G'day all..

OK - well this is yet another of my OMGod stories.. it picks up not long after the Your Under Arrest story.. I had originally intended to write some smaller stories and this was going to be the first.. although since then I changed my mind about writing smaller stories (they are a little confining..) - anyway.. as usual C&C is welcome...

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      An Oh My God/Orange Road Crossover Story

                       I Wish to Return to That Day

                                   by
                                    
                               Brett Handy
                                    

     Hiyama Hikaru gripped the telephone tightly, her knuckles 
whitening with the force of her grip.  She set her jaw and
began dialling her darl... Kasuga's number.  She was caught
between tears and joy.  Her joy at the reception she had
received for her performance and tears because the two people
who had been closest in her life had not come.

     The two emotions warred across her face and finally she
decided on despair, slamming her fist into the phone. 
Surprisingly the phone made a strange beep.  She sobbed
quietly for a moment until she heard the phone pick up at the
other end.

     "Hello??", came a unfamiliar man's voice.

     Biting her lip Hikaru put the receiver to her ear, "Oh",
she said, "I'm terribly sorry....".

     "This is the Godd... Deity Relief office, I will be with
you immediately for a consultation", the man continued.

     "No.. that's not.. I'm sorry I've dialled the wrong
number", she said quickly.  Then she noticed that the line was
dead, "Hello!!", she called into the receiver.

     Unnoticed by Hikaru, several meters above the phone box
there was a large clock.  This particular clock began glowing
rather strangely with a soft blue light.  Moments later a hand
appeared, followed by an arm covered by a shifting blue
material.  The man that followed the arm was rather tall and
had a serious expression on his face.  He paused for a moment
looking down, before dropping lightly onto the telephone box
roof.

     Hikaru was startled at the thump on the top of the
phone box and she hurriedly replaced the receiver on the hook,
before quickly stepping out.  She looked up to see a large
imposing figure standing upright on the box.

     The man looked at her, "Hiyama Hikaru?", he asked,
looking at her.  She noticed immediately that he was a
foreigner and he spoke with a strange accent and inflection.

     She took a step or two back, "What's it to you", she
said, dropping into her best 'street talk'.

     The man jumped down from the phonebox, landing lightly on
the ground, "I'm here to help", he said.  She could see that
he stood taller than most people she had met (or fought) and
he was quite solid looking.

     Hikaru didn't know what he was talking about and she
turned to leave, "No thanks!", she said, walking away.  It was
not a good idea to talk to strange men in the middle of the
night, especially in the park.  As she walked she pulled her
jacket more tightly over her shoulders, wishing she had
changed out of her leotard after the performance.

     "Please wait", he insisted, "I *really* want to help
you!".

     Hikaru looked back over her shoulder to see him following
her, that was all the encouragement she need to run.  Not
really caring where she was running to, she blindly ran, as
fast as her legs could carry her.  Not knowing how long she
had run for she finally stopped near a park bench.  Sitting
down she shivered as a cold wind blew against he sweat covered
face.

     She then noticed where she was sitting.  This was the
bench that she had awaited Kasuga on *that day*.  This was
where all her dreams of the future were shattered.  She looked
at the water that was reflecting the moonlight and her tears
boiled up again, forcing her to look away.

     "Hey you!", a harsh voice cried out.

     Hikaru looked up fearfully and saw a group of young men
nearly surrounding the bench on which she sat.  In her sorrow
she hadn't noticed them approach until it was too late. 
Standing up quickly she hugged her bag to her and tried to
walk away.  One of the young toughs stopped her by simply
blocking her path.  The stench of sake was strong on his
breath.

     "I don't think so", he sneered, "You look like you could
do with some cheering up!".

     The others laughed, "Go for it Akira!", one encouraged,
"Make her happy!".

     "Right", Akira replied, grabbing her arm.

     Now Hikaru was never one to go *anywhere* quietly, she
kicked out at his knee, striking with all her strength. 
Predicably the guy went down snarling.  The others moved
towards her, punching and kicking.  She suddenly found herself
held down and pinned to the ground.  "NO!!!!!", she screamed,
feeling one of them rip her leotard.

     "Shut the bitch up!", said Akira, limping over, "Then
we'll have some fun!".

     Hikaru's last conscious thought was a feeling of loss,
Ayukawa had always been there for her when she was in trouble,
now she was on her own.

                                  ******

     I had long since lost the young girl.  Walking along more
slowly I tried to catch my breath.  "Since when did we have to
*chase* people to give them a wish", I muttered.  Slowing
further, I concentrated, opening my mind to my client.  She
was panicked and didn't want to stop running.

     I came to a small lake looking out across it I noticed
her moving on the other side, she was still running.  Changing
course I jogged over to where I noticed some small boats were
sitting tied up against the bank.  Untying one I jumped in an
shoved off, heading to where I now saw her sitting on a bench.

     "What the hell's go her so upset?", I wondered to myself,
"She didn't even let me explain".  Straining I increased my
rowing pace, I couldn't let her leave before I explained my
purpose here.

     When I finally reached the lake shore I had to
opportunity to see something that nearly made me physically
sick.  A group of young men were surrounding a prone girl and
they were raping her.  After a moment of shocked realisation a
cold anger overtook me, jumping from the boat I ran towards
them.

     "Hey Akira! hurry up and do her!", one of them called.

     "Come on!", another enthused, "move it, we all want a
turn!".

     Not breaking stride I barrelled into the nearest one,
throwing the smaller man several meters.  "YOU BASTARDS!", I
shouted, "YOU'VE HAD IT!".

     The one called Akira abandoned his attempts to rape the
girl and stood, "Don't kill the Gaijin, just mutilate him", he
hissed.

     At this stage all the gang members proceeded to pull out
various dangerous looking implements (with the exception of
the one that I'd shoulder-charged, he was still out of it).  I
took a few steps back and eyed the five remaining men.

     "I'd think about it if I were you", I said in my most
threatening voice, "You can go now and not get BURNED!!!!!". 
On the last word I cupped my hands and began casting a
spell.  A blue glow began between my hands, tinged with a red
border.

     "What the...", said one, turning to his leader, "How's he
doing that!?!?".

     Akira looked at me with a tinge of fear, "Just get him!",
he ordered.

     One of them took that moment to throw a knife at me.  I
simply blocked with my forming spell, he knife seemed to loose
substance as it hit the glow, then it melted, a glob of metal
dropped to the ground in front of me.  I looked up and
frowned, "Your still here?", I asked of them.

     They all began to back up, with one exception, the one
called Akira moved towards me, holding a butterfly knife,
"Let's see you stop this!", he snarled.

     I obliged him, releasing the spell at point-blank range,
into his chest.  His battle cry was turned into a scream of
pain, as the ball of energy hit him, throwing him back.  I
guess I overdid the spell a little (so sue me!!), because his
shirt was burned off and his skin was blistered.  I looked at
the other cowering gang members and spoke in a flat tone,
"Take them and go!", I said, indicating their two unconscious
companions.

     Walking quickly to the girl I attempted to cover her with
what was left of her clothes.  Not having any luck I pulled
off my uniform top and covered her with it, picking her up
gently.  Her face was already bruising with where they had hit
her and I felt less and less guilty about blasting that guy. 
Grabbing up her bag as well I walked over to the bench and
laid her down on it.  Looking through her things I found a
school ID that had her address and a set of house keys.

     Not really knowing what else to do I picked her up gently
and wrapped my shirt around her tightly.  I started walking in
the direction of a phone booth.  Managing to find a map I
located the correct street, fortunately it was not too far
away.

                                  ****** 

     Hikaru awoke slowly, her head throbbing painfully.  She
felt warm and seemed to be wrapped in a soft cloth.  She also
felt a pair of arms cradling her gently.  Freezing when she
remembered her fight and loss of consciousness.  Her first
instinct was to struggle, but she suppressed it with
difficulty.  Ayukawa had always taught her that it was better 
to catch an opponent off guard, she would wait.

     "Here we are", a voice said quietly. She felt whoever
held her fumble with she assumed was getting a key in a lock
and opening a door.

     "Hello!!", he same voice called, "Is anyone here???".

     "Checking to see if the coast is clear", she thought
bleakly.  She tensed as she felt him lift her and place her on
a soft couch.  Curiously she felt him run a gently hand over
her face and give her a friendly pat on the shoulder. 
Striking out blindly, she heard a satisfying grunt of pain and
saw a figure fall back in the darkness.

     Hikaru jumped up and ran, tripping up some stairs in the
darkness, "WAIT!", she heard cried from below her.  Not
stopping she ran down a corridor and groped blindly for a
door, feeling one she quickly entered and slammed it shut
behind her.

     Gasping for breath she felt around for a light switch. 
Flicking on the light it took a few moments for her to
recognise her own room.  "How???", she thought, "Why am I
here???".

     A rapping on the door startled her and she shrank back
from the door fearfully.  "Miss!!!", said the man's voice,
"Please don't be scared, I won't hurt you".

     "Who are you??", she called in a quavering voice.

     "I'm the guy that just saved you from a gang of thugs",
the voice said, exasperated.

     Hikaru looked at the shirt she was wrapped up in, it was
blue in colour and had a lustre that shimmered in the light. 
She recognised it as what had been worn by the man from the
phone booth.  The material seemed to loose it's lustre as she
watched, becoming colder and less soft to the touch. 
Clutching it around herself she quietly looked at the torn and
ruined condition of her clothes.

     "Are you alright?", came the concerned voice again.

     Shaking herself she stood and slowly walked over to the
door, turning the lock.  She then walked back across the room
and picked up a chair, "It's open", she said, "Come in
slowly".

