Standard Disclaimer

Sorry for the delay on this, a lot of things happening. Two projects going into production, X-mass shopping, and helping run a game room at Con-Alt-Delete in Chicago. It did not go well...but anyway hope your having a good Holiday season and have a great New Years. This is the last chapter of this little ditty...thinking an Eva/Sekirei or Freezing cross over, or some of the neat ideas people have given me.

X-X

This Time Around

Chapter – 8

Sitting in a semi-nice restaurant and bar, Urd was nursing her third saki while enjoying the atmosphere. While it wasn't really the best time for a series of dates, Urd accepted that sometimes you do the dumb things on purpose. After the initial discovery and ultimatum from the alternate Belldandy, the trio of paramours had a small set of nights/days out. First it was Urd and Keiichi alone, then Peorth and the dufus mortal, and today was the last planned event which saw all three out together. If they failed all of this would be gone, so enjoy it just in case. Though Urd did have a secret hope that if they did fail she could convince her alternate sister for a little break.

"So do we want to eat here, or go somewhere else after we finish these?" Keiichi held up his lone can of beer. Never much of a drinker, Keiichi wouldn't abstain at least like a prude. Mortal tried to put on a brave front, be strong for his two wish bound goddesses. Sadly this was an odd situation. It wasn't the end of the world, a dangerous plight, it was just their relationship that was at risk. Keiichi, even if things turned tits-up, was still going to be bound to at least one Goddess that loved him. Blushing a little as their waitress winked at him as she dropped off Peorth's wine, "A-and I think we need to talk about what we plan to do."

Holding her hand out as she sampled her vintage, Peorth did not want talking yet. Her soft brown business suit accentuated her hair and bangles perfectly. Hell whenever Urd and Peorth were out together they just HAD to try and outdo one another, meant the restaurant was just gazing at them with awe and envy. "Not now Ma Cherie, that talk is for later. Tonight is our group date, something I think we neglected over our time. I can show Urd up and get your eyes on me just as I wish like this," she winked and flinched her head at the departing waitress.

"Our little Kei-chan is getting all the attention. Maybe we don't have to worry about Belldandy and some other sweet little thing," Urd's shook her shoe off. Moving to antagonize Keiichi under the table, her foot struck another feminine appendage on a similar quest. A match of silent foot smashing quickly ensued. Peorth and Urd HAD talked about the plan to counter this extra-planer threat. The plan was sound, could work, but had one glaring problem and it was for Keiichi to plug up. Flipping through the menu, bar food was either fried or greasy and those were two things Belldandy oft refused to make.

Unknowing about the great battle going on under the table, Keiichi idly checked over the menu as well more to hide his being called out. Sipping more of his beverage, "Betting she thinks I'm your family or something. We are off campus so likely hasn't heard the great legend that you two crafted for me. For the life of me those rumors will not stop." The neigh never ceasing tale of Keiichi-Morisato continued into tall-tale territory. The small motorcycle enthusiast with a foot and a half member, two model girlfriends, leader of the Motor Club, and the apple of numerous other women's eyes.

In a show of dominance, Urd bounced her foot into the backside of Peorth's knee then scored a victory. Laying her foot fully across Keiichi's sizable protuberance, "You are family. My family. Why we're doing this. If…if this is the last great memory we have before things do get reset. I want to engrave my essence into your soul so even if your mind forgets me, your core will never be without me." She felt him grow taught against her foot and that trill went along her leg and right to the nadir of hers. If she were a lesser creature, a human perhaps, she'd drag that man into the bathroom stall! Maybe she had to much to drink already…nope. "Another!" she held her glass up and saw three men and one woman all point at Urd and then to their server.

"Tis as her drunken grace has alluded. Je t'aime de toute mon ?me…I love you with my whole soul," Peorth translated her words. Urd noticed when Peorth got do drunk or flustered she fell back into French. Not saying she was spying on the rival goddess, but a mini-Urd had spied on the pair in the act before. Peorth would degrade into long streams of French, not that Keiichi understood it. When a new round of free drinks came, whoever bought them for the three they didn't care, they put in food orders, Peorth just had to get a salad to counter the unhealthy options the others got. "And Urd, please stop what you're doing. Be a shame if you made us end our evening prematurely."

Jealous, Peorth just had to be, and that made Urd smirk and increase her actions. "Oh, nothing to worry about. A little spit and polish could clean up any mess right?" Urd flinched her head down at Keiichi. See if Peorth could take up THAT challenge. Their powers could easily clean up any little mess Keiichi made, but could Peorth do something…dangerous? Both of her bond-mates blinked in shock at one another but said nothing. Oh that burning against Urd's foot intensified and twitched a few times. "Ten…nine…eight…"she started counting as she furiously worked to finish as she counted.

"U-Urd you shouldn't do-do this. Not really f-fair i-is it?" Keiichi gritted his teeth. Oh the mortal had gotten far better in the art of lovemaking since their first time, but Urd knew him through and through. Both Peorth and she chose outfits they both knew enthralled him, they were cuddlier since the event, and it was again time for possible 'last times'. An unspoken agreement went up as well, if one of them wanted to be with Keiichi the other forced Bell to do something, but that was becoming harder to do. Wining as he frantically looked about, "I-I-I think we might need to leave soon…."

In a showing of deft skill and power, Peorth used her powers to knock her handbag off the table and onto the floor. "Oops, I seem to have knocked my bag over," and under the table she went. A pinch to Urd's foot got the appendage to draw back away from the intoxicating heat. Whatever Peorth was doing, Urd was not going to look or even ask. Watching the restaurant instead of Keiichi, just in case she had to put up a small barrier to mask anything they'd not want known…Urd played but would protect just as much. After a good few minutes, Peorth sat back up batted her eyes wondrously and whatever happened would forever be a mystery.

"Your orders are ready. C-can I get you anything else?" the waitress asked as she set out three trays. Well guess somebody knew what happened aside the impacted pair.

"Do you have a desserts? My two lovely ladies deserve a nice treat for suffering me today. Pick something you would like," Keiichi asked softly. Pliable and oozing relaxation, Keiichi gently pulled Peorth against his side. Didn't take much, Keiichi was the type to avoid public display of affection so when he offered it was always accepted.

Leaning onto her palm, finding this just about perfect, Urd didn't mind it was Peorth getting sugar and not her. Before the night was out she'd have her fill. "Keep talking to women like that and you'll have a stalker. And I don't know what happened, but isn't it better to give than receive?" she had to antagonize them. Both Peorth and Keiichi were to averse to a few chaotic acts. Make those memories, do those crazy things, and enjoy while you can. Maybe they wouldn't have their fill…Urd never wanted this to end. If it did, what would that mean for her? What was the alternate Urd doing now? A life without Keiichi and her together sounded vacant and sad. Maybe that was why this alternate Belldandy was forcing HER wish on this world.

The lovely hue that crested the Goddess of the Roses was adorable. Was it Urd corrupting them with her half demon heritage or just her natural being…who cared. "Non, that isn't something that need be done. We should eat and then sadly talk about…" her eyes popped open and the sound of straining chopsticks was heard. In her hands, Peorth squeezed so tightly they were nearly white.

"We don't get to eat this type of food to often. Belldandy-san isn't a fan of 'junk food'," Keiichi took up the mantle of talking. One hand under the table, the other eating a greasy cheeseburger. It dripped and slopped everywhere, a sandwich better suited for two hands but Keiichi was doing something else with the steading hand. Whatever Peorth did for Keiichi, he was making every aim to pay her back. The joys of their circular plush table in the corner of the restaurant.

