Ah My Goddess Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love Of An Memory ❯ For The Love Of An Memory ( Chapter 1 )

~For The Love of A Memory~

Written by

~Liongirl09~

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Disclaimer: I do not own any of the character's I'm going to use for this fic. They belong to their respectful owners. This was going to be my last and final Ah! My Goddess's fic. Seeing how I'm not on fanfiction.net anymore, I'm going to delete it. But I wanted to share it with you guys, so here it is.

Note: This takes place a little after the movie. Also, Keiichi and Hild have... matured in some sense. Hild and Urd are also growing in their relationship as Mother and Daughter. So Urd won't be as mean to her mother, nor will Hild be as teasing and obnoxious.

"For The Love Of A Memory"

~Part One~

Urd was drinking a bottle of Sake, when she heard the phone ring. She didn't move from her comfortable spot in her bed. She let someone else answer it. Urd had changed since the three years she had been on Earth with the mortal, "Keiichi". Her hair had smoothed out and became straight fine rows. Her attitude was more serious now, and she was less wild in her nature. Just as soon as she had put the rim of the bottle to her mouth, Belldandy came in, a worried look on her face.

" Um... Urd?" Urd's green piercing eyes darted over to her sweet natured sister.

" It's... for you." Urd closed her eyes.

" Tell whoever it is, I'm busy and don't want to be disturbed." Belldandy held her ground, her brows knitting together in even more concern.

" Urd, it's Hild. Something about... Mara?" That caught the older tanned Goddess 's attention. Without much effort, she got to her feet and stormed past her sister to the phone in the hallway. The phone was awaiting her. With a irritated sigh, she picked it up.

" Hello?"

" Urd, it's nice to hear your voice." Urd closed her eyes, a frown forming on her face.

" What is it, Mother? You hardly ever call here, so what's up?" There was a brief pause, then Hild's low voice hardened.

" It's Mara... she's in trouble... or will be if you don't do something soon." Hild explained. Urd snorted.

" That's nothing new. She's always in trouble." Hild sighed deeply.

" No Urd. You don't understand. She's in trouble. Serious trouble." Urd cracked an eye open, her frown deepening.

" I'm not in the mood to play games. Just get to the point, please."

" All right. I'll be blunt. Mara's lost her memory of everything and everyone... but you." Urd's other eye shot open, her mouth a little parted. Urd felt a wave of nausea over come her. She swayed, then regained her balance.

" Wh... What? H-How?" Her voice was shaky and she had broke into a cold sweat.

" She was bite by a "Gyorkiu" while training in the desert a month ago." Urd felt sick to her stomach.

" You do know what a Gyorkiu is, don't you?" Urd swallowed.

" Y-Yes. They're cat like creatures that live off eating flesh or anything that has flesh like tissue on it. But they also have side effects if their prey survives..." Hild's voice went even lower.

" They can brainwash their victims... then they can locate them more easier."

" B-But why is she able to only remember me?" Urd meekly asked. Skuld and Banipie had stuck their head's out to see what was up. From the look on Urd's face, they knew it wasn't good.

" I guess the bite wasn't that bad. She wants to see you, Urd. But I must warn you... she doesn't remember any of the past she had with you, growing up with you. It's almost like selective memory loss. I... I have a problem that will most likely become yours."

" What?"

" If Mara can't remember who she is, what's her job, what her mission and goals are... I will have no choice but to dispose of her..." Belldandy was walking out of Urd's room when she overheard Urd shout,

" YOUR GOING TO DO WHAT?!" Hild tried to reason with her fuming daughter.

" Try to understand, Urd. She'd be of no use to me. To anyone. She'd be worse than a child alone." Urd slammed her fist down on the table stand, making a loud shocking noise that in turn made Skuld and Belldandy flinch.

" Mother! You can't just bump Mara! She's too important to lose!"

" ... Is it that? Or is it because you are her best friend and care for her?" Hild asked, countering her. Urd winced.

" Look. I would really appreciate it if you came down and stopped by. If not for me... then for Mara at least." Urd heaved a weak sigh, her eyes slanted, her mouth suddenly dry.

" I'll be down there as soon as I can."

" Thank you dear." Urd tried to smile, but found she could not even mange that.

" Don't mention it." She slowly put the phone back in it's holder, standing still for a moment.

" This day is starting to get ugly..." She murmured sadly, turning around. She gasped softly as she saw Skuld and Belldandy standing side by side, looking at her with questioning eyes. Her eyes darted between both of them, then she hung her head and looked away, her face shadowed.

" ... I must go to Hell and see my mother about something. Mara apparently was bitten by a Gyorkiu... and she's lost her memory of everyone... but me." This made Skuld's and Belldandy's brows go up in alarm. As Urd lifted her head, she looked much older than she appeared to be. Her face look worn down and her eyes were far away...

" Oh Urd," Belldandy breathed.

" I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?" Urd grinned wryly.

" Yeah. Make sure Keiichi doesn't know. I don't want to worry him over a personal matter." Belldandy nodded. Skuld blinked twice, then made a uncertain sound.

" Urd... will you come back to us when you're done?" Urd's eyes flickered, then a soft smile crept onto her face. She moved over to where she stood, kneeled down, then lifted a hand to her face. With her hand, she cupped her cheek, and forced the younger sibling to look at her.

" Of course I will. So don't worry." Skuld sniffed. She knew it wasn't that emotional. But she couldn't help feel that Urd was getting herself into something much deeper than it led onto be.

" Okay." Urd was about to ease up, when Skuld blurted out,

" You promise right?!" Urd chuckled, moving her hand to rake through her sister's raven hair.

" I promise."

Urd went to Hell, early the next morning. She figured she was going to need a good night's sleep to tackle this. But she couldn't kid herself. She hardly slept a wink, her mind too tangled up and troubled. Hild greeted her daughter with open arms. Urd just kind of... let her mother guide her into the castle.

" She stares out the window of her room for hours, not eating or sleeping. I'm worried more about her health, then restoring her memory."

" You would be." Urd muttered angrily under her breath. Hild pretended not to hear her. They came to stop at a room that was locked. Urd frowned at this.

" You say... you try to "help" her... yet you "imprison" in her own room?" Hild returned the scowl.

" It' for her own good and safety. She's not Mara, she's not my noble servant... she's dangerous, Urd."

" Say what you want! I know Mara! And I know she's not so dangerous, she's like a wild animal!" Hild only shook her head, twisting the key and unlocking the door. Hild held back as Urd entered. Her eyes scanned the room and rested on Mara, who was sitting in a chair, gazing out the window. The sight of her, sickened her. She was so thin now, her hair tangled and messed all over, her eyes... had lost their spirit and motivation for life. Mara was like a limp, dead flower. Urd whipped her head back around.

" Ohh! So you starve her?" Hild's expression was blank.

" I already told you... she won't eat or sleep... she refuses everything we try." Hild stepped back, closing the door.

" I'll leave you two alone. Call when you're done." And with that, she closed the oak door, leaving them. Urd turned back around slowly, her mouth pressed firmly shut. Well... here goes nothing. Urd took cautious steps towards Mara. She didn't want to startle her. If Mara sensed Urd's presents, she made no sign of indicating.

" Mara?" Urd softly called to her, hoping to get the sad Demoness to look at her. No response from Mara.

" Do you recognize my voice, Mara? Nod if you do or if you don't." Mara did neither. Urd contained herself. This is like talking to a wall...

" Mara? Mara?" Urd reached out to touch Mara's bony shoulder. Mara didn't move a muscle, nor did she look away from the window she was staring out of. Urd shook her. Mara's shoulder moved, but her head did not. Urd lowered her hand back down to her side and walked in front of the window. Mara's eye narrowed just a bit then.

" Look at me, Mara. Look up at me." Urd's voice was threatening. Promising that if she didn't, she'd do something. Mara's head slowly lifted. Tired red eyes met angry green ones. The flock of curly hair that cover her left eye was brushed back with Urd's hand.

" I know you can hear me, let alone understand me. Hild told me you wanted to see me. Well, I'm here. What is it, Mara? Why do you want to see me? How is it... you remember me and not anyone else?" Mara's mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. She started to make small grunt like noises. The only words that made sense to Urd where two. Those words where "I" and "need". To Urd... it was like she was struggling to get out what she to say. But she couldn't seem to form her jumbled thoughts to words. Urd closed her eyes and sighed. She's a zombie if I ever saw one... but I must try. For her sake.

" Mara, do you know who I am? Nod yes, or shake your head no if you'd don't understand." Mara just continued to make the grunt like sounds. Urd's right brow furrowed.

" Does that mean you don't understand? Please try to concentrate." Mara was trying to concentrate, but every time she tried, she used more energy and she didn't have a lot of that these days. Urd drew her hand back and let out a frustrated cry.

" Arrgh! You know what?!" Urd retorted, lifting a hand, then spreading her fingers.

" Forget it! I'll talk to you when you're feeling better!" As Urd brushed past her, two things floated in Mara's mind. One, she didn't want Urd to go and leave her alone in this room all by herself. Two, she didn't want to Urd to think she was dense and didn't understand. Of course she did. But she was having trouble moving... thinking... Do you guys know what it's like when your body is numb all over and no matter how hard you try and force yourself to wake up or move... the numbness just won't go way until minutes later? Well, that's what Mara was going through. Only it was constant all the time.

" ... P-Please! D-D-Don't g-g-go...!" She had finally managed to get out. Urd froze.

