esharpe@hsc.usc.edu (Ed Sharpe)
Dear Friends:
Here is the first release of my fan fiction featuring Skuld.
Unlike most of the current Fan-Fictions, this one is not a cross-over.
I have tried very hard to keep it very much in line with the orignial.
I would like to publicly thank omega@io.org for thy work. First
as a proof reader, then a full fledge editor, and finaly as a net-friend.
Without thy help this story would have never seen the light of the net.
So for your enjoyment I present:
No Mere Mortal
A fan fiction based on Kosuke Fujishima's ongoing manga series
"Ah! My Goddess" (Also know as "Oh My Goddess!"). Keiichi Morisato,
Belldandy, Urd, Skuld, and Megumi Morisato are copyright 1991, 1995 by
Kosuke Fujishima. Kenji copyright 1995 Ed Sharpe.
Dramas Personal
Keiichi Morisato: A collage student at Nekomi Institute of
Technology (NIT), majoring in engineering.
He lives in a temple with Belldandy and her
two sisters.
Belldandy: Goddess of the present, staying at Keiichi's
side because of his wish and her own free will.
Urd: Belldandy's older sister, goddess of the
past, with tan skin and a nice figure.
Skuld: Goddess of the future, the youngest of the three
goddesses.
Kenji: Keiichi's cousin on his mother's side.
Megumi Morisato: Keiichi's younger sister. She is also a
student at NIT.
Mrs. Morisato: Keiichi and Megumi's mother. Her younger sister
is Kenji's mother.
Notes:
Not that it is all that important, this story takes place after
OVA #5 "For the Love of Goddess" and volume nine of the manga.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
It is a spring night about an hour after sunset. The moon, a
day short of full, is just visible on the horizon. The first stars of
the night are visible overhead. On a hill, above the university city
of Nekomi, sits a walled temple building and its gardens. The soft
light of occupation spilling over its walls. Down in the valley the
lights of the city can be seen, but the noise of the city does not reach
this refuge from the world. In the temple the modern world makes its
presence know as a phone begins to ring.
At the sound of the phone a young lady gets up from the table
where she is seated. She appears to be in her early twenties, about
165 centimeters tall. Her long light brown hair flows behind her,
borne on some unsensed wind. Her blue-violet eyes shine with their own
inner light. On her forehead and both cheeks are small violet ovals.
"Hello Morisato residence," the goddess Belldandy speaks into
the phone. After a pause Belldandy replies, "Hello Mrs. Morisato."
After another pause, "Yes, I always do seem to be here when you call.
I will get Keiichi-san for you." Belldandy calls down the hall, with her
hand over the phone, "Keiichi-san."
A young man, also in his early twenties, looks up from his
homework at her call. His short black hair, with bangs in his eyes,
seems to want to go in all directions at once. He is short, only about
158 centimeters tall. Like Belldandy his dark eyes shine with their own
inner light, his fueled by the sound of her voice.
"Hm?" Keiichi responds to Belldandy's call.
"Your mother is on the phone," Belldandy sweetly informs him.
"OK." Keiichi replies as he walks down the hall and smiles at
Belldandy as he takes the phone from her. "Greetings O' maternal one."
His mother ignores her son's flippant greeting. "Keiichi your
cousin Kenji is attending a special one-week class for high school
students at NIT next week. I expect you to take care of him while he
is there."
Keiichi, trying to buy some time to think, asks, "Kenji?"
"Yes, my younger sister's son," she says, wondering how did he
ever get into college.
"Um . . . I remember him, Mother. Where will he be staying?"
Keiichi asks, already afraid of the obvious answer.
"With you, Keiichi. Megumi says you have a nice big place. I
have already told his mother that he can stay with you, and I am sure
that there will be plenty of room if that gajin(1) spent less time there."
"Er . . ." is all Keiichi can answer.
His mother, ignoring his hesitation continues, "He will be on the
10:00 a.m. train Sunday."
Keiichi is unable to keep his reluctance from his voice. "This
Sunday? But . . . " He realizes the dilemma: if he stays with me he
will tell his mother who will tell my mother that I am living with three
sisters, and that Belldandy and me are more the just 'study partners.'
My mother will blow her stack if she knew me and Belldandy where . . .
Keiichi's mother is now starting to get angry at Keiichi's
reluctance. "But nothing Keiichi! I expect you to pick him up at the
train station, and show him around."
Keiichi, unable to figure a way out of this, can only reply,
"Um . . . "
Her voice blasts through the telephone. "Keiichi!"
"Yes, Mother," Keiichi replies, resigned to his fate.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Saturday evening, Keiichi is sitting in the living room of the
temple watching a dubbed episode of MacGyver on television with Belldandy
and her two sisters. In her mid to late twenties, Urd, Belldandy's older
sister, is a tall platinum blonde Venus. Belldandy's younger sister,
Skuld, is a young lady with long black hair and appears to just be entering
her teenage years. They are sipping Darjeeling tea and eating short bread
that Belldandy has made. Skuld is paying close attention to the show; Urd
is watching as well but appears to be quite bored. Keiichi is not paying
attention, also not aware that Belldandy is observing him. Her love for
Keiichi is obvious on her face as she watches him. She is concerned
because Keiichi has been very quiet since his mother called last night.
Keiichi sighs and looks into his tea; he seems depressed.
Belldandy asks in a gentle voice, "What is the matter, Keiichi-san? Having
Kenji here will not be so bad."
Keiichi just sighs and, not looking up, replies, "You don't know
how scary country people are! Rumors spread as fast as influenza within
a three kilometer radius. Also, if you're not careful, they might even
know your yearly income. Imagine what's gonna happen after he goes home
and tells people about us. The fact that we're living together will be
warped, and in no time it will become 'we have three children'. In the
countryside, any rumor, no matter how small, will be twisted to something
totally absurd! Even in the city it tends to be like that, except it's
much less severe.(2) Kenji is sure to tell his mother, who will tell my
mother that we are living together. Who knows what will then happen?"
"Do not worry, Keiichi-san," Belldandy tells him as she hugs him
from behind. "As long as you want me to be with you, I will be with you.
Remember the system force is at work keeping us together."
Keiichi, seeing the ring he gave her on her left hand, relaxes in
Belldandy's arms and agrees with her. "You're right. I shouldn't worry
about it. The system force will work things out somehow." But Keiichi
can't help but think, 'I wonder how it will do it this time? I doubt the
system force is stronger than my mother's will.'
Without turning her attention from the television, Skuld asks,
"Urd, do you think MacGyver is cute?"
Urd wearily replies, "That Nerd? He's not bad looking, but he's
boring. And I wouldn't really call him cute." It's not like he is Sean
Connery, Urd believes.
