IV.
"Are you all right, Natsumi?" Miyuki asked as they walked into Bokuto station together. "You're kind of quiet."
"I'm fine," Natsumi said, smiling slightly. "I'm just not fully awake yet. You know me."
"I guess so," Miyuki laughingly replied. But she remained watchful of her friend as they entered the Traffic Department.
"Good.morning.." Miyuki said faintly, as she tried to make sense out of the ruckus before her.
A beautiful, exotic lady in skimpy clothing seemed plastered to Toukairin's back. Saori was complaining loudly about the indecency of it all. The male officers were openly gaping in admiration as the girls chattered noisily.
The chief and Detective Tokuno were quietly discussing the situation.
One glance at Natsumi's troubled expression made Miyuki straighten her shoulders and march towards the chief's desk.
"What seems to be the problem?" Her question was directed to her superior, but her gaze pinned Toukairin.
He shifted uncomfortably. "This.woman.lost her memory."
"Oh. I see." Miyuki's face registered a trace of pity, but her eyes remained coldly fixed on Toukairin. "How'd you come upon her?"
"She, um, came out of the television."
Silence. A strangled sound that was part laugh, part snort, and part curse emitted from Natsumi.
"Natsumi, will you listen to me? No, don't go running off again! NATSUMI!!"
Natsumi stopped and turned back, her face devoid of expression.
"It's true, I'm telling you!" Toukairin said. "When have I ever given you a reason to doubt me? I know it sounds crazy but."
"These people are scaring me, darling," The stranger said, clutching him tightly.
Natsumi snapped then. She stomped over, her intent to forcibly pull away the stranger away evident as she reached out with her arm.
"No, don't!" Toukairin cried out suddenly, knocking her arm away with more force than he'd intended.
Natsumi tripped, falling hard on her backside. Ignoring his outstretched hand, she pushed herself up and walked away.
Miyuki rounded on Toukairin then.
"Stay away," He warned. "And watch."
He wrenched himself away from the woman's grasp. Lightning struck then. Screams echoed throughout the room.
"NO! DON'T LEAVE ME!" The woman screamed hysterically.
Toukairin lunged for her, gathering her in his arms again.
The storms ceased.
"NOW tell me how I'm supposed to deal with her," Toukairin said through gritted teeth.
* * *
The doorbell rang.
"SKULD! SKULD! Could you get that, please? It's probably Aoi!" Yoriko yelled through the continuous flow of water.
BRIIIIIIING, RIIIIIING!!
"SKULD!"
"Yoriko?!" Aoi's voice called out frantically. "Are you all right?"
Groaning, Yoriko shut off the shower and grabbed a towel. Slipping and sliding towards the door, she finally managed to grab hold of the knob.
"Sorry," She said breathlessly as she yanked the door open.
"YORIKO!" Aoi exclaimed, bounding in the room so quickly, he rammed into Yoriko. He grabbed her shoulders in an effort to steady them both.
Fear and nerves dissipated to relief, and an altogether different sensation.
With a flick of Skuld's finger, the towel slipped a notch.
Aoi stumbled back. "Um, shouldn't you go get dressed?"
Yoriko clutched at the towel. "Oh, right!" She said cheerfully. "Sorry, sorry, I couldn't seem to wake up on time today and I had to take a shower, and." She chattered continuously as she went to her room to change.
Aoi glanced suspiciously at Skuld, who calmly read through a magazine while listening to music over earphones.
A few hours later.
"ZAPPER? You want to go to Daimaru and Sena's place?" Aoi said, dumbfounded as they reached their destination.
"Yeah, I promised Sena we'd take over the registration booth for her."
"On your day off? That's really nice of you, Yoriko," Aoi commented as they strode in the shop.
"Of course, of course," Yoriko said. "AND the best part is, we'll get to know who'll register and come up with some pretty good bets for the race!" She clapped her hands in excitement. "Personally, I'd go for Nakajima, but you never know who'll be joining this race."
