Chapter 11

It Doesn't Matter Where, So Long as We're Together

Einhard and Ave dashed down the corridor toward the room where Keiichi, Urd, Belldandy, and Skuld were staying. Einhard's heart raced with anxiety, her breaths shallow and quick as dread gnawed at her. Each step echoed loudly in the narrow hallway, the faint scent of smoke hanging ominously in the air, fuelling her worry. Her mind whirred with worst-case scenarios, a relentless storm of concern for their friends. The normally composed Einhard felt her pulse thundering in her ears, her stomach twisting in apprehension.

Ave, ever attuned to her emotions, noticed the tight line of her lips and the tension radiating from her every movement. Determined to ease her fears, he tried to lighten the mood.

"Hey, Haru, with three goddesses on his side, I don't think Keiichi has much to worry about," Ave said, offering a reassuring smile despite the urgency of their sprint. "Besides, with you on my side, I've got nothing to fear either."

Einhard stumbled slightly, her cheeks heating despite the dire situation. His earnest words wrapped around her heart, momentarily easing the heavy weight of her anxiety. "You always say embarrassing things," she scolded, her voice soft yet tinged with warmth. Deep down, though, she clung to his words like a lifeline, grateful for his steady presence.

As they reached the room, thick black smoke coiled ominously from the doorway, curling like serpents against the dim hallway lights. The acrid tang of burnt fabric and scorched wood stung Einhard's nose, making her eyes water slightly. Her heart thudded against her ribs, but she didn't hesitate for even a moment. With a decisive push, she flung the door open, the creak of the hinges barely audible over the crackling remnants of destruction. Her mismatched purple and blue eyes sharpened with determination, swiftly scanning the chaotic interior for any signs of danger or movement. A wave of heat rolled toward her, mingling with the haze that clung stubbornly to the air, heightening the tension in her chest.

The chaotic scene that met their gaze left them speechless, as the acrid stench of burnt fabric and lingering smoke filled the room.

Keiichi lay sprawled unconscious on the floor, his shirt singed with a dark, charred patch near his chest. Wisps of smoke coiled lazily from the fabric, adding to the thick haze hanging in the air. Belldandy knelt beside him, her serene face marred by deep concern, as soft golden light emanated from her trembling hands, casting warm glows across his ashen features. The light pulsed gently, wrapping Keiichi in a cocoon of healing energy.

Nearby, Banpei-kun DX, Skuld's autonomous robot, stood like a sentry of chaos. Its four-barrel rocket launcher remained ominously primed, faint wisps of smoke still curling from the barrels. The robot's targeting sensors blinked erratically, flickering red as it scanned the room for perceived threats, its mechanisms whirring with unsettling precision. The tension radiated palpably from its rigid stance.

Skuld stood nearby, fists clenched at her sides, her glare flickering between Banpei-kun DX and the unconscious Keiichi. Exasperation radiated from her small frame, the faint tremor in her shoulders betraying both anger and worry.

"What happened here?" Einhard demanded, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She knelt beside Belldandy, concern softening her usually focused demeanor.

Ave, his voice laced with disbelief, turned sharply to Skuld. "What the hell is going on?"

Belldandy's voice trembled as she explained, "Last night, Keiichi-san and I drank some warm green tea that Urd prepared for us. This morning, we both felt—different. Our bodies were warm, and we felt drawn to each other." Her face turned a deep shade of pink. "We were about to... kiss when Banpei-kun DX burst into the room and fired rockets at Keiichi-san."

"Banpei-kun has a protective protocol for Oneesama," Skuld added indignantly. "It detected Keiichi's actions as a threat and neutralized him."

Ave facepalmed, a long groan escaping him, as tension visibly drained from his posture. Meanwhile, Einhard's cheeks flushed a vivid red, her lips parting slightly in disbelief at the absurdity of the situation. She nervously brushed a damp strand of silver-green hair behind her ear, trying to compose herself. The thick haze of smoke swirling around them only added to the surreal atmosphere. Belldandy's serene expression faltered, confusion flickering in her azure eyes, while Skuld's sharp gaze darted between the two with growing suspicion. Their innocent bewilderment clashed starkly with the chaotic aftermath of Banpei-kun DX's intervention.

"What's going on?" Skuld asked suspiciously.

