Oh my God ?

                          An Oh My Goddess FanFic

                                    by

                                Brett Handy

Chapter 7:

     I limped along, following Megumi and her friends from the
theatre, it had been an enjoyable movie.  Toba grumbled
through it and seemed to be rather critical with just about
everything from the acting to the stunt-work.  "I'm telling
you it looked fake", he argued with Ken.

     "You're just being stubborn", Ken replied, "It was a
great movie".

     I sighed and limped after them as we started down the
street, Megumi noticed that I was lagging behind and slowed
the pace so that I could keep up, "Where are we going now?",
Toba asked.

     "Brett-san has organised us some tickets to 'Skylight',
Megumi replied, smiling at me.

     "Who'd you kill to get those?", Ken asked, looking up
curiously.

     I shrugged, "Oh some guy gave them to me after my lecture
this afternoon". I replied.

     After a five minute walk (during which my ankle started
throbbing rather painfully), we arrived at the end of the line
up.  It was enormous, there had to be over a hundred people
lined up waiting to get in, "Well this looks like a fun way to
spend the evening", Toba said sarcastically.

     We had been standing there for about five minutes (during
which time the line hadn't moved), when I heard a voice call
my name, "Handy-san?", asked a man wearing a three piece suit.

     I nodded, "If you would follow me", he said, indicating
our group.

     The six of us followed the man, as he proceeded to push
his way to the front of the line, the bouncer at the door
bowed respectfully to the man and opened to door, ushering us
inside.  I was as amazed as everyone else, "Sorry about the
wait Sir", he man said, "Please enjoy the evening".  With that
he disappeared into the crowd.

     Takama looked at me curiously, "I thought you were new
around here", she said.

     I nodded, "I've never met that guy in my life", I
replied.

     "Who cares!", said Toba, dragging Takama towards the
dance floor, "Bye!", she managed before they disappeared into
the crowd.

     Ken smiled and gestured for Yoshimi to proceed him and
they both also headed off to have a dance.  I offered my arm
to Megumi, "Care to dance?", I asked politely.

     She nodded, smiling, "Are you sure your ankle can take
it?", she asked, as I led her onto the floor.

     I smiled, "I should be able to manage one set", I said.

     I was close, I actually managed about half the set before
I had to sit down because of the pain, we found a table and
Megumi ordered a drink for herself, "Something to dull the
pain?", she asked smiling.

     I shook my head, "Just a Coke", I said to the waiter.

     He nodded and left, returning almost immediately with our
drinks, "Complements of the house, sir", the waiter said,
smiling broadly.

     I frowned across the table at Megumi, "Are they usually
this nice to strangers here?", I asked her.

     She sipped her drink thoughtfully, "No", she replied,
"You must have made an impression on somebody".

     I shrugged and attempted to stretch my ankle, wincing at
the sharp pain, "Do you want to get out of here?", Megumi
asked, noticing my pained expression.

     I smiled and shook my head, "No, it's alright", I said,
"We only just got here".

                                  ******

     "Were are they?", Urd repeated.

     "Hold still and I might be able to tell you", replied
Skuld.  She was standing on Urd's shoulders, peering into the
nightclub.  The two Goddesses had found it rather difficult to
get inside, having been ejected twice by the bouncers.

     "There they are", Skuld said excitedly, "Sitting together
at a table".

     "Have got that stupid thing working yet?", Urd
complained, shifting her shoulders slightly.

     "Stop moving", Skuld hissed, fiddling with her new toy,
"I can't lock on to him if you don't hold still".

     Urd grumbled but stood as still as possible, "Yes!",
Skuld said triumphantly, "I've got the energy signature of
whoever cast that scan-spell".

     Urd nodded, "Good, now if we can....".

     "WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE!", shouted a voice from behind
them.

     A startled Urd turned quickly, forgetting about her
sister for a moment (a moment was all it took).  Skuld hit the
pavement with a muffled shriek, Urd frowned at the new
visitor, "Who are you?", she asked.

     "I'm with the peeping-tom society, we want to do a story
on you", he replied sarcastically, "What are you doing looking
into the club?".

     Urd sneered at him, "What business is it of yours?", she
asked.

     The man stepped forward and revealed that he was wearing
the uniform of a police officer, "'What business is it of
yours, *Officer*", he said smiling grimly.

     Urd gulped slightly, "Well you see sir...", she began.

     "You stupid...", groaned Skuld, picking herself up off
the ground, rubbing her sore backside.

     The policeman walked forwards, "I should run you in", he
said, "But I'm in a good mood tonight".  He looked at Skuld's
poor condition, and turned to Urd, "You'd better get your
sister cleaned up", he said, indicating the mud smeared all
over her.

     Urd nodded quickly, "Yes sir", she said, grabbing Skuld
by the arm and pulling her from the alley.  She practically
sprinted all the way back to the temple, hauling a complaining
Skuld behind her.  It was only when she finally reached home
that she wondered how the policeman had known that she and
Skuld were sisters.

                                  ******

     The 'policeman' grinned at the speed with which Urd
disappeared round the corner, "Ahh Urd, I could *always* fool
you", he said.

     Frowning for a moment he picked up the strange device
that Skuld had dropped, "Ummm", he said studying the device,
"Not a bad design".

     He looked around carefully to see if he was being
observed, seeing no one he made a few negligent gestures with
one hand and muttered a few strange words.  In place of the
middle-aged police officer stood a young man of about
seventeen.  He adjusted his white polo shirt and dusted off
his khaki pants, "Another one to me", he said smiling.

