk about my dreams, but, if you could see them, you would know.

What were once vague images in my sleep, have turned into crystal clear realties that I can foresee. I wonder what that could mean, but, I have no one to ask.

In other news, Lind has decided to go on ahead with a small group. I'm coming back to the main city. I need you to do me a huge favor. Assemble anyone who might want to help cultivate the land. Also, good news that you should tell everyone to give them hope…ready for it? Make sure you're sitting down, this is really something amazing...are you sitting? We saw our first star three days ago. Amazing, right? The pocket universe is clearly expanding, you must be taking good care of the new tree.

What has it been now, about a hundred years since we woke from the stasis?

I find it hard to think about that. Big sis, when I get back, we should really consider booting up old programming. We can't use this currier system like it is for too much longer, it hinders us. I'm worried about the others, and waiting months or even years for a reply gets old fast.

Sometimes, I don't even hear from Urd or Keiichi. I worry about them. Big Sis, do you think we did the right thing? I know we can't go back on it now, but, sometimes I look up at the void in the universe, and I wonder just how long it will take for it to grow.

We will be home as soon as we can,

Skuld.

…

…

Stupid goddess,

I'm not dead you know. Dad's stronger than that. He wouldn't let anything happen to me, so you don't have to worry about dumb things like that. Stop falling behind, I told you goddesses were weak. You're so slow, I'm amazed you haven't been laughed out of heaven.

I got my egg years ago, and swallowed it right then.

My devil rocks, and she'll be stronger than your angel for sure. Xic took his egg a while back too, and you should see his. It's amazing how fire red his devil's eyes are…but mine is the talk of the demons down here right now.

My devil doesn't have the darker shade of ashen skin that most of them do…mines kind of like an angel's ivory white. She's got blond hair too, like Holybell's. Aunt Urd said that it's because I'm not just a demon…but even so, you should see her wings. They're strong, like bat wings, but I think it's cool…You know, Aunt Urd got scared when she realized that my devil didn't have any feathers.

She screamed.

Even so, my devil's better than your angel will be. Her fangs aren't sharp yet, but they'll get there…I can't wait until she's strong enough to bite through anything.

Hikari, I'm strong, okay? So just…forget about me. I'm going to be the ruler of the demons one day, so, I won't have time for goddesses like you. Just get strong too, you got to be able to stand up against me.

Your sister,

Megumi.

…

...

To the dark lord Keiichi,

I issue to you the coming events found within your unholy city. Take pride, because Saria is strong. I keep vigil over her every day. She is a wonderful young girl, but, she misses you terribly. I'm sure you wonder how it is that I know that, when the girl in questions seems not to favor anybody.

My lord, I know because it is due, and it is only right, that a child of her blood would seek the protection only her father can give her. Still, dutiful and loyal to you, as I am, I continue to realize that a woman I am not. A female would be most suited to caring for the girl, as I have found my ability to live up to her expectations lacking in matters where a proper female would not.

I'm sure Mara has come to mind by now. True though it may be that Mara is indeed female, she is not your female...that is to say, it would be best, my lord, that you consider your offspring's feelings in the matter. Saria needs a woman of yours, a woman to seek affections and upbringing from. She requires the teachings of a woman with a brood and the embrace of a devil's wings.

It is not within my nature to do that, as my devil frightens her terribly, as he should...he will not offer such kindness to a child that his own.

As my position to you, is one of great demand, I will struggle to live up to your expectations in service to you. With the above spoken, I recount a few observations. I beg thee to consider my words, and not to take my head as punishment…however, these words are rather uncouth from a humble follower, such as myself. Still, I beg you to consider them.

I would advise you, Sire, to think of acquiring a mistress, with whom, you could set forth a proper example. It may seem presumptuous to say, but, Urd is a rightful candidate. There is no doubt her offspring would be all powerful beings, worthy of the throne. She is the rightful heir, and her people see her as the queen, damned a thing though it is. If such is the case, my dark lord, then wouldn't it be wise to claim her? She already cares for your brood, should you not offer one of her own?

She is not a promiscuous demon, after all, and shouldn't be expected to do for you, what only a mate would. If such is the case, it would be appropriate to offer a demon female such as herself, affections and favor, would it not?

It is not the demonic thing to do? I ask you this sincerely. Making it known should be easy…after all, she travels by your side. Isn't it only correct, that such intentions be made as declarations to the public as unholy law? Shouldn't Urd have a place at your side, to give hope to those that so loved our late queen?

I beg you my lord, consider these facts, for the good of our people.

Your humbled servant,

Xic.

…

…

You hate that I'm down here, do you?

Well, I can't say that I blame you Belldandy…I hate it too. My seals haven't changed, much to my dismay, and the rumor mill is running rampant…but, it is merely a rumor, I'll say that. Koiji is a little trouble maker, and he gets into everything. I'll admit, he's got his eye on Elegance, and she has her eye on him as well…but, beyond that, there is nothing.

NOTHING!

Belldandy understand this, Keiichi loves you, and the demons know that.

Even so, a few of them have begun to murmur that we may be getting married. Keiichi was so angry, mind you, that he sealed a few lesser demons into a boiling pot of water, and tossed it into the nearest lava pool he could find. They'll be freed in about a few hundred years, once the seal breaks, but, until then, I'm sure they're stuffed in there tight.

That probably doesn't comfort you, as it does me…but, it should be a comfort that he hasn't eyed me in the way the demons would like him to. It's true, we spend most of our free moments together, but I realized when I came here, he doesn't have any friends. You know, Belldandy, when I had no one else around here, I had Mara to fight with, even if nothing else.

He doesn't even have that, I don't think.

Megumi and Saria rely on him, and everyone's looking to him for answers he doesn't have yet…ones we both know as Norns, he won't have for a very long time. He has no one he can fall back on, no one he can become weak with…and a man of any caliber needs that…you have no idea how much.

He's lonely, Bell…so very, very lonely, that it hurts me to see him that way. Someplace in creation, we saw the first star, and I swear to you, he almost broke, Bell. Ever since Keiichi's become a demon, he's slowly changed from the young mortal we used to know…but when he saw that star, I saw a tiny bit of his old self emerge from the shadows of his heart…that side he no longer shows became clear to me once more.

There was fear there. Uncertainty that he hasn't had in centuries, came back into his eyes…and even though he denies it, he cried Belldandy. I haven't seen him do that since the day he lost his last nephew…the day the seals came onto his face. I know that's not something you guys talk about, but, damn it, Belldandy…you should be here now.

I love him too, you know. It's hard not to fall in love with a man like him.

It's killing me to see him like this…putting on that strong face of his, it's a damn farce Belldandy. A god damned farce that he thinks he needs to have! I'm right here, but he won't break down, he won't…and damn you too, because if you were here, he wouldn't be in this mess.

Yet, because of some cosmic crap shoot, I am here...and I can't leave.

I have to watch this…and so help me, because at this point, I'm going to help him get through this life of his any way I can. If that makes me a demon for the rest of my life too, so be it. It's the choice I've made.

I owe him at least that much…we both do. We owe him the world because of the gifts he's given us. Be safe Belldandy…and take that to heart.

Urd.