Oh my God ?
An Oh My Goddess FanFic
by
Brett Handy
CHAPTER 16:
Keiichi gulped nervously and glanced around for a
possible escape route, "Err... I hope you've got a plan", he
whispered to Brett.
Brett scratched his head, "Not really, but I'm sure I can
work out something", he replied.
Aoshima smiled viciously and waved his security guards
forward, "Take them", he ordered.
Brett pressed a small object into Keiichi's hand, "As
soon as they get close enough, touch one of them with it", he
ordered.
Keiichi nodded and tightened his grip on the little
device. The guards advanced and several of them pulled out
nightsticks, "I don't want Keiichi hurt", Sayoko called
loudly.
Aoshima grumbled, "Very well, don't harm the smaller
one", he ordered.
Brett gave Keiichi a tight grin, "Do it!", he said.
Keiichi reached out his palm and touched the small watch
to the arm of one of the guards. The startled man disappeared
with a shriek into the watch. A moment later another guard
(who was within Brett's reach) also vanished.
Brett smiled at the guards (who where now backing off
nervously), "Those guy's just took a trip to Big Ben, in
England", he explained, "Now, anyone want to try for Times
Square?".
Aoshima shoved one guard forward, "Use your nightsticks",
he commanded, "Don't get within reach of them".
The guards nodded and began advancing, Keiichi looked at
Brett nervously, "What do we do now?", he asked.
Brett shrugged, "I don't know, I'm making this up as I go
along", he replied.
Keiichi sighed, "How about getting *us* out of here", he
suggested.
Brett frowned, "I don't know mate", he replied, "I'm
still not sure exactly where heaven is...".
Keiichi grabbed his arm, "It's not like we have much of a
choice", he pointed out. Brett nodded and began casting
another travel spell.
Nilthar stepped forward, "I don't think you'll be going
anywhere", he said, snapping his fingers.
The watch in Keiichi's hand shattered and there were
several similar small explosions in Brett's clothing, "Damn",
Brett shouted, over the building hum of energy, "I've never
tried teleporting in a damaged watch before".
The guards surged forward and Brett was left without a
choice, he completed the spell and closed his eyes to wait for
the consequences.
******
Olympus
I opened my eyes carefully and looked around, I was
laying in the middle of a large open field. It was a
beautiful day and there were no guards in sight. I glanced
over and breathed a sigh of relief, "You ok?", I asked
Keiichi.
Keiichi nodded and looked around, "Is this heaven?", he
asked.
"Mate, this could be Hell for all I know", I replied,
"I've got no idea where we are".
The two of us stood and looked around the field, flowers
were scattered across it and a cool breeze was blowing that
seemed to have the tang of sea air. The sun was in the middle
of the sky and a few wispy clouds floated overhead.
"Well I don't think Hell would look like this", he
commented, "What do we do now?".
I pulled several broken watches out from inside my
clothes. "Somehow I don't think we want to try that again", I
pointed out, "and unless you're carrying another one that
Nilthar somehow missed, I think we're stuck here.... wherever
that is..".
"Well", Keiichi said, "Pick a direction".
We walked off in the direction that the breeze was coming
from, hoping that we might reach the sea shore or a river we
could follow. Nearly an hour passed before Keiichi sighed in
frustration.
I glanced at him, "What's wrong?", I asked.
He pointed up at the sun, "It hasn't moved", he
pronounced.
"I was afraid of that", I replied, "Well I guess we're
not in Japan any more Keiichi".
He nodded and the two of us continued our trek for
several more hours, stopping occasionally to rest and check
the progress of the sun. I estimated that we had been walking
for three hours before we met our first person, "Hello there
strangers!", he greeted us happily, "A fine day for a walk!".
I smiled and examined him closely, he wore a loose-
fitting garment that resembled a Toga he also carried a large
staff, "Where do you go on this fine day?", he asked. He look
about my age and walked with a spring in his step.
Keiichi looked at me blankly and I realised that the man
wasn't speaking Japanese, "Do you understand him?", Keiichi
asked.
I gave Keiichi a quick node and turned to the fellow, "We
are travellers from afar", I replied.
He nodded, "I could tell that from your clothing", he
said, "From where have you come?".
"It's a place far away...", I replied, "Called 'Japan'".
He nodded, "That is far indeed", he said, "I'm surprised
though that you are arriving from the north, the Isle of Japan
is far to the west, my father has spoken of it occasionally".
I nodded, "As I said, we are a bit lost", I replied, "But
could you perhaps tell us where we are?".
