A/N: Finally, a chapter that didn't take three months to complete! HOORAY!
Anyway, I watched the newest OVA episode for "Angel Beats!" (good on the nostalgia, if I do say so, but I thought the first OVA episode was a bit better), and I also finished "Plastic Memories" (it also had a tearjerker ending!), both of which have inspired me to begin working on this chapter. I must say, the new OVA has impacted the direction I wanted to take the story, so I could wind up rethinking the latter half of the plot. Not saying this will affect production, of course.
Okay, now that this recap's out of the way, onward with the chapter! ENJOY!
P.S.: I found the perfect theme song for "The Wings of an Angel". It's not that original, just the remix of a very familiar song, but I think it would be a very welcome (and a bit of an appropriate) choice if this story were turned into an actual sequel for "Angel Beats!" (as in, never). I have the link to the video on my profile; check it out when you have the chance! :D
CHAPTER 10: DANCING ON A KEYBOARD
Afterlife Name - Post-Afterlife Name
Yuzuru Otonashi - Arata Takahashi
Kanade Tachibana - Chouko Hashimoto
Yuri Nakamura - Kimiko Nishimura
Masami Iwasawa - Hasumi Itagaki
Hinata Hideki - Naotatsu Yunokawa
Ayato Naoi - Fuuta Ukiyo
Noda - Noriya Noguchi
Hisako - Masako Watanabe
Miyuki Irie - Hitomi Saito
Shiori Sekine - Saori Inoue
April 28, 2026
Nishitōkyōchūō General Hospital
Nishitōkyō, Japan
"Listen, I'm sorry, all right?" shouted an outraged Kimiko. "So why don't you just drop it already?! I don't need to be reminded of that every single minute!"
"What's wrong, Kimiko?" asked Naomi, a crafty smile on her face. "Mad to finally be wrong on something?"
Kimiko was fully prepared to lash out at her younger sister in any way possible. However, before she could do so, Youichirou stepped between the two girls.
"Alright Kimiko, there's no need to shout," he said. Then, he glanced at Naomi. "Naomi-chan, please do not make fun of your sister, especially at a time like this. You have no idea what she's been through, so don't make things any worse for her. Okay?"
"Okay..." groaned Naomi. Then, Kimiko noticed her head turning away as the younger girl mumbled something incomprehensible, but no doubt crude.
Deciding to ignore it, the magenta-haired girl walked away from her father and younger sister, intending to reach the room of Sadahiro Hashimoto and tell him that she planned on withdrawing from his program. As much as she didn't want to (after all, it sounded like Toro, the secretary, had something important to tell her), she had to admit Naotatsu had a point. If she died while in pursuit of something so trivial in the long run, then she wouldn't be able to protect her siblings anymore. She would be failing her duty as the eldest sibling through this...
She would be breaking her promise...
Finally approaching the elevator, Kimiko pressed the 'Up' button and waited for the mechanism to reach the ground floor. As she did, she glanced back at Youichirou and Naomi, who were conversing about something undoubtedly related to her. She immediately noticed Naomi's aggressive movements and sighed sadly.
"Oh, Naomi..." she thought. "What do I have to do to reach through that thick skull of yours?..."
Just then, she heard the ringing of the elevator, signifying its arrival. Kimiko watched the doors slide open, and in the next second, her eyes widened in shock.
"Oh, not you again!" she exclaimed.
Noriya Noguchi blinked, then smirked devilishly. "Hello to you too, beautiful," he replied.
Kimiko sighed angrily. "Considering you're in there, you want to get off." She closed her eyes and stepped to the side. "By all means, go on ahead-"
"Actually," interrupted Noriya, "I just remembered, I forgot something back upstairs. I need to get it; it's pretty important."
"I doubt it."
"Oh, come on, pretty eyes!" Noriya stretched out his arms, as if hoping to welcome the magenta-haired teenager into a hug. "I won't bite. I know you've got a little something important to do upstairs as well, so we might as well go up there together! No necessity in waiting for the next elevator!"