     The door opened tentatively and a head poked around the
door.  A pair of dark brown eyes looked out at her from under
jet black hair, then seeing her standing across the room, the
door opened to reveal a large guy, missing his shirt.  
"Please don't be afraid", he said again, "I'm here to help
you".

     "What happened to me?", she asked fearfully, indicating
her torn clothing.

     The man sighed, "That gang tried to rape you", he said
quietly and then he smiled grimly, "I don't think they'll be
trying it again".

     Hikaru nodded slowly, lowering the chair slightly, "How
did I get here?", she asked.

     "I carried you here from the lake", he said, "I found
your address in the bag and thought that this was the best
place to take you".

     Hikaru placed the chair back on the floor, "Then who are
you?", she asked.

     "My name's Brett", he said, "and I think you should get
some rest and then have something to eat".

     Hikaru still looked at him a little fearfully, and he
turned, "I'll be downstairs fixing something up", he offered,
leaving the room.

     She quickly changed into some decent clothes, carefully
checking herself over for injuries, she noticed that the gang
must have been stopped before going too far.  Gingerly rubbing
her wounded face she winced feeling the bruising on her neck
and arms.  After a while she realised that she had just been
sitting looking at herself in the mirror for the last five
minutes.

     A delicious smell wafted through the house, making her
stomach rumble noisily.  She remember that the man, Brett had
said he would make some food.  Picking up his shirt, she
cautiously made her way downstairs to the kitchen.  Hikaru
watched as he expertly flipped the last pancake onto a large
pile he had made.

     "Hello", he said smiling, "There's some tea already on
the table".

     Hikaru nodded and walked over to the table, sitting down
slowly and pouring herself a cup.  Brett followed her over,
keeping his distance for her, so as not to make her
uncomfortable.  He slid a stack of pancakes in her direction,
and she in return tossed him his shirt.

     He then realised what kind of a picture he represented
and blushed slightly, putting the shirt back on.  Hikaru
watched in amazement as the shirt regained it's lost lustre,
shimmering and moving once it came in contact with his body
again.  She gulped down the tea and quickly made short work of
the pancakes.


                                  ******

     I watched her gobble down the pancakes, glad that she was
able to get something into her stomach.  I did remember
something of some first-aid courses that I'd done, that
someone in shock needs to be kept warm and if possible re-
energised with some food.  The amount of syrup that she put on
those pancakes would have provided energy for a marine
division.

     She nodded, "Thank you", she said simply.

     I smiled, "That's alright", I replied, "It's what I'm
here for".

     "Why are you here again?", she asked.

     "I'm here to help you", I explained, "My name is Brett,
but I represent the Relief Deity Office and you're to be
granted a wish".

     I guess it must have been to much for her, because she
just sat staring at me.  After a few moments she burst out
laughing, "You're going to grant me a wish?!?", she said
sarcastically when she had drawn another breath.

     I nodded calmly, this was the standard response that I
tended to get.  "My title is actually the God of Destiny", I
explained, "And you are entitled to *one* wish".

     "How about if I were to wish for more wishes?", Hikaru
asked, not taking it seriously.

     I shrugged, "You'd be able to wish, but they wouldn't
come true like this one", I replied.

     Hikaru stood, "I'm not feeling up to talking to crazy
people tonight", she said, "I've just finished a very hard day
preforming.....".

     "And you've been attacked by a group of thugs", I said,
reminding her of the event, "I think you might need to have a
think for a while before you can accept this".

     She stood, "Well you're welcome to stay", she said
indicating the couch, "My parents will be home in a few days".

     "You're all alone?", I asked, concerned.

     She shrugged it off, "They are just having a vacation and
I can take care of myself", she replied, "Well stay if you
want to, but I'm going to bed".  With that she walked back up
the stairs to her room.

     I down the last of my tea and picked up the dishes,
placing them in the sink for the morning.  Walking over to the
couch I laid down comfortably, thankful that I'd warned Urd
that I might not be back for a few days, she tended to get a
little jealous when I spent the night at strange girl's
places.

                                  ******

     The couch may have looked comfortable when I went to
sleep, but when I awoke the next morning I decided that it
must have actually been made of rocks.  Groaning I tried to
work out some of the kinks, wincing as my back made noises
usually associated with snapping tree branches.  I sniffed the
air and noticed that someone had made some breakfast.  I
cautiously walked into the kitchen, noticing that it had been
cleaned while I was asleep.

     Hikaru was sitting at the table, there was a place set
for me, so I sat down slowly, "How are you this morning?", I
asked.

     She gave me a small smile, "I'm fine for someone almost
raped", she said.

     I noticed a large bruise on the side of her face and
grimaced, "Sorry I couldn't get there faster", I apologised.

     "It's all right", she said, dismissing the event with a
wave of her hand, "I'm fine now".

     I took a sip of the tea she'd made and then gave her a
frank look, "You said your family is away?", I asked.

     Hikaru nodded and I frowned, "Do you have any other
friends around here?", I queried her gently, "You should
probably talk to someone about last night".

     She shook her head sharply, "No, I have no one!", she
insisted.

     "I'm sorry to hear that", I said gently.

     "Stop apologising!", she snapped angrily, "All you've
done is say 'I'm sorry' since you woke up!".

     I caught myself before apologising again, "Look", I said,
"You should talk to the police...".

     "No!", Hikaru said quickly, "I don't need to...".

     "Those guys should be put away", I insisted, "I know a
couple of officers who might be able to help...".

     "I said NO!", Hikaru said more firmly, "I don't want to
talk to the police!".

     I nodded, "That's your decision", I said, "*I* however
will be letting them know about this matter".

     Hikaru paled, "Please don't!", she begged, "I don't want
anyone to know..".

     "Hikaru", I said carefully, "It's nothing to be ashamed
of.. they were a gang.. you couldn't possibly have beaten them
all..".

     "Modoka could have", Hikaru whispered softly.

     "Who?", I asked, giving her a curious look.

     "Never mind", Hikaru said, grabbing my arm, "Thanks for
your help, I think it's time you left...".

     I was half-way to the door before I got a chance to
protest, "Hold on a second!", I said, digging in my heels,
"I'm suppose to grant you a wish!".

     "Yeah right!", Hikaru said sarcastically, "You guys are
all the same!".

     "What?", I asked, confused.

     "You use these fancy pickup lines...", she began, "but
then you run off with someone's best friend", she was crying
by this stage, "I just wish you could see things from my point of
view!".

     "Oh no!", I muttered, as I felt power beginning to build.

                                  ******

     Hikaru failed to notice as her guest began to glow with a
soft white light, she was too busy sobbing.  When she did
noticed all she had time to do was utter a muffled gasp,
before the light engulfed her.

     When she came to she immediately noticed something was
different.  She groaned and the sound that reached her ears
was unfamiliar.  "What's going on?", she asked, sitting up and
shaking her head.

     There was someone else unconscious on the other side of
the room, so Hikaru stood and began to walk across the room. 
She had to steady herself by placing a hand on the wall, she
seemed awfully tall for some reason.  Then she passed the
mirror and let out a scream (that came out as a bellow) and
fainted.

                                  ******

     I came back to consciousness slowly and rather painfully. 
My face ached and I got to my feet with a groan.  Staggering I
felt smaller for some reason.  Looking around the room I saw a
figure lying unconscious on the floor, I stumbled over to the
person and got the shock of my life.  I was looking down on my
own body.
     
     Remembering Hikaru's wish I steeled myself and looked in the
mirror.  The person in the mirror blinked back at me, "Well", I
observed (my voice sounding strangely high), "At least I'm a cute
girl".
     
     Hikaru (now in my body) began to groan and I awkwardly
placed a hand on her, or rather *his*, shoulder, "Hikaru", I
said, "Wake up".
     
     Hikaru blinked and opened his eyes, "I had a horrible
nightmare", he said, "I dreamed that I swapped bodies with a
weird guy..".
     
     "Thanks so much", I said sarcastically, "You're the one that
caused this, not me!".
     
     Hikaru's eyes finally focused on me and he screamed.  "Don't
do that!", I snapped quickly, "You'll hurt my vocal cords!".
     
     Hikaru looked at his hands, "This isn't possible", he
protested weakly, "I can't be a guy!".
     
     I grimaced, "It is possible", I reminded her, "I was here to
grant you a wish, remember?".
     
     Hikaru nodded weakly, "So hurry up and ungrant it!", she
insisted.
     
     I shook my head, "Sorry", I apologised, "But I can't".
     
     Hikaru surged to his feet and grabbed me by the shoulders,
"I thought you said you were a god or something?!?!", he
insisted.
     
     I winced in pain, "Look", I said carefully, "Get a grip, ok?
hurt me and you're just hurting your own body".
     
     Hikaru blinked in confusion and then noticed that he was
gripping my arms where the skin had been scratched off last
night, "Sorry", he apologised, letting me go.
     
     I sighed, "This isn't exactly a picnic for me either", I
reminded him, "All I was trying to do was grant you a bloody
wish!".
     
     Hikaru was silent for a moment and then nodded, "So what do
we do?", he asked, "I can't been seen in public like this!".
     
     I shrugged, "Well, this is going to be a major problem..", I
said slowly, "I don't know how to swap us back...".
     
     "WHAT??!?!", Hikaru moaned, "I've got another show this time
next week, what am I going to do?".  He began to sob and I
awkwardly patted him on the shoulder, "We'll think of something",
I reassured him.
     
     I never really noticed how tall I was until I got to see
myself from the outside.  Helping Hikaru to a chair I sat down
opposite him, he was still looking rather downcast.  "Hey!", I
said, clapping him on the leg, "Haven't you ever wondered how the
other half lives?"
     
     Hikaru gave me a cool look, "I'd rather not know", she
snapped, "And I'd rather be back to normal".  He gave me a
serious look, "How can you be so calm about this?", he demanded,
"You're stuck like this too!".

