Hi Everyone..

It's been a few months since I posted anything.. so I figured it's about time... I'm reposting the first part of this series - what will then follow are a full versions of parts two and three..

Anyone who wants previous parts - they're available on my Web Page

http://www.ozanime.com/darkwind

Otherwise - mail me and I'll try to send you a copy :)

OK everyone.. enjoy... 

***************************************************************
    "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRETT!!", shouted an excited Skuld.

     I opened one eye carefully, the sun was just getting up
and it was far too early to be awake.  I sat up slowly,
blinking the sleep from my eyes.  Skuld was leaning over me,
smiling brightly.  This was *not* the best start to my 22nd
birthday.

     "G'Morning Skuld", I yawned, "you're up early".

     Skuld nodded, "I wanted to be the first to give you your
present!", she said, pushing a wrapped box into my hands.

     I smiled and carefully unwrapped the package.  The gift
inside resembled a hand-held TV set, with series of dials and
buttons covering most of it.  I turned it over in my hands,
"It's very nice...", I began.

     Skuld snatched it out of my hands, "How would you know?",
she asked petulantly, "I haven't told you what it does yet!".

     I grinned a little sheepishly, "Ok.. well what does it
do?", I asked.

     Skuld smiled, "AH!", she said grandly, "It's a homing
device!".

     "A homing device?", I asked, "What does it home in on?".

     "Anything you tell it to", Skuld explained.  She picked
up the device and turned it on.  It hummed slightly and a
recording of Skuld's voice said, "Please tell me what to
find".

     Skuld spoke into the device, "Where is Urd?", she asked.

     The monitor lit up and a glowing map appeared, according
to the device, Urd was in her room.  Skuld gestured for me to
follow and the two of us tiptoed to the door of Urd's room and
peeked in, she was just where she was suppose to be.  I smiled
at Skuld, "Now *that* will come in handy for finding all those
odd socks I've lost over the years", I observed.

     Skuld stuck out her tongue at me, "It can find *anything*
you ask for", she said, "Maybe you could ask it to find you a
better accent?".

     I gave her a speculative look, "Geeze mate", I said in
the worse Australian accent I could manage, "Give a bloke a
fair go!".

     Skuld cringed and shook her head in frustration.  I gave
her a big smile, "Thank's Skuld, it's a very nice gift", I
bent over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

     "What are you trying to pull!", Skuld said in a shocked
voice, "I'm gonna tell Urd you did that!".  She walked away,
wiping her cheek and I held back a laugh.


                            An Oh My God FanFic

                          The Hazards of Divinity

                                    by

                                Brett Handy


                             Part 1 - Section A


     The less said about the rest of my day, the better.  I
don't know what it is about birthdays, but other than feeling
older, they've kinda become routine in the last few years. 
The day was nothing spectacular, however the evening looked
like it might be more interesting.  Keiichi and Tamiya arrived
with about half the NIT motorclub, according to Tamiya it was
a 'little get-together'.

     Now while I like parties, I *don't* like being the centre
of attention.  Soon after midnight, I found myself sitting out
on the steps, while the party still raged inside.  

     I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around, to receive
a kiss from Urd, it was a most pleasant greeting.

     "Happy Birthday", she said warmly.

     "Well", I said, regaining my breath, "That's one 'hello'
I'll remember".

     Urd grinned, "So how are we this evening?", she asked
curiously, "Usually you only sit on the steps when you're
thinking about something".

     I nodded, "You know me too well", I replied ruefully,
"But I'm not thinking unpleasant thoughts... I'm just thinking
about how lucky I am...".

     Urd raised one eyebrow and put one had behind her ear,
"What's that??", she asked in a mock-confused voice, "Did I
hear correctly... you consider yourself 'lucky'??".

     I shook my head, "Extremely lucky", I corrected, "Getting
the wish was lucky.. but to be living with you guys makes it
even better".

     "Oh?", she asked, raising the other eyebrow.

     I grinned at her, "Well, it hasn't been a bed of roses,
but it's certainly a more unusual life than I'd intended", I
explained.  The two of us sat there for about an hour talking
quietly, the party began to slow down around 1am and people
began leaving not long after.  We'd just said goodbye to the
last guest, when the phone rang.

     Urd reached it first and I noticed that her expression
lost the playfulness usually visible, "Yes Sir", she said
respectfully, "What can I do to help?".

     Urd listened at the phone for a few minutes, nodding
occasionally and muttering the occasional 'yes sir' or 'no
sir'.

     I waited impatiently until she hung up the phone, "Well..
what's up?", I asked.

     Urd shrugged, "Oh, there was a strange build-up of energy
at a highschool and He asked me to investigate it", she said
offhandedly.

     "What kind of energy?", Belldandy asked curiously.

     "I don't know", she admitted, "But it doesn't sound too
serious, just unusual really".

     "Want some company?", I asked offhandedly.

     Urd stared at me curiously, "I thought it was your
birthday?", she asked.

     I shrugged, "That was yesterday", I said, looking at the
clock.

     Urd nodded, "Alright, come on then and we'll go see
what's going on at Shinonome High School", she said.

     "Don't be out too late", Belldandy cautioned us.

                                  ******

     Brett and Urd materialised out of a clock in the main
hall of Shinonome High and carefully looked around to make
sure they hadn't been seen.  "Looks a bit deserted", Brett
noted.

     "Well, the sooner we work out what's going on, the sooner
we can get back", Urd said, "Come on, let's find that energy
source".

     Brett nodded and the two of them walked outside, looking
around the grounds.  They searched for nearly two hours, but
couldn't find any sign of the energy they were looking for. 
"Well this is a waste of time!", Urd said grumpily, "I can't
detect any energy at all!".