Ok, this was hot. Maybe she WOULD drag Keiichi to the ladies room after he finished with Peorth. Setting up a little reflection spell, just in case anybody was sneaking peeks at the young Goddess's hoping for a cheap thrill. Picking at her own dish, French fried potato waffle fries covered with cheese and bacon, Urd's tush wiggled. "She wants us healthy, but you have to enjoy yourself from time to time," and she considered it right now. The smell coming from Peorth was rose and desire, did everything Peorth create relate to flowers?

It didn't take long for Peorth to pop. It was suitable at first, a few yips, the biting of her lower lip, but soon she had been panting and dropped her chopsticks again. They had trained their mortal well, and he was an apt pupil that wanted to practice the craft. Slamming her palm down, Urd caught the glasses less they fall over, Peorth melted into Keiichi's side with that blissful look of utter satisfaction. "I hate you Urd. I hate you so much. Going to have to repay you for this later," Peorth was a terrible liar.

"Oh you love it," Urd tossed bits of salad into Peorth's mouth. They finished eating, Keiichi treating Peorth as if she were fine china. Girl was pliable after she went off and was just draped over the man. Chuckling Urd shook her head at the two as the server came back with their desserts, fresh cookies with ice cream served in a hot skillet, "You'll have to forgive them. Anniversary for us and she's overly emotional." OH how that poor woman nearly dropped the two treats at the sight…yup another page in the great legend of Keiichi Morisato.

Blushing from ear to ear, the woman just eeped, took the money for the food and drink, and slinked off. Sliding to Peorth's other side, Urd and Keiichi took turns in spooning food into her mouth and taking bites themselves. Once the tasty goopy treat was done, the trio left the restaurant into the early evening hours. A small request from Keiichi to Megumi to keep Bell occupied, teaching how to sew, meant the pair had one guaranteed last evening together.

With the night air in her face, Peorth sobered up a little, "I guess we need to discuss the elephant in the room. As much as I would rather block it out, continue to live in this moment." She held Keiichi's right hand as Urd took the left. As they walked, people noticed. Couples clung tighter together, single people stood a bit more upright with ideas of try and get a person of their own, the aura the trio were exuding was infectious. Leaning she whispered something to Keiichi that Urd didn't hear and he started directing them about, "Urd and I have a plan. One you have a key part in Ma Cheri."

"You're not going with us, just so you know. If you went…you'd likey be killed by some racist prick," Urd felt really good. Good drink, food, and company really staved off the fear she had growing. If this was going to be it, she wanted to have the best damned night of her life! Even if Hild tried something, Urd was positive she'd be able to backhand the woman back to hell. At her ultimatum, Keiichi squeezed her hand hard, "You'll be dealing with my actual sister."

Head down, the reminder that he was the lesser creature here, Keiichi just nodded mutely. He continued to lead them to Urd and his favorite love hotel. "I guess that makes sense. I am human," the oft boon was not here, not now. Getting a strange look from the older man at the counter, Keiichi smiled softly, "Till morning please." He handed over a wad of cash. Either just to sleep or to work off the food, let the old man speculate.

"Do not do that to yourself, it is our people that are in the wrong here," Peorth took the key from Keiichi's hand. Poor man would always have that sense about him, inferior being looking into a world he didn't know or fit in. Unlocking the door, she let Keiichi in first then Urd. "Our plan is simple really. Belldandy gave us a week to choose if we would fight her or not. If we go along she'll give us a boon. She gets you first and maybe we join or don't. If we fight her…likely…" Peorth shut the door after Urd got in.

Urd loved this stupid little room. Good memories can come from even the dingiest of places and things. Keiichi and her spent more than one evening in this building, Urd felt like crying. "If we fight and she wins. Likely she'll have us not even really know you. If she is like my sister…Bell's got a bit of a jealous streak. Not that you'd know it, but she is tenacious. If she wasn't, she'd not be doing this. So we cannot fail. I do not want to have a life without you. What we saw…the other me…she was happy. But not this happy." A sense of vertigo overwhelmed her as a push to her back sent her pin wheeling to the bed.

"I have faith in both of you. Now what do you need me to do?" Keiichi was atop her instantly. These two little sneaks had plans. His hands went to her chest and her flower expertly going about their tasks. Nibbling on her ear, "Punishment for what you had us do in the restaurant…do try to accept it."

Hovering over Keiichi, appearing upside down from Urd's prospective, Peorth smirked. Clicking her tongue, "You didn't think we'd just let what you did slide did you? And you Ma Cheri…you talk to this universes Belldandy. Convince her not to assist the other one. We have a chance of fighting off one Belldandy…but two would be impossible. So you have a vital point in this…but you have a vital part in THIS as well."

Urd tried to talk, but Keiichi filled her mouth with his living passion. The plan…what plan? They went to the room of Spirit and Time and prevent Belldandy from altering the passage of actions. Keep the dreams from being destroyed, keep Urd as the initial wish granter, and just hope Keiichi succeeded! Urd had to have hope, or all of this was over. And over the evening they explored one another with such a fervent passion it was seared into there minds. They both, Keiichi and Peorth, coordinated their efforts to utterly destroy Urd's mind and she loved it.

X-X

Being back in the heavens used to make Peorth feel a sense of relief, of familiarity, but today was not that type of feeling. Somewhere up here was a foe that she couldn't go all out on, wasn't aiming for evil, but wanted to destroy her happiness. How did you fight somebody that you didn't want to hurt if you could help it? What this Belldandy was doing wasn't evil, only devastated Urd and her, and was well loved by just about everybody. And yet Peorth was ready to do just about anything short of killing or sealing her!

"Now I think we should split up for a little bit. See if we can find where she is before we go to lock in that date," Urd waved at a few passing others. They left Keiichi back at the hotel after a morning coffee, and since then they both lost their smiles. As they walked, the goddess and gods that saw them together was taken aback. Whatever they've been watching happen down on Midgard they were shocked to see the two wish bound goddess's together. Leaning in with a wink, "How does it feel to be a black sheep now too? Spending time with me must be ruining your reputation."

For a moment Peorth froze up, mind locking, and a paralyzing fear rocked her inner being. For as long as she could remember her reputation as one of the best and most respected Goddess's had been important. But after she allowed her heart to open, to let Keiichi and the rest of the temple into her heart that started to change. Summing up her courage, Peorth swallowed and nodded, "Maybe you're being dragged kicking and screaming into the limelight instead. My star is brilliant and maybe it's removing your shadow?"

They both stopped and laughed at that, the odd war of words they got into never got boring. Had to break that apprehension somehow. Moving about just enjoying being 'home' again despite it not feeling like it anymore. The temple was home now, this was the away from home trip now. Moving away from the major thoroughfares, the two let their facades of confidence drop. Switching into her combat attire, Urd pulled out a few vials of pills. Handing Peorth a handful, "These should give you more energy and boost your ability to draw from the World Tree."

"These are illegal you know. Anything that boosts mana draw has been forbidden," Peorth swirled the pills in her hand before putting them into her pocket. Leave it to Urd to just offer something that could give her a suspension as if it were candy. But Peorth didn't throw them away just in case. She loved that silly mortal she left behind, maybe a little punishment would be worth it to keep that. A moment of suspicion lanced her though, "Urd, can you promise me right now that you won't switch sides on me? I've come to like living with you, showing you up as the better Goddess. But if this starts going south, we both know Belldandy might slid a little bit and forgive you if you help."