Skuld, turning around to look at Urd andnoticing that Belldandy
and Keiichi are being a little too friendly, playfully yells, "Keiichi!
Leave big sister alone!"
Urd yells back, "Leave them alone Skuld. They're doing nothing
wrong. We have fixed the bugs in Yggdrasil, so they can get as close as
they like." Smiling like a cat, Urd adds in a softer, quieter voice,
"Someday you will understand."
"Hump! That will be the day. As if a mere mortal could win my
affections!" replies Skuld as she turns her attention back to the
television.
With Skuld's attention focused on the TV, Keiichi and Belldandy
continue to cuddle, and Urd watches them all, not unlike a cat watching
a bird.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
It is late Sunday morning and the three goddesses are standing
together in the courtyard in front of the temple, with Belldandy in the
middle. Slightly behind Belldandy, Skuld is looking at her feet while
she makes a small line in the dirt with her right foot. She seems bored.
Keiichi, along with his newly arrived cousin in the sidecar, drives up on
his motorcycle. Keiichi gets off and removes his helmet. He comes around
the motorcycle as Kenji gets out of the side car. Kenji, although only
15 years old, is taller than Keiichi by several centimeters. As Kenji
removes his helmet, Keiichi introduces him to the three goddesses.
"Kenji, this is Belldandy; Belldandy, Kenji."
"So nice to meet you, Kenji," Belldandy says with a warm,
welcoming smile.
Kenji, now casually holding his helmet, replies, "Nice to meet
you, Belldandy."
"And this is Belldandy's older sister Urd," announces Keiichi,
pointing to a platinum-haired bombshell.
Urd waves her hand in a small counterclockwise motion, greeting
Kenji with a, "Hi ya!" and a wink. 'Oooo, he's a cute one,' Urd decides.
Kenji, taken back by Urd's boldness and her low cut top, can
only utter, "Uh . . . hello Urd."
"And this is her younger sister Skuld," Keiichi finishes.
Turning his attention from Urd, Kenji sees before him a girl --
no, a young woman. The supple hints of a budding sexuality are upon her
features. Her long black hair bellows behind her as if it's alive. Blue
plectrum shaped markings on each cheek, adjacent to her eyes, as well as
a larger one on the middle of her forehead give her a sensual, exotic
look. She is dressed in a short white skirt and blouse. Her matching
jacket with red accents is cut like a tux, with tails almost reaching the
ground, wrapping itself hip-length at the front. She has on thick white
and red gloves, and a red croquet mallet is strapped to her back. Kenji
can not stop himself from scanning her long well shaped legs from the tops
of her red accented shoes to where they disappear into her maddeningly
short skirt. Blushing, Kenji quietly greets her, "Hello Skuld," and
continues to look at her.
Skuld, who was not paying attention, looks up when she hears Kenji
speak her name. Kenji's voice is surprisingly deep and resonant. Skuld
can feel the heat rise to her cheeks as she drinks in the sight of Kenji.
She begins to feel light headed as she looks at this boy, no young man.
Although only fifteen he already stands a full 183 centimeters tall. His,
unusual for a Japanese, light brown hair is cut short, accenting his rugged
good looks. Wearing shorts and a rugby shirt with 'Princeton Naked Rugby
Club' printed on it, Skuld cannot help notice his well muscled and tan
legs. With his dark blue-black eyes looking directly into her eyes,
Skuld's heart begins to beat erratically. Blushing, Skuld looks away.
"Um . . . Ah . . . Hi," is all Skuld can stammer out as her heart
continues to go 'ba-bump, ba-ba-bump' in five-eight time.
At that, with Kenji looking at Skuld, and Skuld looking at her
feet, the five of them fall silent. Belldandy speaks, breaking the
silence. "Well I need to finish making lunch, please excuse me." She
turns and goes into the temple and a second later, Skuld turns and
follows her. As Kenji silently watches Skuld walk away, Keiichi
observes him.
Urd finds herself becoming very irritated at Kenji. Finally
here is someone taller (other than those weirdos in the motor club) than
herself, good looking, and nice legs to boot, and he seems more interested
in her short, underdeveloped little sister. Bored and incensed with the
two boys, who are paying no attention to her but to her two sisters,
instead says, "Well I am going to watch some T.V.. Ciao." She waves as
she wanders away.
Thinking that Skuld sure is cute with those white gloves', Kenji
silently stands there. 'I hope she is as nice as she is cute.'
"So, Kenji," probes Keiichi, "that Skuld is pretty cute looking."
Embarrassed that his cousin seems to have read his mind, Kenji
tries to cover up. "Wow, that Urd is sure hot looking. She looks like
she has ruined many a man."
'Hum. I could have sworn it was Skuld he was looking at. If he
gets involved with Urd I am dead. What has my mother gotten me into?'
Keiichi thinks to himself. Out loud he can only reply, "Hm? ... I guess
so . . . but she is more talk than action."
"So Keiichi, how do you get three good-looking sisters to hang
out with you?"
"Well Belldandy is my study partner at college, so she spends a
lot of time here, and her sisters seem to be always hanging around,"
replies Keiichi, not telling the entire truth.
"I guess they don't trust you with their sister."
That is only half right, thinks Keiichi. Grabbing a suitcase,
he replies to his cousin, "Lets put your stuff in your room. Belldandy
should have lunch ready in a couple of minutes."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Inside the temple's kitchen, Belldandy is working at the sink
preparing lunch. Skuld walks in behind Belldandy. Belldandy does not
notice that Skuld has entered so she does not turn around. Skuld looking
at the floor, announces her presence, "Big sister?"
A slightly startled Belldandy replies, "Yes?"
Skuld, unsure of how to say what she wants to say, can only
utter, "Uh . . . "
Belldandy turns around and looks at Skuld silently.
Skuld just looks at the floor and begins making an imaginary
line on the floor with her foot.
At this, Belldandy walks up to her younger sister. Putting
her right hand on Skuld's shoulder, she asks, "What is it, Skuld?"
Mustering her courage, Skuld spits out the question that is
troubling her. "What was it like the first time you meet Keiichi?"
Belldandy, quite surprised at this unanticipated question,
can only answer "!?. . ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The wall and door panels of the temple have been slid back,
opening the dinning room up. The table has been set for lunch.
