Well...

   It's been a while in getting done (you can thank the fact that I've 
now got a job for the delay) - but here's the final chapter of Oh My God, 
I broke it into two sections part a and b - I'll post part b in a few 
minutes...

   I hope it was worth the wait.. let me know...



                          An Oh My Goddess FanFic

                                Oh My God ?

                                    by 

                                Brett Handy

Chapter 15:

     Keiichi gulped nervously and glanced around for a possible
escape route, "Err... I hope you've got a plan", he whispered to
Brett.

     Brett scratched his head, "Not really, but I'm sure I can
work out something", he replied.

     Aoshima smiled viciously and waved his security guards
forward, "Take them", he ordered.

     Brett pressed a small object into Keiichi's hand, "As soon
as they get close enough, touch one of them with it", he ordered.

     Keiichi nodded and tightened his grip on the little device. 
The guards advanced and several of them pulled out nightsticks,
"I don't want Keiichi hurt", Sayoko called loudly.

     Aoshima grumbled, "Very well, don't harm the smaller one",
he ordered.

     Brett gave Keiichi a tight grin, "Do it!", he said.

     Keiichi reached out his palm and touched the small watch to
the arm of one of the guards.  The startled man disappeared with
a shriek into the watch.  A moment later another guard (who was
within Brett's reach) also vanished.

     Brett smiled at the guards (who where now backing off
nervously), "Those guy's just took a trip to Big Ben, in
England", he explained, "Now, anyone want to try for Times
Square?".

     Aoshima shoved one guard forward, "Use your nightsticks",
he commanded, "Don't get within reach of them".

     The guards nodded and began advancing, Keiichi looked at
Brett nervously, "What do we do now?", he asked.

     Brett shrugged, "I don't know, I'm making this up as I go
along", he replied.

     Keiichi sighed, "How about getting *us* out of here", he
suggested.

     Brett frowned, "I don't know mate", he replied, "I'm still
not sure exactly where heaven is...".

     Keiichi grabbed his arm, "It's not like we have much of a
choice", he pointed out. Brett nodded and began casting another
travel spell.

     Nilthar stepped forward, "I don't think you'll be going
anywhere", he said, snapping his fingers.

     The watch in Keiichi's hand shattered and there were several
similar small explosions in Brett's clothing, "Damn", Brett
shouted, over the building hum of energy, "I've never tried
teleporting in a damaged watch before".

     The guards surged forward and Brett was left without a choice,
he completed the spell and closed his eyes to wait for the
consequences.


                                  ******

                             PART 1 - Olympus

     I opened my eyes carefully and looked around, I was laying in
the middle of a large open field.  It was a beautiful day and there
were no guards in sight.  I glanced over and breathed a sigh of
relief, "You ok?", I asked Keiichi.

     Keiichi nodded and looked around, "Is this heaven?", he asked.

     "Mate, this could be Hell for all I know", I replied, "I've
got no idea where we are".

     The two of us stood and looked around the field, flowers were
scattered across it and a cool breeze was blowing that seemed to
have the tang of sea air.  The sun was in the middle of the sky and 
a few wispy clouds floated overhead.

     "Well I don't think Hell would look like this", he commented,
"What do we do now?".

     I pulled several broken watches out from inside my clothes.
"Somehow I don't think we want to try that again", I pointed out,
"and unless you're carrying another one that Nilthar somehow
missed, I think we're stuck here.... wherever that is..".

     "Well", Keiichi said, "Pick a direction".

     We walked off in the direction that the breeze was coming
from, hoping that we might reach the sea shore or a river we could
follow.  Nearly an hour passed before Keiichi sighed in
frustration.

     I glanced at him, "What's wrong?", I asked.

     He pointed up at the sun, "It hasn't moved", he pronounced.

     "I was afraid of that", I replied, "Well I guess we're not in
Japan any more Keiichi".

     He nodded and the two of us continued our trek for several
more hours, stopping occasionally to rest and check the progress of
the sun.  I estimated that we had been walking for three hours
before we met our first person, "Hello there strangers!", he
greeted us happily, "A fine day for a walk!".

     I smiled and examined him closely, he wore a loose-fitting
garment that resembled a Toga he also carried a large staff, "Where
do you go on this fine day?", he asked.  He look about my age and
walked with a spring in his step.

     Keiichi looked at me blankly and I realised that the man
wasn't speaking Japanese, "Do you understand him?", Keiichi asked.

     I gave Keiichi a quick node and turned to the fellow, "We are
travellers from afar", I replied.

     He nodded, "I could tell that from your clothing", he said,
"From where have you come?".

     "It's a place far away...", I replied, "Called 'Japan'".

     He nodded, "That is far indeed", he said, "I'm surprised
though that you are arriving from the north, the Isle of Japan is
far to the west, my father has spoken of it occasionally".

