Disclaimer: Oh My Goddess belongs to Kōsuke Fujishima
-oOoOoOo-
Chapter written by Ceroxon. Betaread by HotelKatz, WhoIsAtlas, and Nevermore (of the Goddess Relief Office Forum)
-oOoOoOo-
It was again Mara's turn to use the machine. She knew what she wanted to ask.
"I want to see the end of the question, 'What if I was Keiichi's wish granter?'" Mara said.
"Again? I thought you weren't interested in this," teased Hild.
"I've changed my mind. Urd's going to discover the truth and I want to know what she'll do. There's also the fact that my double has to return the favor to Keiichi by letting her into his university. A small one, anyway. I want to know what Keiichi'll ask of her," explained Mara.
"Well, take a look," replied the queen of demons, who was also interested but refused to acknowledge it.
-oOoOoOo-
Mara had quickly become the center of attention of the whole university. Everyone had fallen in love with 'the beautiful American.' Nobody understood what she was doing with Keiichi, but too bad.
However, some people didn't share this sentiment.
With her powers allowing her to distinguish emotions, Mara had immediately spotted a small black cloud expelling lightning behind the crowd of little pink clouds with hearts floating around her.
The demon's smile resembled that of a shark.
Sayoko Mishima, Sophomore, Nekomi Institute of Technology: Electronics Department.
Academics : Top of the class.
Looks : Top of the class.
Nekomi Tech's Queen of the Campus indeed.
'Hmph! It's been like this ever since this Mara person showed up. If this goes on, my supremacy on campus could be in jeopardy,' Sayoko thought.
'Yes, my dear Sayoko. I began to worry about your absence. I clearly see your jealousy and your anger right now. Afraid that I'll steal the stupid title of 'Queen of the Campus' is it? I assure you, I 'm not interested. I think we'll become good friends, you and I… again,' Mara thought.
Noticing Keiichi in Mara's arm, the 'Queen of the Campus' smiled.
'Heh, heh, heh. Looks like Lady Luck doesn't just favor the gods after all... It'd be a shame if her gift went to waste.'
It was a golden opportunity to increase Niflheim's market share, even if just a little. It wasn't as if the girl would be hard to manipulate.
If the fish were willing to bite the bait so easily...
"Excuse me, Kei. I have to leave for a few moments. Will that be alright?" Mara asked as innocently as she could muster.
"Of course. Take your time," the boy gently answered, who didn't fail to notice that Mara had called him 'Kei.'
Pretending to leave him, the blonde actually hid in the bushes several feet away.
With Keiichi's 'escort' gone, Sayoko approached.
"Well, well... Fancy meeting you here." she said to Keiichi.
"S... Sayoko Mishima?" he exclaimed, surprised to see her.
One might think that the System Forces of Niflheim and Asgard operate similarly. To an extent, this is true. Both are obligated to fulfill wishes to their fullest extent. But there are crucial differences.
If Keiichi were to have been with a goddess, Sayoko might receive something mundane like a bowl of water on the head when she tried to seduce Keiichi.
Niflheim is not so nice. For it was at that moment that a flock of birds flew over her, defecating on the queen during their pass.
Sayoko was covered with bird droppings.
Mara could not help but giggle. For once, this kind of mishap happened to someone other than herself.
Due to her attempt falling like a house of cards, Sayoko stood for a few moments before muttering a halfhearted goodbye.
"It seems this isn't my day. See you later, okay?"
As she scurried off, Mara returned from her hiding place.
'You await and see, girl. I'll tear lover-boy away from you and humiliate you so badly you'll leave the campus forever!' she thought, throwing a murderous glare at the demon.
"What's up Mara...?" Keiichi asked, seeing the concerned look of her partner.
"Keiichi, I told you I was hoping to find someone useful in this university. I think we've got someone, but we'll have to proceed carefully," Mara said, walking near him.
"Is there a problem?" the boy asked.
"Niflheim's System Force doesn't always work at the same energy level. When the force trying separate us is weak, then the response is weak. But when the strength is strong, then response is strong too. If her desire to separate us should strengthen further... she could put herself in real danger."
Time and again Sayoko failed to separate the blond demoness and her mortal toy, though it wasn't for lack of trying.
First, she approached her car and offered Keiichi has to go for a ride. All of its tires burst at the same time.
Then she tried to invite Keiichi dinner. A motorcycle thug who'd followed her rushed over and snatched her purse before anyone could do anything.
Sayoko invited Keiichi to come and see her home. The day of the invitation, a general power failure paralyzed traffic. No vehicle could move. Not even something like a helicopter.
'Geez! Okay, I can understand not making it because of the traffic problem... but couldn't you at least call?'
Then she heard someone ringing the door bell.
'WHAT? HE ACTUALLY MADE IT?! This is a real victory for me, Mara!'
But Keiichi didn't come alone, Mara accompanied him.
"Hey, sorry I'm so late. Mara had to get bundled up.. I didn't want to go by myself in this awful traffic," Keiichi explained. 'You'd never believe it's all your fault, Sayoko.'
"I brought you this cake that I bought in a shop for the dinner," he added.
Mara, for her part, had agreed to come simply because she was considering making an excellent meal at Sayoko's tonight and try to fix the relationship. Having a girl as rich and influential as a friend, an heiress of one of the largest companies in Japan, might be useful someday.
'I give up, Mara... for today anyway. Not that I ever give up for good.'
The Queen of the Campus wouldn't go down without a fight. Not by a long shot.
-oOo-
A few days later...
Mara and Keiichi were both depressed, but not for the same reasons.
The demon had not managed to arrange her relationship with Sayoko to her liking. She didn't want some stupid rivalry. She didn't care about fleeting popularity - especially not at a human institution, no less. Why did Sayoko persist in her jealousy? She was amazing contract that seemed as if she would go to waste.
As the demons always end up learning, arrogance, jealousy… it poisoned things. A lesson that Mara knew since before the appearance of mankind on Earth, but returned occasionally to torment her. At least she was consoled with a great meal the likes of which she hadn't had since she had to leave Niflheim and come to Earth. She didn't really need to eat when she was in hell, but on Earth she had to maintain her body. Gluttony was one of her favorite sins, after all.
As for Keiichi, he was downcast for much more trivial reasons, though that didn't escape Mara.
"You don't look very happy. Something's not right," she stated.
"You don't look much better. But yeah, there's a small problem," Keiichi answered as he held out a small notebook to Mara.
"Look at this miserable bank statement. Five hundred and forty two yen left to last me the rest of the month. It'll be a week before my folks send me anymore. We're gonna starve..." the boy explained.
The demon's eyes widened at the thought of eating cheap once again and grabbed Keiichi by the collar, looking at him in utter panic.
"Don't tell me we're going to have to eat ramen?!"
The notion terrified her. In the previous timeline, she'd had to swallow huge quantities of cheap food because of her budget.
"...Uh, not exactly. We're not gonna be that lucky. There's NOTHING to eat," Keiichi said.
In fact, the boy was planning to skip the university for a a day or two to earn some money and fix the problem but Mara didn't give him time to make this suggestion.
"I... I'll try something.." she said in a tone mixing fear and resolution.
"D-DON'T TELL ME... YOU CAN CREATE MONEY?! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY BEFORE?!" Keiichi said, pointing at Mara.
"No. I can't create money. Too difficult. I've told you, in a partnership contract, my power is much more limited," the demon replied before standing up and beginning an incantation.
"Daimakaicho, your humble servant is famished! Find for me sustenance, to last until seven suns do rise, and seven suns do set! "
Mara knew that her queen would respond favorably, but as it was an off-budget request, it would cut into expenses.
The blonde collapsed on the floor, exhausted.
"MARA! Are you okay?" Keiichi exclaimed, taking her in his arms.
The demon replied weakly, "It's okay, but I'll have to save my magic for a few days. My boss will grant my request... but as a consequence, she makes me pay a certain amount of magical energy. I'm lucky she doesn't ask for anything more than that."
"Your boss? Who's that?" the boy asked.