Drawing her arms tightly across her chest, Urd became pensive and paced back and forth a little. Head bent down, Urd tapped her foot fast. Nodding once, "I know I haven't been the most dependable. Hild, Troubadour, and well how I typically act. So I see why you might say that. So yeah…I promise I will stand with you. Start to finish, good or bad. But you have to believe me. Can you trust a half-demon who is a far better lover than you are? You see him last night? If you can stand being my second, I can help you stay as my fluffer."

Stinking her hand out, Peorth rolled her eyes. "If I recall it was the two of us turning you into a non-thinking pile of limbs," Peorth fired back. Urd took her hand and they gave it one solid shake. Alright then, it was a matter of trust now. Peorth would trust Urd, despite the past inconsistencies. Yes Urd had issues with her duel nature and her personality. But over the months of co-habitation Peorth could see the true good from the half-breed. After the moment of camaraderie ended, "Going to go check my office. See if anybody saw Belldandy up here. If any of them seem trustworthy, maybe bring them with me to help."

"I wouldn't do that. Belldandy is a hero up here, an unblemished goddess loved by all. Either they would side with her, or it would tarnish MY sister's reputation. If we succeed here, it will not be over the body of my actual sister," Urd was offering no quarter on that. Taking a few steps down the corridor, Urd twirled her broom in her hand and leapt onto it side saddle. Hovering into the air, "Going to see if Hild is having any activity that might account for some of this. Maybe it's all a big ploy of hers. Meet you at the gate in two hours. Be ready."

Watching Urd fly off, Peorth had that lingering doubt. Urd was selfish, spontaneous, and thought whatever action justified the means and would always be that way. It was part of how Urd lived and how she wished to be. Putting her happiness and future in that woman's hand felt like a dangerous risk. "But she is loving, caring, and has much to lose here too. And if she does betray me, means I win. And Urd couldn't live with that," Peorth found confidence in that. Even if Urd took this alternate Belldandy's offer she would know she betrayed Peorth AND Keiichi for personal wants, and that was not a thing Peorth thought Urd could live with.

"Well I don't have much time so better get moving," Peorth resisted moving though. Slower than she should be going considering the threat, Peorth took a leisurely stroll to the Earth Help Center. She hadn't worked alongside her fellow team members since she was bound to Keiichi. They kept their status as being tied with the Relief Agency, but Peorth worked out of the temple now. What did they think of her, did they think she was going 'native' or worse? Standing outside the office, hand on the handle, "Does it matter if they do?" Her reputation…she worked so hard for it. It was her whole reason for being until that mortal wormed into her heart.

Before she could open the door, it was pushed from the inside and she had to take a step back to avoid a door edge to the face. "Oh I'm sorry, didn't know anybody was…Lady Peorth!? Oh my it is you! Welcome back!" a Third Class god gasped! Throwing the door open and gesturing Peorth to enter, the god's nose to ear chain jangled about excitedly. Calling back into the office, "Everybody Lady Peorth is here!"

At the call, everybody in the office stood at attention, and stood tall and proud awaiting inspection. The atmosphere changed from lighthearted to charged and nervous. The general was back, the one that forced perfection, the hard ass leader who did not tolerate failure.

Walking into the old office, Peorth saw those feared and nervous expressions on all of their faces. This is what her old life had created, feared yet respected. Not liked, they did not 'like' her, they respected her as their leader. If it came down to a choice between Belldandy and her, they would choose Belldandy. Respect based on fear compared to Respect based on opinion…it hurt. Why was she able to relax so much more down in Midgard? "At ease everybody. Just making an inspection, making sure you're all still working hard. We are tied with the Goddess Relief Agency, can we do better?"

"Yes we can!" they all chorused and stomped their foot. This was an oiled machine, heavily trained, and ready to do anything to get the wish granted and market share increased. Each and every worker here had been handpicked by Peorth for their dedication and spirit. She took that, used it, and made this office great. Going up the Goddess Relief Agency which was backed by such prominent figures was tough.

Walking about the office once they all went back to work, Peorth inspected each station. They were doing fine without her breathing down their necks, better in some cases. "Excellent, your numbers are looking very nice," she patted the current pupil on the shoulder, he nearly fell over. Catching him as he fell, the man's pink Mohawk tickled her nose resulting in a sneeze. Helping him back to sit, "Something wrong?"

"N-no, Lady Peorth. J-just not used to you complementing is all. Your time in Midgard must be very calming…" moment the words left his lips he regretted it. Sitting up rod stiff and sweating, the man twisted his heavily corded neck to eye his superior officer.

She didn't lash out, didn't demote the God, or even consider it. Peorth just stood wide eyed at the bold face fact she was just presented with. "Yes. I guess it is. Happier down there than I would have suspected possible. Ma Cherie has that influence on people," she said the last more to herself but others heard it. She had changed since the wish, and not just the obvious. The office was dead quiet after her self-conscious comment, and she noticed eyes on her. Clearing her throat, "What? Am I not able to find happiness in the arms of another? The wish was not something I anticipated, but as I tell you. Grant ever wish to the best of your abilities. Just you can enjoy it if you can."

It was another First Class goddess that broke the silence with a sniffle and a single clap. "I am so glad for you Lady Peorth. I was worried for you being locked in Midgard. A prisoner to the system force. But you truly do appear happier than I've ever known you to be. And if you would be so kind…stories of your time with this Keiichi Morisato? The ability to watch has only recently started coming b-ack," she drawled as others paid attention to her viewing habits. Not every celestial took kindly to spying on the mortals.

But the office didn't have that disdain for humanity, go figure they spent their time granting boons to them. So the whole office was taking a small break to beset their returned and greatly relaxed leader. Demanding, but polite, they asked Peorth question after question about life on Midgard and being with a mortal. Some other god/dess's had been with mortals, wishes were what they were, but others were amazed at the prospect. Oh and Keiichi's legend had spread even to the heavens, likely hell as well. But no word of Belldandy was heard, other than the one down on the mortal plane. Checking the sun, Peorth sadly had to stop the question and answer session after promising to visit from time to time.

Flying off towards the room of spirit and time, Peorth was emboldened with the need to succeed. The woman she was now was a better person than the career blinded and bitter at those around her. More relaxed, more at peace with herself, and more driven to improve for those around her and not just to increase her numbers. The new her, it was worth fighting for! Finding Urd pacing by the door, "I take it your search went as well as mine. No word, no idea, they only knew of the version we live with."

"Same, I even…I even contacted Hild and asked her directly. I hope…I HOPE she was just playing with me, but said she didn't know anything due to odd dreams she was having," Urd paled just a little. If Hild made a play for Keiichi, well that would be a thing they couldn't fight and neither wanted. Only hell had its own courtship rituals and the CEO had special privileges. But that was a fear for another day. Picking up a stone from the ground Urd's frown intensified, "Oh and there is this." Tossing the rock at the door, a huge whirlwind erupted, caught the stone and gently set it back down some fifty feet away.

A single solitary laugh vibrated against her will and left Peorth's lips, "Even her viruses are peaceful when they can be. Part of why I'll never really 'like' your sister. I am all for peace, but this is to much. Even her attacks come off as polite." Peorth took her place right in front of the door. Cursory scan hinted at nothing, but a deeper scan revealed the beast. Complexities upon complexities, logic gates, and likely a few trillion dead end pathways. This was something Peorth would have loved to examine if she had time, it was beautiful in its intricacy. But today she had to destroy it. Leave it to Belldandy, any version of her, to never overtly attack if she could prevent it. "Think she is waiting behind the door?" she got ready to start.

