An Oh My God FanFic

                          The Hazards of Divinity

                                         by


                               Part 1 - Section B

                                   Brett Handy


     I felt a small twinge of warning as Urd followed the
guard from the room.  Makoto was silently examining the mock-
up Eye of God and I gave him a curious look, "Care to explain
about Fatora?", I asked.

     Nanami laughed loudly, from where she was standing at the
window, "Let's say she has unusual tastes", she commented.

     I nodded, "I figured as much", then I looked around, "So
there's not much you can do for us huh?", I asked Makoto.

     Makoto shook his head sadly, "I'm sorry", he said, "But I
wouldn't know where to start....".

     I nodded and walked towards the door.  "Where are you
going?", Nanami asked.

     I gave her a shrug, "No where", I replied, "Just for a
walk".

     Before she could offer to accompany me, I slipped outside
and started down the corridor.  Not really watching where I
was going I ended up in a large garden, it had a spectacular
view and I watched the horizon for a few moments.  Reflexively
I swatted at a fly that was buzzing near my ear, unfortunately
the fly was a bit bigger than what I'd consider the norm (and
believe me, Australia has some BIG flys, but a foot long is
just a little too much, don't you agree?).

     I was about to call for assistance (ie: scream in fear)
when it suddenly jumped from my shoulder and flew around in
front of me, just out of arm's length.  It hovered at eye
level and made a strange buzzing noise.  It flew away a few
meters and then back to me.  I followed the strange-looking
creature as it led me through the gardens, to a point where a
large floating ship was waiting.

     It flew onto the ship and landed.  I looked around
carefully, not noticing anyone in close proximity.  Walking up
the plank I looked down at the little fly, "So now what?", I
asked it.

     A pair of strong arms grabbed me from behind and I felt
myself lifted from the ground.  Striking out with a foot, I
connected not with flesh, but with the hard shell of some kind
of insect.  Remembering Shayla and Afura's tale of the
'Bugrom' I went limp suddenly.

     "CAREFUL!", a voice shouted, "I don't want my prize
damaged!".

     The bug made some kind of reply and lowered me carefully
to the deck.  I felt it's hands/feelers/whatever checking me
over for injuries and I hooked my foot around the joint in one
of it's back legs, "Surprise!", I shouted, pushing the bug and
pulling with my leg.

     The Bugrom fell off to one side and I leapt to my feet,
only to find myself surrounded by five Bugrom solders. 
Looking around I noticed that we were no longer attached to
the palace garden and were rapidly moving away.  At the tiller
of the craft was a young man, he was wearing some kind of
armour (which looked a little insectoid itself) and had a
triumphant look on his face.

     "Oh no!", he chided me, "You aren't getting away... not
from me!!!", then he began to laugh.  I've known people who's
laughs really annoy me, one of my best friends has a laugh
that drives me nuts.  But this guy... this guy's laugh made me
want to strangle the very life from him.

     Since it was obvious that I couldn't escape from the bugs
and even if I could I'd have to figure out a way to fly, I
offered no resistance as they tied me up, binding my hands
behind my back.

     "CHICO!", the young maniac called from the tiller, "You
come here and steer this thing!".  I watched silently as the
young man walked calmly towards me and sat down on the deck
opposite me.

     "So", he said, feigning polite conversation, "You're new
around here, aren't you?".

     "Mate", I disdainfully, my usual manners deserting me,
"You just figure that out?? I guess you've got a brain smaller
than these bugs".

     "SILENCE!", he screamed in my face, "YOU WILL ADDRESS ME
AS LORD JINNAI!".

     I gave him a curious look, "Or what?", I asked.

     He raised his fist and I braced myself.  But to my
surprise one of the bugs grabbed his arm before he could swing
and shook it's head.

     Jinnai controlled himself with an effort, "Very well
then", he said, "Only because Queen Deva insists that you are
not to be harmed".

     I suddenly found myself blindfolded and I fumed in
silence.  I concentrated hard, but couldn't access even the
least amount of power, I couldn't even call Urd for help.  My
expression must have been confusing to anyone watching me,
bound and blindfolded, but a small smile on my face.  Urd was
the only one who could help me now... and I was thinking of
all the unpleasant things that would be waiting for these bugs
once she found me.

                                  ****** 

     Urd had a grim expression on her face as the guard led
her through the halls of the palace.  She was still coming to
terms with her new relationship with Brett and things had
taken sudden turn.  "Hell", Urd thought, "I only get things
straightened out with him... and..".  Now she had to deal with
a princess who had a great deal of influence with the people
who could help her.  Urd shuddered slightly, remember the
looks that Fatora had been giving her last night at dinner, it
was only her quick thinking that had averted an embarrassing
situation.

     "Please proceed", the guard said, gesturing for her to
enter an open archway, "the princess awaits you inside".

     Urd nodded curtly and walked in.  She was pleasantly
surprised to see a simple room, tastefully decorated and have
a kind of 'hominess' about it.  In the middle of the room, on
a large pile of pillows was the princess.

     "Do come in", Fatora drawled, "I've been so wanting to
speak to you".

     Urd walked across the room and sat down on a pillow
opposite the lounging princess.  "What did you want to speak
to me about, your highness?", Urd asked.

     "Oh", Fatora said, gesturing negligently, "This and
that...".

     Urd frowned slightly, "I'm afraid that I do have some
rather pressing matters...", she began.

     "Nothing that can't wait", Fatora said firmly, "What I
have to offer you is so much more important".

     Urd looked almost amused, "And what might that be?", she
asked finally.

     Fatora leaned closer, "Something a commoner such as
yourself can't possibly imagine", she said, "A chance to
become my concubine".