"Her name's Hild. She's the queen of demons: the Daimakaicho, if you prefer." Mara replied, slowly recovering from the energy drain.
"I guess she must be pretty terrible..." Keiichi muttered.
"It depends on your perspective. She's not a torturer who makes people burn in flames for eternity, as you often tell down here. But she didn't get the title of "Queen of Demons" for nothing. She's a being who's sowed chaos on a global scale. She particularly loves creating political scandals. The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior in France or the Monica Lewinsky affair in U.S., for example. She likes to impart knowledge and let humans do what they will with it too. Sometimes it turns out good for you. She was the one who informed the Americans about the missiles in Cuba. She's not much more than a business woman looking to satisfy her whims."
"That doesn't sound too threatening..." Keiichi said.
"If you underestimate her, then you could quickly find yourself transformed into a frog and live the rest of your life on a lily pad. You wouldn't be the first. Try to avoid her if you can," Mara insisted.
"Aside from the energy drain, are you okay?" the boy asked.
"Yes, I'll be okay. But I can't use many of my powers until next Saturday," the demoness explained.
Before the conversation could continue further, the bell rang at the front door.
"That's for me. Surely a delivery demon or something. I'll go see," Mara said as she got up to go check.
-oOo-
It was not a demonic courier or anything of the sort.
Megumi was surprised to see a blond foreigner open the door.
"Oh, excuse me, ma'am. I'm seeking a Mr. Keiichi Morisato; I was told that he lived here. Would you know where I could find him?" Megumi asked politely.
Mara had almost forgotten Megumi Morisato. The demon had attacked her twice in the previous timeline to get at Keiichi.
"He lives right here. I'll get him. HEY KEIICHI. YOUR SISTER IS HERE."
Megumi was extremely surprised.
"How do you know I'm his sister? He told you about me?" she asked incredulously.
Mara realized that once again she had goofed.
"No, no. But you look a lot like him, so I assumed..." the demoness explained.
"Keiichi looks like me? You'd be the first person to say that. Everybody's surprised to learn that we're brother and sister," Megumi said.
Before Mara could try to argue, Keiichi came and interrupted the conversation.
"Me... Megumi?"
Moments later Megumi, Keiichi and Mara were together in the living room.
"Actually, I'm Keiichi's little sister, Megumi Morisato. Pleased t'meetcha! I gotta say, I'm like totally blown away, though! My innocent little bro, living with a beautiful foreigner! Unbelievable! " Megumi said.
"Could you please keep it to yourself?!" Keiichi hissed.
"I 'd rather that it's still a secret too," Mara added.
Keiichi didn't want Megumi going and telling everyone he lived with a beautiful girl, otherwise the story would mutate so fast that soon everyone would be thinking they had three kids already.
Mara had similar reasons. She knew from experience that this stuff could easily become uncontrollable.
"Okay, okay. Anyway, this is for you," Megumi said, handing an envelope to her brother.
"A letter? For me? Why didn't they just mail the darn thing? What could be so important it had to be hand carried from..." Keiichi asked.
"Hey! Don't gimme that! You never sent us a change of address! I had to go to your old apartment first just to find out where you went!" his sister replied.
"WHOA! BIG BUCKS!" Keiichi exclaimed on seeing the money in the envelope.
Hey bro!
I'm going to be in Tokyo for a week for my university entrance exam.
I thought I'd crash with you until it's over.
I'm sending you some cash as rent and "thank you."
So...
See you soon!
Keiichi was overjoyed. Mara, for her part, was a little skeptical. She knew her boss. If she had granted her request there were probably a catch somewhere.
"Keiichi, you read the whole letter?" she asked with a grin that she did not even try to conceal.
"Huh?"
P.S. If I fail my first test,
I plan to hang out for a few more week and try some other schools,
so I'm counting on you, big brother!
"OH NO!" Keiichi exclaimed.
"Damn," Mara murmured.
'Aargh! We're doomed! We can fool her for a week, but any longer than that... and she's bound to find out Mara's a demon!' the boy thought.
'Shit, if this girl starts to live here, it's likely to be permanent. After all, it was "her" apartment before I went back in time. Fate might try to correct things by placing her here definitely, and if I let things drift in this direction... who knows what can happen. I have nothing against her, but I must find a way... and as soon as possible,' Mara thought.
"Er... Mara...?"
"Yes?"
"We gotta make sure Megumi passes her exam!" Keiichi exclaimed with determination.
"Of course!" Mara replied. 'You're not as innocent as I thought... I like it.'
As she was trying to conserve her magic, Mara didn't know why Keiichi wanted to help his sister, but she saw his aura and understood that it was mostly for selfish reasons, with only a little brotherly love.
-oOo-
While Megumi started to study in a separate room, her brother and his demonic companion came knocking at her door.
"Yo. Just wondering if you're having any trouble studying for your exams..." Keiichi started.
"Actually... wait a sec. This one," Megumi said, handing her practice exam to Keiichi.
While Keiichi went out to think more about the extremely complex problem that his sister had given him. Mara closed the door behind her, surprising Megumi.
"Is there a problem?" the girl asked, somewhat worried by Mara's attitude.
"No, I'll help you revise. You'll see we're going to have a good laugh together," she replied with a smile, showing her fangs.
In the previous timeline, Megumi had to revise herself by trying to force Belldandy tell "I do not know." By winning this challenge (which she lost ), she had managed her revisions and thereafter consideration. Mara was proven to be much more active.
Megumi's courses were relatively basic for Mara. Mara was VERY persuasive, even tyrannical while she helped Megumi. Megumi had this challenge in hopes of taking the demon by default and show her that she had nothing to learn from her.
Keiichi remained locked away with the problem that Megumi had given him. Meanwhile, Mara made her relearn everything, even her teaching a demonic mathematics method. It was harsh but effective. When someone followed vocational training in Hell Hotline, they were capable of facing just about anything.
Mara became curiously amused in her role. Megumi resisted. At first she fought Mara back, but she soon realized that even though it was very stressful, Mara's methods were very effective.
When the door finally opened, Mara felt rested and relaxed. 'Ah, it feels good to be the boss from time to time.'
Megumi, for her part, was completely bushed. Those few hours seemed like weeks.
When Keiichi finally returned to give the answer to the problem that Megumi had asked him about, he saw that she was completely exhausted. Figuring tea was the best response in a time like this, he began to boil the water.
"Keiichi... how did you find this monster?" she asked, completely collapsed on the table before her.
"It's...complicated," he replied.
Megumi felt that her brother was trying to hide something. He was a very bad liar, but never revealed anything when pressed. She'd have to ask Mara directly later.
-oOo-
The following day, Mara had Megumi redo all the exercises they had done previously.
Of course, the demon spared the girl, otherwise she just would not have been able to keep up.
Finally, Megumi's big day arrived.
"You ready? " Mara asked.
"Yes, sensei," the young girl replied, who had developed a certain respect for her 'teacher.'
"I'm sure you'll do fine," Mara said, pleased that her efforts were not in vain.
"...I have a question for you, though," Megumi said.
"I'm listening."
"What are you and Keiichi planning to do? With your future, I mean. "
The question surprised Mara for a moment. Her future with Keiichi? Certainly, she should stay with him instead of Belldandy, but outside of their contract and personal interests, did they have a future together? Obviously not. On the other hand, as she had taken Belldandy's place, she was forced to maintain a certain close relationship with Keiichi. It was more fun she then she would have thought.
"Keiichi and I are partners, teammates. We're there to help each other out," answered the blonde.
'My God. This is not the answer I expected. She said it as if she was some sort of contract with Kei-chan. Who is she really? Is she my brother's girlfriend or just in some kind of business relationship with him?' she asked herself.
A few hours later, Megumi was in the classroom in front of her test. She was more than ready, but completely exhausted. She was beginning to feel the weight of Mara's rigorous cram sessions and she felt her eyelids beginning to flutter.
The demon was suspicious. Megumi absolutely had to pass. If necessary, Mara was ready to steal a copy and make the necessary corrections or hack the university computer again to change the results.