     I nodded, "As I said, we are a bit lost", I replied, "But
could you perhaps tell us where we are?".

     "Certinally", the man said, "You are in the kingdom of
Ithaca".

     "Ithaca?", I said blankly.

     He nodded, "You *must* be lost if you fail to recognise it",
he replied, "Follow me.. my father Odysseus should be able to help
you".

     With that he turned and began walking in the direction we had
been heading.  I nodded to Keiichi and we followed the young man
across the plains till we reached a paved road.

     "So where are we going?", Keiichi asked.

     "To see someone called Odysseus", I replied.

     "Odysseus... ", Keiichi muttered, "That name is familiar
somehow...".

     Travelling for another hour or so we came to a walled city, it
was something out of ancient Greece.  A palace adorned the hill in
the centre of the city, huge columns of marble and granite
supported a sculptured roof, that was obviously ancient in design. 
"Follow me", the man said again as we approached the gates.

     The two guards (wearing leather armour and carrying short
swords) saluted as we walked past, "Welcome home Prince
Telemachus", one said.

     Telemachus nodded to him and we continued into the bustling
city.  The city itself had a light, airy quality to it, totally
different than what I'd expected out of a ancient Greek city. 
Telemachus greeted several people as we made our way to the palace
and we were hard pressed to keep up with his quick pace.

     "Here we are", he said as we walked up the stairs to the
palace, "Home at last".

     I glanced at Keiichi and he seemed equally bemused by our
surroundings, I had the horrible feeling that I'd brought us back
in time.  "But that doesn't explain the sun", I reminded myself. I
straightened my clothes as we walked down the hall, if I was going
to meet a king then I'd better look my best.

     Telemachus led us to a huge throne-room, "Father!", he called
to the man sitting on the throne, "These are travellers from
Japan".

     The older man sat up, "From Japan you say??", he asked.

     I nodded, "I'm Brett and this is Keiichi", I replied.

     A guard at the end of the room gave me an angry look, "Our
king did not speak to you foreigner", he said, "Speak when you are
spoken to".  

     I shrugged and waited to be addressed directly, "How did you
get here from Japan?", the King asked me.

     I gave the guard a sour look, "Can I answer now?", I asked.

     He placed his hand on his sword hilt, "Don't be impertinent
dog!", he growled.

     Keiichi nudged me, "What are you telling them", he asked
nervously.

     I gave Keiichi a reassuring look, "Don't worry mate.. trust
me", I replied.

     I turned back to the king, "I guess you could say our arrival
here was an accident", I said, "My friend and I are just interested
in returning home".

     "And how will you do that?", the King asked curiously, "You
don't appear to have much in the way of travelling gear..".

     "Oh... I'm sure we'll work out something", I replied.

     The King nodded, "Improvisation is a good way to travel", he
said with an air of knowledge.

     Suddenly a gust of wind filled the chamber and a bright light
caused me to cover my eyes.  A moment later, standing between
myself and the King was a tall stranger, he had red hair and seemed
to be uncomfortable at standing still.

     The guards in the room jumped to their feet and surged forward
to the intruder.  I grabbed Keiichi and pulled him out of the way
as the guards ran past.  The man who had just appeared seemed not
to notice the wall of steel surrounding him, "Where is he?", the
man asked.

     The King stood, "Back you fools", he ordered the guards,
"Don't you know one of the Gods when you see one?".

     The guards fell back nervously, sheathing their swords, "Why
have you come here to Ithaca, Hermes??", the King asked.

     Hermes gave him a broken grin, "Why else?", he asked, "I've
got a message for Brett, Apollo wants to see him right away".

     I jumped at the sound of my name, "Me??", I asked.

     Hermes looked at me curiously, "Yes, you're the one that
Apollo wanted to talk to", he said, walking over to me.

     I examined him closely, noticing the aura of power that seemed
to surround him, "I'll take you to Mount Olympus", he said,
extending his hand to me.

     I nodded and turned to the King, "Thank you for your
hospitality King Odysseus", I said, "I appreciate it".

     The King nodded, "Farewell traveller, I hope our paths cross
again", he replied.

     I grabbed Keiichi's arm and then clasped wrists with Hermes. 
A flash of light blinded me for a moment and then we stood in a
huge palace. 

     Hermes nodded with satisfaction and gestured for us to follow
him, "So how did you manage to arrive there of all places?", he
asked conversationally.  He seemed much more relaxed and friendly
than when he had appeared in the throne room.

     "It has to do with my transport medium being damaged", I
replied, "Where exactly am I?".

     He laughed, "You have to ask??", he laughed.

     I shrugged, "Humour me", I said, "I'm still a little new at
this".