     Urd paused for a moment before she burst out laughing,
"Concubine?!?!", she laughed, "Me?!?!?".  Urd continued to
laugh and Fatora's expression darkened.

     "You find something amusing in my offer?", Fatora asked
icily.

     Urd's laugher finally subsided and she shook her head,
"You really don't give up, do you?", she asked.

     Fatora pretended confusion, "I'm sure I don't know what
you mean", she said innocently.

     Urd smiled, "I'm sure", she said, "and I have to ask how
you managed to get that raspberry tart out of your hair so
easily?".

     Fatora's eyes flashed angrily, "How did you do that?",
she snapped, "Is that the ability you gained coming here from
earth?".

     Urd was about to respond when Alielle walked into the
room carrying a tray with some wine on it, "Here we go", she
said in a cheerful voice, "I'm sure we'll all feel better
after some refreshment".

     Fatora nodded curtly and accepted the glass she was
offered.  Urd took the offered drink and sipped at it
cautiously, "Not bad", she said.

     Alielle sat herself beside Fatora, resting her head on
the princess' leg, "I'm so glad you decided to visit with us",
Alielle purred.

     Urd grimaced, "I wasn't aware I had a choice in the
matter", she said, "All things considered I'd rather be back
with Brett, trying to find a way home".

     Alielle sat up sharply, "But wouldn't you prefer to stay
with us?", she asked curiously, "Makoto and the others all
seem to prefer it here".

     Urd shook her head, "I can't abandon my family.. my
sisters would be lost without me", she replied, "Besides the
sooner I get Brett back the sooner he gets his...".  Urd broke
off sharply, realising that she was saying too much.

     "His what?", Alielle asked curiously.

     "Never mind", Urd said, "You wouldn't understand".

     "Come now", Fatora encouraged her, "You can tell us...".

     Urd opened her mouth to answer and then looked sharply at
the drink in her hand.  She whispered a quick spell and the
drink in the glass turned a dark purple colour.  She tossed
the glass to the ground, shattering it and splashing wine over
the shocked princess.  "You're drugging my drink now??!?!",
Urd demanded, "Who the hell do you think you are?!?!".

     Fatora stood up and raised her chin, "I am Princess
Fatora", she said, "And I do as I wish".

     Urd sneered, "Meaningless titles", she said, "A title
should be earned, not bestowed".

     "GUARDS!", Fatora shouted angrily.

     A pair of palace guards burst into the room, bowing
slightly, "Yes your highness?", one asked.

     Fatora pointed at Urd, "Lock her up!", she said, "And
once you've located her friend.. lock him up too!".

     The guards advanced on Urd, who looked amused, "I know
the two of you are just following orders", she said to them,
"So I wont hurt you too badly".

     The guards exchanged a look of confusion, before each
reached out to grab her.  They got to within a few inches of
her skin, before a blinding flash of light filled the room. 
Fatora stepped back, stunned as the two guards were suddenly
lying on the ground and clutching at their arms.  Each guard's
arm was covered in a block of ice, from fingertip to elbow.

     Urd yawned slightly, "How tiresome", she said in a
pseudo-bored voice.

     Fatora was backing away step by step, "Who are you?!?!",
she demanded.

     Urd sighed, "So much of subtly", she said.  Raising her
arms she chanted a quick forcefield spell, covering the
doorway.

     Fatora reached the apparently open door, but found she
couldn't go any further.  Alielle was looking around
nervously, not sure what to do.

     "LET ME OUT!", Fatora screamed angrily, "I'll have your
head for this!!!!".

     "Yeah, right", Urd said sarcastically, "You still don't
have any idea what you're dealing with, do you?".

     Fatora's guards had managed to rid themselves of the ice
(which melted rather quickly) and stood in front of the
frightened princess.  "Don't worry highness", one said, "We'll
protect you".

     At that moment a messenger arrived at the doorstep,
"Highness!", he shouted, "The Bugrom have infiltrated the
palace!", and with that, he promptly knocked himself
unconscious on the invisible forcefield covering the door.

     "WHAT??!?!", Fatora demanded, looking quite shocked.

     Urd sat down on the pillows, "You don't have to be
concerned", she said, "Nothing and no one can pass through
that forcefield, so relax and we'll finish our conversation".

     Fatora slid to her knees on her mound of pillows, after
having had too many shocks for one day, "What do you want?",
she asked weakly.

     Urd gave her a speculative look, "Well for starters you
already know that I'm not in the least bit interested in your
offer", she said firmly, "And stop spying on myself and
Brett!".

     Fatora nodded slowly, "What else?", she asked.

     Urd stood and looked out the window, "It really is a nice
place here", she said quietly, "But if Brett and I don't get
home soon, there could be some problems".

     Alielle looked up from the corner were she was cowering
behind a plant, "What problems?", she asked.

     Urd shrugged, "Not your concern", she replied.

     Fatora stood, "Alright", she said firmly, "If you agree
to release us I will promise to be of no further hindrance".

     Urd smiled slightly, "Oh you're going to do more than
that", she said, smiling.

                                  ******

     When Fatora, Alielle, Urd and the two guards finally
emerged from Fatora's room, the princess had a slightly sick
expression on her face.  Urd knelt down beside the stunned
messenger and whispered a quick healing spell.

     The two guards helped the messenger to his feet, "Now
what was this about the Bugrom?", one guard asked.

     The messenger took a few moments to bring his eyes into
focus, "Oh!", he said groggily, "The Bugrom managed to
infiltrate the palace... they abducted someone from the royal
gardens!".