     I nodded, "Well I do know that souls can swap bodies, in
fact I've had it happen to me before, so it's not a new
experience for me", I explained, "All I have to do talk to a few
people I know.. and work out the right spell...".
     
     I sat back in the chair and winced as I bumped a few
bruises, "Ouch", I commented, "They really gave you a going over
last night, didn't they?".
     
     "How kind of you to notice", Hikaru said sarcastically.
     
     "Well", I said, drawing in a deep breath, "Let's see if I
can still cast spells".  There was an inrush of energy as I cast
a healing spell on myself.  Hikaru was watching me in amazement
as the bruises and cuts on my face disappeared and I glowed with
a soft light.
     
     Hikaru whistled in awe, "You weren't kidding when you said
you were a god", he whispered.
     
     "Well", I said, looking down at my new body, "Actually I
guess I'm a Goddess at the moment".
     
     Hikaru was silent for a long moment then he stood and walked
around me, looking up and down, murmuring thoughtfully.  "WHAT?",
I asked, self-consciously.
     
     "Oh nothing", Hikaru said, "I just wondered if there was
something wrong with the way I looked.. I guess not...".
     
     I frowned at him, "Of course not", I agreed, "Now do you
want to tell me why you're so depressed?".
     
     "What? being turned into a guy isn't enough?", he replied
sarcastically.
     
     I shook my head, "You were depressed before I even met you",
I reminded him, "Now spill it!".
     
     Hikaru gave me a small smile, "Fair enough", he said.  Over
the next hour I listened to one of the saddest stories it's ever
been my misfortune to hear.  Hikaru had been involved with a guy
named Kasuga, who had apparently dumped him (her actually) for
his best friend.  To make matters worse, neither of them would
return her phonecalls and ignored her when she tried to talk to
them in 
public.
     
     "Unbelievable", I sighed, "These two were suppose to be your
friends? what a pair of lowlifes!".
     
     I felt the room shift suddenly and I suddenly found myself
lying on the floor, Hikaru was standing over me, "Don't you DARE
speak about my Darling and Modoka that way!", he bellowed
angrily.
     
     I rubbed my cheek where his fist had connected, wondering if
I had enough energy left to heal myself again.  After a moment
Hikaru's eyes lost their anger and he guilty offered me a hand
up, "I'm sorry", he apologised.
     
     "Watch it", I reminded him, "You're in my body now and it's
not a lightweight one".
     
     Hikaru nodded and sat down opposite me again.  "So", I said,
"What do you want to do now?".
     
     "What do you mean?", Hikaru asked.
     
     "Well", I said, looking at the window, "It occurs to me that
you'd be much happier if you were friends with Kasuga and Modoka
again, how about we try to do something in that area?".
     
     "But how?", Hikaru asked, "They won't return my calls and
ignore me in public".
     
     I smiled, "Why do you think that is?", I asked.
     
     "I don't know!", Hikaru protested, "I...".
     
     "Look", I said, breaking into his protest, "If you care
about them as much as you seem to, you have two options: first
you never talk to or see them again..".  Hikaru shook his head
sharply and I shrugged, "Second: you give up trying to make
Kasuga love you and be happy for them".
     
     Hikaru lowered his head and began to cry silently.  I placed
an arm on his shoulder, "Come on mate!", I said, "Cheer up, I'm
sure you'll find someone you can love just as much as Kasuga".
     
     Hikaru looked up, "You think so?", she asked.
     
     "Of course!", I said, smiling, "As nice as you are, and as
good looking as I am, why you can't miss!".
     
     I got a smile for my efforts, "So how about lunch?", I
suggested, "My treat?".
     
     Hikaru nodded and then looked at me critically, "You're not
going out like that are you?", he asked.
     
     "What?", I asked, looking at the casual clothes I was
wearing.
     
     "I have a reputation to maintain", Hikaru said critically.

     "So what do you suggest?", I asked curiously.

     I few moments later I found myself dragged into Hikaru's
room and dumped on the bed as she searched around in the closet. 
Feeling rather self-conscious I watched as Hikaru (in my body)
searched through all the little 'cute' clothes.  I kept looking
around, making sure that no one could possibly see what was going
on.  After a long search, he finally settled on a set of clothing
and laid it out on the bed.  Then he looked at me strangely, "How
are you going to get changed?", he asked pointedly.

     Realising what she was talking about, I blushed slightly,
"Well...", I began.

     "Oh no!", he said, shaking her head at me, "You'd better
come up with some magic or something!".

     I nodded and after a few false starts managed to get the
clothes into a modified 'clothes change' spell.  I mentally
reminded myself to remove that particular ensemble from my
wardrobe after this assignment.  Hikaru nodded in satisfaction
and then looked down at himself, "This is a little flashy", he 
noted, picking at my uniform dubiously.

     Whispering another clothes-change spell, he suddenly found
himself wearing my usual jeans and jacket ensemble.  "Good
enough", he noticed.

     "Ok", I said, holding out my hand, "Let's go".

     "Where?", he asked suspiciously.

     "I thought we might eat at a place I know near Nekomi Tech",
I observed.

     "Nekomi Tech?", Hikaru asked carefully, "You're a college
student?".

     I frowned, "Well I suppose so", I observed.

     Hikaru nodded, "I've always wanted to go out with a college
student", he observed.

                                  ******

     It was a little after midday when we'd finished lunch,
unfortunately our choice of venue dictated a stop at the temple
shortly afterwards.  This was for two reasons, first if Urd
discovered that I'd had lunch with a young lady other than her
I'd be in deep trouble and secondly I needed some advice rather
badly.

     "A temple?", Hikaru asked as we walked through the front
gates.

     I nodded, "It's surprisingly peaceful most of the time", I
observed.

     There was some noise from the workshop and I gestured for
Hikaru to follow me.  Keiichi was working underneath the latest
effort of the Motor Club (which had been supplied by Ootaki
'ready-to-assemble'), "G'day Keiichi", I called over the noise of
the engine.

     A sudden clang announced Keiichi's head connecting with the
bottom of the car, before the engine suddenly turned off and he
cautiously stuck his head up and looked over at me.  "Do I know
you?", he asked.

     I grinned, "Of course you do", I said easily.

     He looked over at Hikaru, "Brett, who's this?", he asked.

     I shook my head, "Nope", I observed, "That's Hikaru..".

     Keiichi looked at me in confusion, "Explain it please?", he
asked desperately.  After a few minutes explanation his
expression changed from one of concern to one of barely
controlled laughter.

     "What's so funny?", Hikaru asked him with a frown.

     "Urd'll love this", he laughed wiping tears of mirth from
his eyes.

     "Urd?", Hikaru asked curiously.

     "Yes Urd!", a voice snapped angrily from the doorway.  Urd
stalked into the room, "I heard you were having lunch with a
young girl", she observed to Hikaru.

     Hikaru took an involuntary step back, mumbling something
inaudible, "Perhaps I can explain", I volunteered.

     Urd gave me a glance that would have frozen water, "You
can?", she asked.

     "Geeze Urd", I observed, "You really get jealous, don't
ya?".

     Urd blinked in surprise and then looked back and forth
between Hikaru and me, "What the...", she began.

     I walked over to Hikaru and took his arm, "I mean it's not
like I go out with other girls all the time", I continued, "This
was purely business after all..".

     Hikaru was looking around in confusion, "Does someone want
to let me in on what's going on?", he asked cautiously.

     Urd was glaring at me and she suddenly cast a spell.  Her
eyes widened and she looked at me in disbelief, "Brett?", she
asked weakly.

     I nodded, "Yup", I said, "Courtesy of this wonderful job I
took on".

                                  ******

     It was early evening when Brett had finally finished her
explanations, throughout Hikaru had sat quietly, only offering
opinions when asked.  "So what are you going to do now?", Keiichi
asked, "Doesn't look like you'll be in classes this week...".

     Brett shook her head, "I'm afraid not", she agreed.

     "Why not?", Hikaru asked, "If you can impersonate me, I'm
sure I can impersonate you...".

     Brett grimaced, "Do you know much about computers?", she
asked curiously.

     "Ahh.. no", Hikaru admitted.

     "Then it's probably better if we concentrate on making
people believe that I'm you", Brett observed, "People won't think
much of me missing a few classes..".

     "We'll just make sure Skuld tutors you in the things you
miss", Urd observed blandly.

     Brett grimaced, "Oh no.. anything but that!", she groaned.

     Urd gestured to Brett, "Can I have a word with you?", she
asked.

     Brett nodded and the two of them went to her room.  Hikaru
sat awkwardly waiting for Brett to return, "So where do you go to
school Hikaru?", Belldandy asked pleasantly.  Hikaru smiled and
found after a few minutes of conversation she wasn't quite so
awkward with these people.

                                  ******

     "So what did you want to talk to me about?", I asked as Urd
shut the door.

     "How could you grant such a stupid wish?!?!", Urd demanded
angrily.

     I rocked back slightly at the anger in her voice, "It wasn't
up to me!", I protested, "When the client wishes, we grant it!
you know that!".

     Urd grumbled slightly and then looked me up and down, "She's
still very young", she observed.

     I grimaced, "You're telling me!", I agreed, "You should have
seen some of the things she wanted me to wear!".  Urd began
laughing and I sighed, "Now I know how Ranma felt", I observed.

     This only caused Urd to laugh harder and she had to sit
down, "So what about us?", Urd asked finally.

     "What do you mean?", I asked carefully, "I *hope* this is
not gonna be for too long, if I can work out how Phalarus managed
to invade my body I'll be able to swap back".

     "But it was a wish!", Urd protested, "The Ultimate
Force...".

     I shook my head, "Remember that she said 'see' how the it
was for her", I pointed out, "That could be interpreted as being
only for a short time".