" ... U... Urd... s... st... stay wi... with me... d-don't go... I... I.... I nee... need you..." Another effort to concentrate and get the words out. Mara stumbled to her feet, and faced the her. This was the first time she had moved since she was bitten and lost her memory. Needless to say. She was as weak as a new born kitten. She took two steps, then her knees buckled under her. Seeing how she was about to fall, Urd rushed to her and caught her. Without her support Mara would surly collapse. Her breathing was soft and ragged, her limp form trembled against hers, her pale hands clutched Urd's arms in desperate attempt.

" Don't... don't go..." Was her last statement, before passing out in her arms. Urd knew what she had to do. Without hesitation, she shifted Mara in her arms to where she could carry her. She looked down at her, her eyes holding a smudge of something. Compassion maybe? Mara could still feel, hear, and sense, even in her unconscious state. She heard Urd's voice above her as Urd ran to her mother's chamber.

" Don't worry Mara. I'm going to help you get your memory back. I promise you." Hild rose from her grand chair when she saw her daughter burst in with Mara in her arms.

" Mother! Mother I need to speak with you!" Hild's eyes held a twinge of amusement. Seeing Urd with Mara reminded of her of the days when her daughter was no more than the age of 17. And that was the very same daughter back then who had fallen in love with a Demoness, and choose to became a Goddess to save her own life. Now stood before her eyes, the very same girl.

" Yes dear?" Urd stopped a few feet before the throne.

" I wish to take Mara back with me." Hild 's eyes lost all their humor.

" No." Was her quick reply to that. Urd did not flatter.

" Mother... she spoke to me. Not only that, she moved." Hild found that unlikely to believe.

" You're telling me you got her to move from that chair and talk to you?" Urd nodded--once.

" She said she needed me. Mother think about it. She wants me to be with her. If I can serve as some kind of... memory recollection for her--"

" Urd, I can't allow this to happen. Who knows what she'd do." Urd bared her teeth.

" Mother, I want to do this... and I will do this with or without your approval." Urd looked down at Mara's sleeping form, her eyes narrowed and smooth.

" I almost lost her once... I won't do that again. I won't lose her again." Hild nodded.

" I understand... but I can't ignore what has come of her." Urd snapped her head back up.

" Please!" She begged, taking a careful step near her throne, careful not to wake Mara.

" I have never asked anything of you but now. Why can't you grant me this one request? Let me try to restore her memory?! Let me try damn it!" Hild knew she couldn't stop her daughter. Or true love for that mater. But she didn't want them to hurt themselves any more than they had already had.

" ... All right. How about this. I'll give you three months. If she so much hasn't even remembered a thing, then bring her back and leave it at that." Hild voiced her opinion softly. Urd's hard set frown, turned into a small grin.

" Thank you." Hild chuckled, re-taking her seat.

" Maybe I should be the one thanking you. Now I don't have to worry about her anymore." Urd shared a small chuckle on that as well.

" That's why I'm here."

Urd used a mirror at the castle to get home. Belldandy was knitting a sweater for Keiichi, and Skuld was eating a bowl of ice cream on the couch beside her. When Urd came out of the bathroom with Mara, she happily announced her return.

" Belldandy! Skuld! I'm back!" Banipie was doing the dishes in the kitchen when he heard her. Urd entered the living room area, looking slightly tired. Belldandy set her knitting aside on the arm of the couch, and smiled.

" Oh Urd. You're back. How did it go?" Skuld smiled too, but her smile faltered when she saw who was with her sister.

" What is she doing here?!" Skuld demanded hopping to her feet and pointing her spoon at Mara, who had regained consciousness.

" U-Urd!" She cried weakly, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt her mind go even number. Urd lifted Mara's body, that was so very light now. She rested her cheek against hers, and spoke of tender, caring, comforting words. This made Skuld waver. Belldandy got to her feet, and smoothed out her dress.

" I take it... Mara will be staying with us?"

" Yeah..." Urd whispered, lifting her head.

" For how long?" Skuld blurted out, her eyes holding no pity for Mara.

" For quite a while. Three months to be precise." Skuld gasped in horror.

" Noooo!" She wailed. Urd smiled.

" Don't worry. Three months will breeze by before you know it." Mara groaned, her brows drawing together with great discomfort. Belldandy moved to where her older sister was and felt Mara for fever.

" She's a little hot. Has she been eating right? She looks so... thin." Belldandy proclaimed with genuine concern. Urd's glare told her no.

" No. She hasn't. Hild said she wouldn't eat or sleep for days on end. The fever must be a side effect from the bite... at least I think it is." Belldandy took action.

" She needs to be tended to right now and be fed a broth..." Urd nodded.

" Sounds good." Skuld only shook her head in dismay.

Later that day...

" Where is she going to sleep?" Belldandy asked Urd softly, placing the cool cloth over Mara's forehead. Urd eyes remained on Mara's face that was now beaded with sweat.

" I want her to stay in my room." Belldandy smiled sweetly.

" Are you sure?" Urd reached out to smooth some matted curly hair out of Mara's face and to the side.

" Yes, I'm sure." Urd said after some careful thought.

" I want to keep a close eye on her... I want her to stay close to me... she already said, "I need you". And I just feel--" Belldandy rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.

" I understand. Keiichi will be home soon. I'm cooking dinner now. I'll be sure to call you."

" Thanks Bell." Belldandy gave the shoulder a gentle squeeze before leaving her.

" Don't forget to try and get her to drink the broth." She called over her shoulder, closing Urd's door. Urd watched her go, then looked at the bowl of steaming broth on the tray, along with the spoon. Urd sighed.

" Right. Uh..." She picked up the spoon, looked it over, then down at Mara, who's eyes were parsley open. Urd was a little surprised. She lifted a brow.

" You're awake?" Mara nodded, her eyes never leaving Urd's face. Urd's eyes locked with hers and for a long time. That's all they did for a while. Just simply... stare into one another eyes Mara knew this woman in front of her, yet she didn't know of herself or the past of what they had shared. But she knew who Urd was. Urd, older sister to Belldandy. Urd, Goddess Second Class. Urd, former Lord of Terror. See. She knew all this. But as for their childhood. It remained a mystery.

" Um... are you hungry?" Urd finally asked, picking up the bowl with her free hand. Mara didn't respond, but her eyes... her eyes told her yes.

" Can you sit up?" Urd asked her softly, inching closer. Mara's eyes became uncertain.

" ... I... don't... know..." Urd winced mentally. She saw how hard it was for Mara to speak words and don't think she didn't miss the way her face would twist with the effort to do so. Mara struggled to sit up, then fell back against her pillow with a expurgated sigh. Urd chuckled.

" Wait. Let me help you?" Urd set down the spoon and bowl of broth. Then she slipped an arm around Mara's shoulder's heaved her up, then let her sag against her for support

" Are you okay now?" Mara could barley nod, she was so numb, but she did. Urd smiled.

" Good. Now," She said, reaching for the spoon.

" let's see if you can drink this." She dipped the spoon in the green broth, then put the spoon to Mara's parched lips. Mara inhaled the sweet aroma of the broth and found herself drawn to it. She sipped it down, licking her front two canines. It tasted as good as it smelled. Urd continued this until the broth was gone. The broth had helped take the numbness away. Urd thought, She looks a little better.

" How do you feel, Mara?" Mara could reply this time around. Her mind was clear and not so foggy.

" I feel drowsy..." Urd grunted.

" Drowsy?" She nodded, snuggling into her side.

" Uh-huh." She was asleep before Urd eased her back down onto her bed. She guessed Belldandy had put sleeping powder in the broth. She thinks of everything. That Belldandy.

Keiichi came through the door one hour later.

" Hey Bell! I'm home! Boy does something smell good!" Belldandy poked her head out of the kitchen and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

" Keiichi! Welcome home." Keiichi gave her a welcome home kiss on the cheek as he entered the kitchen.

" Wow Bell! You really out did yourself this time!" Keiichi exclaimed, his mouth already watering at the site of all the food on the table. Belldandy blushed.

" It's nothing. I just wanted to make something special for you." Keiichi took a seat by Skuld, who was acting peculiar. Skuld usually talked about things during dinner. Tonight, she was quiet as a mouse.

" Skuld you're very solemn this evening." Keiichi commented in a teasing tone. Seeing them situated, Belldandy walked out of the kitchen to go inform Urd that dinner was ready. Skuld looked up from her plate, and blinked. Startled at herself.

" Oh. Just... a lot on my mind." Keiichi used his chop sticks to pick up the curry rice Belldandy had made.

" Hmm. What kind of things?" Skuld couldn't keep this inside to herself any longer.

" Okay. Here's what happened. Earlier today, the phone rang, and Hild wanted to speak with Urd. Then when Urd hung up, she told us Mara had lost her memory and she had to go meet with Hild. Then Urd brought Mara back with her and said she's going to be livening with us for three months!" She thought Keiichi would be scared out of his wits. However, Keiichi was not worried the slightest bit at all. He was calm and tried to explain this situation to Skuld.

" Listen Skuld. If Mara is in trouble, and Hild thought Urd would be best for her, then I don't see any problem." Skuld snarled at him.

" Keiichi! How can you say that?! You know what Mara's done to our family... to you!" Keiichi eyes became sad.

" Yes I know..." He said quietly.

" But think about it. If she's lost her memory, she can't pose as a threat to us. So you see? It works out okay." Skuld considered this.

" Yeah. You're right. But I still think she's bad news. What if she remembers something while she's here? That's the whole purpose of this. Urd wants her memory to be restored back to normal." Keiichi set down his bowl and chop sticks and reached across the table. There, he covered his own over Skuld's.