     "Who?", asked Fatora, "Not my sister?!?!".

     The messenger shook his head, "No highness", he replied,
"it was the newcomer, the earthling....".

     "WHAT!?!?!?!", Urd bellowed angrily, grabbing the
messenger by the collar and holding him close to her face,
"HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!?!".

     Fatora, Alielle and their two guards began backing up
nervously, "I'm sure that my sister Rune is doing everything
possible...", Fatora began.

     One look from Urd silenced the princess and the angry
goddess dropped the startled (and now wide-awake) messenger,
turning to walk towards the throne room.  She arrived to find
pandemonium, guards, courtiers and messengers running to and
fro.  Summing up the situation, Urd let vent some of her
anger, "HOLD IT!", she ordered, in a magically-amplified
voice.

     The result was rather spectacular, several guards were
blown off their feet at the blast and everyone in the room had
to take several moments before the ringing in their ears
stopped.  Rune-Venus looked gratefully at Urd, "Now that your
attention is focused", she said loudly (for the benefit of
those still slightly deaf), "Would someone give me a report!".

     The guard-captain saluted and stepped forward, "Your
Highness", he said, "Our guards failed to take notice of the
Bugrom's transport.... for some reason it was only noticed
once they had abducted their hostage".

     "How is that possible?", Makoto asked, "Those barges are
as big as sailing ships, you'd have to be blind not to see
one!".

     The captain's face assumed a red colour, "Be that as it
may", he said, "My men did not see it!".

     "What is being done to help Brett?", Urd demanded
angrily.

     Rune-Venus gave her a compassionate look, "Friend Urd",
she said gently, "We are doing everything possible.. as soon
as I heard about it I dispatched three of our fastest attack
pods to pursue the Bugrom craft".

     Afura and Shayla hurried into the room, followed by
Makoto and Nanami. "We just heard the news", Afura said
breathlessly, "What can we do to help?".

     "We must go after him!", Makoto insisted, "I wouldn't
leave my worst enemy with the Bugrom...".  Nanami jammed an
elbow in his ribs when she noticed the already worried
expression on Urd's face become more pronounced.

     "Come on then!", Shayla said, starting to make her way
out of the throne room, "Our skimmer is ready to go!".

     "Wait!", Rune-Venus called, "You don't even know where
they are taking him... wait until the attack pods report
back!".

     Shayla stopped in mid-stride, before turning back to the
princess, "You're right", she said reluctantly.

     Urd sat down on one of the pillows to wait, her exterior
expression was one of calmness, but her mind was racing.  Here
she was, stuck on another dimension with only one person who
she could rely on and now he was missing and she was alone. 
Urd couldn't remember the last time she had been afraid, to
her knowledge she'd never been totally alone before.  Always
one of her sisters or one of the other gods had been with her
and it left a cold feeling in the pit of her stomach.

                                  ******

     I have no idea how long I spent lying on the transport,
it was probably only a few hours, but it seemed a lot longer. 
I was lifted from my position and thrown across the hard back
of a Bugrom soldier.  With the blindfold it was hard to judge
distance, but I would say that we'd only taken a few steps,
before the blindfold was removed and I blinked my eyes clear.

     The Bugrom were surrounding me and I looked back to see
we had entered a small cave.  Jinnai was talking animatedly to
a trio of the large flys, explaining something very carefully. 
The flys took off and a few moments later, I saw the
silhouette of the transport move away from the cave mouth.

     "There", Jinnai said, "Now no one will know were we've
put down".

     I was prodded along, deeper into the cave.  After about
half an hour I heard the sound of running water and we emerged
into a large cavern, with an underground river rushing through
it.  A boat of some kind was waiting beside the river, sitting
on the prow was a young boy, his skin was a dark blue colour.

     "Najato!", Jinnai called, "Your damn spell wore off
before we could make our escape".

     Najato looked haughtily at Jinnai, "If you couldn't
complete your mission in the time allotted...", he began.

     Jinnai huffed and motioned everyone to get in the boat. 
I carefully sat down, finding myself wedged between a big
orange bug and the young boy.  "So what's a young kid like you
doing with this lunatic?", I asked him.

     Najato shrugged, "It pays the bills", he said bluntly.

     I shook my head in disbelief.  The boat moved swiftly
through the underground streams, until I what I thought was
daylight from up ahead.  We moved out into the open and onto a
massive river, but it wasn't daylight I saw, it was reflected
moonlight.  At this point the bugs began paddling for the far
shore, with enough light to tell where we were going.  We
crossed the river swiftly and marched until almost dawn, when
we came upon a large hive.  I was stumbling slightly by this
point and was grateful for the chance to rest.  Jinnai led us
inside and I found myself locked into a cell of some kind.

     "Whosh there?", a drunken voice asked.

     I recoiled slightly from the smell in the room.  The air
was heavy with the bitter stink of alcohol and I blinked as
the fumes stung my eyes.  In the far corner of the room was a
stooped over figure, he had a bottle in one hand and a glass
in the other.

     "Well?", he asked, blinking at me, "Who're you?".

     "I'm Brett", I replied.

     "Brett?", the fellow asked, "Don't know no Brett".

     I shrugged, "Who are you?", I asked.

     The man scratched the back of his head, "You know
something?", he asked drunkenly, "I don't know anymore".

     I reached down and pulled the bottle from his hand, "If
you'd stop drinking....", I began.

     He became rather angry and tried to grab the bottle back,
"That's all they give me to drink!", he cried, "Nothing but
that stuff! and a beer now and then!".

     I frowned and looked at the bottle, sniffing it gingerly,
"Why would they give you alcohol to drink?", I asked
curiously, "Seems like an expensive way to keep a prisoner".