     "I'd heard that..", he replied, "Well, you're in Olympus".

     "The Greek version of heaven??", I asked.

     He nodded, "You got it!", he said, "Nice to see someone still
reads Greek legends".

     Keiichi snapped his fingers, "That's where I'd heard Odysseus
before", he said.

     I looked at him curiously, "The English translation of the
name is Ulysses", he explained, "I remember reading about him at
high school".

     My own memory caught up at that point and I remembered the
tale of Ulysses and his travels.  I looked at our guide, "That
makes you the Gods' messenger", I said.

     Hermes gave me a sour look, "I want to know who started that
rumour", he said, "I just don't mind doing favours for my family if
they need it".

     We continued through the temple, I marvelled at the
construction of the place, "It's very nice", I complimented Hermes.

     He snorted, "Try it for a few thousand years", he suggested,
"You get pretty sick of marble".

     "WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS DOING HERE!?!?!?!?", bellowed a rather
large fellow from behind us.  I turned to see a muscled figure
approaching, he was carrying a trident and his face was like a
thundercloud.

     Hermes sighed, "Poseidon", he said, "This is none of your
business".

     "It becomes my business when you bring mortal refuse into my
home", he said angrily.

     "Oh stop it", he said, "None rule here, this is as much my
house as it is yours".

     Poseidon growled and twirled his trident suggestively, "Oh it
is??", he asked dangerously.

     The light strumming of a Lyre stopped the argument before it
started, "I think you should settle down brother", said a quite
voice, "You know the rules about fighting here".

     Poseidon gave me a withering glance and stomped back the way
he came, muttering something about 'interfering sissy'.  I glanced
at the middle-aged young man sitting against one of the large
pillars, he stood and walked towards me, extending his hand, "I'm
Apollo", he said, "I'm pleased to meet the latest addition to the
family".

     I returned the handshake numbly, "Thanks", I said somewhat
confused.

     He smiled, "Don't let Poseidon get to you", he said.  Then he
lowered his voice, "He's really a nice guy once you get to know
him".

     A rumble shook the temple, "NO I'M NOT!!!!", came Poseidon's
angry retort.

     I winced at the volume, but Apollo just laughed it off, "Come
on and we can talk in my rooms", he said.

     Keiichi grabbed my arm, "Careful", he said, "If I remember my
Greek Mythology right.. this guy is the equivalent of a lawyer..".

     A burst of laughter greeted his whispered warning, Apollo
turned around and gave Keiichi an amused look, "Actually", he said,
"It's closer to a Judge".

     Keiichi smiled weakly and followed us along to Apollo's rooms.
To my surprise we stepped into a modern set of apartments, complete
with TV and personal computer in one corner.  Apollo shrugged
apologetically, "So I like to be a bit more comfortable than the
the average Greek God", he said.

     I nodded and took a seat, "What did you want to talk to me
about?", I asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.

     "Well for a start how did you come to be in Olympus?", he
asked.

     I explained about how Keiichi and I had escaped from the
Demons and the resultant mishap with my transport spell.  He smiled
at my discomfort, "Don't get upset about it", he said, "We all make
mistakes for a while".

     "If Nilthar hadn't interfered I'm sure that it would have
worked correctly", I said.

     He nodded, "It's been a while since I've had an argument with
Charon or the Furies, but I remember how much trouble Demons can
be", he said sympathetically.

     Keiichi spoke up then, "We're trying to reach Belldandy and
her sisters", he said, "Can you help us?".

     Apollo gave Keiichi a small smile, "So you're the one that's
stolen Belldandy's heart", he said, "There are about three dozen
Gods that would like to talk to you about that".

     Keiichi gulped nervously and Apollo grinned, "Don't worry", he
said, "I'm sure that none of them would try anything..  risking
Belldandy's wrath is not a good thing.. for man or God".

     Keiichi sighed in relief and lent back in his chair.  "So can
you help us reach Belldandy?", I asked.

     Apollo nodded, "I can help you", he said, "But firstly you
should know a few things".  I gave him my full attention and he
continued, "Strange things have been happening in Heaven, Gods and
Goddesses are forbidden to return to earth until the next sitting
of the Congress".

     I frowned, "The Congress?", I asked.

     "It's a meeting of all Gods and Goddesses", he explained,
"It's only convened in extreme emergencies or in the event of an
unprecedented happening".

     "So why is it being called this time?", Keiichi asked.

     Apollo sighed, "Brett is the reason", he said.

     I rocked back in my seat, "Why me?", I asked.

     "Because you represent something totally new", he said, "A
mortal that has attained Godhood through nothing but a ill-timed
statement".

     I thought about it for a moment, he was right, it was just
luck that had gotten me this power, "So what is going to go on at
the Congress?", I asked.