     Brett shrugged, "Well it must have been here before we
arrived", he mused, "Why don't we just wait for a bit, no one
seems to be around".

     Urd and Brett walked around the school, until they found
a seat on the roof.  It was chilly in the early morning
darkness, and the sky was filled with stars.  The two sat down 
together on a seat and waited,  Brett placing a companionable
arm around Urd, the two of them huddled together in the
darkness and eventually fell asleep.

     Urd woke with a start and looked around groggily, she was
laying up against Brett, who had covered the two of them with
his jacket.  She smiled down at his sleeping face and gently
kissed him on cheek, "Brett, time to wake up", she said
quietly.

     Brett's eyes opened suddenly and he half-sat up, "Oh..
Urd.. ", he mumbled sleepily, "Nothing happened huh?"

     Urd winced at the bright light of dawn, "I hope no one's
worried about us", she said, standing, "Come on, let's get out
of here".

     "What about those reports of strange energy?", Brett
asked, looking around.

     Urd sighed, "Alright, we'll have one more look around",
then she broke off, looking at Brett's expression.

     Urd turned around and followed his gaze, what she saw
astounded her.  In the field just below them, two people were
embracing, perhaps not unusual in itself.  What *was* unusual
was the corona of energy that surrounded them, it was pulsing
with a life of it's own the power was like a wave, pushing her
back.  Brett and Urd quickly ran downstairs, "What the hell
was that?", Brett asked.

     "No idea", Urd replied, the two of them quickly made
their way out onto the sportsfield, noticing that the two
figures had relaxed their embrace and where standing, looking
at each other lovingly.

     "It seems like a shame to interrupt them", Brett observed
quietly to Urd.

     "Tough!", Urd said, leading the way across the field to
the two people, "You there!", she called, "What are you
doing?".

     The young man looked up with a panicked expression, "Get
out of here!!", he shouted anxiously, "If you don't you'll be
sorry!".

     Urd frowned, "What the hell are you talking about?", she
demanded, "I asked you a question!".

     Brett frowned, "Was that a threat or a warning?", he
called.

     The young man turned to face them, he was wearing a white
robe of some kind and carrying a large metallic staff.  He
firmly held the lady's hand in his own, "It was a warning, if
you don't get out of here now, when the portal reverses,
you'll be dragged along too", he explained quickly.

     Brett looked around nervously, power appeared to be
building, "Maybe he's right", he suggested, "Perhaps we should
get out of here".

     Urd also felt the power build-up, "OK, let's get moving",
she said, turning back towards the buildings.

     "No!", the young man shouted, "You have to get further
away than that!".

     Brett nodded and quickly pulled out one of the many
watches that he carried, he tossed it to the ground and
muttered a quick transport spell.  Taking Urd's hand he
stepped into the watch, just as the dimensional portal opened.

                                  ******

     I awoke from a hazy dream of shifting stars and planets
and found myself holding Urd in a tight embrace, her face was
only inches from mine.  She was lying on top of me and was
also clutching me almost desperately.  "Urd, wake up", I
encouraged gently.

     Her eyes blinked open and she groaned in pain slightly,
"Ohh my head", she said, disengaging herself from me and
rubbing her forehead.

     I sat up and looked around for the first time.  It
appeared that the two of us were sitting on the top of what
looked like a large sundial.  The sky was the deepest shade of
blue that I've ever seen and the clouds had an almost pink
tinge in them.  "Where the hell are we?", I wondered, taking a
hard look at the alien environment.

     Urd tried to stand, but collapsed after taking only two
steps, "What's wrong?", I asked, catching her before she could
hit the ground.

     "I don't know", she said weakly, "I'm feeling a bit
tired... need to rest...".  Then her eyes closed and she fell
into a deep sleep.

     I laid her down on the ground, carefully propping up her
head with my jacket.  Walking to the edge of the sundial, I
noticed that we appeared to be on the top of a huge mountain,
towering above all the other peaks nearby.  Off in the
distance I could see a large tower rising from the nearly flat
mountain top.  There was a sharp gust of wind and I braced
myself as it seemed to try to pull me towards the cliff.

     Not knowing what else to do, I picked up Urd and began
walking towards the tower in the distance.  As we drew closer
I noticed that the tower was of a design that was unusual, yet
pleasing to the eye.  In fact it looked like very advanced for
a place that relied on sundials.  Walking around the base I
located what looked like a door and I pushed at it to no
avail.  The wind had picked up and it was beginning to get
quite cold.  I felt Urd beginning to shiver in my arms and I
gently placed her on the ground and began reciting a spell.

     Usually I would only use a forcefield for defense, but
this time I started it small, on one edge of the door. 
Expanding it carefully, I forced the door open slowly.  The
door hissed as it's mechanisms tried to keep it shut, but my
forcefield held it open, I quickly picked up Urd and hurried
inside.  The door shut behind us, cutting off the cold winds
outside.  Urd moaned slightly and I was lucky to notice some
kind of seat against one wall.  I laid her out and covered her
with my jacket, "Don't worry", I said quietly brushing a few
strands of hair from her face, "I'll figure something out".

     That was easier said than done.  I left Urd to sleep and
explored the rest of this tower, from what I could make out,
there were only three inhabitants.  From the contents of their
closets, they were all female and had rather exotic taste in
clothing.  I had just finished my inspection of the cooking
area when I heard the door hiss open, "I tell you it's
unnatural!", argued an angry female voice, "That Demon just
isn't right for him!".

     "Oh you're just jealous!", chided another female voice.

     I peeked around the corner and quickly caught a glimpse
of two young women arguing, "Shayla!", one said, "You can't go
around burning things down cause your love-life's gone bad!".

     The other one, a red head turned an angry gaze on her
companion, "And why not Afura??? A priestess of Muldoon should
be able to let her emotions show!", Shayla replied.

