G'day Everyone....

  Well I got this finished a little while ago - but put off sending it 
out till I got part nine finished (it got done a coupla days ago and I'm 
beginning ten after I do a bit more of my other Fics...).  Ok.. well here 
we go - all comments accepted :)

  Also - there *might* be (well lets say there *probably* are) errors in 
spelling/grammar - please don't harp on them.. if you see one - point it 
out to me privately.. lets not fill up the ML with corrections :)

                          An Oh My Goddess FanFic

                                Oh My God ?

                                    by 

                                Brett Handy

Chapter 8:

     I awoke refreshed and re-vitalised, looking around I tried
to remember what had happened last night.  "oh yeah", I said
remembering my sore ankle, I carefully stretched it, "no pain
there", I muttered.

     Swinging off the bed I gingerly got to my feet, my foot was
fine.  Smiling happily I had a quick shower, today was a Saturday
and there were no classes on at NIT.  So I lazed in my room for
an hour or two, involved in my favourite pastimes, reading and
listening to music.  I noticed one unusual thing though, most of
my books had been moved around and my photo album was left open.

     "Urd probably had a look around last night", I thought to
myself.

     "Brett-san", Keiichi said, sliding open the door, "Are you
coming along?".

     I turned down the music for a moment, "Huh??", I said,
"Coming were?".

     He sighed, "We've got the meet this afternoon", he said.

     I clicked off the CD player and put down my book, "I thought
that the meet was last weekend?", I said.

     He shook his head, "Well Tamiya-Sempai managed to get it
postponed and located another bike, we worked on it all week",
he replied.

     I noticed the racing-type uniform he was wearing, "I take
it your feeling up to riding?", I asked.

     He smiled, "Well it's been over two weeks, so it's alright
for my arm to be better", he said, "Besides the bike's been set
up for someone with my size and weight".

     I nodded, "alright then I'll come along", I said, getting
up and looking around for my jacket.

     "Fine", he said, "I'll see you out the front in five minutes
then".

     I grinned, "Let's hope your ride is a little less
*spectacular* this time", I said.

     Keiichi chuckled and headed for the door, "Oh", he said, as
if remembering something, "Megumi's going to be meeting us there".

     "Fine", I replied, not looking up, "Lets get going".

                                  ******

     Now I've only been to a few race tracks, and I don't think
I've *ever* seen quite so many people and machines.  The noise was
also rather deafening.  Keiichi, myself and the three Goddesses
walked into the Nekgmi Club's tent, and I found to my surprise that
the volume was rather lower inside.

     Tamiya and Ootaki were waiting for Keiichi and immediately
pounced on him, dragging him over to look at the bike.  I followed
them over, examining the bike and it's rider carefully for any
tell-tale grey areas.

     "What are you doing Brett-san?", Ootaki said, noticing my
examination.

     Keiichi jumped in quickly, "Brett-san is thinking of joining
the club and is trying to learn more about motorcycles", he said.

     Tamiya laughed loudly, and clapped me on the shoulder (since
I was a little big to hug), "Excellent!", he said, "I'm sure we'll
have you rebuilding engines in no time".

     He then proceeded to explain *ever* single detail that was
visible without pulling the bike apart (and from the look in his
eye I'd say he would have if it wasn't needed that afternoon). 
"Uhh, thank you Tamiya-san", I said, breaking into his description
of the electrical systems of the bike, "But I think that man want's
to talk to you".  I pointed at the man in a race official's
uniform, who had been trying to attract his attention for the last
five minutes.

     "Oh!", he said turning, "I'll tell you about tuning the bike
later", with that he practically ran over to the official.

     Keiichi had been watching me from the other side of the room
with a grin on his face, "Thank's awfully!", I said to him
sarcastically, "Couldn't you think of any other excuse?".

     He shrugged, "Not off hand", he said smiling.

     "I'll get you for that!", I said, also grinning.  A moment
later my grin faded slightly as Megumi walked into the tent. 
Keiichi must have noticed because he put a hand on my shoulder,
reassuringly.