"Either that or she will be the moment that code is breached. She gave us a week, we're going in early. She will not sit back and let us stop her. Though she comes off as utterly selfless, Bell has a selfish streak that is dangerous. You've seen it a little with Kei-chan lately. Furies I hope he can talk MY sister down. Either way, we will have at least this alternate Belldandy to deal with," Urd picked up the discarded stone. It was embossed with Belldandy's crest, perfectly identical. Dropping it back down Urd was exasperated, "If this was some demon we could fully unleash on it. But I don't want to hurt her! Not like she is trying to unmake reality or something nefarious! Bet if the others knew what we were stopping they'd agree with her."

Kicking the stone away, Peorth wanted a clear field before she started. "I will make a better world than her! Yes it was beautiful beyond words, but I…WE can do better!" and with that Peorth unleashed on the logic puzzle. Just like Belldandy, the force pushing outward wasn't pain it as fatigue. The longer she examined the flow, trying to find the key to break it, it sapped her consciousness and lulled her to sleep. Path after path, Peorth focused on applying her vaccine to the virus on the door. Urd kept the winds down or at least away from her, but that was the easy task.

"Stupid thing is impossible to comprehend! But she won't beat me!" Peorth forced harder. Gorgeous Rose erupted from her back and added to the effort. Sweat poured down Peorth's face as her fingers started to go numb. A few million lines of code created to counter the door virus, not even a dent in the armor!

Channeling the winds away from the hacker, Urd tried to keep up with the code Peorth was making, but gave up. "Glad you're on my side, I'd never gotten past the fortieth firewall. Have to hand it to her, this would keep anybody out," Urd's distraction got the better of her. Wrapped up in the redirected winds, Urd was pushed off leaving Peorth vulnerable.

Great, now what!? Taking a nanosecond to have vines erupt from the ground and wrap around her legs and waist, Peorth endured. "This is going to hurt, but I've an idea Urd…you better be ready to do the lion share of the fighting," Peorth warned. Remembering how Belldandy used her body as a vessel in the past, Peorth did something similar. Binding with the code for a brief moment, gleaming part of its creator and again Peorth was reminded of how blessedly tranquil Belldandy was, Peorth brute forced her way through the gate a moment later.

Falling to her knees as the door opened, her vines had cut deep gouts into her sides to keep her from being flung away. "She did not make that easy, dear," Peorth shook her head. Great, some of Belldandy's mannerisms had crossed over from the momentary sharing of space. Would explain the sudden desire to knit a sweater.

"Did you just call me dear? Look I know we shared some…tender…moments but not going to make me worry are you?" Urd had to tease. Helping Peorth off the ground she grunted. Helping herself to a small sampling of side, "You put on some weight?"

Trying to walk unaided, Peorth fell back into Urd's arms. The strength needed and the sapping from the counter-vaccine, Peorth was unable to stand yet. "Yeah, pregnant. You'll have to wait until our daughter is at least one before you can tr-" Peorth swallowed hard. Sitting with a frown in a chair was Belldandy, and she was in her battle garb as well. Well, hope Urd was ready for this.

X-X

Driving back to the temple after his early morning classes, Keiichi found it funny how afraid he was. All he had to do was talk to the perpetually tranquil Belldandy, hardly a herculean feat. Trying to convince her to not aid an alternate universe version of herself though, Keiichi's brain hurt just a little thinking about that. Parallel universes, alternate timelines, cross-dimension communication, and all that hoopla was just outside Keiichi's grasp. Urd and Peorth did their best to break it down for him, but hearing science-fiction was science-fact just buggered his mind.

Revving up the engine after he left Nekomi proper, Keiichi let the cool wind bite deeply into his few exposed bits. "If we mess up, my life won't be this anymore," Keiichi did not like that notion. It was far from perfect, Urd was a slob and Peorth a perfectionist, they fought, goddess/gods/demons would mess with them, but he didn't care! For them he could be brave, for them he would willingly face these things, and now he was faced with losing all of it. Weaving around a slow moving car, "All because her younger sister wants to be with me."

Belldandy, well a version of Belldandy, loved him and was wanting to rewrite their timeline so she was the initial Goddess to grant his wish. What man DIDN'T want to be fought over by super model goddesses with minds the size of planets! Well, Keiichi for one. Speeding up more as his frustration rocketed. "What do I do? What do I say!?" Keiichi didn't know! He liked Belldandy, he liked her a whole lot! Love…yeah he loved the girl, impossible not to. But he wasn't IN love with her, she was the dependable sister he always wanted. Megumi was the tomboy that teased and mocked him, Belldandy made him tea and cookies and listened.

Hitting an ice patch, the bike listed to the side and Keiichi nearly toppled over as he slammed on the breaks. Nearly falling off the path that declined into a ditch full of trees, Keiichi took his helmet off as he stood panting. Slamming the helmet against the handlebars, "Calm down! Getting hurt won't help anything. All I have to do is get her to not agree to help this alternate. Be honest, don't lie…I can't lie." His face was to earnest, any lie was picked off and identified nearly instantly. Peorth would play along while Urd openly mocked his failures at the craft.

Once his heart rate calmed, and his legs stopped wobbling, Keiichi finished his trip back to his home. How WOULD life with Belldandy as his girlfriend be? Up until recently the idea of Belldandy and sex was an alien concept, it destroyed any real drive he had. Now sex wasn't something Keiichi needed, but he enjoyed the oneness it brought with Peorth and Urd. So many memories were at risk, so many dreams he had, what of that future he was thinking of? A triumvirate of rings, if they'd have him, and introducing them to his parents.

"Hey Keiichi, we're nearly out of ice cream," Skuld was sitting on the porch when he arrived. Skuld had been odd since her license change to earth trainee. Now Urd teased him saying the youngest of the three Norns had a crush on him, Peorth hinted that it might be that or just youthful uncertainty. But here she sat, grease on her forehead, tools spread out, and Banpei mostly in pieces. Girl had to know where he was and doing the previous night, "Where are the others?"

Oh goodie, trial run! Keiichi hung his helmet on the handlebar and stuffed his hands into his pockets. The 'walk of shame' was not feeling like Keiichi thought it would. Shrugging, "They're back up in the heavens. We had Megumi distract Belldandy-san while we planned. D-do you know much about what is going on with your sister Belldandy?" A stupid question on some level, Skuld idolized and followed Bell like a puppy

Putting Banpei's head casing back on, Skuld smeared even more muck across her face. About to nod, she stopped and got pensive. "I used to think I did. Lately she's been different, ever since we got back she's been," Skuld trailed off and just turned to Keiichi. The unspoken words were being said. Belldandy was actively pursuing Keiichi it seemed, small touches and being around all the time. The Goddess of the Future and the mortal had that unspoken agreement, they liked one another as long as Keiichi didn't get between Skuld and Belldandy. But he wasn't trying to while Belldandy was.

"Things are more complicated than that. A lot more complicated, and I bet you understand it better than I do," Keiichi sat down next to Skuld. More aware than most people give him credit, Keiichi noticed the slight blush as he did. Time to put Urd's teasing to the test, he lightly put his hand to her back and she didn't shrug it off as she would have months ago. Taking a deep breath, "This is going to sound strange, but both Urd-chan and Peorth-chan believe it, so try to believe me." Keiichi then went over the situation as best he could. He explained the dreams, the alternate Belldandy, and what the other goddess wanted.