     "Now where were they?", he said walking over to the
window, again checking the alley he concentrated intently and
rose off the ground slowly.  Stopping at window level he
continued to watch Brett, observing and waiting.

                                  ******

     Megumi and I sat for a while and talked, she seemed
surprised that I didn't drink, "I thought that Australians
were famous for the amount of beer that they could guzzle",
she said smiling.

     I shook my head, "Well not *this* Australian", I replied
wryly, "And you have no idea how awkward that is at parties".

     She was about to respond when a young man walked up to
our table, "Would you like to dance?", he asked her, smiling.

     Megumi looked torn between staying with me or accepting
the fellow's offer (I think the main reason was that he was a 
good looking, young Japanese businessman), "Go ahead", I said,
making the decision for her, "I'll be fine right here".

     She still seemed a little hesitant, so I grinned at her
and made a 'shooing' motion with my hands, "Enjoy yourself", I
said, "I'll just watch for a while".

     She nodded and followed the fellow out onto the floor,
leaving me sitting by myself.  The one dance, turned into
several and I was sitting for nearly half an hour before a
waiter approached me, "Excuse me sir", he said politely, "But
the manager wishes to speak with you upstairs".

     I frowned, "What does he want?", I asked.

     "I wouldn't presume to guess at his thoughts sir", he
replied, "I was just instructed to ask you upstairs".

     I nodded an got painfully to my feet, "Lay on McDuff", I
said (I have this horrible habit of using cliches in my
speech, sorry!).

     It took a moment for him to realise that I had meant an
affirmative, he turned and led me to an elevator, pushing the
top button, before getting out.

     I shifted my wait off the injured foot, leaning against
the wall (have you ever gotten into an elevator after just
watching a James bond movie... you keep expecting the floor to
drop out from under you..).  The door opened silently and I
emerged into a rooftop party, there were probably about fifty
people up here, some dancing, some just talking in small
groups.

     I spied a familiar face (or rather it jumped out in front
of me), "Brett-san", called Ashoima, from across the room.

     I smiled awkwardly, "Hello there Ashomia-san", I said
limping over to him.

     He looked at my leg with what appeared to be concern,
"Are you alright?", he asked.

     I shrugged, "Just a little run in with a car", I replied.

     Before I could say another word he helped my to a chair
and called to a butler for some ice.  "Ahh.. Thank you
Ashoima-san", I said, putting the ice pack against my leg.

     After a moment of painless bliss, I looked up at Ashoima,
"I was suppose to talk to the manager...".

     He grinned, "Your talking to him", he said.

     I must have looked shocked, because he grinned wider, "I
run this place for my father", he said, "He doesn't have time
to take care of it".

     I nodded and we talked for about ten more minutes before
he begged my forgiveness and said he had to talk to some of
the other guests.  I relaxed back in my chair, glad for some
relief of the pain in my ankle.  I look around for somewhere
private, "I might  be able to heal it myself", I thought, but
I never got the chance.

     "Brett-san", said a familiar voice, "Glad to see you came
along".

     A smiling Sayoko, sat down in a chair opposite me.  I
would like to say that I'm mostly immune to the effect of a
nice-looking female (in other words I don't usually drool in
the presence of gorgeous women), but I had to take a long look
at Sayoko.  She was wearing a low-cut, black evening dress,
that was also cut high in the thighs, the whole effect was
like she had wrapped a thin roll of satin over herself.

     I gulped air a little and managed a smile in response,
"Remember, she's after Keiichi, not *you*", I reminded myself.

     "So", she said, "What do you think of the party?".

     I (after firmly fixing my eyes back into my head) nodded,
"It's very nice", I replied, "But I hardly know why *I* of all
people was invited".

     "Why Brett-san", Sayoko said sweetly, "Everyone knows how
you bravely saved Keiichi-san's life, think of this as a thank
you".

     I nodded, and politely refused the offer of champagne
from the waiter, Sayoko took one and sipped it slowly, "You
*must* tell me more about yourself", she said.

     I'm not going to bore you with the rest of the
conversation, suffice to say that after getting my life story
(well an *edited* life story), she brought the conversation
back to Keiichi.  "You and Keiichi must be good friends", she
said.

     I nodded, "He's a good mate", I replied evasively.

     She seemed a little confused by the term, but then
continued, "I heard that he's very grateful for your
assistance, and that Tamiya-san wants to make you an
*honorary* member of their auto club".

     "He did mention something about that", I replied,
deliberately keeping my responses short and final.

     She again seemed confused, but went on with the next
question, "How well do you know Belldandy?", she asked.

     I grinned internally and then let fly with a glowing
report on Belldandy, including how well her relationship with
Keiichi was and how happy they both were.  I could practically
see the steam coming out of her ears as she sat through it (I
must have gone on for about five minutes).

     "Ahh, that's wonderful", she said, breaking into a
description of one of Belldandy's breakfasts.  She stood
quickly, "If you would excuse me for a moment", she said,
making her way towards Ashoima.

     I grinned, "I bet that ends my welcome", I thought to
myself.  Since my ankle was feeling better I decided to make
the decision on throwing me out easy, I walked over to Ashoima
and Sayoko, "I'm telling you that he's as useless as....", was
what I caught before Sayoko shut her mouth.

     "Brett-san!", Ashoima said loudly, attempting to cover
the tail of the conversation.

     I smiled and then yawned, theatrically, "Well I think I'd
better hit the road", I said, "lectures to study for and all
that".

     Ashoima nodded, "Well, be sure and visit again", he said,
relived not to have to give up the role of 'gracious host'.

     I nodded, "I'm sure", I said (putting just a hint of
sarcasm in my voice).  With that I turned and headed for the
elevator.

