II.
He felt the sudden rush of excitement as the finish line came into view. He went past one rider, two.only one was ahead of him now. The urge to step on the gas pedal was weighing down on him. He kept his cool, though, ignoring the subtle twitching of his foot.
Sure enough, they passed an unforeseen obstruction near the end, several small roadblocks meant to catch a reckless rider off-guard. The one ahead of him swerved towards the sidelines.
He was in the clear. The roar of the crowd was deafening. He threw his helmet down and marched towards the stage to claim his trophy. Many reached out to shake his hand, but his attention was centered on one particular figure, watching him with tear-filled eyes. He took hold of her hand and pulled her up beside him.
"KISS! KISS! KISS!"
With the crowd cheering him on, he leaned forward, more than willing to bestow a kiss upon his lady love.
"What are you doing, dear?"
"AAAH.BELLDANDY!!!" Keichi Morisato yelped, tumbling backward as he realized how close Belldandy's face was.
She tipped her head in innocent inquiry. "Are you all right? You look a little pale."
The feel of her warm hand on his forehead set his nerves reeling even more. It took several seconds before he realized that Skuld wasn't there.
What are you waiting for, Morisato? Now's your chance!
"Belldandy!" But his hand grasped only air. He blinked. She had bent over beside him, picking up the wrinkled flyer at his feet.
"Oh! A racing competition." She smiled. "Are you thinking of joining it then?"
He stared up at her smiling face and smiled. "Yes, because it's obviously where you want to be. Seeing as its held in the same district where Skuld is right now."
Her face registered shock. Then she turned away, troubled.
He laid a hand gently on her shoulder. "I heard you talking about it with Urd last night. Hey -" He nudged her a bit until she was facing him. "It's not a weakness, worrying over your sister. It's in your nature, Bell. And it's one of the things that draw me to you."
"And so.let's go to Bokuto," He finished, smiling broadly.
Blinking back tears, she reached out to hug him. Keichi sighed again, lingering over the moment. But there was a determined gleam in his eye as he thought about winning the race.and his lady love.
* * *
Trying desperately to keep a firm hold on his temper, Aoi marched back into the traffic department and plopped heavily into his chair.
"Ne, Aoi, are you OK?" Yoriko said worriedly.
"Yeah, just had this irritating encounter with some kid."
"Girl, long hair, pretty face with strange marks?"
"Yes, how'd you know?"
"She's uh, right next to you."
Aoi blinked, glanced back and saw Skuld's face. He couldn't help himself. He screamed loud enough to jar everyone in the room. He stood quickly, knocking his chair down in the process.
"Ah, Skuld," The chief said suddenly. "I was wondering when you'd arrive."
"You.you know this kid?" Aoi said.
"Kid? This is Skuld from Tokyo. She may look young, but she is a certified genius when it comes to electronic gadgetry. Seeing as our attempts to bring IT into the station a few months back failed considerably." He gazed pointedly around the room. Several heads bowed down, mumbling incoherently. "Anyway, they sent her over to make a routine check and see what can be done to improve things around here."
"I.I see." Flustered, Aoi sat back down.
"Now, I want everyone to give her a warm welcome," The chief stated firmly. "And I expect you to cooperate with her. Let us show them how civilized the Bokuto precinct can be.when absolutely necessary."
So saying, he sat back down and picked up the newspaper, flipping through it was though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
"So," Aoi said quietly, the rage building up inside him again. "You lied to me."
"No."
"NO?"
"No," Skuld repeated calmly. "Although I hate to admit it, I DO look like a kid by your standards. Do you really believe all that stuff he said about me? How weird is that? The system force is merely at work here, ensuring that I remain with you until my task is fulfilled.
"Task?" Aoi gritted out.
"To fulfill your heart's desire."
Aoi's face contorted in fury. As he swung back his hand, another voice caught his attention.
"Aoi?" Yoriko said tentatively. "What's wrong?"
Breathing heavily, he lowered his hand. What was it about this child that rattled him so much? He never lost patience with anyone, especially children.
"I'm fine. I'm just.feeling a little sick, I guess. Maybe I'm coming down with something." He sat back down, rubbing his temples.
"Oh, well, here's something that ought to cheer you up," Yoriko said, grinning.