Keiichi and Kenji experience a cool breeze blow in from the court-
yard. Belldandy can be heard humming from the kitchen. Her humming
grows louder as she and Skuld emerge from the kitchen carrying
platters of food. After placing the food on the table, Belldandy
sits next to Keiichi, almost in his lap, and Skuld takes a place
next to Kenji, but at a proper distance apart. On the table is a
platter of cold soba noodles with small egg omelets, sliced cucumbers,
shiitake mushrooms, spring onions, sliced ginger root, and flaked crab
meat. At each place there is a small dish of soba dipping sauce. In
the center of the table is a plate of fresh strawberries for dessert.
Kenji is speechless at the sight of the food set before him.
Finding his voice Kenji speaks, "Wow, this really looks good.
Do you eat like this every day?"
Keiichi replies, "More or less. Belldandy is an excellent
cook."
Embarrassed, Belldandy replies, "Skuld helped too."
Kenji continues, "Wow. And here I thought college students
lived on instant ramen."
Not looking at him, Skuld hands Kenji a dish of sliced cucumbers
and mandarin oranges marinated in sunomono sauce, "Please try this one,
Kenji."
"Thank you," Kenji replies taking the plate from Skuld.
"Skuld made that one, Kenji," Belldandy informs him, indicating
the platter Skuld had just handed him.
"Wow, this is really good!" he replies after taking a bite of it.
At the complement Skuld's chest begins to hurt. 'What's wrong
with me?' thinks Skuld. Finding her courage, she speaks, "Thank you,
Kenji. Do you have any hobbies or interests?"
"Other than playing on my school's rugby team, I am currently
reading a manga called 'Taiho Shichauzo'. There is this one character
named Miyuki. She has long dark hair like you do, Skuld. And she is
really into mecha like cars and motorcycles. It's so cool when a girl
is into computers and stuff like that," answers Kenji.
Skuld beings to feel as though her heart will burst out of her
chest as Kenji speaks. "Do you like robots Kenji?" asks Skuld, her
voice almost a shout.
"Yes," answers Kenji. "I hope someday to be a robot designer."
"Really! Kenji, maybe I can show you --"
Before Skuld can finish her sentence, Urd enters carrying a
large bottle of sake. With her voice edged in sarcasm she announces
her presence, "What are you going to show him, little sister?" Sitting
down between Belldandy and Skuld, Urd pours herself some sake and
continues to raze Skuld. "Nothing you make ever works the way is it
designed to. Skuld, are you trying to impress our guest?"
Skuld, more embarrassed than mad, begins to pick silently at
her food.
Ignoring Urd's comments, Kenji continues to eat in silence
while occasionally stealing a glance at Skuld.
Picking up morsels with her chopsticks, Belldandy is feeding
Keiichi by hand. Having no need to feed himself, Keiichi returns
the favor.
Downing her glass of sake, Urd pours herself another and
continues to drink her liquid lunch. Urd has become quite irritated
that she has been unable to find any tall men in Japan. The silent
treatment the others are giving her only fuels her melancholy. After
her fourth glass of sake, Urd breaks the unnatural silence that has
settled upon the table. "You know Skuld, Kenji here looks pretty tender
and inexperienced. Maybe I should break him in for you. You know, check
him out, see if he is good enough for my little sister."
Wondering what he has done to warrant such a reaction from
Urd, Kenji's face turns visually red.
At this, Skuld explodes, "Shut-up, shut-up, shut-up. How can
you be so mean, you arrogant, selfish, violent, pushy, impulsive,
and stupid witch! This is why you will always be a second class
goddess! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!"
"Skuld, Urd!" Belldandy yells, interrupting her two sisters.
Magical energy begins to form between her hands. "I want the two
of you to behave yourselves in front of our guest!"
Raising her hands above her head, a similar magical energy
begins to form and crackle around Urd. "Do you not know I am a woman?
When I think, I must speak.(3) Do you really think you can keep me
from speaking my mind, Belldandy?"
Skuld pulls a small spherical mecha from her pocket and points
it at Urd. Skuld switches it on and, as energy begins to form around
it, she yells at Urd, "Well if she can't, I will."
Keiichi, seeing that things are getting way out of hand, grab's
Kenji, dragging him out of the room.
Kenji is quite taken back at what has just happened. Hearing
what sounds like thunder coming from the dining room, he asks, "What
was that about? Shouldn't we do something?"
Keiichi answers, "Don't worry about it. Believe me when I
say that it is better to stay out of their way when they get that way.
They will be best friends again by dinner time."
At that, the temple continues to shudder and echo with the
sound of thunder. Whatever, thinks Kenji.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Inside the temple and seated around a large round table are
Belldandy, Keiichi, Kenji, Skuld, and Urd. There is no sign of
damage from today's earlier fight between the sisters. The remains
of Sunday dinner are still on the table. Kenji, leaning back from
the table, breaks the silence. "That was good. Thank you, Belldandy
that was delicious; you make such good food."
Belldandy replies, "Thank you, Kenji. So, what are you going
to be studying here at NIT?"
"Computer systems and programming."
Urd, tired of being ignored all day, speaks up. "Kenji, you
know I am a system administrator myself."
Kenji responds to this new information, "Really? So Urd,
maybe you can give me some help with my classes."
Giving Kenji a wink, Urd replies, "I would be more than happy
to teach you 'everything' I know."
Skuld, not liking the way that Urd emphasized 'everything',
interrupts. "Well, Urd administers a much older system than they
have at Nekon. She will only confuse you. I, on the other hand
am an excellent system debugger; I am always fixing Urd's messes."
"You little brat!" retorts Urd. "Your idea of debugging is
smashing bugs with that stupid hammer of yours! What do you know of
system design? All you do is maintenance!"
"Urd, you arrogant witch!" replies Skuld, her voice beginning
to rise in volume. Patting the coquet mallet on her back, she
continues, "If it wasn't for me and Mjolnir Mk II, the Yggdrasil
system would never be up and running."
Keiichi steps in. "Will you two please behave? We have a
guest."
Urd and Skuld, in perfect synchronization, turn toward Keiichi
and shout at him. "Stay out of this!"
Kenji, embarrassed that the two sisters are fighting over something
he said, trying to smooth over things between the two, shouts, "Please
don't fight."
The two sisters look at the normally quiet Kenji in amazement.
"Skuld, I am sure Urd wouldn't confuse me too much." Kenji,
completely missing the point that Urd was not referring to computers
when she said 'everything', continues, "It is nice that you are
concerned, but I'm sure there is much I can learn from Urd's experience."
Not knowing that, despite her apparent young age, Skuld is quite the
competent computer hacker, he adds without thinking, "After all you're
still just a kid."
Crushed by Kenji's unthinking comment, Skuld jumps to her
feet and yells at Kenji. "I am not a kid!" Throwing her chop sticks
at him, she storms out of the room with tears running down her face.
