The Heart of One Man
---------------------- 

A Colliding SYmphones production... 
  
by Anand Rao

Edited by: GT and TJ Hamilton

Characters mentioned here are Property of: Kosuke Fujishima
Used without permission for fan purposes only.
________________

Keiichi stood, and watched numbly as his goddess, the woman he
loved, rose into the sky.  The 
column of bright red light that was the barrier between them
glared and brightened as he tried 
beyond all hope to reach out for her hand.  (I have to keep my
promise!) he thought, again and 
again.  Memories of the past few months floated through his head
as all his hopes and dreams 
came crashing down. 

They had all been so very happy, and all of a sudden, Kami-sama
had issued the recall notice.  
For three long days he could not see her beautiful face, touch
her soft skin, or hold her in his 
arms.  Now, all to suddenly, he could see her, but she was
leaving. 

"I'll wait for Belldandy!  I'll wait forever!"  he screamed at
top of lungs. 

She continued to rise into the air, crying out his name, and
slowly the red light faded and she was 
gone.  Keiichi collapsed to his hands and knees.  (Why?  Why did
she have to leave?  Why, 
Kami-sama?  Why did you have to take her away?) 

"BELLDANDY!!!!!"  He screamed, one final time. 


                        ******* Four Years Later ******* 

The glaring sun bore relentlessly on the droves of student
graduating that semester.  Keiichi sat, 
sweating amidst the students who were packed around him, as the
dean called yet another name.  
One more student walked up to the dais and received his degree. 
Keiichi idly calculated that if 
he was lucky, he would making that walk within an hour.

Keiichi knew he should have been happy, even ecstatic, and not a
little proud. He was graduating 
with honors, he was finally going to receive the engineering
degree he had been working so hard 
for, and he was one of the few students who already had a job,
no, a career waiting for him. 

Keiichi's technical skills had impressed all the major
engineering firms in Japan and even a few 
over-seas.  He had been offered an above average salary, and his
work commute was not going 
to be as trying as some of his classmates'. He would be busy, of
course, trying to live the life of a 
creative company man.  That prospect did not bother him in th
least. After all, it wasn't as 
though he had anything else to do. . .

The years had been good to Keiichi, at least physically.  He had
actually gained some height and 
even filled out a bit.  The constant manual labor associated with
engine repair had given the 
young engineer some muscle definition. 

"Morisato Keiichi,"  the dean finally dead-panned. 

A small cheer grew from the audience as Keiichi exhaled and went
to receive his degree. Keiichi 
joined his awaiting family after the ceremony ended. 

"Kei-chan!"  Megumi exclaimed as she grabbed her brother in a
hug. Keiichi's face soften in a 
smile as he returned Megumi's embrace.  His sister had been the
one constant in his life since 
Belldandy had left.  He probably wouldn't have been able to
survive those first few weeks of 
loneliness if not for Megumi.  She finally released him and said,
"Congratulations!  My turn next 
year!  Maybe you can put in a good word for me at your company,
eh Kei-chan?" 

In spite of himself, Keiichi smiled.  Megumi was -always- a
bundle of energy. 

"I'll see what I can do, Sis. . ,"  he replied dryly. 
  
As his parents voiced their congratulations as well, Keiichi saw
her.  It wasn't as though she was 
easy to miss.  In the four years since he saw her last, she
hadn't changed much; and she was 
-still- the sexiest woman he ever met.  Her eyes were obviously
searching for his and once they 
met, she locked on to him.  After explaining to his parents that
he wanted to catch up with some 
friends for one last college party, he walked over to her, her
eyes following him the entire time. 

"Hello, Urd."  He said quietly. 

"Congratulations, Keiichi.  It's. . . It's been a long time." Urd
replied. 

"Yeah." 

The two remained quiet, eyes still locked, each hoping that the
awkward moment would pass.    

"So... would you, uh, like to get some coffee or something?"  Urd
finally asked. 

Keiichi gave Urd a thin smile, (What? No alcohol?), but instead
said, "Sure, I'd like that." 

                                ******************* 

The pair walked to a local coffee shop, one near the college
campus.  They sat down in a booth, 
each ordering a drink. 

"How ya been, Keiichi?"  Urd asked, as she sipped her expresso. 