'You're tired? You humans are really fragile,' Mara thought, firing a small blowgun.
Megumi felt like an electric shock in her neck, then a violent fire invading her body. Her exhaustion was immediately replaced by a rush of adrenaline. Her mind cleared and she began to fill in her test sheet.
The next day, the results were displayed. Megumi was accepted in Nekomi.
"B... b... but... you never said you were applying to Nekomi!" Keiichi stammered.
"I didn't? Oops... sorry 'bout that!" his sister replied.
But it was Mara who was the most surprised. Her jaw had dropped. She had tried to get Megumi as far away as possible and now she was going to be attending class every day with them? Now she was sure: her bad luck hadn't been left behind in the other world.
-oOo-
"You still haven't found a place to live?" Keiichi asked.
"I, er, kinda just started looking yesterday. But I can crash here until I find one... right? " Megumi asked.
"NO WAY!" Mara shouted before Keiichi could say anything.
The brother and sister turned their heads towards the demon.
"Mara, I understand that you're upset, but we can't throw out my sister like that."
Mara thought for a moment before speaking.
"Maybe I have a solution. Megumi, what are you looking for, exactly?" The blonde asked.
Mara had an idea that could be profitable. All she had to do was get Megumi into the apartment she'd had before she'd gone back in time.
Megumi handed her the ad she'd written.
"Apartment wanted! One bedroom, modern bath and appliances. At least 900 square feet. Sparkling clean and newly refurbished a must! Sunny, southern exposure garden or yard access. Ten minute walk (or less) to Nekomi Tech. Rent... 35,000 yen per month, max?!"
Megumi, Keiichi had just discovered, was completely out of her mind.
"Um, I've gotta suggestion for you, Megumi.. Four story private residence. No neighbors. No garden but parking just for you. It's a fixer upper but you'd have running water and electricity is free. It's near the heart of Tokyo, but it's a 3 minute walk from the nearest bus station," Mara said.
Megumi thought for a moment. It seemed too good to be true... and too fishy. Four floors just for her?
Keiichi, meanwhile, was curious and suspicious too. Mara had found a beautiful apartment in which they now lived but it wasn't free. There was still some work to be done.
"I'd like that. Could you show me?" Megumi asked.
Mara laughed to herself. It was TOO beautiful. TOO ironic. While she had obtained this superb apartment, she was going to pass off her old haunt and make a profit in the process.
When Megumi saw what Mara offered her, she wondered if it was a joke.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" she angrily exclaimed.
"Not at all. It's like I promised you. It's got water, electricity, and no neighbors. It's a huge area that has four floors. You even have several free internet networks in the area. However, there are some adjustments to make."
Megumi was completely shocked by the attitude of the demon. However, before she could challenge her, she felt something against her foot. She looked down and screamed.
"EEEKKK! A RAT!".
"Yep, they're here, but don't worry. I'll get rid of them," Mara added.
Keiichi remained quiet during the conversation, not wanting to be involved.
"How are you gonna do that? You'll play music and they'll follow you like in some kind of fairy tale?" Megumi asked sarcastically.
"Not my style. Instead, I'll offer them a contract. I extend their life spans and give them special abilities if they agree to serve me. It's easier to negotiate with animals. They don't have much to offer but they require very little," the blonde replied.
Megumi, of course, hadn't realized that Mara was serious.
"You've got to be kidding me. Enough of this crap. I'm not living in a basement with rats," Megumi said, crossing her arms.
"This isn't a joke. I'll prove it."
The demon took a tiny form and went to speak to the crowd of rats. This kind of shape shifting made her more vulnerable but didn't require magical energy.
Megumi's expression was between horrified and curious at what was happening before her.
In fact, it was deliberate that Mara revealed her powers to Megumi. She had no intention of being restricted because of this girl. Moreover, it make things easier later.
Keiichi was now on the verge of fainting. He had wished to conceal Mara's nature from Megumi. Obviously the demon had had other plans.
Suddenly, Megumi grabbed Keiichi's arm.
"Kei-chan, get out of here. There's probably some gas leak or something, I think I'm hallucinating..." she said in a worried voice.
The boy took her hand tenderly to reassure her.
"Don't panic. You're not hallucinating. I'll tell you why," he replied.
Before he could do so, Mara resumed her human size.
"Okay, that's good. I've negotiated with them and the rats will leave. You'll be able to move in," the demoness happily explained.
" Mara... you don't have to show off your powers like that in front of everyone," Keiichi said.
"Your sister isn't 'everyone'. I won't hide in front of her whenever she visits us. It'll be easier that way," Mara argued without losing her calm.
"You... you're an alien?" Megumi asked.
"No. A demoness. Your brother and I had a contract. We are bound for life now."
The color drained from Megumi's face.
"A demon? YOU HAVE SOLD YOUR SOUL TO A DEMON?!" she cried, horrified.
A small black cloud suddenly appeared over a depressed Mara.
"No, he didn't sell me his soul. Besides, I wouldn't have any use for it.. He agreed to help me with my projects and in exchange to help him with his," she explained.
During the 30 minutes that followed, Mara explained everything Megumi. Keiichi had resigned and thinking of something else when his little sister cried.
"TOO COOL! Kei-chan, you're the best on this one. You will have a super-exciting life. I'm really jealous," Megumi said with stars in her eyes.
"Um... yeah. Listen, Meg, I want you to keep it to yourself. Don't talk to Keima and Takano about this. I'm begging you."
Megumi frowned.
"Kei-chan, I understand that you want to be discreet. I won't open an advertising agency and broadcast 'my brother lives with a demon' across Japan. However, you want to hide this from Keima and Takano? They're a little weird, but they can keep a secret."
"Who're 'Keima' and 'Takano'?" Mara asked.
"They're our parents. You're probably wondering why we call them that rather than dad or mom; they want us to. They say it makes them still feel young," Keiichi explained.
Mara was surprised for a moment but said nothing. She had seen and heard dozens of stranger things humans had done.
"Anyway, Megumi, you can now move in. The rats won't bother you anymore," the blonde explained, handing the keys to the front door to Megumi.
Megumi looked around for a moment. It was true that the place was spacious, but the squatting in a building seemed a bit too risky, though there was water and electricity. It was close to downtown and it was a nice neighborhood. However, it was illegal. She could be evicted at any time. Shady people could come and go.
Mara was quick to reassure her.
"Don't worry about that. I've put up magical wards that will last for the next 8 years. Normal humans can't come here. Although if they try to force their way in, my wards will affect their sense of direction and they won't be able to enter anyway," Mara explained.
"Huh?" exclaimed Keiichi and Megumi simultaneously.
"When a devil comes to earth and needs to stay, the magical forces are put on the facilities we use, like a place where we might be staying. This property is one of those places. Actually, normally this would be my den, but I've found better. So you can move in without fear." The demon explained.
"Thank you, that's great. This isn't what I wanted but it will do just as well."
"It's not totally free. In exchange, I want half of the budget you were ready to put down for your apartment."
Megumi grinned.
"Hey, don't take it wrong the wrong way. I'm a demoness. If I lend out the services of hell's 'hot line' without requiring payment, I might lose my job. I have to get something in return for my services. I can make exceptions in certain situations, but this isn't one of them. So I'm asking for half of what you were ready to pay," the blonde demoness drawled.
Megumi would have wanted to argue, but she had to face facts. Mara was right and Megumi would probably find no better considering her meager resources.
"I agree," she said finally.
At the same time in hell, the file 'Megumi Morisato' moved to one of the many cabinets for those who had made a pact with the demons, while the file of Mara received an additional positive note.
Keiichi and Mara returned to their apartment, leaving Megumi settle in 'her' new building.
As soon as they returned to the apartment, Keiichi wasn't quite ready for what he saw.
He saw dozens of rats everywhere.
Before he could shout, Mara spoke.
"Since they work for me, they're going to live here. Don't worry, we'll make some adjustments so they don't bother us."
"We?" Keiichi was surprised.