     Taking a deep breath I settled back into my 'unconcerned'
mode, not letting anything get to me.  Unfortunately for my
unconcerned pose Megumi walked straight over to me, "Good morning
Brett-san", she said quietly, giving me a small smiled.

     I nodded, "G'day Megumi", I replied.

     Keiichi cleared his throat, "Well I'd better go and get set up
then", he said.  He then proceeded to leave so quickly, that I had
the passing thought that he could probably win the race without the
bike.

     I looked at his retreating figure, "A tower of support there",
I thought sarcastically.

     "About last night...", Megumi began, "I'm sorry that I left
you there, but Kazuo insisted that he show me home".

     I raised my eyebrows, "Oh?", I said, "Was that his name?".

     She nodded, "He works for a company that designs aircraft
engines", she continued excitedly (oblivious to my rather empty
expression), "He's so smart, I had trouble keeping up with him,
he's working in the thermal dynamics section at the moment but he
hopes.....".

     I tuned out of the conversation, muttering an appropriate
response to her babble.  "Well that sounds great", I managed,
keeping a smile plastered on my face, "I'm happy you two are
getting along so well".

     She must have noticed something because she looked at me
strangely for a moment, "Are you alright?", she asked, "How's you
leg?".

     I nodded, "I'm fine and my leg's much better thanks", I said,
then trying to find a way out I decided to take a breath of 'fresh
air', "If you'll excuse me I think I'll take a walk to get the
kinks out of my ankle".

     Not waiting for a response I hurried to the entrance of the
tent and stepped out into the bright sunlight and noise.  Noticing
a large crowd I noticed a familiar name emblazoned across a large
tent a little ways down from NIT's.  'ASHOIMA FORMULA' the name
read proudly and in large letters.  The crowd had gathered because
for some reason there were a series of dancing girls all preforming
in front of the tent, "Which racing club's the best?", the were all
singing, "A..S..H..O..I..M..A!".

     I frowned and watched for a bit longer, before turning and
walking down behind the tents across a large empty grass field. 
After escaping the mobs I decided to just sit down on the grass for
a while and think.

                                  ******

     Keiichi observed Brett's rather hasty departure with concern.

     "What on earth is he so upset about?", Urd commented also
watching.

     Keiichi looked at her and frowned, "Oh you don't know??, I
thought you were the", he gestured with both hands, "Love Goddess".

     Urd shook her head, "I still don't see what you mean", she
said, "I talked to Brett last night and he seemed ok".

     Keiichi sighed, "Of course we wouldn't talk to *you* about it
Urd....", he began.

     Suddenly Urd became rather angry and grabbed Keiichi by one
collar, "Just what do you mean by that?", she asked him in a
threatening voice.

     "ahhh.. errr.. ummm....", Keiichi mumbled, trying to think up
some kind of escape, "Ahhh, your a girl", he finally settled on.

     She narrowed her eyes, "And what does that have to do with
anything?", she asked.

     "Well", he said, sweating heavily, "Guys don't discuss things
like that with girls".

     She nodded thoughtfully, "Alright", she said finally, "I
*guess* that's a valid reason", and with that she turned a walked
over to Belldandy and Skuld.

     "Morisato!", called Tamiya, "Time for our heat!".

     Keiichi nodded and picked up his helmet, "Well, wish me luck",
he said turning to the Goddesses.

     In response Belldandy kissed him on the cheek and placed his
helmet carefully on his head, "Be careful", she said, smiling.

                                  ******

     I arrived just in time to see Keiichi win his heat by a huge
margin, "GO KEIICHI!", I cheered as he flew past.

     I ran over to him, "YES!", he enthused as he pulled off his
helmet.

     I clapped him on the shoulder, "Way to go mate!", I said,
"That was awesome".

     He grinned, "I think this new bike is even fast than the old
one", he said, looking it over.

     A moment later the rest of the Nekgmi crew arrived, cheering
and clapping, Keiichi got a huge kiss from Belldandy.  Tamiya
hoisted him up on his shoulders, "Good work Morisato, you qualified
with the fastest time this afternoon", he said.

