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Chapter 5

Keiichi walked nervously alongside Skuld to the nearby park that would be the location for the meeting. The closer they grew to the park, the more nervous Keiichi became.

"Keiichi." Skuld said softly, "Are you alright?"

"No." he answered, "It's sinking in what I'm about to do. I'm meeting with him!"

"Were you this nervous when Belldandy popped out of the mirror?"

"No, that was more shock if anything." Keiichi answered, "Only Urd's entrance was really.....well.....you know Urd."

"Yeah." Skuld said, "I know Urd."

"And her mother's entrance was....."

"Yeah....."

Keiichi stopped in mid-step.

"Skuld...."

"Yes?"

"We are meeting Kami-sama."

"Yes."

"Ultimate creator......"

"Yes."

"Most powerful being in the entire universe......"

"I know this Keiichi."

"Skuld.....Hild's entrance."

Skuld frowned a moment before it clicked. Hild's entrance unto the mortal world had shattered the temple grounds and severely damaged the buildings.

And she had been holding back.

Had she not, Nekomi would have been leveled.

"Keiichi." Skuld said softly, "Father isn't going to level Nekomi."

"Hild didn't either." Keiichi pointed out, "But she still caused damage.

"Keiichi, I can assure you that...."

"...I won't cause any damage when I make my entrance."

Keiichi and Skuld froze as the man's voice interrupted them. They both turned to see a middle-aged man in a bright white suit, shirt and tie, standing off the path under a tree. Flanking him on either side were two women. One was blond, the other brunette. Both were looking about with piercing gazes.

Skuld quickly raced over to the man and fell to her knee.

"Daddy." She said softly.

"Rise my child." Kami-sama commanded.

Skuld rose to her feet, and then was engulfed in a hug from her father.

"It hasn't been the same without you and your sisters around." He said.

"Even Urd?" Skuld asked.

Kami-sama smiled. "Even her." He then looked over at a now very nervous Keiichi. "So, you are the mortal that wished for my daughter."

"Well..I...uh....you see..." Keiichi stuttered.

Kami-sama chuckled, glancing at Skuld, before speaking again.

"It's alright son, I'm not angry at you." Kami-sama slowly approached Keiichi. "Your wish, while unusual, was from the heart. That, is why the contract was accepted."

"But the contract has been broken." Keiichi pointed out, causing him to be on the receiving end of withering looks from the two women. Keiichi cringed at the looks.

Kami-sama glanced over his shoulder.

"Mist, Blitz. Go for a walk."

"But Milord!" The Brunette started.

"Go."

"Yes Milord." The two women dejectedly turned and walked off deeper into the park.

Kami-sama turned back to Keiichi.

"The Valkyries have been with me for a long time." He said, "They take their jobs very seriously, but that's no excuse for rudeness."

Keiichi noticed that Skuld's eyes had widened at her father's comments.

"Now you say the contract has been broken." Kami-sama continued, "That is true. In fact, it's been disrupted more then any other contract that Heaven has ever made. But then this is an unusual wish." Kami-sama gave Keiichi a look. Keiichi felt as if the Almighty's eyes were looking deep within his soul, which in fact he was.

"I believe you have a request of me?" Kami-sama finally said after a few moments.

Keiichi was still locked in the gaze of Kami-sama. It took Skuld elbowing him to finally snap him out of it.

"Yes Sir....uhh...Lord sir...ahh..." Keiichi took a deep breath, then forced out his question. "IwouldlikepermissiontomarryBelldandysir."

Skuld smacked her forehead and let out a groan. Kami-sama only smiled.

"I'm afraid that my hearing isn't what it was eons ago. You'll have to say that again, a bit slower."

Keiichi took another deep breath, then repeated his request.

"I would like your permission to marry Belldandy sir."

Kami-sama paused a moment, before replying with one word.

"Why?"

Keiichi was taken aback a moment, but quickly responded.

"Since she's been in my life," he began, "it's like I found a part of me that's been missing. But that piece could be taken away at anytime. By marrying her, Im pledging to her, that no matter what separates us, we'll always be together." Keiichi then looked down at the ground. "I know she's a Goddess and has other' duties. But beyond the Goddess is the woman I love and want to be with. I know I can't offer her the things that she deserves," Keiichi looked back up and met Kami-sama's gaze. "But I will do everything in my power to try. Her happiness is important to me."