     He shrugged and made another grab for the bottle (Which I
held just outside his reach), "Otherwise, I'd break out of
here in two seconds!", he said.

     I nodded, "Sure you would", I said, not believing a word.

     The door opened slightly and a tray was shoved under the
door, a bug buzzed at me through the doorway.  I walked over
and picked up the tray, "Can I have some water?", I asked it,
"I'm quite thirsty after the walk".

     The Bugrom tilted it's head to the side and then nodded. 
It returned a few moments later with a cup of water.  I shook
my head, "No I'm *really* thirsty, could I have four or five
jugs full?".

     It tilted it's head again and seemed to think for a
moment.  The it buzzed it's agreement (not seeing anything
wrong with me drinking lots of water) and returned about
fifteen minutes later with several jugs full of water. 
"Thanks", I said to it.  It buzzed what I assumed to be a
'you're welcome' and bolted the door shut.

     I walked over to my drunk companion and passed him a jug
of water, "Here you go", I said, "If they've given you nothing
but booze since you got here, I'd think you should be pretty
thirsty".


                                  ******

     Urd had finally been persuaded to return to her room for
the night and was lying on the bed, trying to sleep.  She
wasn't having much luck.  She rolled on her back and stared at
the ceiling, examining the intricate patterns for a while. 
Shivering slightly she pulled the covers over herself. 
Closing her eyes she tried not to think and just let sleep
overcome her.

     Suddenly she found herself floating in a black void,
stars floated by and every so often a comet whizzed by. 
Looking around sharply she pinched herself.  "Well", she said,
talking to herself, "Looks like this is a dream, cause that
didn't hurt".

     "G'DAY!", a familiar voice called.

     Urd looked around sharply, floating a few meters away was
Brett.  He grinned at her, "Hiya Urd", he said, "Having fun?".

     Urd reached out and grabbed him by the shoulder, pulling
him into a hug, "Where the hell have you been?", she asked,
almost angrily, "Do you have any idea how worried I've been?".

     Brett returned her hug, "I've only been gone one day", he
said, then added softly, "I missed you too".

     Loosening the hug slightly, Brett looked into her eyes
seriously, "I'm afraid that this is only a dream", he said.

     Urd smiled, "Well", she said, hugging him again, "If
that's the case I think I'd be happy to stay here for a
while".

     Brett laughed, "Me too", he said, "But I don't know how
or why we're dreaming together....".

     Urd nodded, "In all the confusion I forgot to ask you if
you'd had an unusual dream last night", she said.

     Suddenly everything seemed to shift and a bright flash of
rainbow light surrounded them.  Urd and Brett clung together
as they were pulled into a maelstrom of light and sound.  When
they could open their eyes they were sitting on the edge of a
lake.  Brett looked around curiously, "Well.. it's nicer than
those dreams last night", he observed.

     Urd stood up and looked around, they were standing on the
edge of a large lake, not far from what looked like a modern
day house.  "Unusual design", Urd noted, pointing at the
house.  It was rather geometric in appearance, a skylight
dominated one section of the bright red roof.

     "Come back here you old mummy!", echoed around the lake. 
Brett and Urd watched as a young lady flew (literally) out of
one of the top floor windows, carrying a bag on her shoulder.

     "No way", the young woman said, sticking her tongue out
at the person inside the house, "If I let a screw up like you
wash Tenchi's underwear, we'll never be able to have kids"

     "I told you", said another young lady who appeared at the
window, "It's not my fault... I didn't know you weren't
suppose to use starch....".

     Urd and Brett exchanged a confused look as the front door
to the house opened and a little girl ran out, "Ryoko, Ayeka!
please stop fighting!", she cried, looking up at the arguing
pair (who ignored her totally and began exchanging insults)

     "Hey", Brett said, pointing, "Get a load of that!".

     Sitting on the little girl's shoulder was a tiny creature
that resembled a rabbit.  However the little creature was
meowing angrily at the two above.  Suddenly the little
creature jumped down from the girl's shoulder and began
hopping towards the startled Urd and Brett.

     "Meow?", it seemed to ask, stopping in front of them.

     "Err", Brett said, "G'day little fella....".

     He reached out his hand to pet the little creature, but
his hand passed right though it, startling both himself and
the animal.  A moment later the little girl ran up, apparently
not noticing the two companions, "Ryo-Ohki!", she scolded it,
"You naughty little girl... What are you doing?".

     Ryo-Ohki meowed and jumped up and down frantically.  The
little girl frowned, "What's wrong?", she asked, staring
around carefully.

     Brett moved his hand in front of her face carefully,
noticing no reaction he shrugged, "Looks like we're invisible
to the locals", he said.

     "Except one", Urd pointed out, bending down and examining
the creature, "I've never seen anything like it".

     Brett shrugged, "No argument here", he said, "Do you have
any idea where we are?".

     Urd was about to reply when a voice spoke up, "You're in
the dream world", it said.

     Brett and Urd turned to look at a young girl, with bright
red hair, who was suddenly standing behind them, eyeing them
calmly.  "Who are you?", Urd asked, "And how come you can see
us?".

     "My name is Washu", the girl replied, "and I can see you
because I'm the greatest scientific mind in the universe!".

     Brett raised an eyebrow, "Oh?", he asked, "And what
universe would that be?".

     Washu shrugged, "It doesn't matter really", she said, "I
noticed the two of you with my subspace sensors...".  She
broke off as she noticed Ryo-Ohki's little gymnastics act, "I
guess I'm not the only one", she finished.