Aoi shook his head. It figured that Yoriko had some scheme up her sleeve when she volunteered to help Sena out.
And yet.
Aoi smiled fondly as he watched his friend play with a lonely Megumi.
Deep within was a truly kind and generous spirit that he'd come to know.
.and love?
He felt his body jolt slightly. THAT thought had come from nowhere. And surely it meant nothing.just a slip of the mind.was there even such a thing?
Aoi stole a glance at Skuld, who was busily arranging shelves. He frowned and guiltily averted his gaze. Why must he blame a child for everything these days?
Still, when Skuld left the room, the air seemed to have gotten lighter.
.and hotter?
"Geez," Yoriko said, echoing his thoughts. "It sure is hot in here."
"You're right, maybe I should go ask Sena if the air-conditioning blew." He broke off as Yoriko stumbled a bit. "Hey! Are you all right?"
"Fine.just a bit.dizzy." She uttered.
Aoi reached out in time to catch Yoriko, who had literally fainted in his arms. He held her close for a moment, staring at her face. Emotions that he could not, WOULD not face were struggling to surface. He was about to lay her gently on the ground and call for help, when.
"You love her, don't you?"
Aoi stared at the little she-demon, his instincts setting off alarm bells in his head.
"You did this," Aoi stated, his calm exterior belying the rage that was fast consuming him.
"Only so that you could see the light," She replied gently. "Can't you see? There. There is your true heart's desire!"
Skuld started walking slowly towards them. "I have been studying you. All calculations, all data I've gathered simply confirm the obvious! You want her!" She stopped then, some distance from him. "But you can't have her."
Light emitted from Skuld's body. "Because you are only half a man. You do not believe yourself fit to be with her; you're scared."
"I can make you whole again, Aoi Futaba. I can make you a man again. All you have to do is proclaim it as your fondest wish!"
Trembling, Aoi laid Yoriko gently on the floor, then walked to the other side of the counter, facing Skuld.
"Stop playing with me mind!" He ordered.
"Stop denying yourself," Skuld said evenly. "I know.no, YOU know you want this. Just wish for it, what are you holding back for?"
"You don't know what you're talking about!"
"Oh? Then tell me you don't love her! Go on. Say it and I'll leave you alone!"
Silence. Skuld swallowed hard as she waited for Aoi's response.
"Yes." Aoi said painfully. "Yes, I love her. That has never been the problem!"
Skuld sighed in relief. "Then wish," She said gently. "And be happy."
Suddenly, Aoi's expression became carefully blank again. Refusing to meet Skuld's gaze, he brushed past her and headed out the door.
Skuld whirled around in disbelief. "Wait! Where are you going?"
Aoi turned to face her then. "Stop meddling in affairs you could never understand," He said coldly. "For a goddess, you seem to bring nothing but pain."
Without another word, Aoi strode out of the shop.
Skuld stomped after him. As she swung the door open and stepped out, Aoi was nowhere in sight. Instead, she felt another presence beside her.
"Belldandy.!" Skuld said in surprise. Then she smiled. "Checking up on me?"
Belldandy stared at her somberly. "What are you doing Skuld?"
Guilty, Skuld looked away.
"Skuld."
"I know, I know. But I swear I didn't take this lightly. I studied Aoi, analyzed his behavior, inputted conditions into my best computer and I found his true heart's desire. I.I just wanted to help him make the right decision."
Belldandy laid a hand on her sister's shoulder. "You had the best intentions at heart. But you must remember."
"A true goddess comes from here," Belldandy moved her hand over the left side of her chest. "Not here." She touched Skuld's forehead. "That is your talent. It is your advantage, your power. But." Belldandy lowered her hands at her sides again. "Your gift is deep within your heart. That is your guide."
"I don't understand." Skuld looked close to tears.
Almost uncharacteristically, Belldandy continued to stare sternly at her sister.
"I think you do. I see the guilt in you, over what you've done. Be strong, Skuld. Learn to account for your actions from now on."
