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            |
|______|______________________|