                                  ******

     "He knew exactly what we were doing!", Sayoko hissed
angrily.

     Ashoima nodded, also looking rather angry, "After all
that effort, we get nothing", he said.

     They both watched Brett's departing figure, fuming at
having been deceived by someone who was *supposed* to be
ignorant of their plans.

     "I think we'll have to look into our 'Mr Aussie'",
Ashoima said thoughtfully.

                                  ******

     I stepped out of the elevator into the noise of the club,
looing around for Megumi and her friends, spotting Ken and
Yoshimi I walked over to them.

     "Either of you seen Megumi?", I asked.

     Ken nodded, "I think she left with some guy", he replied,
"Sorry".

     I shrugged, "Well, I think I'm headed for home too", I
said, "See you later".

     I carefully made my way from the club, heading in the
general direction of the Temple, "She went home with some guy
hey?", I thought sadly, "Ahh well, good luck to her".

     I stopped for a breather in a small park that was a few
minutes walk from the temple, sitting down on the grass I
looked up at the stars, "Well Brett", I said to myself,
"That's another girl lost to bad timing".  My luck, of late,
had been decidedly bad in this area, mainly due to the fact
that if you didn't put any effort in, you didn't get anything
back.

     Shrugging off the thoughts I stood and limped back to the
temple, "Yo, I'm back!", I called, as I entered.

     "Brett-san!", cried Keiichi coming down the stairs, "How
was the evening with Megumi?".

     I smiled wryly, "Well she ended up leaving with this
guy....", I replied.

     He frowned, "Oh I'm sorry", he said sadly.

     I shook my head, "Hey, it's cool", I said, limping up the
stairs towards him.

     He looked concerned, "What happened?", he asked.

     "I had an argument with a car as to 'right of way'", I
said, "It's OK though, I only sprained it".

     He grabbed one of my arms, supporting my sore ankle (we
must have looked pretty ridiculous, Keiichi's shoulders barely
come up to my mid-chest level).  "Belldandy!", he called,
"Brett-san needs some assistance".

     We entered the kitchen to find the three Goddesses
sitting around the table, each of them looking at me
strangely, "What?!", I, said defensively.

     Urd eyed me suspiciously, "When did you learn to do a
'scan'", she said.

     I sat down heavily, "I don't know what a 'scan' is", I
replied, confused.

     Skuld looked at Urd, "I told you", she said.

     "Shut up!", Urd said rudely, "I had to ask him anyway".

     By this point I was confused and a little concerned,
"What are you talking about?", I demanded.  Keiichi nodded,
also confused.

     "A scan", Belldandy said, "Is what a God or Goddess..".

     "Or Demon", interrupted Urd.

     Belldandy looked at her sister and nodded, "or Demon uses
to detect others who can use the same abilities".

     "Sort of like a metal detector?", I asked.

     She nodded, "It can also let you discover what spells
they have cast, or are attempting to cast", she finished.

     I thought for a moment, "So what made you think that I
knew what a scan was?", I asked Urd.

     "I didn't", she replied.

     "But...", I said frowning.

     "I don't know how much 'extra-curricular' learning you've
done", she said, "You *might* have been able to work it out
for yourself".

     "I still don't understand why you choose this minute to
ask me", I replied.

     "That car that almost hit you tonight", said Skuld, "The
brakes failed because someone cast a spell on it".

     "How did you know about the car?", I asked, looking at
Skuld.

     "We followed you", Urd said.

     "Why on earth would you follow me?", I asked.  Urd looked
a little nervous and tried several times to answer.

     Belldandy came to Urd's assistance, "*I* was worried that
something might happen to you and asked them to help", she
said.

     "Oh", I said, "Well who was it that tried to kill me?".

     Skuld looked up sheepishly, "Well.... I kinda lost the
recorder", she said.

     I sighed, "I suppose we could make an educated guess", I
said.

     "Marller", said Urd quietly.

     I nodded, "Know any other demons that I've 'pissed off'
lately?", I asked, smiling.

     Urd shook her head, "It was only luck that kept them from
killing you tonight...", she said.

     I frowned, "Thanks", I said sarcastically, "I think I
managed to get out of the way quite nicely".

     She sighed, "That was this time", she said, "What about
next time?".

     "I think that she's been trying to get me for a while
now", I said quietly.

     "WHAT!", Urd cried, "When?".

     I explained about the falling vending machine that had
almost crushed myself and Megumi earlier this afternoon.  "And
you didn't tell us?", Urd said angrily.

     I sighed, "Well no", I said, "It didn't really seem
important".

     Belldandy sighed, "Brett-san", she said seriously, "If
anything *unusual* happens, please tell us".

     I nodded, "alright", I said, easing myself to my feet, "I
think I'll find an icepack for this".

     "Don't bother", Urd said, then she turned and walked
towards my room, "Come on and I'll heal it for you".

     I nodded and hobbled after her.

                                  ******

     "What are we going to do?", asked Keiichi, moving to sit
near Belldandy.

     She leaned against him and he put an arm over her
shoulders, "Brett-san will have to face Marller eventually",
she said, "He seems to be doing a good job of avoiding he
attacks".

     Skuld looked at them peevishly, "I wonder how long until
she tries something more obvious", she said.

     "What do you mean 'obvious'", asked Keiichi.

     Belldandy sighed, "Until he's fully trained it makes him
a target", she explained, "Compounding it is the fact that he
ruined her attack on you.  Unless he can prove capable of
defending himself he's vulnerable".

     "But why should he have to prove anything?", Keiichi
asked, "I mean it's not as if he's going to be fighting demons
every day".