     Then the other noticed Urd, sleeping on the Sofa, "Looks
like we've got a visitor", she said, pointing.

     Shayla and Afura walked towards Urd.  I quickly stepped
out from my hiding place, "Actually you've got two visitors",
I announced.

     The reaction I got was somewhat less than what I'd
wanted.  Shayla quickly whipped out a strange device and
strapped it over her arm, "I dunno who you are, but you picked
the wrong place to break into", she said.  A moment later, a
ring of fire began dancing around her, streams of it running
from the jewels in her clothing.  The other woman snapped a
small device into her belt and a swirl of wind filled the
room.

     I raised my hands, "Hey!", I said, "I don't want to
fight..".

     "Wrong day to visit then!", Shayla said, charging forward
and extending her ribbons of fire at me, "I'm afraid that I've
had a *really* bad day!".

     I called up a forcefield and the fire danced over it like
a cascade of water.  Shayla looked surprised, "What?!?", she
said in disbelief, "How'd you do that??".

     "You wouldn't believe me if I told you", I replied,
carefully keeping the shield as strong as I could, I didn't
know how powerful these people were, but I wasn't willing to
take any chances.

     Afura smiled, "Well, let's see you avoid *THIS*", she
said, forming a blast of air and sending it shooting across
the room.

     I staggered back slightly and my shield wavered and
finally fell.  It was at that stage that I realised that
something was seriously lacking in my powers.  Now I wouldn't
say I'm even close to being an accomplished spell caster, but
that forcefield spell is something that I've got down-pat and
it *should* have withstood that kind of attack.

     I snapped my fingers and changed into my armour. 
"Alright then", I said, "You want to fight... let's go!". 
With a gesture I summoned my epee and assumed a guard
position.

     Shayla laughed, "You want to fight us both?", she asked
with scorn in her voice.

     I shook my head, "Nope", I replied, "But I'm not gonna
let you hurt my friend over there, we just came inside to get
out of the cold".

     Afura looked over at Urd and I tensed myself in case she
was going to try anything, "How did you get in here then?",
she demanded.

     I smiled thinly, "You'd be amazed what a forcefield can
do", I replied.

     Shayla advanced towards me, "So why are you here?", she
said, fire crackling around her.

     "I don't know", I admitted, carefully keeping the point
of my blade level, "Last thing I know, this guy in a white
robe, carrying a staff shouted at us to get back and then we
arrived out back on your sundial".

     Both of them frowned, "That sounds like Makoto", Afura
commented, "You wouldn't be from Earth would you?".

     I frowned and nodded slowly, "Why does that question not
fill me with joy?", I asked.

     Shayla and Afura exchanged a glance and both of them
cancelled their spells, "You're a long way from home", Shayla
said, "In another dimension".

     I sighed, "Great... can this Makoto guy get us home?", I
asked, relaxing my stance.

     The two exchanged another glance, "Perhaps we should talk
about that over dinner", Afura suggested.

     I nodded once and banished my sword and armour.  Shayla
still seemed angry, but a quick nod from Afura seemed to calm
her down slightly.  The two of them left me alone with Urd for
a few minutes and I took a some time to examine her, she
seemed to be getting weaker.  I recited a small healing spell
and touched her gently on the face, "Urd", I called softly,
"Come on... wake up".

     Her eyes fluttered open and she frowned, "Brett, what's
going on?", she asked, "I'm so weak".

     I sighed, "I'm afraid that the news isn't good", I said,
"According to the people I've talked to, we're on another
dimension".

     Urd tried to sit up, "What?!?!", she demanded,
"HOW!?!?!?".

     I held her down carefully, "Don't move, you've been
unconscious since we arrived", I said sternly, "I don't know
what's happening to you, but it's effected me as well, my
spells are no where near as powerful here".

     Urd nodded, "That's because we're away from the source of
our powers", she explained tiredly, "We're going to have to
rely on other power sources until we can get home".

     I shrugged, "I'm not too bad off", I said, "But what kind
of power source do you need?".

                                  ******

     "I *hic* tell you *hic*", Urd slurred, "Yoush never *hic*
seen a better energy blast *HIC*".

     Urd was reciting a rather inaccurate retelling of our
visit to hell and the battle with Nilthar.  Afura and Shayla
were listening politely and I was getting a little
embarrassed, "Perhaps you could tell us a little about
yourselves?", I asked, interrupting Urd's colourful dialogue.

     Shayla shrugged, "We're two of the high-priestesses of
Mount Muldoon", she said, "Our other priestess is off on her
honeymoon, still".

     I nodded, "So how do you know about Earth?", I asked.

     Afura and Shayla exchanged a long glance, "It's a *very*
long story", Afura warned.

     I shrugged, "At the moment I'm not going anywhere", I
replied.

     For the next two hours Shayla and Afura explained about
how a group of people from Earth had arrived almost six months
ago and helped in a great war against some creatures called
the Bugrom.  I'll admit that the idea of seven foot tall bugs
was a little ludicrous, but then so was the idea of being in
another dimension.  The war was concluded when the Princesses
of Roshtaria used a weapon called 'The Eye of God' - it wiped
out the enemy forces.  Unfortunately the weapon couldn't be
shut down and the only way to prevent it destroying everything
was to have a Demon-God named Ifurita fly inside it and shut
it down.  That action threw her across time and space, until
she came to Earth, where she met Makoto.  Ifurita, using
powers she had learnt while stopping the Eye, was the person
who sent Makoto and his friends to El Hazard in the first
place.

     "Ok", I said (after sorting all that out in my head), "So
he went back to find her?".

     Afura nodded, "Her powers were so weak that she couldn't
bring herself home, so he went to get her", she explained.

