Ah! My Goddess!

-System Shock-

Episode One: Ah! My Eagerness Grows!

The sun beckoned through the blinds casting a glow onto the floor. Keiichi pretended not to feel its warmth caress his cheek hoping that it was nothing but a dream attempting to stir him from slumber. How he wished Belldandy would be the one to wake him, better yet, wake him with a kiss. He overcame a mental sigh, it was all too obvious that was nothing but wishful thinking. They were no where near that level in their relationship.

He lied there wondering when it would ever get to that point. Could it be today, tomorrow, sometime next week? There was no telling. Not with him. The only way that would happen would be if Urd had managed to devise yet another scheme to get him and Belldandy close.

Speaking of which...

He opened one eye searching his room for any signs of intrusion. Usually Urd had a way of knowing when he was awake and would come barging into his room to rouse him. However, he was pleasantly surprised to hear nothing but the sweet sound of silence. Lifting himself and rubbing the slumber from his eyes he continued to listen. Maybe she was waiting for him to let his guard down?

He stood up and pried his door open poking his head out from behind the slider scanning the hall of any signs of life but none where to be found. That was odd, he thought. By this time there would be at least some kind of bickering between Urd and Scald. He couldn't complain, the silence was a welcome addition besides the countless visitors that constantly made their way to the temple.

"Oh, I see you're awake. Breakfast is ready," said a sweet voice.

Keiichi spotted Belldandy standing at the end of the hall greeting him with yet another precious smile. He smiled but said nothing. He could never get tired of those smiles. They always seemed to bring his heart to a warm stand still.

Upon entering the living area he found his morning meal sitting at the table eagerly awaiting to be devoured. At the other end of the table sat his love whom was now engaged with a cup of green tea.

"It sure is awfully quiet," he said as he took a seat before her, "Where are the other two?"

"Didn't they tell you? They both had to go back to Heaven for their annual refresher courses. It just so happens they have to take theirs at the same time. So it's just you and me,"

Keiichi could feel the rice suddenly plug itself within his throat. Just him and Belldandy? There was no telling what kind of mishaps that were to follow.

"Are you alright?" she asked, her eyes becoming clear with concern.

He smiled and waved it off. It had been a while since he and Belldandy had been alone together. If it weren't for her sisters constantly interrupting them it would be the colorful friends he had that would somehow make an appearance.

They sat in silence, wonderful silence, as he ate. There were no classes for the next week and he had finished his assignments the day before so there was no work to be done. Smooth sailing, he hoped.

"Keiichi?"

Peering up from his bowl he could see Belldandy's precious face illuminate from the sun's glow. He could feel his cheeks redden, her beauty knew no bounds, "Yeah?"

She looked away. He could tell there was a slight tint of red on her face, "Since we have no class and my sisters are off doing their Goddess duties. I was wondering if... you would like to go on a date with me?"

He realized how comfortable he had grown around her. He remembered the days where a simple question related to anything about the opposite gender would send his blood to a boil. But now it was nothing more than a simple grin that would appear on his face.

"That's funny, usually I'm the one who asks," he said as he coaxed a laugh.

"I'm sorry," she said hurriedly, "If you like, you may ask me instead,"

"It's completely fine. I think a date is long overdue," he said.

They had been together for nearly a year and half. How time flew and yet here he was. If someone were to tell him back before he called the Goddess helpline that he would be in a relationship with a Goddess he would have completely blew off the notion. Now it was all like a endless dream. Not only did he gain a loving Goddess but also a family.

He began to think of things to do. They could go into town and catch a movie, visit the countless parks, take a train ride to the countryside. The possibilities were nearly endless with no one to get in their way. But before he could say a word he noticed a small pamphlet sitting on the table.

"I think we should go here," said Belldandy with a curt smile.

Keiichi took the pamphlet noting the picture of a forest on the first panel, "You want to go hiking?"

Belldandy nodded. Hiking huh? That was a pretty odd choice if he had to state his opinion. It wasn't exactly the typical dating outing but it was sure different from what he was used to. However, the thought of how Belldandy came to such a suggestion was beyond him.