     "Or it could be a lifetime!", Urd replied in a worried tone,
"What are you going to do?".

     I frowned, "First off I'm going to help Hikaru get her life
back on track", I replied firmly, "She seems to be going through
a rough patch, them I'm gonna talk to Nilthar and see what he
knows about possessing someone... I'll work something out, don't
worry".

     Urd stood and walked towards me, "I don't think I can be
without you for too long", she admitted, hugging me tightly.  I
must say being hugged by Urd while in a different body was a
totally different experience.  Usually she rested her head on my
chest, now I found the reverse was happening.

     I think Urd also felt strange because she pulled away more
quickly than usual, "Don't worry about it Urd", I reassured her,
"I'll be around".

                                 ******  

     Hikaru and I ended up shopping for the afternoon. 
Apparently he thought that the choice of clothing I had was not
for him.  He picked quite a few unusual things to wear, some up-
market clothes that I wouldn't have touched because they were too
fancy.  She was carrying several large packages by the time we
reached his house, "I still think you paid too much", I said
critically as he unpacked the clothes.

     "Look", Hikaru said, "You dress a little too shabbily for
me, you don't have any style..".
     
     "Thanks so much!", I replied sarcastically, "Like it makes
much difference to me!".

     Hikaru gave me an innocent look, "You don't even dress a bit
better when you go out with Urd?", he asked.

     I frowned, "When Urd and I go out it's not usually to
something that requires a three-piece-suit", I replied, looking
that the item he'd picked.

     Hikaru shook his head, "You neglectful man", he chided.

     "What are you talking about?", I demanded.

     "Urd's your girlfriend right?", he asked, staring at me
intently.

     I nodded slowly, "I suppose so", I allowed.

     "Well girls like to be taken out to fancy places!", Hikaru
explained, "they like to be pampered and made a lot of.. when was
the last time you took her out for dinner?".

     I thought for a moment, "It's been a while", I admitted, "I
made dinner for her last week, does that count?".

     Hikaru looked surprised, "You cooked dinner for her?", he
asked in amazement.

     "Sure, I enjoying cooking dinner", I explained, "When I can
get the kitchen away from Belldandy...".

     "Does she ever cook for you?", he asked.

     I thought for a moment, "No.. and I think I prefer it that
way", I explained, "Urd isn't a very good cook".

     Hikaru frowned, "Maybe she should be taking you to dinner",
he mumbled awkwardly.  We had a dinner of leftovers and Hikaru
went to bed relatively early, I sat up for a little while
watching TV until sleep finally overcame me.

                                  ******
                                     
     The less said about the next morning the better, it's enough
to say that Hikaru discovered that magic couldn't be used for
everything relating to our body-swap.  He was more than a little
grumpy as he sat down for breakfast.  Of course I was a little
put-out myself, but I managed to get through the morning without
too many embarrassing mishaps.

     We'd just finished breakfast when the phone ran, Hikaru
immediately moved to answer it, before I grabbed his arm, "Might
be better if I answer it", I suggested.

     He nodded and I picked up the receiver, "Hello? Hikaru?", a
voice asked.

     "That's right", I replied.

     "You're late for practice! the director is furious!", the
voice explained, "You'd better get down here in a hurry..".

     "I can't.. I'm sick", I said, thinking quickly.

     "You don't sound sick", the voice observed.

     I coughed into the phone, "Does that sound better?", I asked
sarcastically, "I'm sick, ok?".

     "Ok, Ok!", the voice said, "I'll tell the director, but
remember that we've got another show next week".

     I hung up the phone, "What was that about?", Hikaru asked
quickly.

     "It was some girl about a practice session...", I began.

     Hikaru shook his head, "Damn", he observed, "I was suppose
to be there an hour ago...".

     "I don't think you could fit into the costume at this
point", I observed, looking him up and down.

     He grimaced, "You're probably right", he admitted, "So what
do we do now?".

     "First we have an appointment at Bokuto police station", I
explained, "I want to see a couple of my friends there..".

     Hikaru gave me an angry look, "I thought I told you that I
wasn't going to report what happened?!?!", he demanded.

     I smiled slightly, "You're not going to", I observed, "I'm
going to..".

                                  ******

     Natsumi grinned as Brett walked into the office, "Yo!", she
called, "Long time no see!".

     Brett seemed to smile a little weakly and he walked over
towards her desk, a young lady seemed to be leading the way,
"Natsumi!", the girl said, shaking her hand, "Good to see you
again".

     Natsumi frowned at the girl, "Do I know you?", she asked
curiously.

     The girl elbowed Brett and he grimaced, "Natsumi", he said
quickly, "Can we please talk some place private?".  Natsumi
frowned, but nodded, "Sure, in one of the interview rooms", she
said.

     They walked into the small room and Natsumi unhooked the
camera from the wall, "So what did you want to talk about?", she
asked, turning to Brett.

     Brett gestured to the young girl, "I realise this is going
to be difficult to believe", the girl said, "But *I* am Brett".

     Natsumi grimaced, "What is this?", she asked, "Some kind of
joke?".

     The girl shook her head, "Nope", she said, "remember I told
you that I grant wishes?".

     "Yes..", Natsumi said, nodding slowly.

     "I also grant wishes when people say things like: 'I wish
you could see what it's like for me'", she observed dryly.

     Natsumi looked back and forth between the two of them, "Then
who's the girl?", she asked, totally confused.

     "I'm Hikaru", Hikaru explained.

     "Let me get this straight", Natsumi said, holding up a hand,
"You", she said, point at what she thought was Brett, "Are a
young girl named Hikaru?".

     Hikaru nodded, "And Brett is now in my body", he explained.

     "And you", Natsumi said, pointing at the young girl, "Are
Brett?".

     Brett nodded, "That's right", she said.

     Natsumi concentrated for a moment, clearing things up in her
mind, "Right", she said, looking that Brett, "What can I do for
you?".

     Brett's expression became serious, "Two nights ago, a gang
tried to rape Hikaru", she said bluntly.

     "What?!??", Natsumi asked in confusion, looking at Hikaru in
confusion.

     Brett understood what she meant, "No no!", she said, "This
was before we swapped bodies".

     Natsumi nodded and looked over at Hikaru, "Can you give me
their descriptions?", she asked, pulling out a notebook.

     Hikaru shook his head, "I can't", he said.

     At Natsumi's confused look Brett sighed, "Hikaru is
reluctant to report it", she explained, "So I thought I'd better
help him out".

     Natsumi frowned, "How?", she asked.

     Brett concentrated for a few moments whispering under her
breath a shimmering image of the assailants appeared, "Do you
have a camera?", Brett asked quietly.  Natsumi ducked out and
grabbed a camera, taking photos of each of the members of the
group.

     "So how do you want to do this?", Natsumi asked, looking
over at Hikaru, "I don't think she'll testify in court...".

     "Could I report the incident?", Brett asked, "Since I took
their photos and saw what they were doing?".

     Natsumi thought for a few moments, "Of course the government
would prosecute them with photo evidence.. they'd probably bring
the charges up themselves..", she mused.

     "Fine", Brett said, "I suppose you want me to make a
statement?".

     Natsumi smiled, "You should be familiar with the practice by
now", she grinned.

                                  ******

     We walked from the police station and headed towards the
train that would take us back towards Hikaru's home.  Hikaru was
silent as we walked, even though I attempted conversation with
him several times.  "So what's the deal with you and those police
officers?", Hikaru finally asked.

     I smiled slightly, "Natsumi and her partner pulled me over
for a traffic violation a few months back", I explained, "It just
happened to be during that time that someone decided to target me
for assassination".

     "Assassination?", Hikaru asked weakly.

     "Yeah", I sighed, "There were several reasons for it, main
one was that I'd pissed off too many Demons and they'd put a
price on my head..".

     "Demons?", Hikaru muttered.

     "Evil, nasty creatures that are not fun to have around", I
explained, "I'd managed to piss them off totally so they employed
some human underworld figures to 'take me out'".

     "And those policewomen saved you?", Hikaru guessed.

     I coughed, "Err sort of", I said, "They arrested the human
thugs while I protected them from the Demons that were involved".

     "She seemed rather friendly towards you", Hikaru pointed
out, "Doesn't she know about Urd?".

     I frowned, "Of course she does", I said, "Natsumi and I are
just friends...".

     Hikaru gave me a disbelieving look, "So you lead her on even
though you're already spoken for?", he asked.

     "No", I said turning around, "I don't 'lead her on' and
neither do I consider myself 'spoken for'".

     "I thought you said..", Hikaru began.

     "Look", I said, "I love Urd and we have a great
relationship".  I stopped walking and looked at Hikaru seriously,
"I'm not planning on running away with Natsumi, but I'm also
Natsumi's friend.. Urd understands that.. even if she does get a
little jealous from time to time".

     I notice Hikaru was looking a little shaken and I took a
deep breath, "Sorry mate", I apologised, "I've had enough twists
and turns with my relationship with Urd that I'm a little
defensive".

     Hikaru was silent for a while and I let him be.  We were
walking through a crowded mall when Hikaru suddenly drew in a
sharp breath, I glanced at him, "What's wrong?", I asked quickly.

     "It's Modoka", Hikaru whispered quietly.

     I grabbed Hikaru's arm to keep him from turning away,
"You've gotta face this", I said, "Don't worry, just stand there
and keep your mouth shut!".

     I put on a smile and quickened our pace, recognising Madoka
from the picture Hikaru had shown me I called out to her,
"Madoka! over here!".

     Madoka and her two companions looked surprised to say the
least, "Hikaru?", she said in amazement.  The two girls with her
whispered something amongst themselves and eyed Hikaru carefully.

     I dragged Hikaru along and walked up to them, "Long time no
see", I observed, "How are things?".