Sheepishly, Ave recounted their ordeal from the previous night—how both he and Einhard had felt an inexplicable warmth and overwhelming desire. As Ave spoke, his voice wavered slightly, embarrassment evident in his tone. Einhard, blushing furiously, fidgeted with a stray lock of her silver-green hair, her mismatched purple and blue eyes flickering with shame. "I... I almost lost control," she admitted softly, her voice barely audible. "If it weren't for Tio's 'Contact Mode,' I don't know what would have happened." Her words hung heavily in the air, a testament to her inner turmoil.

As if struck by sudden realization, Skuld's sharp gaze locked onto the teapot on the table. "Wait a second!" she exclaimed, snatching the leftover green tea with swift determination. Her eyes blazed with urgency. "Banpei-kun, scan this!" she commanded, her voice firm as she thrust the teapot toward the autonomous robot.

Einhard exchanged a glance with Ave before summoning Asteion with a gentle call. The small snow leopard plushie meowed in agreement, its eyes gleaming with resolve. With a shimmer of ethereal energy, Asteion extended its scanning capabilities toward the teapot, its soft hum blending with Banpei-kun's mechanical whirs.

The results flashed on Banpei-kun's display.

"Laced with a potent love potion," Skuld declared grimly, her voice trembling with rising fury as the scan results flashed vividly on Banpei-kun's display.

Belldandy sighed softly, a serene but weary expression settling over her face. "Oh dear... this is most unfortunate."

Skuld's eyes narrowed, fury igniting like a tempest. "URD!" she roared, her voice echoing with righteous indignation as she stormed out of the room with Banpei-kun DX clattering aggressively behind her, its launchers swivelling ominously.

Moments later, the beach erupted in chaos, the thundering booms of multiple explosions reverberating through the tranquil air. Urd's indignant screams pierced the cacophony, mingling with the distant splashes of startled seagulls taking flight.

Belldandy bowed deeply, her serene demeanor tinged with sincere remorse. "I'm truly sorry for my sister's antics," she apologized gracefully, her hands folded earnestly.

Einhard and Ave exchanged a glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Einhard let out a small sigh, brushing a hand through her damp hair. "It's okay," she said with a wry smile, her voice steady despite the lingering tension. "I guess it's just one of those things we'll laugh about later."

That afternoon, after order was restored, Einhard, Ave, Keiichi, Belldandy, and Skuld headed to the beach. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue across the shimmering waves. The warm breeze carried the scent of salt and summer blossoms, wrapping them in a tranquil embrace.

Skuld marvelled at Einhard's athletic and toned figure, her admiration genuine. "You're so fit," Skuld said admiringly, her eyes wide with genuine awe. "Do you train every day? I mean, those muscles are impressive!"

Einhard nodded shyly, brushing a stray lock of silver-green hair behind her ear, her face warming under Skuld's enthusiastic attention. "I've been training since I was young. Martial arts and fitness have always been part of my life," she admitted softly.

Belldandy's gentle laughter floated through the air like a serene melody. "Discipline and dedication are truly admirable traits," she said kindly, her azure eyes shimmering with warmth. "It speaks volumes about your inner strength, Einhard-san."

Feeling a bit bashful, Einhard glanced at Ave, who was grinning proudly. "See, Haru? Even goddesses recognize your awesomeness," he teased, earning himself a playful glare from Einhard.

"Stop saying embarrassing things," she murmured, though a smile tugged at her lips despite herself.

As they waded into the water, the cool waves lapping gently at their legs, Einhard and Belldandy quickly realized that their respective boyfriends couldn't swim. The gentle tranquillity of the beach was soon disrupted by the clumsy splashing and flailing movements of Ave and Keiichi.

"You can't swim?" Einhard asked Ave in disbelief, her mismatched eyes widening with surprise.

Ave rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, water dripping from his damp hair. "Hey, I never had the chance to learn," he admitted, offering a sheepish grin.

Belldandy smiled serenely, the sunlight catching the golden strands of her hair. "Keiichi-san also struggles with swimming. Perhaps we can teach them together?"

Einhard's eyes sparkled with determination, her competitive spirit ignited. "I'll teach you, Ave-kun," she declared confidently, splashing the water slightly with her foot.

Skuld and Banpei-kun DX took on the role of tough instructors, shouting orders from the shoreline. "Kick harder, Keiichi!" Skuld yelled, her voice carrying over the gentle breeze. "You too, Ave! Don't sink like a rock!" Banpei-kun DX's mechanical sensors blinked as it emitted sharp beeps of agreement.