"Well, whenever you're considered, I believe there is a necessity."
The teenage boy put on a mock-hurt expression. "Wow, harsh."
"You're disgusting. Don't you have a girlfriend already?"
"Yes, yes." Noriya began examining his fingernails proudly, causing Kimiko to mentally retch. "However, that does not mean I am required to neglect beautiful flowers like you..." He glanced back at Kimiko with a confident twinkle in his eye. "Especially when they're still blooming..."
His pupils moved towards the girl's chest for a split-second before refocusing back on her face. However, the action went unnoticed by Kimiko.
"Damn you to hell..." she growled.
"Say all you want," Noriya said as he leaned against the doors, preventing them from closing. "But unless you really want to get on another elevator, without good ole me, I suggest you be courteous to the people around you and let them get on the elevator as well."
Kimiko's eyes widened, and she looked behind her to see a couple standing behind her. The man was tapping his foot and frowning impatiently, while the woman was smiling in slight embarrassment. Blushing nervously, Kimiko immediately hopped onto the elevator, followed by the couple. The magenta-haired girl regretted this decision soon afterwards as she watched the doors slide shut, effectively trapping her with the perverted teenage boy.
Approximately a minute passed when the elevator reached the first floor, to which it stopped. With the ring of a bell, the doors slid open, and the couple departed from the mechanism. With no one intending to board, the doors slid shut soon afterwards, leaving the two teenagers alone. Kimiko blushed angrily, while a crafty smile slowly but steadily appeared on Noriya's face as he relished in the moment.
"Why, oh why were Arata-kun and Hashimoto taken to the fifth floor of this hospital?" Kimiko asked in her thoughts.
"So..." Noriya piped, drawing the girl's disgust. "You must be wondering why I'm here."
"Oh, I can't imagine why," drawled Kimiko sarcastically.
"Well, I just wanted to check on my babe. It's a good thing she's all right, physically and mentally."
It was Kimiko's turn to smile craftily. "She won't be any longer if she finds out you've got an eye on me. And as her friend-" She glared at Noriya with a malicious glint on her eye. "-I wouldn't take that too kindly. And to think, I thought you'd at least be a bit more respectful. She did just survive a harrowing ordeal...as did I. There is no way I would submit my hormonal desires to the egotistical, depraved likes of you."
"Aw, come on, babe!" Noriya approached Kimiko, backing her up at a corner. "You know you can't resist me..."
The girl chuckled as she struggled to hold in her rage. "You really are a pervert, aren't you? Willing to make your move on me in the elevator of a public building. The desperation is ever so obvious." She then tauntingly leaned her face closer to Noriya's, the villainous glint still present in her eye; their noses were nearly touching. "Is it probably because you really want to get some, and yet Hasumi is denying you that?..."
"Maybe, maybe not..." Noriya replied, still grinning.
"You should always respect the wishes of a woman, otherwise you will suffer from a grueling lesson..."
"Oh, bring on that lesson, 'cause I'm ready- ACK!"
Beginning of Day Four
A smirking Kimiko stepped out of the elevator, ignoring the shocked expression of the elderly man as he gazed upon Noriya's collapsed form. Instead, she approached the room assigned to Sadahiro Hashimoto, intending on entering and announcing to him of her plans to withdraw from his program (that is, if it hadn't been canceled already). However, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, and voices were speaking. Immediately identifying those voices as belonging to Sadahiro and Toro, Kimiko became intrigued and leaned closer to the crack in the door, hoping to learn something from their conversation.
"What do you mean the program's being considered for cancellation?!" Sadahiro snapped.
"It is obvious the cult intends to kill you and everyone around you, Hashimoto-san," Toro replied. "Takahashi, Nishimura, and Itagaki became involved with you, just because they wished to learn how to run a business. For something so dreadful to happen to people with innocuous intentions, it will definitely not sit well with the parents, and if you survive this ordeal, you may not survive the ensuing lawsuits. Takahashi has already been hurt by a cultist; that alone should explain the problem of their continued presence."