"What makes you want to go hiking?" he could help but ask.

"Well, you see, I find it calming and relaxing to walk through a forest. If you concentrate enough you can feel the mighty power of the earth beneath your feet, the whispers of the wind through the trees and the tranquility of the environment. I want to share that with you, if that's alright?"

That was Belldandy for you, he thought.

He smiled, "Alright, let's go,"

"Excellent!"

Keiichi began to place spare clothing into his knapsack. He never really went hiking, camping sure but hiking? It was all new to him so he couldn't really think of what to pack. Flashlight, check. Matches, check. Back up batteries, check. Extra underwear... well... you can never be too careful.

From behind him he could hear his door slide open, "I'm almost done," he said.

Suddenly, he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist. He felt his body freeze with confusion.

"Bell... dandy?"

"I just... want to take the time to give you a hug," she whispered, "We don't normally get time to just be in each others arms. I don't want to waste this moment,"

He had first felt the urge to jump up, to escape in fear of Scald walking in on them but there was nearly no risk of that happening. It was true, whenever they found themselves in such an embrace it was always interrupted by someone or something. It couldn't hurt to relish the moment, to seize the opportunity. He felt blood rush to his face and heat escape his ears. He had to be a man and show her his feelings the way they were meant to be shown.

He spun on his heel and held her. Her light frame buried in his own arms was nothing short of a blessed feeling. Her scent, rife with life and the sweetness of honey. How this moment never felt so right, so in tune with his desires... desires...

They locked eyes. Her eyes sparkled with a piercing blue hue that could not be matched. How he felt himself lost in them like a pool of warmth. She was stunning, so beautiful and so close.

Before he knew it he felt his forehead touched hers, he could feel her soft blue emblem signaling her Goddess-hood burn into his third eye. Her lips, glimmering in the light. How he wanted to taste them, to absorb her Goddess skin with his. Her warm breath flowing across his dry but yearning lips.

"I should finish packing," he found himself saying turning back to his knapsack that sat at his feet.

"Yes, you are right. I should do the same," he heard her say. And with that the door to his room slid shut.

Belldandy clutched her chest feeling an overwhelming pressure grip her. She had never felt something like this before. It was as if the power in her veins were clawing for an escape. Something inside wanted release but she could not oblige. That moment, she thought, when Keiichi had her in his arms she could feel some type of energy emit from him. It called out to her begging to be revealed but it disappeared before she could touch it. What was wrong with her? It was like she could not control her power. It was acting against her like a child throwing a tantrum.

She let out a long sigh as she felt her power slowly retreat back into quietness. Could it be? No, she thought, that couldn't be the reason. She was in control of herself, there was no way her power could fall in such a way to betray her. Then again, she was at the right age, she had never felt this way towards anyone before. Maybe it was finally time to come to terms with it. She was a woman after all. No shame in that... right?

Noon approached once they made it to the outskirts of the forest. Keiichi had never been this far out of town. It was almost as if he had traveled to a new world void of man made creations. He could see the mighty mountains tower in the distance filled with nothing but green foliage cascading like a waterfall all the way to the bottom. He had never been the one to get excited about nature but this was something else.

"Plan on going up the mountain?"

Keiichi turned to see a man sporting hiking gear, his rugged features no doubt reflecting his experience with the wilderness, "Yeah, we plan to explore a little,"

The man glanced at Belldandy who replied with nothing more with a smile. The man peered back at Keiichi before saying, "I'd be careful if I were you. There's a lot of wind past the ridge. Pretty sure there might be a storm approaching,"

Keiichi and Belldandy exchanged a look of concern, "Thanks for the tip. We'll be careful,"

The man simply nodded before glancing at Belldandy one last time before he proceeded down the path behind them.

"Keiichi, do you think it's still a good idea to go on? If we get caught in the storm it could get dangerous. I won't be upset if you decide go back home,"

Keiichi brushed it off, "I think we'll be fine. There's not a cloud in the sky, I'm pretty sure by the time we see the first rain clouds we can make our way back in time,"

"Well, if you're sure,"

Urd sighed loudly as she nonchalantly stared at a computer screen. She had been staring at the same screen for what seemed like hours. This was no fun, she thought, she would rather be watching her favorite television show. No matter, she had to finish this if she wanted to back to the surface.