" We'll deal with that, when it comes... so try not to worry about it, okay?" Skuld sniffed.

" Oh okay."

Urd was sitting close by Mara's sleeping form, playing with her curly golden hair. The hair... that was so full of life and shinned brightly when sun rays hit it. Now, it was limp and not so full of life. Belldandy slid the door open and paused when she saw her older sister put Mara's hair to her cheek. Then came words. Such loving, tender, caring words...

" Mara... I don't know if you'll ever get your memory back. But I just want you to know... I'm going to do everything in my power to see that you do. We've been through so much past the centuries. I guess I want to repay you for all the times you've treated me right and me, treating you wrong. I didn't deserve your kind, understanding love back then. And I don't deserve it now. But Mara please... try to remember! I don't want you to be incarcerated! I don't want to lose you because of this!" Urd hung her head, Mara's hair slipping from her grasp. Urd put both of her hands on Mara's left cheek, then lowered her chin to rest on top of them. Belldandy was deeply moved by this display her sister was doing.

" Please try and remember!" She whispered fiercely, one single tears rolling down her cheek on onto the bed by Mara's face. The tear glowed brightly when it hit the bed. Belldandy wasn't sure to interrupt her sister or not. Urd could feel someone watching her and her eyes darted slowly over to the side. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Belldandy.

" Oh. Is it time for dinner?" She asked softy, getting to her feet. However, she did not move from her spot.

" Yes Urd. It is." Urd slowly pivoted to go, her eyes lingering on Mara.

" She'll be okay, Urd. I guarantee it!" Belldandy gushed, trying to lift her older sister's weary spirit. Urd gave her a weak smile.

" I wish I had your optimism, Belldandy."

While Urd and her sister's ate, Mara lay in a deep, troubled sleep. She turned to her left, moaning softly. She kept seeing images of the past over and over. But they would never finish playing out. It was like... she was holding a picture of her past, then someone just came up and snatched it away. Mara whimpered as the numbness started to return. Why... does this happen every time... I want to remember? This numbness... is it the cause?

<<Flashback>>

" So. What do you want to do today?" A teenage girl asked a tanned girl with green, penetrating eyes.

" I dunno. I told Celestine and Belldandy I'd meet them today after my studies..." The slightly taller tanned girl trailed off as the blonde, curly haired girl moved closer. She slipped her arms up around the tanned girl's neck and snuggled up in her chest.

" Aww. I'm heart broken. You'd rather spend the day with them and not me?" The taller girl's arms came up and around the blonde's. They bumped their foreheads against one another's and both smiled.

" I guess I could always see them some other time." Urd's brows went up a little as she felt Mara's lips make contact with her own. Urd did not pull away like she did the other times Mara tried to kiss her. This time, she gave in to her aching emotions and longing passion for a mate. Sure. Plenty had looked her way, but she would always turn them down and somehow go back to Mara. Mara, who waited for her to take her. Her sweet, gentle, scheming, ever loving Mara. Their kiss was long and pure. Urd would slip her tongue in and tease Mara for fun, who in turn would moan in protest.

" Mara I..." Urd was saying something in the memory that the dreaming Mara couldn't make out. For this memory fragment was fading away. Just like all her other ones.

<<End of Flashback>>

The memory that she tried so hard to remember, faded away with all the others. Pain... numbness. Was mixing together, making it extremely hard for Mara to sleep. Out of the blue, pain shot all through her head. Mara bolted up with a start, her scream flooding the whole house. Keiichi chocked on his food, Belldandy gasped softly, Skuld looked at Urd with questioning eyes.

" That sounded like Mara, Urd." Urd threw down her napkin.

" I know." Urd got to her feet hastily, hurrying to her room where Mara was at. Urd slid the door to her room open quickly.

" Mara what's wrong?" Worry was spread all across her face as she gazed at her. Mara looked to where Urd's voice was, her eyes showing sighs of fresh tears.

" U-Urd...! I..." She swallowed hard. Urd guessed what might of happened.

" Did you... remember something?" Mara nodded slowly. Urd cracked a weak smile.

" That's great Mara." Mara shook her head.

" But I... still don't know who I am. I still don't know my past... or my past with you. But I did remember something from my past. However, it's hazy and I couldn't seem to... collect all of the memory." Urd stepped in, and slid the door behind her.

" Hmm. What do you recall of the memory?"

" Well," Mara sighed, looking away.

" You were in it. I mean... we were in it. It was of the past. We uh... were talking of something. Can't remember what it was about. But we were talking. Then I said something, and I kissed you." A deep blush filled Urd's whole face. Mara was equally embarrassed.

" You told me something after our kiss... but I can't remember what you said." Urd knew what Mara was talking about and she knew what words had come out of her mouth. She opened her mouth, but quickly dismissed the idea. It would be cheating if she told Mara what she had said. And for starters, seeing how she had lost her memory, she didn't know if Mara "felt" like she did back then. Deep down, she hoped she did. She really and truly hoped she did. Urd went to Mara's side, kneeled down and pulled her gently into her arms.

" Like I said. I'm going to do everything in my power to help. But I need your help to do it. You must keep your end of the bargain. All you have to do... is try." Urd added softly, rubbing her hand up and down Mara's bony back. Mara clung to her, hoping to draw strength out of her to support her weak body now.

" I-I'll try to do that." Urd smiled wearily.

" Good girl."

One month passed and Mara was no better. She would have flashes, but no direct contact with the time or event. But there was a plus that month. Belldandy made it her job to fatten Mara up and it worked swell. Mara had regained her natural weight and her beauty. She didn't wear her normal clothing while she was there. Urd gave her a tight, red leather skirt that was sort of high above her knees, a red sleeves top, a dark shade of a red leather jacket and matching boots to match. One cool night, Mara and Urd were stood on the temple's porch, gazing up at the sparkling stars.

" You don't have that numbness anymore, do you?" Mara giggled, shaking her head, her curls bouncing with the movement..

" No. Belldandy healed me of it completely." Urd nodded.

" Just checking." Silence.

" Only two more months." Urd murmured quietly, blinking slowly. Mara gave her a lop sided puppy like smile.

" I'm sorry. You told me to try and here I still can't even remember a thing." Urd lowered her gaze and her eyes fell on Mara's moon bathed face.

" No. Don't say that. You've remembered a lot of things. Only... they're not what we want." Urd went rigid as Mara stepped into her.

" Most of my memories were of you... of us. And we looked like we were having so much fun. Drinking ourselves silly, causing trouble, studying for exams... kissing whenever we got the chance." Urd grunted, a flush running across her face. Mara's smile thinned.

" That one memory I had of you when you were going to do something. Stays with me for some reason. But I can't remember what you said to me. I can't remember what you could of said that made me break into tears of joy... Urd. Tell me. Surly you must know!" Urd shook her head sadly.

" I can't do that. You have to remember this, Mara." Mara let out a frustrated cry an with her right hand, she shot a red beam, that blew several trees away. Urd sighed, her eyes narrowing. She may not remember anything. But she's the same Mara I know.

" Damn it Urd! Why the hell not?!" Urd sighed again.

" I just told you why. Mara listen to me." Urd took her by the wrist and pulled her hard against her with all her might. Mara gasped. She didn't except that so soon. With her so close, Urd could inhale the scent of her hair and almost taste her sweet body.

" Even if you don't your memories back... I'll be there right by your side." Mara's eye closed.

" Even if?" Urd's hands moved to her waist and rested there.

" Even if the whole world, no. The Universe. No. Better yet. The Galaxy comes between us. I'll find you. And if your taken away... I'll do it again. Again and again. Even if it takes a lifetime. Because I will wait for you. As you waited for me." Mara eased up and brushed her lips against Urd's, then rested her head on her chest.

" Thank you." She thought she heard her say. Urd rubbed her hand up and down Mara's back. It was smooth this time, unlike the time a month ago when all she could fee was her spine.

From her chair, Hild watched her daughter speak those promising words to Mara. Hild sighed deeply.

" Oh Urd. You shouldn't make promises you can't keep..."

Keiichi had just come home with Belldandy from the store with some groceries and four cases of Sake for Urd. He never did understand why she loved the drink so much. He shrugged, knowing he'd never know why. He took the cases to her room, and left them there in the far side of her room, careful of the potions and chemicals she had up all over the place. As he came out, he saw noticed Skuld and his girlfriend staring out the window.

" Hey Bell. What you guys looking at?" Belldandy looked away from the window and motioned for him to come over. Once by her side, she pointed in the direction of Urd and Mara. Keiichi followed her gaze and saw what it was they were starting after. Urd believe it or not, was swaying gently in a dance movement. Mara tried to follow her, but got lost a few times.

" Don't you remember how to Waltz?" Mara frowned.

" No. No I don't. Why are we doing this again." Urd smiled wolfishly.

" Because I'm trying to get you to be more like your old self, that's why." Mara laughed.

" Are you sure I did this Waltz?" Urd dipped her, then brought her back up into her arms.

" Sure? I'm positive. You took a dancing class with me and Belldandy when we were younger. You were the best out of all three of us." Mara chuckled, reaching up to cup Urd's face.

" I find that highly unlikely." She replied, her two fangs twinkling at the moonlight struck them. Urd stopped dancing with her and stood still. With her free hand, she put hers over Mara's let hand that was cupping her cheek.

" That's why... I'm doing this. I want you to remember, Mara." Mara lifted a shoulder.

" I'll try my best." Was her short response. Keiichi and Belldandy sighed in unison. Skuld just scoffed in disgust at her older sister and Mara.