     Apollo stood and walked over to look out a window, "There's
going to be a vote on weather you should remain a god or not", he
said.

     "But...", Keiichi began, "I thought that if someone makes a
wish there was nothing that could interfere with it?".

     Apollo nodded, "That would be true, but in this case I'm
afraid that the Yggdrasil system made an error", he admitted.

     I frowned, "What kind of error?", I asked.

     Apollo rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Err... I'd
rather not say", he replied, "But it has to do with your wish".

     "So do I get a say in any of this?", I asked.

     Apollo shook his head, "I'm afraid not", he said, "This is
vote wouldn't include you".

     "Great", I said, "That makes this so much better".

     He spread his hands, "There are those in heaven that believe
mortals should serve us", he explained, "Now to have one walk
amongst us as an equal??? that goes against everything they believe
in".

     "So what you're saying is that I might get reduced to a normal
guy again?", I asked.

     Apollo nodded, "Of course you'd have the protection of the
Gods for the rest of your life, you wouldn't have to worry about
these Demons that keep bothering you", he said.

     I shrugged that off, "I'd be safe at home", I replied, "But I
can't understand why the mistake wasn't found until now".

     "That's got me worried too", Apollo said, "But what's even
more worrying is the fact that a mistake could happen in the first
place".

     I stood, "Thanks for you're help", I said, "but do you think
you could tell me how to get to Belldandy and her sisters?".

     Apollo nodded, "I'll send you to Asgard, someone there can
tell you where the three sisters are", he said.

     I extended my hand to the ancient god, "Thank you, I hope to
see you again", I said.

     He shook it firmly, "I'm glad to meet you God of Destiny", he
replied.  Then with a wave of his hand, everything dissolved into
white light.

                                  ******


                              PART 2 - Asgard

     Apollo's spell placed us down at the edge of a huge bridge, it
sparked with a brilliant light, looking like a rainbow spread
across between two cliffs.  Keiichi and I started across the bridge
and were astounded to see a tall figure blocking the middle of the
bridge.  On his belt hung a sword and a large horn. "Halt, who
seeks to enter the domain of the Asgard??", he bellowed loudly,
"You must first pass Heimdal".

     I eyed the sword a little nervously and stepped in front of
Keiichi, "I do", I replied, "I am the God of Destiny".

     Heimdal looked me up and down, "You don't look much like a
god", he pointed out in less aggressive voice.

     I nodded, "You don't either", I replied, "But I assume you are
too".

     He smiled slightly through his beard, "I've always preferred
practicality over looks", he admitted, "But my position is a bit
less formal than most".

     I looked around at the huge bridge, "Must get boring guarding
this thing all the time", I commented.

     "Oh.. it's not too bad", Heimdal said, "The Valkyries usually
stop by to talk and occasionally bring me an ale..".

     "That still sounds a little boring", Keiichi pointed out.

     Heimdal smiled, "You've obviously never had a Valkyrie stop in
to 'talk' to you", he said with a grin, "The 'conversations' are
most interesting".

     "Ahem", I said interrupting Heimdal, before he could get more
specific, "Do you know where we can find the Norns?".

     Heimdal nodded, "Follow the path straight to the end, you'll
see a hall made out of shields and spears (that's Valhalla, but you
don't want to go in there), turn right and you should be standing
in front of a huge tree", he explained, "Behind the tree and to the
left is the Norn's Fountain, their house is just beside it".

     "Thank's Heimdal", I said, "Nice to meet you".

     "Come back anytime", Heimdal replied waving as we walked away,
"I don't mind company".

     Keiichi and I walked across the bridge and into Asgard.  Now
I'll say one thing, Asgard was certinally a different kind of city,
modern cars vied with chariots for space on the streets, Valkyries
stood talking to ancient warriors and modern soldiers alike.  I
watched as a tank rolled past on the street, "What is this?",
Keiichi asked, "This is nothing like I expected".

     "I have to agree with you there", I replied, "I expected it to
be similar to Olympus..".

     "You'll find nothing here is like Olympus, we are a much more
progressive and diverse society", said a voice from behind us.

     I turned around to see a pair of rather tall and beautiful
women wearing armour and holding large spears standing close behind
us, "You two look lost", one said, "Perhaps we could be of some
assistance...".

     I shook my head, "That's alright ladies", I said smiling,
"We're just looking for some friends...".

     One of the Valkyries grabbed my arm, "Well you've found some
friends", she said huskily, "Why don't you just come with us?".

     The other had placed an arm around Keiichi's shoulders and was
leading him off in another direction, "I'm afraid I'll have to
decline", I said, firmly removing her hand from my arm, "And so
must my my friend".

     Keiichi was doing his best to untangle himself from the
Valkyrie that had glomped onto him and was carrying him away,
"Help", he mouthed to me silently.