"That was NOT a cultist. It was some maddened boy who thought he could impress those savages."
"Nevertheless, the cultists saw those children with you. They will no doubt mark them as big of an enemy as you are to them. I urge you, Hashimoto-san, for the well-being of your business, honor the board's wishes and cut this program. Let these children return to their families."
"I cannot believe this..."
Suddenly, a new voice spoke up. "Hashimoto-san, this is something that doesn't need any time to decide on. We need to minimize the severity of the situation as much as possible, and cutting your ties with all the civilians around you is a good first step."
Sadahiro began chuckling bitterly. "My dear, dear Igarashi-san, you've obviously never stepped foot into the world of businessmen and women before, have you?"
"No, I have not, admittedly," replied the unfamiliar voice. "However, Hashimoto-san, I have seen enough cases to know that anyone who thinks they have control of the entire situation simply winds up dead in a matter of weeks, if not days. So please, do not act like you know better than those who are genuinely out to protect you and your family, because I simply do not have the patience for that kind of behavior. Heed the words of your board, and let those three children return home."
Kimiko beamed proudly, relieved to know that even a police officer like Igarashi had the common sense to put Sadahiro in his place. She then heard the businessman grunt angrily; he undoubtedly hated being told what to do, even if it was from a person of authority.
"Hashimoto-san..." said Toro.
"Fine!" snapped Sadahiro. "Fine, fine, fine! God, so much yen spent, all for nothing..."
"It is all for the best, Hashimoto-san."
"Yes, yes, of course..."
Sadahiro's voice trailed off, and Kimiko heard a set of footsteps approaching the door. She stepped back courteously, just as the door opened, revealing a man in his thirties, with well-kept brown hair and serious gray eyes. He was wearing a formal dark-brown suit with a dark-green tie, and there was a Public Security Mobile Investigation Unit badge pinned on the breast area of his shirt. The two looked at each other, and Kimiko's eyes widened slightly. This officer (who she presumed to be the one Sadahiro referred to as Igarashi) was rather intimidating, and yet, there was another aura about him that made her want to trust him wholeheartedly. It actually reminded her of Takahashi somewhat.
"Excuse me," the sergeant said, passing by the teenage girl.
She watched him go for a moment before glancing into Sadahiro's room. There, she found the businessman sitting in a hospital bed, clad in the traditional patient's gown and wearing an expression of defeat. If she didn't have better self-control, she would have laughed at the man's humiliating position.
Sadahiro took quick notice of Kimiko, narrowed his eyes, and snarled, "I'm assuming you overheard the whole conversation, did you?"
"Just the tail end, but yes," Kimiko replied honestly.
Sadahiro scoffed, rolled his eyes, and looked out of the window. Kimiko's eyes caught Toro's, but the secretary was looking away, as if there was something she really wanted to tell the girl, but was unable to due to her current position. Before she could look any further into it, Kimiko heard Sadahiro speak again.
"Well then, I believe this is goodbye, Kimiko Nishimura."
"Yes." However, Kimiko felt no sadness from this premature event. "Goodbye."
No sadness, not at all.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Takahashi couldn't help but sigh. He always fantasized about Hasumi lovingly sitting by his side whenever he was hospitalized, like a concerned wife would be to her husband. However, now that he was living out such a scenario, there was a part of him that regretted ever thinking about it in the first place. Not that he personally felt anything against Hasumi for visiting him and inquiring about his well-being, but he had been asked that question multiple times already (in fact, this had to be the fourth time Hasumi asked this) and the repetition was starting to cause a minor headache for the redheaded boy.
"For the last time, Hasumi," he replied, "I'm fine. Does it look like I'm dying to you?"