     Brett and Urd exchanged a glance, "If you can detect us",
Urd surmised, "Could you help us get home? we've been pulled
out of our universe...".

     "Of course", Washu replied firmly, "I *am* the
greatest..".

     "Yeah, Yeah", Brett said, "scientific mind in the
universe".
     
     Washu gave him a stony look, "Yes", she agreed, "I could
possibly return you to your own universe.... but not at the
moment".

     Urd frowned, "Why not?", she asked, a little angrily.

     "Well for one thing", Washu replied, "You aren't really
here".

     "What?", Brett asked.

     "Oh no", Washu replied, "If you were here physically
there might be something I can do.... but since you're only
here astrally....".

     Brett frowned, "I don't suppose you know why we're here
astrally?", he asked.

     Washu thought for a few moments, "Well", she said, "Your
subconscious must be searching for a way home... but it's very
rare for two astral travellers to arrive at exactly the same
place....".  She paced back and forth for a while before
nodded, "That's it", she said, "You two must be linked
somehow".

     "Huh?", Urd said, confused.

     Washu grinned, "You know", she said suggestively,
clasping her hands, "Linked!".

     Brett blushed slightly, "No that can't be it", he said
gruffly, turning to examine Ryo-Ohki more closely.

     Urd smiled slightly, "Well you're close", she said
quietly to Washu.

     Washu winked and suddenly a computer screen appeared
before her, "According to my readings, you're several
universes over at the moment", she explained, "If you can get
here physically, I'm almost sure I can get you home".

     "Almost sure?", Brett asked.

     "Hey!", Washu said, "It's better than the chance you've
got of getting home without me... or would you rather try
hunting through billions and billions of alternate universes
until you got home?".

     Urd shook her head quickly and gave Brett a warning
glance, "No that's alright Washu", she said, "If you could
tell us how to get to you physically?".

     "Hmmm", Washu mused, "In exactly fifteen days there will
be a natural portal opening in the universe you are currently
in.. if you can find it... you'll be able to step into another
dimension, one a lot 'closer' to mine".

     "And then what?", Brett asked.

     "Then you should try to contact me again", Washu said,
"I'll direct you from there".  She brought up some data on a
computer montior that appeared from nothing, "I don't know
exactly how many universes you have to get thought before I
can pick you up, but I'll let you know when you're close
enough".

     "Hold on a second", Brett said, "I don't even know how we
managed this visit...".

     "Well", Washu said, "That's your problem... if you can
get closer to me I can pull you through into this universe and
from here I can try to get you home".

     Brett sighed, "It seems like a rather roundabout way to
get home", he complained.

     Urd grabbed Brett's arm, muttering a quick 'excuse us' to
Washu, she pulled him a few meters away, "What's wrong with
you?", she asked, "This may be our only chance to get home!".

     Brett bowed his head slightly, "Sorry", he apologised,
"But remember I'm stuck in a dungeon, with some guy who's
totally bombed and keeps talking about mountain climbing!".

     Urd brushed some of the hair back from his forehead
fondly, "Don't worry", she said, "I'll find you...".  Urd
broke off suddenly and looked at Brett in concern.

     "What?", Brett asked, seeing a touch of fear in her eyes.

     He rushed over to the lake and looked into his reflection
in it's surface, just above his eyebrows a pair of dark lines
were visible.  "Oh no", he said softly.

                                  ******

     I startled awake and glanced around groggily.  A large
orange bug was tapping my shoulder, it buzzed at me
insistently.  "What?", I mumbled.

     It grabbed me and helped me roughly to my feet.  I shook
the sleep out of my eyes and glanced around.  My cell-mate was
sleeping peacefully and I smiled slightly.

     The bug shoved me towards the door, "Fair enough", I
replied, walking where it had indicated.

     Outside the cell, I found myself surrounded by three more
bugrom soldiers and I followed along quietly.  The complex was
like a giant beehive (no surprise there) and there was an
insistent buzzing in the background.  Although the light was
rather dim, I made out at least ten different varieties of
Bugrom, all engaged in some kind of work.

     The giant bugs halted outside an ornate door and one
knocked respectfully.  "Enter", a voice called from inside.

     I was pushed forward and I reluctantly took a step into
the room.  I was greeted by the sight of a huge throne room,
with a large dais at one end.  "Please, step forward", a woman
said calmly from where she sat on the throne.  I walked inside
warily, noticing that there were several dozen bugrom soldiers
milling around the walls.  The woman had a wealth of red hair
and a commanding gaze, "I am Deva", she said, "I rule here".

     A familiar figure stepped out from behind the throne,
"And of course you know Lord Jinnai", she continued.

     Jinnai smiled broadly and leant against the side of the
throne, "I haven't forgotten you", he said, smirking.

     "Alright", I said, "You've got me.. now what are you
going to do with me?".

     Deva smiled, "I'm going to offer you a place in my
service", she announced.

     Jinnai looked almost as startled as I was, "Deva!", he
said, "What are you talking about?".

     Deva gave him a scornful look, "Jinnai", she said, her
voice cracking like a whip, "Remember your place! I make the
decisions here, you will obey me!".

     Jinnai controlled himself with great effort, "Yes, my
queen", he growled out.

     It took a few moments for me to speak, "I'm flattered", I
said dryly.

     Deva smiled, "You should be", she replied, "I only choose
the best".

     "Oh?", I asked, "Then why are you hiding out here and not
living in a palace?".

     Deva tossed the goblet of wine she was holding to the
ground, "Such insolence!", she fumed.  There was an angry
muttering amongst the bugrom in the room and several took
steps towards me.

     "See Deva!", Jinnai said eagerly, "He's nothing but a
fool! let's get rid of him now!".

