Ah My Goddess Fan Fiction ❯ Valkyrie's Mirror ❯ Act IX ( Chapter 14 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Oh My Goddess! - Valkyrie's Mirror

Volume II

Act IX

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It was weird to look across this obvious battlefield, and not feel anything close to being in actual danger. For some reason, he saw this and despite a warm uneasiness that tried to peg at the back of his mind, it still nonetheless was no more to his mind, than one of being a tourist. This despite unto despite seeing a scene that was absolutely not a touristy spot. Even for one within a dream. It was only knowing this off of growing realization, as he felt 'like' projectiles of all lethal sorts whiz by, as only a dream could feel as such, that he knew this.

All this was the framework of something he didn't understand, as looking around at this gray landscape, spotty broken trees, amongst severely muddy, dead and blood soaked fields, strewn with bodies, haze of smoke and worse, and obvious trenches stitched into the landscape, to either side he looked.

Amongst this, flashes he looked nearby to, as he saw some soldiers he once saw in a book Lind showed during a dinner meal, of that same war that...

...and it hit him, as he saw those same soldiers, in those doughboy uniforms, rushing towards some objective. A lot of the details lost in the blur of a battle that he saw was heading to a conclusion he 'felt' was coming, somewhere in the back of his mind. As such, he soon 'knew' one soul of great familiarity, that fought a bit harder than the rest, as they rushed some apparent German soldiers, and took a tench line section, despite blurred effect of decent casualties. And such the unease of his sleeping heart, was now growing...

The voices seemed to grow clearer, before he saw the American troops, take that tench line, throwing back a counter assault, and then one more, before a third German assault finally forced them back, shortly before a second American attack, was countering even this.

How it all turned out, was lost in between this spaced moment, as the one he recognized from before was covering this short withdrawal, the time taken lost in duration was well. What wasn't was the three Americans that were helping a fourth wounded comrade, as the covering trooper, held off the chasing enemy with all he had left.

As such even throw grenades were returned, in the middle of artillery that pounded all around, making it unclear at first what finally got him. This this 'tourist' then saw some artillery buckle back some German soldiers, but not before one too many grenades were thrown, one too close to the retreating foursome, just as some fresh American troops were now oncoming, this the last doughboy sees and...

...and the rest he finally understands why, as the soldier takes that grenade in the chest. Just as the Americans push back and break the Germans here, though beyond that, all then becomes dusk, as he realizes the sight of a dying warrior was all that was important. It was a chilling realization, that then became one of unexpected hope, as the tourist then saw a glowing being, the watcher thinking that 'this' what it was like to see that light at the end of the tunnel, and such angst of bit.

And then the witness felt...

---

“My fine and brave warrior.”

The figure looking up at, cannot respond beyond the mental.. “(Yes...)”

“This life, at it's end, as such, I Gaea, First Class Goddess of Yggdrasil unto Intracel, can bequeath a Wish, for whatever you desire. This is your earned measure, for whatever end you wish for here. Speak of it, as you know what you would wish for.”

“(....any...... wish....?)”

“Yes...”

His heart knew, somehow it knew. He didn't feel the time to conjecture this. Instead he went with his heart. At and upon the humanic pure and simple.

“I wish to be a knight to help heaven.”

The last thing he saw was a flare off of fading vision, and the gorgeous being that he just said his last words to. His living feeling then fell away, is this what cold was?

..and why was he still…………

---

He understood, this mortal, he formally did. Despite the dream and all, he knew. And saw he did, the mangled form, become one with the light he began to serve with such distinction. More than enough by this mortal's own eyes. He knew then, why and how, enough with know, of the gold dude that protected him, so resolutely.

But the dream did not end there. Nor did he realize that he was only watching. And this is when his felt the raw terror of the dream scape, one as the glowing being of Gaea, suddenly 'looks' at him, a feel of two faces suddenly looking with two intents...

One... of fathomless malice...

The other, a spoken plea holding the Progenitor back. He then hears to the gutting of his heart...

“Tell him.... save Me... Save me form Myself, PLEASE!!!!”

...before it tried to lunge at him!!!!

--------------------

Keiichi burst awake! Belldandy did likewise in perfect reflex! “Keiichi?!”

The said mortal was panting hard for a moment, as Belldandy waited. Keiichi then realizes and looks over... “I... ah... it.. just a bad dream... really weird and...”

“I saw enough.”

Keiichi blinks... “Eh? ...how... oh, the Meld stuff... you mean you....?”

Belldandy with her heads cupped around K1's, just explains readily... “I've been wanting to see your dreams, as we slept, to know you better. But I saw more when I.... I saw you having a dream that was not yours.”

Keiichi gulped, more than enough of a comical blush accompanying. “Um... okay...”

“But... why would you have a dream about... I believe... Cousin's wish. And.... with Gaea in it? I never knew she was the one that received his Wish.” ...this Keiichi blinks over... “Really?” ...before looking away from the nightgown slipping from Bell's left shoulder, next to him. (Yup, still...)

This however quickly ends, train of thought or otherwise, as a sudden loud YELP from outside, finishes with a good smack and crumple sound of woody material. Belldandy quips... “Oh dear, Cousin.”

Keiichi then hears to some bemusement... “You and your danged cold feet Lind!”

The two betrothed just look at each other and smile.

--------------------

Lind, in some simple, pajama like version of her Valkyrie jumpsuit, just giggles, as Urd and Skuld look on bleary eyed. Imlade just looks good and huffy-puffy, grumping back at the General. Lind just smirks back... “Serves ye right to pull the covers away from me, of all goddesses.”

Imlade just sips back. “It was a dumb reflex! And you give the meaning of cold feet in bed, a new and terminal terminology!”

Urd just eyes between the two, as Sigrun appears from her Snoopy like sleep spot on above the Temple. “Gee, must be fun sleeping with a gal that can make her feet 'that' cold.”

Lind smirks back. “My trait of powers have their uses.”

“Can you teach me? Trouba-dope can use a wake up call before noon anymore.”

Lind actually haggles back... “How bout some enhanced energy nuts for beloved. He'll need to keep up for a bit in sparring sessions for awhile.” Urd quickly agrees, which just makes them both look kooky to Imlade. Skuld just cock-eyed bemoans... “This somehow isn't going to be healthy. Too early for this.... -yawwwn- ....anyway.”

“Agreed.” Sigrun quips atop what Imlade was about to say. Imlade instead just looks at the body shaped hole he caused, all the way from inside the temple, due to feet colder than the deepest, most frigid drifts in the Antarctic, upon his back that suddenly! He smirks, before he sees the first light of morning pane down unto the hole, and the side of the Temple. The others then note Imlade looking towards the new dawn.

The comedy is faded into the serenity of it all, as Sigrun and Lind saunter to left and right of knightly side each.

“Tis a new day, glorious and alive.”

The lot look on, as the sun waxes above the Temple, the warmth giving energy.

“I still prefer the moonlight.”

“Ye would Apprentice.”

Lind giggles a bit, before noticing they all are not alone. “Ah... Belldandy and Keiichi.” ...this Imlade blinks and realizes unto the realized and approaching. “Ah! Apologies for the racket caused.”

Keiichi however turned iota of this way with... “Uh... gold dude... um... Imladris?”

Said dude blinked. “Eh? Why the name....”

--------------------

“...oh my Light of the Eminence.”

The lot were awake now, the warming grass outside a good place as any, as Peorth, Talos and Troubadour also appear, unto a strange tale that makes the lot collectively shiver. As enough detail of Keiichi's dream is told, to effect Imladris breaches breath upon. Skuld hazards out of dear note... “Is... is that how....?”

“Aye. Lord Keiichi somehow tells my tale of First Death quite well. A bit too well. I... so... it... it was Gaea that took my Wish? I... I never knew. Never asked for reason, but still.”

“Maybe none did, save Almighty Himself.” Lind accents. Talos for his impart... “It swamps my senses to know someone that remembers how they died. Is there another situation as unique as this, in all the Multiplanes?”

“If there is, such a tale BETTER hath be greater than my own. One would somewhat hope, if not for the pain induced into it all. As such... well, to save detail.”

Lind nods knowing how much Imladris alone has already been through in several lifetime's worth. “To seek more pain than wanted, beyond your own, would amend though of what makes a Hero. Perhaps another of equal merit we know, would be of better stead, within less.”

“We know now of a few of that similar consequence.” Imladris quips over to his General. Peorth just gulps out. “Pauvre de moi. To think reality can be of 'that' far a measure.” Keiichi nearby just would never see books and movies, the same way again. Imladris however steers to another thought. “Migoddess Gaea... could.... but... yes, it makes.... sense... I'd have to check the Holocron, but....

If Gaea indeed was Voluspa, and Gaea took my Wish.... then....”

The lot of them were cold of feeling, there and then. And such Imladris had another thought. One cut short from the tongue, as just then, a decent clapping sound startles them all. Belldandy... “Mother?”

Said High Goddess hovers over, all Urd like. (Hey, traits are traits.) “Come now good kin, the day is too long and glorious to spend morbid upon the grasses.”

Belldandy at that stands. “Yes. And not on an empty stomach either.” ... “Verily.”

Both of them giggling like that, makes Troubadour shiver. “Verily creepy.”

Frig just looks dourly at, and 'commands' of... “Urd. Deal with him.”

Skuld just snaps out a second later. “WATCH IT WITH THE URD BOLTS SIS!!!” Troubadour just coughs all sooty.

“Sorry.” Urd quips of her still quite lack of precision. Lind just grunts out. “And one would have thought, your lack of control problem would have been dealt with, after your Provisional period.”

Urd slit eyes back. “Uhuh, and you have that control now as that whole unSealed bit?”

One 'application' of that, as an Ice bolt of energy make, crispy-freezer burns Imlade as much more effectively as than even Troubadour just got it. (Somehow burnt smudged, and frozen all the same.) Skuld and Keiichi (Talos too,) just clap impressed, as Sigrun blinks. “Wow, you do have excellent control.”

Lind just smirks, not bothering further, as Imlade just coughs out a smoky smudge, made of ice dust. (Somehow..)

Frig sees, and decides the time has about come... (And two victims just cough out soot in simult.)

--------------------

Dressed/reformatted into their various civvies of the day, everyone fell into nominal routines. Skuld and Urd held sway over an early game of Uno, for TV rights, as Troubadour watched, while Talos and Peorth sauntered around outside. Imlade and Lind were 'teaching' Sigrun a bit of small things of the world, leaving Frig to fiddle with something fateful in Keiichi's room. (Or that whole doorway within bit, long aforementioned.) This left Belldandy with Keiichi helping more than ever, alone in the kitchen. As Bell was making breakfast, Keiichi just helped with minor stuff, as they talked.

“I wonder why I had that dream.”

Belldandy didn't want to say it, but Keiichi wondered anyway, much to his credit in fact. “Does... this mean that... thing... woman... know where I am in... my dreams?”

Belldandy stopped... “Possibly. But... I... I'm not sure the intent was to harm. But... it may be a warning.”

“Maybe all that gods and demons stuff I've had in me, is enough... to let her...” ...find him, was left out. But then Keiichi wondered. “But.... it felt more like... she was needing help. Maybe she's wanting something past all she is. Or something like that.”

Belldandy looked over, and considered. “Maybe you were able to hear a plea, meant for Cousin. As incredible as such sounds and all, maybe you indeed are correct with the idea she is calling for her. But... why would be impossible to determine, without... asking... Her.”

Keiichi gulped and then quickly amended in comical note. “Uhhh... maybe we should add more spice this time to the egg sauce.”

Belldandy just as quirkily amends. “How about the soy sauce over there too dear!”

“Yup! Hereo!”

--------------------

Peorth, just outside when this discussion was occurring, just sighs as the cooking spat heightens. She too however cradles her chin, floating along the grounds. “Mon dieu. Voluspa.... a way out...?”

Talos then spoke behind her, keeping easy pace. “Gaea was really important to you.”

Peorth halts, as she then delved into her own past, as she spoke.. “My time as mentored, under the very same goddess that wrought moi to my current mode and stature. It was Gaea that allowed me to explore my own formal and being, my ability to be a Administrator, to be a goddess true to myself.

And even to be a goddess as 'relaxed' as I am to others.” ...the last a amorous shiver Talos begets in turn from. Peorth however looks away with decent discomfort. “When it was revealed who she was, I was torn within. I understand enough what Belldandy went through with Celestine, when Gaea....

....when she...”

“Speak of it not lightly.”

The two humanoid forms, look down at the reincarnated god-dog. Peorth looking just sighs. “Non, I do not. Why of apparent, the most traumatizing moments for Heaven, occur at the highest levels, when such should be the apex of stability.”

“It may be an aspect of our powers, and the mindset it proscribes.” Celestine comments, Velsper appears nearby, as a similar witness to such cause, but hearing well enough here, as the fallen god remarks. “When one has the power, a will, good or ill, one may act on it, even beyond logic and control to brace against. And usually, Falls and Acts, are at the most extreme, when Will takes action.

I suspect however, Gaea was more than just a pawn of Voluspa.”

Peorth looks down, as she quips... “Que? Pourquoi?”

“After so long alone, is 'is' possible that the Seer, wanted to have more than her own loneliness. She is, somehow in the end line, a goddess.” Peorth however asks. “Do we savoir avec certitude?” Celestine however comments. “For certain? If accounted for the fact of how long she has resided within the very literal Rules of the Almighty. Voluspa has to be bound to some of them, for her to work her plans. Enough to play Her game, by our tools. But I also sense, She has begun a path Hild already has taken.

No being deserves to be alone for 'this' long. Perhaps this is where the goddess element is fully laden, if not for detailed certain.”

“Perhaps she wants that back. Being Gaea, and all with it?” Talos hazards. Peorth feels something she'd not felt for a emotional Age, by goddess of feel. Celestine keeps neutral. Velsper just quips. “Why a goddess and not a demon instead? Such presumptions.” ...and begets a decent glare even she/he regrets for certain. (From Peorth, could be a nigh hateful one in fact!)

Their contemplation however, ends with a hard crush to the ground of something heavy, and then a 'second' hard yell along with it! Talos of note, just quips bluntly. “Tis it me? Or does that bloke yell too much for own said good?” ...Peorth however noted... “Only of apparent, by Lind's loving foot.” ...so it seems until the lot appear....

--------------------

“Now what is he yelling about?” Skuld quips as they all reach a rather quirky sight. Even Frig is taken aback, by the sight of Lind and Sigrun just looking at a severely pained looking of facade knight, holding that same strange white card he begot from the Ball, as Keiichi remarks at.... “Jeeze, that is one big honkin chest there.”

Sigrun nods back in kind. “It seems that the card there, held a holding spell of a sort?”

Lind nods, (Imlade's face turning purple...) “Lady Irtasus said it was a gift of a form, though she never relented details of said parcel.”

Sigrun back in kind, (Imlade's face turning purple-gray...) “Do you suppose this was the intent for this?”

Lind just shakes her head neutrally, (Imlade's face turning purple-pink-gray.... eww...) “Beloved knows said Lady better than I. Perhaps one should have known better.”

Sigrun just looks at her Master, now with a face fit for something Urd barfed up after a most horrid drinking binge. (This facade color scheme does not conform to safe reading standards.) “Yeah Master, I thought you'd know better by now.”

Belldandy just quips at that moment. “Pardon, but is Cousin alright? I mean besides his usual fare?” ..this as Urd and Skuld sport putrid glances. (Keiichi now bout the same.) Imlade just responds by first flutter dropping the elegant card. (Lind flicking it to her hand readily.) And then in succession, he very literally POPS both feet from beneath where the very large chest had crushed them. And then he just lifts a finger aside him, and silently vanishes from sight. The rest, save Lind, just blink kookily, before they soon hear from somewhere off in a far distance, a long and painfully released scream!

Lind just quips back with a smile to Bell. “Aye, he'll be fine.” ...this Bell just smiles back simply. Lind then takes note of the parcel that caused all this, as she reflects of a moment ago. “I only asked what be this. But this...?” ...as the others look as Lind inspects a rather archaic looking opulent wood chest, boxy of main , arch curved atop, a fine red-blue wood that meshed like it was rock instead, banded together with beaten in gold-steel, of make and mode alike, well aged and worn in from apparent use. Lind smelled scents of many various Planes upon it's wood, dents and other nicks that gave character, before her eye lain on an unusual latch system.

Sigrun leans in. “What kind of latch is this?”

Lind runs her hand across it... “More like a slide lock. Ten, twelve latches...” ...as she takes old of the bolt hinge device that apparently slides across the grooved holes, like...

“Sorta looks like clutch handle deal.” ...this the two goddesses note from Keiichi, whom he and Bell both looking just as much as anyone here now. Lind nods. “Aye, though I feel powerful magicks just in holding the handle device.”

Just then, two THICK cracks of bone make them all look back, as Imlade now is dancing his feet back and forth for feeling. “Dang that draconic...”

“Will you stop that Cousin!!!” Skuld snaps, as Urd zips in just as annoyed! “Yeah! You gods and your godly bodily movements!”

Imlade just snips back lightly. “Yeah. Next time you two break the arches in your feet and reset them. Yeesh goddesses...”

While Imlade avoids being Urd Bolted-Skuld Bombed out of Nekomi proper, Troubadour just ekes out... “Tell me you warrior types are not 'all' like that!” ...this Talos just smirks back... “And yet you hazard to stay anyway.” ...this Peorth in kind. “Said of you both in fact.” ...this begetting a mutual glare enjoyed.

Keiichi then just brings it all back... “Uhhh... okay gold dude, what is thus?”

Belldandy actually comments on the 'thus', as K1 blushes suddenly, as Imlade walks back over and takes back the card from Lind for a moment... “A surprise indeed. Uncouth a message not needed, rather by josh instead. But in kind with....” ...handing the card back to Lind, as he kneels down and rubs over the chest of ancient memory note.

“Another part of the past in present again?”

The lot look up, as Frigurina floats over, as Imlade nods. “A strange day this is turning of bend. One where my old chest of war is returned to me. Such a way to do so.” ...as he then readily shifts the handle into a rather specific hole, and pushes the handle 'in', before opening, and then looking well and truly 'into' the opening. His voice actually echoes a good bit as he comments... “Yup, the magic containment field is still pretty strong. Irtasus must have fortified it.” ...and then proceeds to pull out a very long, magical kingsword of all things, that had no right to fit into the chest as it was! A lot of boggled faces rounds to a Belldandy centered conclusion. “A magical container spell.”

“Multi.” Imlade quips, placing the sword down on the ground, and closing the chest to shift the latch to a separate hole, and opening it to then look in and pull out a decent sized winged shield! As Lind pokes her head fully in, Imlade quips on inspection... “The anti eroding spells are doing swell too.” ... “Expansive storage space in here love.” Lind's voice accents in interior echo.

Keiichi blinks as ever the lost. “Uh... pardon?”

Talos quips rather simply, if amazed for specific measure. “The largest version of a bag of ever holding, that I've ever seen.” ...Belldandy accenting for Keiichi. “Magical devices that can hold far more than their original content space, can possibly hold. It's like the space expander that Skuld created, rather this as a magical version.”

Keiichi nods. “Or like the stuff Skuld pulls from her blouse like she does.” This Skuld reacts by covering her pink shirt blouse suddenly, with a good blush. “Hey! What's that supposed to mean!”

Urd takes advantage by buddy holding Skuld, ever hardly though in tone... “It means you have to make up for that flat chest of yours.”

“Hey! Watch it boob for brains! Like you've ever done anything useful from em!”

“Oh... she has.”

Urd looks with a sudden blush as Troubadour's quip, suddenly makes Urd actually reach into Skuld's blouse! “Lemme at a bomb in there! Just ten or twenty!” ...this Skuld fighting Urd off, while K1 looks away with a bad blush. Belldandy just blinks on blankly. “Urd, you know you should ask Skuld nicely before you go blasting someone with Skuld's bombs.”