Skuld did her best to contain herself as Keiichi went over it all. When he finished, her hands were balled and clenching her wrench tightly. "Sh-she wants to change all of this? W-what do you want?" Skuld was oddly muted for a girl that was often overly bombastic. No Skuld-bombs, no challenges, nothing. Just a teenage girl leaning against an older man and asking a question.

Shifting his hand to her side, Keiichi pulled Skuld in closer. "I don't want this to change. I love your sister Urd, I love Peorth-chan, but I like Belldandy-san. She's a great woman, one of the most spectacular that I know. But I do not want the world being offered. What about you? Your thoughts on this?" Keiichi found a nice place past the wall and watched it. Birds flew by, smoke from the houses wafted up, but no people were heard. Somewhere inside the temple Belldandy dwelled, but she wasn't acting yet.

"I don't want it to change either. Things are great here. We get to be a family, get to stay together and not spread out like we were before," Skuld confessed. Slowly her hand mimicked Keiichi's action and the two shared a one arm hug. Sniffling, trying to keep herself together, "You…never said what you think about me, or what you're going to do. If Urd and the power hog are up in the heavens…with this plan of theirs, what are you going to do?"

For the first time, Keiichi registered Skuld as a woman and not just 'Urd's younger sister', and felt an utter heel. Guess Urd was right, Skuld did have some feelings, what degree who knew, but some. Leaning his head against Skuld's, she matched the action, "I love you too, Skuld. Just like I do Belldandy. You're family to me, I don't want you gone, neither of you." He heard her take in a deep breath and clutch him tighter. Not what she wanted to hear, but still a powerful statement. When Skuld tried to gently pull free he held tighter, "And I am here to try and convince your sister to not help that other Belldandy-san. If they joined together, well…who knows what tomorrow will bring." Using his free hand he pulled out his wallet.

"You can do it. I know you can," Skuld found herself no longer held in place. Gently freeing herself from his brotherly hug, Skuld saw the money offered up. Money had been tight, they all knew it but didn't know what to do. The Heaven's didn't have money, had little concept of it, all they knew was Keiichi worked hard to provide for them. So getting any small extra boon was at the cost of Keiichi's life force. Kissing his cheek, she took only a fraction of what was given to her, "T-thank you Keiichi-san. I…I'm going to go and…" She turned and ran.

Hearing her vacuum cleaning start and fly off into the air, Keiichi gingerly rubbed where she pressed her lips to. "Urd-chan called it, hope she's alright," Keiichi wanted to do more but couldn't. Skuld was far too young, he saw her as a sister, and well…his plate was full. At least he thought he told her well enough, she didn't blow him up or anything like she oft did when frustrated. Watching the sun slowly raise up the sky, he wondered how much time he had before zero-hour. Putting the few bills back into his wallet, "Not long. Not long at all."

"Keiichi-san? What happened to Skuld-chan?" Belldandy asked from the slid open door. When he turned, his heart ached. Such a loving expression on her face, she clung to the door and half hide behind it being coy. Normally the woman was beautiful, she was radiant right now as she hung half out the door, an upper torso with no bottom.

Getting up, Keiichi tried to reign in some form of strength for the upcoming encounter. "She went off to get some ice cream. Did you help Megumi yesterday?" Keiichi got up and headed towards his fate. Belldandy didn't move, made Keiichi move around her as he entered and took his shoes off. Finding her watching him intently, a light in her eyes that wasn't there before. What did this other woman show her, tell her, do to her? Having to look away, "S-something on my face?"

Lightly hugging him from behind, Belldandy pressed the side of her face to his back, "Just missed you is all. And yes, I taught her quite a few techniques. Were you hungry? I kept breakfast warm." After another small squeeze, she let go and the soft padding of her feet as she moved to her den, the kitchen, leaving Keiichi with no recourse but to follow. Whatever Urd and Peorth were going to do, it must not have started yet or Bell would have left or be more apprehensive.

"Some breakfast would be good. All I had so far was a little coffee. Glad you could help her too, Megumi's always been a bit self-conscious about 'girly' things," Keiichi was slow to follow. He owed Megumi a big one for her aid last night, she HATED girly things but didn't even bother asking why. Leaning against the doorframe, he just took it all in. Belldandy was humming contently to herself, that ponytail swaying to the tune as sun streamed in and bathed her in radiance. She was oh so happy, and his aim was to destroy that. Sitting at the table, "Belldandy-san…do you know why we stayed out last night?"

Fixing the plate as if she were a newlywed, Belldandy presented the dish with a flourish. "Sister and Peorth were planning what they were going to do to stop the other me. They haven't done anything yet though, she would have called me if she needed help. I am...excited," Belldandy clasped her hands together and sat down. Picking up the provided chopsticks she gathered a bit of food and presented it to Keiichi, "Aah!"

"You do know…aren't you upset with this? I mean…she's wanted to undo our lives," Keiichi suddenly felt much less confident. She knew, she wanted it, and he hand to convince her otherwise? With how Belldandy was acting, it was as if things already changed! With the food dangled before him, he took the bite and the flavor washed over him. Subtle food tastes were hard to do, how long had Belldandy been working on this?

Getting another bit for him, "Aah! And why would I be upset? From what she told me, all she is doing is setting things back to how they were originally supposed to be. I-I've come to realize that…she is right. I do love you Keiichi-san. For a long time I wondered…worried that I coveted you. It would be wrong to do that, sister and you are so wonderful together, you've guided and supported her so well. I did not want to get between you. But sister…she doesn't have those issues. So this way, we'll ALL win! Oh if only you saw what the other me had to show!" Belldandy continued to feed Keiichi until he took her hands and stopped her, her face flushed full crimson.

"You should be upset as she's taking away our free will. Urd didn't ask for those dreams, neither did Peorth. Yet they are being punished for it. What we made here, what you said you saw as wonderful won't happen. This other you, she doesn't care about what we made here. Just…just what she wants," Keiichi hated saying this. Each contradiction saw a small twitch or head shake in the woman before him. Not what she wanted to hear, not at all.

Torn between enjoying the touch and realizing where the conversation was going, Belldandy was about to bolt. Unsteadily, "You are making it sound forced or evil. The world she showed me was truly blessed! Unity between realms unthought of, all stemming from your wish with me. Sister and Peorth would not be forsaken, only difference would be who is bound to you by wish. Is that so wrong?" Birds clamored outside as a flock flew by to some unseen destination. The pair just sat there, holding hands, but not talking and both hurting. "D-do you dislike me so much that you wouldn't like this?" she was near breaking.

"The other me, the one with the other Belldandy is truly blessed, Belldandy-san. Of that I have no doubt. But…he is not me. I made my wish with Urd-san, with Peorth-san. I am in love with them. And while I do love you, I love you dearly. I…I am not IN love with you," the moment the words were out of his mouth Belldandy stood up and broke that connection. She back peddled and knocked over a few containers and marred the perfectly clean kitchen. Reaching out to her, "Don't leave, Belldandy-san! Please…please stay."

Tears in her eyes, she clutched her hands together over her heart, "K-Keiichi-san why? Am I not good enough? Am I not…desirable? Why don't you…" Backing against the counter hard, a pan fell and spilled food all over the ground.

"You are! You are better than me, you are very desirable…only I want to see how my life would be as it is. That other Belldandy means well, she does. But she doesn't know what WE can do, what WE are capable of. What if we can do just as well, what if we can do better? We'll never know unless we try. Would you…would you please let us find out if we can?" Keiichi took a few steps closer to her. Tears were streaming down both of their faces, Keiichi at hurting and Belldandy for being hurt.