     Madoka blinked, "Fine", she said, looking at the man on my
arm in amazement.

     "Oh!", I said, laughing, "This is Brett".

     Madoka nodded politely at Hikaru, "Pleased to meet you", she
said.

     "Err Likewise", Hikaru replied awkwardly.

     "So are you shopping?", I asked, looking at the bags the
girls were carrying.

     Madoka nodded and managed a smile, "We were about to go over
to the ABCB", she explained, "Would you like to come?".

     Hikaru beat me to it, "That's very generous of you", he said
with a smile, "But Hikaru and I have other plans for this
afternoon".

     I glanced up at him and noticed his warning look, "That's
right", I confirmed, "Sorry Madoka, we'll have to see you
later..".  Hikaru nearly dragged me out of there and I glanced up
at him when we were out of sight, "Why not go with them?", I
asked, "It's a good opportunity..".

     "To what?", Hikaru demanded, "To have me embarrass
myself!?!?".

     I shook my head, "Don't forget", I said, "You told me you
wanted to keep them as friends!".

     Hikaru nodded, "I know", he admitted, "But things are so
fresh in my mind.. I don't think I could see Kasuga again..".

     "Look mate", I said, "You aren't you, remember? you're me!
if you walked up to Kasuga at the moment he wouldn't know who you
are!".

     Hikaru looked thoughtful for a moment, "Very well", he said,
"What do you suggest?".

                                  ******
     
     A little over an hour later Hikaru walked into the ABCB, he
steeled himself as he looked over and saw Kasuga and Madoka
talking closely.  "Go on!", a voice whispered.

     He glanced down at Brett, who was sitting in his top pocket. 
Somehow the Goddess had managed to shrink her body till it was
like a small doll.  "Be firm, have a seat and order something",
she advised.

     Hikaru walked over and sat down.  Kasuga walked over to
serve him, "What can I get you?", he asked with a smile.

     Feeling his heart catch in his chest, Hikaru quickly named
his favourite dish.  Kasuga nodded and moved towards the kitchen. 
Hikaru stared at him thoughtfully.  A voice disturbed him and he
turned sharply, "So we meet again?", Madoka said, sitting down
beside him.

     Hikaru nodded, "Hikaru suggested I might like to stop in
here", he explained, "She said something about it being an
excellent place to eat".

     Madoka nodded, "It is", she confirmed, "One of the best
places around..".

     Hikaru smiled slightly, "I suppose you're wondering what I'm
doing hanging around a girl seven years younger than me", he
asked bluntly.

     "Well the thought had occurred to me", Madoka admitted, "She
is a little young for you".

     "Why is that?", Hikaru asked pointedly, "You'd don't think
she's attractive enough?".

     Madoka shook her head, "Not at all", she said quickly.

     Hikaru smiled slightly, "Well apparently she's attracted to
older men", he observed, glancing over significantly at Kasuga.

     Madoka's eyes narrowed, "What did she tell you?", she asked
dangerously.

     "Oh not a lot", Hikaru said off handedly, "Just that Kasuga
dumped her to go out with her best friend...".

     Kasuga who was walking back with Hikaru's food stopped in
mid-step, he winced at the tone in Hikaru's voice, "Who are
you?", he demanded, slamming the food onto the counter.

     Madoka glared at Hikaru angrily, "His name is Brett", she
said, "And apparently he's a friend of Hikaru".

     Hikaru nodded, "Quite a good friend", he confirmed, "I know
her better than I know myself".

     Kasuga glanced at him warily, "What are you doing here?", he
asked woodenly.

     "Just trying to find out why you'd dump a girl after so long
just to go out with her best friend", he said in an casual
manner.

     Madoka looked ready to hit Hikaru and actually raised her
fist, "How dare you!", she said angrily.

     Hikaru looked at Madoka and shook his head, "How dare I?",
he asked, "How dare you! you went behind your best friend's back
and stole her boyfriend!".

     "Now just a minute", Kasuga said firmly, placing a hand on
Madoka's arm, "I think you're going a little far..".

     "Am I?", Hikaru asked sarcastically, "I don't think I'm
going far enough! Do you realise what you did to m.. her?", he
demanded, "The pain you put her through?!?!".

     Kasuga nodded sadly, "I do", he admitted, "But it's better
to tell the truth rather than lie any longer!".

     "After how long?", Hikaru asked angrily, "Why couldn't you
admit it a year ago!?!? Hikaru knew she was losing you, but
trusted that you loved her!!".  Madoka and Kasuga both looked
pained and Kasuga had opened his mouth to reply when there was a
sudden smashing of glass.

     The front door to the ABCB was suddenly ripped off its
hinges as a large motorcycle smashed through it.  The tough
riding the bike grinned at Hikaru, "Hello again!", he shouted,
pulling out a gun.  Everything seemed to go into slow motion as
he fired the gun.  Kasuga threw himself at Madoka, Hikaru  tried
to jump out of the way, a blue sparkle emanating from his jacket
pocket.  Then everything stopped.

                                  ******

     I stopped concentrating and looked around.  The room was
frozen, except for Hikaru, Kasuga, Madoka and myself.  Hikaru and
the rest were looking around in confusion at the bullet that was
suspended in mid-air in front of them.

     "What's going on?", Kasuga demanded, looking around in
amazement.  Madoka just stared at the gunman, who was frozen, his
face twisted in a leer, the smoke from his gun was hanging in
mid-air.

     I whispered another spell and regained my full size. 
"HIKARU!", Madoka exclaimed in amazement, "How..".

     I glanced at her, "This isn't the time for discussion", I
said bluntly, "The time-stop spell won't last forever and we need
to work out what to do!".

     Kasuga was speechless and he looked at me in shock, "How..",
he began.

     I glanced over at Hikaru, "Hikaru!", I said quickly, "Grab
one of those chairs and bring it here".

     Hikaru nodded and picked up a chair.  Madoka and Kasuga were
totally confused and Kasuga reached out to touch the bullet that
was sitting in space in front of them, "DON'T!", I ordered,
kicking his hand away.

     He winced and rubbed his hand, "Why?", he asked.  I grabbed
the chair Hikaru had gotten and hefted it over my head.  With all
my strength I threw it at the tough.  It left my fingers and
travelled nearly half a meter before it suddenly stopped mid-air,
"Because if you touch the bullet", I explained, "It will be free
to continue on it's course".

     I glanced around, "Everyone grab something and throw it at
him", I advised.  We all picked up as many objects as we could
find and threw them in the direction of the tough.  In under a
minute we had at least two dozen objects of varying size headed
in his direction.

     "Now", I said, "Make sure you're out of the way of the
bullet and our objects".

     Everyone took up positions around the room and Madoka was
looking at me intently, "I'll explain everything later", I
promised, "The spell will wear off any second".  A moment later
it did, the thug would have been amazed at the number of objects
headed in his direction, that is if he'd managed to stay
conscious after the first chair hit him in the head.  

                                  ******

     As soon as the spell wore off I began moving towards the
front window, sitting in front of the cafe were a half-dozen men
on motorcycles I recognised them immediately.  Modoka and Kasuga
were staring at me intently and I glanced over at Hikaru, he was
still shaking.

     "Hikaru", I said sharply, he looked up at the tone in my
voice, "You get those two out of here", I said, indicating her
two friends, "If this place has a backdoor, use it!".

     Kasuga was staring at me intently, "Who are you?", he
demanded, "You're not Hikaru!".

     I nodded, "As I said there's no time to explain now", I
snapped angrily, "Just get the hell out of here, I'll take care
of this!".

     Hikaru grabbed Kasuga's arm and pulled him towards the rear
exit, "Move it", he ordered.  Hikaru gave me a glance over her
shoulder, "Are you going to be ok?", she asked.

     I nodded and gave her a wink, "No problem", I said firmly,
"These guys don't know what they just walked into!".  Seeing that
Hikaru had taken his friends outside I began some preparations. 
Snapping my fingers I changed into my armour, unfortunately the
armour fell off me rather quickly, being designed for my normal
body.  Switching back to regular clothes I took a deep breath and
stepped outside.

     "Hey look!", one of the gang, "It's the girl!".

     "Come back for more?", one of them laughed, revving his bike
and coming directly for me.

     Now normally I wouldn't have been so violent, but these guys
had gone over the line.  They had actually tried to kill me!  I
snapped off a quick forcefield spell and the eager thug coming
towards me at high speed suddenly hit something stronger than a
wall of stone.  His bike crumpled (as you'd expect when you drive
into a wall at 60kph) and he hit the wall with a wet-sounding
thunk.

     His companions at that point pulled out various weapons and
started forward.  I raised a hand and shot a burst of flame in
their direction, it was a bit showy, but it had the desired
effect, the gang scattered.  I picked one fellow out who was
whirling a chain around his head and hit his bike with a
forcebolt.  The bike disappeared in an explosion, it's rider
avoided most of the shrapnel and ended up in a heap on the road. 
The remaining gang members fled, in their haste they forgot their
two wounded companions.  The sound of police sirens echoed
through the streets and I looked around for Hikaru and his
friends.

                                  ******

     Madoka and Kasuga were led through the rear door of ABCB by
the unfamiliar man, Kasuga was practically being dragged along by
one arm, "Hey!", he protested, "I can walk by myself!".

     The man nodded, letting him go, Kasuga massaged his wrist,
wincing at the pain in his arm.  "Sorry", the man apologised, "I
don't know my own strength".

     There was a muffled explosion from the front of the store
and a pillar of smoke rose up, "Hikaru", Madoka murmured quietly,
"What happened to her?".

     "'Hikaru'", the man said with a sigh, "Will be fine, don't
worry I doubt that gang will be though".

     "Could you explain what's going on now?", Kasuga asked
desperately.