" You think she'll remember who she is Bell?" Keiichi asked her softly.

" I don't know K. I just don't know." When they saw Urd and Mara heading for the door, they quickly scattered and jumped to whatever spot they could find to make it look like they were busy or busy with something. Urd opened the door and let Mara walk in first. She followed, slid the door shut, and with a quick murmur in Mara's ear, they were off to her room.

" Where are they off to?" Keiichi inquired, lowering the manga he had found. Belldandy giggled, for she had read her older sister's mind and she knew what Urd was going to do. But she kept quiet. It wasn't right to... expose her older sister's personal feelings for Mara.

" Here, have another!" Urd happily exclaimed, handing Mara another full bottle of Sake. Urd thanked Keiichi from the bottom of her heart. She was running low and these four packs was more than enough. Mara never really cared much for Sake, but it seemed different this time. Urd was with her, by her. Mara laughed drunkenly, taking the bottle. Urd opened another bottle for herself, loving the smell of the liquor.

" To us!" Urd proclaimed, raising her twelfth bottle unsteadily.

" To... us..." Mara softly said, taking a long swing of her Sake. Urd watched her, amazed at how much she good jug down. Mara let the empty bottle drop and roll by so many other bottles. Then she burped hard. Urd smirked.

" Sorry..." She muttered, leaning against Urd. Urd shook her head slowly, taking a long sip of her own. When she lowered her bottle, she countered Mara with a belch of her own. Mara started to laugh, then hic-upped. Urd's vision was hazy now, but she could see the two remaining cases.

" Come on Mara. You up for another round? I know I am." Urd asked, her voice slurred. Mara eased off Urd and craned her neck around to look at her. Mara smiled seductively, then without so much as a warning to what she was going to do, she grabbed Urd's face with a hand, and pulled her forward for a kiss. Urd gladly gave it to her. Mara slid her tongue in quickly, tasting the liquor that they shared. They massaged their tongues against each other's, thrusting them deeper every time. Urd's nipples hardened as Mara passionately kissed her. Mara's hand lowered from her face and rested above her right breast, that she grabbed with pleasure. Urd groaned loudly as Mara starting rubbing her breast all around in the palm of her hand. Urd' hands did their own dance. They went to Mara's shoulder's and tugged down the jacket to the floor. Only in her top, Urd tore away from the kiss, and let her face slid smoothly down Mara's chest. Mara slowly let her head tip back and Urd nuzzled her middle. Urd then started a trial of kisses from her stomach, to the nape of her neck. She slid her mouth around her collar bone and Mara ranked her nails down Urd's back like a lioness grooming it's young. Urd started to suck on Mara's sweet neck, who in turn moaned and cried out for her to keep doing that. Urd grew tired of the necking, and went back to meet her luscious lips. Mara took over than. She kissed Urd hungrily, never able to get enough of her...

" I'm sorry..." She whispered, pulling away suddenly.

" I shouldn't of done that to you." Urd felt another belch emerge, but she swallowed it.

" Aw come on. You don't need to be sorry. I kind of liked it." Mara snickered.

" Did you? Want another?" Urd swayed as she tired to move closer to her. Mara scooted closer to steady the drunken Goddess.

" After another bottle of my Sake. Then if I'm in the mood to play, I'll let you know." Mara smiled wryly.

" You're a bad... baaaad girl." Urd scoffed.

" And you aren't?" They finished off the other two cases. They fell on Urd's bed together, sighing with full fill meant.

" Say... why did we get...(hic)... drunk tonight?" Mara asked, hic-upping. Urd giggled drunkenly again.

" To forget about all that's happened. I wanted to relax for a change." Also to see if you remember how fun it was to get drunk with me... Urd giddily thought, a smile tugging at her lips. Mara threw her arms around her, laughing softly.

" You think of everything, don't you?" Urd joined in with the laughter.

" Yes I do." Urd cuddled with Mara, who cuddled back.

" Mara?"

" Hmm?" Mara groggily responded, already feeling sleep emerging. Urd wanted so very much to ask her if she loved her like she did her. But she knew now was not the time. But it was the best time and setting, wouldn't you say? Poor Urd. Maybe next time.

" No..." She sighed, easing back.

" Never mind."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~

"For The Love Of A Memory"

~Part Two~

Now as they entered the second month, Mara showed signs of slight progress. She woke up one morning, nearly shouting in Urd's ear. She was so happy. Why? She remembered a little of her past life with other people in it.

" I know who Celestin is! He was Belldandy's mentor and taught you at times. Teaching you to be kind and understanding. Then uh... oh yeah! And Belldandy is a First Class Goddess's. And you're a Second Class Goddess's, Restricted and the reason you because a Goddess was to free me from my imprisonment to you... right?" Urd sat up in her bed and nodded sleepily.

" Yes. That's right..." Mara smirked.

" You don't sound very thrilled about it." Her tone was teasing. Urd met her gaze and frowned.

" I was up until 3:00 with you, because you had some urge to do karaoke all night. Then to be woken up suddenly when you're still tired isn't--"

" Okay, Okay. I'm sorry. Sheesh." Mara went to the door.

" How about we take a day off?" Urd opened her mouth to protest, when Mara interrupted.

" Just for today. Besides... we've both been working hard, right?" Urd had to agree with her there.

" All right. But starting early tomorrow. We start up again, understood?" Mara snickered. Urd sounded like a Drill Sergeant.

" Ma'am!"

Mara walked around the temple, not sure of what to do with her time. She found Skuld sitting all alone on the couch. With nothing to lose, she went over and confronted her. Skuld of course, ignored her.

" Why you just sitting here Skuld? Shouldn't you be inventing something or eating ice cream?" Skuld shook her head, mumbling,

" I'm not in the mood to invent things. Now go away." Mara winced.

" Tch. Owey. That hurt. What's with you today?" Skuld was shaking with anger.

" How can you stand there and chat like we're best friend's?!" Skuld demanded hotly. Mara grinned.

" Because I can."

" I don't understand you!" Mara chuckled, taking a seat far away from her.

" Likewise." Skuld shifted on the couch to not look at her. Mara sighed, knowing she was going to have to ask this sooner or later.

" Why do you hate me?" Skuld glared around back at her.

" Oh come on! That is the stupidest thing you've asked me yet. You know perfectly why I hate you." Mara's eyes were sad, as was her smile.

" Actually Skuld... I don't. I don't know anything about you... let alone me. Tell me... tell me what I've done to make you bear such a grudge against me? I just don't understand." Skuld studied her. She didn't know if Mara was for real or not. But she sounded sincere and her voice held no dishonestly. So with a regretful sigh, she turned and looked at her.

" You wanna know why I hate you that bad?" Mara nodded slowly.

" You turned my sister into the Lord of Terror many times and even made her attack us directly! Do you even know what your kind is?" Mara only shook her head.

" Well then I'll tell you! It's your kind... that likes feed on pain. That likes to see the innocent suffer! It's people like you that have no heart and only want death and destruction to rule over all! It's you who drove Urd to do this! I bet you went off and got your memory erased on purpose! Just to steal my sister away! I hate you! I hate you Mara! There! Now do you understand?! Now do you see why I'm upset with this?! Upset with you?! Well? Huh? Answer me!" Skuld screamed, hot angry tears rolling down her cheeks. Mara felt the moisture build up in her own eyes, but she did not blink. For if she did, the tears would never stop.

" I said give me an answer!" Mara lower lip trembled.

" I-I can't. I--"

" And don't give me, "I don't understand or can't remember" crap! I'm so sick and tired of hearing it!" Skuld's voice grew low.

" You're evil... you don't deserve this kindness or my sister for that matter!" Mara put her hands to her face, her shoulders going up and down.

" Please stop..." She cried meekly.

" Aww. I'm sorry. Did that hurt your feelings? Does reality hurt? Does it tear you, Mara? Huh!?" Skuld shot up and stood there, her hands curled up into tight balled up fists.

" I want you to get out of here! Now! I don't care about your memory, I don't care about your situation! As a matter of fact, I'm happy that you'll be disposed of when this is over!" That made Mara feel ten times worse.

" THAT'S ENOUGH SKULD!" A voice roared, making the room quake. Skuld froze, a sweat bubble running down the side of her face. There in the doorframe to the living room, stood Urd dressed in her Goddess's robe. Urd had heard every word. The more she heard, the more she saw Mara shrivel up, the more her eyes narrowed, the more her mouth curled up into a vicious snarl. Skuld met Urd's angry face and hunched away. Urd's right hand was sparkling up with purplish electricity. Her teeth were set hard on each other and her brows furrowed madly.

" Who the hell do you think you are!?" Urd shot at her, her eyes dark with anger and disappointment.

" I was just trying to tell her my view about this..." Was her weak, lame, sorry excuse for a response. Urd cast her charged thunderbolt right past Skuld's head. The couch was dented, big time!

" Get out of my site! You disgust me!" Skuld ran from the room, hitting Urd's shoulder as she rushed by. Urd's hard face softened when she went over to Mara.

" Sorry about that. You'll l have to excuse her. She's really not that mean." Mara lowered her hands from her tear stained face.

" Urd... I want you to be honest with me... what she spoke of to me... was it true? Did I turn you into the Lord of Terror and use you against them? Am I that... evil and cruel? Am I... a monster?" Urd sighed deeply, then looked away. She couldn't work her way around this one.

" ... Yes. It's true. You've hurt my family countless times." Mara released an anguished cry.

" Then Skuld is right! I don't deserve you!" Urd quickly grasped her shoulders and shook her.

