PART IV: Love
VII.
Morning.
The shrill sound of the alarm clock jarred him out of sleep. Long fingers with painted nails reached out to turn off the alarm.
A few moments later, Aoi threw back the covers of his frilly bed. He plumped up his pillows again, arranging them neatly at the head of the bed. He folded his blankets carefully and drew the covers on the sheets.
Satisfied, he stretched his arms overhead and donned a pair of fluffy slippers. He went to the bathroom for his customary hot shower. He consumed generous amounts of lilac scented soap and shampoo.
Afterwards, he'd consume a small amount of the tea and cookies, dressed in nothing more than a cotton pink bathrobe. After cleaning up, he'd begin the process of curling his hair and using a hair dryer to soften it up. Carefully applied make-up and some earrings completed his look.
All that was left was the uniform.
He opened his closet, put on the necessary undergarments. Then he reached in to pull out a skirt and blouse. Once he was ready, he studied himself in the full-length mirror.
As always, he was the picture of a very lovely young woman.
That was how Aoi Futaba started his day.
* * *
Yoriko looked up as the door to the traffic department swung open. She regarded Aoi and his choice of attire quietly, then shrugged and returned to her computer.
"Um." Aoi looked about the empty room.
"Everyone's at the race," Yoriko explained. "I didn't feel like going."
"Yoriko." Aoi began, then stopped. She really didn't know what to say.
Fortunately, Skuld chose that moment to burst in, successfully distracting the two officers with her unkempt look. Her wild gaze expressed a sleepless night.
"I have it," She gasped out. "I know what to do. Hop on my Turbo Broom Cruiser and let's go." She produced a broom with a rather long handle and a lot of extra contraptions clamped on it.
Aoi and Yoriko blinked.
"Come ON already!" Skuld screeched.
The desperation in her eyes convinced the two officers to give in to her plea. Cautiously, they settled themselves on the broom.
In mere seconds, they were nowhere to be seen. A large cloud of dust and smoke was the only indication that they had been there.
* * *
"AND LET THE RACE BEGIN!!!" The announcer yelled.
Engines revved up. In moments, motorcycles burst through the "racing track" designed by Daimaru (approved by the Traffic Department to ensure an easy flow of vehicles on the main roads).
With the encouraging thought of a winner's kiss urging them on, Nakajima and Keichi pulled ahead of the pack.
"We have it on good authority that the top contenders of this race are Ken Nakajima and Keichi Morisato. With me now is the main sponsor of this event, Daimaru Nakajima. Sir, what are your thoughts on the outcome of this race?"
"Well," Daimaru said in a formal tone. "Both are very skilled riders. Morisato has had a lot of experience with races, which gives him an edge in maneuvering to obtain the best speed. Nakajima, on the other hand, is more adept at handling these roads, given the nature of his work and the fact that he rides through this entire district every single day. I can only say that I am honored to have two such riders in our race and that this will be a very close match indeed."
"I hope they don't hurt themselves," Miyuki said worriedly. Inwardly, however, she crossed her fingers for Nakajima's victory.
"Yes, the important thing is that they have fun." Belldandy agreed, adding in her thoughts,
But I'm always rooting for my dear Keichi!
* * *
Izu Mental Institute.
"Here you go.you're allowed 1 hour's visitation in this private room, Officer Futaba. Please try not to agitate the patient. Just flick on the switch if need assistance." The nurse looked up as another aide brought Hitomi in. "You should have no trouble with her, though.she.doesn't do much." The nurse finished helplessly.
An awkward pause. The two nurses hurriedly left the room.
Aoi stared at Hitomi, and whatever was within his chest constricted to painful proportions.
She looked very young. Her once short hair was now shoulder length, pulled back with a bright blue ribbon. Her large eyes were still so innocent. She sat on her wheelchair, looking through him. She didn't move except to breathe. Her fair skin bordered on pale, almost translucent.
"Are you ready, Aoi?" Skuld asked. He turned questioningly to her, but before he could say anything, Skuld closed her eyes and held out her arms. Light shone from her. Warm, bright light. Another kind of light, a straight beam from the heavens, reached for the symbols on her face.