"I'm doing okay; got a job." 

"I see." 

"How about you, Urd?  I expected you to be back in Heaven by
now." 

"Actually, my suspension was lifted just last week.  I'll
probably be going back some time 
tonight."  Urd remarked casually. 

"Great. . . that's really great. . ,"  Keiichi replied suddenly
fidgeting in his seat. 

"Am I keeping you from something?"  Urd asked. 

"No, not really.  I just have to pack up my stuff from the dorm.
No big deal. It's not really a big 
place, so I don't have much to pack." 

Urd reached across the table and grasped Keiichi's hand. "You
didn't have to leave the temple, 
you know. . ., " she said.

"Yes, I did. It held too many memories for me."  Keiichi replied,
the pain present in his eyes. 

"I know," she said as she nodded, understanding evident on her
face

"So what brings you here Urd?  Came just to see me graduate?"
Keiichi asked with a small smile. 

"What do you mean?"  Urd asked innocently. 

"Come on, Urd. . .I haven't seen you in four years and you just
-happen- to show up at my 
graduation right before you return home?  Give me a break. . . " 

Urd sighed then smiled. "You're not as gullible as you used to
be. . ." 

"I gave up on being innocent a long time ago." 

"Keiichi, well, Belldandy. . . Belldandy is worried about you." 
Urd finally admitted. 

Keiichi stared dumbly at Urd for a moment, unsuccessfully trying
to keep his emotions in check.  
Four years of trying to ease the pain without forgetting the
woman he loved all came crashing 
down around him. 

"Worried?  Why worried?  I'm fine . . . really,"  Keiichi said
with false cheer. 

There were a thousand questions he wanted to ask about Belldandy,
but he just couldn't bring 
himself to voice them. 

"Keiichi, you are NOT fine.  You don't go out, you don't date,
you don't have any fun! It's time 
for you to move on, and find someone to love. That's. . . what
Belldandy wants.  She knows your 
heart and she wants you to share it with someone." 

"Urd, " Keiichi began with a sad smile, "I had the love of a
Goddess!  Will anyone EVER be able 
to compare to that?" 

For the first time in her life, Urd didn't know what to say.  
After a moment, she silently stood up 
and sat down next to Keiichi and gave him a hug. 

"I'll see ya around, Kiddo,"  she whispered in his ear.  Urd then
stood up, and left the coffee 
shop. 

Keiichi stared at seat where Urd had been sitting for a few
moments, then he sighed. He slouched 
down in his seat and looked up at the ceiling of the coffee shop.
(I love you, Bell.)  He thought 
silently. 
  

                          ******* Ten Years Later ******* 
 

"I do,"  the bride said simply as she looked at her groom's
loving eyes.

"I now pronounce you husband, and wife.  You may kiss the bride." 

The gathered guests cheered and Keiichi did along with them.  He
smiled warmly as he watched 
his little sister finally get married.  His thoughts turned  to
what might have been and he lost his 
smile.  He was truly happy for Megumi, but a marriage was a
reminder of Belldandy.  (Who am I 
kidding?  EVERYTHING is a reminder of Belldandy, at least, to
me.) 

Along with his sister's marriage came the droves of people who
wondered when -he- was going 
to get married.  His parents, sister, and not a few friends had
tried setting him up with one 
woman or another, and he turned away from all of them. His
confirmed bachelorhood confused 
and frustrated people to no end. He was considered, by most, to
be a good catch.  

He had a doctorate in engineering and he was the Vice President
in charge of R&D at one of the 
largest electronics company in Japan.  A country that was the
leader in automation and process 
improvement for the past 20 years was now moving towards a trend
of innovation.  Many 
insiders claimed the Morisato Keiichi was leading this new
Industrial Revolution.   

His eyes lingered on Megumi as she walked down the aisle,
arm-in-arm with her new husband.  
Keiichi smiled again, as he saw how happy she was.  He winced at
the thought of what he was 
going to go through during the reception. Every time he had gone
to a wedding in the past few 
years, at least half a dozen people asked when he was getting
married.  Keiichi sighed as he 
followed the guests out to the parking lot.  "Might as well get
this over with," he mumbled, 
raking his fingers through his jet-black hair.