Skuld remained stubbornly silent. A few moments later, she moved her head in a faint nod.
"All right, then. Let's go have some lunch." Smiling, Belldandy took her sister's hand and walked to the garage to call everyone in.
Inside the shop, a rather troubled Yoriko sat on the floor, her mind filled with the confrontation between Skuld and Aoi.
* * *
An equally troubled Toukairin set a plate of lunch before his visitor. She smiled up at him gratefully and proceeded to eat. Not with the gusto Natsumi always portrayed, but with a quiet sense of style.
She really was an exotic creature, Toukairin admitted to himself.
He was so lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed when she moved close to him, angling her face as though to kiss him. Startled, he pushed himself back.
She pouted a little. "What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing.it's just that.um.this isn't at all proper, me being an officer and all. I'm really not supposed to be taking advantage of people who've lost their memory.I."
She laughed. "Is that all that's stopping you?" She edged even closer to him.
"Don't," He said quietly. "You'll lose yourself even more by acting so impulsively."
"It's all because of her, isn't it?" She said angrily. "That girl who went crying off this morning when she saw us together!"
He said nothing.
"Why?" She demanded a bit tearfully. "Is she prettier? Kinder?"
"She's."
"Well, I don't care! She can't stop me from doing this much!" Quick as a wink, she jumped up and leaned against him.
Before he could react, she screeched and drew back. Natsumi had jumped on her, yanking violently at her hair.
"Get it off! Get if off!"
With a sigh, Toukairin reached out with one hand and pulled the monkey away. He gave it a banana and set it down again.
The strange woman was a really pitiful sight. Like a beautiful, innocent girl craving for affection.
But it wasn't his to give.
"Why don't you walk around the roof?" He suggested. "You'll get a better feel of things. When you get over your fear, your mind will stop trying to block things."
She refused to move. "Why?" She asked again.
He didn't pretend to misunderstand. "She's everything."
At that, she walked away, staring listlessly at the sky.
"Are you all right, Natsumi?" Miyuki asked as they walked into Bokuto station together. "You're kind of quiet."
"I'm fine," Natsumi said, smiling slightly. "I'm just not fully awake yet. You know me."
"I guess so," Miyuki laughingly replied. But she remained watchful of her friend as they entered the Traffic Department.
"Good.morning.." Miyuki said faintly, as she tried to make sense out of the ruckus before her.
A beautiful, exotic lady in skimpy clothing seemed plastered to Toukairin's back. Saori was complaining loudly about the indecency of it all. The male officers were openly gaping in admiration as the girls chattered noisily.
The chief and Detective Tokuno were quietly discussing the situation.
One glance at Natsumi's troubled expression made Miyuki straighten her shoulders and march towards the chief's desk.
"What seems to be the problem?" Her question was directed to her superior, but her gaze pinned Toukairin.
He shifted uncomfortably. "This.woman.lost her memory."
"Oh. I see." Miyuki's face registered a trace of pity, but her eyes remained coldly fixed on Toukairin. "How'd you come upon her?"
"She, um, came out of the television."
Silence. A strangled sound that was part laugh, part snort, and part curse emitted from Natsumi.
"Natsumi, will you listen to me? No, don't go running off again! NATSUMI!!"
Natsumi stopped and turned back, her face devoid of expression.
"It's true, I'm telling you!" Toukairin said. "When have I ever given you a reason to doubt me? I know it sounds crazy but."
"These people are scaring me, darling," The stranger said, clutching him tightly.
Natsumi snapped then. She stomped over, her intent to forcibly pull away the stranger away evident as she reached out with her arm.
"No, don't!" Toukairin cried out suddenly, knocking her arm away with more force than he'd intended.
Natsumi tripped, falling hard on her backside. Ignoring his outstretched hand, she pushed herself up and walked away.
Miyuki rounded on Toukairin then.
"Stay away," He warned. "And watch."