Keiichi is taken aback at the exchange between the two sisters
and just sits there watching. Belldandy also is just watching with an
expression of bewilderment on her face. Keiichi, looking at Belldandy,
takes her hand, and leads the two of them out of the room. A few seconds
later Urd follows them out.
Kenji remains sitting there embarrassed at what had just
transpired. Looking at the ceiling he thinks, 'Why did I say that?
What have I done? God I'm so stupid.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Monday morning, the panels are closed against the early
morning chill. Keiichi and Kenji are seated at the table quietly
eating breakfast. Belldandy can be heard working in the kitchen.
Breaking the stillness of the morning, Kenji gives voice to
a question that has been bothering him all morning, "Eh . . . Keiichi?
Belldandy spent the night here, didn't she?"
Keiichi's immediate answer is to choke on his rice. After
regaining his composure Keiichi replies very softly, "Yes, but we
slept in different rooms."
"Ah so? Come on Keiichi," Kenji replies, "the point is not
sleeping together. We are both men; you do not need to lie to
me. I know about a man's need."
"And what exactly do you mean 'a man's need' and how would
you know about such things, little cousin?" asks Keiichi.
In a quiet voice Kenji answers, "Well actually, I don't know
first hand about 'a man's need', but I have read manga."
Keiichi asks, "Kenji, about my living arrangement with
Belldandy . . ."
"Wow Keiichi, you mean she stays over all the time?"
"Well -- actually -- she lives here," replies Keiichi.
"Wow, that's really cool, Keiichi. So, where do Skuld and
Urd live?"
"They live here too. Me and the three sisters under one
roof."
"That's so rad, Keiichi. It's like you have your own little
piece of heaven. I can't wait to tell the guys at school. Those
sisters are cute enough to be angels or even goddesses."
Keiichi, thinking, 'I'm dead once he gets home', decides to
change the subject before the possibility that the three sisters
really are goddesses comes up. "Kenji, Belldandy will take you to
school in the sidecar and I will follow on the GSX."
As if on cue, Belldandy enters from the kitchen carrying
three box lunches. "Are we ready to go?" she asks cheerfully.
"Yes," reply the two boys.
'How can she be so cheerful this early in the morning,'
thinks Kenji, maybe she really is a goddess.'
"Well let's go then," speaks Keiichi as he heads toward
the front door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
It is Monday night and Skuld is in her room working on a
small Banpei-kun mecha. She has drawn light brown hair on the
head of the robot and given it dark blue eyes. Holding up the
head in her hands, Skuld begins to speak to it, "Alas poor Kenji,
I know you not, you stupid boy. Why can I not stay mad at you?
What is this spell you have cast upon me? Could this be what
mortals call -- "
Skuld's soliloquy is interrupted by Keiichi knocking at the
door. Quite startled, Skuld quickly hides the head as Keiichi
sticks his head into the room. "Sorry Skuld, but could Kenji use
your computer? My computer is on the fritz again."
Happily she replies, "Yes! I will log him in on my own account."
Behind the door where she cannot see him, Kenji is thinking,
'log in? What sort of a computer does she have?'
In his annoyingly nice -- as Skuld perceives it -- manner,
Keiichi says, "Thank you, Skuld."
Skuld goes over to the computer. "Switch -- on!" she commands
as she turns the computer on. She then sits in front of the computer
and types for a couple of seconds. Various windows and icons begin to
appear on the screen. Skuld turns to face Keiichi. "There you awk. . ."
She finds Kenji, and not Keiichi, is looking over her shoulder at the
computer screen. Very quietly she finishes, ". . . go."
Kenji, looking quietly into Skulk's eyes, pauses for a second
before speaking. "Skuld, I am so sorry about yesterday. I spoke without
thinking; I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Interrupting before he can go on, Skuld replies, "It's OK, Kenji."
And very quietly she finishes, "I forgave you last night."
Kenji, embarrassed at this, changes the topic. "Wow, what
kind of a computer is that?"
Skuld perks up at the technical question. "It is a Son
computer with three processors."
Kenji slightly puzzled asks, "A 'Sun' computer? Does it run
MS Windows?"
"No, we are running X-windows. We don't do MS. The other
place does MS stuff."
Before Kenji can question Skuld by what she means by the
other place and find out that Skuld is a goddess, Keiichi interrupts.
"Well I will leave the two of you alone. Kenji, you are in good hands
with Skuld."
As he leaves, Skuld embarrassed by Keiichi's compliment, yells
in a playful tone, "I still hate you Keiichi." She then turns to Kenji,
"So, what do you need to do?"
Wondering what was that about, Kenji responds, "Well I need
to write a paper for class."
Skuld, happy to have some time alone with Kenji, replies,
"Great, I'll teach all about vi!"
"Vee eye?" echoes Kenji.
Skuld takes his hand and makes him sit next to her in front
of the computer. A little too close for Kenji's comfort, but Skuld
is oblivious to his discomfort and happily explains how to operate
the computer.
Two hours later, Kenji leans back and lets out a sigh.
"Finished. That did not take as long as I thought it would.
Thank you, Skuld. I don't know what I would've done without your
help. You really do know your computer stuff. I never really
understood recursion until you explained it. How does someone so
young know so much?"
Skuld clicks on an icon and Kenji's report begins to print.
Turning toward Kenji, Skuld quietly asks, "Kenji, do you really
think I am just a little girl?"
Kenji thinks, 'what is it about this girl that so affects
me?' before he softly answers, "No, you are a beautiful young
lady." Embarrassed at what he just said, he continues, "Sorry, I
did not mean to be so forward."
Shaking with nervousness, Skuld looks into his eyes. When
she speaks, her voice is barely a whisper. "Please, Kenji. If
you speak the truth of your heart, it is not too bold." She then
adds, "I don't think I will ever be as beautiful as Belldandy."
"I think you are much more beautiful than Belldandy," Kenji
replies, almost too soft to be heard.
Leaning forward, Skuld closes her eyes and lifts her face in
anticipation toward Kenji. Kenji begins to lift his hands to her
face, but stops when they are about half way to her. Frozen with
indecision and a touch of fear, Kenji looks at Skuld for sixteen
heart beats. Suddenly he stands up. "Thank you, Skuld, for all
of your help. Good night." With that, Kenji leaves the room.
Skuld just sits there and watches Kenji leave.
Before Skuld can sort out her feelings about Kenji's sudden
flight, Urd sticks her head in the door way and taunts Skuld.
"Skuld-kun is in love."
Skuld, startled at Urd's entrance, replies defensively, "I
am not!"
"Are too!" counters Urd, thinking, 'you have interfered
enough times in Belldandy's and Keiichi's love life. Let's see
how you like it now that it's your love life we are playing
with.'