Aoi and Yoriko could only watch, mesmerized, as the light receded and Skuld descended. She opened her eyes slowly.
"A.Aoi?"
Aoi gasped and snapped his gaze back to Hitomi. Hitomi winced as she reached out with her arm, which had been immobile for the longest time, to touch his face. Aoi clasped her hand and laid it on his cheek.
"Hitomi."
"Aoi." Her face broke into a smile. "It's so good to see you, but what." She stared at him in confusion. "The project.is it still.?"
"No, no, the project was a success," He assured her. "We caught the main target and countless others after that." He smiled tremulously. "You were right. I was the best one for the job, and well, the project kind of stuck with me."
"Oh." She blinked. "Oh. I see." Somehow, she did understand, up to a certain extent, but she continued to look at him expectantly.
Aoi broke down then, the tears streaming freely down his cheeks. "Oh, God.Hitomi." He choked out, reaching for her hands and holding them tightly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. It should've been me. If I took the project more seriously, he would've gone after me and left you alone. I'm sorry.I'm sorry."
"Aoi." Hitomi began.
"But it's going to be all right, isn't it? You'll come with me and I'll help take care of you, I swear it. We'll rid the streets of."
"Oh, Aoi." Hitomi said sadly. "I can't go with you. Not yet. Maybe not for a very long time. I'm sorry too, I was just so weak. Even now I." She squeezed her eyes shut. "The visions, the memories." She shook her head. "I have to go back now, Aoi."
"Wait.!" Aoi cried out desperately.
Hitomi drew a painful breath, forcing her eyes open. She gathered enough strength for one last minute with an old friend.
"I'm sorry, I HAVE to go back, Aoi..but..before I go.I.I just want you to know.that if I should ever wake up and join.the real world again." Another deep breath and a last attempt at a thread of sanity. "I would not like to be in a world where a man like Aoi Futaba doesn't exist!" She proclaimed clearly.
"Hitomi.HITOMI!!!" Aoi grabbed Hitomi, holding her tightly, his shoulders violently shaking with long suppressed sobs. Hitomi hung limply in his arms, like a pathetic rag doll. Her face was again devoid of expression.
* * *
"WE'RE AT THE FINAL STRETCH AND NAKAJIMA AND MORISATO REMAIN SIDE BY SIDE AS THEY NEAR THE FINISH LINE."
"THE CHEERS ARE GETTING LOUDER.IS ONE OF THEM PULLING AHEAD?"
Miyuki and Belldandy clasped each other's hands excitedly. The other officers strained to hear the announcer's words.
".NO WAIT! IT'S ANOTHER RIDER, A LATE ENTRY! LOOK AT 'IM GO! HE'S PULLED AHEAD OF THE TWO RIDERS, HE'S ALMOST THERE, HE.HE MADE IT! WE HAVE OUR WINNER.!!!"
Sighs, groans, and moans echoed in the place where the Bokuto officers were gathered. Miyuki and Belldandy sighed in unison as they both left to seek out and comfort their respective partners.
"HE'S TAKING THE TROPHY.TAKING OFF HIS HELMET.OH MY.SHE'S A WOMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.I'M GETTING THE NAME NOW."
"NATSUMI TSUJIMOTO!!!"
"WHAAAAT?!" The officers shrieked.
After a long period of shock, they begrudgingly handed the winnings, the pot money for all the bets, to the chief.
* * *
Given their exhaustion and the fact that they were quite shell-shocked, Aoi, Yoriko, and Skuld took a leisurely ride back to Bokuto in a cab, sipping cups of hot coffee.
"Skuld." Aoi began.
Skuld calmly took a sip of coffee. "No need to thank me. Part of the job and all that. But Aoi." She added, meeting his gaze directly. "I only gave you what you most desired.a chance for redemption, for closure, and from that comes the chance for freedom. But the rest will come from you. Your future is your own now, Aoi Futaba..but only if you will it to be so." Skuld paused, blinking back tears. "I'm glad you were my first task. You certainly made me realize so many things. And Yoriko, thanks for your kindness and understanding. You're a very special person. I can see why Aoi cares for you so much. I wish you both best."
Skuld sighed. "I just have one more thing to do."