" No! No! Listen to me... yes. You've been very mean and nasty past the years. But look. That's in the past. I already told you. I don't care what other's think. I only care about you. I cared so much, I choose to become a Goddess to free you. When all I wanted to do was the opposite. I wanted to stay by your side forever! But... I didn't. I couldn't bear to have you entrusted to me like you were some slave." Urd's hand moved to her face. With her thumbs, she brushed the tears away.

" Mara..." She said, taking a deep breath. Urd was going to tell Mara everything, even though it was against her better judgment.

" You're a Demoness First Class, Unlimited Licenses." Mara blinked in surprise.

" I am?" Urd nodded slowly.

" Yes. Your purpose in life... is to be evil. You can't help what you've become. It's your job. Just like my job is to be an angel of hope to mortal's." Urd's voice cracked a little then went horse.

" But you're not a monster. Not to me. No... not to me." She finished quietly.

" Then what am I to you then?" Urd's thumbs began to stroke her smooth, rich creamy skin.

" You're my life. You're my soul mate, Mara. In that dream you had a month ago. You asked me if I knew what I said and I wouldn't tell you. One, it's not fair to give information to you when you're supposed to be remembering it. Two, I wasn't sure how to tell. I mean..." She paused, and laughed weakly.

" What I told you, changed both of our lives back then." Mara hands came up and rested on Urd's.

" What did you tell me?" Urd shook her head.

" No. I've told you too much as it is. You'll have to remember it for yourself." Mara's eye closed. Urd looked at her, sighed, then drew back.

" Again. Sorry for what Skuld said. I'm going to go back to bed. You do whatever you want. Just... stay away from Skuld."

" Okay." Mara whispered back, wrapping her arms around her middle.

Mara had nodded off with out noticing. And her dreams... where none other than her past. This time around, she saw herself laughing down at Belldandy, who was pretty bruised up. Skuld was kneeling by Urd, who appeared to be unconscious. Mara took out three sharp knifes, and cast them down at Skuld, who was hit in the arm by one of them. She cried out, her hand to her wound. Urd groaned and lifted her body off the ground. She looked up and got a nasty scowl on her face as she shouted in fury at Mara. Mara was unconcerned, even as Urd took the sky and confronted her. Mara only responded by punched her in the stomach, who got a "thunder punch" across the face. Mara was rammed down into the ground by Urd. They left a big crater in the ground, but still tackled with one another.

" Give it up Mara! You know you can't win!" Urd had said, wiping the blood from the side of her mouth. Mara however, did not wipe the blood from her mouth. She grinned, letting the blood run slowly down her face, to her chin, and finally the dank muddy ground below.

" Never my love! For we have much to settle!" Urd returned the same wicked grin.

" Ani't that the bloody truth! Take this!" Urd cast a powerful light of energy at her, sending Mara flying back into the air. Mara regained her composure.

" Not bad m'dear. But you seem to have lost your touch. Here. Let me show you how to do it!" With that, she gathered all the energy around her and cast it at Urd. Just as Urd was hit, the dream shattered to pieces, making Mara bolt awake, face covered in sweat. She had rolled onto the floor and somehow woken up from that. Belldandy had just left Urd's room when she saw Mara, lying there, breathing heavily. From a quick read of her mind, she saw that Mara had another flashback. Only this time, they were not pleasant ones. But horrid. A reminder of who she really was.

" Mara?" Belldandy's soft voice startled her. Mara jerked, glancing quickly at her.

" Belldandy?" She cried, her eye going wide. It was weird... to see the one woman that she had hurt in the dream so severely to be standing behind her without so much as even a scratch.

" Are you all right?" Mara nodded numbly. Belldandy tilted her head to the side, her soft smile still on her face.

" Are you sure? It's already sundown and you've been sleeping since." Mara scratched her head.

" I guess I must of... drifted of. I didn't mean to..." Belldandy held up her hands.

" It's okay. Um... Urd told me. What happened earlier today. She said for me to tell you when you get the chance, to go see her." Mara got to her feet unsteadily.

" I'll go now. Thank you Belldandy." Belldandy smiled warmly at her.

" You're welcome."

Urd was sitting in the middle of her room, thinking deeply when she heard footsteps. She looked up and over at the door and she saw a rather... pale faced Mara step in.

" Mara are you feeling okay?" She asked her quickly, standing up to go over to her. Mara shook her head. Yeah. She can lie to Belldandy, but not to Urd.

" I uh... had another flashback. And I... was attacking you. You, Belldandy, and Skuld. I don't know why, but I was and..." Mara exhaled.

" I know this is wrong. But I was enjoying myself. I was having lot's of fun, hurting you and your family. Urd... I'm sorry! I don't know what I did in the past, but I know now I don't want to do it again! Please forgive me?!" Urd put two fingers against her lips to silence her.

" Mara it's all right. And it's not wrong to have fun. You're a Demon for the thousandth time! How many times do I have to tell you? It's--"

" My job?" Mara finished quietly.

" Exactly."

" But what if I don't want that kind of life anymore?" Urd's smile was very cute as she said,

" I don't think my mother would stand for that." Mara grinned wryly.

" Heh. That's right. Hild, Queen of hell. She gave me to you when you were no more than five years of age to serve you and protect you. That's how we became such good friend's." Urd's eyes widened in shock. Mara had said this subconsciously and didn't stop to think it was a missing memory fragment. Urd grasped her arms, smiling broadly.

" Mara! You remembered some of your past!" Mara lifted a brow.

" I did?" Urd nodded happily.

" Yes. How you suddenly remembered out of the blue, I don't know. But the point is you remembered and remembered without flashbacks!" Mara slowly realized what she meant and then broke into a smile of her own.

" Does this mean... I won't have to be disposed of?" Urd grunted.

" Hopefully."

Later that night, Urd gave her mother a ring. Hild picked up and muttered into the phone.

" Yes, what is it?"

" Hmph. I love you too." Urd scoffed. Hild rolled her eyes.

" Sorry. Work is slow these days, as my temper. What is it, dear?"

" Mara's making a lot of progress and is slowly, but steadily remember who she is. I just thought you'd want an update." Hild frowned.

" How much, Urd? How much does she know?"

" Plenty. She even remembers how we became friend's... but..." Hild smiled.

" But?"

" It's like her past life is a jig saw puzzle. Most of the pieces are there, fitting in place. But then there's the hard pieces that just can't slip in, until the boarder of the puzzle is finished..."

" Well. That seems easy enough." It was Urd's turn to sigh.

" But you see... I'm the border of her puzzle." Now Hild understood. She closed her eyes doing her best to be strong for her daughter.

" Urd. Do Mara and yourself a favor. Be together as much as possible. If she's really remembered that much, then the best thing I can think of would be to... stay right by her. After all. How can she complete her puzzle without the border?" Urd smiled a small, tired smile.

" You know what? You're absolutely right. Thanks Mom." Hild shrugged.

" No big."

When Urd had retired to her room, she saw another two boxes of Sake. Keiichi knows me too well... Urd thought with mild amusement. Mara was on one side of her bed. She was only half asleep when Urd came back in.

" I thought you'd be well off asleep by now. After today, I would think you'd be..." Mara chuckled.

" I was about to go to sleep, when I felt you move. And when I looked up, you were gone." Urd rubbed her neck.

" Sorry. I had to call Mo--I mean Hild." Urd never really called Hild, "Mom". It sounded odd to her ears. But then again, welcoming.

" Urd?" Urd lowered her hand, lifting her brows slightly.

" Hmm?" Mara lowered her gaze from hers, too timid to ask this question.

" I was wondering for tonight... if you could just... hold me? Just for tonight? Please?" Mara stared down at the floor.

" I feel like such a baby... wanting to be held. But have you ever felt afraid and just wanted someone to put their arms around you and comfort you?" Urd felt some heat fill her cheeks, her nipples harden.

"... Yeah. Yeah I have. And I never got it. Being a "half-breed", you don't get much of anything..." Urd said, finding her voice. Mara risked a chance by looking back up at her.

" So do you mind? I promise I won't ask this of you again. Just for tonight." Urd was honored. She walked over to the bed, and slid under the comforter. She lay on her side, facing her. Her legs brushed against Mara's. Urd, feeling turned on, intertwined their legs. Then without hesitation, pulled Mara into her arms. Mara could feel the heat coming from Urd and welcomed it. Time passed slowly, seeing to only focus on them and at that moment. Even after Urd had drifted off, her arms remained around her waist and their legs stayed connected. Mara listened to Urd's soft snoring until sleep came and claimed her weary mind, body and spirit. She slept like a rock.

The sunlight that bathed down over them, stirred Urd slightly. She shifted lazily, her body brushing along side Mara's sleeping form. She cracked one eye open, inhaling the morning's air. She exhaled slowly, closing the eye. Was it... just a dream? Or... Urd glanced down at the head of flowing golden curls. Urd smirked. Nope. It was real all right. Mara sometime before dawn, moved away from Urd and now lay on her back, a arm draped over her stomach, while the other rested at her side. Urd cocked her head and for some time, watched the chest that went up and down as Mara breathed steadily. She's so peaceful when she's asleep... very different from a evil Mara. But it's not like she's "evil", now. Urd flicked a strand of Mara's hair that was in her right eye. Mara moaned softly, but did not awaken. Urd drew back her hand and found herself smiling down at her.

" Urd, it's time to get up!" Keiichi called down the hall, hoping to stir the older Goddess. Urd looked to her bedroom door.