"Certinally", the man said, "You are in the kingdom of
Ithaca".
"Ithaca?", I said blankly.
He nodded, "You *must* be lost if you fail to recognise
it", he replied, "Follow me.. my father Odysseus should be
able to help you".
With that he turned and began walking in the direction we
had been heading. I nodded to Keiichi and we followed the
young man across the plains till we reached a paved road.
"So where are we going?", Keiichi asked.
"To see someone called Odysseus", I replied.
"Odysseus... ", Keiichi muttered, "That name is familiar
somehow...".
Travelling for another hour or so we came to a walled
city, it was something out of ancient Greece. A palace
adorned the hill in the centre of the city, huge columns of
marble and granite supported a sculptured roof, that was
obviously ancient in design. "Follow me", the man said again
as we approached the gates.
The two guards (wearing leather armour and carrying short
swords) saluted as we walked past, "Welcome home Prince
Telemachus", one said.
Telemachus nodded to him and we continued into the
bustling city. The city itself had a light, airy quality to
it, totally different than what I'd expected out of a ancient
Greek city. Telemachus greeted several people as we made our
way to the palace and we were hard pressed to keep up with his
quick pace.
"Here we are", he said as we walked up the stairs to the
palace, "Home at last".
I glanced at Keiichi and he seemed equally bemused by our
surroundings, I had the horrible feeling that I'd brought us
back in time. "But that doesn't explain the sun", I reminded
myself. I straightened my clothes as we walked down the hall,
if I was going to meet a king then I'd better look my best.
Telemachus led us to a huge throne-room, "Father!", he
called to the man sitting on the throne, "These are travellers
from Japan".
The older man sat up, "From Japan you say??", he asked.
I nodded, "I'm Brett and this is Keiichi", I replied.
A guard at the end of the room gave me an angry look,
"Our king did not speak to you foreigner", he said, "Speak
when you are spoken to".
I shrugged and waited to be addressed directly, "How did
you get here from Japan?", the King asked me.
I gave the guard a sour look, "Can I answer now?", I
asked.
He placed his hand on his sword hilt, "Don't be
impertinent dog!", he growled.
Keiichi nudged me, "What are you telling them", he asked
nervously.
I gave Keiichi a reassuring look, "Don't worry mate..
trust me", I replied.
I turned back to the king, "I guess you could say our
arrival here was an accident", I said, "My friend and I are
just interested in returning home".
"And how will you do that?", the King asked curiously,
"You don't appear to have much in the way of travelling
gear..".
"Oh... I'm sure we'll work out something", I replied.
The King nodded, "Improvisation is a good way to travel",
he said with an air of knowledge.
Suddenly a gust of wind filled the chamber and a bright
light caused me to cover my eyes. A moment later, standing
between myself and the King was a tall stranger, he had red
hair and seemed to be uncomfortable at standing still.
The guards in the room jumped to their feet and surged
forward to the intruder. I grabbed Keiichi and pulled him out
of the way as the guards ran past. The man who had just
appeared seemed not to notice the wall of steel surrounding
him, "Where is he?", the man asked.
The King stood, "Back you fools", he ordered the guards,
"Don't you know one of the Gods when you see one?".
The guards fell back nervously, sheathing their swords,
"Why have you come here to Ithaca, Hermes??", the King asked.
Hermes gave him a broken grin, "Why else?", he asked,
"I've got a message for Brett, Apollo wants to see him right
away".
I jumped at the sound of my name, "Me??", I asked.
Hermes looked at me curiously, "Yes, you're the one that
Apollo wanted to talk to", he said, walking over to me.
I examined him closely, noticing the aura of power that
seemed to surround him, "I'll take you to Mount Olympus", he
said, extending his hand to me.
I nodded and turned to the King, "Thank you for your
hospitality King Odysseus", I said, "I appreciate it".
The King nodded, "Farewell traveller, I hope our paths
cross again", he replied.
I grabbed Keiichi's arm and then clasped wrists with
Hermes. A flash of light blinded me for a moment and then we
stood in a huge palace.
Hermes nodded with satisfaction and gestured for us to
follow him, "So how did you manage to arrive there of all
places?", he asked conversationally. He seemed much more
relaxed and friendly than when he had appeared in the throne
room.
"It has to do with my transport medium being damaged", I
replied, "Where exactly am I?".
He laughed, "You have to ask??", he laughed.
I shrugged, "Humour me", I said, "I'm still a little new
at this".
"I'd heard that..", he replied, "Well, you're in
Olympus".
"The Greek version of heaven??", I asked.