At the suspicious glint of her glasses, Aoi knew Yoriko was scheming something again. He smiled resignedly, leaning forward to listen to Yoriko's latest project.
He had successfully blocked the strange girl from his mind.
"You think it'll be that easy, Aoi Futaba?" Skuld though angrily.
"Um, Skuld, is it?" A young officer said, tapping her on the shoulder. "I'm Saori. Would you like a tour of the facilities? I'd be happy to show you around."
"Yes, thanks," She replied.
"You can't escape fate, Aoi. You can't escape ME." With that thought flashing in her mind, Skuld allowed Saori to lead the way.
Aoi heard the parting thought clearly in his head.
Elsewhere.
"A week? Off from work?" Chihiro snorted. "How will I ever get the work here done?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Keichi stammered out, bowing several times. "But I thought this race would be a good opportunity."
"Race? Did you say race?"
Keichi blinked and handed her the flyer.
"Tch. For amateurs only?" Chihiro frowned. "Rats.there go my chances."
Keichi slumped to the floor in surprise. "Boss."
"Miss Chihiro," Belldandy said softly. "It's really important that Keichi and I make this trip."
"Hey," Chihiro said, cocking her head in a light-hearted manner. "What do you take me for? Of course you can go!"
"All right!!" Belldandy and Keichi exclaimed happily, exchanging a high five.
"BUT - Keichi will have to perform extra work when he returns AND I expect a share of the price money for all the valuable service I'll be missing this week."
Keichi griped a bit at that, but made no real effort to complain as Belldandy fairly nudged him out the door eager to be on their way.
"TAMIYA! OTAKI!"
"Yes, Miss Chihiro, we heard every word and as we are always at your service, we will accompany Mr. Morisato on his journey and ensure his victory!"
"Dat's right!"
"What are you two yammering about? Grab a couple of brooms from the closet back there, we have our work cut out for us this week with Keichi gone. Now c'mon, you big goons! Move it!!"
* * *
"C'mon, Aoi, hurry up!" Yoriko called.
"I'm coming," He shouted back, slamming his locker door shut. As soon as he did, he noted a familiar shadow against the locker next to his.
"You again!"
Skuld sighed, pushing herself away from the locker door.
"Still don't believe me? I should've reconsidered my plan to give you a day to let it all sink in. Statistically speaking, I figured you'd find it a little more easier to believe me once the shock has dissipated a bit, rather than to tail you all day until your nerves frazzle to the point where you start denying my existence. According to my research, that's what happened to nearly 25% of our clients."
She shook her head determinedly. "That's not going to happen to me, especially when I'm on my first assignment!"
"I don't believe this!" Aoi exclaimed in frustration.
"Really? I think you do. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother you so much. Look, why don't you make this easier for both of us? Tell me your wish, your heart's desire to be exact; I grant it, and both of us can go home happy."
"Who don't you just drop this nonsense? THEN I'll be happy!"
Skuld raised her eyebrows at that. "Are you ever happy?"
Aoi's face reddened with rage. So much that Skuld took a step back.
"DROP IT," Aoi repeated. "Before we both regret it."
Aoi walked towards the door then. Skuld blew out a breath in exasperation and rushed after him.
"What do you want? More proof? Is that what you need?"
Aoi didn't bother to answer as he reached Yoriko.
"Shall we go?"
"OK." Yoriko noticed Skuld then. "Oh, hello, Skuld! Ne, where are you staying tonight?"
Skuld glanced at Aoi, then back at Yoriko. She grinned.
"Oh," Yoriko blinked several times. "That's right! I forgot! You're supposed to stay over at my place!"
"SHE'S WHAT?"
"Yes, thanks," Skuld looked up at Aoi. "Proof enough for you that there are other forces at work here?"
"Why you.you little demon!!!" Aoi cried out, reaching for her.
Yoriko stepped in front of Skuld, frowning up at her friend.
"What's gotten into you, Aoi? You've been acting strange all day and now you're picking on a defenseless child."
"Defenseless?" Aoi sputtered. "THAT is not a child! Can't you see? She's done something to you!"
Yoriko's glasses had gone far enough down her nose for Aoi to see her expression.
More than worry.more than a pinch of irritation.was a great deal of pity.
She pushed her glasses back up then, and took a firm hold on Skuld's hand.
"Let's go. Good night, Aoi. I hope you'll feel better in the morning.