" Thanks! I'll be there in a minute!" She called back, but not so loud to wake Mara. Urd looked back around at Mara. She didn't know if she should wake her or not. But she looks so relaxed... With a light shrug, Urd got up, got changed, and decided to let her sleep.

When Mara opened sleepy eyes, she saw to her dismay, Urd was not there. Her hand stroked the spot where Urd rested. Urd... A image of her floated in her hazy mind. Her thoughts were interrupted when Belldandy came to the door.

" Mara? Are you awake?" Mara didn't reply. Belldandy took a wild guess and took it that she was.

" Well, Urd said she needed to go somewhere. She didn't say when she'd be back, but she wanted me to tell you..." Belldandy curled her index finger and rested it under her chin. She thought, then added softly.

" Mara... I know what Skuld said and I apologize. I'm here... if you ever want to talk." Then she pivoted to go to the kitchen to clean up. Mara sighed, lifting her eyes to the morning sun. The sun rays reflected in her eyes, brightening her face in certain area's.

" Who... am I?"

" Well that's easy. You're Mara." A cool voice said, startling Mara. Mara jumped to her feet and posed in attack formation. Mara lowered her fists as she saw herself looking at... well. Herself. But this Mara wore the tight black leather that outlined her ever curve and silk raven cape with sliver chain bracelets and two matching necklaces.

" What... the...?" Mara silently mouthed. The second Mara laughed.

" I know. Shocking to see yourself looking and talking back at you. Sorry. But this will only take a minute." She strode over in a cat like manor and stopped in front of Mara, who was very confused and lost in what was going on. Her double spoke.

" Do know why I'm here first of all?" Mara shook her head quickly. Her double sighed.

" Figures. Okay!" She said, clasping her hands.

" Let me try and explain... I am you, you are me. But I am you. There is a slight difference. After that thing bit you, you lost all your memory and it got locked away. I tried for weeks to break out of the dark numb cage." Mara lifted a brow.

" Cage?" The double version of Mara nodded slowly.

" Yes. It's a mental thing. I couldn't get out of the cage that held me captive. Basically, that numbness you felt was the effects of the Gyorkiu bite. When those things bite you, they brainwash their victims so they can find them again. But that's only if they live. However, Velsper and Hild found you first, so you were lucky."

" Oh..."

" Now that that's out of the way. Listen sister. You have to get me out of that cage if you want to be you. It's the only way you'll fully remember who you are. I tried to help by letting you see the images of the past..." Mara frowned.

" So. You were the one?" The double nodded.

" So I... wasn't really remembering anything?" Mara lowered her head, looking very disappointed. Her double sweat dropped.

" Now, now. Don't get all depressed on me." Mara sighed.

" And since I still can't remember nothing, Hild will dispose me..." Mara moaned miserably. Her double smacked herself.

" God! Are you that upset?! If it helps. I didn't do a thing when you had the dream of Urd when she said she loved you! You remembered that one on your own. Honest. I would known, because I was trying to still break out of the cage." Mara's head slowly raised, her eyes questioning and some/what uncertain.

" ... She did? She... said that?" Realizing she had slipped, she slapped herself again.

" Forget I said that." How could she forget that?! The second Mara scratched her head.

" Look. I don't have a lot of time so can we skip to the good part?" She didn't give Mara a chance to respond.

" The only way you're going to be me... your true self... is to do one simple thing." Mara put a fist on her hip and eased slightly over.

" And what might that be?" Her double stared deep into her eyes as she said this phrase.

" You have to get Urd to say she loves you... but you also have to return that love. After you do that, the cage that keeps me imprisoned will break and we'll be one again. But you must do this before the end of the next month. Or sooner. You heard what Hild said. Now," She said, folding her across her chest.

" Can you do that?" It would be a challenge, but Mara could do it. For her sake and Urd's as well. Mara had the perfect way to get Urd to say she loved her.

" Yes." Her double smiled.

" Good. But please do hurry. I don't like that cage." And then she shimmered and whisked away back into Mara's head. Mara felt a dull ach and knew that what she just witness was real. So with that in mind, she went to go find Urd... just after some breakfast and a nice, long, relaxing bath.

Urd was sitting alone in the park, watching couples walk by. Some would be holding hands, others had their arms linked, some would have their arms wrapped around their waist. She sighed heavily, easing her head on the back of the wooden bench. She didn't know what to do with Mara. They only had the rest of this month and one more and then... that was it. She's remembered a lot... but she's still lost. I just feel so helpless. I'll I want to do is be with her and I'm sure she would want the same thing... if she could only remember what I said! Urd opened her eyes to slits, lowering it back down. She saw now a mother with her husband and a baby in each of their arms. Urd felt a stab of jealously. In her fury, she squeezed her eyes shut and lowered her chin to the middle of her chest. To be with the one you love... to have children with the one you love... I wanted that wish to come true so much. I don' know Mara and I could ever have kid's, but I can think of something. As if her name was on cue, Mara sat down by her.

" Urd?" Urd jerked her head up, her eyes napping back open. She slowly met Mara's gaze.

" Mara? How did you--" Mara's warm laughter cut her off.

" With my tracking skills, it wasn't hard to find you." Mara looked forward, the wind ruffling their hair softly about their faces.

" Urd?" She said after a minute had gone by.

" Yes?" Urd answered quickly. Feeling ridiculously nervous and jumpy. Mara's hand crawled in the area between them that found Urd's trembling hand. She gave it a gentle squeeze, her eyes softening.

" How much... could you love me?" The hand under Mara's trembled even more.

" I..."

" It's okay if you don't."

" B-But I do love you!" Urd protested, withdrawing her hand from under Mara's. Mara's hand remained in the middle of the bench for a few more seconds before she withdrew hers back to her lap.

" I know." She said softly, her eyes blinded by tears that were emerging.

" But do you love me enough?"

" Huh?" Urd was deeply confused.

" Mara what are you getting at?" Mara stood, her face shadowed. Her tears glistening as they trained down her face. Urd didn't miss that. She got up and grasped her shoulders.

" Wait a second. What do you mean by--"

" Just forget it, okay?" Her voice broke and Urd knew she was crying for sure. This made her feel guilty. She thought because she didn't understand what Mara meant, Mara thought Urd didn't love her. That wasn't true. Then in a blink of an eye, she was gone. Urd stood frozen in her pose.

" ... Mara..." She weakly cried, sitting back down on the bench, her face buried deep in her hands. Then she started her own little break down right there in the middle of the park.

Mara sat on the shaffters of the temple shrine house, her chin resting on her drawn up knees, her arms wrapped around the middle of them.

" Well. You blew that one." Mara lifted her chin and glanced to her side. Her double was back and looked rather pissed.

" Y-You again?! What do you want now?!" Her double tapped her foot.

" What do I want?! I want out of that numb cage! I want to see Urd! But noooo!" She scoffed, throwing her arms in the air.

" You had to run away and leave her standing there bewildered! Knowing her, when stuff like that happens, she'll go out and get drunk because she's so upset!" Mara repositioned her chin back on her drawn up knees.

" Leave me alone..."

" No can do. Do you want to be disposed of?" Mara's face was hidden as she turned her head away from her fuming double.

" Well do you?!" She cried, yanking her to her feet. Mara was shook a little as she was held by her jacket's collar. Her double glared at her, waiting for an answer. Mara only looked the other way, refusing to answer. Her double scowled, her jaw line tightening.

" Mara..." She said, her voice dangerously low.

" If you don't want her, then you might as well got to Hell and tell Hild to incarcerated you. But Urd would be very surprised and very disappointed. You two have been putting in a lot of work over this... it'd be a shame to let it go to waste." With that, she set her back down. Mara crumpled as soon as she was set down. She curled into a ball and the eye that didn't have the flock of hair over it built up with moisture. The second Mara shook her head down at her, her mouth tugging back into slight frown.

" You're weak. Without me, you're weak, Mara." Her double vanished after that, leaving her alone.

" She's... she's right." Mara meekly cried, curling further into her ball until her guts hurt.

She didn't know how long she stayed curled up like that, crying softly, until she heard foot steps, tripping over one another. How could she tell that? Simple. There were pauses, then skitters. Mara uncurled, and looked down. It was just as her double said. Urd went out, got drunk then after everyone had gone off to bed, was when she decided to come home in her anguish. Mara looked back around sharply, her brows furrowing. Who am I kidding? I can't remember anything worth a lick. My so called other self was the one showing me those memory fragments. I'll just be better off in Hell... alone and locked up in my room. She phased into Urd's room and decide to tell the her what her decision would be. You're making a big mistake. The harsh voice of her double ran all over in her head, making it ach a little.

" Am I? You saw what happened today! She doesn't... love me the way you said. Lust, maybe. Love? No. Far from it." Her double's voice gasped in horror. That's not true! She DOES love you. I swear that to you!

" Just shut up!" She nearly shouted. The voice of her double shut up but wished she hadn't. Urd came stumbling in the room then, looking very tired. Mara wasted no time. She wanted this to be over with.

" Urd before you say anything. Let me go first okay?" Urd could scarcely nod she was so drunk.

" I'm leaving... I'm going back to Hell and I'm going to be incarcerated." Don't listen to her Urd! Mara's double cried. Mara winced. That one kind of hurt. The double Mara hoped Urd could read her mind to see what was going on, and maybe try and stop Mara from doing this. But it was just as she feared. Urd was too drunk to even keep her balance, so she couldn't read her mind.

" You're..." Urd swayed, then forced herself to stand still.

" You're gonna what? Did I hear you correctly?" Mara nodded, avoiding her eyes. Urd felt sick.