Falling on her legs, Belldandy openly sobbed, "I-I-I cannot refuse you, Keiichi-san, no matter how much it hurts. B-But c-can I stay? W-will you let me stay here and still love you…" and hope you change your mind.

And as Keiichi took Belldandy into his arms, he realize why it was only he that could have done this. "Of course you can stay, Belldandy-san…It would hurt to much to see you go. You're family now, just like I told Skuld. It would be lonely without you," Keiichi ran his fingers over her hair to calm her. Belldandy was to pure, her love was pure as well. She would so whatever she could to help those she loved, even if that meant letting them go. If Urd asked, Belldandy could believe Keiichi himself wanted the change, if Peorth tried Belldandy could think it just selfishness. But when Keiichi asked…she had to accept it. He felt dirty and abusive having asked her what he did. So as a small manner of penance, he kissed her eye lids and she stopped crying…she fell asleep so he just held her.

"Now it's all on them," she carried Belldandy to her room where she refused to let go of him. If they failed now and this was all for nothing…he'd never forgive them.

X-X

The door shut behind them as they entered, well more Urd drug Peorth in and then it shut. Urd tried not to look intimidated by her little sister, but it was damn hard. Belldandy was not one to break her seal without reason, nor go into combat without intent to win, and she had both going on. So this was how it was going to be, one drag out bolt flying last hurrah. Just had to hope Keiichi succeeded or there would be literally no hope. "Here to help us put the block on I hope, remove all temptation from your heart?" Urd asked as she helped Peorth to a chair.

Goddess of the Roses was pale and breathing hard, moment her backside hit the chair she leaned onto her palms to keep herself semi-upright. Still sweating from the gargantuan feat of defeating Belldandy's virus, "All you needed to do was open the door. Or was that simply a test of our worthiness? We passed as you may have noticed, dear." Funny how Peorth speaking with Belldandy's mannerisms sounded just a little aggressive.

"Must we do this? Are you two so adverse to what you have seen we are capable of? Would you risk a world without such boons?" Belldandy slowly paced the room. Keeping her distance from the pair, she just gestured about with her arms bare. The room was white, nearly featureless save for the large exposed bit of the Yggdrasil and some viewing chairs. The twigs were multitude and branched, some long and thick others stumpy, each representing possible timelines. As the Norns they knew about such, it was inherent to them. This room was typically forbidden to enter to any other than them, though even they needed a damn good reason to enter it.

Matching Belldandy as she walked, Urd noticed how Belldandy didn't consider Peorth a threat at current, they circled the tree. Magicking away the arms of her dress, best to be practical here, Urd admitted, "I'd rather we not do this. I don't want to hurt you. Even though you're not my actual sister, your version of me would not wish you hurt. So how about we all leave here, get a nice lunch, and see you home?" Urd felt the tension drawing…something would break soon and then it would be no holds bar. "Why are YOU forcing this so much anyway? My sister would never take away free will from people," she had to try and unhinge her opponent, make her sloppy.

"Yes, nee-san would not want me hurt, same as I don't want her, or you for that matter," Belldandy created a few small wind globes. Setting them about as one would decorations, she stopped walking. A triangle was made of Urd, Peorth, and Belldandy and the alternate had spheres ready to hit both opponents. Staring up into the infinite gulf of light that their room vanished into as they had no ceiling just walls going on forever, "And you know why I must do this. It is for not only our happiness but for all people! And I do not take away free will, all I am doing is righting a wrong my sister and coworker have done."

Body heaving with each labored breath, Peorth was one foot in bed, "You say such, but then why not just hope your counterpart joins us later in life. Why must YOU be first? If you want to prove you are not forcing something, why not watch us, guide us, and not take away that which we love?" Much against her will vines tore out of the ground and propped her up as she nearly fell from her seat.

"Flower girl has a point, you could just go home and watch. We start get into trouble send a little coaching dream to us. You could if you are brave enough try getting MY sister to act bolder. Try and steal Kei-chan from us," Urd saw a crack in the armor. Having never seen her sister in love, just the condensed version, Urd had no idea how fully she had given herself to that mortal. Having already popped her little mana pills to contact Hild undetected, Urd was intimidated by the power radiating from Belldandy.

Hucking a low powered force bolt to stop Urd's inching towards Peorth, Belldandy's eyes hardened, an unknown expression crested her brow. Anger. "I might ask the two of you the same. Why must YOU be there first? I was first, until you stole that. I have seen worlds, countless, where one of you come to join us. You both know what we have done, and know it happens every time. It is assured. I have permission to do this. I have only asked your aid out of camaraderie and friendship. I love both of you, you are dear to us. So…one last time…stand down and assist me or I cannot guarantee how things will end for you," sadness yet frustrated the currently older than Urd Belldandy came across

"You're jealous! It has to be you first so you can claim…" Peorth's eyes popped open. Clawing at her throat she gagged and spit up just a little. Reaching out to Urd, Peorth was suddenly off the ground compliments of Belldandy.

"Let her go! Let her go now!" Urd rushed in. When Belldandy instead turned to face the floating goddess, both hands now squeezing, it was proof that the bell hand rung. School was in, and it was time to teach the youth not to fuck with your elders. Rather than force bolt, Urd went right for the haymaker instead. Slamming into the surprisingly dense form of her sister, Urd took her down and towered over her. Cracking her knuckles, "Didn't want it to be this way, but if you won't leave willingly, just have to force you to go. Peorth you alright? Peorth?" Making a mistake, Urd turned to see the unconscious woman.

The flat side of her lance smashed into Urd's side sending the brown skinned woman spiraling onto the ground. Oh yeah, Belldandy had Valkyrie training, oops. "I did nothing but render her unconscious. I am no monster, I only wish to do good!" Belldandy hollered. Herding Urd by slamming the butt of her staff at the ground, soon the Goddess of the Past literally had her back to the wall. Worry and fear ebbed out of the 'younger' sister, "I am not jealous either. What is wrong with what I am doing? What?"

Grabbing the lance in the moment of weakness she saw, Urd threw the thing as hard as she could away. Going old school, she grabbed Belldandy by the ponytail and put her foot on the woman's back while pulling. "You ARE jealous, you just don't want to admit it. If you can't have him first you don't want anybody too! Afraid he won't want you if he has other options! Admit it!" oddly enough Urd felt a bit of catharsis here. The Goddess everybody thought perfect and adored had one big glaring flaw, an inferiority complex. Funny that.

"NO!" Belldandy roared and a wind gust radiated out of her. A sphere of green wind billowed so strongly that Urd couldn't keep whole and flew off. Smashing off the wall, head bouncing from the impact. Stomping towards her downed foe, Belldandy cuffed the woman against the wall with torrents of air. Eyes rimmed red, "You do not know the turmoil we faced to get where we are. Everybody was against us! Mother…father…all tried to prevent it! I had a seal in me that prevented Keiichi-san from truly loving me! But we overcame it all, made our universe a better place for it! I…we earned this!"

With Belldandy so close, Urd was stunned for a moment. The vision just showed the good, none of the bad. Also learned why Belldandy acted such the wet-blanket for Keiichi, Belldandy was programmed to do it! "SO LET US EARN IT TO!" Urd raged back. Slammed her forehead into Belldandy's, people always said she had a thick skull. Belldandy just looked confused for a second, then Urd smashed into her again and she fell away as did the air binding. "I get it, you suffered a lot. But that was YOUR world, not ours. Let us suffer, let us earn it, let us try and surpass what you've done!" Urd took the kid gloves off.