Keiichi is surprised when Urd does just that, and Skuld complies much more readily. (And Troubadour is blown off the map for a moment.) Frig afar just claps. “That's my proper and respectful daughters for you.”

Skuld./Urd: (Buddy arm and arm and all...:) “Anything that our Sister asks.” This Belldandy hop claps in happy glee at.

Keiichi just looks twitchy eyed, before a good clank makes him look back, as Imlade pulls out a really big... “Ah! Here's one.” ...and said metal bloke tosses a long dragon lance to Peorth. (Quite knowingly so.) Peorth... “Que?” ...and Talos quickly on kind of panting motion. “A dragon lance! -girly squeal!- It's so long and shiny and narly and...” ...before Peorth clangs the weapon shaft off Talos's head dropping him out temporarily, and then tossing the weapon down at him. “Par ici imbÃ©cile.”

Lind then asks, a bit pensive for the subject matter noted... “Is.... this all the stuff you've accumulated from... from when... your amnesia period?”

Imladris stopped and nodded. “Twenty years is a long time to gather a hoard of my own. Strange to go through so much, with such a clouded mind. Yet, I think I left this chest behind, not too long before I got lost in that glacier field, and such that led me back to those events here and all.” ...with a soft, battle worn hand upon a soft gloved version. “But not to dwell.”

“Nay.” Lind smiles back, before Imlade then shuts the chest, shifts to another 'selection', and opens it to a glory of shiny iotas (coins, jewels, nick nacks upon nick nacks, ala a glory,) that suddenly have Urd and Peorth zipping over in obvious swoon. Keiichi looks and asks, as Sigrun this time looks in rather deeply within! “You said you did how many dragons?”

“More than I fully remember.” Imlade quips, before Sigrun shouts with good echo inside. “I think I can see a 'wall' in here. Wow, must be the size of what they call here.... those... stadiums?” ...finishing as she lifts her head back out. Lind and Peorth are eyeing the bloke, whom just shrugs. “Hey, they were those nasty ones. Yaltros particularly liked the Red one that was encroaching onto too many other dragon's feeding grounds, that I offed. Spoils and all that. Told ya all about all those Epic spells I tried to use to get my memories back. This is all just leftovers really.” Keiichi just jitters his eyes. “Only you can call all that leftovers.”

“All and such is still uneasy and all such to hear.” Peorth quips. Lind however remarks... “Not as much as facing all those teeth and spells, I would gather.”

Imlade just shuts the chest, just as a couple emerges over the steps of the temple entranceway. “Heya all ladies and goobers!”

“Good morning Takano and Keima.” Bell and Frig chime simultaneously. Keima just wilts a tic back before Takano drags him along anyway forth. “Common, I smell some wonderful stuff in tha air. I... eh? What's that tin blow hole got there this time?” ...this the cloistered lot looking up. Lind quips out... “Beloved's old effects and spoils from wars and battles well and gone by.” ...this as Imlade suddenly hefts a FRIGGEN big tome from the chest suddenly. “HAH! I knew I had that Holia Codex in here! Kept nagging me in the melon for years really, where it went.” ...this Lind smirks at her metal dork. “Tisn't nagging your lifestyle these days.”

“Har har migoddess.”

Just then Takano and Keima note a blasted Spirit shuffle on by. “Pardon... -cough- ...me.”

Keima just snickers at the sight of the quirky usuals about. “Typical day here.”

Just then, Frig comes up, bidding Belldandy over, Keiichi in tow most voluntarily. Frig sees and goes with it, as she quips to the elder-if-ever-youthful-couple. “Pardon, but could ye both of the betrothed, help me with an iota I have planned?”

In some wacky twist of fate, Takano (and Belldandy off the weirdest mirror reflex ever,) grabs Keima as the elder tries to run away for all good sane measure! (Hence why Keiichi was so done by Bell when K1 realizes for better sane health as well. In other words, girl/goddess power has a grip.) The lady (don't say mother) just nods. “Sure. Whtacha gots planned?”

Skuld and Urd still bickering, Peorth swooning over the chest full of treasure as Imlade and Lind inspect it over. (Talos still knocked out. Peorth can hit man,) all miss this, though Sigrun does not. She sees the five lot enter the residence simply, and gets suspicious.

And acts on it.

--------------------

Something meanwhile, stirs nearby, invisible... cute... deadly.

And nary a bug hammer in sight.

--------------------

“Yeah, that's you alright.”

Frig just lets it go with... “Yes, in a nut shell, as you would put it. Ol future grandson o mine.”

Keiichi blushes his minor regret, as Takano makes light of that with. “Goodness. And I really means that too. Goodness, you and we related?” ...she then leans in to whisper, as if it 'twere a bad thing. “So, how many kids could we gt to spolin?

“MOM! -SMACK- Owwie!”

Takano rubs her palm. Simply. “Bell-chan dearie, tend to the goober.”

Belldandy does so readily, as K1 sees angel feathers. (I.e. Parental discipline is effective.) Frig sees all this and returns comment unto. “Aside from the twenty or thirty I wouldn't mind seeing. (Hey, I am a goddess of creation and that stuff.) I'd like to put that aside, in favor of a slight and personal goal I have had, for one other member of my family, that is of long age and not as fully, similarly blessed, as we here are.

Keima, following along as best he can, just comments plain key... “So, you wish to do something to Imladris and his Lind of note.” ...this Takano coughs at. “Apologies. To Lind and her Imladris... ah... of note.”

Frig giggles and then remarks. “Urd and Troubadour are all their own. Sigrun needs time, if not for much longer, if I sense things. (And I always so do.) Skuld and Sentaro are set when they are ready, age included, social bylaws of this world plane respected. Peorth is not of kin, not that Talos is escaping of any measure.

And of family, I aim to so do in such a venture indeed.”

Keiichi then asks readily. (All but concussion proof, this one is.) “Should not they do it all themselves?”

“Not when it is a Gift not lain before them both.”

Belldandy gasps a good bit. “But did not the Ball end already?” Frig nods. “Actually, no. Hero's Ball still goes on, but not in the sense one might think of one. Tis more than merely dancing and all such after all. So fathomlessly much more to it all indeed. Why else would Lady Irtasus give a gift of swag begotten from so many other worlds, where they have no effective purpose on this one. Electrum and copper pieces alone, would hold little value past the nominal on this elemental burg. Nay, she has effect of something indeed else at hand. Crafty a dragon, Irtasus is. She has her own aim as a result through the chest.

But I aim another course of my own. One I've had a working upon since nigh after my arrival amongst you wonderful souls.”

Belldandy actually cocks a crafty smirk all of a sudden. “So this is the reason unsaid for all the subtlety and borrowing of Skuld's and Cousins tools.” ...this Keiichi sees and quips. “Uhhh... you okay Belldandy?” ...and in simple kind. “Should I not? Am I okay Keiichi? I don't displease you do I?! Keiichi dear!?!” ...which leads to her plopping all over Keiichi, of actions fit of a lime fiction! Takano and Keima twitch blink as the former just quips to a son's magma-colored-blush! “She don't realize what shes doin huh?”

“Scary a measure, tis it not?” Frig quips back, knowing all such actions were more realizable by the likes of the other goddesses in residence. Only Belldandy could be otherwise. But it's discounted back in favor of... “And aye, I intend a proper Gift to ensure a permanent paring between those two warriors of love.”

“Is it because of all that... what was it... Tyr stuff I... uh...saw?” Keiichi laments.

Frig reacts a bit pensively, but then just as simply the next. “Only in a partial sense. While I understand my Nephew's sense of propriety with all he does, I however hold a sense of... spoiling.... as it 'twere put.” ...this Takano smiles, if in a waiting fashion. Frig explains further. “Yes they are happy, Imladris and Lind. I want them to maximize that. I want them to have reason to survive past these unfolding events, for a future that I could hold their child (or children,) upon after. More for the relative lost unto a soul that is in as much danger of repeating the same result, if chance were so forced.

I aim, as my own way against Voluspa's intentions, to mend a fence against that. All the same, as a goddess that relishes in pairings and all such, to simply leave those two be as they are now, is not my way.”

Keiichi hears this and trades a kooky look with Keima. “Um... can I be worried for them and us now?”

Frig actually pops a decent anime stress vein as a result. “Maybe five years apart due to the Judgment Gate Effect is needed instead.”

Bell and K1 just leap into a comical-fearful laden hug again! Both ala: “We said we'll be good!”

Takano just giggles I kind. “Dear golly. If only I hads that kinds of discipline back in the day.” ...this Keima just quips... “Indeed. Kids that never listen anymore.” ...Frig nods in accepting 'parental' kind. K1 'and' Bell just react with a bland mutual glance in return.

One focused away from, by a sudden grunt of disapproval from the nearby slide doorway. Frig sees and quips. “A problem daughter dear?”

“If so unto my Master that is. I sensed ye would attempt anew folly upon him.” ...her dark-starry hair as frazzled as she is.

Keima just quips in kind. “You sound like your... uh... Master, anymore.” ...this put in a quirky way, with a quirky stare from Sigrun, that makes the elder bloke jump behind Takano all of a sudden. Frigurina then plainly responds back, a wipe of her golden locks. “I assure you, the intent is melding, though I see no reason for enforcement, of a pleasurable nature.”

“I'll keep a question upon that.” Sigrun remarks in angsty fashion. Belldandy just looks up and offers. “Perhaps a demonstration would ease all concerns. I am sure Mother made her device, with all intention of no harm to anyone here.” ...this Keiichi accents for words Belldandy never would say anyway. “Yeah, I mean Frigurina is better at all this than Urd and Skuld is. I mean, for al that goddess stuff I know Belldandy is good at. Frig has to be even better for her part. What from all we have known up to now.”

Sigrun looks with decent amazement, as much as Bell and Frig have blushes afire each in kind. Takano puts a finger up for motherly query, whit Keiichi quickly adds... “I mean my parents are good at their stuff, like telling me to honor where possible and all.”

Keima just quips level. “I'll let that 'parent' one slide.” ...for the part of mention. Takano just sighs. “Why you let me agree with all that 'Titles' emo stuff, for so long. Oh well.”

Keiichi however then leans in and asks... “Uh, that whatever thing it is, it won't mutate them both or anything gross, will it?”

Frig reacts with anime (goddess Ver. 1005.27.09, lotta upgrades over the Eons, ya know,) devil eyes, and suddenly slaps her unshown device, immediately upon Keiichi's and Belldandy's left and right wrists without warning! Keiichi quickly tries to pry the thing off! “ACK! I'm sorry! I like having only two eyes! I.... ah... eh?

-Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.-”

The others look, as a pair of slender looking gold on white silver, metallic gauntlet like bracelets of a fashion, just glimmer and throb glow, as they attune to the 'frequency' of the two of eternal pair. Other than looking like elegant accouterments, they look no more dangerous, than jewelery. However the reverberating feelings between the accosted duo, are anything other than. The two are just... staring... at each other. Deeper than they ever had known.

Keima and Takano wipe hands across their faces, of gender note. Takano... “Yohoo! Oh dense son of the meek of mine?”

Sigrun is looking with focused eyes, as Bell and Keiichi just 'feel' every last pore of each other. It's all they need do, as the 'frequencies' find each other with ease. Keima of note... “Umm...?”

“Easier to do all that, without a Meld, tis it not dears?”

Belldandy responds with such a lost look on her facade, if somehow hearing past her gushing love of her newly betrothed. Belldandy voices in such an enraptured echo. “I know all of Keiichi's desires, and all mine for his to see. There's... no strain in doing so either.”

Sigrun creeps out... “Uhhh, are they going to be okay like that?”

Frig semi nods, making sure there's no strange after effects. “Apparently, for all their own measure. The device, (unnamed as of yet,) mimics the effects of a formal Angel Meld, without the strained effects and all. Essentially, the device is a simple amplification meld link, of a psychic medium, between them both only.”

Takano blinks at this with... “Well theys look good and truly lost to me. Kinda creepy.”

Frig then just ekes out. “Hope that's all it is. I am still fine tuning the psychic bond parameters, so they don't mesh their personalities too far. But since a goddess and a mortal can't actually meld as one being, they should be fine. At least, that was a worry of mine here.”

Sigrun yelps, loud enough for others to look stunned. (But nowhere near so at all from K1 or Bell at all!) “You mean you made that for my Master and General Lind, with worry they might be MELDED physically!!??!!” ...before Frig clamps Sigrun's mouth! “Shh! Not so loud! Their ears are too endowed.” ...before settling nerves, sorta... “The worry is mainly if it was all a goddess nature of melding, like the nominal worry of angelic melds. There is... and I am so hazarding this as an impossibility, that despite there is one in the slimmest sense anyway, of any sense at all here, that if two beings with Intracel style networks that melded anyway, could.... theoretically, physically meld as one being, upon and at a tenth level dimensional sense.

In other words, the device could overcompensate and cause such a total meld, but since Imladris has none such, nor does Keiichi here, such cannot happen. And even if two goddesses did have this attached, or such similar beings, the possibility is remote, based on factor that they'd have to be in love with each other anyway. Plus the device would need the two beings to formally like each other at least, to even allow the device to find their psychic frequencies in the first place.”

Sigrun just quips. “Yeah, shouldn't? Can't!? Even I know this place better!”

Frig teardrops. “Aye.” Takano quipping... “Very so girl.” Keima just twitching his eyes. (Both of em.)

Frig responds back with a quacky snap! “I didn't make the rules here! Your 'bucko' did there with that Wish! Get off me!” ..this Keima quips behind Takano. “Did she create that 'term' too there?” ...whit Takano giggles off kilter at. Sigrun looks uneasily level, as Frig just reacts with anime (goddess Ver. 1005.27.10) devil eyes and snaps. “Is that so guinea pigs?”

The next thing anyone knows, Takano and Keima have the device on their wrists, while Bell and K1 suddenly blink and look about. K: “Eh!? Who?!? Where are we!?”

“Did it have to stop?” Belldandy accents, which takes Keiichi aback some. They however then hear from the newly accosted suddenly, as Keima and Takano realize, for the first time in their entire marriage, how they truly felt about each other. And to be sure, the reasons Takano called Keima her invincible one, were now given reason to be magnified a thousand fold! Whit is why the suddenly cuddly scene that Keima NEVER would have done otherwise of! “Oh my dear Takano sweet.”

“I never knew you loved me so much.”

Sigrun looks on creeped, Keiichi doubly-thrice so! Belldandy just coos... “They look so in love! I want to look like that!” ...though Keiichi remarks. “We just did. But my Parents like that?!?” ...of borderline grossed-out-ness. He then gets a strange, soft double bonk to the head, that somehow hurts, while the two 'parents', just coo out. “Don't sass our love Keiichi.” ...before going all back into their own little dimension or something.

Frig, for her part, just quips. “Well, guess it works safely enough on mere mortals.” ..and binks a finger up triumphantly. “But I am of course, a genius! Hohoho!”

Keiichi just bemoans. “Was that Skuld or Urd in that? I can't tell.” ...Frig in kind back. “You should see Bell do that on her best cooking day.” ...Belldandy blushes. “Mother.”

Keiichi snickers, but then sees his parents then lean back, Keima unto Takano a bit too much for non-lime fiction comfort. “Okay man! A kid seeing their parents like that is just wrong! I.. -BONK- ...ouch.” ...as Keima, not even taking eyes off Takano, and all that fluff, takes a blind taken tea cup-glass and throw it exactingly. He quips in the same motion of manner. “Don't sass, we're busy.”

Sigrun just creeps out for her part. “Um... hate to say it, but I agree with the invalid with Sister there. Um, Mother?”

Frig shrugs. “In a bit. Too bad I can't test it on you, Daughter dear.” ...this Sigrun BLANCHES at! “Mother! Do you blasted mind already!??”

Frig smirks back, a bit Hild like in fact. “I always mind. Been my forever nature.”

Sigrun just moans and slumps shoulders. “If I ever have such a soulmate, that is.”

Belldandy then offers, as Frig starts trying to figure a way to extract the device from the two intertwined mortals. “Be assured, my wonderful Sister. Such a time will come, when you least expect of it. Love, as it's own sentience beyond us all, choses when it choses for you. All at the appropriate time, that you choose beyond your whims. And when so done, you will cherish it beyond measure to understand. This as I've come to accept.”

Sigrun smirks and sees Keiichi, trying to eye away from the parental love fest scene. “I can see why. Envious I am becoming despite. But no further to assure by.”

Belldandy nods (and hides a slight sigh of relief along with.)

Frig meanwhile, actually finds it difficult to extract the device back from swooning arms. (And suspects Keima is realizing that in fact! Dang.)

--------------------

Skuld meanwhile blinks afar... “Did I.... nah... must be the sun.” ...this Urd mocks over lightly. “You need your eyes adjusted squirt?” ...this Skuld shoves back. (More than just 'literally' so...) “Like you see any better than I do.”

Urd was going to crack back (fists of spell charged included,) when Imlade quips out. “What be this now?” ...as he pulls out a good sized, body length Sun ray pattern Holy shield that he has to fully step back up and away from the chest, to fully inspect. Peorth thumbs her chin. “Looks like a large holy mithril shield. A lot of mithril.” ...Lind notes. “Looks like it's inlaid and underlying the shield over all. Looks light in weight.” ...as noted as Imlade hefts the shield in an ease his heavier shields wouldn't be so easily. Imladris adds in... “For a body length shield? Looks like the mithril was used to wrap around a base of steel, or whatever the base metal is.” ...this as he puts the tip of the shield bottom on the ground, and looks at it on both sides. He recognizes... “There's Sindarin writing on both sides of this thing. The edges to the wing tip festoons.... some Khuzdul with it, and.... something even longer in script... feels.... ancient....” ...by now he had the others around him, even Talos now (awake,) as they look at the various elements worked into the Shield. An overall sense of the angelic was present, the main theme of the emboss upon the shield face, had an apparent, strong, long mountain chain, set as a wall of great proportions upon a sea that looked larger than inscribed. Upon the mountain tops, a rising sun that looked all as if, it was real and alive. At least it took the nominal sunlight around, to create this effect. But it felt deeper than even that, somehow.

There was an element that also seemed out of place too... “Looks like a small Gondor tree symbol to the right of the sun. Or... ” Urd meanwhile placing a hand on the surface. “Wow, there is a lot of magic force placed into this thing. Whoever made it, knew their stuff like all heck.”

That's when Imladris, Lind just as intently now, looked at the lettering scheme again. Sindarin as a long and verbose base, with Khuzdul beneath it as if a 'foundation', the Sindarin built upon, and the third, longer language above that Imladris guessed to a great hazard of ego. “Is this what Valarin script looks like?! What the heck?!”

Lind suddenly started, her tenth level acuities attempting a crude translation... “The... I think... The Wall.... Sauron's defence.... bane...? Valar's.... I think Chosen comes after, but... ah... Defender... Alue of Crafting make.... um...whoa this is hard.”

“Try the Sindarin instead, I'm not sure even the Valar fully formed their own language, meant for the pen.” Imlade remarks, Lind smirks and finds the Sindarin indeed easier. “By the Craft of Alue himself, the Wall of Pelori that separated Arda from Valar before the Akallabeth, unassailed by none, allowed to few beyond, becomes new of tool to the Bane of Sauron, Chosen of our Great Ally. This the Gift of the Valar to the Chosen Hero.”

“Bane of Sauron?” Imlade cracks in amazement. “I take one whack at a fallen, dessicated spirit and I get called that!?” ...he then blinks... “...and where'd the fracken whole bit with that Annatar crud come from anyway!? I thought the bloke lost that ability after Akallabeth occurred!” This Lind only shrugs for honest ignorance of impart, but making fun enough light of... “Maybe only another 'dark lord' would know.” ...whit Imlade's bland face given back, gave the Valkyrie her amusement.

“Maybe there's more to it.” Peorth offers. Imlade looks up, as the Rose goddess remarks. “Interesting that you would meet such souls, well after the time a world had it's story told. Perhaps one of appreciation can hold a tool of that world, in your own current one.”