"Urd, can you do nothing else but sigh and moan? You know the faster we can finish the course the faster we can go back to the surface. Aren't you the least bit concerned about big sis?" said Scald as she frantically ticked away at the keyboard.

Urd obnoxiously yawned kicking her feet up. While it was true they needed to finish, she still had to stall for time. She promised Belldandy she would keep the two of them, more specifically Scald, away so she and Keiichi could have some alone time. It was tough trying to be a good big sister but she couldn't see how much longer she could maintain her sanity. Hopefully her advice would be enough to help Belldandy get the gears in motion.

"I hope Keiichi is not going to try anything stupid while I'm gone. If he tries to pull a fast one with big sis I'm going to destroy him,"

Urd rolled her eyes, "Scald, why don't you just leave the alone every so often. I mean, Belldandy is a grown woman with her own desires. Why not let her live her life the way she wants,"

The slow agonizing chime of keyboard keys suddenly came to a halt knocking Urd out of her daydreaming haze.

"What... what do you mean by... desires?" said Scald.

Urd felt a devilish smile crawl across her bronze lips. Surely she could preoccupy her time torturing her younger sister, "Oh you know, desires. Love, lust. The need to satisfy her innermost temptations with a man. It's natural, I assure you,"

"Tempt... temptations?"

Urd spun around in her chair feeling as though she was on the verge of reaching pure amusement, "What? How do you think we were born? We didn't just pop out of nowhere. Plus, you wouldn't believe how many times the wishes we grant have to do with... well you know... then again, you might be a little too young for that,"

Scald's chair fell hard sending a loud bang to echo throughout the room. Urd could only attempt to hold in the utter hilarity building within her chest.

"Are you saying... big sis and Keiichi... might..."

Urd could only cup her mouth to conceal the ridiculous smile that blossomed onto her face. This was all too rich. Maybe their annual refresher courses wouldn't be so boring after all.

"You might just... wait..."

"You had better be joking..."

"Shut up, Scald. Don't you feel that?"

The sisters stood in silence. Urd stared aimlessly as a sinking feeling soon gripped at her stomach as if something ominous was looming nearby. It was a feeling she was all too familiar with and one she grew to hate.

"Urd? I can't feel anything," whispered Scald.

Maybe it was nothing or it could be the cheap gas station food she had on the way here. She hoped it was just a glitch somewhere.

"I have a feeling something terrible is coming. I'm just hoping it's my imagination,"

Belldandy and Keiichi walked in silence as they traversed the dirt path farther into the forest. He desperately wanted to say something but with the way he ended things back at the temple he found it difficult to find a topic. He knew she was thinking about something, the look in her eyes screamed contemplation but with his track record with women it wouldn't be easy to decipher what was on her mind.

"Belldandy, could I ask you a question?" he said, his voice cracking with indecisiveness.

Belldandy snapped out of her trance, "But of course, Keiichi,"

"Well, I was wondering. I hope this isn't a too personal question but... how many boyfriends have you had before?"

He knew it was a touchy subject judging by the flush in her cheeks, however, she did not waver from an answer, "Well, to be honest, you would be the first."

"Really? I find that hard to believe,"

"Not at all," she said, "If you think about it, there's not many men where I'm from and I've been so consumed with my duties as a Goddess I never really thought about seeking a romantic relationship,"

He nodded as he began to process this new found information. He had always wondered about it but was always too afraid to ask in fear of delving too deep into her own personal life. However, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. This relationship was new to the both of them and this way they could experience it first hand together.

"May I be so bold as to ask you the same question?" she said.

To say he didn't expect the same question in return would be an outright lie, "To tell you the truth you're my first too. I've never been very good when it comes to women. I always end up messing up somehow. I really don't think I could offer a girl anything,"

"But that's not true at all," retorted Belldandy, "You are a kind, sweet man who always places others before himself. I think that's one of the things I fell in love with,"

Keiichi chuckled, "I don't think you can count the amount of things I love about you,"

"Do you mean that?"

