Ah My Goddess Fan Fiction ❯ The Dream Catcher ❯ Running into Love ( Chapter 2 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Chapter 2 - Running into Love

Urd hugged her jacket against her body. It was extremely windy out and
her long silvery hair flew violently behind her. She was walking along
the road, not sure where she was going.

She continued walking, thinking about her friends. She wondered if
they even needed her at all anymore. But she quickly squelched any
such notions, dismissing them as making a big deal out of nothing.

She was thinking so heavily she barely noticed as she passed a park.
But when she did glance over to see people walking and talking along
the park paths, she decided that seemed like the best place for her.

She walked through the park entrance and found there was a main path
which seemed to be for walkers. The path winded into the trees. In the
middle of the park was a playground. She could see children playing
exuberantly, their parents watching on with smiles themselves.

Urd suddenly didn't feel so up on the whole park thing. She didn't
think being around such happy people would do her much good. But,
there was really nowhere else to go. So, she began on the path into
the trees.

After about ten minutes she found this path was a lot longer than she
first anticipated. And she had already walked a good bit previous. She
was glad to find a bench on the side of the path, which she gladly
seated herself at.

Watching the other walkers pass by she wondered what their lives were
like. She laughed slightly, thinking how amazing it would seem to them
to find out she was a Goddess. But her life, at least these days, was
much the same as theirs. At least, she assumed. Her only gauge of
normalcy was the people she lived with. And, on second thought, she
realized that might not be the best barometer.

By now she had rested her weary feet and she decided to continue on.
She noticed now she was getting strange looks from passerby. Urd had
forgotten her Goddess garb did garner a bit of attention. So she
walked over to one side of the path and hid behind some trees and
changed her attire with her magic.

Returning to the path, now with a sweat suit on, she noticed many
people running. Urd, deciding walking just didn't do it for her, began
a brisk jog. Soon she discovered this brisk jog wasn't even enough, so
she sped up. Soon she was flying by her fellow runners, most likely a
blur of silver to the walkers.

She laughed to herself as she ran by them all. This was certainly a
good choice for Urd, the park was. She couldn't think of anything but
how great running felt right now, especially not her housemates.

She looked behind her to see how many people she had by now passed. As
soon as she returned her glance to in front of her, she saw a man
coming at her at what looked like great speed.

He noticed her seconds after she did, but it was too late. They
collided and both fell back a considerable amount.

Groups of walkers and joggers from behind both of them passed them by,
laughing to themselves.

"Great job," Urd said sarcastically. She was rubbing her backside,
which had taken the brunt of the fall.

"Sorry about that," the man said. He had already gotten back up and
was offering his hand to Urd to help her up.

Urd accepted his hand and got up. She dusted herself off.

"I am really sorry," the man apologized again.

"You should--" Urd finally looked at the man. He was about her height
and had dark, amber eyes. His hair was jet black and slightly unkempt.

He smiled at her. Urd blushed furiously.

"Well, I suppose we should get on with our runs, eh?" he said, smiling
again.

"Yes, yes I guess we should," Urd agreed, stumbling a bit on her
words.

He nodded at her and began jogging passed Urd.

Urd didn't know what to do, but she didn't want him to go, that she
knew. But she didn't know why. "Excuse me!" she called, surprised at
her own bravery.

The man stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

"Wh-what's your name?" Urd asked.

He smiled. "Miki," he replied. "And what is yours?"

"Urd," she replied.

"Well, Urd, I'll see you tomorrow I suppose."

"Y-you will?"

"That is, if you're running tomorrow," he began. "Are you?"

Urd bit her lip. "Yes, yes I am."

"There you go, then. Hopefully, we'll meet in a more...erm...friendly
way next time."

"Yes, I hope so."

Miki waved goodbye and began jogging away. Urd stared at him until he
was out of sight. She sighed heavily. She was very glad she decided to
go on a walk. And even gladder she decided to run.