Imlade just shrugs. “Eh, if so be it. Not delved upon there either to be fully sure. Nonetheless, a shield of formal note, I never did have unto now.” ..as he hefts the opulent shield to effect. “That old Sapphire shield seemed only a bare accompaniment to Morphemic anyway.”

Skuld then quaffs out... “I'd hate to think of what else is in that chest, you are not aware of Cousin.”

Imlade cocks an eye and quips out. “I haven't checked the old potions slot yet either.” ...whit Urd coos as expected. (For her part.) “Lemme at it when you do get there, will ya?”

“What a surprise to hear.” ...the lot hear and look, as Urd recognizes to tone of everyone else for sake. “Decided to join us, ol Mara dear?”

Said Demon First Class just drops down from the temple wall nearby, and low hover 'walks' over to the bunch. Urd however sees a pensive, long away look in Mara's eyes, one with sadness where demons usually don't dwell. “You okay girl?”

Mara heard this, not fully sure why she was here at all, and takes it all the wrong way as per her usual ego;. “Of course I'm fine! Lay off!” ...this Urd holds her hands up defensively. “Whoa girl. I just was worried. You look kinda lost.”

Imladris glanced over at Lind, as Talos quips for his own shortsighted reasons. “Tis not that a proper thing?” ...whit begets a flick from Peorth in kind to a pained ear! “Hey, a girl with chiot chien yeux should be teased, or worse for such.” This Mara really turns defensive! “I said watch it! I just...”

“Hazard I suppose...” Lind offers... “...that one with a burden, would better discuss it forth, as unintendedly wanted for. Or else why are you here, if not anywhere else instead?”

Mara winced that one good. Her bland response back. “If not for that, I'd swat at ya, even as bad as I used to do here.”

“Good luck.” Imlade quips, one fem smirk and one fem glare given. (Guess from whom.) Urd just trades a look with Skuld, as Urd offers. “We can talk alone if ya want to, no one else needing to know.”

Mara almost responds, before Sigrun's voice is heard afar. “Ah... sorry. General Lind? Frigurina... uh... my Mother, wants a word, if by please come?”

Lind looks back with cocked eye, then back to the lot. “I am summoned then.” Imlade comments out. “Shalt I come to? Just to heed if a warning listened early?”

Lind shakes her head of answer, before Mara is then heard in continued before. “Why not, since my reasons lie because of you dork.” ...this Imlade looks back. “Persay? Do tell.” ...this Lind already heads off to attendance come.

And invisible movement prods it's pinkish self forth by no other measure than chaos alone of alone.

----

Lind soon enters, and finds only a High Goddess waiting, Sigrun taking spot to one side, Belldandy the other. The General stops and nods her head. Frig then offers, making a martial motion, with zilch intent of the kind behind it. “Please, a moment of shared time away from your love.”

Lind blinks and kneels down. “If only a short and assured so moment indeed.”

Belldandy giggles, as Sigrun looks away, Lind suspecting to her usual warning mode. Frig then offers. “So, for that moment in time, may I accost some information in that same regard? I assure there's a bountiful repose to come of it.”

Lind then turns eager enough in tone. “Of my belove? Ask of it, if there be no ill in it.”

“By none at all.” Frig responds, Belldandy giggling even more. (And Sigrun wanting to just scream a warning that originally wasn't of one anyway. Not if things had gone how they should have gone.) Lind tilts her head. “And of such queries?”

Nearby, Keiichi and elder kin, watch from peep holds Lind was readily aware of. (Stealth against a Valkyrie? You're kidding right? Well, normally anyway.) Takano just whispers. “Why all the fuddy duddy stuff? Seems all fake.”

Keiichi just remarks in whispered kind. “Only until that device thing gets used.”

“Heard that one kid.”

“-hard whisper- Kid!? Who was panting all like puppies earlier huh!?”

“-low growl whisper- Want me to bite like one?”

“-longing fem whisper- Save that for me tonight dear.”

Keiichi manages to avoid gagging too loud, as Frig keeps her voice as center point here. “Oh, of only one. What would you do, to make your beloved as happy as possible.”

Lind pounced on that question, like she usually did to Imlade physically. “Anything.”

Frig smirks. “Gooooooooooood.”

Sigrun just holds her melon. “Oh good grief.” Belldandy's pensive smile says about the same thing.

----

Imladris nods. “Yeah. Satorna I can understand of why.”

Mara draws a beady glare in kind. The others remaining to hear, leaving words to Urd, where such to hazard. “You would.”

“Only if ye the same of why naming your forces after your own guise? Livid of it all, the Marians?” ...this Mara blanches back. “Hey, it was a strong name to use. Like demon reprogramming gave our 'side' a choice anyway.”

“Uhuh.” Imladris quips, realizing fully, talking in the far after fact, of an event both were formal enemies within. Urd just quips forth. “Well, at least Cousin let you live from all that.” Imladris however looks down and pensive at. Mara cocking her face away as well. “I suppose if not for Hild's 'mercy', after a very imposed fact, by Mistress's grace, I'd would be dead anyway. But I suspect she knew better that my humiliation in losing an entire galaxy to this blowhard, was enough punishment to endure forever.”

“It should never have come to all that.” Imladris ironclad admits. Mara cocks her head over, as Imladris sighs... “Seven years of galactic war. We may have lived through it, but so many souls did not, nor worlds and larger. It was too much. Blasted so.” ...as he then angles his head over at his now demon comrade. (Sorta.) “Why? Hild be very much dammed. Why did you all make that war last so long?! Even after all consequence of unto the billions suffered, did it still take further of a war of that Final magnitude, to justify how it all finally ended!?

I did NOT come there to unite a Galaxy, just eject you fools on Below, and leave all else be to evolution's impart!”

Mara winced enough at that tone. “H.. hey. You know now how forceful Hild is when she wants something to continue. I really wanted to go home, before that final major war bit started and all. When Hild learned we got major converts that wanted to join up, without much heed from even us, Hild went... well...”

Urd just moaned forth... “All the danged way. No cause big or small to corrupt by, in her blind book.”

They 'all' just dump their heads in annoyed simult, at 'that' one.

And then to boot, Imladris thrusts up from his previous sitting position on the grass, and then readily walks over and kicks his own chest, a good bit hard. He then remarks dryly. “Infernus Confederacy. Another name you people used. Why did you not stop. Why.” ...and a good stiff look at Mara. “I knew the relationship you and Satorna had! Sealing him was NOT what I wanted to do. What Wyonea did after all this didn't help in keeping track of things. I'm not even sure where I kept Satorna sealed.”

Mara fangs her teeth bared. “And yet you so did. Bastard.”

Urd suddenly raises her own arms. “Whoa guys. Let's cool the sake cup a bit here and not spill it.” ...this Skuld nods rather than josh any. “Yeah, I... ah... mean it was a war. One really long since past and all.”

“One I paid Sin enough for, I assure you.” Imladris suddenly adds. “The amnesia and all was probably fate of a form of it.”

This causes the 'whole' lot to rise, as Peorth chides. “Don't start that again! Caceroth had nothing to do from all of that... galaxy... stuff... whatever. There is no correlation now, or nor ever to be had.”

Imladris hears and sees 'one' additional face that was worried enough, verses the fanged angst a moment prior. A number of trades glances all around, leads to Imladris lifting his head some. “Apologies. I just felt... remorse... flowing through me there. Must be all that gods stuff that is a part of me anymore. Like everything else I am now.” ...he then looks at Mara directly. “If I knew where Satorna was. I assure you, I'd release him without question. To what end I say not of lacking, but still I would. A promise if it could be so.”

Mara glumly nods, just getting to the point too. “Yeah yeah. Lost in the heat and war and all that. Still, if it makes any damn of a difference. You did kick our butts good. I know Satorna would agree, before punching ya.”

“Good thing Lind beloved tain't here to hear that.” Imlade quips, Mara managing a bare chuckle in kind. Urd just pictures what 'that' fight would end up like. She however remarks. “Well, at least all that is so far in the past, never to be repeated and all.”

Skuld just bemoans lightly. “Too bad we can't go there and see.” Imlade of knowing fact, pats Skuld's shoulder plainly. “Never say never. I know I can't as is. But probably not for a long time to come, at the bare least.” ...this Urd buddy leans in again on Skuld, cheek to ANNOYED cheek. “Yup, a thousand years till all that cool tech is seen huh?”

“I got one that will bomb you up good bimbo.”

Peorth then starts to snap as Talos looks from behind her. “Will you two stop trying to annihilate everything before noon here!?”

Imlade and Mara just shrug and sigh in unintended simult.

And then that yelp...

....that spell chime...

....and all that comes after.... Of Urd's impart. “What the!? That's inside!” ..the lot suddenly towards the residence, the damage already done!

--------------------

Frigurina just displays the device pair rather easily. Lind sees, and at first quips... “I am not sure beloved would appreciate such a feminine set of bracers like that.” ...this Frig dryly retorts. “Questioning my gift are ye?” ...this Lind smiles meekly back enough at. “By all means never.”

“One would hope not, since by this device: The Bands of Love, you can forgo the need for Melds, in favor of an active psychic link, as much emotional, as it is mental. One saving energy between you both, for... other matters.”

Lind gulped a warm bit down her throat. “I... I suppose...”

“I'll make you both closer. I promise as a goddess of creation, I do.”

Lind looks watery eyed and all as expected, though she quickly snaps composure back with... “Why not just place trust in our relationship, itself?”

Bell blinks as Sigrun sees some hope for avoiding this, but then hears it dashed on both ends, as Frig nods. “I only offer this, as a means of choice. Which is why I wish to give you the chance to offer this choice for Imladris yourself..” ...this Lind stutters breath by. Frig delves in further on this. “But the choice then given, is a path that is wondrous to behold. I assure you this has been tested prior to complete safety of willing subjects used.”

“Willing!? Subjects!?!” ...they all hear in a Takano-ish sorta way. Lind blinks level, as Frig hears some light shushing occurring nearby, letting her continue on... “I swear is both safe and stamped with my own seal of approval.”

Lind just holds reservation with a cock of her eye. Frig then offers... “Perhaps through this, you both will each others hidden nuances, and create that bond of trust, even stronger than before. Possibly even a... tactical... use for this item. One band for each of your chosen wrists, or similar attachment to the skin, and that willing bond given, which I know you both have readily...”

Lind takes one of the twin bracers and on light inspection. “If said works as such...” ...and tests it by simply fitting it to her own right wrist. Innocent and not of any effect without the other.

Hence what occurs next, as Sigrun just hand randomly... “This still seems overdone and... EH?!” ...and her hand seems to react without her volition again! “AH! What just...!?” ...Belldandy looking as much as others... “Sister?” ...as suddenly the other bracer device, somehow slips out of Frigs hands! “What...?” ...and then flips over a bit too directed, all of a sudden, at Belldandy, for no real apparent reason! Belldandy on reflex goes to grab it, before the bracer instead, jerks 'under' her grasp, and onto HER wrist!

Hence the yelp Sigrun has, and before anyone can react, both bracers activate, and somehow Frig's worst realization comes to pass!! Lind and Bell, before they can react as well, suddenly glow like two blazing stars! Keiichi shouts and BURSTS out from the side room! “Belldandy!!” ...Takano and Keima no less stunned!

And suddenly, the deep spell chime sounds, as somehow beyond all possible logic, the two glowing forms of goddess mode, flow into the other, right before Frig's shocked eyes! It's about this time the others outside appear in a rushed gaggle. Skuld of note: “SIS!” ...the others, Imladris more then others, watching with blank faces, as Urd shouts... “What's going on?!?”

Frig however doesn't answer, where the results do otherwise. This as the forms finish coalescing, and then the glow fades, showing one merged being from it all! The 'new' being, then begins to fall, as reactively, Frig, Keiichi and Imlade lunge to grab for their own separated reasons! Frig can't speak at first, in fact, none of the goddesses can, Mara nor so from ignorance than otherwise effect of the very real after in tenth dimensional terms! Keiichi however lightly decries... “Be... Belldandy?”

Imlade looks down... “Why...why does she sorta... 'half'.... look like..... Wait.... wait one... -looking around- ...where.... where's Lind?”

Keiichi looks back with lost eyes. “She.... in.... her.... them.... them both, here.”

And 'then', it hit Imladris just as hard then too.

--------------------

“How... how can this be!?”

“Che cos'Ã¨?!”

Ex looks back suddenly. “I don't know exactly what happened. But we just registered a strange earth side gravity pulse, and then read two of the networks down there, that have.... merged.”

Eihwa blinks. “Unito?” ...before bringing up the data up onto her own holoscreen. As she read the data however, her code goes colder than at any point of her life. She then almost cries, her tone so low and hollow... “No.... Belldandy.... Lind....?”

She couldn't sit still anymore. Even at risk of Violation, she would go down now.

However before she could even take a step, her head suddenly went WILD with a network spike! “AHH!! Mi fa male la testa!!!” ...as she, and essentially 'all' of Heaven's primary residents suddenly double over with the migraine of their eternal lives! Spirits and other lesser functionaries not affected, watch in horror, as not even the Utility goddesses are unaffected!

---

The effects only fade with time, as even Almighty has to pause and collect his blasted senses. Such was how powerful the effect was! Almighty, already reverted to his Effidice format, hovers as he hears the screeches of pain subside. However He already feels another effect of it all, as a strong chime comes over his senses. A mental 'ping' bringing up a staticy holoscreen. “- You Eternal Scum! What did you just do!??!? -”

“: No less... than what was done unto me, and all of our kin. :” ..this an agitated Hild hears to her surprise, as she quips. “- You mean even You were affected? HAH! What a... ow... switch. -”

Almighty readily lets that pass, as he formats another viewscreen of... “: Administrator, status. :”

Eihwa moans out, her hand supporting her head. “- Uno momento, Signore e Padrone. -” ...as she looks over and starts hearing, Almighty and Hild the same clearly from Chrono. “- We... we just got hit with.... a large ping backlash. It... it seems the two First Class Networks that combined... Belldandy's and Lind's, caused an overload that burst out of all safeguards, and just caused... whatever just felt! -”

Ex's voice then suddenly clamors out... “Communication links are all scrambled! We can't access out network files!”

Hild suddenly snaps out, for sake of her own Ego. “- I have authorized no attack on Yggdrasil, or Intracel of your precious Hub! -”

“: Stage one Alert. :”

Heaven suddenly went abound with klaxons, as everyone realized something happened. At center point, Eihwa remarks out loud. “Can we contact Earth below?”

Ere snaps her head back in dejection... “No, packet noise is still swamping all lines. Nothing can be access normally. I don't know the state of the lower realms at this time, much less even 'that'.”

Eihwa fought her emotions hard. “(Is it an attack? Are they.... no... they can't be... Im-chan... Keiichi... everyone....

What is...?!?)”

“: Calm. :”

Eihwa felt and then found a needed emotional anchor. She dips her head, as Chrono comments out... “I don't believe their networks are under attack.” ...the other's hear, as the Operator guesses to an unusual level. “I think they just... merged... somehow. But without direct contact, we cannot ascertain what happened.”

Eihwa then calls out on a snap... “Gate! Rispondere!”

Gate's image pops up suddenly. “What the blazes are you dorks doing to my data! Even my gate functions had to be reset, you know!”

Eihwa sighs. “How long till it's reset. We need to send someone down to find out what happened.” ...this Gate suddenly fills her outgoing screen with her entire right eye. “Oh? Don't you mean 'you' want to go down? Like anyone in Heaven doesn't know already.”

The Admin looks aghast, as even Hild's voice echoes out unseen, from Almighty's display screen. “- Even demons know 'that' one. On e should be careful with emotions that lie outside their proper bounds. -”

Eihwa just shouts back, rather generally at that. “Even if so, and in fact 'is', it is one of a fear now for ones I care about, as do we all listening here! I'll bear that crime as Violation if you 'all' wish it!”

“: Whit be why, you shalt go indeed when Gate Utility is prepared. But not alone. :”

Eihwa blinks, before she hears... “Them too My Lord!?”

--------------------

The campaign was going very well, terror was now spreading through the galaxy. He watched with satisfaction, that the enemy before his Imperial might, was discordant and disjointed far more, than the Emperor expected. One major fleet engagement left the so called Illumina Alliance in routed tatters, after the Marians destroyed a gas giant world, to create a shockwave, just as the enemy fleet was approaching to engage, from across the affected star system. Instead of a direct attack Fold jump, the more cautious action, left the Alliance jittered beyond their commander's ability to cope.

The Emperor, was right. The Alliance lost their backbone for war after all. As a result... “The campaign is going far better than expected.” ...the Emperor heard from his crony commander in charge of stratagem. “Instead of sending another fleet at us, they are waiting to amass their forces, and attempt a monolithic approach. While they could readily overwhelm our forces with a mere three Fleet groups....”

“They have no stomach to do so...” ...the Emperor spouts darkly. “...They wish to limit losses as much as possible. Their 'alliance' I suspect.... no... I feel, falters upon bickering within.”

“Some of the intercepted signal packets indicate this indeed, Emperor.” ...a second Commander responds.

“Prepare to force their hand, and head directly for the main target objective.”

Another Commander, then chose to ask a very ill timed question. (One as so since it was ill so at 'any time'...) “Pardon my great Emperor, but what is our formal objective? I... ACKKGURAGHHH!!!”...such was the sudden grip from afar, of the Emperor's powerful grasp. One made from a flowing tendril of gray, burning code of wisp, of a vice that was as lethal as intended. Fully...

“Nothing less than genocide. A trap of design that Will be carried out, with no hope of question. One done in your place by another.” ...as the one questioning, is gone in a pile of screaming ash. Literally. The others watching remember their own place, as the Emperor breathes in satisfaction that only this shell could appreciate. (And deeper within, a more true form, despises the feeling.)

The one that suddenly feels a Call. Such that the Emperor suddenly snaps out. “Vacate at once!” ...done so with a haste, that would be comical, if not for what occurs next. (Nevermind everything about all this at all.) As soon as the Emperor is alone, he immediately kneels and screeches a cry of... “Speak your Will to me, my Mother!”

“: Control your vessel's emotions before further Spoken upon! :” ...comes the overpowering voice of Voluspa. The Emperor turns his soul fully over to the Soulless that controls it. A far more empty voice returns with... “Yes my Mother. Speak your Will fully.”

“: More than spoken, my Acts are now in play. Formally. :”

The Emperor of shell nods, Caceroth speaking back with... “I hear your Will.”

“: Your Enemy, agents of our Primary foe, now under assault, are impotent. Their unknowing link to the Final Enemy 'Above' Us, is severed. This as was Seen, and now Enacted. :”

Caceroth fully speaks forth. “Then... all that is to Come, will allow Success at Last.”

“: Only if You, my Champion, Enacts your own proper through my Will, beyond what I have Seen. The Fluid unwritten, shows a path you will see Success upon, for Me to Enter upon. But... warn of thee, that the Fluid unwritten, shows the utter oppose, if you dare Fail Me! :”

Caceroth struck his emotions out where he was supposed to have none. “How can your Will show me as Failing you! Do not speak of a False not to come!”

His mind fully regretted this, as was SUCH a pain to his mind for it. The Voice then slams home the following. “: Such was the Folly, whence your Failure prior upon the World of our Catalyst abomination! Fracture your voice unto me further as if you know ME better, to a Consequence. Dare this if you wish to fit Ignore me.

My Will Sees the unwritten, by Acts you MUST control better, to avoid the last Fate of confrontation! This My Will DEMANDS of it all, whence you to see our Foe of ability not seen before! Understand fully unto Fully, to then determine the full course, that makes my Enact, your Victory! Otherwise, will make for the Last time to confront with. :”

Caceroth manages to right his mind, for whatever that much was worth. However he then hears next. “: Do of this, for it is now not only Vision that betrays Me. A Warring is begun I must stop, by your Hand, for my Will to see the Ragnarok all and Ever wanted. :” ...this the Wraith lord gasps in dismay. “Warring!?”