     "That's not the whole reason", Shayla said, a little
drunkenly, "He had to go and get her because he *loves* her!".

     "So... if he can go back and pick her up, he *should* be
able to send us back", I mused.

     Shayla giggled, "It's taken him about two months to build
up enough power to go and get her", she slurred, "I wouldn't
have a clue how long it'll take to send two of you".

     I glanced at Urd, who had fallen asleep from the amount
of alcohol she'd been consuming and was leaning up against me. 
On the up-side, she did look a lot better.  "So when can we
see this Makoto?", I asked.

     Afura shrugged, "As soon as you can get to Floristica",
she said, "I don't mind giving you a lift and I'm sure that
Shayla won't object about coming along".

     We both looked at Shayla, who had assume a similar
sleeping position as Urd, against Afura's shoulder.  Afura
smiled, "Maybe we should put these sleeping beauties to bed?",
she suggested.

     I laughed and picked up Urd, "Lead the way, Priestess", I
said grandly.  Afura laughed quietly and summoned a cushion of
air for Shayla to ride on.  We walked upstairs, taking Shayla
to her room.  Afura pulled the covers over her companion,
"Poor Shayla really had a crush on that Makoto", she said,
smoothing a few tendrils of hair from her friend's face.

     I just nodded and followed her as she led me to a guest
room, I pulled the covers back and placed Urd carefully in the
bed.  Much to my embarrassment she didn't want to let go, and
kept a firm grip on my shoulders, "Brett, no... come to bed",
she said sleepily.  I disentangled myself carefully and
smoothed the covers over her.  I was blushing furiously as I
turned around to meet Afura's amused expression.

     "Hmmm...", she said, "You two *are* good friends".

     I smiled a little weakly, "I don't suppose it would do
any good to say we *are* just friends?", I asked.

     Afura smiled, "Well, there are friends and then there are
*friends*", she said, laughing at my expression.

     The two of us walked outside and back down to the
kitchen, "I'll clean up", Afura offered, "You can get some
rest if you like".

     I shook my head, "No that's alright, I don't want to be a
burden", I replied.

     While cleaning up I had time to question Afura about what
she and the other priestesses did.  According to her, they
worshiped the elements, each of them had power over the
element they worshipped.  I nodded, "Sounds like some of the
ancient Earth religions", I commented, "But I guess it
actually works here".

     Afura nodded, "You know", she said, looking at me with a
serious expression, "You haven't told us much about
yourselves, except for Urd's garbled descriptions of Demons
and visiting Hell...".

     I shrugged, "She tends to exaggerate a little", I said
carefully.

     Afura raised her eyebrows, "Well.. perhaps you can tell
me how you managed to block Shayla's attack?", she asked.

     "Just call it a talent", I said evasively.

     Afura was quiet, until we'd finished cleaning up and sat
back down on the sofas.  "Brett", she said firmly, "If we're
going to trust you, perhaps you should trust us a little?".

     I shrugged, "Well, I doubt you'll believe me.. but...",
and with that I began explaining who and what I was.  Her
expression became more disbelieving as I spoke, when I finally
finished she nodded, "So the two of you are gods", she said,
"And in your universe, you help people?".

     I nodded, "It took me a long time to come to terms with
it too", I said, "Even as I was casting all these neat spells,
I found myself doubting the reality of it all".

     Afura stood, "Well that's certainly an interesting tale",
she said, "I'm afraid that I'm having trouble believing it
all....".

     I gave her a smile, "That's ok, so am I", I replied.

                                  ******

     In the morning, after Shayla and Urd had partially
recovered from their mutual hangovers, we climbed aboard a
transport vessel of some kind.  Afura took up a position at
the stern and Shayla took one on the prow.  I was going to ask
what the hell was going on, until the boat-like vessel
shuddered and rose off the ground.  I gulped slightly as it
moved directly towards the edge of the cliff.

     "Err... is this thing safe?", I asked.

     Shayla glanced back over her shoulder, "Of course it
is!", she snapped, "Why do all earth people ask the same
questions?!?!?".

     I shut up and watched as we came to the edge of the
cliff.  Now I've never been much for heights, to be honest
they scare the hell out of me and this mountain was the
highest I'd ever been on.  Urd noticed my expression and gave
me a reassuring smile, "You remember how that levitation spell
goes?", she asked with a mock-serious expression.

     I gulped slightly, "Please don't joke about things like
that", I hissed nervously.

     She walked over beside me and took my hand, "Don't
worry", she said in a teasing voice, "I won't let anything
happen to you".

     "Oh!", I said sarcastically, "That makes me feel so much
better".  But I didn't let go of her hand as the transport
went into a slight nose-dive, before levelling out.  I relaxed
slightly as it began a slower descent to the ground below,
actually once we broke the cloud-line the vista below made me
almost forget me fear of heights.  The world below spread out
like a map, beautiful and green, with the occasionally slashes
of blue, where a river or lake cut the landscape.  Flocks of
some kind of winged creature seemed to fill the air and there
was a sweet smell to the place.

     Urd, pointed to a dark patch on the horizon, "What's
that?", she asked our hostesses.

     Shayla frowned, "That's the Bugrom homeland", she said
flatly, "It's a horrible wasteland, filled with all sorts of
perils".

     Urd and I stood at the edge of the transport, enjoying
the passing scenery, until at last we saw a large city, rising
in front of us.  "That's the capital", Afura called, "We'll be
at the palace soon".

     The transport flew quickly through the city and stopped
in front of the main gate.  The four of us climbed carefully
down to the ground and a pair of guards opened the gates for
the two priestesses.  Urd and I followed our guides inside,
marvelling at the strange buildings, looking like a cross
between an Arabian palace and an Inca temple.  The few people
we ran across, quickly made way for the priestesses, many
bowing low in respect.  Finally we came to yet another large
set of doors.  "This is the throne room", Afura explained,
"The Princesses are holding court at the moment, please follow
us quietly".