"Yes, 'We.' I helped your sister find an apartment, right? You'll help me find a house for the rats... unless you prefer living with them."
Keiichi sighed, acknowledging inwardly that he was happy for his sister, and therefore, that the application of Mara was justified.
-oOo-
Meanwhile, in the heavens, a goddess was seething with rage.
"YOU DIRTY CHEATER! HOW DARE YOU?!" Urd shouted.
Recently, the Norn of the past were viewing the question "What if Belldandy was the wishgranter of Keiichi wish?" and she discovered the truth. How Belldandy had realized the wish. How herself was down to help Bell and Kei advance in their relationship. The arrival of Skuld, Mara, the case of the great lord of terror... and finally, the time travel of the demoness.
Urd had no memory of these events since the timeline had been rewritten. However, she had seen and was furious about all that her sisters had lost because of Mara and Keiichi himself. The fact that almost no one suffered didn't comfort her at all. She slammed the door to her father's office, drunk with rage.
Urd rarely dared to shout at her father. But she was about to.
"YOU KNEW! YOU KNEW AND YOU DID NOTHING?!"
The Daitenkaicho Tyr sat eying his irate daughter, before replying in his typical dry tone.
"Yes, I knew. I also know that you've violated several protocols of Yggdrasil. Do you want me to do something? Do you want me to punish you as regulations require?" he asked.
Urd calmed down a bit.
"Mara has changed the past. As the goddess of the past, I should have been aware," she argued.
"Only when these changes are caused by the gods. This time, it was demonic manipulation. It was therefore my choice to inform you or not," Tyr said.
Urd, however, wasn't ready to let the subject drop.
"I'm half-demon, so I also have the right to know."
"That would be true if you were the demon of the past... you're not," her father said.
The Norn thought for a moment and couldn't find a proper rebuttal.
"I admit, however, that none of this pleases me either. I think you seemed happy with that boy. That's why I didn't do anything to prevent you from discovering the truth," he said in a softer voice.
"So put things in order, or allow me to make a trip back in time to prevent Mara from going back in time. I would complete the forms..." Urd started hopefully.
"I refuse. It would be a violation of our agreements with the demonic realm, I will not fight a cosmic war for a love story, especially when nobody suffers," Tyr said, still calm.
"My mother will never go as far as that, she also wishes to keep the peace," Urd retorted.
"Yes, but if I do that, she would believe she has the right to violate our agreements on another occasion. Given the implications, I wouldn't take that risk."
Tyr knew, however, that his daughter wouldn't care. He had to find a solution, otherwise Urd would still go through with things regardless of the consequences. He couldn't throw her in jail. Remove her powers would be a temporary solution, but then what?
"If you can get a deal from your mother, I would allow this journey through time. This is the best I can offer you," Tyr said it tenderly but firmly.
Urd left the office unsatisfied... but not hopeless. Hild would logically deny her request, however, she knew it was always possible to negotiate with her. All hope wasn't completely lost... she had to save Belldandy and Keiichi. So she decided to ignore the directives of her father and her mother. Once the initial reality was restored she would face their anger but at least everything would be as it used to be.
However, before asking permission from Hild, Urd wanted to try another solution.
Another question that arose was: should she tell the truth to Belldandy? This could break her heart.
There was little point in telling Skuld, as she wasn't losing anything irreplaceable. In addition, she could decide that she preferred "her adored sister" staying with her, instead of Keiichi, especially as she had completely forgotten the boy.
She had to plan
-oOo-.
Mara's financial troubles weren't over. She couldn't rely indefinitely on Keiichi. Relying on 'help' from Hild again would end in disaster sooner or later.
She had to find an additional source of money. Even with her limited powers, it would almost be as difficult as if she were human.
The blonde consulted her notebook, to see if the future would offer her an opportunity soon.
Actually it did have one, but she would have preferred another solution.
The life of a first-class demon could be hard. Very Hard.
Mara decided to accompany Keiichi at the university, knowing full well what would happen...
While the human and the demoness walked among the stalls advertising various university clubs, Mara resigned herself to ask the fateful question, which would start the events.
"Which club do you belong to, Keiichi?" She asked.
"The NIT Motor Club. I'm almost afraid to say it, but..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a voice was heard behind him.
"Right, Morisato?" Tamiya asked.
"That's right, sir," said a somewhat frightened Keiichi.
'That's it. This is where it begins.' Mara thought wearily.
"We've been thinkin'... We oughta have a race fer da freshes... but da club don't even got enough dough tuh do it," continued Tamiya.
Keiichi, realizing that they were asking him for money, pulled out his wallet wearily. Before he could pull out a few bills, Otaki quickly snatched it out of his hands.
"33,000 yen! Morisato RULES!" he cried.
Before Keiichi could protest, Otaki cut him off.
"You won't starve. I've already got a great temp job lined up for you. You'll get 30,000 yen just for standing still for a couples hours! Just head on over to the art department and... "
Having little choice, Keiichi and Mara therefore went to the art department of the university.
'I see, she knew this would happen, so she didn't interfere,' Keiichi thought with a smile.
'Normally I would have done something, but this time I think it's better to let the events follow their course. In addition, I haven't yet recovered all my magical energy helping Megumi,' Mara thought.
When they arrived at their destination, Keiichi opened the door.
"Er... excuse me? I heard something about a job..." he stuttered.
"Hello, Keiichi." Sayoko said, smiling.
"ACK ! S-Sayoko Mishima?"
Keiichi then remembered the problems that the girl had created for them last time.
That train of thought was interrupted by the general applause from the girls in the room.
Seeing all those girls, Keiichi had believed for a moment that maybe it was his lucky day. He was soon disappointed.
"Gee, uh, thanks? So, what kind of job is..." he asked.
"Well, as a first step... strip!" Sayoko said.
"W-what are you going to do to me?" Keiichi exclaimed.
"Calm down, kiddo. You agreed model for our life drawing class... nude," the Queen of the Campus said with a wink.
Dread filled him as he thought about what sort of response the System Force would give to a situation like this.
'This time… an earthquake? A huge tidal wave? Tornado?'
His concern was misplaced this time. Sayoko wasn't going to try to separate them... she had another plan in mind.
"Look, Sayoko, I'm really sorry but…"
"I thought you didn't have any money," said Sayoko with a predatory smile.
'Trapped like a rat,' he thought to himself.
"STOP!" Mara shouted forcefully enough to be heard at the other end of the university.
At that moment, there was a flame-like substance engulfed Keiichi.
It soon dissipated, everyone thought it was a kind of hallucination... except Keiichi who understood what was happening.
Demons have an acute sense of 'ownership.'
'Don't touch my partner,' Mara thought.
"In that case, I'll just step in here and, uh, strip," Keiichi said, taking the demon in the room next door.
"Thank you, Mara. You got me out of a bind."
"Not yet. It'll still be necessary you undress you," she said, not knowing if she liked the idea of seeing Keiichi naked.
"Actually, it's sort of a relief when you act like a normal girl," Keiichi replied.
"You see, jealousy can be useful," explained the demon that has been slowly trying to convert the boy.
"But more to the point... now what do I do ?"
"...I know what to do," Mara sighed with disgust.
Moments later, they left the room, Keiichi was naked, not wearing a slip. However he was much more muscular. Must restricted her magic and knowing what would happen, Mara had concocted a tonic potion. Keiichi was now as muscular as Tamiya, although its size had not changed.
Everyone was surprised to see the little runt now looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Once she had gotten past the surprise, Sayoko spoke again.
"Okay, Mara. We're ready for you, now. Or did they forget to mention that... ? Heh heh," she said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
'I've got you now. Refuse and there won't be a yen for your precious Keiichi. Because of you! There's no way you can say no! I know you won't refuse, anyway. You're that kind of person,' Sayoko thought gleefully.
She had no idea how mistaken she was.
Mara was perfectly prepared for this moment. She knew what to expect. She was going to repay the favor she had a Keiichi who had help when she lights the fire of the school system. Of course, she'd give half to claim money from the salary of Keiichi, as she had originally planned, but never mind.