     I'd have to say that this was the first time that I'd ever
been to a race meet that I'd *really* enjoyed. having a friend
involved certainly make a difference.  "So who's Keiichi's
opposition this afternoon?", I asked Urd, who was standing slightly
apart from Keiichi's enthusiastic supporters.

     She gestured to the line of dancing girls (who still hadn't
stopped their singing), "Ashoima Formula came in second with the
time trials", she said, "So it looks like it'll come down to us and
them again".

     "Again?", I asked.

     She nodded, "Well Ashoima Formula and Nekgmi's auto club have
a long standing tradition of competition", she explained, "It's
about the only thing they can agree on".

     I frowned, "Agree???", I said, confused.

     She smiled, "Yes, they both agree that their opposition are a
bunch of loosers", she said.

     I grinned, "Well, it looks like Keiichi's bike is a bit safer
this time", I said, I tapped the side of my head for emphasis, "It
looks good to me".

     She nodded, "That's certinally a useful ability", she said
thoughtfully.

     Something in her tone made me think there was something she
didn't add, "What?", I asked curiously.

     "Oh..", she began, "I was wondering if your ability is limited
to only the near future".

     I frowned, not understanding what she meant, "Oh, I mean if
it's just limited to 'early warning' or if you can actually tell
the future", she explained.

     I shrugged, "Well I've never really tried to use it in any
other way", I replied.

     She raised her eyebrows, "Well....?", she asked.

     I was still confused, "What??", I replied.

     "Are you going to try it?", she said.

     "Now?", I said looking around, "It's a little public".

     She sighed, "Look, *your* the only one going to be seeing it",
she said, "So what difference does it make?".

     I nodded, "Alright then", I said, "How do I get started?".

     She took me over to a empty table and sat down opposite me,
"Relax", she said, "Close you eyes and just relax".  She kept
repeating her instruction to relax and sure enough with a bit of
encouragement I found myself relaxed.

     "Now, open your eyes and think about the future", she said,
"Where is everyone going?.... What will people be doing??....".

     I opened my eyes to a world filled with greyness and decay,
everywhere I looked people seemed to be dieing by inches, Tamiya
grew old before my eyes, his impressive figure wrinkling and
shrinking, leaving an old man, stooped and feeble.  It was the same
everywhere, trees lost their leaves, flowers died, motorcycles
rusted into piles of metal.  I saw graves lined up before my eyes,
the names were familiar, all my friends and family, gone.  I looked
at my own hand and it withered into bone before my eyes.

     I walked forward, looking for someone, anyone that was still
alive, the world was a dead place, buildings toppled and fell from
disuse, the sun seemed to be burning a brighter and brighter red,
it began to get larger in the sky.  I shuddered away from the
piercing light and then watched as the earth melted from under me
in the intense heat.

  "NO!", I screamed, shutting my eyes tightly, "STOP!".

     Clutching my head I willed the images away, "Brett, are you
alright??", came Urd's concerned voice, "Come on, open your eyes,
it's ok".

     Taking a shuddering breath I slowly opened my eyes, everything
was normal, except for the fact that Keiichi and the three
Goddesses were surrounding me looking concerned, "You've been
sitting there for almost five minutes", Urd said seeing that I'd
finally opened my eyes.

     I seemed to have a horrible headache and I rubbed my temples,
"That was not pleasant", I said quietly.

     Urd placed a hand on my shoulder, "What did you see?", she
asked.

     I shrugged off the hand, "I don't really want to talk about
it", I said, "Let's just say my ability functions as an early
warning device and that's *IT*".

     Urd looked like she was going to protest but then thought
better of it, "Well, Keiichi", she said, "You'd better get ready
for the race".

     The rest of the afternoon was a bit of a disappointment,
Keiichi made it to the finals, but was beaten by a commercial entry
from Honda.  I guess the only saving grace was that the Ashoima
club was knocked out in the second round.  Keiichi was pretty upset
about not winning, but as Tamiya pointed out, he had almost beaten
a company that spends millions on research and development, with a
bike that they had put together in a week.