     "I should let.. err.. her explain it", the man said quickly,
"I'm not sure I understand much of it myself".

     "Why did Hikaru call *you* Hikaru?", Madoka asked suddenly.

     "Oh", the man said, "You caught that huh?"  Madoka nodded
and the man sighed, "Well the truth is, I'm Hikaru".

     "You're Hikaru?", Kasuga asked, looking at him dubiously.

     "Don't be ridiculous!", Madoka snapped, "Are you saying you
changed bodies with this man?".

     "That's right", Hikaru said with a nod, "Brett is
actually..".

     "Here now", a voice said from further up the alley.  She
walked down to where everyone was standing and shook her head,
"Let's hope they learn their lesson this time", she said with a
sigh, "I'm sick of having to get rid of them".

     Hikaru nodded, "Is it safe?", he asked curiously.

     "The police are here now", Brett confirmed, "And an
ambulance for the gang members who got hurt".

     Kasuga and Madoka were looking back and forth between Brett
and Hikaru in amazement.  "How did this happen?", Madoka, "This
isn't possible!".

     Kasuga looked a little wary, "How did it happen?", he asked
as well.

     Brett looked around cautiously, "This isn't exactly a good
place to discuss it", she observed, she grabbed Hikaru's hand,
"Everyone grab onto each other".

     Madoka and Kasuga warily joined hands with Hikaru, Brett
touched the watch on his arm with on finger, speaking an
unfamiliar word.  There was a flash of bright blue light and
suddenly everyone was tumbling to the floor in the middle of
Hikaru's loungeroom.

     "Sorry!", Brett apologised, picking herself up from where
she'd landed on a chair, "I've only been here for a few days,
it's hard to transport accurately...".

     Kasuga was staring at Brett in amazement, "You're some kind
of Espier!", he accused.

     Brett shook her head, "Nope", she said, "I'm something
totally different...".  Brett looked at Kasuga closely, "Why
would you draw that conclusion", she asked curiously.

     "Never mind that!", Madoka interrupted, "How did this
happen?".

     Brett sat down on a chair with a sigh, "Hikaru here made a
wish", she said, "That was for *me* to see things from his point
of view".

     Madoka was even more confused, "I don't believe this", she
said shaking her head, "Everything's going crazy!".  There was a
knock at the door at this point and Brett stood, "I'll get it",
she said to Hikaru, "You try to keep your friends from having a
nervous breakdown".

                                  ******

     I know I wasn't being as nice as I should have been to
Madoka, it must have been a large adjustment for her to make that
there were things in the world that she couldn't explain.  Kasuga
seemed to be taking things a little better, he was still amazed
and confused, but he didn't seem totally shocked.  I opened the
door slightly, "Yes?", I asked.

     "I'm here to see Brett", a familiar face announced.

     "Nilthar!", I said quickly, "Come on in".

     Nilthar frowned at me, "Do I know you miss?", he asked
politely.

     I grimaced, "You do", I agreed and proceeded to fill him in
on the details.  If I was hoping he wouldn't have a nice old
laugh at my expense I was wrong.  My friend had come a long way
since he'd left the confines of Hell and his existence as a
Demon, although he still had a rather nasty sense of humour.

     "All right!", I said after thirty seconds of being laughed
at, "I didn't invite you here to laugh at me!".

     He settled down and grinned at me, "Sorry", he said, "This
is the funniest thing I've seen since I saw one of the Lords of
Hell get his foot stuck in the doorman..".

     "Don't you mean door?", I asked curiously.

     "No", Nilthar disagreed, "You see the doorman got in the
way...".

     I held up my hands, "I don't want to know!", I said firmly.

     "So if I'm not here to tell my funny stories", Nilthar said,
"Why am I here?".

     "You are here", I said carefully, "To help me work out a
solution to the current problem I've got".

     "Ahh!", Nilthar said knowingly, "You know you do make quite
a cute girl..".

     I grimaced, "This body belongs to the young lady that's
currently inhabiting my body!", I said quickly, "I want get my
own body back and so does she!".

     Nilthar nodded, "I can see you might", he admitted.  We
walked back inside and I noticed that Madoka seemed more stable
(ie: she wasn't sitting with her head in her hands saying, 'this
is all a bad dream' anymore).

     "Who's that?", Hikaru asked quickly.

     Nilthar bowed low, "I am Nilthar", he introduced himself
grandly, "2nd Level Demon at your service".

     Kasuga blinked, "Did you say 'Demon'?", he asked weakly.

     Nilthar nodded, "Reformed I assure you", he added.

     "I asked Nilthar to come and help since his kind have the
ability to possess people", I explained, "He also owes me a
couple of favours!".

     Nilthar looked at me indignantly, "I do not!", he protested.

     "Who stopped Syliana from making you into kebab?", I asked
pointedly.

     Nilthar winced at the memory, his first meeting with the
Goddess of Mystery hadn't gone very well at all, in fact he was
lucky to be alive.  "All right", he said, "But this makes us
even!".

     I grinned at him as he walked over and looked at Hikaru
carefully, "Please move your head forward", he asked him.  Hikaru
did as he was told and Nilthar frowned slightly as he looked at
Hikaru's neck, "Well there's no sign of entry", he observed,
"Usually there's a residue of magic at the base of the neck..".

     "So what does that mean?", I asked quickly.  Nilthar
shrugged, "It means that this wasn't done by a Demon", he
explained.

     "We know that!", Hikaru snapped angrily, "Can't you tell us
something useful?".

     Nilthar gave her a frown, "I just did", he said, "It means
that I can't help you".

     "Great", I observed, "So what now?".

     "You could talk to one of the Lords of Hell", Nilthar
suggested dryly, "But I doubt you'd be able to get much help".

     I shrugged, "Thanks anyway mate", I said with a sigh, "Looks
like I'm stuck this way for a while".

     Nilthar nodded, "There are worse things to be turned into",
he reminded me.

     "I know", I sighed.

     Nilthar bowed low to the ground and then disappeared in a
flash of yellow, sulfuric smoke, "I've gotta teach him how not to
do the smoke thing", I coughed.

     Hikaru hurried and opened some windows, Madoka moved to help
him.  Soon the room was clear again and Kasuga frowned
thoughtfully, "How come he didn't just appear in front of us like
that?", he asked.

     I smiled, "Nilthar may be a Demon", I explained, "But he
does have good manners".

                                  ******

     "I might have a suggestion", Kasuga said quietly.

     Brett glanced at him quickly, "What would that be?", she
asked.  Everyone was looking at him and Kasuga gulped nervously,
"Err.. See there's this legend in our family about a magical
rope", he explained, "It's suppose to allow people to swap
souls.. ".

     Hikaru gave Keiichi a strange glance, "You never mentioned
that before", he observed.

     Kasuga looked at him with a grimace, "The subject never came
up", he said dryly, "I think my grandfather might know where the
rope is..".

     Madoka was looking at Kasuga in amazement, "You think a rope
can help them?", she asked dubiously.

     "Grandfather says it works", Kasuga said firmly.

     Brett stood, "Well let's go mate!", she said firmly, "If
this thing is magical I can tell pretty quickly, even if it
doesn't work anymore I might be able to work out how it was
used!".

     Madoka and Hikaru also stood but Brett shook her head, "You
two stay here", she said grimly, "Other than the fact I'd rather
deal with one thing at a time, I think you need to work out some
things..".

     Kasuga looked guilty at Hikaru and Brett grabbed his arm,
"Come on!", she insisted, "Let the girls talk for a bit".  Kasuga
allowed himself to be led from the room, he trudged along beside
Brett, looking glum.

     "Cheer up mate", Brett suggested, "At least you have two
girls interested in you.. most young men would be envious".

     Kasuga gave Brett a strange look, "You don't sound too sure
about that", he observed, "Why would that be?".

     Brett blinked in surprise, "You're quick", she noted, "Most
people wouldn't have picked that up".  They turned into the park
and Brett sighed, "I have on occasion had more than one young
lady after me", she admitted, "But you can be thankful that the
ladies that are after you aren't Goddesses".

     "Goddesses?", Kasuga asked curiously.

     Brett nodded, "A Goddess in a tantrum can throw bolts of
lightning around and wreck entire city blocks", she said with a
shudder, "The worst that can happen with your ladies is some
minor internal house damage".

     Kasuga smiled slightly, "So how did you work out your
problem?", he asked curiously.

     Brett nodded slowly, "They basically told me to choose
between them", she explained, "Choosing between two people who I
care about wasn't easy, in the end I just had to go with my gut
feeling".

     "I understand better than you think", Kasuga said quietly,
"I was faced with the same choice".

     "Perhaps", Brett allowed, "But I think you bungled it".

     Kasuga gave Brett an angry look, "How can you say that?", he
demanded, "I did the same as you did! I made a choice!".

     Brett nodded, "You did, but you could have been more
diplomatic about it", she argued, "Hikaru told me that you
refused to even talk to her anymore! that's not the actions of
someone who cares about the person they've hurt!".

     Kasuga looked troubled, he shook his head, "I didn't want to
do that!", he said firmly, "But Hikaru isn't the kind of person
to take no for an answer.. she would have kept after me..".

     "Perhaps", Brett said, "In fact you're probably right, he..
I mean she is a rather single-minded individual".  Brett glanced
at Kasuga and noticed the pained expression on his face, "Look
mate", he said carefully, "Do you actually care about Hikaru at
all?".

     Kasuga nodded, "I do", he admitted, "Just not the same way
she seems to want me too".

     "Ok", Brett said, pouncing on that statement, "Do you still
want to be friends with her?".

     Kasuga nodded, and Brett gave him a curious look, "Are you
sure you still want to be friends?", she asked intently.

     "I already said yes!", Kasuga snapped angrily.