Aoi stood there, watching as they got in Yoriko's car and drove away. He remained on the front stpes, but his thoughts had gone far away.
Memories.
Basketball games.
Golf tournaments.
The thrill of winning; people cheering him on. The glory, the fame, the rightness of it all.
THAT was Aoi Futaba.
Was?
Who are you now?
I don't know. Don't ask me that.
Why?
Because. I don't know. Go away.
All right. I'll go back to the memories. What came after the glory of the school games? What happened then?
Shut up. Stop it.
You were still great then, Aoi. You did much more after school, much more beyond sports.
Except that one thing.
What?
Nothing. It was nothing.
I was nothing. I am nothing.
Aoi shivered. He broke away from his thoughts, realizing he'd been standing on the front steps for over an hour. He shook his head and began to walk. Away from himself.
* * *
"There's something different in the air tonight. I'm telling you Natsumi. Something big's coming.I can feel it."
Natsumi stared quite dumbly at him. Then, with one good scratch, she scampered off in search of a banana.
Toukairin sighed. Tomorrow, he'd try sharing his troubles with the human Natsumi.
Sighing, he reached out to switch on his portable TV. The wind blew, chilling him considerably.
It was a different kind of chill. The biting cold weather in the Himalayas didn't scare him. But this one did.
Thunder and lightning crackled overhead. A bunch of sharp, screeching noises emitted from the TV.
He reached over again, knocking it lightly on the side and tipping it every which way, trying to get a good reception.
Natsumi screamed as thunder and lightning came faster and harder. The monkey dove for the sleeping bag.
"Coward," He commented jovially as he struggled with the television. Finally, he got a picture of one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. And she was staring straight at him.
He dropped the TV in surprise. Lightning stuck then. There was an explosion, a blinding light, and a whole lot of smoke.
And when it all faded, there was a very real, very sexy lady in his arms.
* * *
"Belldandy, we have to go," Keichi said.
"I know." She took the helmet being offered to her and placed it resignedly on her head.
"She'll be fine, Bell. No one can mess with a goddess."
"I know." Belldandy closed her eyes and tried to visualize the vicinity anyway. Yet there was no trace of her.
Urd.
He felt the sudden rush of excitement as the finish line came into view. He went past one rider, two.only one was ahead of him now. The urge to step on the gas pedal was weighing down on him. He kept his cool, though, ignoring the subtle twitching of his foot.
Sure enough, they passed an unforeseen obstruction near the end, several small roadblocks meant to catch a reckless rider off-guard. The one ahead of him swerved towards the sidelines.
He was in the clear. The roar of the crowd was deafening. He threw his helmet down and marched towards the stage to claim his trophy. Many reached out to shake his hand, but his attention was centered on one particular figure, watching him with tear-filled eyes. He took hold of her hand and pulled her up beside him.
"KISS! KISS! KISS!"
With the crowd cheering him on, he leaned forward, more than willing to bestow a kiss upon his lady love.
"What are you doing, dear?"
"AAAH.BELLDANDY!!!" Keichi Morisato yelped, tumbling backward as he realized how close Belldandy's face was.
She tipped her head in innocent inquiry. "Are you all right? You look a little pale."
The feel of her warm hand on his forehead set his nerves reeling even more. It took several seconds before he realized that Skuld wasn't there.
What are you waiting for, Morisato? Now's your chance!
"Belldandy!" But his hand grasped only air. He blinked. She had bent over beside him, picking up the wrinkled flyer at his feet.
"Oh! A racing competition." She smiled. "Are you thinking of joining it then?"
He stared up at her smiling face and smiled. "Yes, because it's obviously where you want to be. Seeing as its held in the same district where Skuld is right now."
Her face registered shock. Then she turned away, troubled.
He laid a hand gently on her shoulder. "I heard you talking about it with Urd last night. Hey -" He nudged her a bit until she was facing him. "It's not a weakness, worrying over your sister. It's in your nature, Bell. And it's one of the things that draw me to you."
"And so.let's go to Bokuto," He finished, smiling broadly.
Blinking back tears, she reached out to hug him. Keichi sighed again, lingering over the moment. But there was a determined gleam in his eye as he thought about winning the race.and his lady love.
* * *
Trying desperately to keep a firm hold on his temper, Aoi marched back into the traffic department and plopped heavily into his chair.