     Belldandy shook her head, "Of course not", she said, "But
it is the one thing that all Gods and Goddesses must do to
earn the title of God(dess)".

     Keiichi nodded, leaning his face over kissing her lightly
on the cheek, "I'm glad I've got you here to take care of us
then", he said smiling.

     "Can't you two wait till your alone to do that!?", Skuld
said exasperatedly, getting up and heading for her room.

     The two just sat, comfortable in each other's arms, their
cares and troubles far away.

                                  ******

     I sat heavily down on my bed and pulled off my socks
awkwardly, my foot had swollen considerably.  "Geeze", she
said, "You *really* need to work on those landings".

     I winced as she turned my foot to examine it more
closely, "Hey!", I said, "That's not detachable".

     "What's the matter", she teased, "Can't take a little
pain?".

     I winced again as she sat on the end of the bed, shaking
it slightly, "Come on", I said, "If I wanted pain I would have
gone looking for Megumi and her new friend".  


     She grinned, "Got dumped 'eh?", she asked.  She began
slowly massaging my ankle, it felt wonderful.

     I nodded, "Well you don't have to act so *sad* about it",
I said sarcastically.

     She shrugged, "She's only a *mortal*", she replied.

     I frowned, "That's not exactly a good attitude, Urd", I
said seriously, "She's a nice girl".

     "If she's so nice how come she dumped you?", she asked.

     "That's not the point", I said.

     "Oh?", she said, arching her eyebrows, "Your suppose to
be a *god* now and that should be your highest priority".

     I sighed, "Belldandy and Keiichi seem to be able to work
things out", I pointed out.

     "That's only because he made a wish", she said,
"Otherwise I'm sure they would be having trouble".

     I frowned, "You make it sound like *all* mortals are
worthless", I said.

     "Well most of them are", she said, "there are only a few
that are worth the effort".

     I shook my head, "You really think *we're* that
useless?", I asked.

     "What's this 'we' stuff", she said, "Your not a mortal
anymore".

     "Oh?", I asked, "Then what am I?".  Seeing her blank
expression I continued, "I'm not a god yet", I said, "That
leaves me as a 'lowly' mortal".

     She frowned, "I don't think....", she began.

     I broke in, "Well that's obvious", I said, getting angry,
"I think that's your problem".

     "What the hell are you talking about?", she screamed,
standing up abruptly.

     "I'm talking about *you*", I said, "You don't seem to be
able to give *anyone* a chance, always judging and thinking
you know best".

     "I never judge without reviewing all the facts", she
began heatedly, "And if I find someone lacking I tell them".

     "Why you self-righteous...", I shouted and stood
abruptly, intending to give her a piece of my mind, but my leg
had decided to go to sleep and I plunged downwards, banging my
head painfully on the floor.

     "Brett!", she said cradling my head as I saw stars.

     I shook my head slightly and sat up, she helped me back
onto the bed, "I don't believe this", I muttered, "Everything
going wrong..".

     She shook her head, "Your *really* pathetic", she said,
smiling to take the sting from her words (well she almost
succeeded).

     I grinned rubbing my head, "I know", I said, "Just
another 'stupid mortal' 'eh?".

     She shook her head, "I'm sorry", she said, "I shouldn't
be saying things like that...."

     She broke off an placed a hand on my head, muttering a
spell, a moment later I fell into a peacefully sleep.

                                  ******

     Looking down at Brett's peaceful form Urd sighed, he was
*really* pathetic sometimes.  She muttered another spell,
healing his hurt ankle.  "Well that should take care of it",
she said turning to leave the room.

     Almost as an afterthought she tuned back and brushed his
hair back examining the marking's on his forehead.  "If your
*not* a god", she said after examining them, "I don't know
what you are".

     She smiled again and kissed him lightly on the cheek,
"Sleep well, 'mortal'", she said.  Turning she then left for
her own room, it was tiring work to heal injuries.

     As soon as Urd left a figure pulled itself from out of
the floor, "I thought she'd never leave", he muttered,
standing upright.

     The figure reached into one of the many pockets on his
clothing, pulling out a small magnifying glass.  "Now what's
so important about you Brett?", he asked absently.

     He examining the markings on Brett's head thoughtfully,
"Now *that's* unusual", he said, "I think you've got the
potential".

     Looking around he examined the room, flicking through
some of the books and examining Brett's photo album.  "I
*really* hate this 'monkey suit'", he said, pulling at the
tight collar around his neck, "I gotta ask for a new uniform".

     He made a few gestures and muttered a spellword.  A
moment later he stretched, "That's better", he thought, much
more comfortable in his usual Polo shirt and Khakis.

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

CHAPTER 8:

     I awoke refreshed and re-vitalised, looking around I
tried to remember what had happened last night.  "oh yeah", I
said remembering my sore ankle, I carefully stretched it, "no
pain there", I muttered.

     Swinging off the bed I gingerly got to my feet, my foot
was fine.  Smiling happily I had a quick shower, today was a
Saturday and there were no classes on at NIT.  So I lazed in
my room for an hour or two, involved in my favourite pastimes,
reading and listening to music.  I noticed one unusual thing
though, most of my books had been moved around and my photo
album was left open.

     "Urd probably had a look around last night", I thought to
myself.

     "Brett-san", Keiichi said, sliding open the door, "Are
you coming along?".

     I turned down the music for a moment, "Huh??", I said,
"Coming were?".

     He sighed, "We've got the meet this afternoon", he said.

     I clicked off the CD player and put down my book, "I
thought that the meet was last weekend?", I said.