     "Then why are you ignoring her?", Brett asked bluntly, "It's
been several weeks since your breakup, Hikaru has lost both her
best friends, Madoka doesn't talk to her anymore..".

     "We thought it'd make it easier..", Kasuga began.

     "How many friends, real friends does Hikaru have?", Brett
asked.

     "Not many", Kasuga admitted.

     "So you took away not only her 'darling' but her two best
friends as well", Brett observed.

     "I suppose I didn't look at it that way", Kasuga admitted.

                                  ******

     We reached Kasuga's apartment building and he motioned me to
be quiet, "My sisters will probably be around", he whispered,
"And I'd rather not have them start up any rumours that we.. I
mean that I and Hikaru have gotten back together..".

     I nodded, "Fair enough", I said, concentrating.  There was a
flash of blue light and I was suddenly only a couple of inches
tall, "Pick me up and put me in your pocket", I yelled to him.

     Kasuga blinked and rubbed his eyes once, before bending down
on one knee and placing his hand down flat on the ground, I
climbed aboard and secured myself in his pocket.  "I'm home!", he
called loudly, entering the apartment.

     "Kasuga! you'll never guess who we saw today!", one of
Kasuga's sisters said as soon as he walked into the living room.

     "Hikaru and this Gaijin guy!", the other sister blurted
quickly, "He looked ten years older than her!".

     Kasuga nodded, "I know", he said.

     The two girls exchanged a confused look, "You know?", the
one with glasses asked in amazement.

     "When did you find out?", the second asked, cornering Kasuga
before he could walk past.

     I took a peek around the apartment and noticed that there
was an elderly gentleman reading a newspaper at the far end of
the room, I kicked Kasuga a few times in the chest and he quickly
stepped around his sisters, "I'll explain later", he said.

     As we approached the old man he looked up curiously,
"Kasuga?", he asked curiously, "What are you doing with someone
in your pocket?".

     I frowned in confusion, and the old man smiled, "I can sense
you", he explained, "that's why I know you're there..".

     "Grandfather!", Kasuga protested, "You aren't suppose to be
using the power!".

     The old man looked a little guilty, "Why are you carrying
someone around in your pocket?", he asked in reply.

     Kasuga's two sisters were crowding in and looking at me
closely so I climbed out, "Hey Kasuga!", I called, "Put me on the
ground!".

     Kasuga sighed and placed me on the ground in front of the
couch.  There was a white blur and I suddenly found myself being
examined by a rather large cat.  "Jingro stop that!", Kasuga
snapped, reaching for his cat.

     I simply cancelled the spell and suddenly returned to my
normal size.  The cat leaped six feet in the air and retreated
from the room with a terrified yowl.  The old man blinked,
"You're not Hikaru!", he protested.

     Realising something was up with the old fellow I quickly
cast a spell Urd had taught me that would mask my thoughts and
the old man frowned, "That's a good trick", he complimented me,
"I can't sense you at all now!".

     I turned around to Kasuga, "Why didn't you tell me your
family had special abilities?", I asked him bluntly.

     "Well", Kasuga said carefully, "We're not suppose to tell
anyone...".

     The two sisters were looking at me in amazement, "If that's
not Hikaru", one said.

     "Then who is it?", the other finished, "And how did you
shrink down like that?!??!".

     I shook my head, "I don't have the time or the inclination
to explain at the moment", I said, rubbing my forehead, "Can we
please just get to the point?".

     Kasuga nodded, "Grandfather!", he said earnestly, "We need
the soul-swapping rope!".

     Kasuga's grandfather frowned, "The rope?", he said, "It's in
the storage closet..".  In a flash Kasuga was over to the closet
and pulled out a large box, as he opened it I felt a strange
tingling.

     I walked over and looked at the rope he was holding, "It's
magical all right", I confirmed, "From the feel of it, it's very
old too".  Concentrating I whispered a spell that would allow me
to discover who'd created the rope.  An image rose in my mind and
I grimaced in distaste, "Loki", I said after a moment.

     "Loki?", Kasuga asked in confusion.

     "Norse God of Mischief", the grandfather explained before I
could answer, "Always playing pranks on mortals and other
gods..".

     "And he also is fated to start Ragnarok!", I said grimly,
"He's a nasty piece of work who I've run into before..".

     "You know an ancient Norse God?", Kasuga murmured, "Exactly
how old are you?".

     I frowned, "How old do I look?", I asked carefully.

     "Seventeen!", the sister wearing the glasses guessed.

     I glanced over at her and smiled slightly, "*I* am actually
twenty five", I explained, "But just cause I'm not thousands of
years old doesn't mean that I can't know Gods who are thousands
of years old, like Loki".

     Coiling up the rope I gave Kasuga a frank look, "I assume
you know how to use this?", I asked.

     Kasuga's family looked at each other and then broke into
laughter, which continued for a while, "I'll take that as a
'yes'", I said with a grin.

                                  ******

     "There they are", Akira observed to his gang.  They'd been
hiding out at the park where they'd first encountered that girl,
hoping that she'd turn up again.  His 'gang' had gone from a
strong half-dozen to a measly four.  Akira himself was wrapped up
in a large number of bandages, courtesy of a strange ball of fire
that had appeared in that Gaijin's hands.

     "But boss!", Hiroshi protested, "That girl took out Yusuke
when he was armed with an uzi!".

     "She wasn't so tough the other night!", Akira snorted, "If
that Gaijin hadn't interfered...".

     "He shot flames at you!", Hiroshi reminded him, a touch of
hysteria in his voice, "Why can't you just leave this alone".

     Akira snapped out with a punch that flattened the smaller
Hiroshi, "Just do as I tell you!", he said grimly.

     The gang waited until the two figures were only a few meters
away and then rushed out.  Akira nailed the girl in the back of
the head with a well-placed kick, while the other three kicked
the legs out from underneath the guy.

     "Hey boss!", Hiroshi said, examining the guy they'd grabbed,
"It's not the Gaijin!".

     Akira sighed in frustration and looked at the strange rope
the girl was holding in one hand, "Look at this", he laughed,
"She brought along just what we needed..".

     The moment his hand touched the rope his eyes took on a
strange expression, "What the hell...", he began, looking around.

     Hiroshi looked over at Akira, "You ok boss?", he asked,
"What do you want us to do with this kid?".

     'Akira' gave him a glance, "Leave him alone", he snapped.

     "Uhh.. boss?", Hiroshi asked, looking at him in amazement as
he coiled up the rope, "You aren't going to tie her up?".

     'Akira' shook his head, "Nope", he said, "I want one of you
to help me carry her and two of you take him".  He picked up the
girl carefully, Hiroshi helping him, "Where are we taking them?",
he asked.

     "You'll see", 'Akira' replied with a grin.

                                  ******

     To say that Natsumi was surprised when I turned up with the
gang at her station was an understatement.  I walked inside and
requested to see her, apparently this Akira guy was really scary
since his gang hadn't even argued when he'd ordered them into the
police station.  It took a few minutes for me to convince Natsumi
that I was who I said I was and a few more minutes to convince
her to go along with my plan.

     I placed 'Hikaru' in one of the interview rooms and locked
the door on the way out.  Kasuga had been taken into the 'viewing
room' and I woke him with a quick spell.  He woke with a start,
"Where am I?", he groaned.

     I carefully helped him to a chair, "You're ok mate", I said
steadily, "The pain will disappear soon..".

     He looked at me and his eyes suddenly came into focus,
"Brett?", he asked weakly.

     I nodded, patting the rope I'd placed on the table, "Thanks
to your little 'rope trick' I managed to swap places with gang
leader..", I explained.

     "Gang?", Kasuga asked, "Which gang?".

     I snorted, "The same one that seems to be following Hikaru
and myself around", I explained, "The ones that attacked us at
the ABCB..".

     "Why are they after you two?", Kasuga asked, "You never did
explain..".

     I frowned, "Well mate", I said softly, "The night I met
Hikaru..".  I explained to him how I'd found the gang in the
early stages of raping her.  He looked at me in disbelief and I
shook my head, "I'm just thankful that I was able to get there
and stop it in time", I finished.

     "Where are we?", Kasuga asked quickly, changing the subject
without much tact.

     "Bokuto police station", I said, "I have some friends here
who have offered us the use of their facilities for a little
project..".

     He looked at the one-way mirror and noticed Hikaru's body
lying on the table in the interview room, "That's him?", he asked
grimly.

     I nodded, "Now let me explain to you what I have in mind", I
said with a grim smile.

                                  ******

     Natsumi was visibly shaken as she returned from putting the
gang leader Akira in his cell.  She gave Brett a steady look,
"What did you do to him?", she demanded.

     "Nothing physical", Brett replied, carefully testing
Hikaru's body, "After all I have to 'drive' this body home".

     "I'd like to know how you manage to get a hardened criminal
sobbing like a child!", Natsumi said, "It was pathetic! he was
happy to get into his cell!".

     Kasuga and Brett exchanged a knowing look, "You'd be amazed
at what you can do when you improvise", Kasuga said, "People
really hide some things from themselves..".

     "And it's sometimes horrible when they see what they've
become", Brett finished, "Let's just say that Mr Akira won't be
raping anymore women, or doing anything wrong ever again!".

     Natsumi paled, "You didn't!", she gasped.

     Brett shook her head, "No", she said grimly, "But he would
have deserved it! you'll be getting a full account of everything
he's done wrong since childhood, I trust you'll take care of
it?".

     Natsumi nodded, "I take it you'll be getting your own body
back soon?", she asked.

     Brett nodded, "Yup", she said, looking up at her with a
grin, "It'll be nice to be able to look down on all you people
again!".

     Natsumi grinned in response, "I'm sure Urd will be pleased",
she said slyly.