"Of course, you're the best thing to happen to me,"

A strong gust of wind whipped through the trees tossing massive amounts of leaves in all directions. Belldandy felt her power suddenly burst from within seeping at the seams. It was as if her insides could not contain the massive surge. She fell to her knees clutching her chest feeling her magic pour from her heart.

"Belldandy!" cried Keiichi.

She looked up and could see him being bombarded with the powerful winds. She wanted to stand and protect him but her legs felt as if they had lost their will to act. She couldn't control it. She just couldn't.

Suddenly she heard what sounded like a loud crack. From the corner of her eye she could see a large tree beginning its decent towards the earth. If she didn't do anything then Keiichi would be struck and seriously hurt. She attempted to conjure a spell but the words would not form. The only thing in her mind was Keiichi.

Keiichi...

She had to clear her mind, she had to stop thinking about him. Maybe that would force herself to regain her power.

Oh mysterious void, grant me the strength to see clearly, empty my mind and cleanse my soul and allow me to focus...

The lost strength in her legs manifested allowing her to rise. She quickly darted to him and with a mighty lunge shoved Keiichi away from the falling tree sending it crashing down leaving a massive cloud of dust to kick into the air. The wind died and the forest went silent leaving the two of them panting with adrenaline.

"Are you alright, Keiichi?"

He nodded, "I think so,"

Belldandy let out a sigh of relief. Just now, if she hadn't been able to regain herself Keiichi could have died. Because of her she might have lost the very thing she loved. The tears came almost instantly as she sat holding her hands to her face. She could have cost Keiichi his life because she wasn't strong enough to contain her power. This was supposed to be a date and instead it turned into a near death situation.

"Please, don't cry, Belldandy. I'm fine, see?" said Keiichi holding himself out to her. In her watery gaze she could see several scrapes along his face alongside a massive bruise on his arm. The sight nearly made her bawl as she sunk her face deeper into her hands. She couldn't hold it any longer allowing herself to release a long sorrowful wail. She was a terrible Goddess only capable of bringing misfortune.

"I'm... so... sorry," she sobbed, "It's all my fault,"

He pulled her into an embrace. He could feel her hands grip tightly on his shirt as her tearful sobs began to cease, "You've done nothing wrong. You and I are safe and that's all that matters,"

The sound of thunder roared in the distance. Keiichi glanced at the sky spotting a massive black cloud approaching from the horizon. He cursed under his breath. There was no time to head back. They would be caught in the storm for sure. They needed to find a place to take shelter and judging by the surroundings that wasn't about to be an easy task.

The rain came faster than he thought. He pulled his drenched knapsack into the mouth of the cave feeling his skin becoming saturated. Belldandy sat several feet away watching him attempt to dry himself. She wanted to cast a spell to help him but she could feel her power spark in her veins. She couldn't afford a repeat of what had just happened. Maybe it was for the better she keep her power suppressed in the meantime, at least until she could fully understand the reasoning behind the outbursts.

"Sorry, I guess I should have kept a better eye on the weather," he said as he began to search his waterlogged knapsack.

"What are we to do now?" asked Belldandy as she watched him dig into the contents of his bag. Keiichi gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'm glad I packed some matches. I can make a fire and dry off my clothes. Speaking of which I also managed to pack a few spares as well,"

"Can I help in some way?"

"If you can find some dry brush that would help speed things up,"

The two of them shot a look at the entrance of the cave, the rain was now dropping by the buckets full limiting their options.

"There must be something deeper in this cave, I'll go look," said Belldandy.

Keiichi gave her a look of concern before saying, "Be careful,"

She nodded and proceeded deeper into the darkened abyss.

As she edged deeper into the void she found herself lost in thought. Things were simply not going the way she hoped. And it was all because of her. Her power was now working against her preventing any closeness she could attain from being with him. If this continued she would end up defaulting on her contract with Keiichi ultimately forcing her to go back to Heaven. She couldn't let that happen, she had to find the cause of her power disobedience.