He nodded, "You got it!", he said, "Nice to see someone
still reads Greek legends".
Keiichi snapped his fingers, "That's where I'd heard
Odysseus before", he said.
I looked at him curiously, "The English translation of
the name is Ulysses", he explained, "I remember reading about
him at high school".
My own memory caught up at that point and I remembered
the tale of Ulysses and his travels. I looked at our guide,
"That makes you the Gods' messenger", I said.
Hermes gave me a sour look, "I want to know who started
that rumour", he said, "I just don't mind doing favours for my
family if they need it".
We continued through the temple, I marvelled at the
construction of the place, "It's very nice", I complimented
Hermes.
He snorted, "Try it for a few thousand years", he
suggested, "You get pretty sick of marble".
"WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS DOING HERE!?!?!?!?", bellowed a
rather large fellow from behind us. I turned to see a muscled
figure approaching, he was carrying a trident and his face was
like a thundercloud.
Hermes sighed, "Poseidon", he said, "This is none of your
business".
"It becomes my business when you bring mortal refuse into
my home", he said angrily.
"Oh stop it", he said, "None rule here, this is as much
my house as it is yours".
Poseidon growled and twirled his trident suggestively,
"Oh it is??", he asked dangerously.
The light strumming of a Lyre stopped the argument before
it started, "I think you should settle down brother", said a
quite voice, "You know the rules about fighting here".
Poseidon gave me a withering glance and stomped back the
way he came, muttering something about 'interfering sissy'. I
glanced at the middle-aged young man sitting against one of
the large pillars, he stood and walked towards me, extending
his hand, "I'm Apollo", he said, "I'm pleased to meet the
latest addition to the family".
I returned the handshake numbly, "Thanks", I said
somewhat confused.
He smiled, "Don't let Poseidon get to you", he said.
Then he lowered his voice, "He's really a nice guy once you
get to know him".
A rumble shook the temple, "NO I'M NOT!!!!", came
Poseidon's angry retort.
I winced at the volume, but Apollo just laughed it off,
"Come on and we can talk in my rooms", he said.
Keiichi grabbed my arm, "Careful", he said, "If I
remember my Greek Mythology right.. this guy is the equivalent
of a lawyer..".
A burst of laughter greeted his whispered warning, Apollo
turned around and gave Keiichi an amused look, "Actually", he
said, "It's closer to a Judge".
Keiichi smiled weakly and followed us along to Apollo's
rooms. To my surprise we stepped into a modern set of
apartments, complete with TV and personal computer in one
corner. Apollo shrugged apologetically, "So I like to be a
bit more comfortable than the the average Greek God", he said.
I nodded and took a seat, "What did you want to talk to
me about?", I asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.
"Well for a start how did you come to be in Olympus?", he
asked.
I explained about how Keiichi and I had escaped from the
Demons and the resultant mishap with my transport spell. He
smiled at my discomfort, "Don't get upset about it", he said,
"We all make mistakes for a while".
"If Nilthar hadn't interfered I'm sure that it would have
worked correctly", I said.
He nodded, "It's been a while since I've had an argument
with Charon or the Furies, but I remember how much trouble
Demons can be", he said sympathetically.
Keiichi spoke up then, "We're trying to reach Belldandy
and her sisters", he said, "Can you help us?".
Apollo gave Keiichi a small smile, "So you're the one
that's stolen Belldandy's heart", he said, "There are about
three dozen Gods that would like to talk to you about that".
Keiichi gulped nervously and Apollo grinned, "Don't
worry", he said, "I'm sure that none of them would try
anything.. risking Belldandy's wrath is not a good thing..
for man or God".
Keiichi sighed in relief and lent back in his chair. "So
can you help us reach Belldandy?", I asked.
Apollo nodded, "I can help you", he said, "But firstly
you should know a few things". I gave him my full attention
and he continued, "Strange things have been happening in
Heaven, Gods and Goddesses are forbidden to return to earth
until the next sitting of the Congress".
I frowned, "The Congress?", I asked.
"It's a meeting of all Gods and Goddesses", he explained,
"It's only convened in extreme emergencies or in the event of
an unprecedented happening".
"So why is it being called this time?", Keiichi asked.
Apollo sighed, "Brett is the reason", he said.
I rocked back in my seat, "Why me?", I asked.
"Because you represent something totally new", he said,
"A mortal that has attained Godhood through nothing but a ill-
timed statement".
I thought about it for a moment, he was right, it was
just luck that had gotten me this power, "So what is going to
go on at the Congress?", I asked.