"Okay, come back in two minutes," the demon commanded coldly.
Sayoko was about to ask why, but she was curious to see what would happen. The girls came out then.
"Mara, you don't have to do this…" Keiichi said.
"Nobody's going to see me naked. But I've got a plan…"
Keiichi gave her a perplexed look as, Mara mulled her options over.
"Mom. For once I will do as you wish."
Two minutes later, Sayoko and other girls in the club drawing returned... The show cut their breath.
Mara and Keiichi were naked, side by side... under a sheet.
The sheet was positioned in such a way them they were not touching. Keiichi head resting in the arms of Mara sat. Only a lower part of her right leg was visible.
A stage that mixed eroticism and romance without any vulgarity, amazing way.
"In... Incredible! What a flawless tableaux!" the girls club thought before this fantastic stage.
"I have to draw it... I can't stop myself," Sayoko muttered.
Normally, Keiichi is concerned that people would think of these designs, but this time, it felt too good. No gene, no excitement. Just fine, as embraced by a loving wife.
"Keiichi ?" Asked the demoness.
"Yes ?"
"The debt that I had with you, for the case of Professor Ozawa... I just paid you." Mara murmured in his ear.
This statement a little depressing not began the welfare of Keiichi. Consciously or not, Mara was going to get her a feeling of joy.
The demon, as it was... not feeling so humiliated that she had feared. Instead, she felt a certain fullness. Surely that to pose as a model flattered her inner pride. Or the keeping Keiichi against her? No. Ridiculous. The first hypothesis was probably correct. After all, it was not the first time that the drawing and she was proud... the last time during the Buddha's case.
Mara drove the bad memory from her mind.
The next day... Each picture became something totally unrelated...
"Did I draw a bat ?" Wondered Sayoko.
"Was my subject... rocker-vampire with lamb ?" Wondered another designer.
The power of the Ultimate Hell force is truly great.
A few days later.
Megumi Morisato has often visited her brother and Mara. Having a demon as an antecedence? Too cool.
The feeling was mutual. Initially, Mara would just hold off Megumi Morisato and solve some of its problems of money. However, the girl was much more interesting than she previously thought. In many ways, Megumi reminded her of her old friend and rival, Urd, even though such aspects were less pronounced than in the girl Daimakaicho.
In fact, a strong and sincere friendship between the two girls was being born. Megumi did not seem concerned by the fact that Mara is a demon. Nor does she cared about her first pair of socks.
Keiichi, for his part, had mixed feelings.
On one hand, he was glad that Megumi and Mara get along well. On the other hand...
Until now, he had seen Mara as a super-powered girl who could make his life more exciting, but he did not expect a relationship.
But since the demon had taken him in her arms in the case of the art club... a desire, a hope, a sense was born in him.
If only... Megumi did not come nearly every day.
Keiichi, while pondering his problem, the solution presented itself when the word escaped her unintentionally.
"Sigh, just one little kiss..."
"Eh ?! A kiss ?! A penny for your thoughts, big bro."
Keiichi became very embarrassed. Before he could say something, his sister spoke again.
"Oh, by the way. They say it's gonna be gorgeous tomorrow. Not a bad day to hit a seaside park, hmm?"
Keiichi thought for a moment about that suggestion.
Mara feared this moment. On this occasion, Keiichi and Belldandy had kissed. They had never done later. At the thought of kissing Keiichi, the demon felt a deep uneasiness. It is for this reason that she hesitated before making the trip back in time instead of bringing Urd among demons.
She believed to be ready for this day, but apparently she was not.
Of course she could refuse to go to the tip-off with Keiichi, but she was careful to stay close to his heart. Refusing at this point risked away permanently. She had worked too hard to go back now. It was enough to keep it steady until she had completed her journey. Then she would have much more freedom to act... and fewer restrictions on her powers.
Finally, Mara had accepted the appointment with Keiichi... with a slight change.
"Okay, but there is one condition," said the demon.
"What is it?"
"I choose the park. The seaside is not my thing."
Mara insisted avoiding any overly-romantic place and enjoyed the opportunity to play a good shot. She really wanted to relax.
Keiichi agreed, but somewhat worried about the kind of park that Mara would choose.
In her room, the demon wondered how to dress. For this kind of opportunity, she knew she should make an effort for look more... feminine. Mara was definitely not good at this sort of thing.
There was a solution and she feared it.
"Do not worry, you can do this for work, it's just for the job," she said to herself very slowly as she put in a phone number.
Somewhere in Niflheim, a slender hand picked up a phone.
Mara took her courage in both hands and began to converse with her intelrocuteur.
"Hello? Yes it's me. Yes, I know that I do not often call on this line. No, I don't have any problem, it's just for advice. I'll tell you, but promise me to remain calm. I'm telling you right now, this is for work, not gonna make ideas. Here, I need to look... more feminine. NO, I DON'T WANT TO BECOME A SUCCUBUS ! I HAVE SAID IT WAS FOR WORK! NO, THIS IS NOT TO PREPARE FOR MY MARRIAGE! YOU LISTEN WHEN I WILL TALK! Yes, it is still on, there is no hard feelings. You gonna help me or not? The boy ? He's kind of a motorcycle enthusiast. No, this is not a "Hells Angel", just is a racer. How is he physically? How is it... WHAT ! ? How am I to know? I've never seen him naked. Anyway, I do not care. Yes, I 'm sure. Well you gonna help me or not? I just stay natural? Oh great, thank you, board worth it to call you. " Mara hung up the phone in sweat.
"She's really hard with this stuff," she said with a sigh.
-o-
In Hell, a hand hung up the phone.
"Who was that?" Someone asked in a "cooing" sensual voice.
"It was my little blonde with red eyes. She asked me for advice like a boy. I've waited this since a long time, I was worried, but now I'm reassured. Even though she says that it is right for the job," replied a female with a voice almost cristalllin.
"You make me jealous, I just wish that my little Urd-chan has needed me." Hild said, turning in the mud bath that was shared with her oldest friend.
"Yep. Children. If necessary, they always come back to us. It's nice to still be useful from time to time," Mara mother said.
"I hope Urdy also will call me one of these days, especially to ask me a favor... the massage is continued in the meantime?" Asked the queen of demons.
-o-
The park was... a fun festival. What with its rides like "Big 8" ghost trains and its "Grand splash."
Keiichi's concerns were dispelled. Contrary to what one might believe, he loved that kind of place.
Contrary to what Megumi had said, the early weather in the day was horrible. Although it was not raining, a storm blew so hard that Keiichi very reluctantly used his motorcycle.
But Mara was really happy. She loved storms.
Keiichi had the idea to make a tender gesture in the context of a plan of seduction (bad) he had developed a good part of the night, but no opportunity was presented for the moment.
When they arrived at the amusement park, the demon had made a gesture towards Keiichi, who was not feeling well, and had offered him a Coke, without even asking his opinion.
"Desires. Take it. It will perk you up, " she said, sympathetically.
"G- g -g- good idea! Ah- ha -ha"
It is the demon who had been paid. She was feeling generous today.
When Keiichi was sufficiently recovered and the weather had returned to normal with a beautiful blue sky, they began to tour the park's attractions. The ghost train was the first activity.
If Keiichi felt a slight fear, even at his age, facing this kind of thing, Mara found it to be very fun. These plastic monsters were so joking. It was toys for baby demons.
Keiichi was sincerely happy to see the demon having fun. However, it was not romantic, he somewhat regretted.
After completing the rides in the middle of the day, Keiichi was not feeling very well, but he hid it to not spoil the day. Mara looked so happy.
Then they went to a game's room. The demon especially loved the fighting video games, and luck through, there were an arcade with the new version of "Street Fighter 2".
Keiichi was unfortunately not very good with this kind of arcade game terminals were too expensive for him.
However, he was doing well with racing simulators. Mara, who was not to be outdone, found in him an opponent of talent and a very good buddy game
Then it was the turn of the bumper cars, the train, and finally... the great 8.