"You got hit pretty hard by that guy, though," said Hasumi, inching closer to Takahashi's side and causing him to blush. "I don't want a friend dying on me, ya know. I at least don't want your memory to be damaged or anything. It'd be bad if it were so."
"Yeah, a friend," Takahashi thought bitterly. Then, he said, "I'm fine! Gosh, I can't wait till I get outta here. I hope those cultists didn't burn down my bedroom..."
Hasumi chuckled and slapped her friend's shoulder lightly. "Well, guess I won't have to worry about your memory being damaged."
"Thanks, I guess." Then, Takahashi's eyes narrowed seriously. "What's gonna happen now?"
"What're you talking about?"
"I mean with the program, the one we're in." The teenage boy glanced at the doorway longingly. "Hashimoto-sensei's life is obviously in grave danger, and Junna-san tells me they're probably going to cancel it for our safety and well-being."
"It's for the best, then." Hasumi glanced down at the floor with a soft expression. "I mean, after what happened, who'd wanna be near him?" She then looked up, saw the flat look Takahashi was delivering her, and realized what she just said. "Oh, not trying to be offensive or anything! It's the truth, though."
"Yes, that's right." Takahashi looked up at the ceiling. "Darn. I was really enjoying the high life too..."
The pink-haired girl sighed heavily. "Wow, so you're still thinking about that too, huh?..." she mumbled to herself.
Takahashi blinked and looked back at her. "What was that?"
"Nothing."
"No, I heard you say something about me. Please repeat it."
Hasumi pursed her lips. "Even after nearly dying, you're prioritizing, what, a mansion and a luxurious lifestyle? You're not even concerned about what just happened? You're not concerned about the fact that you could've been murdered by a crazed, devil-worshiping lunatic, probably one of the worst ways to die?"
"I didn't forget about that, Hasumi." He sighed and pursed his own lips, feeling as if Hasumi's response was instead an offensive remark. "Seriously, what in the world do people have against being rich and living a life of luxury and goods? It's what everyone wants, right?"
"Not everyone."
"Yeah, well, look who's talking! You want to become a musician! You want to start a band! Aren't you gonna get a lot of money from selling your albums?"
The girl's eyes narrowed. "Yes, I'm probably going to be filthy rich selling my albums. But you know what I really expect out of becoming a musician?"
"I don't know." Then, before Takahashi could stop himself, he added, "Seriously, how could you not do this for money?"
"Money?!" exclaimed Hasumi, standing up abruptly from her chair. "Money?! Is that what you think people are motivated by?! MONEY?!"
"I-I didn't mean it that way-"
"I've known you for a while, Takahashi, long enough to know what's up with you! For the longest time, you've always been complaining about your house and your job and your living. You've always been talking about how desperately you wanted to get rich and get away from your current lifestyle. Back then, I believed it when you said you hated your current life. I mean, I've seen how much of a bad luck magnet you were."
"Oh, thanks," the redhead replied dryly.
"But now that we're here and you're moaning about the loss of the mansion," continued Hasumi, "it makes me worry about your priorities."
"Hey, my priorities are top-notch straight, alright?! I mean, I sprung to your defense when that madman tried to go after you and the others! Unless those are really the actions of a guy who cares for money first and foremost, I'm pretty sure my motives are self-explanatory there!"
Hasumi blinked, realizing what Takahashi just said. Remembering the incident back at the cabin, she nodded softly and sat back down on her chair.
"Yes, that's true..."
The redheaded teenager sighed and looked back up at the ceiling, feeling the emotional impact of his argument with Hasumi catching up to him. He honestly couldn't believe he even had an argument with her, the only person besides his mother who truly cared about him (well, aside from Kimiko, but she was a newcomer in his life so he couldn't count her just yet), the girl he loved with all of his heart, despite everything he said...
A flurry of silver hair...
Takahashi shook his head and said, "Look, Hasumi, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have argued with you like that. It's just, well, you know how I am."