     I tapped the Valkyrie's shoulder and she turned to me, "I'll
get around to you in a minute", she said, "I'm busy right now".

     "No.. you're not", I said firmly, disengaging her hold on my
friend.

     The two Valkyries looked at us angrily, "I've never met a dead
warrior who's refused me", one commented.

     The other looked at her, "You know I've never had *anyone*
refuse me before", she replied.

     "That's because we're not dead", Keiichi pointed out.

     The two Valkyries suddenly raised their spears, "Then how did
you get into Asgard?", one asked dangerously.

     Keiichi nudged me, "Do you're 'god thing'", he suggested.

     "God thing?", I asked, "Since when did it get reduced to a
'God thing'??!?".

     Keiichi looked at the approaching Valkyries, "Just shut up and
do it", he suggested nervously.

     I stretched my fingers and muttered the appropriate spellword
to replace my regular clothes with my uniform.  The Valkyries (who
had now grown in number to about a dozen) looked at me strangely,
"Where did you get that from?", one asked suspiciously.

     "It's mine", I replied, "It comes with the job".

     "Job??", another asked nervously.

     "I'm the God of Destiny", I replied (trying to make it sound
impressive).

     I didn't get the exact response I'd planned on.  The Valkyries
huddled up in a circle and began muttering amongst themselves, "So
he's the one everyone's been talking about", I heard one say.

     Keiichi and I looked at each other in confusion, "Is that
mortal with you called Keiichi?", one asked.

     I nodded blankly and the hushed discussion intensified.  A few
minutes later the Valkyries finished talking and the two that had
approached us earlier walked forward, "Please follow us Lord", one
said respectfully to me.

     "What was all that about?", I asked curiously as we started
down the street.

     The lead Valkyrie shrugged, "The others were interested in
finding out about the mortal that had snagged Belldandy's heart",
she replied.

     Keiichi blushed to the tips of his hair, "What's so
interesting?", he complained.

     The Valkyrie gave him an appraising glance, "They figure you
must be something special since Belldandy has always been
impossible for any of the Gods to catch", she explained.

     I smiled at Keiichi's discomfort, until I noticed to my own
discomfort, a large fellow sitting watching us from further up the
street.  He was slightly taller than me and had an angry expression
on his face, on his belt lay a folded iron glove and a *very* large
hammer.  "HO mortals!", he bellowed as we drew near.  He was
sitting against the steps of a large hall.

     The two Valkyries stopped nervously and one leaned forward to
whisper a quick warning in my ear, "Be careful my Lord", she
insisted, "He's been drinking quite a bit lately".

     I gave the giant a forced smile, "Good day", I said in a
pleasant voice.

     "IS IT?!?", the fellow bellowed, "How can it be a good day
when *two* mortals walk the streets of Asgard?!?!".

     "*one* mortal", I said, "and one *God*".

     "HA!", he snorted derisively, "You no more deserve that title
than that trickster Loki".

     I didn't remember a lot of Norse mythology, but I knew an
insult when I heard one, "Listen mate, I don't have any arguments
with you", I replied, "Now leave me alone and let me pass".

     With that I gestured for Keiichi to resume walking.  A large
war hammer was extended across in front of us, "I don't think I
like the tone of your voice, *mortal*", said the giant, now
standing in our road.

     "I don't want any trouble, giant", I replied, "But...".

     I broke off as the air around be suddenly turned grey. 
Pushing Keiichi backwards, I jumped out of the way as a huge
lightning bolt scorched the ground where I had stood, "GIANT!??!",
he bellowed, "YOU DARE TO CALL THE MIGHTY THOR A *GIANT*?!?!?!".

     One of the Valkyries that had been escorting us disappeared
quickly down the street, while the other helped Keiichi move out of
the way.  "Come on mortal", Thor said confidently, "Let me see if
you are worthy of the title of 'God'".

     Not really seeing any other way out I summoned my Epee,
hopefully my sixth sense would be enough to avoid Thor's blows
(because I wasn't even going to try to parry his hammer).  I raised
my blade and saluted, "En Guard!", I said out of habit.

     Thor's expression was one of amazement, "You're going to fight
me with a knitting needle??", he laughed.

     I stepped forward and gave a quick slash of the blade, cutting
a slice from his hide armour, "Yup!", I said.

     He growled and swung a huge overhanded blow (which I'm sure
would have splattered me all over the road), I moved back out of
range before he had even begun the swing.  Luckily for me I did,
because the paved road shattered under the force of the swing.  Not
being one to let an opportunity slip by I slashed him lightly
across the shoulders.