     There was a small party at the temple that evening, everyone
was a little subdued, but we all had a good time.  I even managed
to dance get a Megumi once or twice.  My feelings were still a
little bruised, but I decided that she was still my friend (even if
it wasn't exactly the level of friendship that I would have liked).

                                  ******

     A few days later I was attending some lecture on the
'historical contribution made by the teabag' or something, when I
got a tap on the shoulder.

     "Huh?", I responded, in a half-snooze state.

     "Could I borrow your eraser?", the guy beside me asked.

     I nodded and passed it over to him, looking at the rather
unusual cartoon he had drawn on the back of his notepad, "Nice
artwork", I commended him quietly.

     He grinned, "Thanks, I *really* get bored during these
things", he whispered.

     I smiled, "That's for sure", I said.

     The guy's name was Okuda Korasai and I found that we had
several classes together, he was a chemistry major.  We chatted for
what was left of the lecture in low tones, he was obviously as
bored as I was and just as eager to talk.  When it was finally
over, we decided to grab a pizza (well he wanted sushi, but I
overruled him, since I was the one paying).

     I had an enjoyable lunch and we talked over many subjects.  At
one point he was describing in minute detail one of his more
interesting chemistry projects,  "I bet You'd get along great with
Urd", I commented, after he had finally finished.

     "Urd?", he asked, looking curious.

     I nodded, and then explained, "Urd is a friend of mine, who's
quite a chemist in her own right", I said.  I then proceeded to
explain where I was living and who I was living with, he recognised
the reference to Keiichi and Belldandy (obviously they were quite
an item around here) and he seemed to know where the temple I was
talking about was located.

     He grinned when I mentioned that it was just Keiichi, myself
and three girls, "Oh that must be a *real* pain", he said.

     I shook my head and laughed, "You've got to be kidding mate!",
I said chuckling, "One of them's too young, the other's already
taken and the third would eat me alive".

     He frowned, "'eat you alive'?", he asked, obviously intrigued.

     I nodded, "Urd's a little to much for me (or any guy I've met)
to handle", I explained, "Besides the fact that I really don't
think she likes me very much".

     Shrugging he gulped down another piece of pizza, "Well, you
never know until you try", he said.

     I frowned, "I think I'll pass on that", I said, "I've had
enough problems in that area lately".

     He nodded, "I know what you mean", he said with feeling, "It's
hard to find the right person".

     We talked for about a half an hour longer, before I decided to
make my way back to the temple.  I'd have to say that I felt better
than I had in a long time, finding someone who know's what your
talking about really makes a difference.

                                  ******

     "So who's this Okuda guy?", Keiichi asked curiously, over
dinner that evening.

     "Oh, I met him in one of my classes", I replied, "You'd like
him"

     We were sitting around the dinner table, delmolishing
Belldandy's latest offering, I continued to describe the new friend
I'd met, he was probably the first person I'd met that didn't seem
to want anything or expect anything from me.  "I'd like to meet
him", Keiichi replied finally.

     "Well enough about this new friend of yours", Urd said,
breaking into the conversation, "If your ever going to learn our
language we'd better get started".

     Belldandy frowned at her slightly, "Sister, your being rude",
she said.

     Urd stood, "Well I'm afraid that all this 'male bonding' makes
me a little sick", she said, standing, "When your ready, I'll be in
my room".

     With that she left in a huff, "What's her problem?", Keiichi
asked of no one in particular.

     Belldandy looked as if she wanted to answer, but changed her
mind after a moment, "Keiichi-san, would you help me with dishes?",
she asked instead.

     Keiichi nodded absently, "Good luck Brett", he said after a
moment, then he grinned, "Your going to need it".

     I stood and walked quickly to Urd's room and knocked, "Hey
Urd, it's me", I said, stating the obvious.

     "Well come in then", she said sarcastically.

     I entered and slid the door shut behind me, she had set up a
small table in the middle of the floor, a few heavy books were
sitting on one side of her.  Frowning I walked over and sat
opposite her, "What's the problem?", I asked quietly, "I thought we
were getting along better lately?".