"Yes, I know. It's just...money isn't everything. It won't bring you true happiness in life."
"I know, I know." Takahashi briefly remained silent before asking, "Hasumi?"
"Yeah, Arata-kun?"
"If you didn't want to become a musician for the money, then why'd you want to become a musician, then?"
Hasumi sighed. "Didn't you hear what I said yesterday at that neighborhood where the cultists struck?"
"Well, I was bonked on the head a few hours ago, so I'm pretty sure I lost that conversation..."
"I wanted to become a musician so then I can provide brand-new worlds for my fans to escape into, just like music did for me. I want to help people who are just like me, those who feel hopeless, who fail to see the point in life, who cannot yet grasp any sense of true happiness... I want to do that for them."
"Oh yeah, that's right..." Takahashi's eyes softened, remembering exactly what Hasumi told him. "I'm...I'm sorry. For forgetting that..."
"It's okay."
Hasumi stood up and began to walk out of the room. Takahashi, still feeling pitiful about their conversation, called out to her.
"Hasumi."
The pink-haired girl stopped and turned around, the ghost of a smile appearing on her face. "Yes, Arata-kun?"
"I am really sorry if I gave off the wrong impression to you," he replied honestly. "Of prioritizing money above all else. It's important to me, but..." He paused for a moment and blushed a bright pink. "But you're important to me too. You really are."
Hasumi blinked in surprise and said, "You know I have a boyfriend, right?"
Takahashi felt his heart drop at the mention of Noriya as he responded stiffly, "Yes, I am aware of that." He then forced an innocent smile. "What, I wasn't trying to be romantic towards you or anything. I view you as a very close friend of mine, someone I can depend on and entrust my life with!"
"Oh." The girl smiled with relief. "That's good to know. It was just that you were sounding a little sappy and melodramatic there."
"I was?" Takahashi tried to widen his smile, but without much success. "Sorry about that."
"Apology accepted." Hasumi then approached the door and opened it. "Gotta go now, Arata-kun. Just feel better, okay?"
"Hey, nothing brings down Arata Takahashi without being brought down too!"
To emphasize his point, the redheaded teenage boy gave his friend a thumbs-up. Hasumi smiled, returned it with one of her own, and then left, the door shutting itself behind her. Once she was gone, Takahashi sighed heavily and clenched his fists. He had been so close to confessing his feelings to Hasumi, only to be shot down with the simple mention of that accursed boy. ...Then again, it was probably for the best...
"We did just have an argument," he thought. "If I came forward now, I'd probably be painting myself as an even more selfish person than Hasumi thinks of me... I guess I'll just have to wait a little longer." The ghost of a dreamy smile appeared on his face as he began fantasizing. "Then, when the time is right, it'll my turn to hug her, to kiss her, to tell her how much of an important person she is to me, to stroke her silver hair..." His smile suddenly turned into a frown. "Wait, silver hair?"
Hasumi was on her way to Sadahiro's room when she saw Kimiko suddenly emerging from it, a hard, serious expression etched on her face. Intrigued, not knowing why she was in the room in the first place, the pink-haired musician approached her new friend as she was sitting down on a nearby waiting chair.
"Kimiko?" she asked, catching the other girl's attention. "What, uh...what happened in there? Did you talk to Hashimoto-sensei?"
"Yeah," replied Kimiko as she looked away. "I talked to him...about the program."
"Oh, good. I was gonna approach him about that. You just saved me from a whole lot of trouble there." Hasumi chuckled kindly as she sat down beside Kimiko. "So, what exactly did he say, Kimiko?"
Kimiko's tone was nonchalant. "The program's canceled already. Hashimoto was letting me go."
"Oh. Should've known that was gonna happen." Hasumi stretched her legs and then stood up. "Well, I guess this means we're going home-"
"This isn't over, though," interrupted the magenta-haired girl. "You know that, right?"
"Huh? What're you talking about?"