Apollo stood and walked over to look out a window,
"There's going to be a vote on weather you should remain a god
or not", he said.
"But...", Keiichi began, "I thought that if someone makes
a wish there was nothing that could interfere with it?".
Apollo nodded, "That would be true, but in this case I'm
afraid that the Yggdrasil system made an error", he admitted.
I frowned, "What kind of error?", I asked.
Apollo rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Err... I'd
rather not say", he replied, "But it has to do with your
wish".
"So do I get a say in any of this?", I asked.
Apollo shook his head, "I'm afraid not", he said, "This
is vote wouldn't include you".
"Great", I said, "That makes this so much better".
He spread his hands, "There are those in heaven that
believe mortals should serve us", he explained, "Now to have
one walk amongst us as an equal??? that goes against
everything they believe in".
"So what you're saying is that I might get reduced to a
normal guy again?", I asked.
Apollo nodded, "Of course you'd have the protection of
the Gods for the rest of your life, you wouldn't have to worry
about these Demons that keep bothering you", he said.
I shrugged that off, "I'd be safe at home", I replied,
"But I can't understand why the mistake wasn't found until
now".
"That's got me worried too", Apollo said, "But what's
even more worrying is the fact that a mistake could happen in
the first place".
I stood, "Thanks for you're help", I said, "but do you
think you could tell me how to get to Belldandy and her
sisters?".
Apollo nodded, "I'll send you to Asgard, someone there
can tell you where the three sisters are", he said.
I extended my hand to the ancient god, "Thank you, I hope
to see you again", I said.
He shook it firmly, "I'm glad to meet you God of
Destiny", he replied. Then with a wave of his hand,
everything dissolved into white light.
******
Asgard
Apollo's spell placed us down at the edge of a huge
bridge, it sparked with a brilliant light, looking like a
rainbow spread across between two cliffs. Keiichi and I
started across the bridge and were astounded to see a tall
figure blocking the middle of the bridge. On his belt hung a
sword and a large horn. "Halt, who seeks to enter the domain
of the Asgard??", he bellowed loudly, "You must first pass
Heimdal".
I eyed the sword a little nervously and stepped in front
of Keiichi, "I do", I replied, "I am the God of Destiny".
Heimdal looked me up and down, "You don't look much like
a god", he pointed out in less aggressive voice.
I nodded, "You don't either", I replied, "But I assume
you are too".
He smiled slightly through his beard, "I've always
preferred practicality over looks", he admitted, "But my
position is a bit less formal than most".
I looked around at the huge bridge, "Must get boring
guarding this thing all the time", I commented.
"Oh.. it's not too bad", Heimdal said, "The Valkyries
usually stop by to talk and occasionally bring me an ale..".
"That still sounds a little boring", Keiichi pointed out.
Heimdal smiled, "You've obviously never had a Valkyrie
stop in to 'talk' to you", he said with a grin, "The
'conversations' are most interesting".
"Ahem", I said interrupting Heimdal, before he could get
more specific, "Do you know where we can find the Norns?".
Heimdal nodded, "Follow the path straight to the end,
you'll see a hall made out of shields and spears (that's
Valhalla, but you don't want to go in there), turn right and
you should be standing in front of a huge tree", he explained,
"Behind the tree and to the left is the Norn's Fountain, their
house is just beside it".
"Thank's Heimdal", I said, "Nice to meet you".
"Come back anytime", Heimdal replied waving as we walked
away, "I don't mind company".
Keiichi and I walked across the bridge and into Asgard.
Now I'll say one thing, Asgard was certinally a different kind
of city, modern cars vied with chariots for space on the
streets, Valkyries stood talking to ancient warriors and
modern soldiers alike. I watched as a tank rolled past on the
street, "What is this?", Keiichi asked, "This is nothing like
I expected".
"I have to agree with you there", I replied, "I expected
it to be similar to Olympus..".
"You'll find nothing here is like Olympus, we are a much
more progressive and diverse society", said a voice from
behind us.
I turned around to see a pair of rather tall and
beautiful women wearing armour and holding large spears
standing close behind us, "You two look lost", one said,
"Perhaps we could be of some assistance...".
I shook my head, "That's alright ladies", I said smiling,
"We're just looking for some friends...".
One of the Valkyries grabbed my arm, "Well you've found
some friends", she said huskily, "Why don't you just come with
us?".
The other had placed an arm around Keiichi's shoulders
and was leading him off in another direction, "I'm afraid I'll
have to decline", I said, firmly removing her hand from my
arm, "And so must my my friend".