After this last attraction, Keiichi asked a few moments to rest, the various emotions since this morning and lack of sleep last night had taken their toll on him.
"I... I'm sorry. I should'a known better." He said with regret.
"You human, you are really fainthearted. Even when you're having fun, you become tired," Mara retorted.
"Ah ah. This is true enough in the bottom" conceded Keiichi.
"Come on, you just rest a little. I'll show you the place on the bench."
While Keiichi fell asleep, Mara began to meditate. In fact, the discomfort Keiichi felt... well it avoided any too sentimental reconciliation. She can avoid the moment could be the kiss that had happened with Belldandy... if Keiichi slept long enough.
Of course, the demon could have used her magic to prolong his sleep, but she was bound to him by a contract of partnership. Which prevented, by definition, to "evil", even tiny, Keiichi.
Well, no need to worry. After all, it was not likely to happen. The first time, Keiichi had nearly fell into the water, this time they were far from the sea
The night finally fell, with the cool evening air, Keiichi woke up.
"YOW! IT'S EIGHT-THIRTY ! " He cried.
"Yes. I preferred to let you sleep," Mara said without emotion.
"Argh... I'd made a reservation at this concert for seven."
This last remark called out the demon.
"A concert?"
"Yes. A concert with this new group. You told me that you loved rock." Explained Keiichi.
"Too well. I can not help but dance whenever I hear. This is my favorite music since I was born."
Keiichi was surprised by that statement. Since Mara told him about her mother, who inspired the writer of Dracula to help her daughter, he realized that Mara was much older than she looked, but he forbade them think. However, the Rock and Roll was a phenomenon that did not exist at that time, so how Mara could love this music since birth?
The response of the demon was scathing.
" 'Cause the Rock and roll is primarily a demonic music, Keiichi. It is we who have aired on Earth through some contracts."
"Huh?" Keiichi was surprised.
"We spend contracts with humans. In exchange for services, we require something. In the case of rock and roll, we had contracts with musicians, who without us change of job. We have offered them the fortune, fame, drugs, women... and in exchange they let us manage their careers and produced songs demonic inspiration. The Beatles are the best example." Mara explained.
"The Beatles are under contract with the demons ?"
"Everything did. 4 It was kids who had talent but nobody was interested. It is I who have offered them a contract. They succeed in music and enter into history. In exchange, they would write songs in the style that I would choose. I chose Rock and roll. Another condition is that at their deaths, they had come Nifflheim, the country of demons, and they would work for us for at least 500 years. Then see if we offer them another contract or not. two of them are already dead. Yet two, and I reformed the band." explained the demon with a smile.
Keiichi was skeptical. He did not know what to say. Before he could ask another question, his stomach reminded him of his earthly needs.
"Ah, well... but now I'm starving... " he sighed before adding, "I spotted a hot dog vendor near the carpark, if you want anything. It looked good".
"Good idea.." Mara exclaimed with a forced smile.
15 minutes later, they were sitting on a bench. Keiichi devoured a hamburger while Mara opted for a hot dog.
"How is it? I wasn't quite sure what the demons like..." Keiichi asked.
"Ymm! It's great!" Mara replied. The demon did not hate Japanese food (except ramen ), but she preferred the meat dishes instead of those based on rice and fish.
While enjoying her sausage, the demon was anxious. In a few moments, Keiichi was supposed to choke on his food, he would rock backwards, and she would save him. Then they kiss. That was how it happened the first time with Belldandy.
She wanted to avoid that absolutely. Mara definitely did not want to kiss Keiichi. That was one of the reasons for which she had not prepared breakfast of Keiichi. First, she hoped that by varying the food this time, the boy would not choke. Secondly, she didn't have the slightest desire to prepare food for Keiichi. Third... she wanted to be invited by him.
The demoness hoped to have changed the course of history enough to avoid the kiss, while maintaining it consistently enough to prevent it from changing too much.
Would her plan bear fruit ?
It was tens of kilometers from the sea, so, yes, logically.
Actually, this time, Keiichi was not choking. When he had finished his meal, he stood up, and stretching his arms in the cool evening.
"It was a good day. Shall we go now?" he asked with a smile.
The demon was delighted to hear these words, it was enough to say "yes" to avoid the stage of the kiss.
"Yes" she replied simply.
However, fate had other plans.
While Keiichi and Mara returned to the sidecar, the demon, anxious to quickly finish her hot dog... that she nearly choked with.
Trying to catch her breath, Mara unconsciously recoiled... and stumbled on the curb, sprawling on the road.
Of course, this is the moment a huge truck passed very speed. The brutal horn of the driver paralized the demoness with fright.
However, Keiichi threw himself on Mara and rolled with her on the other side of the road before the truck could collide with them.
The two still rolled the bottom of the hill to find sprawled in the arms of each other.
The demon does not have much to fear from the truck. Having crushed her body is an unpleasant experience and repair is very costly in energy, but other than a sharp pain and a fleeting inconvenience, a 4-dimensional object, even it was the explosion of a supernova, could not possibly kill a demon in 21 dimensions.
Incarnating in an human form requires among other things that the demon, or the goddess, fits her body.
This is the disadvantage to be like humans. Taking on their appearance, also adopts their weaknesses.
Mara was so human in that time, even if she had access to her demonic essence to her immortality and her magic would one day make her mortal shell as vulnerable as a human.
She nevertheless had a traumatic experience every time and even if Mara had experienced having her mortal shell getting killed, like all demons many times before, she preferred to avoid this.
She started sweating because of the great fear that she had experienced.
While they were lying on each other, Keiichi uttered, "Oh. Thank goodness!"
"I'm... sorry..." Mara murmured while she hugged Keiichi in her arms, as a child would hug a teddy bear to reassure themselves.
The kiss had not occurred, but the heroism of Keiichi, combined with the strong fear that the demon had felt, had for a short time, thrilled the heart of Mara.
-o-
Belldandy had been watching from the heavens and followed the appointment of Keiichi and Mara all day.
When the truck had stopped, the goddess had uttered a cry of horror. However, everything turned out fine.
It was clear in her eyes, that Mara really cared Keiichi and that her previous concerns were unfounded.
And yet...
Yet... something was wrong.
Looking at the demon and human together, Belldandy felt a strange sense of injustice.
Without knowing it, for the first time in her life, she felt... jealousy.
A completely unknown emotion to her until now.
But there had also feel that something was out of place. That it should be her in the arms of Keiichi at the moment. She was sure of it, even if she did not know why she thought this. If only she had decided to give her earlier vow, then maybe... Keiichi wished her to stay with her?
"Yes, maybe..." she said.
Skuld, for her part, does not understand what tormented her big sister dear. She was upset she not made a contract is comprehensive. But why so much focus on a mortal?
She did not know what to think but she would do everything to help Belldandy.
-o-
Mara also did not know what to think. She had avoided the kiss, and the situation looked so previous that was disturbing her a little.
She absolutely had put some things in order to take advantage of Keiichi. She owed him nothing. Her financial problems were partly but not completely settled. She should begin to expand her influence and promote the cause of demons. She only need an opportunity.
Although she has studied the relationship between Keiichi and Belldandy, Mara was more concerned about the sentimental aspect of the couple, and had completely neglected some moment that seemed without interest. The future, which was the past from her perspective, seemed to still reserve some surprises.
Indeed, shortly after, Tamiya made an announcement at a meeting at the club.
"Lissen up, yuh new recruits! We been keepin' ouse guys waitin', but we is finally ready tuh welcome ya to the club rigt! We got us a race, kiddies- with the Ushikubo University Motorcycle Club! And duh machine what you guys is gonna race is- DAT BABY!"
Then Keiichi's sempai then unveiled a motorcycle... everyone had confused with a moped.
"What is this shit ?" Mara asked.
Before the general incredulity, Tamiya resumed his speech.
"Youse dumb jerks! Duh supercub is duh bike from which all udder Japanese motorcycles done sprung! Air-cooled 49cc 0HV four-stroke! Stamped metal frame! Hard at work all round duh whole wide world to dis day- still in production an' over fifty million uv'em sold! Da champions of Honda motorbikes! SO! In honner of dis year's race is gonna be all-club!"