     Deva raised her hand, "Not yet", she said, "He might be a
useful hostage... throw him in a cell and let him rot!".

     I was forced back out of the room and escorted to a cell. 
The door slammed behind me and I found myself alone,  sitting
down on the narrow bed I ran through my options, which were
limited;  Firstly I could try to escape, but the problems
associated with breaking out of the heavily fortified base
were beyond me.  Second I could wait for help, but seeing as
Urd wouldn't have any idea where I was, it looked like thin
hope to me.  Urd and I had two weeks until the portal that
would start us on our journey home would open, assuming I
could escape and we could find the thing.

     I was jolted from my thoughts as the door to my cell was
wrenched off.  "Miz?", a voice called urgently.  A familiar
figure peered into the room, it was the fellow from last
night, he seemed sober.

     "No", I replied, "But I hope that won't dissuade you from
helping me".

     He looked me over, "You look familiar", he said, "And you
don't talk like anyone from around here".

     I shrugged, "I introduced myself last night, but you were
a little too bombed", I explained.  Then I head the sound of
footsteps from outside and I picked up the room's only chair,
"Looks like company is arriving", I said, stepping to one side
of the door.

     The man nodded and cracked his knuckles suggestively,
"I'm Masamichi Fujisawa", he said, nodding in greeting.

     I raised my eyebrows, "The same Fujisawa that came from
Earth with Makoto?", I asked.

     He nodded, then the Bugrom reached the cell.  I swung as
hard as I could at the first one, shattering the chair and
putting a big dint in the bug's armour.  Mr Fujisawa picked up
the bug that I'd downed and used it like a battering ram,
forcing his way out of the cell.  I blinked in amazement as he
pushed ten of the large soldiers back with little effort. 
"Come on!", he said over his shoulder, "They've got Miz around
here somewhere!".

     I followed him down the corridor as his charge forced the
bugs back further and further.  We reached the next cell and
Fujisawa casually ripped it from the wall and flung it at the
now retreating bugs, "Cowards!", he shouted, "Come back and
fight like a man!!!".

     The cell was unusually hot and there were braziers
burning brightly in each corner.  "Miz!", Fujisawa called,
racing forward into the stifling room.  Chained against one
wall was a woman, her head was bowed and her clothing
tattered.  "Come on Miz", Fujisawa encouraged, as he broke the
chains, "Wake up!".

     I touched the unconscious woman's forehead, it was bone
dry,  her lips were parched and she moaned quietly.  "She's
dehydrated", Fujisawa guessed, "That's how they kept her from
using her water powers".

     Reaching out I took one of her arms, "Come on", I said to
my rescuer, "I'll carry her, but let's get out of here!".

     Fujisawa was going to argue but I shook my head, "Look",
I said patiently, "You're the only one that can take on those
bugs... I can carry her easily enough".

     He nodded curtly, "Be careful with her", he warned.

     I picked her up gently and stood up, "Let's get her to
some water", I suggested.

     The next minutes were a blur of running and fighting. 
The bugs kept attacking, trying to overwhelm us with numbers. 
Fujisawa was a whirlwind of punches and kicks, driving them
back step by step.  Unfortunately he was also beginning to
tire and suddenly we were on the defensive, backing up slowly. 
I caught my reflection in one of the bug's breastplates and I
saw something that gave me a scare.  The markings above my
eyebrows were glowing a dull red colour.

     "Fujisawa!", I called, as he forced the bugs back a few
meters.

     He turned to face me and I placed Miz in his arms,
"Here", I said, "You take care of her for a minute".

     He looked bewildered and I stepped forward to face off
against a line of Bugrom.  Taking a deep breath I began
reciting a force-bolt spell, trying to put some of the dark
energy I was feeling into it.  I raised my hand as I completed
the spell.  A ball of black energy burst from my hand, it
looked almost like fire, except there was no heat and it
absorbed light rather than made it.  The ball of energy
impacted the first line of Bugrom, incinerating the first few
rows and blowing the rest from their feet.

     I stepped back, bewildered, the force spell was only
suppose to knock them backwards, not incinerate them.  I
looked at my fist, it was outlined by blackfire and I
shuddered looking at the destruction I'd caused.  The
remaining Bugrom wasted no time in clearing a path for us and
I helped a shaky Fujisawa carry Miz out of the Bugrom
stronghold.

                                  ****** 

     Urd idly knocked back her tenth drink for the evening,
grimacing at the flavour.  She glanced at the now empty
bottle, "I'm beginning to hate this stuff", she mumbled.  Urd
looked out at the view from her balcony, it was utterly
lovely, the sunset had turned the clouds a brilliant orange
colour and flocks of birds circled in the distant sky, "and
I'm beginning to hate this place too", she concluded.

     "I've been wondering where you'd gotten to", said Shayla
as she walked into the room.

     Urd gave her a glance, "What, more bad news to report?",
she asked sarcastically.  Shayla stopped a few feet from Urd
and looked at her squarely, "I think you've had enough", she
commented.

     "HA!", Urd barked, "Honey you ain't seem nothing yet!". 
She hurled the bottle from the balcony.  As it reached the top
of it's arc, she aimed her finger at it and shouted a spell-
word.  A bolt of energy obliterated the bottle, sending a
shower of tiny glass shards towards the ground far below.

     Urd blew on her finger, "Yup", she said, "Still got it!".

     Shayla shook her head in disbelief, "What a waste!", she
said.

     Urd gave her a quizzical look, "Oh??", she asked, "Why's
that? there are plenty of wine bottles around....".