                        *********************** 

Much later, Keiichi wearily walked to the door of his apartment. 
The reception had been long 
and exhausting.  Normally, he left such events as early as
possible, but such an action was 
impossible for his sister's wedding.  In spite the fact that the
day was devoted to her, Megumi 
had wanted Keiichi in dozens of pictures with her. 

It was as if she was subtly showing him that he would always be a
part of her family. In spite of 
his own misery, Keiichi was nearly in tears when he realized how
much Megumi truly loved 
him.  (All in all, maybe it wasn't such a bad night,) he thought
to himself as he entered his 
apartment. 

He took off his shoes and flopped down on a sofa in his small
living room.  Even with rental 
prices being what they were, Keiichi could have afforded a larger
apartment, perhaps even a 
house.  Yet, living in a larger place would have just re-enforced
the fact that he was alone. 

Keiichi heard a noise coming from his rather small kitchen, so he
quickly jumped off the sofa 
and turned in its direction.  He saw a young woman, one who
looked to be in her early twenties.  
She had long black hair, a thin, willowy figure, and some
familiar markings on her forehead.  
She was beautiful, and Keiichi might not have recognized her if
not for the carton of ice cream in 
her hand. 

"Skuld?!  What are you doing here?"  He asked in surprise.  (Wow,
she's really grown up.  She 
could give Urd a run for her money!) 

"Hi, Keiichi!  Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself!"  Skuld
replied in a rich voice. 

"What? Oh, I forgot that you could read minds. . . What- what
brings you here, Skuld?" 

"Well, I wanted to see what kinda ice cream you had in stock." 
Skuld replied as she walked over 
to Keiichi and sat down on the sofa. "I also wanted to give you
these,"  she continued, pulling an 
optical disk out of thin air. 

"What's on this, Skuld?"  Keiichi asked a bit excitedly. 

"Oh, just a bunch of plans I came up with... improved, more
efficient engines, and stuff like that.  
I figure it'll take you a few decades to sort through everything.
. ." 

"I see."  Keiichi replied with a smile. (As arrogant as ever,) 
he thought. 

"Hmmph.  If you don't WANT them, I can always take them back!" 
Skuld said with a pout. 

Keiichi laughed from the heart for the first time in many, many
years. 

"No that's okay, I'll keep them.  You know, in spite of how much
you hated me, I've still missed 
you."  He replied softly. 

"Well, I guess, I kinda, maybe. . . missed you too,"  Skuld said. 

"So, how are your sisters?"  Keiichi asked, trying to sound calm
and casual. 

"Oh, Urd's joined up with Cupid's group.  She likes that love
stuff better than Sys. Admin. work 
anyway. . .  She's causing all kinds of problems on the mortal
plane. Relationships are more 
screwed up than ever thanks to her," Skuld replied. 

"And. . . Belldandy?"  Keiichi asked, his voice breaking. 

"Belldandy is still working in the Goddess Relief Office.  She
likes granting wishes." 

"I see." 

Skuld turned towards Keiichi and looked closely at him, as if
trying to come to some sort of a 
decision.  She finally took a deep breath and said, "Belldandy
is, uh, well. . . She's, uh, kinda 
-with- someone now. . ." 

"What do you mean, 'with someone'?"  Keiichi asked, his voice
hoarse and his arms trembling. 

"She fell in love again; with a Hindu demi-god named Arjuna.
They're. . . really happy together.  
I'm sorry, Keiichi. I know how much she meant to you.  But she
moved on, so, don't you think 
it's time for you to do the same?" 

"I. . .  I hope she's happy,"  Keiichi said, quaking as tears
flowed down his face. 

"I'm telling you this because it's time for you to move on with
your life.  My sister will always 
love you, but the two of you can never be together. . .  She
understood that and found love again.  
She wants you to be happy Keiichi,"  Skuld explained. 

Keiichi just leaned back and silently cried, trying to keep the
joyous memories of Belldandy alive in 
his heart. 

 

                        ******* Fifteen Years Later ******* 


"Congratulations Dr. Morisato! You'll win the Nobel Prize for
this one for sure!" 

"You really think so, Hitomi?"  Keiichi asked distractedly as he
adjusted his glasses and read 
through the test results once again. 