     She frowned, "What difference does that make to you?", she
asked, "I thought you were only here under sufferance".  She was
referring to the fact that I (with Urd's agreement) had petitioned
for Belldandy to be my teacher.

     "Oh come on", I said, exasperated, "*you* were the one that
didn't want to teach this 'looser who has no business learning
anything from you' and were only teaching me because 'you know what
will happen to you if you go against orders again'..".

     She stopped and frowned, "How....", she said, confused.

     I smiled thinly, "Well this 'stupid mortal' has ears you
know", I replied, "I just happened to overhear a certain
conversation".

     She frowned, "And you didn't say anything...", she said.

     I nodded, "It would only have made more trouble for you and I
felt at the time that I was already causing enough".

     She looked at the floor, "I'm sorry", she said quietly, "I
said that in anger, before I even knew you".

     I nodded, "That's alright", I said, patting her hand, "As you
said, it was in anger".

     She smiled slightly, "I don't know how you can still be
sitting here talking to me", she said, "If someone had called me
that I'd.....".

     I shook my head, "Hey, I've been called worse", I replied with
a grin.

     She nodded, "Well I'm sure", she said with a smile.

     "Hey!", I said, "None of that thanks".

     She seemed to think for a moment before she stuck out her
hand, "Friends?", she asked.

     I nodded and took her hand, "Friends", I said, "Well let's get
on and learn something, Sensei!".

     Urd nodded and opened one of the huge tomes beside the desk,
"Well first you have to....", she began.  That night my training
*really* began and I also began my second friendship of the day.

                                  ******

     Days turned into weeks and I began to get into a comfortable
routine.  Morning lectures were followed by lunch usually with
Okuda, with whom I had formed a strong friendship.  Afternoons were
either a lecture at Nekgmi or a lesson with Urd.  Evenings were
spent in magical study with Urd or 'tedious' study with Megumi and
Okuda.  Weekends were the only really relaxing time for me, I
caught a movie occasionally or went out with Okuda and some other
friends.  My life was not a lot different than what had come before
(well aside from the *God* stuff, of course).  My skills improved
remarkably, learning spells and the writing of the Gods became
easier with each passing day.  Surprisingly there were no more
attempts on my life, nor on anyone else's, it seemed that the
Demons had given up. 

                                  ******

     "How are you suppose to shop for a group that really doesn't
need anything", I complained to Okuda one afternoon.  We had
decided to go shopping, since Christmas was almost here and I had
yet to find suitable gifts for anyone.

     I looked in the shop window at the jewellery, "I want
something that says more than 'I'm expensive'", I mused.

     Okuda frowned, "Why not try one at a time?", he asked, seeing
my expression he continued to explain, "OK... What would Skuld
want?".

     I frowned, "Well, aside from new Mecha parts...", I thought
aloud.

     "What?", he asked, confused.

     "Oh.. err.. well she likes to build models", I quickly covered
up my mistake.

     He grinned, "I'll have to meet her sometime", he said.

     I nodded, it was strange, but Okuda hadn't once been to the
temple, saying something about it being not in his spiritual best
interest, "You've gotta come over and meet everyone", I said, "How
about on Christmas-eve?".

     He shrugged, "Well I don't know...", he said.

     "Come on, You've got to at least meet Urd", I insisted, "I'm
sure the two of you would get along great".

      "I've heard enough about them all from you.... I guess it's
time I actually met them", he said, "Alright, Christmas eve it is".

     I smiled, "Well Belldandy will be happy", I said, "she's been
itching to meet you for some time now".

     "What about that?", he asked suddenly, breaking into the
conversation, pointing at a sign on a nearby window.

     I frowned at it, "What's that got to do with....", and then I
broke off and realised that it would be a perfect gift for Skuld, 
"Well that's one down and two to go".

     We continued around the shopping area, looking in all the
windows, I finally worked out a gift for Belldandy and Keiichi,
after some encouragement from Okuda.

     "I still can't work out why, since your so good at the
romantic stuff, you haven't got a girlfriend", I said to Okuda, as
we walked out of the travel agency.  I patted the tickets and
documents with my hand, "This will be perfect for Belldandy and
Keiichi to get away from it all".