     He shook his head, "Well Tamiya-Sempai managed to get it
postponed and located another bike, we worked on it all week",
he replied.

     I noticed the racing-type uniform he was wearing, "I take
it your feeling up to riding?", I asked.

     He smiled, "Well it's been over two weeks, so it's
alright for my arm to be better", he said, "Besides the bike's
been set up for someone with my size and weight".

     I nodded, "alright then I'll come along", I said, getting
up and looking around for my jacket.

     "Fine", he said, "I'll see you out the front in five
minutes then".

     I grinned, "Let's hope your ride is a little less
*spectacular* this time", I said.

     Keiichi chuckled and headed for the door, "Oh", he said,
as if remembering something, "Megumi's going to be meeting us
there".

     "Fine", I replied, not looking up, "Lets get going".

                                  ******

     Now I've only been to a few race tracks, and I don't
think I've *ever* seen quite so many people and machines.  The
noise was also rather deafening.  Keiichi, myself and the
three Goddesses walked into the Nekgmi Club's tent, and I
found to my surprise that the volume was rather lower inside.

     Tamiya and Ootaki were waiting for Keiichi and
immediately pounced on him, dragging him over to look at the
bike.  I followed them over, examining the bike and it's rider
carefully for any tell-tale grey areas.

     "What are you doing Brett-san?", Ootaki said, noticing my
examination.

     Keiichi jumped in quickly, "Brett-san is thinking of
joining the club and is trying to learn more about
motorcycles", he said.

     Tamiya laughed loudly, and clapped me on the shoulder
(since I was a little big to hug), "Excellent!", he said, "I'm
sure we'll have you rebuilding engines in no time".

     He then proceeded to explain *ever* single detail that
was visible without pulling the bike apart (and from the look
in his eye I'd say he would have if it wasn't needed that
afternoon).  "Uhh, thank you Tamiya-san", I said, breaking
into his description of the electrical systems of the bike,
"But I think that man want's to talk to you".  I pointed at
the man in a race official's uniform, who had been trying to
attract his attention for the last five minutes.

     "Oh!", he said turning, "I'll tell you about tuning the
bike later", with that he practically ran over to the
official.

     Keiichi had been watching me from the other side of the
room with a grin on his face, "Thank's awfully!", I said to
him sarcastically, "Couldn't you think of any other excuse?".

     He shrugged, "Not off hand", he said smiling.

     "I'll get you for that!", I said, also grinning.  A
moment later my grin faded slightly as Megumi walked into the
tent.  Keiichi must have noticed because he put a hand on my
shoulder, reassuringly.

     Taking a deep breath I settled back into my 'unconcerned'
mode, not letting anything get to me.  Unfortunately for my
unconcerned pose Megumi walked straight over to me, "Good
morning Brett-san", she said quietly, giving me a small
smiled.

     I nodded, "G'day Megumi", I replied.

     Keiichi cleared his throat, "Well I'd better go and get
set up then", he said.  He then proceeded to leave so quickly,
that I had the passing thought that he could probably win the
race without the bike.

     I looked at his retreating figure, "A tower of support
there", I thought sarcastically.

     "About last night...", Megumi began, "I'm sorry that I
left you there, but Kazuo insisted that he show me home".

     I raised my eyebrows, "Oh?", I said, "Was that his
name?".

     She nodded, "He works for a company that designs aircraft
engines", she continued excitedly (oblivious to my rather
empty expression), "He's so smart, I had trouble keeping up
with him, he's working in the thermal dynamics section at the
moment but he hopes.....".

     I tuned out of the conversation, muttering an appropriate
response to her babble.  "Well that sounds great", I managed,
keeping a smile plastered on my face, "I'm happy you two are
getting along so well".

     She must have noticed something because she looked at me
strangely for a moment, "Are you alright?", she asked, "How's
you leg?".

     I nodded, "I'm fine and my leg's much better thanks", I
said, then trying to find a way out I decided to take a breath
of 'fresh air', "If you'll excuse me I think I'll take a walk
to get the kinks out of my ankle".

     Not waiting for a response I hurried to the entrance of
the tent and stepped out into the bright sunlight and noise. 
Noticing a large crowd I noticed a familiar name emblazoned
across a large tent a little ways down from NIT's.  'ASHOIMA
FORMULA' the name read proudly and in large letters.  The
crowd had gathered because for some reason there were a series
of dancing girls all preforming in front of the tent, "Which
racing club's the best?", the were all singing,
"A..S..H..O..I..M..A!".

     I frowned and watched for a bit longer, before turning
and walking down behind the tents across a large empty grass
field.  After escaping the mobs I decided to just sit down on
the grass for a while and think.

                                  ******

     Keiichi observed Brett's rather hasty departure with
concern.

     "What on earth is he so upset about?", Urd commented also
watching.

     Keiichi looked at her and frowned, "Oh you don't know??,
I thought you were the", he gestured with both hands, "Love
Goddess".

     Urd shook her head, "I still don't see what you mean",
she said, "I talked to Brett last night and he seemed ok".

     Keiichi sighed, "Of course we wouldn't talk to *you*
about it Urd....", he began.

     Suddenly Urd became rather angry and grabbed Keiichi by
one collar, "Just what do you mean by that?", she asked him in
a threatening voice.

     "ahhh.. errr.. ummm....", Keiichi mumbled, trying to
think up some kind of escape, "Ahhh, your a girl", he finally
settled on.

     She narrowed her eyes, "And what does that have to do
with anything?", she asked.

     "Well", he said, sweating heavily, "Guys don't discuss
things like that with girls".