"Sure! Do you know why Daddy let you start this project?  Our
most recent findings show that 
all non-Middle Eastern oil will be depleted in about five years! 
You developed a new, easily accessible 
form of energy! That should win you a Nobel Prize for sure. . .
Well, maybe.  At the 
very least, Daddy is going to make you president of one of his
companies.  He told me today that 
he was going to start a new venture based on your cold-fusion
generator.  He still can't believe 
that you finished the first prototype three months ahead of
schedule."  Hitomi replied. 

(Well, Skuld's documentation -did- help,) Keiichi thought wryly. 
Skuld had been correct in her 
assessment of how long it would take Keiichi to figure out some
of her designs.  The compact 
cold-fusion generator was the -first- and -least- complex of her
designs.  Keiichi could look 
forward to a life-time of study and research just based on the
one disk Skuld gave him. 

"I'm not sure if I want to be president of a company. . . I like
doing research." 

"Well, I'm sure Daddy will give you anything you want, then," 
Hitomi replied. 

Hitomi's father was chairman of Nakamora Industries, the largest
conglomerate of electronic and 
engineering firms in Japan.  Hitomi herself, was her father's
assistant, but was really being 
trained to take his place one day. 

"Dr. Morisato;  . . . Keiichi, I was wondering. . . Well, if you
would like to go out to dinner with 
me tonight, in order to celebrate your achievement." 

Keiichi looked up from his computer screen and smiled at Hitomi.
"I'm sorry Hitomi, but I'm 
working tonight." 

"You are ALWAYS working Keiichi!  Don't you think you should have
some fun once in a 
while?" 

"To me, work IS fun, Hitomi.  Besides, why would you want to go
out with an old man like me?" 

"You're not that old Keiichi. . ."  Hitomi said, then whispered,
"Besides, I'm not exactly a little 
girl either. . ." 

"No, you're not, but I can still remember the time ten years ago
when you graduated from high 
school.  Age is a relative thing Hitomi. . ,"  Keiichi replied,
turning back to his computer. 

"That computer can't keep you warm at night, you know!"  Hitomi
said, exasperated. She slowly 
blushed as Keiichi raised an eyebrow. Amusement danced in his
eyes as he watched the young 
woman fidget. "I. . .I mean-" Hitomi stammered, trying to back
track. 

"I know what you meant Hitomi, but such things. . . well, I guess
it's too late now.  . ." Keiichi 
said, a wistful look on his face. 

"I wish I could meet her. . ," Hitomi commented after a few
moments. 

"Meet who?"  Keiichi asked, taking some notes based on the test
results. 

"The woman who screwed you up so badly,"  Hitomi said bluntly. 

Keichii gripped the sides the table tightly and took a deep
breath. 

"What makes you think a woman has anything to do with this?"  He
finally asked. 

"Oh, come on!  I know you too well, Keiichi.  A handsome, smart,
successful man like you 
having -absolutely- no one to love?  Besides, I've seen those
faraway looks you get sometimes."  

"It was a long time ago, Hitomi." 

"Yeah, but you're not over it yet, are you?  Well, if you change
your mind and decide to start 
living again, you know where to find me,"  Hitomi replied as she
walked out of Keiichi's lab. 

Keiichi stared at Hitomi's retreating form, then went back to
study the experiment test results. 

Several hours later, Keiichi walked into the small washroom that
was located in his lab.  He 
yawned and stretched his arms, then bent over the faucet, turning
the water on.  After splashing 
some cold water in his face, he toweled off and stared at his
reflection in the mirror.  (I have to 
learn to smile more,) he thought as he touched the small
worry-lines on his face. 

Keiichi sighed, then turned to walk back to the lab when he
sensed a glowing light emanate from 
the mirror.  (No!  It can't be!)  Keiichi thought as he turned
towards the mirror.  His heart nearly 
stopped as Belldandy floated out of the mirror and lightly landed
on the floor.  (My God, she's as 
beautiful as ever. . .)  Keiichi thought, noticing that the
goddess had not changed in appearance at 
all since the day she left him. 

"Bell-chan. . ,"  He whispered hoarsely as she looked at him. 

"Hello Keiichi-san.  It's good to see you,"  Belldandy said. 