Skuld folds her arms across her chest. "You don't know what
you are talking about."
Not letting up, Urd continues teasing Skuld. "The lady doth
protest too much, methinks."(4)
"Shut up, Urd!" With so many emotions flowing though her,
it's the best retort that Skuld can manage.
Urd, irritated at Skuld's abrupt rudeness, counters, "Is
that anyway to talk to your older sister. I am a goddess first
class and deserve respect from you."
Skuld is not about to back down. "Who do you think you are
kidding? We both know you are only a goddess second class! Urd,
if you want some respect, you need to earn it."
Urd, getting visually upset at this, snaps back. "Why you
little whippersnapper, I'll teach you some 'respect'." Waving her
hands above her head, magical energy begins to form as she weaves a
spell. Skuld pulls out a small round object from somewhere, and it
also begins to glow with magical energy.
"Urd, you baka!"(5) shouts Skuld.
"You little punk!" screams back Urd, as magical energies
begin to fly between the two of them.
Kenji, laying on his futon in the dark listens to the two
sisters fight. He cannot help but think, 'what is the matter
with you Kenji?'
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tuesday afternoon Keiichi, Belldandy, and Kenji are all at
school. At the temple Urd is busy working in her room, brewing
various potions in her makeshift lab. Skuld, quietly moving down
the hallway, slips into Keiichi's room. "Switch on," she whispers
as she turns Keiichi's computer on.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Early Tuesday evening, Kenji is walking down the temple
hallway to Skuld's room. Reaching her room, he knocks on the door
frame. "Yes?" Skuld responds to the knock.
Kenji hesitantly replies, "Skuld, could I use your computer
again tonight? Keiichi's computer is still not working."
At this, Skuld smiles a little smile and answers, "I would
like nothing better. Sit down and I will log you on." Kenji
comes in and sits next to Skuld in front of the computer. As
they begin to work, Skuld ever so slightly moves closer to Kenji.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Outside, the last rays of the sunset illuminate the temple.
Keiichi and Belldandy are sitting on the porch quietly enjoying
the sunset and the presence each other.
Keiichi, interrupting the silence, turns toward Belldandy
"Er . . . Belldandy?"
"Yes, Keiichi-san?"
"It is so quiet tonight and . . . "
"Yes?"
"It seems everyone else is busy or otherwise occupied and . . . "
"Yes!" Belldandy prods him on, hoping he would get to the point.
Keiichi slowly reaches out and puts his arm around Belldandy's
shoulders. Belldandy slides closer to Keiichi and puts her arms around
his waist, while Keiichi puts his other arm aroundher waist, and with
his arms encircling her, draws Belldandy to him. Softly he speaks,
"Belldandy . . ."
"Keiichi-san . . . " Belldandy purrs back.
Their heads slowly move toward each other. Just as they are
about to kiss, Skuld comes running out of the house with tears
running down her face. "BIG SISTER!!!"
Keiichi and Belldandy instinctively instantly move away from
each other at the sound. Skuld throws her arms around Belldandy
and begins to softly cry. Belldandy asks, "What's the matter
Skuld?" But Skuld only cries in response to her question.
Keiichi, relieved that Skuld seems to have not noticed their
embrace, feels chagrin at yet another interruption in his love
life. "Er . . . I guess I'll go inside."
Belldandy looking sad, disappointed, and concerned all at the
same time as only Belldandy can, cries out to him, "Sorry, Keiichi-san."
"No problem," politely reassures Keiichi, as only Keiichi can.
Skuld, cries into Belldandy's shoulder, "biff(6) . . .
biff . . . Kenji called me an under developed, under aged tomboy!"
Belldandy tries to comfort Skuld by petting her hair. "It's
OK, Skuld. Tell me all about it."
Skuld quietly begins to tell her tale, "Well we where playing
a computer game when . . . "
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Inside the temple, oblivious to the worries of the outside
world, Kenji and Skuld, each with a joystick in their hands, are
playing a computer game. As they play, Skuld leans back and forth,
left and right following the movements of her ship. Putting her ship
into a particularity tight left-hand turn Skuld bumps into Kenji,
causing both of their ships to crash. Breaking out in laughter they
fall on their backs. Slowly they realize how close they are to each
other, hands just touching. Their laughing slowly ceases and they
become very quiet. Rolling onto his side, Kenji looks into Skuld's
eyes; they are so dark and full of possibilities.
Skuld, looking into Kenji's eyes, thinks, 'is this what
Belldandy sees in Keiichi's eyes?', feeling as though she is
about to fall forever. Closing her eyes and blushing, she lifts
her face ever so slightly toward Kenji.
In that nanosecond of connection with Skuld, a googolplex of
conflicting facts and emotions run though Kenji's mind. She is
so cute, but she is so young, only three years younger, she is
too short, is that really important? She is smart, I only just
meet her. Keiichi will his mother, who will tell my mother.
And in that nanosecond, as Kenji's brain does a core
dump(6) and he begins to lower his head toward Skuld, Urd
wearing a kimono, dangerously lose and threatening to fall off,
walks in.
"Good morning, you two," interrupts Urd.
Looking up and moving away from each other, Kenji and Skuld
ask in unison, "Good morning?"
With the smell of sake on her breath, "Its morning somewhere
in world," Urd informs them.
"Oh," replies Kenji.
"What do you want Urd?" asks Skuld in reply.
"I am just making sure Kenji here doesn't take advantage of
my naive little sister," Urd informs her.
"Urd!" Skuld growls at her sister. The annoyance in her
voice is apparent, even to the deaf.
Turning her attention toward Kenji, Urd, getting down on her
knees, leans forward, her kimono slightly parting at the top, informing
Kenji that she is not wearing a bra. "Kenji, why rob the cradle, when
you have me around? Skuld here is not woman enough for a big strong boy
like you, Kenji. I can teach you a thing or two that this under developed,
under aged, munchkin has never even heard of."
"What . . . what makes you think I would do something like
that with a little kid. What kind of pervert do you take me for?"
Kenji defensively stammers out.
"Well, a pedophile of course," Urd mutters under her breath.
Embarrassed, Kenji's voice rises to a shout, "Urd, I do not
know why you think I would do something with a tomboy like Skuld, but
I am sure not going to do anything with you. I am no necrophile.(8)"
At that, Skuld jumps up and screams, "I am not a kid, you
bakas." Sticking out her tongue, she gives them both a "beedah."
She then runs out of the room with tears streaming down her face.
Startled at Skuld's outburst, and realizing that he had just
insulted her, Kenji gets up and leaves.