“: Be there, our Goal, or be there, the End of my Will. There is no other path. Assure all will be in place, for You to command the proper End seeked. Al such is coming, the Will says this to End discourse with. :”

Caceroth nods, and then falls into the shell guise of the Emperor, where his current powers lie. And at that, the discourse is over. He hears no more. A mind filled with confusion, that settles upon two thoughts.

If Caceroth did not win, then Voluspa would lose. He had the power to ensure what was wanted. Never caring why beyond that, the Champion just stands, and clenches his hand.

“Her Will, to the Satisfaction by Vengeance demanded. As such, I will succeed, and destroy the one in my Path. This Shell will see my Foe die, and then bring the Catalyst before Her. It Shalt happen!”

His mind snaps a massive mental flare, One the entire Marian slaves feel. Their next course, is as demanded.

Illumina System, will burn.

--------------------

The hair had Belldandy's traits, meshed with the asymmetrical of Lind, the same as hair color melded together, in a serene, if scattered patter, the honey deep blond melding with the steel blue, if in a marriage, rather than a conflict of each other. The facade was soft, if stiff and chiseled where softness took lines from, the same of the goddess 'base' form of the feminine. The cloth was reformatted due to 'reset' of the networks into the singular format, of Belldandy's cloth, melded with the Valkyrian jumpsuit version, for reason only could be attributed to natural choice of comfort. Such was seeing the martial lines folded over by flowing goddess cloth in places.

But the eyes, as 'she' opened them, was the strangest meld of all, even over the Sigil emblem that was Belldandy's own, set in Lind's pattern of nominal. The right eye, deep heavenly blue with the steel blue within towards the cornea, an opposing effect of the left eye, as the steel blue swimming over the heavenly blue 'within'.

Enough, where the eyes themselves, were soft, but martial stiff as they awoke to the sight of an aghast family around.

Moreso by the voice... “What.... happened?”

Takano creeped out. “Dearie lords... I hear both their voices at once. Tell me I'm just hearing that!”

“Same here.” Talos amends. Imladris for his part, Keiichi hearing of 'his' own words to say... “Indeed what DID happen!?!?”

Frig at first, was still stunned, not realizing fully yet the network backlash was mixing with her own shock as a mother, to keep her voice lain low. As such, it was Urd that snapped out, mainly at Sigrun as she quickly blamed Hild like. “Yeah! What the hell DID happen Sis!”

“I don't know!” Sigrun snapped at the obvious accusation, as she added loudly. “I cannot have lost control of my power 'that' easily like that!!!?!”

Skuld growls fully Urd like. “Not like it hasn't happened before!”

“Watch that tongue Norn.” Sigrun grinds back in her 'old' fashion. Skuld wilts some, but Urd takes brunt better for obvious reason. Keiichi then in turn. “So what did happen?! I thought that stupid device wasn't supposed to cause this!”

Frig then finally seeps out. A dangerously low and depressed tone of... “A very low chance, that had no right to occur. But.... it.... -suddenly sobbing- ...it did.” ...such into her own hands.

Imladris, to an enormous credit of will, keeps a level tone of... “What.... device?”

Such is explained.... however disjointed by word of Keiichi, Takano, Keima, and somehow Frigurina in turn, here and there where needed, allows the rest into the situation. Such as how Urd at first growls at Sigrun again... “So you get weirded out, and lose control of your power, to cause this!??!”

Sigrun suddenly stands, fed up with... “How many times did you do the same, in my stead, for similar acts you should be still paying for!” ...to the sudden charge of Urd's hands. Skuld does the same with a bomb, though a water spell is actually on her mind, as the Eldest Norn warns back. “If I can be so punished, then so can you the same!”

“ENOUGH!!!!” ...to the near breaking of all eardrums, such is the 'combined' voice of one 'new' goddess amongst them. Such as how they all see... “Bell...” Keiichi on reflex, though he hears... “Lind.” ...in addition of another love of terrible worry.

Belldandy-Lind then asks over to... “Love, ask her yourself please. Very please.”

Imladris thinks he's the one being asked, but as he looks over to reach simply to Sigrun, Keiichi does the same. Both realize, but K1 allows the question to be asked by the Master. “Apprentice. Yes or no. Be fully truthful of Yourself. Did you discharge your powers by actual mistake as is accused.” ...not even toned of question. The challenge of direct accusation by her Master, makes Sigrun then crack out in sobs. “Blast it no! Please no I didn't do it! I know it! I can't fully explain it since no one will believe me! But no, I didn't lose control! Please please please, not again!” ..she breaks down to her knees, as Urd and Skuld hear a tone meant of an age, where a Norn was broken so terribly upon.

“Then she did not do it. I believe her.”

Sigrun suddenly looks up, as it was Keiichi that speaks, not Imladris. The knight nods over in acceptance. “Aye. I will go by that fully as well. I sense something else afoot as it is. Something...... elusive.”

Peorth has to ask... “Demander pardon, but what other evidence is there beyond....” ...she refrained from accusing Sigrun as well, before the melded voice comes up next with... “Pardon my offering, but... something my Belldandy side felt, when I reached for the device, as it was flying across before... me... has some... will to it.

Something occurred beyond our mutual ken to fathom as more than coincidence.”

Sigrun then suddenly adds.. “Bell... ah... Lind... whichever, is right! I swear I felt something on my hand when I waved it!”

Skuld snaps... “Are you sure Sis!”

“If I am not, Father can gut my code for all I care!”

Urd suddenly smiles meekly along with Skuld. “Now I believe her.” ...Skuld... “Eh?” ...Urd... “That tone comes only from Hild, when she wants her words obeyed.”

Talos looks at Troubador on conjecture... “Something else cause all this?” ...the latter... “Something that has some power to it.”

Skuld then suddenly stands... “Uh... I'll be back!” ...and scampers off. The next thing heard is a LOT of trashing around in Skuld's room, as Urd cocks an eye... “What has her dander up.”

The next thing however noticed, is when Takano looks over and sees Keiichi down next to... “Bel... Li.... ah... Belldandy?”

“We both know.” ...he hears from the one. Imladris hears, enough of a voice that is Belldandy's for him to hear. Why not as suspected, as Keiichi asks... “Are you alright?”

Frig hears, lost in her own growing despondence. “It's.... strange. We 'know' each other, deeper than even I thought I knew you, Keiichi....... dear.”

“Any lasting effets?” Peorth asks next. Lind-Bell responds effectively enough. “Other than feeing naturally one with us both as one, nothing too ill as yet.” Bell-Lind then shifts tone with... “However I feel the effects may be further and deeper beyond just us of two in one.”

Frigurina nods suddenly, and with a decently morbid tone... “I will attempt to access Intracel and see to whatever has come.” ...the rest remaining see the High Goddess slip away, as Urd gulps a tic. “Mother?”

Keima for one, voices the general unease about everyone, at that moment. “A reminder not needed, upon us again.”

“Yeah.” Talos accents.

--------------------

Gate was actually 'working' upon herself, as part of her formal function gate, was exposed un to her, as she actually 'tapped' at herself, as if she was her own keyboard, of a computer unto her absolute self. Such was not fancy either, as Eihwa watched. (One done with all restraint for proper decorum.)

Gate however made light anyway.... “I can tell ye all, you know, when I am reset. Standing there is the same as talking impatiently unto me.”

Eihwa sighs and looks down a tic. “Scusa, but there is little I can do at my nominal post now, until the System recovers better. Such cannot be fully down upon my Seat, where the rest of Hub already is doing more magnificently. It is not however uselessness of myself I speak, but of waiting for our coming kin.

The same to brace us all as best as possible.”

Gate stops and sighs. “You know, the data on what it is, to be of a family, is sometimes better limited away from my senses. A terrible ill at most times, that has a blessing at this moment.”

Eihwa gulps, as she feels three forms approaching fast. She nods... “Only for that reason, at 'that', I envy you.”

Gate went about finishing her reset work. Eihwa turned to face the oncoming.

She did not relish such indeed.

--------------------

“Oh danged me dear.”

And then some of the rest showed up. Chihiro with Megumi towing Keiba along, and Sentaro on his own arrival whim, all that made it seemed fate kept having them all arrive at the same time anymore. A coincidence that let them all meet the new shock of the day, as one.

Megumi hence said it best, as Bell-Lind greeted them, the mix of greeting styles amongst all that uncertainty, readily professing through. Chihiro's bared teeth, looked for explanation from the two 'most' affected of love, nearby. “Um, pardon... but what happened now? You two were fighting and Lind crashed into Belldandy by accident?” ...which could be a ready explanation... Imlade in fact. “Hardly as sloppy, more like reasons more fit of two waterfalls meshing together all of a sudden. Such as if ye all are prepared for a tale anew, most unsettling.”

Keiba and Sentaro both just crack in simult kind. “No, not really dude.”

Keiichi sighs a chuckle out. “Don't blame ya there myself.”

And then the tale...

----

Skuld just huffed out... “Where'd that solder get to Sigel!”

“/ Here mistress.” Done readily, she and Banpei not taking anything personally. (And their programming had that ability as it is anymore. Emotional or nor.) Skuld just nabbed it, as Urd floated in. Skuld growls. “Not now Sis.”

“I know.”

Skuld stopped for a second. She looks up, before Urd just remarks. “No, we need answers, not crying. Even I know it's not our way.”

Skuld looked down, as Urd looked away.

“Is Sigrun really our sister?”

Urd leveled her answer despite wanting to throttle the answer, in lieu of said goddess. “As much as I. We just simply know each other better.”

Skuld looked blankly for a moment, then went back to soldering. She finishes, just as they hear... “Skuld?!” ...and Urd accents.. “Over here bud.” ...as Sentaro enters. Skuld gasps a bit, as her love enters. “I heard. Boy what a mess.”

Skuld mocks out a bit much unto... “Yeah, I'm not sure if I can handle another sister like this.” ...this Urd bites her lip, though Sentaro however remarks. “Eh? I don't mean that.” ...the two goddesses looking, two Synthetics also. “Say what?” Skuld at first, but Urd catches on quickly... “Cousin and Keiichi. Not sure anyone has to go through 'their' problem now.”

Sentaro for his growing up good... “Or those two cool ladies stuck together like that. I mean wh... what, if it were you two and me and that spirit dude. Er... what's his name?” ...Urd getting a half chuckle from this, before... “I don't envy them now.” ...a last voice enters, as Troubadour makes plain and simple cue. That's when imagination HITS Urd and Skuld very hard right there.

And Skuld admits. “Not even Sigrun would want 'that' to happen.”

Urd looks at her Sister, as she quintuples her efforts on the spot. (Such as how the whole lot present add in just as focused, as their own working unit.)

----

It seemed all a side show attraction now, all angst of eye and feel included. Such as how Keiichi and Imlade looked at their love, melded, each seeing their versions from external enough. The lot standing together near a temple wall, some trees and bushes about them. Keiichi quips out a, trying to keep his mind sane. “Guess we keep going through stuff like this, time and again.”

“We are both fully aware...” ...Bell-Lind chimes... “...what you both are enduring. We are honestly sorry for the pain this is causing.” ...this Keiichi gulps at, wishing he could do something to help.

“I've already endured it all once.” Imladris remarks... “More than just simply the nature of my Task of Title.” ...such put, 'the' Lind in them 'both' reaching over to take hands of hold. This however is refrained with a step back, as Imlade clearly has eyes on Keiichi as well. Every nuance of unease Keiichi shows, makes Imladris's mind of actions for him. Such is as... “No you must not.”

“Do not push her away.” A plea of Bell within, as they all hear in tone. But still his eye on how Keiichi is reacting, makes further Imladris's response. “Never that. Be assured. But I see more 'now', than however so done before.”

“Gold dude?” Keiichi says, as Imladris then takes shoulders of this 'one' goddess, and 'emplaces' them next to Keiichi's own. A bunch of confusion, is explained as... “Lind... you remember your own First Class test. Such you have told of me?”

The Lind half imparts out... “Aye.... dear?” ...if not all of her. Her eyes waver as Imladris asserts. “To my dying soul, I remember mine, of a similar result. Watching you die in a invasion demonic, that was all of a simulation. One of a lesson I have to keep hold of, even now. One that says duty is a very harsh lesson.

I am here as the guardian of Keiichi and Belldandy, Lady and Lord to each. The duty unto them Tasked of me, comes first. Over all else. Period. To the end of my duty, I will protect that which has wrought us 'all' here, to all and ever whatever end.”

“Dude.” Keiichi objects, though Imladris quickly shifts eyes over. “A love triangle you wish of all this? Verily uncomfortable of every step? By measure of 'such' a many beyond us here?”

“Okay dude, how about instead of talking like there's no solution out of this, and instead think of one to fix all this? I don't think preparing for an inevitable is how things are done here. Not one, since all the other stuff we've all managed to get through.”

Imlade's taken aback. Lind of Belldandy within responds further. “Yes, the situation means not it can last too long. Please do not presume so easily of such?”

A foolish knight steps back. “Apologies. Seeing Lady Frigurina's state, made my own conscience lose hope.

You all indeed are still better than I.”

Keiichi sighs out in kind. “Not sure there. Don't blame ya for feeling like I do, that my future wife is stuck with your own like this.” ...and a decent look at Imlade at that. “Let's not go overboard and think it'll 'only' be this way though. However this all occurred, it can be fixed. It has too.”

Imladris looks at the melded duo as a result... “If there 'is' something to be had, at that.”

The melded goddess then keeps perfect space between the two, a hand over her gilded cleavage. “All we know, is that our code and networks are swimming around, amongst each other. I suspect it's our strong natures, among other effects most powerful, that keeps us somewhat stable at the moment. I assure you both, 'our' loves, that we are investigating each other's unique situation, for a solution to aid us all further with.”

K1 and Imlade trade a blank, hopeful look, before then hearing. “Among other things shared.” ...a tone that had a decent hint of amour upon. Enough to make the two blokes gulp. Keiichi then just chuckles kooky kilter, rubbing his own hair. (Somehow not yanking at it yet..) “Well, at least I hope this all gets resolved soon, since I'd hate everyone to think we're one of those... uh.... ply.... poly.... ah... that multiple marriage thing.”

Imlade corrects... “Polygamy? Actually in our case, it'd be Polyandry.” ...this before the two gents trade one of the most off kilter looks between the three, in their lives! Such was when K1 and Imlade both suddenly snap shout-run towards the residence... “Frigurina!” ...before they themselves are suddenly stopped as Belldandy-Lind gasp... “Loves! Step back!”

“Wha?” ...from both, before a sudden snap Gate portal all but blasts open all but right in front of them!! Everyone sees aghast, when Chihiro of course afar. “Now who you got after ya iDope!”

Imlade of course (girly:) “Stop accusing me already! Really I danged tell ya!”

K1: “She's got a point though.”

Imlade: “Oh... noted.” ...staring at the fury riddled portal....

----

Frig a moment before, was in Keiichi's room when Sigrun peeked in... “Um... Mother?”

The goddess suddenly looked up... “Ah? Oh... uh... yes daughter?”

Sigrun was a bit surprised. “I.... I'm sorry I caused all this.”

“It wasn't you.” ...this Sigrun blinks a second time. Frig cranes her head over, in a position Lind used to adopt. Seeing the High Goddess look insecure, was unnerving the goth Norn. “Are.... am... am I sure? I want to believe I didn't...”

“Your Master believes you.”

“Not of myself yet. Few others, I can tell.”

Frig gave a slight smile, sad and longing... “If so, I should shoulder much more blame then. A mother should not let a daughter suffer.”

“If only.” Sigrun barbed in, Frig took it. The latter continued on as is, cradling her chin into her knees. “Sometimes my own sense of righteousness, overpowers even my own senses. I prodded where I should not have, and show even I can be burned for it.”

Sigrun looks over with a third surprised look. “So... even...”

“I'm so sorry.” ...Frigurina toned out, and it sounded of much much more than just the recent chaos of note. So much so, that Sigrun felt the apology, down to her eternal soul. Frig saw the tears suddenly dribble out...

...as such when Urd floats in. “Hey, ah Mother... we... oh.”

Urd seeing the Frig and Sigrun look up from a familial embrace, pretty much kills her dour mood from earlier. Urd still stares when both quip in their embrace... “Yes?”

Urd reacts with a hand in her platinum blond hair. “Ah! Sorry, just wanted to see if you could help Skuld with a device that she'd making. She think she can sense something off around here. Whatever that means.” Which suddenly leads outright, Sigrun and Frigurina standing as one. (Urd looking all freaked out made all just as comical an act.)

Their tone however... “Lead the way Sister/Daughter.”

Urd smiles...

...and then the commotion outside makes Frig groan. “They are just as tactful, as Lind usually is.” ...this Urd... “What?” ...and Sigrun in better knowing! “ACK! MASTER!”

----

....a few seconds too late. Megumi... “Wow, he's taken a lot of crap in this series.” This Keiichi holding his own jaw, as afar, a knightly shaped imprint is embedded into the same nearby Temple wall! As such... “Ugh... Ouch.”

“Such is your care of my daughter, mirror?”

“FATHER!” ...Lind-Bell suddenly snaps, as the rest looking on all FREAKED out, see one very angry Training Judicator, at the end result of a snap punch, from all the way within the Gate portal! Chihiro just snaps! “HEY! That's my slave help over there, you know!”

Frode just looks back with crackling knuckles. “Tis poorer form for him then.”

Chihiro just has a nice thought bubble from heck, as another voice starts echoing out with it's owner in appearance. “Dear, you were supposed to wait, and let both of us deck him.” ...as Ishara's form and beauty emerge. This by now has brought the rest of the chaotic clan, with Peorth on snap GASP... “What?! Lind's Mother and Father are here!?” ...this Frode tries to grunt for the proper titles, before Ishara 'coughs' back... “Not this time dearest, our titles are 'not' the important bit here.”

“Indeed.” Frode GRINDS out, as Imlade's form 'pops' out from the wall. Bell-Lind just snap-chimes out. “Please Father! This is 'not' his fault!”

Frode tries too... “But as I heard of it, he...” ...and the Lind half really explodes out. “Said tis I to leave him be of it!!!”

Ishara blinks as Frode ends up in 'another' wall, all the way across the temple grounds! Keiba just looks up from the ducking of his life! “Holy jeeze!” ...as he then sees Megumi and Chihiro looking over a small book. Meg: “Okay, we got two more now. Can you keep track of the characters?”

Chihiro: “I don't think a shrink could keep track of all the personalities around here now.”

As this side show goes nowhere, Frig emerges with the others from inside the residence watching. “Oh dear goddesses, you 'know' the rules about unannounced visitations.”

Ishara just eyes over, arms folded. “You're kidding right? We know the... occurrences around here, as they are.” ...this Keiichi just thumbs over... “She's got a point.” ...as Bell-Lind floats over, a hand over her mouth. “Oh dear, so that's what her Command Voice feels like.” ...as Ishara then leans on on inspecting eye at the 'duo'. Just then, Gate's head pokes out of her own enforced portal, her eyes all anime creeped out and watery freaked. “Is it safe? Are they gone?” ...before she sees Ishara eye over and ZIPS right back within! “ACK! No yelling mas! No yelling mas!”

Urd just rolls her eyes afar... “Such the unstable type.” ...this she gets 'more' than a few looks from around. “What?”

“It's just that...” ... “Shut it Troubadour!”

Imlade then walks up, literally cracking his jaw back into place. Lind-Bell just swoons a tic, as Keiichi quips. “You okay gold dude?”

“Nice welcome tap that was.”

Frode looks ready to land another, as then suddenly, Bell-Lind chimes... “Oh! Lady Eihwa as well?”