She found a small patch of dried grass and with that made her way back towards the entrance. That is until she felt something watching her.

"Having trouble, are we?" said a dark voice.

Belldandy stood in place, her blue eyes darting from one darkened corner to another trying to find the source of the anomaly, "Show yourself,"

"And ruin all the fun? Absolutely not. Do not fret, I have no need to quarrel with you just yet. I only want to extend to you some answers. Answers you desperately seek,"

"But... how do you know?"

"I know much. You must be wondering why you are experiencing such an influx of your power. Am I right?"

Belldandy said nothing as she continued to find the source of the disembodied voice.

"You are at your most vulnerable time in your Goddess life. Because you are not in Heaven you now have earthly desires. While you are no longer safe within the barriers of Heaven you are slowly adapting human characteristics. While its true all Goddesses go through the same phase it's not as prevalent. Your Goddess self is conflicted with the human essence you are beginning to adapt. If you continue to deny yourself of your... desires... your powers will continue to thrash violently within you until the point where you will become so unstable... you will eventually... how should I put this... tear yourself apart. Give into your desires, Goddess. It might be the only way,"

The presence Belldandy had felt vanished from her senses leaving her to ponder in darkness. If what the entity said was true then there was no telling what could happen. She needed to control herself or else she might be forced into a situation she would never be able to forgive herself for.

Belldandy gently placed the dry grass in a neat pile. She was so lost in thought she didn't notice Keiichi trying to gather her wondering attention.

"Hey, are you alright?" he asked.

She nodded but did not make eye contact. She couldn't bring herself to look at him knowing what she would have to potentially do to rid herself of her ailment. She watched as Keiichi lit the brush pile with a match sending a small plume of smoke into the air. She watched the fire dance seemingly moving in a promiscuous manner. It was like the universe was trying to tell her what had to be done but she was too afraid to admit it.

"You're not still worrying about what happened earlier right?" he asked her attempting to kick start a conversation.

"No, I'm fine. You should really dry those clothes. You will definitely catch a cold if you stay in them," she said. He had almost forgotten he was still soaked to the bone from the rain. He stood to remove his shirt only to realize Belldandy was staring right at him. He didn't know whether or not to ask her to turn around or to venture deeper into the cave to change. He attempted to say something but he found himself lost in the moment.

"I don't mind if you change in front of me, Keiichi. It's only natural, right?" she said her eyes focusing on her lap.

There was no way around it, he thought, he had to be a man about this. If anything, he was only drying his shirt and pants. There was nothing wrong about just taking that off. He proceeded in removing his clothes taking caution not to look Belldandy in the eye even though he could feel her delicate eyes watching him. It was unlike her to be so indifferent towards something like this. Normally she would take the initiative to turn away or give him privacy, then again, given the circumstances there was no helping it. He placed his shirt and pants next to the fire taking heed not to burn them in the process.

"Um, Keiichi?" he heard her say, "Don't you think it would be better if you were to... take that off as well? I'm sure you didn't pack an entire set of extra garments for nothing,"

If he had ever felt his heart pulse this would be the crowning moment. Could he even fathom getting completely naked in front of a girl, Belldandy no less? If anything, why is she being so insisting on it? He slipped his fingers underneath the elastic waistband but found himself staring right into her eyes.

"Are you sure about this? I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable," he said hoping she would supply the right answer.

Her face deepened with red, "Of... of course not. I'm never uncomfortable around you,"

He took in a long breath. Where was Scald when you needed her? He closed his eyes and with a flurry of speed tore off his boxer shorts throwing them dangerously close to the fire. He immediately snatched a dry pair from his bag and hoisted them to his hips. The silence was deafening and he could feel the hot grip of embarrassment wrap its fingers around his neck. Fearing the worst he stole a glance from Belldandy and immediately felt relief come to his aid.

She had looked away.

He sat himself close to the fire, oddly enough he felt even colder without his soaked clothes. His eyes lifted past the fire and towards the Goddess who maintained a gaze outside of himself.

"You know, it looks like you got a little wet too. Did you bring anything?" he asked.