Taken aback at Kenji's comments, Urd checks her pulse,
thinking, 'well I still have a pulse. I didn't think I was dead.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Back on the porch, Belldandy and Skuld are sitting quietly
watching the stars come out. Skuld has calmed down. Belldandy
seems lost in thought. Giving Skuld another hug, Belldandy begins
to talk. "Well Skuld, that is just the way boys are sometimes, they
tend not to be very honest about their feelings. They even lie to
themselves. Talk to Kenji. Be truthful with him about your feelings,
and ask him to be truthful with you. But Skuld, prepare yourself, he
may not feel the same as you do. He may not know what he feels. Even
if he does feel the same." Here Belldandy falls silent, seemingly
lost in thought. "Well, even then there many pressures and expectations
on young men. He may not be able to express his feelings for you. At
least not right now. Give Kenji time, Skuld. If what you feel is true
and real it will last, even if it takes many earth years. I had to
wait many years for my Keiichi-san. And even now he still has problems
expressing himself. Be of good cheer, Skuld, the wait may seem long,
but the reward is beyond measure. I am going in now. Don't stay up too
late, I am sure things will be better in the morning. Good night, little
sister." As she gets up to leave, she adds, "I do love thee." And as
Belldandy enters the temple she thinks, 'now where did Keiichi-san
get to?'
Skuld replies, "Thank you, big sister."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Banpei-kun alarm clock mecha next to Kenji begins to play
'The Ride of the Valkyries.'(15) Rolling over, Kenji reaches out
and hits the snooze button. Nine minutes later, the alarm once
more plays 'The Ride'. Pressing the snooze button, Kenji chagrins
when the alarm only begins to play louder. Rolling on his side
Kenji begins to strangle the mecha, but the more he tries the louder
it becomes. After a minute of trying to kill this inanimate object,
Kenji surrenders, opens his eyes, and gets out of bed. 'What a
bummer we have to have computer lab before the regular students
arrive. How I hate to get up in the morning', thinks Kenji as he
dresses.
Walking to the dining room, Kenji does not hear Keiichi or
Belldandy. Arriving at an empty dining room, Kenji sees a lunch
box with his name on it. Sitting before it, Kenji takes the box
between his hands. 'How did this get here, usually Belldandy
packs all their lunches together. Why and who would pack a
single lunch for me? I wonder if I should open it?' As he starts
to open it, Kenji hears Belldandy in the hallway.
"Keiichi-san," Belldandy giggles. Entering the dining room
with Keiichi, and seeing Kenji already there, she says, "Good
morning, Kenji."
"Good morning, Belldandy; good morning, Keiichi," Kenji
greets his cousin and his cousin's girlfriend.
As she makes her way to the kitchen, Belldandy says, "I see
you found the lunch Skuld made for you. I'll have breakfast
ready in a moment."
"Yes," replies Kenji, thinking, 'Skuld made the lunch?'
Sitting down next to his cousin, Keiichi who appears
impossibly chipper this morning begins, "It seems you have made
some impression upon Skuld."
"Yes," and after a pause Kenji asks, "does she make lunch
often?"
"No. As far as I know she has never made a meal until you
showed up. Usually she acts more like a boy than a young girl.
Always building a machine to do one thing or another. She rather
buy a socket wrench than jewelry," Keiichi answers.
"Keiichi, I was mean to her yesterday, don't you think she
should hate me? Maybe she has poisoned the lunch."
"Don't worry, Kenji, the only one that would poison you would
be Urd. And then only when she wasn't trying. The only person
that Skuld hates is me."
"Why is that, cousin?" asks Kenji.
"Well she doesn't approve of my relationship with Belldandy.
Mainly because it takes time away from her."
"I have not noticed that."
"That's because she is spending her time with you, Kenji."
Embarrassed, Kenji's face turns red. He is saved from
having to respond to this as Belldandy enters the room.
"Breakfast is ready," announces Belldandy, ending the two
cousins discussion of the three sisters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wednesday afternoon and the panels of Skuld's room have been
pulled back to let in the afternoon breeze. Skuld is working on a
mecha in her room. Skuld, lost in thought, is worried about how
Kenji will react to her note and what he will decide.
Urd, spying on Skuld, smirks for a second before coming in.
With a dramatic sigh, Urd lays down, almost a swoon, in front of
Skuld. "If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of
it, that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die."(9)
Skuld annoyed, turns slightly so Urd is not directly in
front of her, and continues to work on her mecha while trying to
ignore her unwelcome sister.
Urd secretly smiles at this, as she knows she has hit a
nerve with Skuld. Throwing her arm dramatically across her eyes
and her head back, Urd speaks, "O Kenji, Kenji! Wherefore art
thou Kenji?"(9)
Skuld breaks the small part she is working on in two, but
she keeps her tongue. Skuld turns her back on Urd and pulls out
a small round object with several tubes going in and out of it
from her pocket and begins working on it.
Urd, now having a really hard time keeping from laughing out
loud, continues, "He's beautiful and therefore to be wooed, he is
a boy therefore to be won."(11)
At that, Skuld jumps up and faces Urd. Tears are running
down her face and steam is coming out of her ears. She is angry
and hurt at the same time and cannot decide which to be. She
holds the object she was working on in front of her, pointing it
at Urd like it was some sort of weapon. "URD!... URD!!! . . .
I . . . I . . . I... !!!!"
Urd gets up and looks at Skuld like she was crazy or
something and says, "You are twelve years and four months too
young to dare challenge me." Urd begins to gesture with her arms
above her head. "By the prickling of my thumbs something wicked
this way comes. Open locks whoever . . . "(11)
Urd is cut of in mid-spell as Skuld yells, "Switch -- on!"
The glow of magical energy bursts forth from the sphere Skuld is
holding and sends Urd hurling out the door and across the
courtyard of the temple. Skuld drops her ball and goes running
into the interior of the temple, crying. "Biff . . . biff . . .
biff . . . "
Urd just lies there against the wall of the courtyard.
'Baka' is written on her forehead. 'Maybe I went too far that
time.' She pauses for a moment. "Na!" she decides.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
At Nekomi University, Kenji, alone, is sitting on the lawn
under a cherry tree. The box lunch Skuld make for him sits on
the ground before him unopened. Finally opening the lunch Kenji
finds a folded piece of computer blue bar paper. Unfolding it
Kenji finds a note to him from Skuld. He begins to read:
Dear Kenji-san:
Even though we have know each other for a
short time, I must write these things, even if I
become too bold. I am only asking you to be truthful
Kenji. If you really do believe I am just a kid, then
maybe you should choose to spend your time with Urd.
I do not know how much more I can take of you being nice
to me only when Urd is not around. I am asking you to
be truthful to both me and yourself. But you much choose
Kenji.