Said white aglory goddess floats out at that moment... “Ciao amici, I... EH!? EEK! Peorth, stop pushing me!” ...this as Peorth suddenly yelps! “Absolument pas vous encore! Talos love! Use that lance I gave ya, over here already!” ...this as everyone notes Peorth trying to shove Eihwa back through the portal with all strength! Urd just mocks out. “Why didn't we do that to Peorth when she came back?” ...as Frig just waggles a finger. “Now now daughter.” ...as Bell-Lind-chan coos out cutely, hands together and all such... “They are such darling sisters to one another, are they not?” ...which makes Imlade eye over warily. “Okay, that looked creepy.” ...before Lind-Bell 'responds' with a sudden backhand to Imlade's face! Ishara just remarks, as Frode floats back over, (cracking his own head back into place...) “Well the personalities know how to assert themselves strongly enough.”

“INdEed.” ...Imlade-busted moans backside.

Eihwa meanwhile just SHOVES Peorth off finally... “Scusami! But I was sent here on Almighty's orders already!” ...this Ishara quips over... “Sent?” ...as Eihwa admits. “Va bene, so 'sent' is an embellishment.” ...this Lind-Bell 'grumbles' nearby, as Keiichi blinks on at 'such' a possible sight. Imlade sits back up, as Peorth snaps. “That is still no excuse to dismiss your own duties so easily!” ...Eihwa in folded arm kind. “Tell that to Intracel. The entire network is down. Comunicazione as well.” ...as Peorth opens her mouth, before Eihwa stamps is shut with... “I even tried ti call down here first. Whatever you guys did down here, it...” ...and a look at a pensive Bell-Lind, amends... “...really messed up things. As such I will be quiet now of it.”

Peorth dryly back... “Silencieux? Tu? Logiquement impossible.” ...with a good glare back in da sorella kind.

“!!!!!AHAH!!!!!” ...all of a sudden smacks the air, as Urd yaks back! “Skuld! Knock the yelling off!” ...as Frode comments. “The chaos here is indeed as advertised.” ...this Ishara nods blankly. Frig backtracks in, off the next... “Mother! We got something!” ... “What is it Skuld! Sigrun?!”

The rest look, as the portal finally fades closed. Keiichi of note... “Just another one of those days.” ...before he hears, and looks back as he sees Imlade utterly beside himself, Eihwa all over him, Lind-Bell and Peorth trying to wrench-kick Eihwa off, while Bell-Lind looks over at K1, with 'such' a lost face of cute dismay! Ishara and Frode cock their heads over at Keiichi's... “Yup, really a banner day.”

--------------------

The gravitational disturbance wasn't overlooked. The Illuminaran Commander just thrust his head forward. “What did you say?!?”

A Sensor-Tech looks back. “A conforming gravimetric signature, comparable to previous standards, has been detected about ten parsecs from here!”

The Commander finally had reason to take heart. “Begin preparations for Spatial Fold Jump immediately!”

The bridge deck alone, went crazy with activity....

--------------------

“Bugs.”

“What!?!?” Came from the celestial knowing half of better all around! (Even Mara to her shock!) Takano comments pip eyed. “Eh? What a cockroach or somthang?”

Sentaro looks kooky eyed, as Skuld comments in a stern tone. “Hardly mortal. If only it was one of those, we'd all not be here like this.”

“You mean just Bell... er... Lind... ah.. ow!” ...Keiichi quips, before Chihiro and Megumi each melon bonk him. Both: “Don't be rude.”

Skuld considered, and then fiddled around in her blouse again. (Sentaro learned to looks away, like all good lil gentlemen, no?) She then displays a plain picture of the weirdest bugs in all of anime existence. Keiichi of note, just looks half glumly, the others mortal, just kooky eyed. Chihiro comments... “Th... that... that thing?” ...Keiba adding... “It looks like a bunny rabbit, a cat, and a fat spider, all had the same kid and threw it up after the same time.”

Urd actually quips back. “Not bad. Some debugger trainee goddesses say the same thing on initiation.” ...this Keiichi just bemoans. “Do they go through the same crap that we did back then too?” ...this Keima just blinks. “Maybe we all should leave now.”

“I don't think so guys.” ...the lot look, as Urd cocks her eye, Sigrun taking a nod from Skuld of all things now, as Frig asks. “Meaning?”

Sigrun takes a waiting look from Imladris, before then holding her hands up, and chanting her spell a second time. (What with the other chaos going on before, who'd notice no?) “Show the path of disdain, that caused chaos all the same!” ...which bursts a light red hue 'aura-field' everywhere in the hallway they all are, and in fact, at the exact spot where the whole bracelet mess started... “AH! A bug trail!” Eihwa shouts, beating Peorth to an annoyed punch! Skuld nods. “Yeah. I'd bet my future First Class License that 'it' caused what happened to Big Sis and Lind today!”

Frig gasps at 'such' a simple possibility, as Urd creeps out... “Then...”

“....it explains everything.” ...everyone looks. (Crowded hallway no?) “What is it Bell? ...er...” ..Keiichi says, a amicable nod back from Imlade on reflexive looking, instead then comes from Bell-Lind of... “It felt as if the band I was trying to grab, had a mind of it's own.”

Peorth quips, on 'top' of Eihwa-annoyed. “So then 'how' did a Bug get here? There's been no portals since... since...”

Imlade just sighs when the number of faces that cascaded unto towards him, grew exponentially, for 'some' reason. Lind-Bell just 'asks'... “Love.”

“Well, I guess when that whole battle bit went all... buggy...on us, I guess we missed one. Hehe...” ...this his chuckle, begets enough groans from. Eihwa just shakes her head. “Cosi un mortale.” ...this Imlade snips back. “Hey. I didn't think having that many transposed bodies, would cause such a debugging situation like that!”

“That's our knight for ya.” ...the 'whole' lot just suddenly say, whit a nice burn bubble comes atop Imlade's melon.

Ishara then comments... “So, we find this bug, and see if 'it' has the answers to undoing this mess to our Lind. Er, and... her Lady Belldandyship, of course.” ...the Medical goddess trails off, from 'such' a High goddess-esc like glare. Takano knew the glance well. (What mother didn't have a version?)

Lind-Bell however then chimes up. “Pardon, but I have a pause to add.” ...this Skuld of note.. “Yeah?”

“I am not sure the Bug will be able to be a source of a solution here. There is something off about that.”

Bell-Lind however then comments 'next'. “Still, we must try. I cannot leave Keiichi worried like this for too long.”

Lind-Bell in kind... “Or my darling Confessor.”

Sentaro just ekes out. “Okay, that's just too creepy.” ...Skuld actually nodding in all honestly honesty. Frig then sighs. “So the bug must have escaped the enmasse Debugging and managed to come through the portal with you, after the Ball portion in Heaven.”

“So what do... eh? BELLDANDY!” Keiichi's initial query, suddenly is jerked away when all of a sudden, the melded form of the two goddesses, collapses without any warning! Ishara catches and quickly snaps out... “I need an open space for her fast! If this is what I was fearing all along!”

“The temple room of ours is away from here!” Imladris snaps, as they and Keiichi quickly head out, some of the others in initial tow. However Skuld then looks to her room. “Sigel, Banpei, get the Debugging armory out!”

“/ At once mistress!”

Sigrun notes back... “A 'what' Sister?”

Skuld grabs Sentaro and notes. “You and Urd with me. Fast!”

----

Ishara at first, after Bell-Lind is lain down... “Help me turn her back.” ...as she and Imladris help flip the goddess over. As if this was all the usual indicator needed of a goddess's condition, the Medical Seat goddess then hovers her hands over Lind-Bell's back. “Okay... brace thyselves.”

One extracted Angel of the 'most' unexpected kind... “What the?!?!!” ...Keiichi quips... “Is that Holy Bell and the Mints, coming out of the same... cloud thingy?”

“It's more than that.” Peorth remarks. Eihwa nodding. “So this is the reason for all the riddles. The network ping spike and all.” ...this as indeed, the Angels mentioned, Holy Bell in between the two Mints, all from the same swirl of angel cloth, as well as... “They look like they have a bad sunburn.”

Keiichi off of Keima's insight... “They have too much power to hold it all back again.” ...Ishara sighing. “Very apt, mortal of luck. Two formal, full power First Class Goddesses in the same shell. Both fully awake and not holding back, not to mention all that swapping back and forth for speaking parts.”

“And no Hild to blame this time either.” Imlade quips hardly of a joshing manner. Frode however just grinds out, seemingly anything but a well mannered Lower God. “I can use a different name to use, instead.”

As most the... well, 'all' the rest of the mortals watching/remaining, quiver a good bit, Imladris in turn comments back. “I want Lind back as much as you do Councilor! Refrain from further until all matter is settled proper please!” ...this even Ishara is taken aback at the audacity. Frode just sighs-grinds back. “For now.” ...before standing and waking out. This time, Talos just comments with a hair wipe. “I didn't know you had someone that hated you like that up there.”

“Hardly that in fact.” Imlade sighed. Peorth just leaned on her lover's head. (More than just her own head too.) “A soul can be such a fractured thing?” ...this Imladris just sighs at, and looks at the Angels, wondering if all could be salvaged before something irreparable occurred.

Of the rest of them, not just Keiichi, but one other saw the look, just as deeply.

“Guys! Over here!” ...Urd then suddenly calls out from outside.

----

“We what?”

Skuld, next to a goddess-military grade issue container of some kind, just huffs out. “Hunt. It's around here. It has to be.”

Keiichi comments on hand raised. “Uh, it is?”

Urd and Sigrun stand to each side of Skuld, (the box next to Urd giving a wider berth.) “Has to be dope-a-holic. Bugs are too attracted to celestial code to just wander off so easily. Messing around with mortals, would do much good without a code source to power themselves by, even if passively. I'd give it no more than half a kilometer at most, before it had to get near one of us.” ...Skuld then right hand taps her head. “Intracel Debugging 101.1”

Sigrun then adds, mimicking her Master's style. “That's why we're drafting the lot of you all here, to help catch this thing.”

“Eh?” Chihiro blanches, Megumi with hand raised. “And how do we do that?”

Skuld then side kicks the container, the top flipping open, knocking Urd off her feet (deliberately,) to reveal... “Bug Hammers, orange tint Detection Glasses, and for you mortals, a lure node to mimic goddess code, so it can be easier to get to come to you.”

Keiba then girly quacks back! “You mean you want us to act as bait for this Bug thing?!!?!”

Keiichi in turn... “Is that a good idea for the others? Remember how much a mess they did to just me?!” ...this making most the rest, Keima leading... “Now I know I'm too old for this!”

As Urd grumble floats back over, Skuld then snaps out... “Guys, please! I... I know I'm asking a lot, but I... we... my Sis.... we really need all your help!”

Skuld is then surprised when Keima comes up and rustles her hair a bit. “Hey, we're all in. We always are as a family.”

Skuld sniffles a tic at that, though Urd and Sigrun lean in on the bloke suddenly. “Old huh?” ...ala both. Keima hops right back beside Takano, where she catches him. “Never could take the ladies on, huh love?”

Mara then asks, hand raised... “So how do we do this? Like I won't get out of this.” ...this Troubadour eggs. “You mean you care too huh?”

“Enough to turn your Spirit guts inside out.”

Troubadour ends up behind Urd. “She's scary.” ...and Urd dryly behind her... “And you're a rooted wimp.”

Skuld then has Sigrun pass out the tools. “Okay, we split up into teams, no one on one stuff. No telling what the Bug will do. I specially modified these hammers to send out a capture trap field, instead of the usual squashing bit. We need this one intact, much as I hate to say it. If you find it, try to corner it, till Sentaro and I come and collect it.”

Sentaro of course... “Eh? Me?” ...Skuld... “Yup! In our specially modified...!” ...one needless mecha fetish two page screen something, of Sentaro (wide eyed) and Skuld (glossy-cheery eyed) in a five meter tall battlesuit of some reformatted Banpei sort. (See the usual tin hat head on the right chest section?) Skuld on top and Sentaro below in some ope air cage cockpit system, just makes the others boggle their brains out. “...Banpei Mark Suit One! Ahah!!”

Urd just twitters an eye as Sigrun asks pointlessly. “How does she make the time for things like 'that'!?”

“We're not good at realism, ya know.”

Sigrun quips back blanchingly. “We should start 'somewhere' though?!”

Skuld just makes some some haughty Robo-Rangers pose and snaps. “Okay Bug Hunting Team Alpha! Let's move it out!”

Chihiro in manic, comic arm-hammer waving tone! “Who put you in charge like that!” ...before Megumi just comments. “Don't bother Chihiro, let's just get this done with.” This as she drags a pip eyed Keiba with her simply.

Ishara meanwhile just arm drags Frode along. “Come dear, this could be fun.” ...the elder lesser... “But it's for Lind's sake.”

“Yes, so let's do it together. For her.”

Frode agrees that far, enough heard to get the others to take it all serious. Course that was until... “”Wow Skuld, this is cool! So I pilot this?”

“Yeah! Just run the controls like a video game thing.”

“Eh? But I never play those games! Why do you think I ride my BMX so... eh... utoh, I think I pushed some... WHAAA!!”

“SentaroooooOOOOO!!! EEEEK!!” ...as the mecha suddenly lurches forward, trips over the temple wall, and to such a commotion beyond that. The others lost their serious impart right there, as Urd bemoans. “Oh that looked expert for ya.”

--------------------

-Some hours later-

The day, went as late as the waning afternoon, before much else was heard. It was a surprise that Ishara had gone to help with the search, as it became apparent that only the Bug could hold a clue to where to go from here. As such, the only ones remaining now, was Eihwa, looking guard, over the incapacitated goddess melded, and their mutual loves, that were of only one thought.

“Come on you two, hold it together.” Imladris whispers, Eihwa and Keiichi looking over. Keiichi's impart... “If only words were all that were needed. Something simple for once.”

“Si.” Eihwa sadly echoed. For a time it seemed, words would not allow to interrupt this silent revelry. It is Imladris that breaks this all at some unknown point, with a mere standing posture. “I need to... think.” ...and turns, this as Keiichi looks at Eihwa and then stands. “Hold up dude!” ...and follows. Eihwa sees them both disappear below the Temple steps, before turning back, looking at the immobile form before her.

“How could this have happened? I... I don't understand how you could have fall so easily, so soon. This makes no buon senso.” ...this as her high dimensional mind tried to figure out something that was really off here.

And then it hit her so easily, but... “You've reverted back down to your base code, in thinking. The angel's, they...”

She squinted her eyes, and brought out her other half.

----

“Whoa dude! I thought we said...”

“It's not that easy milord.” Imladris said in enough tone, to make Keiichi pause. Imladris spoke it clearly. “I know what you fear to face. I 'see' it as if were my own.” ...this Keiichi looks down.

“I cannot stand here, and think things will be resolved. Until I see proof, I can't let you be the one to suffer in my stead.”

“No we won't.” ...this Imladris looks over at, as Keiichi comments. “I can't imagine losing Belldandy, even despite knowing, and more of what's happened since that earthquake. Not just what Urd, Skuld and Frigurina did, but also my fear of losing Belldandy, made me take that step over that proposal line.

And because of that, even despite what I know of 'your' past, we can't give in to a possibility that won't come.”

“Milord.” Imladris admits open shock at. Keiichi says it sternly enough. “If the others find a way, we'll get them back. Because, I want to spend the rest of my life with Belldandy, and 'you' all of yours with Lind. You think we should ever give up on that?

We 'are' getting them back dude.” ...and struck his hand out, to such an eye from the Lord Knight.

One readily taken. “I agree my lord. We 'will' get them back.”

Keiichi nods.

And then a heavy flare of white light explodes from inside the Temple! Keiichi spins and shouts... “What the?!?” ...Imladris shoots past... “Blast it no, EIHWA!!”

Both reach up, and see one less goddess in the room, but as a white energy form fades into the stricken melded, they all see a 'third' set of features upon the lain goddess!

Keiichi just creeps out... “Okay, maybe we need a new pact.” ...this Imladris agrees, unto his knees!

--------------------

-Prior to said hour-

Sentaro at least learned from his earlier miscue, and 'was' acting a good pilot. Skuld was glad for that much, since her concentration on herding the large Bug search team in various areas, had gone 'all' without a smidgen of a clue! For hours every last crevice had been searched, (to the dismay of many a neighbor or owner, more than a few police threats too,) as such, the initial search radius had been fruitless.

Which lent to ALL of Nekomi being searched, and soon after, a lot more help arrives, as the NIT crew learned of the mess, as did Satoko's 'own' element. This which lent to by now, over a hundred souls, many of which were on the belief this was a Yamano sponsored game or such, sporting orange glasses and Bug hammers, while Skuld tried to direct them all.

Skuld by the time of the waning afternoon, just plopped her head onto the control panel before her, as Sentaro piloted the mecha above the city. (Such objections by Ichigo erased by Fusuchi's GUSHING over her brother's newfound skill.) Sentaro saw and called over... “You okay Skuld?”

“Now I know how Cousin and Lind feel about directing troops.” ...this Sentaro chuckled at, but wasn't remiss. Skuld enunciated openly. “Where'd that stupid Bug get to? We should have got a response by now!”

Sentaro shrugged for his own accord. “I dunno, what if it doesn't act like a normal Bug?”

Skuld blinked at that, the 'only' person that could have stirred her thoughts out of her nominal mode. “What if it isn't?”

“Having 'fun' children?”

Sentaro barred his teeth, as Skuld snaps back suddenly... “Not with 'you' around, all of a sudden CEO!”

Hild just eyed over dispassionately, as she mocked. “All this over one wittle tiny buggy that ol genius girl can't find? What does that say for your precious 'sister's' trust in you?”

Skuld's retort is halted by... “It says more than enough kid! Skuld will get this done! You'll see!” ...this as Hild eyes a quickly remissive mortal, as Skuld looks back. “Sentaro.” Hild considers for a moment, and readies a finger.

“Don't bother.”

And then... “Ah, our dear Doublet.”

Frig's sneer on Hild's initial look, actually makes the CEO blanch some! “Okay! We'll refrain, if you won't break the Treaties and all!”

Frig's sneer continues. “For only 'my' daughter's sakes. All four of them.”

Hild sighs. “If you want to go that route. Well, then We should depart of our own help.”

“Help?” Sentaro and Skuld quip as one.

And then the sudden flare at the residence, makes them all look! Frig gasps. “She didn't!!” ...as she quickly ZIPS out of sight, making Hild tumble over a good few twists! “Bloody hell of it! Watch your speed goddess!”

Sentaro however asks for his remembering part. “Uh... what help?” ...Skuld quickly remanding. “Sentaro! You know better!”

“Oh such jealous fervor. You indeed are growing like unto your Father.” ...this Skuld sneers back at Hild to her hazard, but Sentaro sees something else, of pointed passive finger, to Hild's right. Sentaro looks where, and suddenly twists the mecha over! “EEK! Sentaro! What are you...?”

“Hey! I see a signal!”

“Huh?!!” Skuld cracks, and then looks at her own panel. Only a half kilometer from her position. “That's it. Holy light.”

Sentaro nods, and looks over... “Hey... thank..... eh? ...you?” ...as Skuld looks and sees all empty air and space.

The two the look at each other and gaff as one mutual voice. “Did she just....?”

Skuld however looks down and sees... “Anyway, the closest group to that location is.... is.... oh no.”

Sentaro looks at his own panel and teardrops. “Urd and Troubadour.”

Skuld just flings her arms about. “It's over goddess! We're all toast! Almighty just take me now!”

----

Urd smirked at her 'comm' device, as Troubadour blinks. “So, we're the heroes this time. Sweet?”

“Verily.” Urd croons. She then adds... “Can't wait to grind it all into Skuld's face when this is done.”

Troubadour gulps. “I thought all this was for... ACK!” ...and gets his tunic yanked for it! “Shut and come with me! We'll show em how to do it!!!”

“Cheerio!” Troubadour manically 'agrees'.

--------------------

“That Bianco TWIT!”

Keiichi just quipped back. “Sounds about right.” ...to Frigurina.