     Shayla grabbed the empty cup from Urd's hand, "That's not
what I meant", she said, "But if you've finished... Princess
Rune has some news for you".

     Urd allowed herself to be led through the palace and into
the throne room.  "Ahhh", Londs said, as they walked through
the door, "We have some interesting news".

     "What's up?", Urd asked, looking only marginally
interested.

     Londs nodded to one of the military officers in the room. 
The officer pushed a button on one wall and a map sprang up on
it, detailing the kingdoms of Roshtaria.  "Our spies have
confirmed that the Bugrom forces have moved a large portion of
their troops into the area along their side of the River of
God", he explained, "But the spies also report that no troop
transports have been sighted on the river and the Bugrom don't
seem to be interested in anything on our side of the river".

     Urd shrugged, "So?".

     Londs stood, "It appears that the Bugrom are searching
for something or someone", he said, "Someone that concerns
them enough to have enlisted a huge portion of their army in
the search".

     Urd frowned, "But I thought that you'd tracked the
transport that Brett was abducted from into some mountains",
she said.

     Princess Rune cleared her throat, "That's correct", she
said awkwardly, "But what we didn't tell you was that all we
found were the remains of the craft, it had apparently crashed
on one of the peaks".

     Urd felt a knot of fear in her stomach, "WHAT?!?!?", she
nearly screamed.

     Rune smiled apologetically, "We felt that it would be
better to confirm the contents of the debris", she continued,
"I'm relieved to tell you that we found no sign of Brett in
the wreckage, in fact it appeared that the transport was empty
when it crashed".

     Urd slumped down into some pillows with relief, "Then
Brett might be the one that they're searching for at the River
of God", she said.  Then her eyes hardened and she stood
swiftly, "This time I'm going", she said firmly.

     Rune nodded, "I wouldn't dream of trying to stop you",
she said, "In fact I've detailed a squad of our finest
warriors to accompany you".

     "Don't forget me", Shayla said, cracking her knuckles, "I
wouldn't miss the chance to kick some more Bugrom Butt!".

     Afura, who was leaning against a pillar sighed, "Well I
guess I'd better come along too", she said, "Otherwise there
won't be anyone to keep Shayla out of trouble.  She smiled at
the fiery haired priestess, who promptly stuck her tongue out
at her.  A moment later there was a pondering crash and one of
the walls unexpected burst inward.  An imposing figure stomped
into the room.  Guards raised their rifles and the two
priestesses prepared their battle spells.

     "Urr... Sorry about the wall", came a familiar (if timid)
voice from behind the lumbering figure.

     The guards lowered their rifles as Makoto came stumbling
in through the hole.  The dust settled and the figure was
revealed to be some kind of robot, it's eyes glowed red and
it's armoured body glimmered in the torchlight.

     "Makoto!!", Londs said disapprovingly, "What are you
doing?!?!".

     Makoto scratched the back of his head nervously, "Err",
he said, "I thought that Nemesis-1 here might be able to help
out...".

     The giant robot turned at the sound of it's name, "Orders
commander?", it asked tonelessly.

     "Nothing for now Nemesis-1", he said, "Please shutdown".

     The robot nodded slightly and then it closed down with an
audible hum.  The red light in it's eyes dimmed and went out
and it resumed a pose of attention.

     Shayla was staring at the robot in amazement, "Is that
the one that you found in the palace garden that time?", she
asked.

     Makoto grinned, "Yes", he said, "I finally got him
functional again".

     Urd was looked at the huge figure speculatively, "What
use is he going to be to us?", she asked, "He doesn't look
very impressive".

     "Ahhh", Makoto said knowingly, "He's not much to look at,
but in a fight he's got some awesome firepower".  He walked
over to Nemesis' leg and pushed a button.  The robot's
shoulders opened and a pair of cylindrical objects locked into
place.  "Those are mass drivers", he explained, "they'll
accelerate nut-sized metal balls to about 5000 meters per
second".

     Seeing a few blank looks he shrugged, "Look", he said,
"take it from me, this robot was designed for combat, he
managed to survive the holy wars...".

     Urd nodded, "Anything else we should know about him?",
she asked.

     Makoto rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Well, he's a
learning computer, so gradually he'll become more and more
intelligent and easier to interact with", he explained.

     "Well", Urd said, "If that's everyone, we'd best be on
our way".

                                  ******

     I limped painfully along what Fujisawa had laughingly
called a trail, leaning heavily on my makeshift staff.  It had
been five days since we'd escaped the Bugrom fortress and
things were not looking too bright.  Miz Mishtal (or Mrs
Fujisawa as she preferred to be called) was still delirious
from her drying-out and needed to be helped constantly.

     "God", I heard from behind me, "What I wouldn't give for
a cold beer!".

     I gave Fujisawa a speculative glance, "They gave you
nothing to drink but spirits for nearly a week... and now you
want a beer?", I asked disbelievingly.

     Fujisawa straightened slightly, shifting Miz into a more
comfortable position on his back, "It's not the same thing",
he said with a dignified air.

     I plopped down on an old tree trunk and massaged my
ankle, I'd fallen the wrong way (ie: under a swarm of Bugrom
soldiers) during the last attack and twisted it pretty badly. 
Fujisawa placed Miz down gently and examined my ankle with a
practised eye, "That's a bad sprain alright", he observed.

     I grimaced, "Tell me something I don't know!", I snapped,
"It's not exactly easy to even stand on it, let alone walk!".

     He tested it gently and I hissed in pain, "We'll have to
wait here until the swelling goes down", he said firmly, "If
you continue with that you'll do serious damage".