Keiichi wordlessly backed out of the washroom, nearly backing
into the wall. 

"So. . . Uh, what brings you here, Belldandy?"  Keiichi asked. 

Belldandy reached out to him, but Keiichi jerked away suddenly.
Disheartened, Belldandy said, 
"I came to talk to you. . .That girl. . .Hitomi; she seems very
nice." 

"She is,"  Keiichi replied neutrally. 

"She loves you." 

"I don't know about that. . ." 

"It's true.  She's loved you for years, but you won't let her get
close to you,"  Belldandy replied. 

"I thought Urd was the matchmaker among you three. . . ," 
Keiichi sighed. 

"I only want you to be happy,"  Belldandy replied. 

"Then leave me, and go back to your new love," Keiichi replied,
turning away. (Damn.  It hurts 
too much to see you. . ,) Keiichi thought. 

"Keiichi-san, Skuld lied about that,"  Belldandy replied quietly. 

"What?"  Keiichi asked, quickly turning towards Belldandy. 

"She lied.  She. . . cared about you Keiichi-san.  She wanted you
to stop hoping that I would 
come back one day.  She was trying to help you move on.  She was
punished for that." 

"Is she OK?"  Keiichi asked. 

(That's what I love about you Keiichi-san; you always worry about
others,)  Belldandy thought, 
then said "She's fine now. . . She was just confined to earth for
a year. . ." 

"I see." 

"Keiichi-san,  Skuld didn't want to see you live your life
alone.  I don't want to see that either!  I 
love you, and hate seeing you like this!  You are capable of such
kindness and such great love; 
you should share it with someone!" 

"I shared it with you, I don't need anyone else.  I don't WANT
anyone else." 

"But. . ,"  Belldandy began to object. 

"No Bell,  I will NOT fall in love with anyone else.  I love you
now just as much as I did when 
you left.  I promised I would wait for you!  I will die ALONE if
I have to, but there is NO ONE I 
want to share my life with but you! I don't care if it's selfish
and I don't care if it comes to 
the fires of Hell! I promised you, and more importantly, I -love-
only you!"  Keiichi yelled. 

Belldandy fell into his arms, tears pouring down her face.  "I- I
never meant for this to happen.  I 
love you so much, I didn't want to hurt you like this.  I'm sorry
Keiichi-san, I'm so sorry. . ." 

They stood like that, just holding each other, for several
minutes.  Finally, Belldandy pulled 
away.  She walked up to one of the tables in Keiichi's lab and
picked up a pair of scissors.  She 
cut off several strands of her hair, and tied them together with
a silken white ribbon that was 
wrapped around her wrist. 

"I have to go now. Kami-sama gave me permission to come here, to
try to convince you to love 
again. . . but, I guess I failed,"  Belldandy said, handing the
strands of hair to Keiichi. 

"No, you didn't fail, Bell-chan,"  Keiichi said, caressing her
face, "I fell in love with you, all over 
again." 

Belldandy silently leaned over and kissed Keiichi on the lips. 
It was a fervent, passionate kiss; it 
was as if Belldandy wanted to take in Keiichi's whole being in
that one kiss.  After they 
separated again, Belldandy stepped back into the washroom and
disappeared into the mirror. 
Long after she had  left, Keiichi sat at his desk, staring at
strands of hair his goddess had left him. 
  

                        ******* Forty Years Later ******* 

Keiichi laid in his hospital bed, staring up at the ceiling fan
that twirled above him. Years of 
chemotherapy were catching up with him, and his body was no
longer strong enough to go on.  It 
was really a matter of days, maybe weeks, before he died. 
Actually, he was looking forward to 
death; he was almost eager.  He had hoped and prayed that he
would be with Belldandy again.  

He sighed in frustration as his stomach growled. 

(What does a guy have to do to get some food around here?)  he
thought to himself. 

His private room was filled with flowers; sent from his
employees, family, and even the Prime 
Minister.  He had finally given the last of Skuld's undeveloped
plans to his Research and 
Development team.  His corporation's stock had been plummeting
ever since the general public 
found out about his sickness.  He wanted to make sure that the
company would survive long after 
he had died. 