     Thor bellowed in rage and swung a series of quick blows at me,
not overbalancing himself again.  I barely had a chance to dodge
them, let alone counterattack.  I was forced backward across the
street till I felt a wall behind me block my retreat.  Deciding
that since I couldn't retreat I'd better attack, I went through a
series of darting blows at Thor's eyes, forcing him to block or
retreat.  He backed slowly away and I managed to nick him a few
more times on the arms and give him one or two scratches on the
face.

     The he did something I didn't expect from an ancient god, he
deflected my blade with the shaft of his axe and ducked low to
sweep my feet from under me.  I didn't pick the move till the last
moment and staggered as his huge leg caught my knee.  Thor bellowed
in triumph and hit me in the shoulder, hard.  I think I must have
flown several meters, before landing in a heap in the middle of the
street.  Somehow I managed to hang onto my sword and I regained my
feet.  My shoulder was burning and I think that I must have cracked
a couple of ribs, "Come on then", I growled, focusing on the anger
rather than the pain.

     Thor was leaning on his Hammer, "Face it", he said, "You're
overmatched, give it up and go back where you came from".

     "Maybe", I said through clenched teeth, "But I'll be damned if
I give into a blowhard like you".

     Thor scratched his red beard, "Very well then mortal, I'm sure
that My Lord Odin will enjoy your company in his hall", he said. 
To my dismay he raised his hammer and sent it spinning right at my
head (somehow my sixth sense missed it and I had no warning of
danger).

     I will admit I'd faced the possibility of dying when I fought
Nilthar, but dying at the hand of another 'good' God seemed somehow
laughable.  As the hammer came closer I smiled grimly at my
opponent, "Farewell then", I muttered.

     "THOR!! What are you doing?!?!!?", came a familiar voice from
further down the street.

     The hammer hung about a foot from my head, still spinning
quickly.  Thor sighed and snapped his fingers, the hammer leaped
back to his belt, "Just testing him", Thor replied pleasantly.

     I glanced over to see Urd and Belldandy standing in the middle
of the street, "That seemed like a little final to be just a test",
Urd said angrily.

     Thor shrugged, "I wouldn't have hurt him... seriously", he
replied, sitting back on the steps of the hall, wincing at some of
the cuts I'd given him.

     I let out my breath slowly and banished my sword, then I felt
myself crushed into a hug (which would have been very pleasant if
I'd been whole).  I shoved Urd away hurriedly and leant back
against the wall.

     Urd looked offended, "What's wrong??!?", she asked in a hurt
voice.

     Keiichi spoke up from across the street, "He took a hit from
that hammer", he said, before Belldandy hugged him into silence.

     Urd gave me an understanding look, "I'm sorry", she said, "I
should have checked first".

     I smiled at her weakly, "That's alright, you can hug me all
you want once I get this healed", I replied.

     "Promise?", Urd teased.

     I laughed and then hissed at the pain, "Ow.. please.. don't
make me laugh", I begged.

     Urd began to cast a healing spell and I felt a warmth rush
over me, banishing the pain and soreness.  I gingerly rolled my
shoulder and nodded in satisfaction, "That worked quickly", I noted
out loud.

     Urd smiled, "Our powers are much stronger here", she
explained, "You'll find that your own powers are also enhanced".

     I nodded, "I'll take your word for it", I replied.

     "If you no longer need us my Lord?", asked one of the
Valkyries.

     I smiled, "Thank you for all your help", I said.

     "If you ever need *anything* just let me know", she said
sweetly.

     Urd gave her a dark glance and the Valkyrie quickly headed off
down the street with her companion.  "So how did you get here?",
Urd asked curiously, "I hadn't gotten around to teaching you that
yet".

     "Call it luck", I said, "Apollo actually put us on the right
track".

     Belldandy and Keiichi came over to us, "Apollo is a nice God",
Belldandy said, "I'm glad you were able to make it in time".

     "In time for what?", I asked.

     Belldandy and Urd exchanged a glance and Urd grabbed my arm,
"Come on and we'll explain everything once we get home", she said.

     Not knowing what else to do I let myself be led down the
street until we came to a huge tree.  It was immense, it's branches
blotting out the sun and it's trunk seemed to be the size of a
skyscraper.  "That's Yggdrasil, the world-tree", Urd said proudly.

     I looked at it amazement, "It's incredible", I said.

     Urd gave my arm a little hug and to my surprise kissed me on
the cheek.  Behind the tree sat a magnificent fountain, it's waters
were such a deep blue that they looked almost black.  A small robot
sat beside the tree, sucking up water.  I watched as it trundled
off towards the tree and another took it's place.  "Skuld developed
these a few years ago", Belldandy said, "They help us tend the tree
and give us time to devote ourselves to other things".

     I looked across the fountain to see a small house, it looked
rustic and was covered in flowers and vines, "Is that your home?",
I asked.