Ishara and Frode had shot back on sight of feel, the same that Frigurina arrived unto, seeing the results that just made the High Goddess want to... “I should wipe this world outright and start all over! Where did 'this' massive travesty occur from at!?!?”

“Of one that tried to meld without better foresight.” Ishara added. Imlade and K1 trade an uneasy look, Frode standing behind, keeping a neutral mind of all this. Keiichi however was not. “Wh.... why did she do that!? And 'what' did she do!?”

Frig and Ishara just 'eye' a certain knight nearby. “We wonder.”

“Hey! I said of zilch unto this! Beyond, HOW can this be possible with Eihwa not even wearing a blasted Band!”

Ishara guessed as much as her expert knowledge could. “Eihwa must have used a Meld to try and make contact somehow with them both. The nature of the situation must have drawn her in despite her power to prevent. I however suspect the nature of the said device, is also at cause, as is the Administrator's mindset.”

“How do we get them out!” Imladris suddenly put with 'no' hint of a question in it. Frigurina and Ishara both look, as much as Frode does, as the High Goddess imparts. “If we knew the full cause of how my Bands malfunctioned, then we could possibly have something to work on. As it is...”

“We don't have the time migoddeses. Three of them in one shell might as well put them, us, 'and' this whole world plane in jeopardy! Until we hear more from Skuld, we need to formulate a resolution on our own.”

“Finally not giving up on us?” Frode remarks, Keiichi finding hope to now. Imladris however was accented by... “He's correct. We cannot presume we have the time to consider what is occurring here. Their triad power sources could indeed burst them apart, in all manner detrimental.” Ishara laments unto. Frigurina then considers. “The problem is access. No one with an angel or network access is safe to attempt anything, without being absorbed apparently. Without knowing what's going on 'within', we have no clue to how to deal with all this.”

“Can gold guy do it?”

Imladris just sighed, a probably thought of tactics of mind, now being spoken aloud. Frode and Ishara hear to their already known amazement from Frigurina. “Aye, and while I am not sure how reformatted his bioform is now, Nephew's Angel could theoretically meld with the three of them here, without being absorbed.

If however his form is too encoded, he could lose contact with his bioform shell, and well...”

“We have to chance it.” Imladris relents readily enough. He however corrects. “No, we 'have' to make it work.

Will make it work.”

“About time.” Frode commented. Imlade blinked at... “About time?! It's not like this all has been occurring for an age here, good sir!” Frode just calmly remarking back. “Such is how this situation is composing itself.” Ishara half giggles as Frig shakes her head. The latter then lifts her head and then pleas out readily. “If you 'can' find your measure to reach them, by all means with my blessing. Please undo the mistake I have made. I never wanted this result to ever occur.”

Imladris sees to a response, when Keiichi reaches over and holds Frig's right shoulder with his left hand. “We know. We never wanted 'this' to happen, and know better.”

At this, the lot of them look at the Lord Knight and wait. Imladris at first responds with... “No pressure eh?” ...before then calling upon his Soul Partner out into the open, the look of the vast Angel making Ishara and Frode hold their breath. (And Frode having to catch his feet!) Imlade however remarks openly. “It's not feeling difficult enough to bring Evolution out anymore. I hope I haven't been reformatted too far for all this.”

Ishara just remarks. “I hope so, but nonetheless...”

Imladris looked at Keiichi, and then took a breath, and literally took a soulful plunge.

--------------------

Urd and Troubador creeped along as carefully as they could. Troubadour just 'quipped'... “Be vwery vwery qwuiet, we're... ow!”

“Ah shut it spirit dope, and keep looking.”

They pass into a relatively enclosed area, a set of prefabricated houses that had a bit more space here than usual, a sign of slightly more money amongst the residents. All Urd however saw, was shadows making her focus more vision through her orange colored Bug glasses. “Dang, this Bug is pissing me off.”

“Wait a tic.” Troubadour stops, eyeing something 'past' a corner to their mutual left. Urd notes and 'looks' as well, seeing... “Looks like the right signature. Let's get this little bastard.”

“Wait.” Troubadour whispers hard, Urd looks back about to clock him, when he remarks. “We need to get this right don't we?”

Urd blinks and then nods. “Okay, I'll rush it and see if I can drive it to ya. Hopefully it won't get past both of us.”

Troubadour just looks pensive, to another hazard of Urd's smacking hand, before she turns and takes a deep breath... “Okay, this one's for you lil Sis.” ...and just busts through the corner and right at the signature! She sees it at last with a yell of... “Your ass is my grass pal!” ...and lunges with all force at the creature...

...that zips right out of the way! Urd blinks... “No way!” ...before she hears Troubadour... “Got ya!” ...as Urd turns and sees Troubadour also lunge! The Bug however zips a second time and Troubadour misses, also missing seeing Urd trying to double back, as Troubadour tries a split second weed growth spell!

And Urd knocks into Troubadour... “EEK! Troubadour!!” ...before knocking them both into the oversized weeds Troubadour suddenly grew!

And get nice and tangled into it. “Troubadour you idiot!”

“But my darling Urdy! I was only trying to catch the... ow, my head!”

“Next time why not use your weeds on yourself first and.... wait.”

Troubadour stops, and both see where Urd does, towards the second floor roof, of the house they are near. Urd kinda comments out. “A bit passive for a Bug.”

“I wouldn't know Urdy.”

“Stop calling me 'Urdy'.”

“Sorry.”

Urd then considers. “Bet ya a year's worth of my Sake recharge ability, that trying this conventionally won't work.” ...this Troubadour hears, before he then 'hears' via their 'own' mind link, a quick plan Urd composes. (It wasn't just Lind or Bell now that were enjoying melds. Skuld still needs a few years though for hers.)

After, Urd and Troubadour nod. Urd then taps her 'communicator' thing. “Dang this is goofy, I... ah, Skuld? If you can hear me, get ready to swoop in and catch this sucker.”

“: From where Sis? :”

“Oh, you'll know.”

“: Will anyone live after? :”

“She may have a point Urdy, I... ow!”

Urd just grumbles out. “Just get your asses ready.” ...this she looks up, and Troubadour suddenly 'loosens' the weed bindings, and shoots them upwards at the Bug. As expected it jumps and starts to zip a random direction, but Urd has zilch of that! “Quick chain my will from the Mighty skies!”

A number of chain lightning ball-bolts suddenly zap down from the skies, all around the jump zone the Bug was taking! As a result, it becomes trapped for a second, as one of the bolts, brush past the fuzzy being of algorithm! Urd snaps. “Try and get out of that you... EH!?!?” ...before the Bug begins vibrating itself to phase out of all contact with the area! “Aw CRAP!”

Troubadour is about to try something, when suddenly, a vine rose whip suddenly swipes in from somewhere 'quite' far away, and smacks into the Bug unexpectedly! Urd gasps! “Peorth?!” ...before the Bug is knocked into one of the still active ball-bolts, more than readily stunning it!

Troubadour then sees Skuld's contraption fly in, and pushes his weeds out one last time, and knocks it towards the flying mecha! “Catch it!”

“Got it!!” Skuld yells out, as she activates her mecha's Bug capture field. “Keep it steady Sentaro!”

“Just grab the thing Skuld!”

As Peorth and Talos shoot in, the Bug is knocked silly like into a purple-pink cage field that 'draws' in the Bug and actually captures it into a special polymer container of tenth dimensional creation. As soon as the weird critter is captured. “We got it!!” ... “Great going Skuld!” ...this as the mecha lands with a neighborhood shuddering thud! The other foursome appear nearby, as Skuld shouts out haughtily! “That's the power of Bug Hunting Team Alpha!” (-With stupid caption below added even.- See, Sentaro is smile-teardropping like heck.)

All 'four' of the others just look on with twitching eyes. Urd.... “I don't care. I'm gonna disown her.”

“Oui.”

Talos and Troubadour say nothing.

The lot then approach to look at their catch of the day. (One heck of a one at that.) Sentaro notes down. “Ew, who would make a weird creature like that!?”

“No idea.” Comes from most of the rest, Talos the only one not speaking of knowing better. Skuld however blinks as she uses a specialized scanner on the twitching creature. “Huh?”

“What is it Skuld?” Peorth asks, before Skuld looks back. “Uh, either my scanner is busted, or this thing is....”

None of them feel humorous on the hearing. Not even 'close'.

--------------------

Frig 'hears' as soon as it happens. “They caught the thing.” ...this Ishara and Keiichi alone breathe relief of sigh from. Frode then asks. “Should we inform him?” ...this as the meld is formally occurring, but of a far more acceptable result than feared. This as Imlade sits on his knees, eyes utterly shut and concentrating, Evolution deep into the meld, the angelic cloth swirls entering and exiting in several places of the melded goddesses before them all.

Ishara just remarked. “I doubt we could reach him now.”

“Trust.” ...is all Frigurina says in turn. Such is how they only look on.

----

The sky was white, hazy yet pure. Sight was occluded by looking through a serene fog of white, snowy dust flying across his vision, as it floated amongst white petals, a cool-'warmth' to feel and senses. The landscape was a mesh of white grasses, flowering petals of many kinds, hints of color to the white grass and flowers, before it interspersed with white caps of snowy drifts. Further, majestic mountains seemed to fade in and out of vision. White sparkles that were well and truly alive floated amongst, as if they were burning filaments of a sort, but held no actual fire within, other than...

“Is this...?”

Imladris leaned down, and 'poked' at a random flower, seeing it suddenly sunder apart softly into more 'burning' sparkles.

“Their souls are burning apart?” ...this Imlade only guessed at. It was hard to guess at anything, his senses feeling like they were falling into this dream. He felt warm in it, and wanted to remain here on instinct. It was like time lost utter meaning in favor for the moment that was fading into itself. There seemed no danger her, just a pure sense of joy that was existing into itself, unto whatever end. He just...

“NAY!!” ...Imladris suddenly snapped himself back of clear though with! “I can't fail them here. Have to keep strict focus on myself, and anchor my will by. Use that as their anchor as well, I.... eh?”

He suddenly 'felt' a chill caress upon his right shoulder. Imladris grabs at this 'feel', and knows it readily. “Lind! I know it's you! You have to focus your minds! I feel the meld overcoming you all in here! It's what you told me what could happen with a meld, and you 'have' to fight back out of it!”

He 'felt' something stir greatly. He then calls out further. “Cousin! You and Lind know each other differently from one another! Use that for Keiichi's sake!

Eihwa! Does a Goddess of Tests allow herself to fail in this manner, 'this' readily!?

Lind!! Challenge you I do, that your own will is supposed to be stronger than 'this'! Is this how you each would cascade yourselves unto!?!?!”

He felt the stirrings much more greatly now, but sensed the meld was doing too well a job to 'hold' them together. He also felt a dear amount of warmth that was starting to burn at 'him' now. He quickly deduced... “I need some help.”

----

“KEIICHI!!!”

Everyone else in the temple alcove just nearly had their version of a heart attack there suddenly! Sigrun and Mara had returned a moment before, only to 'this' discourse! Mara of course... “Dammit blunder head! You scarred us!”

Frode gasping in the background is accented by Ishara's... “Such a rare ability at that.” ...this as Keiichi blinks over with gasping breath. “Wha... what is it.... dude? Dang you got me there.”

“I need your help in here milord.”

Keiichi blinks. “Eh? But you've only been in there, what... five minutes at best.”

Imladris blinks and quips... “Really? Felt like forever unto forever that... wait. Nay nevermind! I need to meld through you to help reach Belldandy.”

Keiichi hears, and then just does as his nominal anymore. “Do it dude.” ...this even Frigurina gasps at. “The risks are great for.... wait... no, my daughter needs you too. My bad.”

Keiichi smiles over, but then hardly so at Imlade. Even the Council gods are shocked at what happens next, when Imlade ejects a portion of his Angel's cloth from the goddess meld form, back through him, and... “This will be a shock. Apologies.”

“Just do it dude.” ...before the cloth, with a small pair of angelic wings monikering Evolutions colorings, literally 'punches' though Keiichi's chest, and directly back into the goddess form! This is accented with... “What the blazes?!?!” ...this everyone hears as Takano enters with Keima, both at their knees now!

Keima... “What the hell did he do to my son?!”

“Heaven's Salvation.” ...this the lot hear from Frode. Keima stabs a look over, as Takano looks blankly lost, as Keiichi's form, glowing of eyes, is held by Frigurina. The goddess whispering to him. “Go and save your love.”

Ishara alone appreciates that, as she looks over at Imlade, even more of an intense glow of 'his' eyes. “No less of you Hero.”

----

“AW JEEZE MAN!!!”

“Sorry milord, dreamscapes usually go without clothing.” ...Imlade teardropped at, Keiichi reacting as 'such' over parts of his body. Keiichi however remarks. “Well somehow Belldandy still remembers that much when we meld!”

“Oh? Guess it's an option then. Let's see.” ...as the knight concentrates and conjures simple robe cloth for them both. Keiichi sighs in relief. “Thank you.” ...this Imlade smirks at meekly.

Which all begets a sudden soft giggle of the most serene kind, from all around them both. In fact through them as well. Keiichi just quips. “Wow.”

Imladris however calls back out. “You three still haven't gotten yourselves together girls!!” ...this Keiichi looks with off kilter unease, before he also then feels the unusual stirrings within. When Imladris then calls out. “Lind! Eihwa! You two like actually being 'stuck' together like this!!?”

Keiichi accents suddenly off of added stirrings... “Belldandy!!” ...done in a conventional cupped hands over mouth fashion! “You're the one who told me you wanted to be with me forever! Is this how you wanted to do it!?!”

More stirring, almost tremors. Imlade: “Lind! If you quit now, you'll know I'll have stayed ahead of you in all manner of our arts!”

Tremors...

Keiichi: “Do you want Skuld to be crying for the rest of her days about you Belldandy!? What about Velsper and all that too!”

Increasing tremors...

Imlade: “Eihwa! Your milk will all go sour if you stay this way!”

Keiichi just looks over kook eyed. “Dude, that was weak.”

“Eh? What about that Velsper stuff she isn't supposed to know about?!”

“At least I said something important!”

“Then try something else milord!”

“How about I'd never forgive Belldandy if she left me like this!”

At that, all of a friggen sudden, Belldandy quite literally SHOOTS out from the dreamscape fog. “Tell me you don't mean that Keiichi!!!” ...this Imlade chuckles at, Keiichi quipping. “Actually I do. I can't live without you.”

Belldandy's following glom onto a readily blushing Keiichi. Imlade meanwhile then notes a more coalesced form of light, 'forming' near enough, as they finally find 'their' separation from each other. This as Lind and Eihwa manage to separate, Lind commenting on 'such'. “I cannot believe one such as you would meld unto ME of all souls.”

Eihwa just croons back. “Divertirsi, did ye not?” ...this Lind grumbles at. (If not fully though.) Lind starts to comment. “Only because you... eh? What are you doing love?”

“Keiichi was right! Your auspices are currently disconcerting.” ...as Imlade already has spun around!

Eihwa and Lind cock their heads... “Eh?” ...as Keiichi remarks in continued blush. “Gold dude's right! Clothes have a use you know!” ...this Belldandy looks down. “Really? But we're in a meldscape. Why is it so important?” ...this Eihwa and Lind also note their.... lackings, though they too are just as unmoved. Eihwa just leans over. “Perhaps that special 'time', needs to occur sooner.” ...this Lind sighs and nods. “Some lessons need a direct approach.”

“GUYS!” ...Imlade screeches, before they all then feel something 'new' to them all. They all sense, as Keiichi remarks. “Feels like something is about to explode soon.”

Eihwa just comments. “Tis this why for the sudden cease in bodily form functions?” ...this Belldandy nods back. “Aye, Lind and I were forced to conserve our functions when we both realized the problem at hand.” ...Keiichi remarks. “One goddess can't hold two goddesses, or... uh... three now huh?”

Lind snips over aside her as Imlade looks back. “Was supposed to be only two, why not still so?”

Eihwa cocked an austere eye back over. “I realized what you were both doing in here, and I needed to inspect for myself when I realized.” ...this Lind 'and' Belldandy stare back, to the surprise of both mortals. (Technically yes so still of Imlade.) Eihwa just ekes out in addition. “Um, also, I may have had an ulterior motive to... take... over... Belldandy's place?”

One nice group groan (even Bell this time, gee,) makes Eihwa just wince in hearing. “So 'this' is why you came here. Another attempt to accost my beloved Confessor.”

“Non, as a First Class Goddess cannot lie.”

Keiichi blinks, as it was Belldandy that expresses in favor of Eihwa's heart, one they all realize once more, they 'can' see of each with even the slightest amount of focus. Eihwa looks a good bit blushed, as Lind 'looks',and realizes. “Wha...?”

Imlade looks between the two, and 'sees'. “Oh my eternal Light. You mean... but you never, she never... Eihwa and...”

Lind gulps as Eihwa relents from the deepest crevices of her bianco soul. “I would be remiss, if I simply let my feelings overcome my formatted judgment. A goddess of Tests cannot let such feelings flow easily.” ...this as Eihwa looks up with a good dear amount of watery eyes. Lind gasps lightly, as Eihwa expresses forth. “After all, your heart was taken unto his, before my own could express the same. Such I've held silent for all this time.”

Lind doesn't move, but Imlade floats back some. Keiichi gulps as he remarks at a dear stutter. “You mean Eihwa likes Lind?!” ...this Belldandy nods. “More than just that.”

Eihwa offers forth then. “Why else, did I come to know you both so well?” ...this with eye towards the knight. “I knew Lind longer than you did, if only at a distance, as much as the rest of Heaven. If however only I was as brave as you, in 'your' feelings for Lind, I may have relented my own feelings earlier than I have now. With all else that has occurred since the days before your sacrifice in the Heavens, I've had no course to take with my soul, than as a watcher in kind.

I admit the day I was proctor to Imladris's First Class equivalency test, was one I only became enamored of him, 'after' said tests were done. Before, I held a ready amount of jealousy. I am glad to be rid of that falsity of myself. Moreso unto now.”

Everyone else then shivered at how 'cold' Imladris felt of blank chill. Lind gulps out in kind. “But. No word. Never a whisper?”

“Of you Lind? If not 'he' that begot through to you, whom else would have had a similar chance?”

Imlade balks at that unto Eihwa. “I hardly was the bravest either! I still remember the time one other tried to gain Lind's hand, and still wonder to this day, why I am the so blessed of the same! Look how long I took to gain her heart!”

“Nay better or finer vintage to be had.” ...this the 'retort' to Imladris, just makes the knight gulp at. Lind then added. “One I held 'for' only one. From the day I entered the light of Heaven from birth, I 'knew' my being was different from so many others. Where else was chance to know another that 'knew' the truth of difference, in the face of Heaven's truth. And then to know how magnificent such all he truly was.

No other could force their way into my heart. My truth wouldn't allow such.”

Eihwa looks down somberly. “Such I have come to know, hence unto now my own choice. My actions are one seeking to strengthen a bond, never tear into it otherwise.”

Imladris and Lind gulp then in hearing. “Such has been my love for you both, to ensure your bond becomes stronger than anything 'any' other being could attempt to sunder. A readily play the harlot part to ensure your love's purity remains so. Even if it stains my white truth.”

“Eihwa.” Imladris hears to such a shock. Lind just closes her eyes and keeps her own counsel. For now.

And then they hear and feel the anew spike of all around them being burned of too much goddess power coalesced. So much so, Imladris then looks around. “Perhaps this discourse is better served separated. We should.... eh? Now what? What?!”

Imladris suddenly then finds the other four, 'looking' at him. Imladris realizes quickly enough, as Belldandy shakes a tic. “Oh dear. Cousin...” ...as Eihwa looks to a decent hazard. Lind just sighs when she catches herself looking more than she wanted again. Imladris hears then from Keiichi... “All that stuff you've gone through isn't all crap, is it.”

Imlade just sighs and chuckles. “Why else do I have an angel as unique as Urd's own is. A price for all that glory, I assure you. You all may want to refrain from too much looking. I've done some rather torrid things in my time.”