" Mara..." She sighed softly, staggering near her. Mara was suddenly taken into Urd's arms. Urd's movement's where sluggish, as was her speech.

" Please... don't go." Her plea meant nothing to Mara.

" No Urd. I'm going. You can't change my mind." No. But I can try. Urd blindly thought. Without warning, Urd's mouth came crashing down on Mara's. Mara kept her eye open, a little taken back by Urd's actions. Mara's body was screaming out for her touch, her kisses, but Mara wouldn't give into them. Not this time. Half way through the kiss, Mara gently forced her off her.

" I'm sorry... but this is what I want. I give up. It's too late for me... for us." She finished quietly, their gazes locking in a intense glare. Urd closed her eyes only for a brief moment, and the next thing she knew. She was standing alone in her dark room, that somehow felt strangely cold. She saw out the corner of her eye, the two other cases of Sake Keiichi had brought for her. She had had more than enough at the bar, but now just seemed the perfect time get dangerously drunk. So she did.

Hild was sleeping soundly when she felt a hand shake her awake.

" What is it?!" She growled, opening an eye. Seeing who it was, Hild sat up right in her grand bed and stared at Mara.

" Mara... what are you doing here? You have another month I thought..." Mara shrugged.

" It doesn't matter. Hild, take me to my room. I don't wish to try this anymore." Hild's jaw dropped.

" What do you mean? I thought Urd wanted you to--"

" I don't care about Urd right now! I don't want to hear of her again, okay?!" Hild blinked in surprise.

" Oh. I'm sorry." Mara stared down at the floor.

" If it's not too much trouble, that is." Hild got out of bed.

" No. It's no trouble at all. But may I ask why you're wanting to give up so suddenly?" Mara lifted her head.

" I've just come to terms of my fate. That's all. Now can we please go now?" Hild was still not getting why she wanted to give up. She'd find out later. She was tired and needed her rest. So she showed Mara to her old room. And just to be safe, she locked the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~

"For The Love Of A Memory"

~Part Three~

Belldandy and Skuld found their older sister drinking what ever she could get out of an empty Sake bottle later the next morning when they saw she didn't come out with Mara to eat. Belldandy wondered why Urd had gotten drunk when she had seemed so pleased with things and Skuld wondered why Mara wasn't around, causing her more misery.

" Urd?" Belldandy said, concern in her voice.

" ................" Urd did not answer, but she did lower the bottle and let it fall from her hand and roll into the other bottles she had gone through last night. Some of the empty bottles "clinked" as they hit each other, some just rolled the other way. Belldandy was rather scared of Urd's behavior.

" Urd, I didn't see you at breakfast or Mara. Are you two... okay?" Belldandy looked around the room.

" Where is Mara anyway? I saw her late last night on the roof, but now I can't even find her. Did she go somewhere?"

" Yep." Urd said, closing her blood shot eyes.

" Oh." Belldandy murmured.

" Where did she go?"

" Yeah where?" Skuld cut in rudely, her eyes narrowed. Urd saw that she had not finished half a bottle. Grateful that she had passed out and didn't get to finish it, she reached for it and brought the rim of the bottle to her mouth.

" Urd!" Belldandy shouted, starting to lose her cool. Urd slowly lowered the bottle past her lips, and cut her eyes over in their direction.

" She went back to Hell last night. She said she wanted to quit and die! There! Are you happy?!" Belldandy paled, and Skuld thrust her elbow back and hissed,

" Yes!"

" And you couldn't stop her?" Belldandy asked, her voice sharp. Urd swallowed her belch, but it was heard by them none the less.

" Look... I'll I know is when I came home she was still upset over what had happened earlier that day in the park." Belldandy lifted brow.

" The park?"

" Yeah. Remember when I said I needed to go somewhere? I went to the park to think some things over when she suddenly appeared. She asked me if I loved her..." Silence from all three of them. Belldandy was the one who broke the chain of silence.

" What did you tell her?" Urd took another sip of the warm nectar of her Sake before continuing.

" I told her I loved her but I was a little lost in where she going with it. Then she asked me again, but she said, " But can you love me enough?"... I didn't understand what she meant... then after she left, I went out... got drunk. Came back home, ready to apologize, when she flat out told me she wanted to stop and leave..." Urd finished the bottle, then threw it at the side of the room, breaking her testing tubes and some potions in the process. Skuld was beginning to feel guilty. Urd was very upset over this.

" I failed her and I failed myself, Belldandy. Now here I sit, drunk and lost in my sorrow." Belldandy was about to comment, when the phone rang. Urd didn't move. She just sat there, looking worn down and tired. Tired as a weary horse from a trial run. Belldandy sighed.

" I'll get it." Skuld remained in the doorframe of Urd's bedroom. Her triumph over Mara being gone, dissolving. It wasn't worth it if Urd was this upset and suffering inside because of it.

" Hello?" Belldandy tried to sound cheery as she spoke into the phone. She listened to what the person said.

" What?! Today?! Why today?" The voice on the other line explained that Mara wanted it done and over with. That was all he said, then the line went dead. Belldandy let the phone drop and hit the shiny wooden floor. She literately ran to Urd's room. Urd had passed out again and Skuld was trying desperately to wake her.

" Belldandy! Help me!" Belldandy rushed to their sides, kneeling by them.

" What happened?!" She demanded. Skuld shook her head.

" I don't know. I turn my back to see who was calling, then the next thing I know. She got sick and then... blacked out." Belldandy noted the pile of vomit and made a face. She didn't want to clean that up, but she knew she was going to have to sooner or later.

" Skuld. I have to get her to Hell right now." Skuld lifted a questioning brow.

" Huh? But why?" Belldandy took Urd into her arms and stood up with her. She slipped her arm around Urd's waist and draped her arm over her shoulder. Skuld watched them rise.

" A man named Juvalise called. He's a servant at Hild's castle. He alerted me of Mara's death sentence. Apparently, she wanted to get it over with and she's going to die today in just a few minutes!" Skuld tried not to smile.

" That's... not good. Huh?" Belldandy grew serious.

" No it's not. Urd won't forgive herself if Mara dies like this. I have to get them to talk." Belldandy dragged her green faced sister to the bathtub, struggling greatly.

" Urd!" She sighed loudly, positioning them in the tub.

" You've got to cut down on the drinking. I think you've gained some weight." Of course Urd didn't respond.

They came out of one of Hild's bathroom's. Belldandy dragged the wet Urd out of the cream colored, water pool that was considered a "bathtub". Belldandy laid Urd out on the white patio top. Then with her power, changed her into her Goddess robe so she should have some dry clothes to wear. Urd groaned, shifting on the floor.

" Yes. That's it. Wake up Urd." Urd didn't want to respond to the voice above her. She just wanted to sleep. Sleep, and drink some more Sake... ah yes. Sake.

" Come on! We only got a little bit of time left!" Belldandy slapped her until her face was red with her marks. Urd's eyes fluttered underneath her eye lids.

" Yes! Yes! That's it! Come on, come on!" Urd struggled to lift her heavy eyes. She was so feeling the after effects of her hang over.

" Urd! Great! You're awake!" Urd sat up, groaning with discomfort.

" Ohhh... my head." She mumbled, putting a shaky hand to her right eye.

" You can worry about your head later! Mara's going to die." Urd winced.

" I know. Don't tell me you woke me up for that?"

" You don't understand. I got a phone call from a man and he told me Mara intended to die today. That was ten minutes ago." Belldandy paused, then gasped.

" He said in fifthteen minutes her death sentence for incarceration would begin." Urd snapped her head straight up.

" WHAT?!" She shouted, her vision still a blur. The vision wasn't important. Mara was and Urd knew what she had to do.

" Get me to Hell right now!" Belldandy smiled.

" Already have. Look around you." Urd would of if she didn't feel as if the room was spinning.

" Get me to... wherever she's at." Belldandy looked worried.

" I'm not sure where she's at and we only have five minutes." Urd knew this castle inside and out. She had a pretty strong hunch where Mara was going to die.

" Take me to the Black Room." Belldandy rolled her eyes.

" And where is that... exactly?" Urd staggered to her feet.

" We're in a bathroom right?"

" Yes." Belldandy replied slowly.

" Okay. Let me think... I can't focus right now. Tell me quickly. Does the ceiling have clouds of white or black?" Belldandy didn't see the point of this, but looked up and studied the ceiling.

" Um... white." Urd grinned wryly.

" Well, well. We're right below them. How convenient! Hang on to me. I'm taking us down."

Mara was getting ready to go into the white tube with steam hissing inside and cords trailing from the outside to computers in the main booth box. The Black Room had no light. Only a dim glow coming from the tube was the only light...

" Are you ready?" A voice boomed down at her. Mara nodded slowly. I'm too young to die! Her voice rang, making Mara wince again.

" Will you shut up already?!" She whispered fiercely. Hild stood by the man with dark sandy brown and amber eyes. He was the getting Mara ready to be... incarcerated.

" Please proceed then Mara." Mara took one step, when Urd and Belldandy landed behind her. Belldandy landed on her feet with ease, while Urd landed... not so gracefully.

" Wait Mara. Please don't go!" Urd rasped, reaching out to stop her. Mara's eye pupil shrank in it's socket and she broke into a cold sweat.

" U.. Urd?" She said, her voice a faint whisper. Oh yeah! Go Urd! Go Urd! Go, go, go Urd! The voice of Mara's true self sang. The man glared over his shoulder at Hild.

" What the hell?! Why is your daughter and that other Goddess doing here?!" Hild sighed.