     He grinned, "Thanks", he said, "I do have one likely target".

     I smiled, "Good for you!", I said, "Who is it?? one of the
girls in our classes?".

     He shook his head, "My secret", he said, "Now what are you
going to get Urd?".

     "I don't have a clue", I admitted, even thought Urd and I had
become friends, we really didn't talk much about anything except
what I was studying.

     "Oh come on", Okuda said, teasing, "I'm sure you can pick out
something nice for her".

     "Shut up!", I replied, he had been teasing me constantly about
my reluctance to consider Urd anything else but a friend.  Okuda
had been urging me to ask her out for about the last two weeks, "I
know that you like her", he kept saying, overriding my protests,
"So why don't you tell her?".

     "Tell her what?", I replied, grimacing, "I don't really think
she likes me in that way...".

     He nodded, "Well you might be surprised", he commented, "So
that still leave us with the problem of a gift for her?"

     "She'd probably like the same thing as I got you", I said,
reaching into my pack and pulling out a gift-wrapped object, "At
least *your* easy to shop for".

     He eyed the package curiously, "And what is that?", he asked.

     I grinned at him, "You'll have to wait until Christmas day",
I teased.

     He groaned, "You've got to be kidding", he said, "I hate
waiting for gifts".

     I laughed at the expression on his face and we continued
through the stores, not really buying anything, just enjoying
ourselves.  I'd have to say that the last few weeks had been some
of the most enjoyable that I've experienced, Okuda seemed to fill
in for some of the closer friends that I'd left behind in
Australia.

                                  ******

     "I wish those two would make up their minds and go home",
muttered the young man in the polo shirt and Kakis.

     He had been following Brett and Okuda for almost two hours, "I
don't need all this shopping", he sighed.  Then noticing that he
was falling behind, he hurried along, wondering how much longer he
had to keep up the 'watcher' act.  "I wonder if they want company
for Christmas?", he mused

                                  ******

     "Well?", Nilthar asked hurriedly.

     "No luck", Marller reported, "I can't get her alone, if
Brett's not with her, her sisters are".

     "Damn!", Nilthar muttered, "What about getting to Brett?".

     "Nope", Marller replied, "you know that he can avoid *most* of
our attacks and I don't have the power to try anything else at
short notice".

     Nilthar paced backwards and forwards, "Well, we're going to
have a problem on our hands if we bungle this one", he said, "What
about kidnapping one of their mortal friends?, that would get them
moving".

     Marller sighed, "Keiichi's out", she said, "One of them is
always with him.....".

     Nilthar stopped suddenly, "Hang on a minute, why bother
kidnapping anyone?", he asked suddenly, "If we can isolate Brett
from the rest of them with a shielding spell..."

     Marller frowned, "But that would only cut him off from
detection", she said, "And that really doesn't make much of a
difference".

     "Oh?", Nilthar said, "Do you know what a 'bluff' is?".

     Marller grinned, "We cut him off and then tell them that we
have him", she said.

     Nilthar nodded, "This way we won't have to worry about him
avoiding our attack, we're not actually going to be attacking him",
he concluded.

     "When do we want to do this?", Marller asked.

     "How about Christmas-eve?", Nilthar suggested, "Leave them
with a nice present from 'Santa'".

                                  ******

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

     Well it looks like a *lot* of people are coming to the temple
for Christmas.. oh I wonder if Belldandy will make enough to feed
them all?

     New friend this episode, Urd and Brett finally work things
out, some demons make bad plans.... well I think that'll do for the
moment - I'll start work on part nine soon... what a Christmas party
we're going to have!!!

------Brett (6/12/95)



---------------------------------------------------------------------
Address: darkwnd@sv.net.au   WWW page: http://www.sv.net.au/~darkwnd

Kane: "Master, the other children tease me..."
Old Master: "Have you learnt nothing from my teachings, Grasshopper?"
Kane: "What do you mean master?"
Old Master: "Well can you not beat the Sh#T out of them???"

  -----Fast Forward (1990)
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