Lind notes Eihwa responding. “I don't mind looking.” ...this Lind blanches a bit. “You'll regret that if you continue.”

“Milord and miladies!” Imlade snaps, the lot recovering their senses, though the next query in kind from Eihwa. “So how do we sunder ourselves of each other? I admit surprise when I was drawn in by the power of that Bracelet. It felt like my network form was magnetized into both of yours, without warning. Even my personal firewalls failed against all 'that'.”

Lind adds in, looking away. “Some forces are too powerful to ignore.”

“Love brought us together, in it's purest form.” Belldandy admits. “Love of all it's various forms between us three, was enough for the device to act on it's programming.” ...this Lind accents in expert understanding. “The Bug must have altered something to remove whatever barriers or restraints that would have prevented this.” ...this Keiichi balks at. “That fast?!”

“More than enough. Time means nothing to programs.” ...Imladris comments over. “Save for whatever is programmed into a Program of any kind, if such is supposed to even matter. It's all esoteric overall in the end. As it is, here we are, and we must sever ourselves from all this. I fear the backlash from an overload would be detrimental to a great deal of local space, at a bare minimum.”

Lind chippers over. “But of course we'd annihilate all space in this star system. It'd wager more on much more than that, given a Norn and General is involved.”

Imladris just sighs as Eihwa quips. “Hey, I can add to that too you know.”

“Oh we already 'know'.” Lind glum-smirks over.

Keiichi then composes with some anime looking thought. “So... we just need to get you guys apart. How do we do it? Not like we can just yank you all apart.”

Belldandy then adds. “It was our networks, based on the frequency collusion of our souls, that caused the device to activate. We have a form of separation now, we should then be able to transfer back to our physical bodies. The only problem is finding the key to use.”

“But what then?”

“Frequency.”

Eihwa's query, turns to Imlade's as he looks at the three goddesses. Even Keiichi then feels, as Imladris suddenly feels an infusion of 'thought' energy, of a sort, that helps him run a series of steps in his mind. “Goddesses at the tenth level medium, are networks that are no more at the basic function, than streams of data that operate as unique components that form each goddess as a singular person. It took a meshed frequency based on emotional parameters to cause this, so there's no reason a different frequency spectrum could be used to dislodge the same patters in turn.

And all frequencies are vibrations of a sort, and vibrations can compose anything, from the electronic, to the musi.... cal.

Sing.”

Lind admits out with a gasp... “It's genius. So simple.” Bell in turn... “Yes.”

Keiichi translates from it all. “You guys needs to sing your own focused songs. One that makes each of you, who you are from each other.”

“I'll take care of the Band.” Imladris remarks. The others nod. Keiichi is even let in on the fun, as Belldandy tones out a starting tone, soft and endearing. Keiichi adds is own 'basic' version in, and the others find it more than sufficient. Eihwa sonnets out next, as Lind takes her turn, before Imladris tones out strongly. Each of them, keeping focus on 'themselves' for this one, as their song did not mesh, but the whole of this unique song, was intense and impressive enough to behold.

--------------------

Sentaro just looked around kook eyed. “Um... did they 'all' have to come here?” ...this even Skuld is looking around blankly, as the good several dozen 'host' of souls Satoko 'managed' into the search, played out as a game, all chatted around like it was a concert being waited for. Satoko with Chihiro nearby, just teardrops. “Sorry, but when I heard, my father helped me get the word out for this hunt thing. Guess you guys beat us to... it... after all.” ...this Chihiro just quips. “Don't think my tracking book can put 'that' many character names in it.” Satoko just dryly retorts... “Haha, funny grrl.” This the goddesses nearby teardrop alone at hearing.

Chihiro however then just creeps out on looking. “So that thing is 'it'?” ...this as they all look at the Bug, still in it's cage, upon the mecha's chest. Everyone around saw to some decent mix of uneasiness, and humor, at such a sight. Skuld however remarked. “I think that's it. I dunno, but I got a weird reading I need have Cousin look at.”

“Where is he anyway?” Chihiro asked, this Urd taking up the mantle nearby. “Apparently being a hero again as usual.” ...this the others knowing enough, just sigh in realizing better.

Sora then comes up with Suzuki in tow. “Hey, I heard. How's it going in there?”

Urd looks over and is about to answer, when it starts. At first, only the goddesses feel it, before feel and sight are joined by everyone else in the area. This as the interior of the temple then glows, and then the temple itself along with. Even the reserved types are reverent at the scene that occurs next. Urd just chimes out. “Such a beautiful way to salvation.”

Inside, the song starts reaching the god and goddesses senses, as the myriad separation 'song' plays out, as even Frode admits outright. “It's genius.” ...before Takano and Keima witness first hand, seeing Evolution slowly extract from, and then back out from behind Imladris, still within the meld. Such the song becomes openly vocal, and Frode, Ishara and Frigurina bring out their Angels on instinct. Frode's toga monikered-stereotypical male angel Loyalty's Belief, floats as majestically as does Ishara's Mercy, both outdone by Frigurina's Light of Creation, but not the point here, as the song now expands as the light gleaming now does.

And further, as the unprepared throngs see the goddesses semi-betray themselves, as the song overcomes them, Angels displaying amongst them all, as even the ones knowing better most, are captivated by this incredible display.

But not here either...

----

Almighty feels it, as it begins, the same spike of Intracel, now reverberating this Song through it all as well.

And His song adds now as well, and soon, all across Heaven, as goddesses of all modes, Administrators, Commanders, Valkyries, Debuggers, Operators, Medics, Proctors, Secretarials, and so much and many more, add their song to the uniqueness of the moment.

As such how Yggdrasil began to heal from it's earlier trauma, the communication links 'healing', as the song progressed, all data packet noise fading finally, in favor of this clarity.

And not even a fallen CEO cannot resit this one.

----

Mara watches as even Sigrun nearby is engrossed in this song.

“It's no fair. So pure and magnanimous. I should despise it, yet I cannot.”

Keima and Takano nearby, just save speech in favor of blind purity for the moment, as the results begin to take shape.

With the vast song now reverberating in all forms from, around, and back into the particulars, the focus needed occurs, as Imladris helps 'guide' the song to allow escape vector for Belldandy to 'latch' onto Keiichi to extract from, the same as Lind and Eihwa doing the same, as Holy Bell, The Mints, and Test of Purity all take the song, as a literal 'rope' to pull their souls upon, and gently pull their mistresses along with. This as the frequency patterns are 'scrambled' enough by Imladris and Evolution, to keep the Band at bay.

This continues until all are safely sundered from each other, as at a point Frig and Ishara suddenly stop. “Catch them!” ...as Belldandy and Keiichi collapse unto each other, into Frigurina's waiting arms, Sigrun helping there readily, as Ishara helps Imladris 'catch' Lind and Eihwa the same, all ending up out cold solid for the moment, as the 'show' begins to fade down, as everyone of Angel realizes. High, Mid-Terra and Low alike.

Such as all ends, when Frig notes. “Enough of them.” ...and literally 'force' grasps the Bands off Lind's and Bell's wrists, and outright annihilates them in her immediate contact-clutch. Ishara sees a bit surprised, as Frigurina acknowledges... “I am a true fool, melding with such a natural course. Never again.”

Ishara and Frode nearby just nod, no one else bothering further. However the 'damage' was already done anyway.

--------------------

“There's no mistake anymore Commander.”

“Bring the vessel in past the System Oort Cloud zone. Maximize all sensor screens.”

--------------------

-A short time later-

Urd said it best at first. “Mom, we have a problem.” ...this Frigurina looks past, and on quick overreaching hearing. “So it's only autographs they're asking for.” Urd looks dryly back. “You 'know' what I mean.”

Frig considers that lightly. “It's not like they can remain hidden as so forever from all truths.” ...this Mara comes up with Sigrun. “Can I get a free shot in for the Market Share?” ... “Don't hold your brimstone Mara.”

“Tell all of that to Bell and Keiichi.” They all then hear Skuld actually remark.” Urd smirks as Frig sighs. “Of there I have to agree.”

Just then, Frode walks out with Keima and Takano. “You all make such a ruckus here.” ...this Takano quips. “Welcome to the club bub.”

Finally the particulars start to emerge, as Belldandy and Keiichi, Ishara helping them both help support each other ala arm in arm. Eihwa has to be supported more as Lind and Imlade each have recovered better. Eihwa just bemoans. “I need to have your levels of stamina.”

Lind however balks gently. “I fear we are only delaying needed rest.” ...this as Imlade looks up and sees the familiars cloister around. (And a number of faces utterly unknown to him.) Chihiro asks outright. “Are you guys okay?!”

“It tis done. The Bands have been destroyed.” ...this Frigurina laments. “Today has been a lesson I have learned, rather than in the giving.” ...this Peorth nearby quips. “Such a switch.” ...Frig only smiling kindly unto.

Skuld then comments out. “Well, I guess we didn't need to worry about using the Bug after all. We still have it anyway though.” Imladris looks up at hearing, and towards the captured dataform. Most watch as Frigurina walks over and eyes the creature. However as soon as she does... “Nephew.”

Imladris notes over and has Sigrun take over one of Eihwa's shoulders. “Yes Migoddess?” ...as he and Skuld approach. Frigurina just offers on pointing. “There is something odd about this Bug, just by looking.” ...this Imlade cocks an eye, as K1 and Belldandy walk nearby now. Most the lot come in closer in fact, as Skuld offers in addition. “Here Cousin, I hope I'm wrong with what I'm seeing.”

Imladris really cocks his eyes, almost slit eyed in fact. “Eh? Why do you both need 'me' to judge what you are each better at seeing? I....” ...as he looks down at the data Skuld's scanner obtained. He recognizes enough of Intracellic code for what it is, without needing to read. (Though some of it is easier 'to' read more and more.) However it's not this code that he sees that catches his eye.

It's the alien code that he's seen before that suddenly sneers it.

“It.... no, She didn't....”

Frigurina offers... “You mean....” ...this entirely leaning on the expertise her Husband alloted to Imladris, as the knight suddenly thrusts his left arm up. “Back up everyone.” ...said with enough iron to get just that result all around. He then chants to a dire tone of... “: Reveal Yourself to Thineself. :” ...whit causes special code revealing string to literally thread out and touch at the Bug.

Which immediately glows burning gray ash code lines!

“:: !!!_EMERGENCY SHIELD_!!! ::”

A massive Holy-Incarnum Shield suddenly SLAMS down around the mecha, most lost in the sudden action, though the few others knowing better... “But... but how!?” Keiichi decries, as Frigurina already has her own shield spell ready to deflect any attack on the weakened Bell-K1 pair, onto herself. (Yes, she'd go 'that' far here.)

Goddess, Demon, Spirit, Warrior, and else alike watch in sudden fear, as Imladris stares down... “Another Servant of Voluspa?” Lind 'suggests', before Imladris, looking at the eyes of the Bug, sees something else terrifyingly clear.

As it looks right back 'at' him. Such it's eyes go from it's goofy blank stare, to a pure hateful one instead.

“No. It's no Servant.”

Imladris decides to 'walk' the shield forward as he does, and unto an arms length of distance. The stare continues like this for a good bit before... “Well?”

“: Crass is this tongue I curse you By. :”

“Oh crap.” Urd creeps out in the coldest tone of her life. Frigurina even remarks in shock. “I cannot remember the last time I heard her voice. It is Her's, no mistake.”

“: Let there be our War at last, this I declare in this Blasphemous tongue!! :”

“War.” Imladris only says. The rest watching something indescribable, unfolding. Imladris makes light mock of. “When have you 'not' been at War with us all?”

“: Such IS my eternal damnation against this entire Existence, for the Crime unto me! :”

“Gaea would disagree.” ...this Peorth nearby gasps at hearing, the 'Bug' voicing back in a severe screeching whine! “: I am not the name of my false shell! I AM VOLUSPA! I who made you all, stolen from me by right, by your Wretched 'Lord'! EVERYTHING beyond the Crime, is unclean before me!!

All that I am Warring against 'now'! :”

Imladris kept his tone level. He didn't know what further abilities Voluspa had here. “Are we all 'truly' that unfit before you? Why are you so hateful of us all, that are too far removed to ever had been a part of? Of that one Moment.”

The next words come so darkly, tears stream from most that don't have the soul of strength to stand against hearing. Not even Frigurina is holding well, and the other goddesses are clutching where and whom they can for all dear life! “: Beginning and End. All that is Me. The All stolen. Ever and Always will the word Stolen be associated with my Pain.

One you none of ALL 'of' the Crime beyond, are fit of my Endless hate. I have no equal measure of my Discordance. I will hold none as Forgivable to ME! And as it was only I that could hold the Secrets for Creation for the Power of my Progenitor Brethren, I hold the only Judgment that is of Warrant here! :”

“Flawed.”

“: What Sayeth Your!? Mock me dare ye!??! :”

Imladris just relented his blood boil over, as Frigurina only watched on. (For a real reason in fact.) “For the reason that is the Truth I have come the seen!” ...this as his emotion snaps his hand right at the creature at the bulk of it's form! (Take a guess at the looks on everyone's faces at 'that' one!) “I've seen Your Wonder upon the City of Timeless Light! I know enough by my pitiful mind, to see your Will is wrong!”

“: WHAT!?!? I AM THE WILL!!! :”

“One that is fathomless enough to know you 'have; to be wrong! No being of any creation is above mistakes! I am utter asunder of all such much measure. Many I know learn of theirs and grow stronger of it! I see yours as the wonder that helped make us all, NOT one we live as measure to froth into your face and form as mockery!

How can we that are alive, be a mistake by ANY being that had a hand in our Existence!? If we are such a Mistake, then you made enough of it as well, no MATTER the circumstances, to then be foolish to believe that even YOU are not mistaken as well.

By. That. Measure. Do you intend to see yourself Undone with us all, if you ever had your Victory!?!!”

“: Yeeeeesssssssssss. :”

Imladris gasps so hard on stumbling back, he almost loses himself in the misery of the moment. Voluspa minces no words at all here. “: So many times, has the word Ragnarok, been associated with all Undoing. How many attempted, for their own self of Folly along with! For whom does such means then come for, if One of those failed dreams ever came to pass?

None could despite, for He that Made off of Crime of Me, has final Power to assail any other attempt of equal Measure. No other can be Creation, not even I. None can Usurp, and not be sundered in Favor of His Power. Not even I am Allowed, and not even I, can have respite from the Crime because of it.

This I sayeth now, NO MISTAKE. When my Will succeeds, I will sunder ALL. Myself will annihilate in the Pain of Ragnarok, with no resolve beyond. I Voluspa, will Die with my Will, WITH YOU ALL!! :”

The Bug subsumed, then stabs eyes at the 'other' being present, it knows all too well of. “: Such is how I already have insight, on the location of the Abomination! :” ...this Keiichi almost blanks out, as Belldandy clutches him, so terrified. (Takano and Keima alone never felt so afraid for another before, unto now.) “: Dreams, are another stream, one even 'I' can converse and discover. All the Tools made from me, are 'of' me as well. Soon. Soon I will Arrive. Soon it all will be my Will. This at the End! :”

“Gaea would disagree.”

Voluspa blanches at this a second time! “: Mock me further!?! :”

“Keep you closer.”

The softer change in tone makes the others look once more, as Voluspa's 'form', croons back. “: Yes, my Will suspected such, when my false made that dream connect. By all means underestimate Me. :”

Imladris keeps his softening tone. “One of us is the true False here. One of us has to be. Either we are fooled by your use of Gaea in a ploy, or You wish for release from your prison make. After an Eternity, I 'can' wager either is of equal weight here. And more. Despite your misgivings, I for one know a truth as core as any in the myriads of life I have passed through along.

No one Being made all of this. Beyond You and Almighty, Life and Existence made their own way through the greatest muddles in the overreaching spans. If we were meant for Annihilation as a Full Whole, then it should have come already. As such, I belief your Will must do more than defeat Almighty's connection to Existence. You must defeat Existence as it's own full Essence. After a numberless time you have spent of us all, I fully believe Existence wishes you to join us. I know even you cannot be above all of Existence, and that Pain 'can' be erased if one truly wants it to be.

You only make yourself an Enemy, despite yourself. I believe Gaea wants that life back for 'you', and you simply need to join in what is Right and Proper!”

“: Oh. So the mere Title of the Enemy presumes to know the ageless Me? Complexity of all things no longer matter?

I will then teach you the lessons needed, before they are expunged with all else. I will be the true teacher of Utter Misery! I will know you have learned, when your own beloved lies broken along with the Abomination, before your Eyes fall insane to my Will! :” ...such words just drew cold ire. Lind and Keiichi each felt the eyes 'targeting' them, A lot of minds were wanting and formulating sudden plans to protect and defend, such vibes made their way to this confrontation. Imladris in fact found himself feeling them, as he and Frigurina realized a full and physical esper meld was taking place! Frig gasped, as Imladris heard... “: Aye... :” ...full mocking such... “: ....so little it takes to turn the brave into the terror stricken. Such is the first lesson.

The next, comes on heels soon enough, my Enemy. And soon enough after, I will come, and my Will will Arrive.

You all have little time left. :”

“Not while I exist!” ...came such a striking tone back, even Voluspa was caught unprepared! The next words came as then, the final terror Lind feared for, all of this time. Imladris held none of it back. “Not while I exist Seer. Say this I do now as the one Tool that was meant for all this. I, the Valkyrie Knight of Heaven, stands as the successor of Tyr. The last being that stopped you from your Will.

I 'will' prevent You, and sacrifice as required, to whatever measure, to ensure Existence becomes of Gift of my 'own' End! Either I save you, or we Both will expunge! Existence, and all along with it, will never fall to you, while I live! And I will not die as long as you remain 'only' Voluspa. I Curse and Bless this as all Title, Fathoms for me to Command!”

“Beloved!!!!!” Lind couldn't hold back, Eihwa no further less, as Frigurina has to shoot over and hold back 'both' goddesses at the breaking of their hearts! Voluspa despite is assured of hearing. “Seer, our War is between US now. No other! To get to Existence, all I love, and my Master Almighty, you my Dear, WILL have to go through me, and all I will muster to stop you with!

Somehow I promise and assure this, when the proper Time has finally come!”

Voluspa just 'glees' out, as she knew would happen all along. “: Then we end Discourse of Curse, the same as I began of this. We are at WAR!! :”

All of a sudden, the Bug EXPLODES right in front of Imladris, the Shield just barely able to contain a hefty amount of lethal energy, before the detonation implodes upon itself. Everyone else that had no better sense, just ducked reflexively, Skuld behind a back turned Urd, Bell and Keiichi trying to cover each other, very much respectively. Over and so all around, before the event finally ends.

Before the scar of knowing festers for a while to come. However soon enough, they all realize there is no more harm to be had, and all sight lain on only one being, such was a gaze of intensity, unto no more than what was once there.

As such he then signs. “This is all too much.”

He then gets smacked upside the head, by Urd and Skuld each! “You said it!” ...this quite a few still jittered out the willies mortals watch as the two Norns literally start dressing the bloke down! Urd first: “What's all this suddenly about sacrificing yourself again?! What kind of crap is that?!?!”

Skuld ala: “I thought we agreed that all wasn't going to happen!” ...this as Imlade teardrop-winces a good tic, at seeing the two about to break down on him. He just sighs and remarks... “You both.... all of you know too well, what is at stake.

If Tyr has already done it, I 'am' fully able as well. No matter what else, if it comes down to it, I know the choice. Trust moi, I truly hope it doesn't come to that.”

“It. Had. Better. Not.” ....this as Imlade looks past a lot of worried onlooking, and sees one set of steel blue eyes that aren't holding back their own tears. All the same they look ready to run the knight through with. (And seeing Eihwa with the exact same look, doesn't help dissuade disconcerting jitters.) Imladris took them as best he could, before looking over at a stern in disposition glancing K1 and Bell alike, before trading a neutral look with Frigurina, and finally...