Keiichi was doing his best to untangle himself from the
Valkyrie that had glomped onto him and was carrying him away,
"Help", he mouthed to me silently.
I tapped the Valkyrie's shoulder and she turned to me,
"I'll get around to you in a minute", she said, "I'm busy
right now".
"No.. you're not", I said firmly, disengaging her hold on
my friend.
The two Valkyries looked at us angrily, "I've never met a
dead warrior who's refused me", one commented.
The other looked at her, "You know I've never had
*anyone* refuse me before", she replied.
"That's because we're not dead", Keiichi pointed out.
The two Valkyries suddenly raised their spears, "Then how
did you get into Asgard?", one asked dangerously.
Keiichi nudged me, "Do you're 'god thing'", he suggested.
"God thing?", I asked, "Since when did it get reduced to
a 'God thing'??!?".
Keiichi looked at the approaching Valkyries, "Just shut
up and do it", he suggested nervously.
I stretched my fingers and muttered the appropriate
spellword to replace my regular clothes with my uniform. The
Valkyries (who had now grown in number to about a dozen)
looked at me strangely, "Where did you get that from?", one
asked suspiciously.
"It's mine", I replied, "It comes with the job".
"Job??", another asked nervously.
"I'm the God of Destiny", I replied (trying to make it
sound impressive).
I didn't get the exact response I'd planned on. The
Valkyries huddled up in a circle and began muttering amongst
themselves, "So he's the one everyone's been talking about", I
heard one say.
Keiichi and I looked at each other in confusion, "Is that
mortal with you called Keiichi?", one asked.
I nodded blankly and the hushed discussion intensified.
A few minutes later the Valkyries finished talking and the two
that had approached us earlier walked forward, "Please follow
us Lord", one said respectfully to me.
"What was all that about?", I asked curiously as we
started down the street.
The lead Valkyrie shrugged, "The others were interested
in finding out about the mortal that had snagged Belldandy's
heart", she replied.
Keiichi blushed to the tips of his hair, "What's so
interesting?", he complained.
The Valkyrie gave him an appraising glance, "They figure
you must be something special since Belldandy has always been
impossible for any of the Gods to catch", she explained.
I smiled at Keiichi's discomfort, until I noticed to my
own discomfort, a large fellow sitting watching us from
further up the street. He was slightly taller than me and had
an angry expression on his face, on his belt lay a folded iron
glove and a *very* large hammer. "HO mortals!", he bellowed
as we drew near. He was sitting against the steps of a large
hall.
The two Valkyries stopped nervously and one leaned
forward to whisper a quick warning in my ear, "Be careful my
Lord", she insisted, "He's been drinking quite a bit lately".
I gave the giant a forced smile, "Good day", I said in a
pleasant voice.
"IS IT?!?", the fellow bellowed, "How can it be a good
day when *two* mortals walk the streets of Asgard?!?!".
"*one* mortal", I said, "and one *God*".
"HA!", he snorted derisively, "You no more deserve that
title than that trickster Loki".
I didn't remember a lot of Norse mythology, but I knew an
insult when I heard one, "Listen mate, I don't have any
arguments with you", I replied, "Now leave me alone and let me
pass".
With that I gestured for Keiichi to resume walking. A
large war hammer was extended across in front of us, "I don't
think I like the tone of your voice, *mortal*", said the
giant, now standing in our road.
"I don't want any trouble, giant", I replied, "But...".
I broke off as the air around be suddenly turned grey.
Pushing Keiichi backwards, I jumped out of the way as a huge
lightning bolt scorched the ground where I had stood,
"GIANT!??!", he bellowed, "YOU DARE TO CALL THE MIGHTY THOR A
*GIANT*?!?!?!".
One of the Valkyries that had been escorting us
disappeared quickly down the street, while the other helped
Keiichi move out of the way. "Come on mortal", Thor said
confidently, "Let me see if you are worthy of the title of
'God'".
Not really seeing any other way out I summoned my Epee,
hopefully my sixth sense would be enough to avoid Thor's blows
(because I wasn't even going to try to parry his hammer). I
raised my blade and saluted, "En Guard!", I said out of habit.
Thor's expression was one of amazement, "You're going to
fight me with a knitting needle??", he laughed.
I stepped forward and gave a quick slash of the blade,
cutting a slice from his hide armour, "Yup!", I said.
He growled and swung a huge overhanded blow (which I'm
sure would have splattered me all over the road), I moved back
out of range before he had even begun the swing. Luckily for
me I did, because the paved road shattered under the force of
the swing. Not being one to let an opportunity slip by I
slashed him lightly across the shoulders.