Despite their initial struggles, with Ave flailing wildly and Keiichi accidentally swallowing mouthfuls of salty water, the patient guidance of their girlfriends paid off. Einhard gently held Ave's hand, guiding his strokes through the water. "That's it, Ave-kun. Just relax and move with the rhythm," she encouraged, her tone warm and supportive.

Ave glanced at her, his face flushed, though whether from exertion or the intimacy of the moment was unclear. "You're really good at this," he admitted breathlessly. "I'm starting to see why you're unbeatable in the ring."

Einhard chuckled softly, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Flattery won't get you out of training," she teased.

Nearby, Belldandy's melodic laughter filled the air as she gently guided Keiichi, who managed a few competent strokes. "You're doing wonderfully, Keiichi-san," she praised, her serene voice full of encouragement.

Laughter soon bubbled up from the group as Ave and Keiichi found themselves unexpectedly swept up by a larger wave, sputtering and laughing as they resurfaced.

The earlier tension melted away, replaced by carefree joy as they splashed and played in the water. The golden sunlight shimmered across the waves, mirroring the bright smiles on their faces. Einhard couldn't help but steal a glance at Ave, her heart swelling with happiness at seeing him so relaxed and at ease. It was moments like this that made everything else fade into insignificance.

After spending time together, the five of them lay sprawled across the warm, golden sands of the beach, basking under the gentle caress of the afternoon sun. The rhythmic crash of waves provided a soothing soundtrack, blending with the occasional cry of seagulls soaring overhead.

The salty tang of the sea air clung to their skin, mingling with the faint scent of sun-warmed blossoms carried by the breeze. Einhard closed her eyes briefly, savouring the tranquillity of the moment, while Ave stretched his arms behind his head, a contented smile playing on his lips. Skuld traced idle patterns in the sand with her finger, her expression thoughtful, while Belldandy's serene gaze remained fixed on the shimmering horizon. Keiichi let out a contented sigh, the earlier chaos now a distant memory, as they all surrendered to the peaceful embrace of the beach.

Ave casually asked Keiichi, "So what happened to Urd?"

Keiichi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, Skuld tied her up and forced her to listen to Enka until she fell asleep."

Einhard blinked in disbelief, her mismatched eyes widening. "Is that even possible?" she asked, her voice tinged with incredulity.

Belldandy smiled gently, her serene demeanor unwavering. "Urd's weakness is Enka."

Skuld added smugly, folding her arms with a satisfied grin, "It's more peaceful this way. Now I can spend time with my beloved Belldandy-oneesama without any interruptions."

Ave snorted softly, shaking his head in amusement. "That sounds... efficient," he muttered, earning a chuckle from Keiichi.

Keiichi then asked Einhard and Ave about their plans. "So, what's next for you two?"

Einhard replied thoughtfully, "We're leaving tomorrow, heading back to Uminari, and then teleporting to Midchilda."

Keiichi sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Ah, I was hoping we could hang out more."

Belldandy offered a serene smile, her gaze warm and reassuring. "We will definitely meet again, not so far in the future. Our meeting was already preordained."

Ave raised an eyebrow sceptically. "Wasn't it just a coincidence?"

Belldandy's smile deepened, radiating a gentle certainty. "There is no such thing as coincidence in this universe. It applies to how I met Keiichi, as well as how you met Einhard."

Einhard briefly thought of Yuki, Katsumi, Kiddy, Nami, and Lebia. The friends she and Ave had met during Astraea II's teleportation incident not so long ago flickered in her memory. She wondered if that encounter was also preordained, part of some intricate cosmic design.

Sensing her contemplative mood, Ave leaned closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Don't worry about what Belldandy said, Haru. What matters most is that we're here together at this very moment. Let's cherish this present while facing the future bravely and with optimism."

Einhard blushed slightly, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Thank you, Ave-kun," she murmured sincerely, her eyes shimmering with gratitude.

As she stared at him with her beautiful mismatched eyes, Keiichi and Skuld blushed, while Belldandy giggled softly behind her hand. Skuld cleared her throat and declared confidently, "You two really love each other, huh?"

Her gaze flickered briefly to Belldandy and Keiichi, and for a fleeting moment, Skuld's expression softened with a rare tenderness. Silently, she made a promise in her heart to always protect Belldandy and Keiichi, ensuring they could remain as happy as Einhard and Ave in front of her now.

To Be Continued.