And with that, Skuld entered the coffee cup and disappeared.
* * *
Natsumi stood on the platform, her eyes searching the crowd. Then, she smiled and extended her hand.
Toukairin took it, joining her on the stage.
"KISS! KISS! KISS!"
Amidst the cheers, Natsumi drew a deep breath, ready to launch the furious tirade she had planned for Toukairin. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She blinked and frowned up at him in consternation.
Toukairin was eyeing her funnily too. "Were we fighting?"
"I think so ."
"What about?"
"I.I can't remember."
He smiled. "Idiot."
"Stupid," She countered as she leaned forward to receive his kiss.
* * *
Urd watched them from a nearby tree.
"Urd." A hand reached out and settled on her shoulder.
"Had to bribe a bunch of trolls to work wonders within the motorcycle again," Urd said with a heartfelt sigh. "But it was worth it. It was the least I could do after all the trouble I caused. Well." She glanced at the couple one last time, then smiled at her sister. "I'll see you at home."
"Take this broom." Skuld said, gesturing at the Turbo Broom Cruiser. "I don't want to hear about a woman popping out of random TV's on stormy nights again."
"Well, thank you, little sister." The branch creaked as Skuld settled herself on the tree branch and handed Urd the brrom. Urd took it gladly. "Well, guess I'd better go before the tree gives in to all our weights. Judging from your expression." She playfully chucked Skuld under her chin. "You did well. Congratulations."
And with that, Urd flew away.
"Oh, Skuld, I'm so happy for you!" Belldandy said, reaching out to hug her sister.
Skuld returned the hug, with less enthusiasm.
"Um, sis? There's something I have to tell you."
* * *
Elsewhere.
Nakajima sat on a now empty field by the side of the road, contemplating his loss.
"AAAARRGGGHH!!" He threw away the can of beer he'd been drinking and went for the unsophisticated means of showing frustration - pulling on his hair.
So close.so close to winning.not only the race.but.Kobayakawa.
He was so deep in his thoughts that it was a long while before he registered the red box held out before him. He blinked.
It was still there. He looked up to see Miyuki smiling down at him.
He accepted the box with an unsteady hand.
"It's chocolate. You must've forgotten what with the race and all. It's Valentine's Day."
Nakajima continued to stare dumbly at the box.
"I know it's not as grand as a trophy, but."
She broke off as Nakajima suddenly reached out to hug her tight against him. After a moment of surprise, her expression softened. Awkwardly, she patted him on the back. Then she relaxed, laying her chin on top of his head.
* * *
Later that night.
"Bell? It's time to go!" Keichi called out.
"I'll be out in just a minute!" Belldandy replied.
Keichi smiled indulgently, knowing that Belldandy would take her time saying goodbye to Sena and thanking their family for everything.
As he picked up his helmet from the motorcycle seat, he noticed the box of chocolates hidden underneath, as well as the letter next to it. He picked up the letter first.
Dear Keichi,
You wished for me to stay with you forever, binding me to you. But loving you wasn't part of our contract. That was my will, and mine alone.
Belldandy
Keichi pocketed the letter and box as Belldandy walked out of Zapper. Waving goodbye to Sena and Daimaru, he settled himself on the motorcycle as Belldandy sat in the passenger seat.
He put the key in the ignition, but didn't turn it. Instead, he addressed Belldandy.
"Skuld talked to you."
"Yes," Belldandy affirmed. "She admitted that she spoke out of turn and you may have overheard. She couldn't leave without letting me know that she may have upset you. She's growing up to be quite a goddess," She finished proudly.
"Hey, Bell," Keichi said suddenly. "I was just wondering.I mean.based on this thing with Skuld and from past experience with Peorth.how come you granted my wish immediately?"
Belldandy smile. She didn't need to think twice about the answer to that particular question.
"I knew it was truly your heart's desire." She reddened slightly. "Because somehow, I also knew that deep within me, it's what I wanted as well."
Silence. Then Keichi laid his hand on top of hers.
"Thanks, Bell." He said quietly.
He turned the key and started the engine.
"Oh, and Keichi? Happy Valentine's Day." She smiled. "Just in case you didn't know what the chocolates meant."
He laughed. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"Let's go home."