Kami-sama nodded. "I see." The Almighty walked away from Keiichi and looked towards the sun.

"Keiichi," he said after a moment of silence. "You know that with your vows, the contract will likely break."

Keiichi frowned for a moment. "What do you mean?"

"Conflicting contracts." Kami-sama replied, "With marriage, comes a more powerful contract, yet it is weaker as well. The marriage will bind you and Belldandy together. I will not separate you, nor would I even try. Times have changed however, and marriage is not the lifelong institution it once was. There might come a time when you no longer wish to have Belldandy at your side. Remember, she is immortal. Eventually your mortal body will tire as it ages, while Belldandy's will remain young." Kami-sama paused a moment. "I should tell you that you are not the first who has thought of marrying aGoddess. There have been others. Many have deserted their wives as they aged, bothered and upset that they wither away while the Goddess lives on."

Keiichi stood up straighter as he looked at Kami-sama.

"I intend to stand by my vows." He stated, "A life without her is not worth living."

"I see." Kami-sama murmured. Being the creator and the most powerful being in the universe, Kami-sama could easily sense when one was lying and when one was telling the truth.

Kami-sama didn't even have to sense it this time. He knew.

"Keiichi Morisato." Kami-sama stated, "You have my permission to marry my daughter, the Goddess Belldandy."

Keiichi's eyes lit up. Skuld's eyes lit up as well and she started to do a victory dance.

"However......."

Keiichi and Skuld both froze.

".....I cannot offer my blessing." Kami-sama said, "I will leave that to the deity on the scene, that being Belldandy herself." He then smiled. "Somehow I don't believe she will be opposed to blessing her own marriage to her Keiichi-san'."

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Keiichi and Skuld both returned to the temple complex in very happy moods. Their moods took a slight dip as they passed Belldandy's room. The middle Goddess was staring unhappily at her tea.

"Bell?" Keiichi called out.

Belldandy jumped slightly and looked up.

"Oh!" she said, "You're back!" She then glanced at the clock. "Oh! Dinner! I must..."

Keiichi placed his hands on Belldandy's shoulders and stopped her from scurrying out to the kitchen.

"Take it easy Bell." Keiichi said softly, "You don't have to cook every night. We can order out."

Belldandy blinked. "But..."

"Let me treat you to dinner this time, ok?"

"Very well." Belldandy replied. She then looked at her boyfriend and sister curiously. "Just where have you been and what put you in such good moods?"

"Ah...well..." Keiichi started.

"Well...." Skuld added, scratching her head.

Can't let the cat out of the bag yet.' Keiichi thought.

"Skuld and I met a man in the park today." He stated.

"Yeah." Skuld said.

"What does this man do?" Belldandy asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Well he kind of a designer, has his hands into a little of everything." Keiichi quickly said, getting an odd look from Skuld. "He's created a few very special things, one of which we talked to him about."

"Oh really?" Belldandy replied, "Have I seen any of his work?"

"Most definitely." Skuld stated, still giving Keiichi an odd look.

"Like what?"

"Tell you what." Keiichi said, "How about I promise to take you to something he's done next week?"

"Ok." Belldandy said with a smile. "Let me go clean up, then we can decide what to get for dinner." She quickly left the room.

Skuld slowly turned and stared at Keiichi.

"A designer?" she said, "His hands in a little of everything? Very special things?"

Keiichi smiled back at her. "I didn't lie now did I?"

"Well.......no...."

"Besides," Keiichi placed his hand on top her of head and ruffled her hair. "I think you and Bell are pretty special." He then turned and left the room.

"Hey....don't treat me like a kid." Skuld replied, but her voice didn't have her usual anger in it. Nor could she stop the smile from appearing on her face.

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Kami-sama entered his office. Right on his heels was Mist. He'd barely sat down when Mist spoke.

"You are supporting this?" she asked.

"I'd be a very sorry father if I didn't support my children in their decisions." Kami-sama replied.

"But he's...." Mist began to protest before Kami-sama raised his hand, silencing her.

"A mortal." He finished, "A mortal that has been the focus of several incidents of either demonic or heavenly in nature, and yet he has still overcome them. Might I point out that he and Belldandy were the first in a very long time to pass through the Judgment gate."

Mist went silent.

Kami-sama sighed as he turned his chair and looked out the massive window that overlooked the Heavens.