"Ne, Aoi, are you OK?" Yoriko said worriedly.
"Yeah, just had this irritating encounter with some kid."
"Girl, long hair, pretty face with strange marks?"
"Yes, how'd you know?"
"She's uh, right next to you."
Aoi blinked, glanced back and saw Skuld's face. He couldn't help himself. He screamed loud enough to jar everyone in the room. He stood quickly, knocking his chair down in the process.
"Ah, Skuld," The chief said suddenly. "I was wondering when you'd arrive."
"You.you know this kid?" Aoi said.
"Kid? This is Skuld from Tokyo. She may look young, but she is a certified genius when it comes to electronic gadgetry. Seeing as our attempts to bring IT into the station a few months back failed considerably." He gazed pointedly around the room. Several heads bowed down, mumbling incoherently. "Anyway, they sent her over to make a routine check and see what can be done to improve things around here."
"I.I see." Flustered, Aoi sat back down.
"Now, I want everyone to give her a warm welcome," The chief stated firmly. "And I expect you to cooperate with her. Let us show them how civilized the Bokuto precinct can be.when absolutely necessary."
So saying, he sat back down and picked up the newspaper, flipping through it was though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
"So," Aoi said quietly, the rage building up inside him again. "You lied to me."
"No."
"NO?"
"No," Skuld repeated calmly. "Although I hate to admit it, I DO look like a kid by your standards. Do you really believe all that stuff he said about me? How weird is that? The system force is merely at work here, ensuring that I remain with you until my task is fulfilled.
"Task?" Aoi gritted out.
"To fulfill your heart's desire."
Aoi's face contorted in fury. As he swung back his hand, another voice caught his attention.
"Aoi?" Yoriko said tentatively. "What's wrong?"
Breathing heavily, he lowered his hand. What was it about this child that rattled him so much? He never lost patience with anyone, especially children.
"I'm fine. I'm just.feeling a little sick, I guess. Maybe I'm coming down with something." He sat back down, rubbing his temples.
"Oh, well, here's something that ought to cheer you up," Yoriko said, grinning.
At the suspicious glint of her glasses, Aoi knew Yoriko was scheming something again. He smiled resignedly, leaning forward to listen to Yoriko's latest project.
He had successfully blocked the strange girl from his mind.
"You think it'll be that easy, Aoi Futaba?" Skuld though angrily.
"Um, Skuld, is it?" A young officer said, tapping her on the shoulder. "I'm Saori. Would you like a tour of the facilities? I'd be happy to show you around."
"Yes, thanks," She replied.
"You can't escape fate, Aoi. You can't escape ME." With that thought flashing in her mind, Skuld allowed Saori to lead the way.
Aoi heard the parting thought clearly in his head.
Elsewhere.
"A week? Off from work?" Chihiro snorted. "How will I ever get the work here done?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Keichi stammered out, bowing several times. "But I thought this race would be a good opportunity."
"Race? Did you say race?"
Keichi blinked and handed her the flyer.
"Tch. For amateurs only?" Chihiro frowned. "Rats.there go my chances."
Keichi slumped to the floor in surprise. "Boss."
"Miss Chihiro," Belldandy said softly. "It's really important that Keichi and I make this trip."
"Hey," Chihiro said, cocking her head in a light-hearted manner. "What do you take me for? Of course you can go!"
"All right!!" Belldandy and Keichi exclaimed happily, exchanging a high five.
"BUT - Keichi will have to perform extra work when he returns AND I expect a share of the price money for all the valuable service I'll be missing this week."
Keichi griped a bit at that, but made no real effort to complain as Belldandy fairly nudged him out the door eager to be on their way.
"TAMIYA! OTAKI!"
"Yes, Miss Chihiro, we heard every word and as we are always at your service, we will accompany Mr. Morisato on his journey and ensure his victory!"
"Dat's right!"
"What are you two yammering about? Grab a couple of brooms from the closet back there, we have our work cut out for us this week with Keichi gone. Now c'mon, you big goons! Move it!!"
* * *
"C'mon, Aoi, hurry up!" Yoriko called.
"I'm coming," He shouted back, slamming his locker door shut. As soon as he did, he noted a familiar shadow against the locker next to his.
"You again!"
Skuld sighed, pushing herself away from the locker door.