Thor bellowed in rage and swung a series of quick blows
at me, not overbalancing himself again. I barely had a chance
to dodge them, let alone counterattack. I was forced backward
across the street till I felt a wall behind me block my
retreat. Deciding that since I couldn't retreat I'd better
attack, I went through a series of darting blows at Thor's
eyes, forcing him to block or retreat. He backed slowly away
and I managed to nick him a few more times on the arms and
give him one or two scratches on the face.
The he did something I didn't expect from an ancient god,
he deflected my blade with the shaft of his axe and ducked low
to sweep my feet from under me. I didn't pick the move till
the last moment and staggered as his huge leg caught my knee.
Thor bellowed in triumph and hit me in the shoulder, hard. I
think I must have flown several meters, before landing in a
heap in the middle of the street. Somehow I managed to hang
onto my sword and I regained my feet. My shoulder was burning
and I think that I must have cracked a couple of ribs, "Come
on then", I growled, focusing on the anger rather than the
pain.
Thor was leaning on his Hammer, "Face it", he said,
"You're overmatched, give it up and go back where you came
from".
"Maybe", I said through clenched teeth, "But I'll be
damned if I give into a blowhard like you".
Thor scratched his red beard, "Very well then mortal, I'm
sure that My Lord Odin will enjoy your company in his hall",
he said. To my dismay he raised his hammer and sent it
spinning right at my head (somehow my sixth sense missed it
and I had no warning of danger).
I will admit I'd faced the possibility of dying when I
fought Nilthar, but dying at the hand of another 'good' God
seemed somehow laughable. As the hammer came closer I smiled
grimly at my opponent, "Farewell then", I muttered.
"THOR!! What are you doing?!?!!?", came a familiar voice
from further down the street.
The hammer hung about a foot from my head, still spinning
quickly. Thor sighed and snapped his fingers, the hammer
leaped back to his belt, "Just testing him", Thor replied
pleasantly.
I glanced over to see Urd and Belldandy standing in the
middle of the street, "That seemed like a little final to be
just a test", Urd said angrily.
Thor shrugged, "I wouldn't have hurt him... seriously",
he replied, sitting back on the steps of the hall, wincing at
some of the cuts I'd given him.
I let out my breath slowly and banished my sword, then I
felt myself crushed into a hug (which would have been very
pleasant if I'd been whole). I shoved Urd away hurriedly and
leant back against the wall.
Urd looked offended, "What's wrong??!?", she asked in a
hurt voice.
Keiichi spoke up from across the street, "He took a hit
from that hammer", he said, before Belldandy hugged him into
silence.
Urd gave me an understanding look, "I'm sorry", she said,
"I should have checked first".
I smiled at her weakly, "That's alright, you can hug me
all you want once I get this healed", I replied.
"Promise?", Urd teased.
I laughed and then hissed at the pain, "Ow.. please..
don't make me laugh", I begged.
Urd began to cast a healing spell and I felt a warmth
rush over me, banishing the pain and soreness. I gingerly
rolled my shoulder and nodded in satisfaction, "That worked
quickly", I noted out loud.
Urd smiled, "Our powers are much stronger here", she
explained, "You'll find that your own powers are also
enhanced".
I nodded, "I'll take your word for it", I replied.
"If you no longer need us my Lord?", asked one of the
Valkyries.
I smiled, "Thank you for all your help", I said.
"If you ever need *anything* just let me know", she said
sweetly.
Urd gave her a dark glance and the Valkyrie quickly
headed off down the street with her companion. "So how did
you get here?", Urd asked curiously, "I hadn't gotten around
to teaching you that yet".
"Call it luck", I said, "Apollo actually put us on the
right track".
Belldandy and Keiichi came over to us, "Apollo is a nice
God", Belldandy said, "I'm glad you were able to make it in
time".
"In time for what?", I asked.
Belldandy and Urd exchanged a glance and Urd grabbed my
arm, "Come on and we'll explain everything once we get home",
she said.
Not knowing what else to do I let myself be led down the
street until we came to a huge tree. It was immense, it's
branches blotting out the sun and it's trunk seemed to be the
size of a skyscraper. "That's Yggdrasil, the world-tree", Urd
said proudly.
I looked at it amazement, "It's incredible", I said.
Urd gave my arm a little hug and to my surprise kissed me
on the cheek. Behind the tree sat a magnificent fountain,
it's waters were such a deep blue that they looked almost
black. A small robot sat beside the tree, sucking up water.