     We walked into a large, open-air room, with a large pool
in the middle.  At one end of the pool, sat two young women,
obviously these were the two Princesses.  Along each side of
the pool sat a long line of other dignitaries, some male and
some female.  Everyone seemed to be involved in a rather noisy
discussion that had something to do with an 'ultimate weapon'. 
Urd and I exchange a glance and then followed the Priestesses
to were some pillows had been arranged for us to sit down.

     A whispering began amongst the gathering and some curious
glances were being thrown in our direction.  I shifted self-
consciously and wondered if I should have worn my formal
uniform.  The I noticed that most of the glances where in
Urd's direction and I smiled knowingly.  Urd was dressed, as
usual in an outfit that didn't leave much to the imagination,
but what it did leave, gave people a lot to think about.

     A servant whispered something in one of the Princess's
ears and the Princess stood, "We have just been informed that
two of the Priestesses of Muldoon have arrived, escorting some
visitors who wish to discuss something with us", she said, "We
will take up this discussion tomorrow".

     The two Princesses rose and walked at a stately pace from
the room, being escorted by their handmaidens.  A servant
wearing a turban-like hat approached us and bowed, "I am
Londs", he said, "Chief servant of the Royal Household".

     I nodded in greeting, "I'm Brett and this is Urd", I
said, introducing us.

     He bowed again, "Their Royal Majesties would like to see
you as soon as possible", he said, gesturing for us to follow.

     Urd and I stood, walking slightly behind the Priestesses
and Londs, "What do you think?", I whispered to Urd.

     "I don't know", Urd whispered back, "I just hope we can
convince them to help us".

     We walked through the halls of the palace until we came
to a large balcony area.  The two Princesses were seated
facing each other and as we came in one looked in our
direction, "Please make yourselves comfortable", she said, "We
don't stand on ceremony here".

     Urd and I sat slightly behind the Priestesses, "Your
Majesties", Afura said politely, "I would like to introduce
some new guests from Earth".

     I stood and bowed slightly, "I am Brett", I introduced
myself, "And my companion here is named Urd".

     One of the Princesses looked amused, "Unusual names", she
said, "Even for ones from Earth".

     I shrugged and resumed my seat.  Londs stepped forward,
"My I introduce the Princesses Rune-Venus and Fatora".

     Urd smiled, "Pleased to meet you both", she said
pleasantly.

     "Indeed", Fatora said, smiling rather broadly, "We are
*most* pleased to meet someone as beautiful as yourself".

     "You're too kind", Urd said modestly.

     Rune-Venus cleared her throat, "Well perhaps you would
like to meet your countrymen then?", she asked.  Without
waiting for a reply she turned to Londs, "Summon Makoto", she
ordered.

     Fatora was stilling looking at Urd longingly, "So tell us
how you arrived here", she invited.

     I cleared my throat, "Well, Your Majesty...", I began.

     "*SILENCE*", Fatora bellowed at me, "I asked Urd, not
you!".

     I frowned, not used to being spoken to quite like that. 
Urd smiled at me reassuringly and began to explain how we'd
been caught up in Makoto's spell.  As she finished, the object
of our conversation came into the room, wearing his long white
robe, "You called your Majesties?", Makoto asked.

     I was amazed at the resemblance he had to Princess Fatora
and looked back and forth between the two of them several
times.  "Makoto, you may remember these people", Rune-Venus
said, gesturing to the two of us.

     Makoto almost fell over when he saw us, "YOU!", he said
in amazement, "How did you two get here??!?!".

     "That's what we'd like to know", I said sarcastically,
"One minute we were at the high school, next we wake up on top
of Mount Muldoon".

     "Err... well... I...", Makoto began awkwardly.

     "What we really want to know is: can you send us back
home?", Urd asked, cutting him off.

     Makoto smiled weakly, "Umm.. no", he said in a small
voice.

     "WHAT!?!?", Urd and I said together.

     Makoto took a step back as the two of us came to our feet
angrily, "Look.. I can explain", he said quickly, "The power
needed is quite immense... and I burned out most of my
equipment saving Ifurita".

     "So there's *no* way home?", I asked in a half-amazed
voice.

     "I didn't say that", Makoto said, "It might just take a
little planning.... and a lot of luck".

                                  ******

     "Come on!", Urd encouraged, "Drink up!".

     I shook my head, "No thanks", I replied, "Not after last
time".

     I was sitting beside Urd at a large table, on my left was
Afura, on the other side of Urd was Princess Fatora. 
Something was definitely unusual about that young Princess,
she seemed a little too friendly with Urd for my liking.  I
glanced across the table to where Makoto was sitting with
Ifurita.  It was hard to imagine that such a delicate young
lady could be such a fearsome creature.  "So what made you
decide to stay here?", I asked Makoto.

     He shrugged, "Life here is a bit better than what I had
at home, here there's clean air and water", he explained, "I'm
also doing important work for the country, researching ancient
devices, left over from the Great Holy War".

     I nodded, "And of course, your friend there probably
wouldn't last long in our world", I concluded.

     Makoto nodded and smiled at his lovely companion, "That's
true as well", he said in a soft voice.  Ifurita noticed his
attention and looked up from her conversation with Shayla and
smiled shyly.

     I couldn't seem to find an appetite and I found myself
almost dozing as everyone else finished their meals.  Urd
tapped me on the shoulder, "Are you alright?", she asked.

     I nodded sleepily, "Just a little tired", I replied.