     I looked around carefully and shook my head, "There's no
water here for Miz", I replied, looking at our unconscious
companion, "Maybe if we go on we could find a stream or
river?".

     Fujisawa shook his head, "The only river of any size
around here is the Holy River of God", he replied, "And the
Bugrom have that pretty much staked out, we'd be seen for
sure".

     I nodded shortly, "Well", I mused, "If you want to go on
ahead with Miz, I could continue at my own pace...".

     Fujisawa gave me a dark look, "You mean leave you here?",
he said rather than asked.

     I shrugged, "I'm slowing you down", I replied bluntly.

     He jerked his finger at his unconscious wife, "She is
too", he said, "But you don't see me dropping her!".

     At that moment there was a chittering from some nearby
undergrowth and at least two dozen Bugrom burst from
concealment.  Fujisawa charged, bowling the first row over and
sending several tumbling into trees.  I hobbled over to Miz
and stood over her protectively, raising my staff.

     The majority of the Bugrom kept Fujisawa busy, while
three others advanced towards me.  I swang the staff
defensively, trying to keep them back.  Unfortunately, using a
staff is not something I'm too familiar with and two of them
managed to pull it from my grasp.  As soon as it hit the
ground the third landed a crushing blow to my chest, knocking
me back from Miz and putting my weight on my sprained ankle.

     I heard and felt a snap in my ankle as I fell.  The next
few moments were a blur of agony and screams (later I worked
out it was me screaming).  The three Bugrom ignored me and
picked moved to pick up Miz, I was about to raise a hand to
try and stop them when a tremendous blast of energy blew the
attacking Bugrom across the clearing.

     "BRETT!!!!", shouted a *very* pissed off Urd.

     I grinned in spite of the pain in my ankle and managed to
turn myself around and look in her direction.  She was
standing on the prow of the priestess' airship, lightning
crackling from her hands and an almost feral glint in her
eyes.

     "You picked the wrong people to kidnap Bug-scum!", Shayla
shouted, jumping into the midst of the Bugrom soldiers, from
the side of the ship.  What followed was a short battle,
consisting of Shayla blowing up Bugrom and Urd blasting one
occasionally with lightning bolts and some kind of huge robot,
blasting left and right.

     I had managed to prop myself up against a tree, biting my
lip against the pain in my ankle when Urd finally reached me. 
I gave her a weak smile, "G'day Urd", I greeted her.

     She helped me ease into a more comfortable position, "Hi
Brett", she said kissing my rather dirty cheek fondly, "Let's
get some of those wounds healed".

     I shook my head, "I look worse than I am", I said, then I
gestured to Miz, "Could you take a look at Miz, without my
powers I couldn't heal her...".

     Urd looked at me worriedly for another moment and I
grinned, "Go on!", I said, "I'll be alright".

     Shayla, who had finished blast the last of the Bugrom
from the clearing, waved to the ship and it began landing. 
She smile at me, "You sure know how to make us feel welcome",
she said.

     I grimaced, "Well it's lucky those other guests left", I
replied, "Otherwise we'd be short on room".

     "Wow", she said looking at me closely, "You're a mess".

     I shifted uncomfortably, "Thank you so much", I said
sarcastically.

     I heard some chanting from the direction that Urd had
gone and I nodded that way, "Miz should be alright soon", I
commented, "Urd will set her right".

     A few moments later the flying ship had landed and Afura,
followed by some guards and a large robot walked across the
clearing.  Shayla grinned, "Come on then", she said grabbing
one of my arms, "Up you get".

     "Hang on", was all I got out before the agony in my ankle
returned.  This time however it was cut off mercifully as
blackness descended on my vision.

                                  ******

     Urd turned sharply at the sounds of Brett's agonised
scream.  She snapped to her feet and ran across to wear Shayla
had placed him back on the ground.  Shayla looked shaken, "I
only tried to help him up", she said defensively.

     "It's his ankle!", Fujisawa called from where he was
being helped along by a pair of guards, "He sprained it
yesterday".

     Urd examined Brett's ankle carefully, whispering a spell. 
"It's not sprained any more", she said, frowned, "It's
apparently broken".

     Shayla recoiled as Urd turned a furious gaze on her,
"What the hell did you do to him!?!?!", Urd demanded.

     "Nothing!", Shayla said, "I just tried to help him to his
feet!".

     Urd muttered a curse and gestured to a trio of guards,
"Pick him up carefully", she said, "And get him aboard the
ship".  The guards carefully followed her instructions,
carrying the wounded young man on board.

     A few minutes later the little ship was headed back
towards the safety of Roshtaria.  Miz and Fujisawa sat huddled
close together on the deck, she had regained consciousness
after Urd's healing spell had taken effect and was fretting
over her husband's wounds.

     Shayla walked quietly across the deck and  sat down
beside Urd, "How is he?", she asked timidly.

     Urd shrugged, "I'm keeping him asleep until we get back
to the palace", she replied, "I'll need some time to build up
enough power to repair the injury so he doesn't lose any
mobility".

     Shayla bit her lip, "I wanted to tell you that I'm
sorry", she said, "I didn't know it would hurt him...".

     Urd shook her head, "It's not really your fault", she
said, "I guess I just jumped to conclusions".

     Shayla looked at Brett's peaceful face, he was resting up
against Urd's shoulder, one of her arms was wrapped around him
protectively.  Then she glanced over at Miz and her new
husband and sighed.

     "Feeling a little lonely?", Urd asked knowingly.

     "WHAT?!", Shayla asked, forcing a laugh, "ME?!?!".

     Urd looked at her steadily and Shayla nodded slightly,
"Just a little bit", she admitted.


                                  ******