Belldandy peered down at her outfit realizing that she too had gotten wet from the rain. She glanced at her own backpack and began to search only to come to the conclusion that she had somehow misplaced her spare clothing.

Before she could say anything she found herself staring at a small stack of clothes. Keiichi stood over her holding a small bundle, a sheepish grin across his lips.

"I'm glad I over packed," he said hoarsely.

She thanked him and stood lifting her blouse just above her navel.

"Do you want me to turn around?" he asked.

In truth, before her power had begun to act without her consent she wouldn't have placed too much thought about exposing herself to Keiichi, however, her mind was now in a different state and the lying undertones were all too obvious to ignore.

"It's quite alright, I have no problem with you looking," he said.

He wished she didn't say that. He would have felt more at ease if she had asked him to look away, hell, he probably would have invited such a request. He didn't want it to look as if he was enjoying watching her undress but he didn't want to make her feel bad by looking away either. He was now between a rock and hard place... a very hard place.

He watched as she lifted her blouse up and over her head exposing her perfect figure. The fire wasn't making it any easier as its light flickered from one side to another illuminating every angle of her body. Her fingers then reached for her skirt as it seemingly fell to the ground with grace.

Wow, she had such long legs... stop it, he thought. He had to maintain composure. He wasn't that kind of guy. He always respected Belldandy, he couldn't betray her virtue like that.

But... she was just so beautiful. Her fair skin radiating with such vibrancy, her perfect curves along with those enticing hips. The more he attempted to remain calm the more shivers began to race down his back and he was positive it had nothing to do with being cold.

Suddenly, he saw her hands reach behind her back. He knew what was coming next and there was absolutely no way to avoid it. Instinctively he shut his eyes hoping her eyes did not feel the need to find his.

"Keiichi," she whispered.

"Yeah?" he said with a cringe.

"Do you... do you find me attractive?"

"But of course-"

Without thinking he opened his eyes and the sight alone almost made his heart stop. Belldandy stood in the amber glow of the fire, her pure eyes staring at him with a look of both uncertainty and longing. She skillfully covered her bare chest with her arm but not leaving much else to the imagination. It would be an amazing feat if she could not hear his heart thrashing violently against his chest. His mind simply went blank. He couldn't even mouth something to say. His body had completely gone into paralysis.

"Are... are you ashamed to look at me?" she continued.

"No... no that's not it at all... I'm just not used to seeing you like... this,"

He clenched his eyes shut once more hoping this moment would pass. He couldn't take it, all this was just too surreal. If this continued, there was no telling what would happen. With a little nerve he managed to pry a single eye open and to his relief she stood wearing his clothes. It was funny, seeing her feminine figure still able to show through his boyish clothing.

They said nothing for what seemed like hours. The storm continued without any signs of slowing and here they were sitting before a fire. Some date this was, he thought, it was nothing short of close calls and raw encounters. His heart couldn't possibly take any more of this.

Choo!

Belldandy's head quickly lifted like a cat sensing a soft sound, "You must be freezing,"

He shook his head, "I'm alright, I think I just got a shiver,"

"Silly, that means you're cold,"

She stood up from her spot and walked over to him planting herself beside him. He shuttered, the anxiety had only just begun.

"There, we should be able to get a lot warmer this way," she said.

"Belldandy?"

"Yes?"

He swallowed, "Is there... something the matter?"

Her eyes followed the dancing fire thinking back at what the disembodied voice had spoken to her. Should she tell him? Would he be able to understand without thinking wrongly of her? She didn't want to scare him or make it seem as if she wasn't the person that he loved so much but she knew keeping the situation a secret would only hurt them down the road. But how could you explain such a complicated situation like this, especially when it involved potentially doing something very intimate in order to remedy it. She never thought life could be this complicated, yet here it was beckoning an answer.

"I will not lie to you, Keiichi. There is a certain situation that I cannot ignore but it's hard to explain," she said.

"Well, try me. Whatever it is I'm sure it's not that complicated," he said reassuringly. She smiled as she looked at him. How she loved him for his unrelenting concern. Maybe he would truly understand such a delicate topic.