     Just then the door to the room opened and a young girl
hurried inside, "How could you not invite *ME*", she whined. 
Then she noticed Urd and her eyes went wide.  Unfortunately
she also noticed how much attention Princess Fatora was giving
her.  The young lady walked quickly across the room and
insinuated herself between Urd and Fatora (much to Fatora's
annoyance), "Hello there", she said to Urd, grabbing onto her
arm, "I'm Alielle".

     Urd smiled a little awkwardly, "Err.. I'm Urd", she
replied

     Alielle hugged her arm, "Oh, that's a lovely name", she
said, "And you are such a beautiful woman".

     Urd tried to disentangle herself from Alielle, "Thank
you", she said awkwardly.

     I was nearly dozing off again, when Princess Rune-Venus
stood, "I feel it is time to retire", she said, "Londs..
please show our guests their rooms".

     Fatora stood, "No, No", she said, "*I'll* show Urd to her
room personally".

     Alielle wrapped her arms around Urd, "No, let me", she
said.

     Urd was panicking at this stage and seeing me as a way
out, grabbed my arm, "That's ok, we're used to sharing a
room", she said.

     I was so sleepy I didn't even object.  Fatora walked from
the room without a word, Alielle trailing behind her.  I
managed to follow the servant that showed us the way and I
practically fell into the bed, "Ahh.. that's better", I said,
wriggling around to get comfortable.

     I felt movement beside me and rolled over, coming face to
face with Urd, who was laying coyly beside me, "Are you *that*
tired?", she asked in a low voice.

     Now *that* woke me up, I rolled back to the other side of
the bed, "What?!?", I asked, remembering that she'd said
something about sharing a room.

     Urd laughed at my expression, "Relax Brett", she said,
"If we weren't sharing a room, I have a feeling I'd be getting
visits from either Princess Fatora or Alielle.... or both!".      
I nodded and laid back out on the bed.  Urd also laid down and
the two of us fell into a deep sleep.

                                  ******

     Everything was a kaleidoscope of colours, shifting and
turning.  I didn't know where the ground was, but my feet
seemed firmly set in place.  I looked around the crazy place
and saw formations of stars flowing past, huge planets and
smaller nebulae.  Things were spinning out of control and I
shouted out loud for whoever it was to stop it.

     "Brett?", came a voice I recognised.

     I turned around to see a befuddled Urd, also looking
around curiously.  I looked at her closely, "Urd?", I asked,
"Are you real?".

     She nodded and I touched hands with her, "What's going
on?", she asked.

     I thought for a moment, "I could be wrong, but I think
we're both dreaming", I replied.

     Urd nodded, "I thought it was something like that", she
agreed, "But this must be one of your dreams, cause mine
aren't nearly so colourful".

     "Thank you Miss 'Magic Mushroom'", I replied
sarcastically.

     "HEY!", Urd said defensively, "I *almost* never use those
in my potions any more!".

     The spinning colours around us suddenly came together in
a blinding flash of white light.  As it cleared I looked out
onto a magnificent city, strange vehicles floated across the
sky and people walked busily through a packed street.  "That's
Tokyo!", Urd said, recognising some of the landmarks.

     "It looks a little advanced for Tokyo", I pointed out,
indicating the hovering aircraft and strange sky-rail that
crisscrossed the city.  A figure in blue and red streaked
across the sky, leaving a sonic boom in his wake.  I gave Urd
a strange look, "Since when do people fly like that?", I
asked.

     Urd sighed, "Well, it's your dream", she said, "You tell
me where it is!".

     I was about to reply, when there was a sudden shudder and
a bright flash of white.  Then we were back in the shifting
patterns again.  Again we rolled and tumbled, until we came to
another flash of light and another world appeared before us,
this one seemed parched and destroyed.  It was an endless
desert in every direction, with huge gaping craters dotting
the landscape.  In one of the craters was the remains of a
city, broken skyscrapers and the shells of vehicles stuck up
into the air like grasping claws.

     "This isn't much of an improvement", Urd pointed out.

     "HEY!", I said, "It's not like I'm controlling this or
anything!".  The light flashed again and we were tumbling.

     "I'm getting quite sick of this!", Urd said
exasperatedly, "What the hell is going on with this crazy
dream?".  I kept my mouth shut and just waited to see where we
ended up this time.  There was a flash of light and I felt a
falling sensation.

                                  ******

     I woke up with a small start.  I looked around the
darkened room I was sharing with Urd, nothing seemed to be out
of place.  Speaking of Urd, she was curled up beside me, one
of her arms across my chest.  I smiled at her expression, it
was so relaxed and innocent and she looked so beautiful, that
found myself leaning over and kissing her gently on the cheek.

     Her eyes fluttered opened and I smiled guilty at her
bemused expression.  "That was a pleasant way to wake up", she
said, smiling cutely.

     I blushed, "Well.. you just looked so.... I... well... ",
I said awkwardly.

     Urd laughed, her voice tinkling lightly in the cool
evening air, "Brett, I've been waiting for you to do that for
a long time", she said, bringing her head up to lean against
my shoulder.

     "You have?", I asked in an amazed voice.

     Urd punched me in the shoulder, "You know for a
supposedly smart guy.. you sure can be dumb sometimes", she
chided me gently.

     I laughed, "Well... I guess so", I replied.

     Urd rolled over, the length of her body rubbing against
my own, "Brett", she said quietly, "I think.... I'm in love
with you".

     "You are?!?!", I asked in an even more amazed voice.

     Urd punched me in the shoulder again, "Stop that!", she
said in a half-angry tone of voice, she rolled over on top of
me and tried to smother me with a pillow.

     I grabbed her arm and stopped her playful mauling. 
"Hey... take it easy!", I said, "I love you too".

     Urd stopped and looked at me with wide-eyes, "You do?",
she asked in an amazed voice.