VII.
Morning.
The shrill sound of the alarm clock jarred him out of sleep. Long fingers with painted nails reached out to turn off the alarm.
A few moments later, Aoi threw back the covers of his frilly bed. He plumped up his pillows again, arranging them neatly at the head of the bed. He folded his blankets carefully and drew the covers on the sheets.
Satisfied, he stretched his arms overhead and donned a pair of fluffy slippers. He went to the bathroom for his customary hot shower. He consumed generous amounts of lilac scented soap and shampoo.
Afterwards, he'd consume a small amount of the tea and cookies, dressed in nothing more than a cotton pink bathrobe. After cleaning up, he'd begin the process of curling his hair and using a hair dryer to soften it up. Carefully applied make-up and some earrings completed his look.
All that was left was the uniform.
He opened his closet, put on the necessary undergarments. Then he reached in to pull out a skirt and blouse. Once he was ready, he studied himself in the full-length mirror.
As always, he was the picture of a very lovely young woman.
That was how Aoi Futaba started his day.
* * *
Yoriko looked up as the door to the traffic department swung open. She regarded Aoi and his choice of attire quietly, then shrugged and returned to her computer.
"Um." Aoi looked about the empty room.
"Everyone's at the race," Yoriko explained. "I didn't feel like going."
"Yoriko." Aoi began, then stopped. She really didn't know what to say.
Fortunately, Skuld chose that moment to burst in, successfully distracting the two officers with her unkempt look. Her wild gaze expressed a sleepless night.
"I have it," She gasped out. "I know what to do. Hop on my Turbo Broom Cruiser and let's go." She produced a broom with a rather long handle and a lot of extra contraptions clamped on it.
Aoi and Yoriko blinked.
"Come ON already!" Skuld screeched.
The desperation in her eyes convinced the two officers to give in to her plea. Cautiously, they settled themselves on the broom.
In mere seconds, they were nowhere to be seen. A large cloud of dust and smoke was the only indication that they had been there.
* * *
"AND LET THE RACE BEGIN!!!" The announcer yelled.
Engines revved up. In moments, motorcycles burst through the "racing track" designed by Daimaru (approved by the Traffic Department to ensure an easy flow of vehicles on the main roads).
With the encouraging thought of a winner's kiss urging them on, Nakajima and Keichi pulled ahead of the pack.
"We have it on good authority that the top contenders of this race are Ken Nakajima and Keichi Morisato. With me now is the main sponsor of this event, Daimaru Nakajima. Sir, what are your thoughts on the outcome of this race?"
"Well," Daimaru said in a formal tone. "Both are very skilled riders. Morisato has had a lot of experience with races, which gives him an edge in maneuvering to obtain the best speed. Nakajima, on the other hand, is more adept at handling these roads, given the nature of his work and the fact that he rides through this entire district every single day. I can only say that I am honored to have two such riders in our race and that this will be a very close match indeed."
"I hope they don't hurt themselves," Miyuki said worriedly. Inwardly, however, she crossed her fingers for Nakajima's victory.
"Yes, the important thing is that they have fun." Belldandy agreed, adding in her thoughts,
But I'm always rooting for my dear Keichi!
* * *
Izu Mental Institute.
"Here you go.you're allowed 1 hour's visitation in this private room, Officer Futaba. Please try not to agitate the patient. Just flick on the switch if need assistance." The nurse looked up as another aide brought Hitomi in. "You should have no trouble with her, though.she.doesn't do much." The nurse finished helplessly.
An awkward pause. The two nurses hurriedly left the room.
Aoi stared at Hitomi, and whatever was within his chest constricted to painful proportions.
She looked very young. Her once short hair was now shoulder length, pulled back with a bright blue ribbon. Her large eyes were still so innocent. She sat on her wheelchair, looking through him. She didn't move except to breathe. Her fair skin bordered on pale, almost translucent.
"Are you ready, Aoi?" Skuld asked. He turned questioningly to her, but before he could say anything, Skuld closed her eyes and held out her arms. Light shone from her. Warm, bright light. Another kind of light, a straight beam from the heavens, reached for the symbols on her face.