"The cult." Kimiko looked up at Hasumi, her eyes narrowing seriously. "Before the attack on Hashimoto Manor, they struck one of the suburban neighborhoods in Nishitōkyō. Nishitōkyō, Hasumi! That's close to where we live!" She looked down at the well-cleaned floor, deep in thought. "It doesn't matter if the program we're participating in is canceled or not. Sooner or later, we'll come across that cult at least once more. You, me, and Arata-kun are still in danger." She looked back up at Hasumi. "So don't you dare think it's over, because we're still not out of the woods, Hasumi! Not yet!"
Hasumi was slightly unnerved by Kimiko's seriousness, but she replied calmly, "But we're gonna have police protection, Kimiko. I overheard that part. We should be-"
"If those cultists have the guts to attack an entire mansion and burn half of it to the ground," Kimiko interrupted again, "then I doubt a bunch of cops can scare them. I urge you, Hasumi, be on your guard at all times. At school, at work, at home, I don't care. You need to be careful."
"Okay, okay, I get it!" Hasumi smiled slightly and crossed her arms. "Jeez, someone's being a little protective."
"Well, it's just like you said earlier, you and Arata-kun are good friends, even if I've known you two for only about a week. You guys brighten up my life. And no matter what I do, no matter what happens, I have to protect the ones I care about, at all costs. That includes you two."
"Oh, that's sweet of you to say." Hasumi's smile widened. "Thank you, Kimiko."
Kimiko couldn't help but smile back. "Yeah, you're welcome."
Just then, the two girls heard someone approaching. They looked down the hallway and spotted a man approaching their position. Kimiko was quick to recognize him as the police officer Sadahiro was talking to, the one named Igarashi, she believed it was.
"Hello there," Igarashi greeted upon spotting the duo. "Kimiko Nishimura-" He pointed at Hasumi. "-and Hasumi Itagaki?" He pointed at Kimiko.
"Oh, I'm Kimiko," replied Kimiko before gesturing to Hasumi. "That's Hasumi."
"Oh, my apologies. My name is Sergeant Madoka Igarashi, and I am leading the investigation into the cult. As a result, I will be responsible for your safety and well-being, so please, bear with me." He bowed respectfully, which surprised Hasumi and even Kimiko.
"Oh, nice to meet you too," Hasumi said, smiling slightly.
"Now, I am assuming you are aware of the cancellation of Sadahiro Hashimoto's program?"
"Yes, that's true."
"Alright. Then follow me. We shall get you into protective custody this instant."
"Wait a minute," piped Kimiko. "What about Arata-kun?"
"Arata Takahashi?" For some reason, there was some bitterness and another strange emotion laced with Igarashi's voice as he spoke the name. "He will not be discharged from the hospital until tomorrow afternoon. But do not worry about him. There will be trained officers patrolling his room day and night." He then gestured the girls to follow him. "Now, come on. We mustn't waste anymore time, you two."
Kimiko was about to ask Igarashi if she could get to say goodbye to Chouko, but she had a sinking feeling he wouldn't approve. So, after taking one last glance at Sadahiro's room, she followed Igarashi and Hasumi to the elevator, where several other people were already waiting patiently.
"Now," continued Igarashi, "do not expect yourselves to be relocated to a top-secret location. We are not under the belief that the cult is well-equipped and well-resourced enough to monitor your every movement. You will all be able to continue your normal, daily routines as usual. The only difference is that you will be tailed everywhere by undercover officers."
"So we'll be able to go to school and work and parties?" Hasumi asked.
"Yes, that is correct. Now, we will have to train you in understanding hand signals so you will decipher our secret messages quickly in case there is an emergency."
"Oh, man. I can imagine Arata-kun's head rolling at the mention of that."
Kimiko immediately noticed Igarashi's eyes narrow at the mention of Takahashi's name. She could tell there was something about the redheaded boy that the police sergeant didn't exactly approve of. However, she didn't want to pry into the topic any further.