" I don't know." Urd took a few unsteady steps until she was right in front of Mara.

" Mara, please... don't do this. I beg of you." Mara could see Urd was still drunk in some sense. That didn't surprise her.

" And why shouldn't I? It's clear I don't mean a thing to you." Urd gritted her teeth. She dug her nails into Mara's shoulder's and shook her hard!

" Mara! What do you mean by that?! When I asked you before, you just left! I don't understand. I'm the one who doesn't understand..." Urd released her strong grip and lowered her arms back to her sides. Mara's cold set face didn't change.

" Mara listen to me. Read my lips. I... love... you!" Belldandy remained silent, as did the man and Hild. Mara shook her head.

" It's too late. Forget it. I--" She was cut off as Urd pressed her mouth softly against hers.

" Mara," She whispered, her voice meek and very weak.

" I'm sorry. I'm sorry... please. Can you find it in your heart to forgive for what ever it was I did to drive you to end your life?" Urd wasn't ashamed of the tears that were flowing down her face.

" M-Mara. If you won't reconsider this... can you tell what I did before you go first?" Urd bumped her forehead against hers, her chest tight with pain. Mara didn't pull away. She stepped in closer to her. That surprised Urd. She was for sure she'd push her away again. Urd's slanted eyes slid over to study the side of her face. To her even greater surprise, she heard soft sobs coming from Mara.

" No Urd. I'm the one who should be sorry. See... I wanted to know if you loved me enough to do this." Urd was still confused.

" Do what?" Mara lifted her eye to meet hers.

" Stop me. You actually came here to stop me from doing this..." Urd put the events and places together.

" This was a test of my love for you... wasn't it?" Mara shrugged, laughing softly.

" You could say that. It was also the last part to restore my memory." Urd looked baffled.

" Uh...?" Mara giggled, cupping Urd's face in both of her hands. She smiled sheepishly.

" You see. There's this other me that is locked in my head and she's.. well... me. The real me. She came to me and said the only way I'd become my true self was if I got you to say that you loved me. Then I had return that love..." Belldandy blushed as she saw Urd lower her head. Hild was just as red.

" So did I pass your test?" Mara's mouth was inches from hers.

" Yes. And Urd... I love you too." Urd felt a stir in her heart.

" Really?" Urd questioned softly, knowing she was about to get the love of her life back. Mara nodded.

" Really, really. I love so very, very much." Finally! I've been waiting two months for you to say that! Mara ignored the pain in her head this time. It wasn't worth it. Urd was. And that's what mattered. Mara pulled Urd's face closer and their lips met in a sensational chastise kiss of passion and luxury. Urd slipped her hand up behind her hair and with her free arm, snaked it around her waist and drew her flush against her chest. Mara held onto her lover's waist and for the first time. Felt whole again. She wasn't aware of her body being engulfed in a holy light, then her clothes changing back to their original state of black leather and chains. Urd pried her lips from hers and smiled wearily at her. Mara returned the same weary smile.

" Are you... you now?" Mara grinned.

" Me? You bet." Mara didn't care if the whole world was watching them. She cared about this woman that made her go radiant, that made her blood boil, that never gave up on her, despite how she was going to kill herself off. Urd hugged her fiercely and Mara's arms tightened around her waist. The man in the booth stood up.

" That settles it. I'm out of here." In a poof of thick gray smoke, he was gone. Hild saw Belldandy still frozen on the spot.

" Well. Might as well have some company while I dine." She phased down to where Belldandy stood and took her by the arm.

" Come on... let's leave them alone." Still in a daze from what happened, Belldandy allowed Hild to take them away to some other part of her grand, mighty castle.

" I'm so glad you're you again..." Urd whispered, stepping back to look at her.

" Me too love. Me too." Mara replied just as soft, nuzzling up against her.

Three months later...

Under the star bight sky, Urd and Mara stood side by side, holding each others hands.

" Urd...?" She softly called.

" Hmm?" Urd turned to look at her. Mara took a deep breath. Instead out saying it out loud, she stepped into her and whispered in her ear. Urd's eyes widened, went down to her stomach, then back up at her flushed face.

" Are you...sure?" Mara nodded weakly. That explains a lot. Urd thought with slight humor. The past months, Mara had violent mood swings, a nasty temper, and got sick easily from eating or drinking. Urd was a worried, but didn't pressure her. She figured if Mara had a problem, she'd tell her. And under the stars that night, she did.

" I'm sure." Urd released her hand.

" But... but how? We haven't even...had sex. A-And even if we did... how is that humanly possible?" Mara flush spread clear down to her breasts.

" I uh... asked Kami to grant me a wish." Urd crossed her arms over her chest.

" And what was this so called wish?"

" To have children with you..." Urd felt flattered and a little nervous at the same time.

" To have children with me?" She echoed. She weighed this, then smiled.

" I'm touched, Mara. You love me enough to want to have kid's. You're so cute." Mara snorted.

" I'm not cute." Urd only smiled. She then gathered Mara into her arms.

" Imagine that... my Mara... pregnant. With my child."

" Yeah, yeah. I'm such a diva." Urd grinned.

" Indeed you are." Mara closed her eye, smiling slightly.

" You're not angry are you?" She asked softly. Urd's quiet laughter told her no.

" Of course not. I couldn't be happier."

" Really?" Urd chuckled.

" Really, really."

Hild watched the whole scene, the popcorn bowl falling from her hands and making a mess on the floor. For a while, she just watched them. Mara and Urd are going to have a baby? She thought, her eyes showing her shock and hidden happiness that she refused to let get the best of her.

Peorth sighed as she too, watched the scene. Her eyes narrowed. And here I thought I'd get her... hmm. Maybe I should of sent a beast to devour her instead of a lame Gyorkiu. Oh well. Should of known Urd would only love her and her alone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~

Epilogue

It was late. Very late. I'm talking, three o' clock in the morning late, when Urd opened her eyes to slits. She wanted to touch it again and make sure it was there.

" Muaa... garoo..." The little small infant cooled up at it's second mother, while it's first mother slept with her twin brother by her side. Urd grinned a little as her daughter Oni, grasped her index finger and held it. The baby pulled the finger to it's mouth, sucking on it, wetting Urd's finger. Urd gently pulled it out.

" Muaa..." Oni cooled again, opening her little mouth and sticking out her tongue. Urd couldn't resist. When Oni stuck her tongue out, it was as if she was saying, "I'm cute. Now hold me." Urd carefully got out of bed, then took the baby in her arms. She walked over to the window and looked up at the full moon. It was under this full moon when Mara went into labor at exactly seven o' five and gave birth to two healthy twins. A boy and a girl. Oni had Urd's eyes and white platinum hair. Urd couldn't wait for her daughter to grow up so she could show her the way's of the Goddess. Then there was little Squall. Squall looked more like his first mother, Mara. He had the red eyes and black hair that would look so dashing when he grew older. Mara moaned as Squall started to whine.

" No... not again..." She mumbled sleepily. Urd quickly set Oni in the cradle that was by their bed and kneeled down by Mara.

" It's okay Mara. I got him." Mara eyes were still closed as she confronted her.

" But... you've been doing so much all ready." Urd smiled gently, her eyes still slanted.

" Don't worry about it. You stay right here and rest, okay?" Mara didn't have the strength nor the energy to argue, so she nodded weakly and drifted back off in a heart beat. Urd took the soft crying infant and stood up. She went to the window and let the morning moon bath them in it's glowing soft depths. Urd held her son up high and smiled tiredly up at him. Squall calmed down as Urd began to hum an ancient song. That song was called... Hymn of the Faith. (Song is owned by Sqauresoft. For Final Fantasy X, they used this. For some reason. I thought it would fit. If you've played the game, you know the tune. If not, sorry. I tried to remember how they pronounced it and broke it down into parts...)

" E-a yu-ee... no kou na-kou... re-enti-yee... yol-soul-na-kou... hasa-k-fa-na-nay.... hoo-haa-taa- naa-nay." Squall's eyes shut to the melody. Urd sighed with relief, settling him in the cradle by his sister. Urd watched her two offspring's sleep. I've never felt this way before... I've never had to really look out for anyone but my sister's and myself... but now..." Her gaze fell onto Mara. I have a family. MY family. Urd liked the sound of that. With this in mind, she settled back down by her lover. Mara sub-consciously moved closer to her, whispering her name. Urd slipped and arm under her lover, then brought the other one up to rest on her waist. She felt Mara cuddle into the nape of her neck.

" Urd..." Mara said, still lost in her own dreams.

" Yes?"

" I love you." Hmm. That was a little left field. But Urd replied to her none the less as she closed heavy eyes.

" Mmm. I love you too." Belldandy had passed by and stopped to see if her older sister and Mara needed any help. But from the looks of things, they were managing quite fine. With a soft smile on her face, she slid the door shut to Urd's room. As she turned, she saw Skuld. Still in her pj's.

" Skuld. What are you doing up at this hour of the night?" Skuld rubbed her eyes.

" Well. I heard Squall crying and didn't see you get up and I figured Urd might need some help." Belldandy smiled.

" Oh Skuld. You're so kind." Skuld snorted.

" Don't get used to it. It's only because Urd and Mara are exhausted." Belldandy went up to her little sister and rested her hands on her shoulder's.

" Come on Skuld. Let's go back to our rooms. I don't think Urd and Mara need us just yet." As they started back off to their rooms, Skuld asked with giddily excitement,

" How long do you think Urd will last before she screams for us?" Belldandy giggled, putting two fingers up, and winking an eye.

" I give her two weeks tops."

Fin