He wrenched himself away from the woman's grasp. Lightning struck then. Screams echoed throughout the room.
"NO! DON'T LEAVE ME!" The woman screamed hysterically.
Toukairin lunged for her, gathering her in his arms again.
The storms ceased.
"NOW tell me how I'm supposed to deal with her," Toukairin said through gritted teeth.
* * *
The doorbell rang.
"SKULD! SKULD! Could you get that, please? It's probably Aoi!" Yoriko yelled through the continuous flow of water.
BRIIIIIIING, RIIIIIING!!
"SKULD!"
"Yoriko?!" Aoi's voice called out frantically. "Are you all right?"
Groaning, Yoriko shut off the shower and grabbed a towel. Slipping and sliding towards the door, she finally managed to grab hold of the knob.
"Sorry," She said breathlessly as she yanked the door open.
"YORIKO!" Aoi exclaimed, bounding in the room so quickly, he rammed into Yoriko. He grabbed her shoulders in an effort to steady them both.
Fear and nerves dissipated to relief, and an altogether different sensation.
With a flick of Skuld's finger, the towel slipped a notch.
Aoi stumbled back. "Um, shouldn't you go get dressed?"
Yoriko clutched at the towel. "Oh, right!" She said cheerfully. "Sorry, sorry, I couldn't seem to wake up on time today and I had to take a shower, and." She chattered continuously as she went to her room to change.
Aoi glanced suspiciously at Skuld, who calmly read through a magazine while listening to music over earphones.
A few hours later.
"ZAPPER? You want to go to Daimaru and Sena's place?" Aoi said, dumbfounded as they reached their destination.
"Yeah, I promised Sena we'd take over the registration booth for her."
"On your day off? That's really nice of you, Yoriko," Aoi commented as they strode in the shop.
"Of course, of course," Yoriko said. "AND the best part is, we'll get to know who'll register and come up with some pretty good bets for the race!" She clapped her hands in excitement. "Personally, I'd go for Nakajima, but you never know who'll be joining this race."
Aoi shook his head. It figured that Yoriko had some scheme up her sleeve when she volunteered to help Sena out.
And yet.
Aoi smiled fondly as he watched his friend play with a lonely Megumi.
Deep within was a truly kind and generous spirit that he'd come to know.
.and love?
He felt his body jolt slightly. THAT thought had come from nowhere. And surely it meant nothing.just a slip of the mind.was there even such a thing?
Aoi stole a glance at Skuld, who was busily arranging shelves. He frowned and guiltily averted his gaze. Why must he blame a child for everything these days?
Still, when Skuld left the room, the air seemed to have gotten lighter.
.and hotter?
"Geez," Yoriko said, echoing his thoughts. "It sure is hot in here."
"You're right, maybe I should go ask Sena if the air-conditioning blew." He broke off as Yoriko stumbled a bit. "Hey! Are you all right?"
"Fine.just a bit.dizzy." She uttered.
Aoi reached out in time to catch Yoriko, who had literally fainted in his arms. He held her close for a moment, staring at her face. Emotions that he could not, WOULD not face were struggling to surface. He was about to lay her gently on the ground and call for help, when.
"You love her, don't you?"
Aoi stared at the little she-demon, his instincts setting off alarm bells in his head.
"You did this," Aoi stated, his calm exterior belying the rage that was fast consuming him.
"Only so that you could see the light," She replied gently. "Can't you see? There. There is your true heart's desire!"
Skuld started walking slowly towards them. "I have been studying you. All calculations, all data I've gathered simply confirm the obvious! You want her!" She stopped then, some distance from him. "But you can't have her."
Light emitted from Skuld's body. "Because you are only half a man. You do not believe yourself fit to be with her; you're scared."
"I can make you whole again, Aoi Futaba. I can make you a man again. All you have to do is proclaim it as your fondest wish!"
Trembling, Aoi laid Yoriko gently on the floor, then walked to the other side of the counter, facing Skuld.
"Stop playing with me mind!" He ordered.