     She nodded thoughtfully, "Alright", she said finally, "I
*guess* that's a valid reason", and with that she turned a
walked over to Belldandy and Skuld.

     "Morisato!", called Tamiya, "Time for our heat!".

     Keiichi nodded and picked up his helmet, "Well, wish me
luck", he said turning to the Goddesses.

     In response Belldandy kissed him on the cheek and placed
his helmet carefully on his head, "Be careful", she said,
smiling.

                                  ******

     I arrived just in time to see Keiichi win his heat by a
huge margin, "GO KEIICHI!", I cheered as he flew past.

     I ran over to him, "YES!", he enthused as he pulled off
his helmet.

     I clapped him on the shoulder, "Way to go mate!", I said,
"That was awesome".

     He grinned, "I think this new bike is even faster than
the old one", he said, looking it over.

     A moment later the rest of the Nekgmi crew arrived,
cheering and clapping, Keiichi got a huge kiss from Belldandy. 
Tamiya hoisted him up on his shoulders, "Good work Morisato,
you qualified with the fastest time this afternoon", he said.

     I'd have to say that this was the first time that I'd
ever been to a race meet that I'd *really* enjoyed. having a
friend involved certainly make a difference.  "So who's
Keiichi's opposition this afternoon?", I asked Urd, who was
standing slightly apart from Keiichi's enthusiastic
supporters.

     She gestured to the line of dancing girls (who still
hadn't stopped their singing), "Ashoima Formula came in second
with the time trials", she said, "So it looks like it'll come
down to us and them again".

     "Again?", I asked.

     She nodded, "Well Ashoima Formula and Nekgmi's auto club
have a long standing tradition of competition", she explained,
"It's about the only thing they can agree on".

     I frowned, "Agree???", I said, confused.

     She smiled, "Yes, they both agree that their opposition
are a bunch of loosers", she said.

     I grinned, "Well, it looks like Keiichi's bike is a bit
safer this time", I said, I tapped the side of my head for
emphasis, "It looks good to me".

     She nodded, "That's certinally a useful ability", she
said thoughtfully.

     Something in her tone made me think there was something
she didn't add, "What?", I asked curiously.

     "Oh..", she began, "I was wondering if your ability is
limited to only the near future".

     I frowned, not understanding what she meant, "Oh, I mean
if it's just limited to 'early warning' or if you can actually
tell the future", she explained.

     I shrugged, "Well I've never really tried to use it in
any other way", I replied.

     She raised her eyebrows, "Well....?", she asked.

     I was still confused, "What??", I replied.

     "Are you going to try it?", she said.

     "Now?", I said looking around, "It's a little public".

     She sighed, "Look, *your* the only one going to be seeing
it", she said, "So what difference does it make?".

     I nodded, "Alright then", I said, "How do I get
started?".

     She took me over to a empty table and sat down opposite
me, "Relax", she said, "Close you eyes and just relax".  She
kept repeating her instruction to relax and sure enough with a
bit of encouragement I found myself relaxed.

     "Now, open your eyes and think about the future", she
said, "Where is everyone going?.... What will people be
doing??....".

     I opened my eyes to a world filled with greyness and
decay, everywhere I looked people seemed to be dieing by
inches, Tamiya grew old before my eyes, his impressive figure
wrinkling and shrinking, leaving an old man, stooped and
feeble.  It was the same everywhere, trees lost their leaves,
flowers died, motorcycles rusted into piles of metal.  I saw
graves lined up before my eyes, the names were familiar, all
my friends and family, gone.  I looked at my own hand and it
withered into bone before my eyes.

     I walked forward, looking for someone, anyone that was
still alive, the world was a dead place, buildings toppled and
fell from disuse, the sun seemed to be burning a brighter and
brighter red, it began to get larger in the sky.  I shuddered
away from the piercing light and then watched as the earth
melted from under me in the intense heat.

  "NO!", I screamed, shutting my eyes tightly, "STOP!".

     Clutching my head I willed the images away, "Brett, are
you alright??", came Urd's concerned voice, "Come on, open
your eyes, it's ok".

     Taking a shuddering breath I slowly opened my eyes,
everything was normal, except for the fact that Keiichi and
the three Goddesses were surrounding me looking concerned,
"You've been sitting there for almost five minutes", Urd said
seeing that I'd finally opened my eyes.

     I seemed to have a horrible headache and I rubbed my
temples, "That was not pleasant", I said quietly.

     Urd placed a hand on my shoulder, "What did you see?",
she asked.

     I shrugged off the hand, "I don't really want to talk
about it", I said, "Let's just say my ability functions as an
early warning device and that's *IT*".

     Urd looked like she was going to protest but then thought
better of it, "Well, Keiichi", she said, "You'd better get
ready for the race".

     The rest of the afternoon was a bit of a disappointment,
Keiichi made it to the finals, but was beaten by a commercial
entry from Honda.  I guess the only saving grace was that the
Ashoima club was knocked out in the second round.  Keiichi was
pretty upset about not winning, but as Tamiya pointed out, he
had almost beaten a company that spends millions on research
and development, with a bike that they had put together in a
week.

     There was a small party at the temple that evening,
everyone was a little subdued, but we all had a good time.  I
even managed to dance get a Megumi once or twice.  My feelings
were still a little bruised, but I decided that she was still
my friend (even if it wasn't exactly the level of friendship
that I would have liked).

                                  ******

     A few days later I was attending some lecture on the
'historical contribution made by the teabag' or something,
when I got a tap on the shoulder.

     "Huh?", I responded, in a half-snooze state.

     "Could I borrow your eraser?", the guy beside me asked.