     "Hey!", I said in protest, "That's my line!".

     Urd laid down on top of me, resting her chin on my chest,
"You're serious, aren't you?", she asked.

     I looked down at her with a smiled, "Yes I am", I said
firmly, "Are you?".

     In answer she kissed me passionately.  I returned her
kiss and wrapped my arms around her in a tight embrace.  We
then just laid looking at each other for a long time.  Finally
Urd broke the embrace and sat facing me, "How long did you
plan to let things go until you told me?", she asked
curiously.

     I laughed softly, "Urd", I said seriously, "I was half in
love with you after the first week living at the temple".

     She frowned, "But I was so mean to you", she protested.

     I smiled, "True.. but you hadn't gotten to know me yet",
I replied, "And I didn't hold that against you... I saw how
much you cared about Belldandy and Keiichi... how you always
tried to help their relationship along... since then you've
been a constant friend".

     Urd managed a smile in response, "I should have guessed
when that love potion had such a profound effect on you", she
replied, "My potions are good... but not *that* good".

     I laughed, looking back at it, it did show that I'd
fallen for Urd pretty hard.  At the time, I was struggling not
to let the potion hold sway and it was quite a fight so I
didn't really think about why I'd had such a strong reaction
to it.

     Urd nodded slowly and then laid down next to me again,
"So what now?", Urd asked in a soft voice.

     I scratched my chin, absently noticing that I'd need to
have a shave in the morning, "Well...", I said, thinking out
loud, "I think first we should concentrate on getting home...
Makoto said he'll try and explain the principles behind
dimensional travel to me tomorrow..".

     Urd gave me an angry glare, "NOT THAT!", she said, "I
just told you that I love you!  what are we going to do about
that?!?!".

     "Oh...", I mumbled, "Well.. what do *you* think we should
do about it?".

     Urd's face lost it's angry expression, "Well...", she
said, "I... I mean we're here now... alone...".  She blushed
deeply, "I thought maybe....", she began.

     I hugged her again, "Urd... ", I said seriously, "Let's
take things one step at a time, I mean last night we were
'just friends'".

     Urd frowned, "What?", she asked tersely, "Is there
something wrong with me?".

     I laughed openly at that and kissed her tenderly, "You
are the most beautiful, passionate, sensual, exciting woman I
know", I replied, then I dropped my voice to a whisper, "I
just don't think we're quite alone here".

     Urd's eyes narrowed and she glanced slowly around the
room, "Where?", she whispered back.

     I nodded to a picture on one wall, I had noticed that one
of the eyes seemed to be moving.  Urd whispered a quick spell,
there was a muffled scream from behind the painting and the
sound of running feet.  I grinned at Urd, "Not bad", I
commented, "But the cooks are going to wonder what happened to
their fresh-baked pies".

     Urd relaxed and rested one hand lightly on my chest, "Now
what were you saying about me being beautiful?", she purred.

                                  ******

     Alielle frowned at the condition of Princess Fatora as
she returned from her late night expedition.  "How in the
world did you get covered in *THAT*", she asked curiously.

     "OH SHUT UP!", Fatora growled, as she reached for a
washbasin.  She carefully picked the pie crusts out of her
hair and removed the sticky mess from her face.

     She walked over to bed and sat down, ignoring Alielle's
constant fawning and talk.  "So did you see them?", Alielle
whispered finally.

     Fatora nodded, "It's a pity", she said, "Beauty like hers
is wasted on *him*".

     Alielle sighed, "Well.. you can't have everything", she
said.

     Fatora grinned mischeviously, "Oh.. can't I?", she asked.

                                  ******

     I awoke to the sound of Urd snoring quietly and I
carefully slipped out of her embrace.  I walked quietly across
the room and out on to the balcony.  The sun had already risen
and a few wispy clouds drifted overhead.  I rubbed my chin,
noticing the small amount of stubble that had grown there
overnight.  Now that I was totally awake, it sent alarm bells
ringing straight away.

     I raced over to a mirror and at a glance noticed
something missing.  Ever since I had made my wish, there was a
marking that sat high on my forehead, usually I covered it up
with my hair.  It was gone.  I looked down at my clothes,
which were rather rumpled after being slept in all night. 
Whispering a command word, I snapped my fingers.  Nothing
happened.

     I tried casting a forcefield spell, again nothing
happened.  I ran through every spell I could recall, every one
ended in failure.  I walked slowly back over to the bed and
sat down.  "What am I suppose to do now?", I mumbled to
myself.

     I felt a pair of arms go around me and I got a light kiss
on my ear, "Morning Brett", Urd greeted me.

     I managed a weak smile and she frowned, "I know you're
not a morning person", she commented, "But this is bad even
for you".

     I shook off her grasp and stood, walking across the room
I sat down in a chair.  "Urd", I said in a serious tone, "I
think we've got a serious problem".

     She raised her eyebrows, "What?", she asked bluntly.

     I lifted the hair from my forehead, "I'm not a god
anymore", I explained quietly.

     "NO!", Urd said, jumping up from the bed and crossing the
room.  She examined my forehead carefully, "That can't be
right!", she argued.

     I took her hand, "It's right", I said, then I ran her
hand over my jaw, "Feel that?", I asked.  She nodded and I
shook my head, "I haven't had to shave since the second night
I stayed at the temple", I explained, "I've also tried every
spell I can think of.. nothing works".

     She shook her head in disbelief, I walked to the balcony,
"Looks like my wish just ran out", I said ruefully.

     Urd walked up behind me and placed her arms around me,
"Don't worry", she whispered, "Everything will be alright".

     I nodded and tried to make myself believe her.  There was
a knock at the door and it opened slowly.  "Ahh.. hello?",
came a hesitant call.