"I know there will be some very unhappy people up here." He said softly, "Belldandy is one of the most sought after Goddesses by the Gods, not only because she is my daughter." He turned his chair back around towards Mist. "Until their wedding vows are completed, there is a chance, albeit a slim one, that someone could interfere."

Mist blinked, "Surely you don't believe that a God might........"

"Anything is possible." Kami-sama replied. "The fact a mortal is marrying a Goddess is a very rare event, one which was thought unlikely to happen again until recently." He then smiled. "Actually, I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner." He then glanced at Mist. "His contacting me does give us a head start."

"Head start?"

"Tell Blitz to speak to no one of what she witnessed today." Kami-sama ordered, "Then I want the Valkyires quietly placed on alert. I would like them to integrate into Nekomi, to keep an eye on things close hand."

"Your daughters will suspect something if they see Valkyries roaming the streets." Mist pointed out.

"Hence the integration." Kami-sama replied, "They are to act as mortals until their services are needed."

"They could still raise suspicion around your daughter's residence."

Kami-sama smiled. "That is where a well deserved Vacation is in order."

Mist blinked. "Vacation?"

"Yes, Vacation." Kami-sama said, "Now begin deploying the Valkyries."

"Yes Milord." Mist answered, "If I may ask, what will you be doing?"

"Preparing for the inevitable."

"Ah...the council."

"While many will allow this, there will be a few that will wish to stop it."

"Saturn."

Kami-sama nodded grimly. "Yes, Saturn would be one of them."

"At this time I'd like to point out the event of three hundred years ago."

Kami-sama sighed. "Regardless what problems he might cause us, I still stand by my decision to not let Thor ram his hammer up Saturn's.......you know."

"Yes sir." Mist them smirked, "But it would have been excellent entertainment."

"Go deploy the Valkyries." Kami-sama stated.

Mist bowed and headed towards the door. Just as she was exiting the office, she heard Kami-sama add.

"....very good entertainment."

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The next morning.

Urd's eyes darted from side to side.

First she looked at Keiichi, then she looked at Skuld.

Both had gone out the day before, together. Upon returning, even Urd was able to see that both were in good moods. Something had occurred on their excursion. And while Belldandy had accepted their explanation, Urd did not.

She had spent many years telling little white lies to others, bending the long held rule that a Goddess must always tell the truth. That was why she still remained a Second Class Goddess.

And that was why she knew Keiichi was telling Belldandy a white lie.

Well,' she thought, not a lie, but he is omitting something.'

Urd waited while Belldandy placed breakfast on the table, then went back into the kitchen.

"Well?" Urd said.

Keiichi was the only one to look up. Skuld simply ignored her eldest sister.

"What?" Keiichi asked.

"What's going on with you and the brat? You two are way to happy this early in the morning."

Skuld eyes narrowed at brat', but otherwise she did nothing.

"What's wrong with enjoying the morning?" Keiichi asked, "The sun is out shining, no clouds in the sky....."

"You're starting to talk like Belldandy." Urd muttered. She then got an evil look in her eye. "Why Keiichi....you sly dog........."

Keiichi blinked. "Uhh what?"

"You two transferring knowledge between each other as well as fluid?"

Now Skuld reacted.

"That is GROSS Urd!" Skuld hissed, "How could you think even think that?! Why Keiichi isn't man enough to....." Skuld cut herself off and looked sheepishly at Keiichi.

The resident mortal had his head on the table, groaning. Urd was laughing loudly at Skuld's unintentional comment at Keiichi's expense.

"Sorry Keiichi." Skuld murmured.

"What's going on in here?" Belldandy returned from the kitchen to see a hysterically laughing Urd, a remorseful Skuld, and Keiichi seemed to be banging his head into the table top.

"I screwed up." Skuld said softly towards the floor.

"So Bell," Urd said with a very twisted grin. "I understand that K-boy is soaking up your knowledge like a sponge."

Belldandy repeated Urd's comment with a very confused look on her face. Skuld appeared to be turning a slight shade of green, while Keiichi pounded his head harder into the table.

Anything that Belldandy was about to say was lost as a gust of wind whipped through the dining room. Keiichi looked around curiously, while the three Goddesses looked up.

"Someone's coming." Belldandy murmured.

Keiichi looked at his girlfriend a moment, then winced.

"Oh no....not Peorth......." He groaned.

Skuld gave him a sympathetic look. A visit by the fourth Goddess would definitely effect Keiichi's plans.