"And when you fail? When you let him get hurt or die? What then?" Belldandy was done playing around as well. Coiling herself down into a ball, Belldandy flung herself at Urd using winds to accelerate herself. Only catching Urd with one fist, Belldandy had to veer away from the wall less she slam face first into it. Snarling back, "I will not let that happen. I trust my other self to do what must be done."

Holding her stomach with one hand, Urd gasped for air. When had Belldandy gotten so strong? Or had she always been and pulled her punches before. "So that is it huh? Can't trust us to keep one mortal safe? And let me guess, I never helped you at all did I? Just a bump on a log laughing?" Urd hurled some lighting backwards. The sizzling and yelp were satisfying. If Belldandy was going for the win, Urd was too! Falling down near Peorth, Urd started rooting through her pockets, "Please have them, please…need a bit of a buff."

"You helped, but you also antagonized! You tried to take him from me first. Tried to tempt him!" Belldandy recovered quickly. Grabbing Urd's hair as she had done, Belldandy proceeded to face plant Urd into Peorth's stomach. In other situations Urd wouldn't have minded a little face to stomach, blowing a raspberry to get a laugh was nice, but this was pain. Even Peorth was coughing out and waking up slightly. Pulling back for a big slam, "I just want him happy! And I know I can do that!"

More old school moves, Urd slammed her elbow into Belldandy's unprotected stomach. Grabbing the pills that rolled after Peorth got a stomach full of Urd, she popped them into her mouth. "Bet I can make him happier. Just you watch me," she channeled a big bolt with her renewed strength and let fly. Belldandy countered, and both were putting in their all. This was it, all or nothing, winner take all! "Going…to go on a long vacation without you…sleeping beauty," Urd was not happy with Peorth's nap time.

"Y-you can't! Keiichi-san loves me! We make each other happy! And when I am done fixing this…I'll go back to my own," Belldandy's arms were outstretched and forcing herself to the max.

They both twitched when the door started to open again. Somebody was coming, and with the two of them tied for strength it was an endurance race. Who gave up first would have been the loser, now it was…

Skuld walked into the room and nearly fell down from the force being exuded. "So he was telling the truth," she gasped. Suddenly the most popular person in the room, Skuld had both combats calling for her.

"Skuld! Lock in the date of the wish! She'll undo everything/Skuld-chan help me fix this broken world!" they both cried out. If either turned from the other they'd be blasted, so it was just words. Unable to look at what was happening.

Walking closer to Belldandy, the force of their exchange sending both of their hair flying about madly, Urd was inches away from her. Staring this woman that wanted to end her joy, "Love ya sis, but sometimes you can be a real pain in the ass!"

"Must you always be so stubborn? Everything a game or a joke!" Belldandy countered.

"Locked it in, both Peorth and yours. The lock will last a hundred years, best I could do," Skuld called out. And like that things changed. Belldandy's tranquil expression shifted to out and out devastation, she let her hands drop and Urd wasn't fast enough to stop and electrocuted her heavily. Sent flying across the room, rolling on the ground with frazzled and singed everything.

Rushing to her fallen foe, Urd helped sit the poor thing up, "Why did you drop that fast! I…I was giving it my all! Are you…are you alright?" Even if it wasn't her actual sister, Urd felt horrified by her action.

Helped off the ground, Belldandy hung tightly to Urd's arm, "I am…ready to go home. See my Keiichi-san. I tried. I tried, but you just have to win. I hope you are right, that you can make him happy and keep him safe. Sister, I pray you did not make a mistake." Belldandy was crying, for herself or for the world that was currently impossible.

"Why do you get to cry after all this? Make me feel the bad guy for protecting MY family like you were trying to do," Urd felt that sting of unfairness. Stupid sister would always be head full of flowers and heart of air. Leading the woman to the multi-dimensional room, Urd wasn't shocked to hear the rallying call for guards. With the power being used, something had to have scanned it. Best to go and get this Belldandy gone before people saw her and started asking questions. "Skuld lets go, drag her if you need to," Urd gave the waking Peorth a boot to the head.

They walked in silence, Urd supporting Belldandy until she recovered enough to walk alone. Once they got to the room, the portal opened for Belldandy to leave. "Why did my other not aid me though? I showed her the truth, undid the seal on her. And yet…she forsook me," Belldandy just shook her head in confusion.

Hurting all over, stupid pills had a nasty side-effect she didn't anticipate, Urd laughed ruefully. "Because she loves him like you do. If your Keiichi asked you not to do this? What would you do?" Urd asked as she found a chair to collapse into.

Standing limply for a moment, appearing just as hurt as Urd was, Belldandy nodded. "I would have let him find the happiness he wished. Could you do the same? Either of you? Things will not be easy for you, either of you. And in a hundred years, I will be back. If things are not well, we will have this talk again nee-san," Belldandy threatened and then exited through the gate.

"I…hurt…everywhere…" Peorth whined as she slumped against a wall. Rubbing her stomach where Belldandy tried to plant Urd, she just groaned and flopped to her side.

Approaching Urd, Skuld was overly confused, "What just happened? What is really going on here? Keiichi told me about things, but this was…was that really a version of Belldandy?"

Reclining in her chair, eyes going skyward to the ceiling, Urd grunted an acknowledgment. "Yup. Remind me never to piss off OUR sister. That woman packs a serious punch. And I guess our Keiichi was successful too. Party time…" Urd fell asleep in her chair. When she woke she was back in her alchemy lab, Keiichi fanning her and with a glass of water at his side. She tackled him and just hugged him. It was over. They got to keep trying, and whatever happened now was on them. Time to show that uppity bitch that thought they inferior who was the better couple!

X-X

Sitting in the lovely summer sun, Belldandy gently stroked the fur of the newest addition to the temple. It was an adorable little kitty that they let her name Velsper, name just felt right to her. Kitty had been living with them for awhile now, didn't get along well with Keiichi...well anybody that wasn't Belldandy. So she made up for the others lack of affection herself. As the female little ball of fur vibrated between her legs, who knew a cat could purr so violently, a small sensation worked its way up her spine. Little chaos was good, Urd was right. Thinking of her sister, Belldandy did hope that the current issues got resolved without her needing to accelerate things. But sister did still go actions first thought second. Case in point…

"I don't get why you're so against this! Do you know how much money I can make with just one of these sessions? You don't have any problems with the other ones!" Urd stomped across the yard of the temple. Hair now down straight and long, a change from the semi-curly hair she used to sport.

Keiichi, poor man, was rubbing the bridge of his nose with one hand and shaking his head. "It's different this time because you'd be doing a nude shoot! I've already admitted that I'm a little uncomfortable with this model business, but this? I don't like the idea of guys..." he looked at Belldandy and stopped. Some things never changed, Keiichi had a few issues talking about sexuality in front of the middle sister, well talking about that in general. Belldandy was working on that.

Opting to aid Keiichi, her love for the man had only intensified since her confession, Belldandy held her hand up. Once the two arguing and Skuld who was fixing an A/C unit of her own design to the temple noticed her attempt at getting there attention, she nodded. "What Keiichi-san is having issues with is he doesn't want to know others lust after you. To see you become nothing but a symbol of craven affection to them. Is that correct Kei-san?" she tittered as Keiichi blushed. Another step in the master plan.