Skuld.
After reading it twice, Kenji, folding the paper and placing
it in his shirt pocket, begins to silently eat the lunch Skuld made.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Early Wednesday evening, the sun has just set and the first
stars of the night have begun to appear in the sky. A cool breeze
is blowing through the courtyard. Skuld is sitting under the cherry
tree. A sigh escapes her lips, as her mind is not on the beauty
around her, but on Kenji and dinner earlier that evening.
Kenji had said nothing about her note when he got back from
school. In fact he had gone directly to his room and had not
come out until dinner. And at dinner he had said nothing. After
picking at his food for a few minutes he politely excused himself
and went back to his room.
At least Urd was not at dinner to cause problems. Even now
she was still in her room trying to remove the 'baka' written on
her forehead.
Billions and billions of thoughts and emotions where flowing
through Skuld's mind threatening to overflow her emotional
buffers. Did Kenji get the note? If not why? My goddess, maybe
Keiichi got the note, what horror! If Kenji did get the note,
did he read it? My goddess maybe he threw it out without even
reading it. My goddess, what if he did read it? What if he hates
me now? Not knowing is driving me nuts.
"Skuld," speaks Kenji, standing before her. Interrupting
her processing, causing her brain to core dump and her emotional
buffers to fill up. So lost in though Skuld did not notice Kenji
approach. All of her emotions and thoughts are held in check,
waiting on Kenji's next words.
"Skuld," speaks Kenji, repeating himself and then continuing,
"the lunch you made was very good. Thank you." And after pausing,
he finishes, "I am sorry."
All the fears and uncertainties that were threatening to
overwhelm her disappear, written out to /dev/null. Softly she
replies, "Kenji."
"I know I was a jerk last night," he begins. "I read your
note. You are right, I must be true to myself no matter what
others may expect of me or want. I --."
Before he can finish, Urd, appearing from behind the cherry
tree, greets them. "Well, if it ain't the pedo and the pedophile."
"You mean, arrogant, selfish, violent, pushy, stupid bitch!"
Skuld begins, yelling at her sister.
"Skuld! I'll take care of this," Kenji commands. "Urd, who
are you to judge me? Who I spend time with is my business, you
are not in charge of my life. I do not know what it is I have
done to merit such abuse from you. Is it because I have chosen
Skuld over you? Jealously is such an ugly emotion, and it does
not suit you. But that does not matter. If you wish to insult
me, fine, I can take it. But! Urd, just because you are too old
and too mean to find a husband, does not mean you should take it
out on Skuld." Taking Skuld's hand Kenji finishes, "Come on,
Skuld let's go."
With that the two of them leave the courtyard and head into
the temple. Urd, shocked at the display of backbone in Kenji,
remains standing silently under the cherry tree.
Light headed and in a slight daze, with her heart beating
erratically, Skuld thinks, 'Thank you Kenji, thank you for
choosing me.' and follows Kenji into the temple, her note forgotten,
but the answer remembered forever.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Thursday evening, Urd is seated on the roof top of the main
temple building. Drinking sake, Urd watches the sunset and lets the
melancholy she has been feeling take over. Below, she can see
Kenji and Skuld in the courtyard. They, along with Skuld's
Banpei-kun robot, are playing a friendly game of rugby. On the
other side of the temple, Kenji and Belldandy are packing the BMW
motorcycle and sidecar for a late picnic in the nearby mountains.
As Keiichi and Belldandy drive off, Urd lays back on the roof to
watch the first stars of the night. Urd begins to think, 'With
Kenji, the future belongs to Skuld. Belldandy now has
Keiichi, and the present belongs to her. All I have are my
memories, anchored in the past.' With that thought, Urd softly
cries herself to sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday evening, and Kenji is headed down the temple hallway
towards Skuld's room. Even though Kenji arrived less than a week
ago, it has become routine for Kenji and Skuld to spend the
evening together. Working on Skuld's computer, or one of her
various mecha, or just watching the stars and talking.
Tonight however, Belldandy intercepts Kenji before he
reaches Skuld's room. "Kenji," Belldandy speaks as she enters
the hallway.
"Yes, Belldandy-san," replies Kenji, stopping his forward
progress down the hallway.
"Kenji, we need to talk. Will you walk with me?"
Afraid of what Belldandy will say to him, but unable to say
no, Kenji replies, "Yes."
In silence the two of them leave the temple grounds and head
down the hill toward the city. After walking for about fifteen
minutes Belldandy speaks, "Kenji, Skuld is still very young.
Right now she is going through some major changes.(13) This
makes her very emotionally vulnerable. I would be very upset if
you where to do or say anything that hurt my little sister. Do
not lie to Skuld, Kenji. Truth does not hurt and maim. It may be
difficult and painful to hear and accept -- even to speak -- but
only lies can maim or leave scars. Do not lie to yourself, Kenji.
It is OK to be unsure, to not know what it is you feel. Ask for
time, Kenji. Ask Skuld for time. You both are young, time is on
your side. I can see you where born under a lucky star. And now
you have a goddess looking after you. You have no need to fear
the future Kenji, because she who weaves the future is your
ally."
'Besides,' thinks Belldandy, 'you touch my baby sister
and I'll kill you!'
Despite his bewilderment at Belldandy's talk of lucky stars
and goddesses, and the mortal dread that ran down his spine at
Belldandy's veiled threat, Kenji hears the wisdom of her words.
"Belldandy-san, I promise that I will not lie to Skuld. I do not
mean to hurt her. It is just that I am not very good with
girls."
"Kenji, you just need to have more confidence in yourself.
You are much better with girls than you will ever realize. Just
be yourself, and do not worry about what others think or say.
Now I think it is time you got back. I am sure that Skuld is
waiting for you," Belldandy tells him.
"Thank you," he replies and as he walks away, Kenji
rhetorically asks: "How do you know all these things?"
Unable to lie herself, Belldandy simply answers, "I am a
goddess." A helicopter passing overhead at that movement drowns
out her answer.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It is Sunday afternoon and Skuld is in her room working on
another mecha. She looks up as Kenji knocks on her door. "Yes?"
she replies to the knock.
"Skuld would you like to join me for an Ice Cream at 37(14)
flavors? My treat," asks Kenji, looking a little nervous.
"Yes, but we don't have a 37 flavors around here. There is
however an 131 ice cream store at the bottom of the hill,"
answers Skuld as she gets up and follows Kenji out.
Keiichi, working on his motorcycle in the yard, sees the two
of them leave the temple grounds. Keiichi thinks, 'Hum. . . With
Skuld and Kenji out the house and Urd gone bar hopping, Belldandy
and I are alone. Hum. . . I wonder what Belldandy is doing.'