     I nodded and passed it over to him, looking at the rather
unusual cartoon he had drawn on the back of his notepad, "Nice
artwork", I commended him quietly.

     He grinned, "Thanks, I *really* get bored during these
things", he whispered.

     I smiled, "That's for sure", I said.

     The guy's name was Okuda Korasai and I found that we had
several classes together, he was a chemistry major.  We
chatted for what was left of the lecture in low tones, he was
obviously as bored as I was and just as eager to talk.  When
it was finally over, we decided to grab a pizza (well he
wanted sushi, but I overruled him, since I was the one
paying).

     I had an enjoyable lunch and we talked over many
subjects.  At one point he was describing in minute detail one
of his more interesting chemistry projects,  "I bet you'd get
along great with Urd", I commented, after he had finally
finished.

     "Urd?", he asked, looking curious.

     I nodded, and then explained, "Urd is a friend of mine,
who's quite a chemist in her own right", I said.  I then
proceeded to explain where I was living and who I was living
with, he recognised the reference to Keiichi and Belldandy
(obviously they were quite an item around here) and he seemed
to know where the temple I was talking about was located.

     He grinned when I mentioned that it was just Keiichi,
myself and three girls, "Oh that must be a *real* pain", he
said.

     I shook my head and laughed, "You've got to be kidding
mate!", I said chuckling, "One of them's too young, the
other's already taken and the third would eat me alive".

     He frowned, "'eat you alive'?", he asked, obviously
intrigued.

     I nodded, "Urd's a little to much for me (or any guy I've
met) to handle", I explained, "Besides the fact that I really
don't think she likes me very much".

     Shrugging he gulped down another piece of pizza, "Well,
you never know until you try", he said.

     I frowned, "I think I'll pass on that", I said, "I've had
enough problems in that area lately".

     He nodded, "I know what you mean", he said with feeling,
"It's hard to find the right person".

     We talked for about a half an hour longer, before I
decided to make my way back to the temple.  I'd have to say
that I felt better than I had in a long time, finding someone
who know's what your talking about really makes a difference.

                                  ******

     "So who's this Okuda guy?", Keiichi asked curiously, over
dinner that evening.

     "Oh, I met him in one of my classes", I replied, "You'd
like him"

     We were sitting around the dinner table, delmolishing
Belldandy's latest offering, I continued to describe the new
friend I'd met, he was probably the first person I'd met that
didn't seem to want anything or expect anything from me.  "I'd
like to meet him", Keiichi replied finally.

     "Well enough about this new friend of yours", Urd said,
breaking into the conversation, "If your ever going to learn
our language we'd better get started".

     Belldandy frowned at her slightly, "Sister, your being
rude", she said.

     Urd stood, "Well I'm afraid that all this 'male bonding'
makes me a little sick", she said, standing, "When your ready,
I'll be in my room".

     With that she left in a huff, "What's her problem?",
Keiichi asked of no one in particular.

     Belldandy looked as if she wanted to answer, but changed
her mind after a moment, "Keiichi-san, would you help me with
dishes?", she asked instead.

     Keiichi nodded absently, "Good luck Brett", he said after
a moment, then he grinned, "Your going to need it".

     I stood and walked quickly to Urd's room and knocked,
"Hey Urd, it's me", I said, stating the obvious.

     "Well come in then", she said sarcastically.

     I entered and slid the door shut behind me, she had set
up a small table in the middle of the floor, a few heavy books
were sitting on one side of her.  Frowning I walked over and
sat opposite her, "What's the problem?", I asked quietly, "I
thought we were getting along better lately?".

     She frowned, "What difference does that make to you?",
she asked, "I thought you were only here under sufferance". 
She was referring to the fact that I (with Urd's agreement)
had petitioned for Belldandy to be my teacher.

     "Oh come on", I said, exasperated, "*you* were the one
that didn't want to teach this 'looser who has no business
learning anything from you' and were only teaching me because
'you know what will happen to you if you go against orders
again'..".

     She stopped and frowned, "How....", she said, confused.

     I smiled thinly, "Well this 'stupid mortal' has ears you
know", I replied, "I just happened to overhear a certain
conversation".

     She frowned, "And you didn't say anything...", she said.

     I nodded, "It would only have made more trouble for you
and I felt at the time that I was already causing enough".

     She looked at the floor, "I'm sorry", she said quietly,
"I said that in anger, before I even knew you".

     I nodded, "That's alright", I said, patting her hand, "As
you said, it was in anger".

     She smiled slightly, "I don't know how you can still be
sitting here talking to me", she said, "If someone had called
me that I'd.....".

     I shook my head, "Hey, I've been called worse", I replied
with a grin.

     She nodded, "Well I'm sure", she said with a smile.

     "Hey!", I said, "None of that thanks".

     She seemed to think for a moment before she stuck out her
hand, "Friends?", she asked.

     I nodded and took her hand, "Friends", I said, "Well
let's get on and learn something, Sensei!".

     Urd nodded and opened one of the huge tomes beside the
desk, "Well first you have to....", she began.  That night my
training *really* began and I also began my second friendship
of the day.

                                  ******

     Days turned into weeks and I began to get into a
comfortable routine.  Morning lectures were followed by lunch
usually with Okuda, with whom I had formed a strong
friendship.  Afternoons were either a lecture at Nekgmi or a
lesson with Urd.  Evenings were spent in magical study with
Urd or 'tedious' study with Megumi and Okuda.  Weekends were
the only really relaxing time for me, I caught a movie
occasionally or went out with Okuda and some other friends. 
My life was not a lot different than what had come before
(well aside from the *God* stuff, of course).  My skills
improved remarkably, learning spells and the writing of the
Gods became easier with each passing day.  Surprisingly there
were no more attempts on my life, nor on anyone else's, it
seemed that the Demons had given up. 