I watched as it trundled off towards the tree and another took
it's place. "Skuld developed these a few years ago",
Belldandy said, "They help us tend the tree and give us time
to devote ourselves to other things".
I looked across the fountain to see a small house, it
looked rustic and was covered in flowers and vines, "Is that
your home?", I asked.
Urd nodded and the four of us walked inside. Like
Apollo's quarters, it was obvious the Goddesses didn't lack
for modern convinces. Keiichi and I took a seat on one of the
couches as the two Goddesses went to find something for us to
eat. I nudged him, "Do they seem different to you?", I asked
him curiously.
He frowned, "Not really, what do you mean?", he replied.
I frowned, "I can't put my finger on it, but there's
something that seems to be worrying Urd", I replied, "She's
never been quite that affectionate towards me before".
"And you're complaining?", Keiichi asked laughing.
I shook my head, "No.. not really... it's just that..", I
broke off as Urd and Belldandy returned empty handed.
"I'm sorry", Belldandy said, "We don't actually have
anything ready at the moment, it might take a little while to
prepare".
"When was the last time you ate", Urd asked.
I paused and thought about it for a moment, "I don't
know", I finally admitted, "Time seems to run together in this
place, I'd guess we spent at least twelve hours in Olympus...
and another hour or so here before you found us".
"Did you meet many other gods?", Belldandy asked.
I nodded, "Apollo talked to us about a few things before
he sent us here... what's this 'vote' thing that's going on?",
I asked.
Urd dismissed it with a shake of her head, "It's a bunch
of bigots that are stuck in the past trying to halt progress",
she said.
Belldandy smiled, "They're just afraid of what you
represent", she explained.
"The fact that I'm a mortal that's gotten to be a god?",
I asked.
Urd sat down beside me, "Don't worry about it Brett", she
said reassuringly.
I frowned at her, "I *am* worried about it Urd", I
replied, "I can't see how the Yggdrasil System could have made
a mistake".
Belldandy smiled, "It just proves that nothing's
perfect", she said.
"So what was the mistake?", I asked curiously.
Belldandy took Keiichi's arm and led him from the room,
"Come on Keiichi", she said, "I think they should talk about
this alone".
I watched them leave with a sense of foreboding, "So how
bad is it?", I asked Urd.
Urd gave me a kiss on the cheek, "Brett, it seems that I
made a mistake giving you a wish", she admitted softly.
"You what?", I asked in disbelief.
"The Yggdrasil System made a mistake in the selection
process", she said.
I glanced down at my feet, "You mean that I didn't
qualify as a good person?", I asked.
Urd sat down beside me with a sigh, "I'm afraid so", she
said, "But that doesn't mean you can't still be a God".
I shook off her arm, "Of course it means I can't be a
God", I said angrily, "I'm using up the wish of someone who
*deserves* it".
Urd was still looking like she wanted to argue and I cut
her off with a sharp gesture, "I thought there had to be some
mistake when you first gave me the wish", I continued, "It
looks like I was right".
I glanced out the window, which overlooked the Norn's
fountain and further over I could see Valhalla. "You know I'm
glad that I at least had the chance to see Heaven", I
observed, "Are the other areas just as nice?".
Urd nodded, coming up and placing an arm around my waist,
"They are all beautiful and I would have shown them all to you
if we had the time", she said.
"What do you mean?", I asked.
"The vote is in half an hour", Urd informed me.
I nodded, "Well where are we suppose to go?", I asked
Urd motioned me over to the TV that occupied the north
wall of the room, "Come with me", she said.
"I think we should wait for Keiichi and Belldandy", I
replied.
She nodded and the two of us waited for a few minutes
until Keiichi and Belldandy reappeared, Keiichi was looking a
bit bewildered and Belldandy looked almost angry. She dragged
Keiichi towards a mirror and the two of them disappeared,
"Happy now?", Urd asked.
Not really knowing what to make of things I followed her
into the mirror, stepping into a huge hall. Have you ever
seen pictures of the General Assembly at the United Nations??
That's what this hall looked like. Everywhere I saw gods from
every nation and religion, Aztec gods chatted with the gods of
ancient Egypt, huge serpents sat and debated with the Angels
of Christianity. All around the room were the representations
of every religion, no matter how old or widespread.
To say I was overwhelmed would have been an
understatement, I just stood and stared until Urd grabbed my
arm and pulled me across to a seat that had my title sitting
on the nameplate in front of it. She somewhat absently kissed
me on the cheek and then walked off to talk with some of the
other assembled Gods and Goddesses.