     Urd nodded and the four of us walked inside.  Like Apollo's
quarters, it was obvious the Goddesses didn't lack for modern
convinces.  Keiichi and I took a seat on one of the couches as the
two Goddesses went to find something for us to eat.  I nudged him,
"Do they seem different to you?", I asked him curiously.

     He frowned, "Not really, what do you mean?", he replied.

     I frowned, "I can't put my finger on it, but there's something
that seems to be worrying Urd", I replied, "She's never been quite
that affectionate towards me before".

     "And you're complaining?", Keiichi asked laughing.

     I shook my head, "No.. not really... it's just that..", I
broke off as Urd and Belldandy returned empty handed.

     "I'm sorry", Belldandy said, "We don't actually have anything
ready at the moment, it might take a little while to prepare".

     "When was the last time you ate", Urd asked.

     I paused and thought about it for a moment, "I don't know", I
finally admitted, "Time seems to run together in this place, I'd
guess we spent at least twelve hours in Olympus... and another hour
or so here before you found us".

     "Did you meet many other gods?", Belldandy asked.

     I nodded, "Apollo talked to us about a few things before he
sent us here... what's this 'vote' thing that's going on?", I
asked.

     Urd dismissed it with a shake of her head, "It's a bunch of
bigots that are stuck in the past trying to halt progress", she
said.

     Belldandy smiled, "They're just afraid of what you represent",
she explained.

     "The fact that I'm a mortal that's gotten to be a god?", I
asked.

     Urd sat down beside me, "Don't worry about it Brett", she said
reassuringly.

     I frowned at her, "I *am* worried about it Urd", I replied, "I
can't see how the Yggdrasil System could have made a mistake".

     Belldandy smiled, "It just proves that nothing's perfect", she
said.

     "So what was the mistake?", I asked curiously.

     Belldandy took Keiichi's arm and led him from the room, "Come
on Keiichi", she said, "I think they should talk about this alone".

     I watched them leave with a sense of foreboding, "So how bad
is it?", I asked Urd.

     Urd gave me a kiss on the cheek, "Brett, it seems that I made
a mistake giving you a wish", she admitted softly.

     "You what?", I asked in disbelief.

     "The Yggdrasil System made a mistake in the selection
process", she said.

     I glanced down at my feet, "You mean that I didn't qualify as
a good person?", I asked.

     Urd sat down beside me with a sigh, "I'm afraid so", she said,
"But that doesn't mean you can't still be a God".

     I shook off her arm, "Of course it means I can't be a God", I
said angrily, "I'm using up the wish of someone who *deserves* it".

     Urd was still looking like she wanted to argue and I cut her
off with a sharp gesture, "I thought there had to be some mistake
when you first gave me the wish", I continued, "It looks like I was
right".

     I glanced out the window, which overlooked the Norn's fountain
and further over I could see Valhalla.  "You know I'm glad that I
at least had the chance to see Heaven", I observed, "Are the other
areas just as nice?".

     Urd nodded, coming up and placing an arm around my waist,
"They are all beautiful and I would have shown them all to you if
we had the time", she said.

     "What do you mean?", I asked.

     "The vote is in half an hour", Urd informed me.

     I nodded, "Well where are we suppose to go?", I asked

     Urd motioned me over to the TV that occupied the north wall of
the room, "Come with me", she said.

     "I think we should wait for Keiichi and Belldandy", I replied.

     She nodded and the two of us waited for a few minutes until
Keiichi and Belldandy reappeared, Keiichi was looking a bit
bewildered and Belldandy looked almost angry.  She dragged Keiichi
towards a mirror and the two of them disappeared, "Happy now?", Urd
asked.

     Not really knowing what to make of things I followed her into
the mirror, stepping into a huge hall.  Have you ever seen pictures
of the General Assembly at the United Nations??  That's what this
hall looked like.  Everywhere I saw gods from every nation and
religion, Aztec gods chatted with the gods of ancient Egypt, huge
serpents sat and debated with the Angels of Christianity.  All
around the room were the representations of every religion, no
matter how old or widespread.

     To say I was overwhelmed would have been an understatement, I
just stood and stared until Urd grabbed my arm and pulled me across
to a seat that had my title sitting on the nameplate in front of
it.  She somewhat absently kissed me on the cheek and then walked
off to talk with some of the other assembled Gods and Goddesses.

     I was left feeling rather alone and intimidated until I felt
a hand tap me on the shoulder, it was Keiichi.  He pulled up a
chair beside me and sat down.

     "What was with Belldandy earlier?", I asked.

     Keiichi blushed, "Well she took me outside to look at the
fountain... and... err... well", he stuttered awkwardly, "And
anyway, we were interrupted by a messenger that said we were
expected to attend the congress".