     "Come in!", Urd called, turning to the door, but keeping
one arm around me.

     The young lady smiled brightly, "I'm Nanami", she said
brightly, "I just heard about your arrival!". 

     I smiled, "So you're the young lady that can see through
illusions?", I asked.

     Nanami nodded, "You heard about that?? well it's not
*really* that useful, except when the Phantom Tribe decides to
send a spy into the Palace", she explained.

     "So what can we do for you?", Urd asked.

     "Well", Nanami began, "Makoto asked me to come and get
you, he said he had something he wanted to show you".

                                  ******

     Makoto Mizuhara wiped his forehead with the back of his
hand, sweat dripped down his face, stinging his eyes. 
Carefully attaching the last piece of the machine in front of
him, he wished again that he'd thought to install an air
conditioner in his workshop.

     He was sitting, surrounded by many different pieces of
technology.  Some of it was rusted beyond recognition, other
pieces were untouched by the passage of time.  Since he'd
started searching for a way to bring Ifurita back, he'd been
collecting anything even remotely related to ancient El Hazard
technology.  He had quite a collection, probably the best on
the planet, "Almost wasn't enough", he murmured, looking at
the blackened and burnt-out portal he'd developed.  It was no
wonder the device had been ruined getting them back, with Urd
and Brett tagging along.

     He smiled at his latest creation and placed a hand
carefully on it's uneven surface.  A glow began deep within
the foot-ball sized device, spreading out to cover the whole
outer casing.  A moment later it rose from the workbench and
hovered several feet above Makoto's head.

     "Makoto!", called Ninami from the doorway, "Your 'guests'
are here".

     He gave her a wry grin and gestured the two visitors
over, "Here", he said, indicating the miniature Eye Of God
that hovered above the desk, "This might help you get home".

     Brett eyed it dubiously, "It might?", he asked.

     Makoto looked at Brett sharply, this didn't seem like the
same person he'd talked to over dinner.  There was something
different, he seemed sullen and a bit depressed.  Then Brett
noticed Makoto's expression and smiled slightly, "Ok mate..
how does it work?", he asked.

     Makoto walked over to where he had a small remote control
set up, "This device will open a portal to another dimension",
he explained, "Don't ask me how.. all I know is that it
works".  He pressed a button and a spark of lightning passed
over the object.  The lightning kept building, spinning
wildly, until a small black hole appeared.

     Everyone marvelled at it, except Brett, who was shading
his eyes, "What the hell is that, it's so bright that I can't
make it out", he asked.

     Urd, Makoto and Ninami exchanged glances, "What's
wrong?", Urd asked.

     "The light's blinding me!", Brett complained, "It was
alright till you started it up... now I can't see a bloody
thing!".

     Makoto frowned and switched off the device.  Brett
carefully uncovered his eyes, "Hey!", he said, "Warn a guy
next time!".

     Urd examined Brett's face carefully, "You're still seeing
light from it?", she asked, looking back and forth between
Brett and the device.

     Brett nodded, "Aren't you?", he asked, looking around at
the three of them.

     The other three shook their heads, "What does it look
like to you?", Makoto asked curiously.

     Brett shrugged, "Err... well... it's like you've got the
blinds on your window drawn and one isn't quite lined up with
the others", he explained, "Letting a beam a light into the
otherwise dark room".

     He walked closer to the device, "It's not like sunlight..
the colours keep shifting, one second it's blue-green, then
it's a deep red", he continued, "When you turned it on, it was
like all the colours came together and formed something like
sunlight".

     He shook his head, as if to clear it, "And you can't see
anything unusual?", he asked.

     "Perhaps...", Ninami said slowly, "This is the ability
you gained travelling to El Hazard".

     Makoto nodded, "That's probably it", he agreed.

     Brett looked almost angry and he glared sullenly at the
device, "It wasn't worth it", he mumbled, glancing at Urd.

     Urd didn't notice, she was too busy examining the
controls of the little Eye of God, "How long will it take you
to work out a way to send us back?", she asked eagerly.

     Makoto shook his head, "It isn't that simple", he said,
gesturing over at the burned out equipment, "That's all that's
left of my portal and this prototype isn't going to get you
there...".

     Brett walked over and examined the burnt out equipment,
"This stuff is glowing pretty strongly", he said, "In fact
looking at that ring there is almost like looking at the
sun!".

     Makoto nodded, "That's where the portal broke through the
dimensional barrier", he said, walking up beside Brett.

     Brett turned away from it, "This is more like a window
that's open on a sunny day, with a beam of light streaming
in!", he said, "Too bright to look at for long".

     Makoto nodded, "It seems that you can see where the
dimensional barrier has been broken", he said carefully, "That
might have come in handy when I was looking for a way to get
Ifurita back".

     Brett frowned, "Why?", he asked.

     Makoto shrugged, "If you can break the barrier at a
natural weak point, it'll only require a fraction of the
power", he explained, "The only problem would be finding the
weak point that is nearest to the Earth you want".

     "*AHEM*", a guard said, interrupting their discussion,
"The Princess Fatora requests your attendance".

     Brett nodded and began to walk across the room, but the
guard held up a hand, "Not you", he said, "She requested that
Urd attend her".

     Urd frowned, "What does she want?", she asked.

     The guard shrugged, "I don't know my Lady", he said, "I
wouldn't presume to guess her Majesty's mind".

     "Even if you could ever find it", Nanami muttered under
her breath.

     The guard's face twisted up in the hint of a smile, "I'm
sure I don't know what you mean My Lady", he said to Nanami.  

                                  ******


**************************************************
            E-Mail: darkwnd@sv.net.au
   Web Page: http://www.ozanime.com/darkwind

  "Imagination is more important than knowledge"

                             -Albert Einstein
**************************************************