     Brett laughed, "I'm agree", she said dryly.  

                                  ******

     Kasuga and I walked up to Hikaru's door and knocked gently. 
A few moments later the door was flung open, "Where have the two
of you been?", Madoka demanded, "Kasuga's Grandfather said you
left hours ago!".

     "We had a little run in with a certain gang", I observed,
"But they won't be bothering us again".

     Hikaru looked at me dubiously, "What happened this time?",
he asked dryly.  After a quick explanation Hikaru looked
satisfied, I carefully left out the details of the 'punishment'
that Kasuga and I had worked out.

     "So is that it?", Hikaru asked curiously, looking at the
short rope I was holding.

     I nodded, "Here, catch", I said, flicking one end towards
him.  From my point of view I suddenly got taller.  "I'll take
that", I said, gently removing Hikaru's hand from the rope.

     Hikaru was examining herself carefully, "Hey!", she said,
rubbing a few new bruises, "You haven't been taking care of my
body very well!", she protested.

     I placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered a healing
spell.  The familiar blue glow settled around her and Hikaru
sighed, "That's nice", she murmured, "Feels warm..".

     I smiled at her expression and then glanced over at Kasuga,
"How are you feeling mate?", I asked curiously.

     Kasuga looked at me and nodded, "Now your accent suits your
body", he said with a laugh.

     "I bloody well hope so!", I grimaced, "No offence Hikaru", I
said, giving her a wink, "But as nice as your body is, I think
I'll stick to my own..".

     "The feeling is more than mutual", Hikaru said, poking her
tongue out at me.

     Madoka and Kasuga joined in the round of laughter that
followed her statement.  There was an awkward moment of silence
before Madoka spoke up, "We had better be going", she said,
nudging Kasuga, "We've both got work tomorrow..".

     Kasuga nodded, "Thanks for the help Brett", he said, looking
slightly up at me, "Keep the rope, it's more trouble than it's
worth!".

     I nodded, "Any time mate!", I replied with a grin.

     Madoka looked over at Hikaru (who's expression had faded
quite a bit), "We'll see you tomorrow", she said in farewell.

     Hikaru's face positively glowed at that statement and she
nodded.  We watched Madoka and Kasuga walk around the corner out
of sight, Hikaru closed the door gently and let out a sigh of
relief, "I'm glad that's over", she said with feeling.

     I laughed slightly at her expression, "And here I was
thinking that you weren't having a good time", I said.

     "Oh not at all!", she said sarcastically, "No matter what
else, since you came to visit, my life hasn't been dull!".

     We returned to the living room and sat down, "So can I
assume that you and Madoka have worked things out?", I asked
quietly.

     Hikaru nodded, "It's never going to be the same", she said
regretfully, "But she's still my friend".

     I nodded, "I think you'll find Kasuga will be a little more
sociable too", I said smiling a little.

     "What did you say to him?", Hikaru asked suspiciously.

     I shrugged, "Nothing I haven't said to myself on occasion",
I replied evasively, "Just that he shouldn't forget that he can
still be your friend".

     Hikaru stood and walked across the room, she sat down beside
me and kissed me on the cheek, "Thank you", she said firmly.

     I grinned a little awkwardly, "No problem", I assured her,
"Always glad to help".

     She looked at me closely, "If you were a few years younger",
she observed quietly.

     "I wouldn't be nearly as interesting", I assured her with a
grin.

     She laughed a little and gave me a hug, "You're probably
right", she said, standing up, "Would you like some dinner?", she
asked.

     We had a pleasant meal and at the conclusion Hikaru handed
me a pair of tickets, "Bring Urd", she said with a grin, "We can
go out afterwards and have some dinner".

     "We'll be there", I promised, I bowed slightly, "Goodbye
Hikaru, I'll see you later".  Hikaru nodded and I quickly
teleported back to the temple.

     I arrived in my room with a crash, someone had moved the
clock so that it was sitting above a pile of books.  I glanced up
at the open door from my position upside down covered in computer
manuals, "I see you're back", Urd observed dryly.

     "Urr yeah", I replied, picking myself up off the floor.  I
had just managed to stand when Urd caught me in a bonecrushing
hug.  It felt much more natural this time and I hugged her back,
"Nice to be back", I murmured.

     Urd made a sound that sounded happy and finally let go of me
after a full minute, "What are those?", she asked, noticing the
tickets in my hand.

     "What are you doing Saturday night?", I asked her with a
smile.

                                  ******
     I was both grateful and dismayed by Hikaru's choice of
clothing.  Urd assured me that the clothes that Hikaru had chosen
while she was using my body looked very good, in fact Urd said
that it made me look very handsome.  Now that's all well and
good, but the tie felt like a noose around my neck and I was
slowly overheating.  The show was in it's finale (for which I was
thankful, never being a real fan of live dancing shows) and I had
trouble sitting still.

     Hikaru's performance was flawless (to my untrained eye at
least) and I think Urd was enjoying herself, she seemed quite
honest with her applause and had a big smile on her face.  On the
whole I'd enjoyed the performance more than I thought I would,
but I think that was mainly due to the fact that things were
always more interesting when a friend was involved.  I'd noticed
Kasuga and Madoka in the audience as well and I reminded myself
to say hello later on after the performance.

     Suddenly Urd was on her feet applauding again, as was most
of the audience, I stood and applauded as well, Hikaru looked
radiant on the stage as someone passed her a bouquet of flowers. 
"She's going to go far", Urd predicted.

     I nodded absently, "All the way to the top", I agreed
quietly.

     Urd looked at me and I blinked, "I just saw an image of her
dancing in a huge hall that was packed to capacity, people were
chanting her name..", I explained.

     "That's good", Urd congratulated me, "Looks like your
precognitive powers are coming back...".

     We stood and moved up closer to the stage, the passes that
Hikaru had given me let us move into the backstage area, Hikaru
was surrounded by admirers and she was signing autographs by the
dozen.  "Brett!", a familiar voice called, I glanced over to
where Kasuga and Madoka were sitting, watching their friend in
her moment of glory.

     "You two look very satisfied", I observed with a smile, they
were both watching Hikaru with pride, almost like proud parents.

     Madoka smiled, "It's nice to see her so happy", she replied.

     Kasuga nodded, "She's been excited all week since we agreed
to come along", he confirmed.

     "This is Urd", I said, introducing her.

     Urd nodded in greeting and Kasuga stared at her for a
moment, before Madoka elbowed him in the ribs, "Sorry", he
laughed.

     "Think nothing of it", Urd said with a smile.

     Several people came up to talk to us while we were waiting
for Hikaru, one half-drunk producer went as far as propositioning
Urd while she was still holding my arm possessively.  I made it
quite clear to the producer that Urd didn't have any interest in
being in his next 'production' and Urd punctuated the point by
zapping him with a low level lightning bolt while he wasn't
looking.

     Finally Hikaru emerged from her dressing room surrounded by
other members of the production, she'd changed into a lovely
dress that accented her more than generous proportions.  Dinner
was at a restaurant not far from the theatre and it was attended
by most of the cast and a number of their friends.  All in all it
was a nice evening, it was near midnight when we walked Hikaru
home, "I thought I'd better let you all know", Hikaru said
seriously, when we'd reached her door, "I'm going overseas next
month".

     Kasuga and Madoka looked shocked, "Why?", Madoka asked
quickly.

     "The production is opening in New York apparently", she
explained, "And they've asked me to remain in my part as the
leading lady..".

     I grinned at her, "This is your chance", I said quickly, "Do
well and you'll go all the way!".

     Hikaru, Madoka and Kasuga all looked at me in amazement, I
guess I put a lot of conviction in my voice, Urd laughed, "Don't
argue with him", she advised, "He is the God of Destiny after
all!".

     Kasuga smiled at Hikaru, "I'm sure you'll do fine as well",
he said firmly, "We'll be here when you get back!".

     Madoka smiled too, "Just remember that you've got friends
here and when you come back some day we'll be here to meet you!",
she agreed.

     "I'll look forward to that day", Hikaru said with a grin,
she quickly hugged Madoka and Kasuga and then to my surprise I
got a hug as well.  Urd and I returned to the temple shortly
afterwards and I found myself relaxing on the steps with Urd
resting up against my shoulder, "So what do you see for us?", Urd
asked quietly.

     I smiled, "I don't know", I admitted, "This power isn't
something I seem to be able to control..".

     "But you could see the future for Hikaru!", Urd protested,
pulling away from me and looking at me accusingly.

     I leant forward and kissed Urd, cutting off her protest, "Do
you really what to know what the future holds for us?", I asked
her as I broke the kiss, "Because I think I'd prefer to leave it
as a surprise".

     "You may have a point", Urd murmured, snuggling up against
me.

                                  ******

Author's Notes:

     Geeze.. I can't believe it's been two years since I started
writing this little (little compared to my other OMGod efforts :)
story... I guess I get sidetracked a lot!  Thanks go to Jeff
Ainsworth who managed to get me a copy of the KOR movie (and get
me really depressed! way to go Jeff!) - Thanks also to James
Nutley for providing lotsa C&C!

     This story has changed quite a bit from what I originally
though I'd be writing.. for one thing there's a second KOR movie
now and I have yet to see it (that last little bit about Hikaru
becoming famous was from some hints about the second movie some
friends have given me).

     Oh My God has just kept going on and going on that I'm quite
amazed.. every week I keep getting several people commenting on
my stories and I'm always getting requests from people who want
my latest stuff.. my web page has undergone some changes as well
- I'll hopefully be updating it more often with my newer
stories... 

     Previous parts of Oh My God are available from
http://www.ozanime.com/ - or just e-mail me and I'll send you a
copy of what you want...

-----Brett (30/3/98)
     darkwnd@sv.net.au