Aoi and Yoriko could only watch, mesmerized, as the light receded and Skuld descended. She opened her eyes slowly.
"A.Aoi?"
Aoi gasped and snapped his gaze back to Hitomi. Hitomi winced as she reached out with her arm, which had been immobile for the longest time, to touch his face. Aoi clasped her hand and laid it on his cheek.
"Hitomi."
"Aoi." Her face broke into a smile. "It's so good to see you, but what." She stared at him in confusion. "The project.is it still.?"
"No, no, the project was a success," He assured her. "We caught the main target and countless others after that." He smiled tremulously. "You were right. I was the best one for the job, and well, the project kind of stuck with me."
"Oh." She blinked. "Oh. I see." Somehow, she did understand, up to a certain extent, but she continued to look at him expectantly.
Aoi broke down then, the tears streaming freely down his cheeks. "Oh, God.Hitomi." He choked out, reaching for her hands and holding them tightly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. It should've been me. If I took the project more seriously, he would've gone after me and left you alone. I'm sorry.I'm sorry."
"Aoi." Hitomi began.
"But it's going to be all right, isn't it? You'll come with me and I'll help take care of you, I swear it. We'll rid the streets of."
"Oh, Aoi." Hitomi said sadly. "I can't go with you. Not yet. Maybe not for a very long time. I'm sorry too, I was just so weak. Even now I." She squeezed her eyes shut. "The visions, the memories." She shook her head. "I have to go back now, Aoi."
"Wait.!" Aoi cried out desperately.
Hitomi drew a painful breath, forcing her eyes open. She gathered enough strength for one last minute with an old friend.
"I'm sorry, I HAVE to go back, Aoi..but..before I go.I.I just want you to know.that if I should ever wake up and join.the real world again." Another deep breath and a last attempt at a thread of sanity. "I would not like to be in a world where a man like Aoi Futaba doesn't exist!" She proclaimed clearly.
"Hitomi.HITOMI!!!" Aoi grabbed Hitomi, holding her tightly, his shoulders violently shaking with long suppressed sobs. Hitomi hung limply in his arms, like a pathetic rag doll. Her face was again devoid of expression.
* * *
"WE'RE AT THE FINAL STRETCH AND NAKAJIMA AND MORISATO REMAIN SIDE BY SIDE AS THEY NEAR THE FINISH LINE."
"THE CHEERS ARE GETTING LOUDER.IS ONE OF THEM PULLING AHEAD?"
Miyuki and Belldandy clasped each other's hands excitedly. The other officers strained to hear the announcer's words.
".NO WAIT! IT'S ANOTHER RIDER, A LATE ENTRY! LOOK AT 'IM GO! HE'S PULLED AHEAD OF THE TWO RIDERS, HE'S ALMOST THERE, HE.HE MADE IT! WE HAVE OUR WINNER.!!!"
Sighs, groans, and moans echoed in the place where the Bokuto officers were gathered. Miyuki and Belldandy sighed in unison as they both left to seek out and comfort their respective partners.
"HE'S TAKING THE TROPHY.TAKING OFF HIS HELMET.OH MY.SHE'S A WOMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.I'M GETTING THE NAME NOW."
"NATSUMI TSUJIMOTO!!!"
"WHAAAAT?!" The officers shrieked.
After a long period of shock, they begrudgingly handed the winnings, the pot money for all the bets, to the chief.
* * *
Given their exhaustion and the fact that they were quite shell-shocked, Aoi, Yoriko, and Skuld took a leisurely ride back to Bokuto in a cab, sipping cups of hot coffee.
"Skuld." Aoi began.
Skuld calmly took a sip of coffee. "No need to thank me. Part of the job and all that. But Aoi." She added, meeting his gaze directly. "I only gave you what you most desired.a chance for redemption, for closure, and from that comes the chance for freedom. But the rest will come from you. Your future is your own now, Aoi Futaba..but only if you will it to be so." Skuld paused, blinking back tears. "I'm glad you were my first task. You certainly made me realize so many things. And Yoriko, thanks for your kindness and understanding. You're a very special person. I can see why Aoi cares for you so much. I wish you both best."
Skuld sighed. "I just have one more thing to do."
And with that, Skuld entered the coffee cup and disappeared.