“Peorth, mon dame. I 'will' bring Gaea back. I know she's in there now.”

“Stuff it Paladin.” ...this Imlade blinks at, and sees a good general look of unease and dissatisfaction on everyone else of celestial consequence, and a good number of mortal versions as well now. He sees what the looks are for, and looks down smirking. “I see. Thank you. I appreciate this.”

The last to finish with, a hand grasping his shoulder, firm if gentle.

Frigurina.... “There's always another way. Discount it not.”

“Indeed.” Imladris returned intently enough to allow the disapproving to relent unto beleaguered smiles.

And then Frigurina promptly starts cracking her knuckles to the annoyance around... “Dang lady! You raised in a barn?!” ...ala Takano.

“Nay, but it would seem we have too many witnesses unto the uninitiated.

A mass mind wipe should suffice.” ...said with a kooky smile.

As a result, since too many lay witnesses knew enough to believe somehow, all suddenly went berserk all around the Temple!! (Somehow no one gets hurt.) Belldandy just sighs out (K1 eye twitching and all...) “Mother, Father rubbed his blunt nature off of you some.” ...this Frig shrugs. “Indeed, but really, these mortals think too three dimensionally anyway.” ...as she raises her hands for a nice quickie chant.

--------------------

“I wonder if everyone is getting fed up with us.”

“Probably about time K-boy.” ...as Urd hovers upside down the much smaller gathering. Full dusk upon them all, probably none too soon. The familiar goddesses and their pairings, mortals and theirs, as a motherly goddess keeps one mortal-goddess pair in eye. (She was good on saving their sleep functions with her own limitless energies. Reasons replete earlier.) Sora and Suzuki around, though there are few words to exchange from most of the lot.

As is few kind looks from Lind or Eihwa towards Imladris. Chihiro just sighs out. “The more I think I can learn from all of this, the more it all goes right over my head.”

“Welcome to the club.” Talos admits, Peorth just sighing as she nuzzled onto his arm. Most of the rest needed some measure of comfort.

Frig, a feeling enough of what was coming, starts off with towards... “Congratulations Nephew, from my deepest apology of mistaken inflicted, you've learned the art of the Meld.”

Imladris of course 'falls' for that trap, with... “Not that was I that seeked such a lesson. I was not sure if it would succeed, or leave all such as were. I myself need to thank Keiichi for....”

“Only to help where needed. I know I was feeling pretty down about it all too.”

Imladris nods, before he hears where this was all intending, as Lind, already having her hands deeply clenched in her lap, her goddess made 'jeans' about to be torn from it, just acts on her pure nature, such a face everyone else saw thrust into Imlade's all of a sudden! “Ut oh.”

“You are weaker than I can accept.”

Imladris 'knew' where this was going, as much anyone else knowing. Sora of note... “I guess this is where she... EEEK!!”

Imladris ends up out though a busted paper slide door, outside back on the well used temple grounds of the day. Frig just sighs as much as Eihwa half gulps at the punch Lind threw. (The rest just duck for cover, usually behind lesser halves.) Lind continues this discourse, with a stiff saunter towards her busted compatriot.

Lind just looks down, all the descriptive words from the day. All the actions. All the dour remorse and uncertainty. All the resolution, boiled down unto... “Well?”

Imladris looks up, feeling his nose 'crick' back into place. And for all the resolution, for all the confrontation, and all the now and before them, his words fail him. He just sighs and looks away from said busted position. Lind grumbles, but knows words fail overall here.

Such was when a soft hand that placed unto Lind's right shoulder. The Valkyrie General looks, before Eihwa offers... “Venier.”

Imladris sees Lind relent, and both start to head off for an apparent walk away from the temple. Such was their direction that... “Ah... should I...?”

Boy he shut up at the twin stares he begot there. Imlade: “...shalt not.”

When the two disappear, Imlade hears next... “It was better to allow her, her release.”

Imladris hears Frigurina well enough, before added... “Yeah, who else for a good punching bag.” ...ala Mara. Imlade just endures the snickers from nearby for all such. In the midst of all this, Peorth leans in on Belldandy and Keiichi. “Excuse-moi, but... mon Secur and.... Lind? Tell me not I heard.”

Bell and Keiichi just trade a strange, amicable look for it. Such was Peorth just sighing. “All that white purity. Goodness.”

“There is no real such thing as purity. Just character.”

Belldandy knew how to say it all best. Keiichi just looked a bit kooky thinking 'weird' thoughts better left out of a normal fic. Peorth just looks away from the 'silvery' highlights in Bell's hair, and remarks. “Bien, si elles Ãªtre heureux.” ...before the adds... “All three of them.”

Keiichi just quips finally. “I'll stick with just one. More than enough for me.” ...this Belldandy gleefully gloms onto. At least Talos nearby, got 'that' much out of it. (Just lost for the rest of.)

--------------------

Eihwa noticed the two new brunette highlights, ever so light, upon Lind's asymmetrical locks of hair, the other mid way down the hair length down the Valkyrie's back.”

Not that Lind wasn't remiss of the highlight the same, blue of light, melded with a bit of honey blond, down the exact center of the mane of 'purity'.

Lind didn't mince time long after they passed the Temple entryway arch. Words no less. “Are you in Love with me.”

“Aye.”

Lind shivered something utterly unique to her nature. “Why?”

Eihwa just looked a bit somber, but crooned out a soft enough sonnet that equaled the usual predilection of Goddess First Class rules. “The same Imladris fell for you. You of him, both at the same time I am more than sure.” ...this Lind eyes over as they walked in the dusk, lights above glinting off their hair. Sea breeze from afar flowing about them, just as serenely. Eihwa put mode to her tone as equal such.

“One never knows, when it happens. When acceptance comes, all before is simply history. The great 'why so long', for it all. The waiting made only hard by those that make themselves wait.”

“The pain never needed at all. No lessons beyond the happiest.”

They both eye each other, as Lind then sighs. “Then there's no denying.”

“Both.” ...this Lind hears and stops. Eihwa admits utterly. “No lies from bianco mi. No love of either is of less of either, to compare.”

“I'm not ready there yet to share.” Lind stops outright with. Eihwa nods. “Si, as ever expected.”

“But I am ready to ask for help.”

Eihwa blinks there. Lind is then next seen shaking dearly. “I.... I won't lose him. Not again. Not again!”

When Eihwa takes Lind's shoulders, they both eye each other sidelong, before 'both' scream out as one! “WE WON'T LOSE HIM NO MATTER WHAT! WE LOVE HIM!!”

---

One heck of a chill gulp to down there, by gullet.

Imlade had become content to look up at the stars, when... well...

“Wow.” ...he suddenly hears nearby. Urd ever the cheerful matchmaker, just floats nearby with a blushing Troubadour. Course afar from Megumi. “Wow, what a two timer.”

Imladris grunts back openly, just before the phone within the residence starts to ring. Everyone of note looks, as Frigurina takes the call instinctively. As such she mulls few words, and on placing the receiver down. “I am Culled to Return for a time.”

Skuld blinks as much as any. “You're going home Mother?”

Frig smiles over as assurance. “For a time. You know how your Father is.”

“Anything like mine?” ...such was the smack Keiichi got for it, from a usual 'source'. Frig floats o out, and then stops to hover near a still heart palpitating knight. She just winks with... “You'll find another way.” ...before adding with a second wink. “Oh, and tell Eihwa she's under Lind's charge for now. Further more will come hence by word, when ready.” This Imlade blinks at dearly unto dearly. And then one intricate Yggdrasil personal gate activation later, and one less soul graces the Temple. Almost immediately, they all feel it, as Keiba quips. “Feels like the air deflated everywhere.”

Belldandy however comments in kind openly. “Mother will return. By Father's measure of course.”

Some then note, as Sigrun comments over... “Where are you going Master?”

“To clear my thoughts. And of space for this blasted trunk.” Imlade quips, walking over to the trunk. “This should go... -huff- ....in yonder.” ...as most the rest glower at the sight of ease such an obviously heavy trunk was just lifted. Sentaro quips comically. “Nice hole you just left.”

“Eeyup.” ... back afar, as Mara, Urd and Sigrun each exchange glances, and then follow for actual dear worry.

Meanwhile two more personages of Lower Council note, just sip their tea. (No one was safe from Belldandy's blends. Or is it the other way around?) Frode for impart, then just eyes a similar number. “Milord Keima?”

Such was how Keima blinks over unexpectedly.

----

“Wow, so that is what it felt like to Confess forth!”

“Aye, it's a liberating experience.” ...this as Eihwa and Lind chuckle-giggle more than enough to then realize their own character traits are somewhat... liberated. Lind then expresses unto surprise. “One guesses this is how Belldandy feels so often.”

“Si.” Eihwa nods, before both look at each other and go back to giggling.

Before 'that' turns to a somber refrain, as Lind reasserts. “I won't refrain, I want my love to be as grand as Belldandy's is now.” ...this Eihwa looks on with a sly hands behind her back posture. Lind thumbs her own chin, almost hugging at her self dearly in so doing.

“I want to be his mirror, in all things. The more I know and be of him, the more I can protect him, from himself.

Destiny be blasted for it all, for all I care.”

Lind then feels Eihwa grasp her shoulders again from behind. The General then hears... “Then I will help you there. Even I never feel a true flick of love from either of you both, I will help you in all ways that I can. That end and no other.” ...this Lind relents a 'thankful' right hand unto Eihwa's hand on Lind's left shoulder. “Thank you.”

As such, an idea began to form in their formerly mutual minds.

----

No less the same in the overused TV room. “A what?”

“A pact.” ...Frode puts out, as if it had little validity to him. Such was anything but as the ones remaining heard. Keima 'had' to repeat. “A pact?”

“To protect Cousin?” Belldandy adds in, as the rest blink on. Frode nods. “I saw my Master sacrifice himself. I saw the anew tears on hearing old history of his passing. And I wish no such torment to befall my daughter. But more, no such at all to be of penalty to my Master returned.”

“But he's not your Master anymore.” Peorth comments, Frode however remarking back. “That 'is' him, new of flesh and code form. There's far more to it I am untold, but assured of. Nonetheless, this 'Imladris', and the precursor 'Tyr', 'are' one in the same, if not in utter full.

And I know full well the pain induced by the mere loss of Imladris, after the Invasion.” ....thus a lot of facades turned pensive. Frode assured because of such a sight...”Such I won't suffer a loss even worse than, as if that will actually save 'us' all. Folly I say, and such I discourse that we should fight against it, with 'all' of our beings.”

“Yeah guys!” Keiichi suddenly freaks most out with, as he stands nice and silly fist pumping. “If we work together, I 'know' we can help keep gold guy safe from himself! We just need to work together and find another way for him!” ...this Belldandy then stands and acts all Lind like, fist clenched up and all! “Yes everyone! We 'can' help Cousin to full and absolute salvation, as well as help him save us all! I 'know' we can all help him do it!”

For a moment, everyone else looks on a tic kookily, before... probably in character, as well as out of their minds as usual, stand and fist pump into the air like a bunch of cheering local softball hands! Chihiro leads... “Yeah! That way I get to keep one cool stock dude!” ...Keiba: “We can't let all that bike training go to waste!” ...Skuld/Sentaro: “We'll all work together like a family!” ...Sora: “Why am I cheering for, but who cares! Let's do it guys!” ...Suzuki: “Yeah! Um... whatever, yeah!”

Frode just looks on as Takano and Keima (the former more dynamic looking than the latter,) just cheer as well. Ishara beside, just cocks her head over. “If it's so important to you, I'm in as well.”

Frode for once, looks well and truly grateful. “Thank you dear.”

Talos then just mentioned out. “So, uh... how do we save him from Voluspa anyway?” ...this Peorth just bonks the bloke upside at! “Thanks for spoiling the mood, rouge.”

K1 and Bell then trade a fun, if uncertain, look.

--------------------

Imlade just looks up after plopping the chest down inside the Temple. “Why is everyone yelling about, like rabid coyotes on the prairie?”

Urd just giggles, as she thumbs her cheek. “Guess they really care about you Coz.” ...as Mara and Sigrun look on, decently worried. Imlade notes this and sighs out, looking down at his trunk. “I'm not planning on going anywhere guys. It's too fun around here, as it is anymore.” ...this enough ease shows on the three ladies facades to ease Imladris's own heart.

Not that the next words help. “Seems this day is a formal reminder of what is at stake. I 'know' everyone wants me to survive all this. There should be a way for moi to defeat Voluspa without results I 'know' you all don't want to face. Trust me, I know too well the feeling of what death formally is.” ...he trances out, a bit too familiar with something no one else in the vicinity had access. “The feeling of helplessness, seeping as if a physical hand, draining out all that you are, as you cry out against that approaching darkness, the unknown one 'has' to face eventually.

I 'won't' pretend I still believe I fully deserve the chance begotten. I still believe despite it all, my duty might call on something I really don't want to occur.” ...such the warning in the three lasses hearts rose again. Imladris just said it forth for these more angst riddles beings. “Do all you can to halt me of my own volition. However, I 'will' choose this Existence over my own, if there is no other choice. Please understand this much, if we are to move on and prepare for the inevitable conflict.”

Urd just cocks her eye, the same distrust from earlier seeping forth. “Only if you truly have no other choice. Please by even Father's sake, try and approach it all 'with' hope there is another solution to be had.”

“I hope it can be found.” ...this Imladris adopts a knight's prayer stance at the knee suddenly. (Mara rather uncomfortable than the others here.) His words cry out as such... “Please let it be found, to Save us all.”

“It will Master.” ...he then feels on his left shoulder, as he looks back up with a dribbled tear betrayed. Urd behind Sigrun giving a nice, kind, open smile. Mara nearby just kept her composure, (barely.) Imladris then notes also near. “Hey, you mind taking charge of this one Troubadour?” ...this as a tree spirit, for his own reasons, blocking the Temple exit, just blinks. “Eh?” ...such Urd suddenly blanches out. “What?! Who are 'you' to say 'he' takes charge of me! Of all the nerve.” ...this Imlade and Sigrun smile at, as Mara busts a gut. Troubadour just eyes over. “But if he said I could... ACK!” ...Urd of course takes 'charge' instead with a could of Depth Charges!! “No one 'owns' me! Get back here and take some punishment!!!”

Mara just shakes her head, as she quips. “Nice one bucket head, you really got Urd ticked.” ...as she heads out to 'save' Troubadour. (Or more likely to laugh some more.) Sigrun just blinks between the two, before Imladris just sighs. “Save moi eh?” ...this Sigrun half chuckles, and then promptly zips off to try and prevent the inevitable carnage. (Or entertainment for the others, what have you.) Imladris as such is left to his own light thoughts, as he considers one iota that had greater merit to him, than even the whole Voluspa stuff.

“Lind.” ...was all of merit. He was fully aware of Eihwa's feelings now. He still only had room for one as it was. Such was the swimming thoughts in the steel blue river, that he at first misses the slight glow of blue that 'throbs' lightly aside him, as he sits of lean on his chest. Such it takes a few of these to make him notice. Such was a few more before he realized he wasn't dreaming within sleep. “What be?” ...seeing the 'last' slot hole glowing an Incarnum blue. Imladris 'then' had to think, and count the slots on the chest he had. “Eh? I don't remember having that many slots installed. What be this?” ...as he reactively slots the hinge into the slot, and opens the chest, to the sight of a small flood of Incarnum clouding out from the new opening.

One Imladris found much more 'limited' in space, than the usual. One of light blue velvet plush, a pillow for all intents, that centered on an object of indentation, at the center. One small white box of velvet within, that made Imladris gasp. Upon the box of relative size, he saw a small parchment underneath, and... “Bad feeling. What did she do.” ...as such was plucked to be twice unfolded, to the reading of:

: She that dared use of my family, and I, of your own Display, created a Debt to be resolved. I lay that payment into your shaking hands mortal. Such is fitting as the only being of mind, that was apparently greater than my own. Even against amnesia.

Do not let this Payment fester, be of wake of 'my' Vanity. :

Imladris saw the silvery writing, and the light single scratch of slant line, silver, such Imladris knew was of Lady Irtasus's make.”Did she use her own blood for this? Oh lords.” ...such 'then' he looks up and sees the small box again, for what it formally was.

“Dear.”

Imlade GIRLY GAFFS and spins around, slamming the trunk shut on the spinning! “HE?! WHO!?! WHA?!? Oh... LIND... ah... Lind!”

“A moment?”

“Oh of course.” ...Imlade remarks out, Lind waltzing over more less than like her usual self. Imladris doesn't have much time to dwell on that, as he then sees the General in full beautiful face.

“Don't give up on my like today, ever again.”

“I won't.”

Lind presses her head onto his, her nose breathing deliberately on his right cheek.

“I won't give up on you.”

“I love you.”

A nice and Belldandy-ish body glom tackle just ends that discourse in favor of a more kissing variety. Eihwa nearby just smiles, as she departs to enjoy the blow up fest Troubadour is subjected to for a good while. (Hey, Urd 'asked' Skuld for help for once. Peorth's too. Jeeze.)

--------------------

“Beloved.”

Frig decided it was proper to kneel for once, within her Husband's mighty chamber. However Almighty bade... “: Please rise. Such is not why I called you back. :”

Frigurina blinks and rises. Such as she heard next, to a dear chill. “: I also have recalled Hild, as per Treaty, as neither of you can be present on the mortal planes, as of this time. The reasons are we you very well know. :”

“So it all wasn't coincidence.” ...Frig immediately remarked of the Bug incident, whit Almighty was utterly aware. “: Nay, the next act of the story is upon us. No Progenitor or kin of, can act in discretion of events now unfolding. You know of why this is as so. :”

“It's not a fair bargain you made.” ...this Frigurina readily asked, coming close on the Effidice form Almighty was still encased within. She traced her fingers with intent to ease her stilled heart of code. “Should this all be placed on shoulders not strong enough for them? Even for a Tool, all of this is not level.”

“: The bargain was made to allow that chance, if however such Voluspa cannot see past her own hate to prepare against. Such only I know Her well enough to see the bargain through.

I 'have' my faith, and it will be enough. The rest, is only to be witnessed now. :”

Frigurina just nodded. She then asked with one eye open. “Am I under abode arrest?”

A mere light chuckle is all that is returned.

--------------------

They broke through far too easily. The Emperor reveled in the sight of many broken warships, others escaping via Fold Jump, still others that could not, or being 'supportive', either helping other stricken vessels, or trying to escape back across the Illumina System to either warn or hide in vain.

Some semblance of illogic at hand, for what was now a deteriorating rout.

The Emperor then heard from a specific advisor. “My Emperor, we lost only seventeen vessels, still more than enough at hand for the operation. The enemy is in complete disarray, signals indicate distress beacons of all kinds.”

“Begin to take up all positions. Kill all in our path. Let the suffering fester, the panic expound.”

The Commander bows, betraying a unique head marking, and infernal cheek marks, before departing. The Emperor just remains there, letting it all unfold, finally, at last, indelibly.

There was just one piece to Vengeance now missing. These weak fools would do all of the rest for him.

Her Will 'was' that insightful.

It was time.

(End Act IX, Vol. II)

---

A/N: Not bad for a 'short' arc eh? Wouldn't mind a review or two to see what current readers (or new ones,) think of this series so far, just to get a pulse of things. (Yeah, I really need to go back and clean up the earlier Acts, and will do so at 'some' point. After reading Admiral's 'Romping Angel's fic, and how clean that one is, I feel for readers for how I write and all. But I am whom I am. Hence the big arc I finally have gotten to. What's coming has been in my mind well since I was still writing Valkyrie's Knight. I expect some consternation about it all, when I finally get it all done. I just hope all my previous space Rping on Nation States and sci fi tinkering all these years, coupled with OMG! Heavily dosed in, makes it all as effective an arc as I hope for.

Another thanks again for all those that have read so far and put up with more than just one Act and so.