Keiichi slowly twisted around in his bed and reached for the
switch that would call in his nurse. 
 "At least they could give a dying man his final meal," he
grumbled good-naturedly.  After a few 
minutes, the door to his room opened and a woman in a Nurse's
uniform walked in.  Keiichi 
gaped in shock and surprise as he stared at the nurse; it was
Belldandy. 

(I must be dreaming again. . . Heh. I haven't had THIS fantasy in
a while!) he thought. 

"Keiichi-san!  I'm surprised at you!"  Belldandy said, blushing. 

"I keep forgetting that you can read my mind. . .WAIT!  This. .
.IS a dream, right?" 

"No, Keiichi-san, no dream,"  Belldandy replied as she walked
over to him and took 
hold of his hand. 

"Oh. I'm dead, then?  Wow. . . I didn't feel a thing." 

"No, you're not dead,"  Belldandy said, then took a deep breath. 

"Morisato Keiichi-san, I am the Goddess Belldandy from the
Goddess Relief Office. I have come 
to grant you a wish,"  Belldandy announced. 

"A- a wish?  But- but. . . You already granted me a wish, so long
ago.  How can I get another 
one?"  Keiichi asked, hopeful and bewildered at the same time.

"Kami-sama broke your last contract, so he decided that you were
worthy of a wish." 

"Are you sure this isn't a dream?"  Keiichi ask, his voice
breaking. 

"This isn't a dream, my love.  Ask. . . Ask for your wish," 
Belldandy replied, tears streaming 
down her face. 

Keiichi took a deep breath, and wished. 
  
"Keiichi-san, wake up... It's Christmas morning!" 

"Huh... wha-  What happened?"  Keiichi asked as he jerked awake,
a loud wave of static hitting 
his ears.

"We fell asleep while watching 'It's a Wonderful Life' last
night, remember?"  Belldandy asked. 

"Oh. . . Wait! Bell!  You're here! I'm alive?  What-"  Keiichi
started looking around, 
his eyes a bit wild. He saw the TV covered with snow-static for
lack of reception.

He was startled to see that he was in the temple.  Urd was lying
on the floor, snoring 
softly, an empty bottle of sake in her hand.  Skuld was in a
similar condition, except 
she was holding an empty carton of ice cream.  Keiichi stared at
Skuld for a few moments, 
noticing that she looked to be about twelve years old.  He
quickly turned towards Belldandy. 

"You. . .you didn't leave me. . ." 

"Of course not Keiichi-san.  The recall notice was cancelled,
remember?" 

"It. . . was cancelled." 

"Yes. . ." 

A look of pure joy grew on Keiichi's face as he gently took hold
of Belldandy's face, 
leaned down, and kissed her.  The kiss grew more passionate as
the moments passed, Belldandy 
throwing herself into it as well.  When they finally parted,
faces flushed,  Belldandy 
said, "Merry Christmas." 

"Merry Christmas, Bell-chan!  You know, I had the STRANGEST
dream; I don't remember 
much of it though. . ." 

"Well, you can tell me about it after I make breakfast." 
Belldandy replied as she stood up and 
walked over to the TV, shutting it off as she made her way to the
kitchen.

Keiichi watched at her retreating form and sighed in contentment.
He tried vainly to remember 
glimpses of his dream, shadowy after-images dancing in his head. 
It was more of a nightmare, 
really; like he was living another life.  (Must of have been that
stupid movie,)  He thought, 
wondering what his life would be like if Belldandy -had- left.  

He stretched his arms and got up off the sofa.  (No point
dwelling on things that-didn't- happen.) 
He looked down as something fell off his lap.  Curiously, he bent
down and picked up a silken 
white ribbon, tied around several strands of hair. As he gently
stroked the hair, a flood of 
powerful emotions, almost memories, permeated his being.  Curious
and confused, he wiped a 
tear out his eye.

"Where did this come from?"  he wondered out loud as he walked
towards his room.


FIN-

A Colliding SYmphonies production

-- 
_______________________________
| C  S |                      |
| O  Y | "If you can't fight, |
| L  M |                      |
| L  P | and you can't flee,  |
| I  H |                      |
| D  O |   flow."             |
| I  N |                      |
| N  I |  ----Robert Elliot   |
| G  E |______________________|
|    S | Anand Rao            |
|______|______________________|