"Stop denying yourself," Skuld said evenly. "I know.no, YOU know you want this. Just wish for it, what are you holding back for?"
"You don't know what you're talking about!"
"Oh? Then tell me you don't love her! Go on. Say it and I'll leave you alone!"
Silence. Skuld swallowed hard as she waited for Aoi's response.
"Yes." Aoi said painfully. "Yes, I love her. That has never been the problem!"
Skuld sighed in relief. "Then wish," She said gently. "And be happy."
Suddenly, Aoi's expression became carefully blank again. Refusing to meet Skuld's gaze, he brushed past her and headed out the door.
Skuld whirled around in disbelief. "Wait! Where are you going?"
Aoi turned to face her then. "Stop meddling in affairs you could never understand," He said coldly. "For a goddess, you seem to bring nothing but pain."
Without another word, Aoi strode out of the shop.
Skuld stomped after him. As she swung the door open and stepped out, Aoi was nowhere in sight. Instead, she felt another presence beside her.
"Belldandy.!" Skuld said in surprise. Then she smiled. "Checking up on me?"
Belldandy stared at her somberly. "What are you doing Skuld?"
Guilty, Skuld looked away.
"Skuld."
"I know, I know. But I swear I didn't take this lightly. I studied Aoi, analyzed his behavior, inputted conditions into my best computer and I found his true heart's desire. I.I just wanted to help him make the right decision."
Belldandy laid a hand on her sister's shoulder. "You had the best intentions at heart. But you must remember."
"A true goddess comes from here," Belldandy moved her hand over the left side of her chest. "Not here." She touched Skuld's forehead. "That is your talent. It is your advantage, your power. But." Belldandy lowered her hands at her sides again. "Your gift is deep within your heart. That is your guide."
"I don't understand." Skuld looked close to tears.
Almost uncharacteristically, Belldandy continued to stare sternly at her sister.
"I think you do. I see the guilt in you, over what you've done. Be strong, Skuld. Learn to account for your actions from now on."
Skuld remained stubbornly silent. A few moments later, she moved her head in a faint nod.
"All right, then. Let's go have some lunch." Smiling, Belldandy took her sister's hand and walked to the garage to call everyone in.
Inside the shop, a rather troubled Yoriko sat on the floor, her mind filled with the confrontation between Skuld and Aoi.
* * *
An equally troubled Toukairin set a plate of lunch before his visitor. She smiled up at him gratefully and proceeded to eat. Not with the gusto Natsumi always portrayed, but with a quiet sense of style.
She really was an exotic creature, Toukairin admitted to himself.
He was so lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed when she moved close to him, angling her face as though to kiss him. Startled, he pushed himself back.
She pouted a little. "What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing.it's just that.um.this isn't at all proper, me being an officer and all. I'm really not supposed to be taking advantage of people who've lost their memory.I."
She laughed. "Is that all that's stopping you?" She edged even closer to him.
"Don't," He said quietly. "You'll lose yourself even more by acting so impulsively."
"It's all because of her, isn't it?" She said angrily. "That girl who went crying off this morning when she saw us together!"
He said nothing.
"Why?" She demanded a bit tearfully. "Is she prettier? Kinder?"
"She's."
"Well, I don't care! She can't stop me from doing this much!" Quick as a wink, she jumped up and leaned against him.
Before he could react, she screeched and drew back. Natsumi had jumped on her, yanking violently at her hair.
"Get it off! Get if off!"
With a sigh, Toukairin reached out with one hand and pulled the monkey away. He gave it a banana and set it down again.
The strange woman was a really pitiful sight. Like a beautiful, innocent girl craving for affection.
But it wasn't his to give.
"Why don't you walk around the roof?" He suggested. "You'll get a better feel of things. When you get over your fear, your mind will stop trying to block things."
She refused to move. "Why?" She asked again.
He didn't pretend to misunderstand. "She's everything."
At that, she walked away, staring listlessly at the sky.