"B-basically what she said yeah. Campus already is drooling whenever you're around, if they saw you...as I've seen you..." Keiichi leaned his head back and watched the clouds float by. Guy would never say 'no' to Peorth or Urd, but at times they knew he was close to it. Spinning around quickly, turning up the earth a little, "Not like we need the money anymore. With what you've already made, my job at Whirl-Wind, and Peorth's flowers, we're not rich but very comfortable."

Oops, Keiichi shouldn't have mentioned Peorth, Belldandy winced as Urd's tell was unfurled. A vein protruded and throbbed with Urd's heart, and it was going violently. "Stupid flower bitch just had to open a small shop. You know that the only reason she is successful is because her flowers aren't of Midgard! It's cheating! So I just have to level the playing field with her. And if I want to show those stupid cameras a bit of flesh, why are you so upset with it! Not like those bikini shots left much to the imagination! And I didn't hear you complaining when we gave you a priva-" now it was Urd's turn to turn to Belldandy and hold tongue.

Oh Belldandy knew about the faux photo shoot that Urd had for Keiichi that Peorth 'accidentally' walked in on and started participating in. Taking a queue from Urd, Belldandy had a chibi version of herself tastefully follow Keiichi around. But still, it wasn't time to drive the wedge in yet, so Belldandy aided everybody, "Both of you sit by me. This won't end unless both of you are honest with one another. Now sit and take my hand." Belldandy extended both of her hands out palms up for her favorite people.

"This is stupid, he's just being selfish. It's my body I can and WILL do what I want. Just told you so you wouldn't be surprised when I win some award or something," Urd pouted as she sat on Belldandy's right. Taking the hand she huffed and turned away from the group, "And if you snicker at me again Skuld I'll blow away that stupid connection hall again, make you fix it again!" Skuld had been proud of her alteration to the temple to officially connect Peorth's greenhouse to the temple proper.

Tickling Keiichi's wrist just a little as he took her hand, Belldandy spoke to Urd, "Now that doesn't sound like the Keiichi-san we both know. How about we let him say his peace first, and then you can offer your reasons? Sound fair to both of you?" It had to be subtle and light, not to overloading, just a friend trying to ease his tension. Lot of tension going on lately, Lind was scouting Nekomi right now for the Angel Eater.

"Fine with me," Keiichi held his palm up and rested his chin on it. Kicking his feet into the divots in the dirt by the temple edge, "Not much really different what I said before. I'm...afraid. This could be the start of something bad. Once she started modeling I started reading. Some cameramen can get models to go further than the anticipate, and we all know Urd can...get into things." He blushed and Belldandy felt Urd's hand go tighter, guess he was right about that. Continuing, "If she got swept up, guy or girl gets something on her...what if the guy blackmails her or something. Next thing we know she's in A/V movies and-"

The force bolt slamming into the ground and destroying one of Peorth's flower bushes, Urd stood up but couldn't free her hand from Belldandy. Rounding closer to Keiichi though, "You think some dumb camera man might get into my pants, then I'd just whore myself off? You know what I WILL do it! I'll be...be...the biggest...I hate you Kei-chan. Always worrying about me, knowing what I'd do, caring," she yanked him close with her free hand.

"See, isn't honesty better? Now why don't you tell us the truth as well sister?" Belldandy knew this tactic of Urd's. Admit defeat but try and weasel out of her side of a bargain. Joining in on the little hug, her hand straying just a little south, my he had a firm posterior. Her hand trailed up to his shoulder, playing the 'it was just an accident', she enjoyed the strong muscles of his back.

No longer being held captive by Belldandy's hand, Urd grunted again and walked a few steps away form the two who sat back down. Pointing up at the sky as Lind could be seen approaching, "I wanted your attention. I was never really going to go through with it, but while you THOUGHT I was going to...you paid me more attention. Don't pretend that you and Lind aren't getting pretty chummy. Lind I know was nothing but business, but when she talks to you she's actually friendly! And then there is Peorth, who just has to have a calling that CAN be sold to humans. My potions would stir up to much trouble. So it was an act to get you to look at me more. And as for the 'being seen nude' thing...don't lie about what came in the mail last week." She actually winked at that one.

Keiichi, gently pushed off the porch, gave Urd a small private hug. "You went through my mail again? You're to blame for that you know. After that last time, they'll be disappointed when I show up and you don't cast that spell on me," Keiichi kissed Urd's cheek. Yeah, art class wanted Keiichi to be the living model again, sans clothing, and Belldandy was going to watch that. Oh and if Urd didn't cast that spell again, she would. Nobody got to see their Keiichi in the nude, he was off the market.

"I have completed my morning check, still nothing can be seen of the Angel Eater. Morisato-kun, your suggestion of keeping in the clouds was very astute, I could scan more without worrying about being seen. Thank you," Lind, resplendent in her armor, appeared just a trifle bit bashful. "Ah, Belldandy, might there still be some of that breakfast you created? I find myself, a bit peckish," Lind bowed her head.

Getting up, with a 'was it a wink or just dust' wink at Keiichi, she lead Lind into the temple. Let Urd and Keiichi finish patching things up, Peorth was due in soon and it was those two that had the date tonight. With Urd being so fixated on Keiichi's mind, he'd not act to much with Peorth, leaving him antsy. "So tell me how your search is going, Lind-san?" Belldandy asked as she got a plate of food ready.

Belldandy listened to Lind's tale, and smiled. Everything was going perfectly, and she again had to agree with Urd that a little chaos was fun! A few weeks ago, before Lind arrived, Belldandy got a dream herself. It wasn't much, just an idea from her alternate self, oh and a little spell to mask her current demonic nature. The Angel Eater would eventually be found and defeated, and before then they would notice she was now a demon, but Belldandy was making great headway right now. Her studies paying off, who knew Succubus spells could be oh so fun.

Inviting herself into Keiichi's dreams, doing all sort of tawdry things with him? Well it was just a dream to him, one he had no control over, so it wasn't like he was cheating, and if he ever said no, well Belldandy stopped. She was a demon, but still herself, and her love for the man gave him near total control over her, willingly. Why Hild hadn't exposed her yet, Belldandy didn't know, but she wasn't going to ask.

As Lind finished eating, her eyes cast confusingly out the window to where Peorth was now hugging Keiichi and Urd glared, Belldandy hummed contently. Yes, life wasn't perfect yet, but she was working on it. Peorth, Urd, and Keiichi had tiffs and frustrations from time to time, but they still were wholly in love with one another, and Belldandy, by hook or crook, would sneak into that pairing. Well she was at least going to try her best. They had a lot of time before the seal on the timelock was off, and by then Belldandy was sure she'd make her other self proud. While the vision she had been shown by her alternate self was stunning beyond compare, Belldandy saw promise in what was happening here. It would be different, but who said you couldn't have two versions of perfection? This time around, she'd let Urd and Peorth take the reigns while she was the chaos that added the waves to their relationship. See how they liked it when they woke up one morning and walked in to see Her and Keiichi-san...well that was for another day.

X- The End -X

Author Notes

Yeah it was a bit of a brief ending, but it was never going to be a climatic explosion that nearly killed everybody. It was just one version of Belldandy trying to force reality to her will, but she still did it out of love, and nobody wanted to HURT one another, just stop the event. A nice little 'what if' story that I hope you all enjoyed.

Have a happy new year, and I hope you continue to support my odd stories under Zentrodie/Mercaba.

Ja Mata

Zentrodie