"No...." Belldandy replied as she walked to the door.

"No?" Urd repeated, rising to her feet as the shaft of light from the heavens touched down beside the temple. "Then who is it?"

Keiichi blinked then looked at Skuld.

"Lind?" he asked.

"I don't know." Skuld replied, "Onee-sama is the one able to...."

"It is Lind." Urd said from outside.

Welsper the cat, who had been curled up in a corner of the dining room, suddenly leaped to her feet and raced off. She had no desire to be stuck in suspended animation again.

Lind, Goddess First Class, Special Duties, Limited, dressed in regular goddess robes, touched down gracefully in the yard. The light from the heavens then vanished. The newly arrived goddess took a moment to look around, then spotted the three sisters and mortal. A small smile appeared on her face.

"I have returned." She stated.

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Chihiro blinked.

"Another one?" she murmured as she watched Sora drive about the test track, "Just how many Goddesses do you know Keiichi?"

"Surprising isn't it." Keiichi replied, running his hands through his hair. "I just hope Tamiya and Otaki behave."

"Why?"

"Because Lind isn't like Belldandy or Peorth. She would have no problems kicking their asses. Even together."

Chihiro raised an eyebrow. "Them both at the same time?"

"This is the Goddess that single handedly went up against the Queen of Hell, even if she was only at a quarter of her strength."

"And that means?"

"Even at a quarter power she could level Nekomi."

Chihiro winced. "Ouch."

"Speaking of ouch'." Keiichi looked back to the track. "How's Sora doing?"

"Not good." Chihiro stated as she followed Keiichi's eyes. "Her times have fallen off drastically since the incident."

Keiichi nodded. "She's nervous because of Mara."

"Which is a reason we put her back on the track so quickly." Chihiro said.

"But it isn't working."

"No." Chihiro shook her head. "Not even a pep talk from Belldandy helped. This is something that Sora needs to conquer herself."

"She's trying."

"She's tired." Keiichi turned and started to respond when Chihiro continued. "I've already tried to talk her out of that, but she is the Club President and she wants the team to win as much as anyone else."

"Meaning?"

"We need your Girlfriend."

"But you said Belldandy already talked to her."

Chihiro shook her head. "Not to talk, to drive."

Keiichi stared at his boss a moment, then looked off to the track.

"Doesn't seem right." He murmured, "This is Sora's race. If she doesn't race, Mara wins."

"She didn't win." Chihiro hissed, "Sora got back into the car. The Club still has shot at winning. With Belldandy."

Keiichi remained silent for several moments.

"I'll ask her." He finally said.

"It's all we ask."

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The next day

Belldandy stood quietly before the fuel cell car.

For five days she and the rest of the team had cheered Sora on as she raced around the test track. It had seemed to be going well. Though reluctant at first ("Mara...." Belldandy grumbled slightly), Sora had gotten back into the car she'd wrecked just days before. It was what she needed to do to get past what Demoness had done.

Unfortunately, by constantly testing the car, Sora was starting to get burnt out. Thus it appeared Mara was going to win this round.

But the Motor Club wasn't about to let that happen.

As a result, Belldandy was now wearing her Motor Club fire suit (only hers had a pair of angel wings on the back), preparing for her first test run in the fuel cell car.

The Goddess knelt down beside the car and gently ran her hand along the body. She took a deep breath as she was flooded with emotions from the car. Well, not exactly the car (though it was giving off some very powerful emotions of it's own), but from the Club members who had built and rebuilt the car, as well as from Sora herself.

They all (even the car) wanted to win.

Belldandy wasn't one to let down anyone.

"You ready?"

The Goddess looked over her shoulder to see Keiichi, Chihiro and Sora standing behind her. The two woman were very excited, wide grins on their faces. Keiichi, while happy, wasn't as enthusiastic as the women.

When he'd passed on the Club's request, Keiichi had added that if she didn't want to race, that he would support her.

Despite Keiichi's reservations, Belldandy had agreed to drive the car. But she did let him know that his support was appreciated.

He hadn't been expecting her to jump at him and smother him in kisses.

"Yes." Belldandy said, smiling, "I'm ready."

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Mara watched the Goddess drive about the track from a nearby rooftop. She was far enough away that she wouldn't be detected, but still close enough to case mischief if she so desired.

But she didn't.

Today was a day to observe and plot.

Revenge would come soon enough.

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