"You see... I..." she began.

Her words were cut short for his lips connected with hers. The sudden action took her by surprise sending electricity running rampant along her body. This feeling, she thought, there was nothing else like it in the world. He had become her gift and their love the ribbon.

This was the first time she had ever kissed someone with such feelings. It was almost foreign but she welcomed it. To feel his warm lips against her own only made her body tingle with excitement. She could feel her insides begin to pulse, her power began to reach new levels; levels she thought were impossible with her limiter.

He pulled away. Belldandy sat motionless, her heart raging within. This couldn't be it, she thought, there had to be more. Her heart demanded it.

Thunder roared throwing down lightening in blinding bursts. The wind grew in intensity sending rain in torrents against the mouth of the cave. The fire they had been taking refuge with blew out plunging them into a gloomy pale gray. Keiichi's eyes widened as he struck a look at Belldandy who sat beside him clutching her chest.

"What's going on?" he called hoping to be heard over the storm.

She clutched herself praying she would be able to restrain the massive surge of raw magical power that threatened to escape her, "Keiichi, run..."

"What?"

"RUN!"

The cave filled with light as Belldandy's eyes began to glow a mystical bright blue. Keiichi didn't know what to do, there was no time to run, there was no way to escape.

He was done for.

"Get down!"

The mountains trembled as an ethereal explosion propelled skyward sending an orb of rain scattering in all directions. Keiichi blinked, somehow he hadn't been killed but how?

"Urd?"

The bronze Goddess stood before him, her arms outstretched holding what seemed to be a protective barrier. However, something seemed off. Urd began to pant, her legs began to quiver. Looking up Keiichi could see boulders beginning to seep through the barrier.

"Scald! Hurry up will ya? I'm holding up an entire side of a freaking mountain!" she called. Suddenly a massive mechanical claw erupted from the rubble and into the barrier hoisting him away from the scene. The next thing he knew he was lying in the wet grass, rain falling all around him.

"Just what the heck is going on?" Scald screamed, she looked over to Keiichi who stumbled to his feet, "What did you do?"

"Me? I didn't do a thing. I don't even know what happened myself,"

"Scald!" called Urd.

The small Goddess flicked the joystick to her remote sending the mechanical arm back into the crumbling mountainside. Finally, it began to retract pulling both Urd and Belldandy from the death trap. The two of them hit the ground hard causing the earth to shake. Urd coughed as she regained her footing.

"Keiichi, what the hell is going on?" she bellowed.

Keiichi found himself shouting back, "I'm telling you, I don't know!"

The three of them ceased fire as they noticed Belldandy begin to stir. Urd rushed to her side a look of great concern not commonly found on her elegant face.

"Belldandy, are you..."

Urd's face became stoned as her body began to rise from the ground, her arms flailing madly at the hand that gripped her throat. She wheezed and coughed trying to manage a sound but it was ultimately futile.

"Big sis, what are you doing?" screamed Scald.

Belldandy stood, her eyes wielding a heavy glazed look about them. Keiichi could only stare in horror trying to comprehend of what was happening. This simply could not be happening. How could it? She was a first class, unlimited licensed Goddess.

Then, he saw something that made his heart sink.

Urd had lifted her arm into the sky, lightning beginning to spark. She was to unleash a lightening spell and by the looks of it a powerful one.

"No, Urd. Don't!" shouted Keiichi.

But it was too late, the thunder called down a fury of lightening into one mighty bolt sending it crashing down from the sky.

"Don't do it, Urd!" pleaded Scald, "that's our sister!"

Urd peered down into the empty eyes of Belldandy only then to realize her mistake. Belldandy's eyes suddenly returned to normal and the grip on her neck loosened. She was back to normal.

Boom.

The bolt of lightening struck the Goddess with a violent crash. An awful, gut wrenching scream propelled from Belldandy's lips sending her falling to the wet ground in a cloud of static. Urd could only cup her mouth in sheer terror.

She used one of her most powerful spells.

One that could kill.

Ah! My Goddess!

-System Shock-