* * *
Natsumi stood on the platform, her eyes searching the crowd. Then, she smiled and extended her hand.
Toukairin took it, joining her on the stage.
"KISS! KISS! KISS!"
Amidst the cheers, Natsumi drew a deep breath, ready to launch the furious tirade she had planned for Toukairin. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She blinked and frowned up at him in consternation.
Toukairin was eyeing her funnily too. "Were we fighting?"
"I think so ."
"What about?"
"I.I can't remember."
He smiled. "Idiot."
"Stupid," She countered as she leaned forward to receive his kiss.
* * *
Urd watched them from a nearby tree.
"Urd." A hand reached out and settled on her shoulder.
"Had to bribe a bunch of trolls to work wonders within the motorcycle again," Urd said with a heartfelt sigh. "But it was worth it. It was the least I could do after all the trouble I caused. Well." She glanced at the couple one last time, then smiled at her sister. "I'll see you at home."
"Take this broom." Skuld said, gesturing at the Turbo Broom Cruiser. "I don't want to hear about a woman popping out of random TV's on stormy nights again."
"Well, thank you, little sister." The branch creaked as Skuld settled herself on the tree branch and handed Urd the brrom. Urd took it gladly. "Well, guess I'd better go before the tree gives in to all our weights. Judging from your expression." She playfully chucked Skuld under her chin. "You did well. Congratulations."
And with that, Urd flew away.
"Oh, Skuld, I'm so happy for you!" Belldandy said, reaching out to hug her sister.
Skuld returned the hug, with less enthusiasm.
"Um, sis? There's something I have to tell you."
* * *
Elsewhere.
Nakajima sat on a now empty field by the side of the road, contemplating his loss.
"AAAARRGGGHH!!" He threw away the can of beer he'd been drinking and went for the unsophisticated means of showing frustration - pulling on his hair.
So close.so close to winning.not only the race.but.Kobayakawa.
He was so deep in his thoughts that it was a long while before he registered the red box held out before him. He blinked.
It was still there. He looked up to see Miyuki smiling down at him.
He accepted the box with an unsteady hand.
"It's chocolate. You must've forgotten what with the race and all. It's Valentine's Day."
Nakajima continued to stare dumbly at the box.
"I know it's not as grand as a trophy, but."
She broke off as Nakajima suddenly reached out to hug her tight against him. After a moment of surprise, her expression softened. Awkwardly, she patted him on the back. Then she relaxed, laying her chin on top of his head.
* * *
Later that night.
"Bell? It's time to go!" Keichi called out.
"I'll be out in just a minute!" Belldandy replied.
Keichi smiled indulgently, knowing that Belldandy would take her time saying goodbye to Sena and thanking their family for everything.
As he picked up his helmet from the motorcycle seat, he noticed the box of chocolates hidden underneath, as well as the letter next to it. He picked up the letter first.
Dear Keichi,
You wished for me to stay with you forever, binding me to you. But loving you wasn't part of our contract. That was my will, and mine alone.
Belldandy
Keichi pocketed the letter and box as Belldandy walked out of Zapper. Waving goodbye to Sena and Daimaru, he settled himself on the motorcycle as Belldandy sat in the passenger seat.
He put the key in the ignition, but didn't turn it. Instead, he addressed Belldandy.
"Skuld talked to you."
"Yes," Belldandy affirmed. "She admitted that she spoke out of turn and you may have overheard. She couldn't leave without letting me know that she may have upset you. She's growing up to be quite a goddess," She finished proudly.
"Hey, Bell," Keichi said suddenly. "I was just wondering.I mean.based on this thing with Skuld and from past experience with Peorth.how come you granted my wish immediately?"
Belldandy smile. She didn't need to think twice about the answer to that particular question.
"I knew it was truly your heart's desire." She reddened slightly. "Because somehow, I also knew that deep within me, it's what I wanted as well."
Silence. Then Keichi laid his hand on top of hers.
"Thanks, Bell." He said quietly.
He turned the key and started the engine.
"Oh, and Keichi? Happy Valentine's Day." She smiled. "Just in case you didn't know what the chocolates meant."
He laughed. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"Let's go home."