                                  ******

     "How are you suppose to shop for a group that really
doesn't need anything", I complained to Okuda one afternoon. 
We had decided to go shopping, since Christmas was almost here
and I had yet to find suitable gifts for anyone.

     I looked in the shop window at the jewellery, "I want
something that says more than 'I'm expensive'", I mused.

     Okuda frowned, "Why not try one at a time?", he asked,
seeing my expression he continued to explain, "OK... What
would Skuld want?".

     I frowned, "Well, aside from new Mecha parts...", I
thought aloud.

     "What?", he asked, confused.

     "Oh.. err.. well she likes to build models", I quickly
covered up my mistake.

     He grinned, "I'll have to meet her sometime", he said.

     I nodded, it was strange, but Okuda hadn't once been to
the temple, saying something about it being not in his
spiritual best interest, "You've gotta come over and meet
everyone", I said, "How about on Christmas-eve?".

     He shrugged, "Well I don't know...", he said.

     "Come on, You've got to at least meet Urd", I insisted,
"I'm sure the two of you would get along great".

      "I've heard enough about them all from you.... I guess
it's time I actually met them", he said, "Alright, Christmas
eve it is".

     I smiled, "Well Belldandy will be happy", I said, "she's
been itching to meet you for some time now".

     "What about that?", he asked suddenly, breaking into the
conversation, pointing at a sign on a nearby window.

     I frowned at it, "What's that got to do with....", and
then I broke off and realised that it would be a perfect gift
for Skuld,  "Well that's one down and two to go".

     We continued around the shopping area, looking in all the
windows, I finally worked out a gift for Belldandy and
Keiichi, after some encouragement from Okuda.

     "I still can't work out why, since your so good at the
romantic stuff, you haven't got a girlfriend", I said to
Okuda, as we walked out of the travel agency.  I patted the
tickets and documents with my hand, "This will be perfect for
Belldandy and Keiichi to get away from it all".

     He grinned, "Thanks", he said, "I do have one likely
target".

     I smiled, "Good for you!", I said, "Who is it?? one of
the girls in our classes?".

     He shook his head, "My secret", he said, "Now what are
you going to get Urd?".

     "I don't have a clue", I admitted, even thought Urd and I
had become friends, we really didn't talk much about anything
except what I was studying.

     "Oh come on", Okuda said, teasing, "I'm sure you can pick
out something nice for her".

     "Shut up!", I replied, he had been teasing me constantly
about my reluctance to consider Urd anything else but a
friend.  Okuda had been urging me to ask her out for about the
last two weeks, "I know that you like her", he kept saying,
overriding my protests, "So why don't you tell her?".

     "Tell her what?", I replied, grimacing, "I don't really
think she likes me in that way...".

     He nodded, "Well you might be surprised", he commented,
"So that still leave us with the problem of a gift for her?"

     "She'd probably like the same thing as I got you", I
said, reaching into my pack and pulling out a gift-wrapped
object, "At least *your* easy to shop for".

     He eyed the package curiously, "And what is that?", he
asked.

     I grinned at him, "You'll have to wait until Christmas
day", I teased.

     He groaned, "You've got to be kidding", he said, "I hate
waiting for gifts".

     I laughed at the expression on his face and we continued
through the stores, not really buying anything, just enjoying
ourselves.  I'd have to say that the last few weeks had been
some of the most enjoyable that I've experienced, Okuda seemed
to fill in for some of the closer friends that I'd left behind
in Australia.

                                  ******

     "I wish those two would make up their minds and go home",
muttered the young man in the polo shirt and Kakis.

     He had been following Brett and Okuda for almost two
hours, "I don't need all this shopping", he sighed.  Then
noticing that he was falling behind, he hurried along,
wondering how much longer he had to keep up the 'watcher' act. 
"I wonder if they want company for Christmas?", he mused

                                  ******

     "Well?", Nilthar asked hurriedly.

     "No luck", Marller reported, "I can't get her alone, if
Brett's not with her, her sisters are".

     "Damn!", Nilthar muttered, "What about getting to
Brett?".

     "Nope", Marller replied, "you know that he can avoid
*most* of our attacks and I don't have the power to try
anything else at short notice".

     Nilthar paced backwards and forwards, "Well, we're going
to have a problem on our hands if we bungle this one", he
said, "What about kidnapping one of their mortal friends?,
that would get them moving".

     Marller sighed, "Keiichi's out", she said, "One of them
is always with him.....".

     Nilthar stopped suddenly, "Hang on a minute, why bother
kidnapping anyone?", he asked suddenly, "If we can isolate
Brett from the rest of them with a shielding spell..."

     Marller frowned, "But that would only cut him off from
detection", she said, "And that really doesn't make much of a
difference".

     "Oh?", Nilthar said, "Do you know what a 'bluff' is?".

     Marller grinned, "We cut him off and then tell them that
we have him", she said.

     Nilthar nodded, "This way we won't have to worry about
him avoiding our attack, we're not actually going to be
attacking him", he concluded.

     "When do we want to do this?", Marller asked.

     "How about Christmas-eve?", Nilthar suggested, "Leave
them with a nice present from 'Santa'".

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

**************************************************
            E-Mail: darkwnd@sv.net.au
   Web Page: http://www.ozanime.com/darkwind

  "Imagination is more important than knowledge"

                             -Albert Einstein
**************************************************