He caught his breath for a moment and added.
"An dere's sumpin' even better! Dis year, our team girl is gonna be- MARA DA MOTORGIRL SUPREME!"
"Wh... WHAAAT ? " Keiichi exclaimed, paralyzed by surprise.
Mara knew very well what a "Team girl". For a moment she almost protest, but after a second thought, it would be a good way to gain acceptance of the club and use it later.
Keiichi, he protested, at least he tried."Just what gives you the right to-"
Then someone interrupted him.
"Hold it! Lemme explain a sec! Y'see, here dis li'l situation. So, President Tamiya! It seems your organization lacks consensus! But a promise is a promise." Said the voice of a stranger who had just arrived on a motorcycle.
"Who is this guy?" asked the demon.
"Dat's Etsushi from duh Ushikubo Motorcycle club." Tamiya replied.
"Etsushi Ohtaki but dey call him snapping turtle Etsushi-'cuz like if dat dude gets his fangs inta sumpin... he don't ever let go away!" he added.
"Hmm! This must be the prize!" said the newcomer, looking Mara with arrogance.
The demon would not let a human talk vulgar about her like this. Demons have their pride.
"You're talking about me?" she asked remaining as calm as possible.
"But yes. Your president did not tell you anything, I see." the young man shamelessly replied.
"TAMIYAAA! " cried Keiichi, who also was beginning to get angry.
That did not escaped Mara, who was proud of the reaction of her partner.
"Unfortunately... Da dude's right. A few days ago, me and him was hoisting a few... And while we was drinkin' we starts fightin' about motorcycle engines, see? In short, we decided to make a run to settle this. And we bet Mara. " Tamiya said, not proud of himself.
The demon was about to explode with anger, but before that...
"Heh... it's obvious we're going to win. One look at your crew, and I can tell. A walking skeleton... shrimp boy here... and mister sumo wrestler? What a bench of pathetic losers!" Etsushi added.
Mara now considering transforming "Snapping turtle" into a real turtle. Fortunately for him, the demon would save a maximum of magical energy for the moment.
She would not accept it without saying anything either.
"And if you lose, we win what?" she asked.
"If I lose, you become the motorgirl of Auto Club instead of mine." Etsushi remembered.
"Ridculous. I do not want a small gamble like this. That's how we'll do.. Club that loses will be absorbed by the other." Mara said in a tone that left her understanding that it was this or nothing.
Etsushi was about to say that it was not up to Mara to decide... but he refrained. After all, it would crush the Auto Club. Winning the scarce financial and material resources of the Autp Club would be nothing a little more to celebrate his victory. In addition, give a lesson to this blonde, before she became the mascot of his club, did not displease him.
"Okay. For me, it's okay. However, it requires the approval of your club. What do you say, guys? Wanna go with a 'winner take all'?" he asked.
The whole club, Keiichi least, answered with one voice.
"OF COURSE!"
"Perfect. So since we all agree, it remains only to write it on a contract." Mara said, taking a pen and a paper that was lying on a table.
"A contract?" wondered Etsushi.
"In general, a word is enough for me. However, in this case, I prefer to put it on paper. You do not look like a guy who keeps his promises when he loses."
Now Etsuchi was offended. Not that call into question his honor, he had no shame to admit that Mara was right: He did not consider himself a trustworthy man. What really upset was that this girl is seriously considering he can lose against these losers. However, he would not lose his temper because of this bimbo.
With silent rage, he tore the paper and pen from the hands of Mara and wrote his promise.
"I, Etsuchi Ohtaki, swear to hand over the keys and the management of "Ushikubo Motorcycle club" to Auto Club if I lose the race." He wrote before returning the 'contract'. "YOU NOW !"
Tamiya signed the contract, without anger or any emotion.
"Perfect. Now that everything is in order, you can go out in hell... uh... no, we don't like guys like you. You can to go in heaven. I think everyone here saw you enough for today."
Etsushi did not need to pray. He mounted his bike and went away, but not without a thought.
'You... I swear, that sooner or later you'll end up in my bed.'
Unaware that such event had no chance to occur, Etsushi disappeared around the corner.
Keiichi, who had remained behind her, had suddenly like a 'feeling' that the storm was going to come to him.
"I dunno if you should have agreed to this, Mara..." he said to the demon.
"No, I'm sure it'll be fine!" Mara retorted.
"Are you going to cheat with your magic?" Keiichi worried.
"No. The demons don't like cheating in this kind of situation."
"Out of a sense of honor?"
"No, pride. Cheating against an opponent of equal value is ok. Cheating against a good for nothing... No, but do you imagine the world champion chess cheating against a 5 year old child? It would ridiculous." Explained the sultry blonde with a strange pride.
"In addition, I signed a contract. This is not like a demonic contract, but the same rules apply. I can not cheat." she added it. "Besides... People like him can't be allowed to use the arrogance that way! I refuse to allow it!".
"Use arrogance?" Keiichi asked.
"Yes. Second lesson. Arrogance is a useful thing because it gives confidence, beautifies the vision that we have of ourselves and allows us make things that modesty would prevent us to do. But as I've told you, these are the extremes to avoid. Due to his arrogance, he came to insult us. This punk bet his club. Imagine what his friends would do if he lost ? If we were to Niflheim, they would have thrown him in one of the rivers Elivagar or even downright in Hvergelmir until he got out by himself. In this case, at least, he would have had a reason to be proud. Arrogance is a gift that the demons do to humanity to give them confidence and boldness, while he uses it in the worst possible way. It really makes me angry," Mara explained by emitting an aura of flame that everyone perceived even though no one could see.
Keiichi knew of course nothing about the rivers Elivagar or source Hvergelmir (NDA. Also known as "the roaring cauldron" It is the encounter between lava and ice gives birth to twelve rivers Elivagar ), but he understood that it does would not be very funny.
Even if she had not read her book about this event, Mara was beginning to know and to respect the boy. She knew what he would say.
"I'd rather smear myself all over that racetrack that let that arrogant creep anywhere near you!" He said, putting on his helmet.
"The deal is finalized. Congratulations, guy." exclaimed the blonde giving a pat on the back to Keiichi, who nearly lost his balance in shock.
Mara then had a bad feeling after realizing what she had done. If she lost ? She should actually become the mascot of the club belonging to the other idiot? NO! NEVER!
She grabbed Keiichi by the shoulder and dragged him outside as she said, "Ok, you start your 'death entertainment' immediately. No way you're going to lose this race!"
-o-
When the day of the race...
At first, it was agreed that there would be several races between the two clubs, according to different rules. However, things have changed considerably, compared to the previous timeline.
For instance, Keiichi found himself on a modified motorcycle, created by his Sempais. That was not reassuring. In addition, everything rested on him because there would be only one race.
'Anything you want? Then, then that means Tamiya and the guys must have created a monster! Dang it all! Do I have an unlucky star up there?!' he thought.
Mara looked the sky.
Actually, he was right. There was indeed an unlucky star in the sky over Keiichi Morisato... and little by little, it was beginning to exert its baleful influence... even against Mara's will..
'How did he go on living so long with this gigantic misfortune star? Normally, no one survive childbirth when you are unlucky at this point,' thought the demon.
The race took place on an old runway used by the Japanese military in World War Two.
While sitting down on his bike, Etsuchi watched Keiichi's vehicle .
'Heh... A GSX1300R engine, eh? Cute little antique. I've got a vfr, the hottest new engine around ported polished and blue printed! There's no way your pathetic in-line four can defeat my V-4 beauty,' he thought while smiling, confident in his victory.
At the same time, Ootaki was getting read to give the the starting signal, Mara noticed that star of misfortune began in action against Keiichi.
The start of the race was balanced. For once, the changes made by Keiichi's sempais were effective.
Mara, for her part, wondered what she could do. It was impossible to call a star of happiness because of her demon nature.
For once, she regretted the absence of Sembei.