Getting up, Keiichi enters the temple in search of Belldandy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kenji and Skuld are silently walking down the street. They
are each eating an ice cream cone. Skuld is smiling and appears
to be very happy. Kenji appears to be lost in thought. Stopping
his forward progress, he speaks, "Ah my Skuld?"
Skuld, stopping after taking two steps pass Kenji, turns and
faces him, "Hum?"
Taking a deep breath, Kenji begins, "Skuld, I might be
mistaken, but I'm under the impression that you like me." Skuld
blushes at this. "And I like you too, but I don't want you to
misunderstand what I am about to say. So please listen to what I
am saying with both your mind and your heart. I think you are --
no, I know you are -- very pretty and very intelligent. I do so
like you Skuld, and I'll even admit that I have feelings toward
you. But I feel that you want more from me and from our relation-
ship than I can give right now. Skuld, I so much want us to be
friends, can't we be good friends, best friends? If you or I
where to say those three little words, what then? I promise I'll
come back and visit as soon as I can. Please don't forget me,
Skuld-kun."
Skuld reaches up and, placing her hands on Kenji's
shoulders, she pulls him down toward her, and as she gets up on
her toes, she gives him a quick soft kiss on his cheek and
replies, "Do not worry, my memory of you will even survive
Ragnarok, Kenji-kun."
Before Kenji can react, Skuld turns and begins skipping back
to the temple. Kenji leans against a wall and, looking over the
city, he savors the faint lingering scent of Skuld's hair and the
memory of the touch of her lips upon his cheek.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Skuld, arriving back at the temple, announces, "I am home
everyone!"
From somewhere in the temple, grasping for breath, Belldandy
answers in a panicky voice. "Oh hello, Skuld, I'm afraid dinner
will be a little late tonight."
Skuld replies, "That's all right, I'm not really hungry.
I'll be outside if you need me."
Somewhere in temple Keiichi and Belldandy sigh in relief.
Skuld goes and sits under the cherry tree. With cherry
blossoms floating through the air, she leans back and smiles.
Everything is right in the world.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
It is early Sunday morning, Keiichi is on his motorcycle
warming up the engine. Kenji's bags are already packed on the
back of the sidecar. Belldandy, Urd, and Kenji are standing in
front of the motorcycle. Skuld is not to be seen.
Urd speaks, "Kenji, you are an OK guy. I'm sorry I gave you
such a hard time." Taking Kenji's head in her hands, Urd gives
him a quick kiss on the forehead. "Ciao," she finishes as she
heads into the temple.
"Skuld is waiting for you under the cherry tree to say good-bye.
Never give up hope Kenji," Belldandy informs Kenji. After
giving him a hung, Belldandy turns and goes into the temple.
Moving off towards the cherry tree, Kenji informs his cousin,
"I will be right back, Keiichi."
"Take your time," replies Keiichi.
Rounding the corner of the temple, Kenji sees Skuld standing
under the cherry tree with her back to him. Kenji walks up to her.
Lost in thought, Skuld does not hear him approach. Standing an arms
length from her, Kenji begins to speak, "Skuld --"
Slowly turning around Skuld faces Kenji, torrents of tears
running down her face. Launching herself forward, Skuld wraps
her arms around Kenji's torso, and burying her head in his chest,
she soaks Kenji's shirt with her tears. "Biff . . . biff . . ."
Skuld quietly cries.
Hesitantly, Kenji slowly puts his arms around Skuld. After
holding her quietly for several minutes, Kenji begins to speak.
"By experiencing both sorrow and joy we know we are alive. Today
may be a day of sorrow, but someday Skuld, someday I will be
back. And that will be a day of joy."
Untangling Skuld's arms from his torso, Kenji turns around
and walks around the corner of the temple to where Keiichi is
waiting with the motorcycle. Silently, Kenji gets in the sidecar.
"Everything OK, Kenji?" asks Keiichi.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Kenji turns towards
his cousin and asks, "What was that, Keiichi?"
Repeating himself, Keiichi asks again, "I asked if
everything between you and Skuld was OK."
"Yes," answers Kenji.
His curiosity getting the better of him, Keiichi probes
Kenji as to what he will tell his mother. "So Kenji, I bet you
can't wait to get home and tell your mother all about me living
with three sisters."
Kenji, taken back at Keiichi's question, replies, "What!
Are you crazy? You think I am going to tell my mother I just
spent the last week living under the same roof with three sisters
with no chaperone. I would like to live, thank you very much!"
Adding under his breath, 'I also want to come back.'
Reassured that his mother will not for the time being find
out about his 'living arrangement' with Belldandy, Keiichi guns
the motorcycle down the street.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sunday Evening, Urd is working with her chemistry set,
pouring chemicals from test tube to test tube, mixing and
remixing her potions and elixirs all the while whistling 'The
Magic Fire' light motif(15).
Skuld opens the door behind her and comes in. "Er . . .
older sister?"
Urd, while thinking, 'What's with her being so nice/formal?'
replies, "Yes?"
Skuld finds the courage to ask her question. "What was it
like the first time?"
Urd, still mixing chemicals, but now not paying attention to
what she is doing as much as she should be, asks, "First time
what?"
Skuld, becoming frustrated with Urd's lack of comprehension
of her question and embarrassed at what she is asking, blurts
out, "With a boy, you baka!"
Urd replies "!?" as the test tube in her hand suddenly
explodes into a cloud of black smoke.
FADE TO BLACK,
Fini.
* * * * * * * *
End Notes
1. Gajin: derogatory for a non-Japanese. She is refering to
Belldandy.
2. Ah! My Goddess Vol.1, Chapter 8: "Cherry Blossom Blooms",
Page 149.
3. William Shakespeare, "As You Like It", Act III scene ii.
4. William Shakespeare, "Hamlet", Act III scene ii.
5. Baka = Idiot.
6. "Biff" is the sound Skuld makes when she cries. (This is a
computer joke.)
7. Core Dump: Computer term for when a program blows up.
8. Kenji uses the wrong word here, the word he wants is
gerontophile.
9. William Shakespeare, "Twelfth night, Or, What You Will",
Act I scene i.
10. William Shakespeare, "Romeo and Juliet", Act II scene ii.
11. William Shakespeare, "Henry IV, Part I", Act V scene iii.
12. William Shakespeare, "MacBeth", Act IV scene I.
13. Belldandy is referring to the maturing of Skulds goddess's
powers. Kenji interprets this as her menses.
14. This is another computer joke.
15. Richard Wagner, "Das Valkarie"
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