     I frowned, "Did you notice anything strange about Belldandy?",
I asked.

     He nodded absently, "She's never really been quite so
aggressive towards me before... I mean in the 'affection' area ",
he said.

     I looked around curiously, there seemed to be a lot of power
built up in this room, but it had a dark overtone, "Try to stay
close to me", I replied, "No matter what happens".

     Keiichi nodded and moved his chair slightly closer to mine. 
A few minutes later, as if some unseen signal had sounded, all the
Gods and Goddesses found their seats and quietened down.  A
familiar figure took the dais at one end of the great hall, it was
Apollo.

     "Fellow divine beings", Apollo began, "We are called here
today to make a decision that will radically effect our own futures
as well as the future of one mortal".

     I felt a number of eyes on me, but I continued to look
straight ahead, "According to the System Administrator the
Yggdrasil Computer System has made a mistake... and unthinkable
event as you can all appreciate", he continued.  There was a murmur
of agreement with a dark undertone to it.

     "So it therefore falls to us to decide, should this mortal
remain a god... or should he be reduced to normal status again?",
he asked.

     "Get rid of him", came a shout from one of the back rows.

     "We don't need a *mortal's* help", agreed another.

     Apollo raised his hands to indicate silence again, "Indicate
your opinions in the usual manner", Apollo ordered.

     A huge bar graph lit up behind him, tallying votes for and
against.  It didn't look like I was getting very many votes, the
bar indicating a 'yes - Brett should remain a god' hadn't moved an
inch.

     I watched in dismay as it failed to register even one vote! 
I looked over to where Belldandy, Urd and Skuld were sitting and
they simply ignored me.  Finally it was over and I sat shocked by
the outcome, to loose was fine, but to loose in such an
overwhelming way....

     Keiichi placed a hand on my arm, "I'm sorry", he said sadly.

     I shook off the arm and stood angrily, stomping over to where
the three Goddesses were sitting.  "I thought you were my
friends?", I asked them.

     Skuld looked at me with a pitiful expression, "Oh grow up!",
she said, "You think we're going to let someone like *you* become
a god if we can prevent it?".

     Belldandy nodded, "You were never the right choice", she said.

     I looked at them in disbelief, "You too Urd?", I asked
quietly.

     Urd gave me a sneer, "You think I'd want to have anything to
do with a *looser* like you?", she asked bluntly.

     I winced and staggered back a step or two, "What the hell's
going on around here??", I thought to myself, the Goddesses had
never acted like this before.

     I felt a hand grasp my arm, it was Thor, grinning through his
beard at me, "So now... you go back to what you always were, a
lowly mortal", he said.

     My other arm was grabbed by Chia-Yao (who had appeared beside
me), "Yes come on, let's deal with you", he said savagely.

     I was dragged over to a chair that looked like something out
of a Frankenstein movie, they strapped me into it and stood to
either side of me.  I noticed that Keiichi had been grabbed by an
older female goddess, she had similar markings to Belldandy and the
other Goddesses.  He seemed to know her and she moved him across to
one side of the hall.

     I tried to move my arms, but failed, "What's going to
happen?", I asked Thor.

     Thor smiled evilly, "We're going to drain off your life
energy", he said, "Then we'll divide it up amongst ourselves".

     "But won't that kill me?", I asked desperately.

     "It certinally will", Thor replied, "But then I'm afraid you
were dead the minute you appeared back at the temple".

     I looked in disbelief as Thor's features shimmered and
reformed into the familiar (and disliked) face of Nilthar.  He
looked at me triumphantly, "This time you're not going anywhere, no
one escapes from the seventh level of hell!", he pronounced.

     I watched as around the room, the gods of goodness and light,
melted away to reveal their exact opposites.  Apollo's features
disintegrated into the features of an evil looking demon that
laughed in triumph, "HAHAHAHAHAHA.... I always like impersonating
that stuck-up prude", he laughed.

     "Enough Loki!", Nilthar ordered, "Get rid of the rest of the
illusions too".

     The hall disappeared to be replaced by a filthy looking
dungeon, Nilthar looked at me appraising, "Now how about lunch?",
he asked.


AUTHOR'S NOTES:

     I'm  horrible.. arn't I ? :) - sorry if I took you by
surprise... if I didn't... well good for you :)

     OK - not too many notes for this section, I'll leave that till
the end of the second part..

-----Brett



---------------------------------------------------------------------
Address: darkwnd@sv.net.au   WWW page: http://www.sv.net.au/~darkwnd

Spock: Sir, what these people are saying is logical; If we use up a 
       finite resource, logic dictates that eventually all 
       resources will be exhausted and the resulting calamity 
       will expunge all life forms...
Kirk:  Meaning???
Spock:  We're rooted....

  -----Fast Forward (1989)
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