However, she had an idea. Even she cannot bring happiness star to Keiichi, she could fight against the star of misfortune. Mara had not ceased to fight against bad luck in recent years. She could do the same again this time.
Muttering an incantation, she lined up her energy with that of the star to try to slow her speed. She success pretty well at first.
"WHOA! What happened?! It suddenly came on the pipe again!" Keiichi exclaimed.
What Mara had not anticipated is that there is indeed a Star of happiness nearby... which ran over the head of Etsuchi.
Keiichi, who had managed to get a slight advantage is seen overtaken by his rival.
"NOOO!" Mara shouted in panic. In doing so, she released her grip on the star of misfortune, which continued on its way.
Suddenly released, the star of misfortune has passed near the Star of happiness. Their two influences cancel each other. Keiichi was totally released from his misfortune, while Etsuchi lost his chance.
Under the effect of the sudden cancellation of opposing forces, Keiichi;s motorcycle began to have problems.
'AIEE! The brake cable broke! Don't panic... Stay calm... Remember you've got a drag chute!' the boy thought.
Indeed, given the speed of Keiichi's motorcycle was going at, a sort of parachute back that helped slow performance would be needed...
Only if Ootaki hadn't installed a very little parachute as a handkerchief.
"Bwa haw haw! How'd like my little joke, Tamiya?" asked the tall blond with glasses.
Realizing what was happening, and being too exhausted to influence the star, Mara grabbed Ootaki by the neck.
"What did you do, moron?" she screamed in her drunken rage, brought on by a lack of energy.
Due to changes made by Keiichi's sempais, the bike now was beginning to go to pieces.
Everything was going to play a few meters.
Bang.
Boom.
Spangg.
Shhhh...
At this point, the star of misfortune freed herself from the influence of the Star of happiness and stayed over Etsushi.
Consequently, one of the pieces of Keiichi's motorcycle struck Etsushi in the face.
Thanks to his helmet, he was not hurt, but he went crashing just before the finish line, while Keiichi narrowly crossed the final before his bike broke like a thrown puzzle.
"Heh. Heh heh, I won... and I'm alive!" Keiichi sighed, on the verge of fainting as a result of relief.
Seeing that Keiichi had crossed the final line before his opponent, Mara let go of Ootaki.
"We... We won?" she asked, not sure of the answer, given the final crash.
"Yes," replied Ootaki trying to catch his breath.
Transported relief in turn, the demon rushed to Keiichi to congratulate him.
"You did, BOY! ! YOU DID REALLY DONE!".
Keiichi then thought, 'Heck... Who cares about stars, lucky or unlucky... when you've a demon on your side?!'
-o-
Meanwhile, Urd had thought. 'It would not be possible to restore the previous timeline, but she could still defeat Mara and put Belldandy and Keiichi together.'
However, she could not act alone. Her father refused help her. One person might accept to help, but it would cost her and would be very expensive. Perhaps more than Urd was willing to to pay.
The Norn of the past decided to go in a discreet place, so she could call without being disturbed.
She looked at her phone like a condemned man looks at the rope that will hang him.
Slowly, like the stairs that leads to the scaffold, she dialed the number.
The phone rings once... twice... three times... then a voice was heard.
"Hello?"
"Hi Mom." Urd replied.
At this time the TV went out.
"It's kinda curious. I understand that the story would have some elements that repeat themselves, but everything seems to reproduce almost exactly the first time. The same situations, the same words. The only significant difference is that I replaced Belldandy," Mara wondered.
"Ma-chan... You took the time to read the stack of forms to fill out so that I authorize a trip back in time? If there are over 34,500 sheets a sign, that it is not sadism on my part. It is also because it is not easy to play with history. Some think that just change a little event to change the situation completely. Example, if some dictators weren't born, the world would be better. FALSE. This is not as simple. Time is a living being. If the changes, it adapts to repairs, heals. I believe that even if Hitler wasn't never born, there would there still had 87% chance that the second world war take place anyway" declared Daimakaicho.
Mara was horrified by the explanations of her queen.
"You mean she may become Keiichi's girlfriend, instead Belldandy for real?" she asked.
"Not necessarily. Yet she must get as close as possible until the time came back when it makes its journey to the past. Humans have a sentence for this, 'those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it'. If she is not careful, the space-time continuum risks repairing itself in one way or another, and Belldandy appears and revert to being Keiichi's girlfriend," Hild explained.
"So all this happen in the same way as the first time, but from the point of a demonic view?" inquired Mokkukalfi.
"Not really. Some things change. Some proof is that Mara and Keiichi live in an apartment, instead of a building under construction or a temple. This Megumi knows that Mara is a demon while "our" Megumi doesn't know that Bell is a goddess. Anyway, this Mara is doing a very good job at the moment." Hild challenged.
"But you said earlier that you were surprised that the vow of Keiichi remained the same and it became a relationship." Mara was surprised.
"Exactly. Whether the repair time seems normal... if Belldandy were to appear and return everything back to the same situation to the the original timeline... In fact, the relationship seems to exist despite the fact that this is not Belldandy. That amazes me," explained the queen of demons, making a small notebook.
"What do you majesty?" asked Mokkukalfi.
"Sayoko Mishima... This girls make me a very good first impression. She and I, we never met and I am beginning to think that I missed something. I intend to correct this quickly. " explained the Daimakaicho.
Mara was surprised by that statement.
"You intend to offer her a contract?" she asked.
"Do not go too fast. I need to see more before taking a decision. But if my hunch is correct, I would have soon a new personal assistant." Explained the queen of demons as she licked her lips.
"I warn you that Sayoko puts her pride before her objectives. Spent two contracts with her, it does not go well done." Mara said.
"Ma- chan, are you be jealous?"
The demon did not know how to answer this question. Jealous of Sayoko? Of course, Mara wanted a promotion. It was an obsession with her. However, instead of a personal assistant... Hild takes over slavery as a promotion.
Indeed. That the Daimakacho called a 'personal assistant' is actually a good all-rounder. She must complete all administrative documents, represent the queen of demons in endless meetings... In short do 80% of work of Hild in her place. More when they are not captured by the official work, they are required to satisfy the personal whims of their queen. Foot massages and back mainly and most unfortunate of them (or the luckiest depending on your point of view)... sex toy.
There is no compensation in this work, not even able to pay or interesting. Assistants have no decision-making power, they only represent the queen of demons, nothing more.
The Daimakaicho takes personal pleasure in pushing her workers to end to see how far they can take before cracking, like a child who hits her toys against the wall to see if they will break. The highest record is now 8 months.
Of course this is the kind of work that "you can not refuse."
Mara was not jealous at the idea that Sayoko becomes the personal assistant of her boss.
On the other hand say "No, I 'm not jealous, I am relieved that it is not me" would not be a great idea. Hild could argue 'It is very well, Ma- chan, because I planned to just promote you to the position as a reward for your loyal service.' What was the thing to avoid at all costs.
Mara, however, could not lie to Hild. She would know and could be even more cruel... and even if Mara knew that the friendship between her mother and queen could play in her favor, she also knew that a request such service would cost her mother a lot for a long time.
In short, the demon had to find an answer that she could avoid the worst.
"I would never be jealous of a human being, in any circumstances. I'm a demon and proud of it." she said it.
"Acceptable response," says the Daimakaicho.
Mokkukalfi winced inwardly. For a few moments, she had 'hoped' that Mara would be 'promoted' to the personal assistant of her queen, but Mara narrowly dodged it.
"I wonder what the Urd in the video will ask your alter-ego, majesty? Maybe she hopes that 'you' will remind Mara for Belldandy can be restored with Keiichi," Said Mokkukalfi.
"Um... I admit that I 'm curious myself too. For I accept this, I would require Urd agrees to become a full-fledged demon and return to Niflheim. Yet even her sisters, she does what she normally will not do." Hild said with sadness.
The queen of demons meditated a moment.
"However, if Urd-chan is ready to make some concessions... I might be... give her... a little luck."
Mokkukalfi and Mara exchanged glances of curiosity while Hild continued to ponder.