"Still don't believe me? I should've reconsidered my plan to give you a day to let it all sink in. Statistically speaking, I figured you'd find it a little more easier to believe me once the shock has dissipated a bit, rather than to tail you all day until your nerves frazzle to the point where you start denying my existence. According to my research, that's what happened to nearly 25% of our clients."
She shook her head determinedly. "That's not going to happen to me, especially when I'm on my first assignment!"
"I don't believe this!" Aoi exclaimed in frustration.
"Really? I think you do. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother you so much. Look, why don't you make this easier for both of us? Tell me your wish, your heart's desire to be exact; I grant it, and both of us can go home happy."
"Who don't you just drop this nonsense? THEN I'll be happy!"
Skuld raised her eyebrows at that. "Are you ever happy?"
Aoi's face reddened with rage. So much that Skuld took a step back.
"DROP IT," Aoi repeated. "Before we both regret it."
Aoi walked towards the door then. Skuld blew out a breath in exasperation and rushed after him.
"What do you want? More proof? Is that what you need?"
Aoi didn't bother to answer as he reached Yoriko.
"Shall we go?"
"OK." Yoriko noticed Skuld then. "Oh, hello, Skuld! Ne, where are you staying tonight?"
Skuld glanced at Aoi, then back at Yoriko. She grinned.
"Oh," Yoriko blinked several times. "That's right! I forgot! You're supposed to stay over at my place!"
"SHE'S WHAT?"
"Yes, thanks," Skuld looked up at Aoi. "Proof enough for you that there are other forces at work here?"
"Why you.you little demon!!!" Aoi cried out, reaching for her.
Yoriko stepped in front of Skuld, frowning up at her friend.
"What's gotten into you, Aoi? You've been acting strange all day and now you're picking on a defenseless child."
"Defenseless?" Aoi sputtered. "THAT is not a child! Can't you see? She's done something to you!"
Yoriko's glasses had gone far enough down her nose for Aoi to see her expression.
More than worry.more than a pinch of irritation.was a great deal of pity.
She pushed her glasses back up then, and took a firm hold on Skuld's hand.
"Let's go. Good night, Aoi. I hope you'll feel better in the morning.
Aoi stood there, watching as they got in Yoriko's car and drove away. He remained on the front stpes, but his thoughts had gone far away.
Memories.
Basketball games.
Golf tournaments.
The thrill of winning; people cheering him on. The glory, the fame, the rightness of it all.
THAT was Aoi Futaba.
Was?
Who are you now?
I don't know. Don't ask me that.
Why?
Because. I don't know. Go away.
All right. I'll go back to the memories. What came after the glory of the school games? What happened then?
Shut up. Stop it.
You were still great then, Aoi. You did much more after school, much more beyond sports.
Except that one thing.
What?
Nothing. It was nothing.
I was nothing. I am nothing.
Aoi shivered. He broke away from his thoughts, realizing he'd been standing on the front steps for over an hour. He shook his head and began to walk. Away from himself.
* * *
"There's something different in the air tonight. I'm telling you Natsumi. Something big's coming.I can feel it."
Natsumi stared quite dumbly at him. Then, with one good scratch, she scampered off in search of a banana.
Toukairin sighed. Tomorrow, he'd try sharing his troubles with the human Natsumi.
Sighing, he reached out to switch on his portable TV. The wind blew, chilling him considerably.
It was a different kind of chill. The biting cold weather in the Himalayas didn't scare him. But this one did.
Thunder and lightning crackled overhead. A bunch of sharp, screeching noises emitted from the TV.
He reached over again, knocking it lightly on the side and tipping it every which way, trying to get a good reception.
Natsumi screamed as thunder and lightning came faster and harder. The monkey dove for the sleeping bag.
"Coward," He commented jovially as he struggled with the television. Finally, he got a picture of one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. And she was staring straight at him.
He dropped the TV in surprise. Lightning stuck then. There was an explosion, a blinding light, and a whole lot of smoke.
And when it all faded, there was a very real, very sexy lady in his arms.
* * *
"Belldandy, we have to go," Keichi said.
"I know." She took the helmet being offered to her and placed it resignedly on her head.
"She'll be fine, Bell. No one can mess with a goddess."
"I know." Belldandy closed her eyes and tried to visualize the vicinity anyway. Yet there was no trace of her.
Urd.