I was left feeling rather alone and intimidated until I
felt a hand tap me on the shoulder, it was Keiichi. He pulled
up a chair beside me and sat down.
"What was with Belldandy earlier?", I asked.
Keiichi blushed, "Well she took me outside to look at the
fountain... and... err... well", he stuttered awkwardly, "And
anyway, we were interrupted by a messenger that said we were
expected to attend the congress".
I frowned, "Did you notice anything strange about
Belldandy?", I asked.
He nodded absently, "She's never really been quite so
aggressive towards me before... I mean in the 'affection' area
", he said.
I looked around curiously, there seemed to be a lot of
power built up in this room, but it had a dark overtone, "Try
to stay close to me", I replied, "No matter what happens".
Keiichi nodded and moved his chair slightly closer to
mine. A few minutes later, as if some unseen signal had
sounded, all the Gods and Goddesses found their seats and
quietened down. A familiar figure took the dais at one end of
the great hall, it was Apollo.
"Fellow divine beings", Apollo began, "We are called here
today to make a decision that will radically effect our own
futures as well as the future of one mortal".
I felt a number of eyes on me, but I continued to look
straight ahead, "According to the System Administrator the
Yggdrasil Computer System has made a mistake... and
unthinkable event as you can all appreciate", he continued.
There was a murmur of agreement with a dark undertone to it.
"So it therefore falls to us to decide, should this
mortal remain a god... or should he be reduced to normal
status again?", he asked.
"Get rid of him", came a shout from one of the back rows.
"We don't need a *mortal's* help", agreed another.
Apollo raised his hands to indicate silence again,
"Indicate your opinions in the usual manner", Apollo ordered.
A huge bar graph lit up behind him, tallying votes for
and against. It didn't look like I was getting very many
votes, the bar indicating a 'yes - Brett should remain a god'
hadn't moved an inch.
I watched in dismay as it failed to register even one
vote! I looked over to where Belldandy, Urd and Skuld were
sitting and they simply ignored me. Finally it was over and I
sat shocked by the outcome, to loose was fine, but to loose in
such an overwhelming way....
Keiichi placed a hand on my arm, "I'm sorry", he said
sadly.
I shook off the arm and stood angrily, stomping over to
where the three Goddesses were sitting. "I thought you were
my friends?", I asked them.
Skuld looked at me with a pitiful expression, "Oh grow
up!", she said, "You think we're going to let someone like
*you* become a god if we can prevent it?".
Belldandy nodded, "You were never the right choice", she
said.
I looked at them in disbelief, "You too Urd?", I asked
quietly.
Urd gave me a sneer, "You think I'd want to have anything
to do with a *looser* like you?", she asked bluntly.
I winced and staggered back a step or two, "What the
hell's going on around here??", I thought to myself, the
Goddesses had never acted like this before.
I felt a hand grasp my arm, it was Thor, grinning through
his beard at me, "So now... you go back to what you always
were, a lowly mortal", he said.
My other arm was grabbed by Chia-Yao (who had appeared
beside me), "Yes come on, let's deal with you", he said
savagely.
I was dragged over to a chair that looked like something
out of a Frankenstein movie, they strapped me into it and
stood to either side of me. I noticed that Keiichi had been
grabbed by an older female goddess, she had similar markings
to Belldandy and the other Goddesses. He seemed to know her
and she moved him across to one side of the hall.
I tried to move my arms, but failed, "What's going to
happen?", I asked Thor.
Thor smiled evilly, "We're going to drain off your life
energy", he said, "Then we'll divide it up amongst ourselves".
"But won't that kill me?", I asked desperately.
"It certinally will", Thor replied, "But then I'm afraid
you were dead the minute you appeared back at the temple".
I looked in disbelief as Thor's features shimmered and
reformed into the familiar (and disliked) face of Nilthar. He
looked at me triumphantly, "This time you're not going
anywhere, no one escapes from the seventh level of hell!", he
pronounced.
I watched as around the room, the gods of goodness and
light, melted away to reveal their exact opposites. Apollo's
features disintegrated into the features of an evil looking
demon that laughed in triumph, "HAHAHAHAHAHA.... I always like
impersonating that stuck-up prude", he laughed.
"Enough Loki!", Nilthar ordered, "Get rid of the rest of
the illusions too".
The hall disappeared to be replaced by a filthy looking
dungeon, Nilthar looked at me appraising, "Now how about
lunch?", he asked.
******
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E-Mail: darkwnd@sv.net.au
Web Page: http://www.ozanime.com/darkwind
"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
-Albert Einstein
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