"Now," Igarashi continued, the expression disappearing from his face, "I understand that you girls are likely disappointed at the program being canceled-"
"Not really," interrupted Hasumi suddenly, shaking her head.
"Me neither," Kimiko added, nodding in agreement. "I'm glad we're out of Hashimoto's hair, at long last."
"Is that so?" Igarashi scoffed. "I guess even kids do not hold even the slightest respect towards him. Can't say I'm all that surprised to hear such a thing."
Kimiko's attention was piqued at this remark. "So...what's your opinion of Sadahiro Hashimoto?..."
"He's an asshole, that's my opinion of him," the sergeant replied tersely.
The magenta-haired girl mentally sighed in relief at hearing that response. At the same time, the elevator doors slid open, allowing everyone waiting to step inside. An elderly woman pressed a button leading to the ground floor, and the elevator bell rang softly, prompting the doors to slowly close. As they did, Kimiko spotted Toro stepping out of Sadahiro's room. Their eyes met for a brief moment, seconds before the doors were completely closed.
"Now I'll never know what she wanted to tell me..." Kimiko thought glumly.
She then glanced across her shoulder, observing Hasumi as she whipped out her cellphone and began texting someone, likely the unfaithful bastard Noriya.
"Whatever you do, no matter what happens, you have to protect the ones you care about. At all costs. You understand that?"
"How am I supposed to protect the ones I care about when I've stumbled onto something big and potentially dangerous, and yet I just cannot learn more?..."
Remnants of Hashimoto Manor
A couple of hours later
Firefighter crews were trudging through what remained of the burnt half of Hashimoto Manor, searching thoroughly for any flames and embers left by the fire that took them a few hours to completely extinguish. Pieces of furniture were overturned and appeared as if an unknown force burst out of them from the inside. Once-majestic portraits and curtains were now tattered messes. A chandelier had broken loose from its tether and fallen on top of a circular table of mostly glass, completely crushing it. The only thing that remained virtually untouched in the blaze was a portrait of Sadahiro Hashimoto himself, situated on a portion of a wall that was miraculously still standing. Two firefighters approached it and looked up at the portrait admiringly.
"Amazing that that thing didn't get destroyed in the fire," one of them said, crossing his arms. "That blaze practically engulfed fifty percent of this mansion."
"Yeah, that is indeed remarkable," replied the other. Then, he placed an index finger on his chin in wonder. "Hey, maybe we should bring this portrait to Hashimoto-san. He might give us a nice reward for doing such a service."
"A nice reward, eh?" A smile appeared on the first firefighter's face. "I like that sound of that..."
"Alright, you two stop looking at that painting and get back to work!" snapped a third firefighter, who was older and was no doubt their superior. "This isn't an art museum, for Christ's sake; this is an active fire risk, so treat it like one!"
"Okay, okay!" the second firefighter exclaimed. "No need to take it out on us!"
The two firefighters rejoined their colleagues in searching for leftover flames, but not before taking one last, solemn look at Sadahiro's portrait. The entire time, they failed to notice the minuscule camera hidden on where Sadahiro's left pupil was painted. A small red light was still blinking on it.
Unknown location
The man with the golden hood watched on one of the many computer screens as the two firefighters stepped away from the portrait. He let out a heavy sigh of relief, knowing fully well that the operation would've been compromised had either one of them decided to take a closer look.
Then, he surveyed the other computer screens before him. About half of them were completely static, indicating the cameras installed were destroyed, but the remainder were mostly displaying live recordings of other rooms and locations in Hashimoto Manor. There were also a few other screens that were recording other locations, most of which were in the outdoors.
One screen in particular caught his interest: the one recording the abandoned shed situated at the other end of the secret passageway out of the mansion. Right now, it was recording a group of police officers as they were investigating the area, searching for evidence. There was a chalk-drawn outline of a body, no doubt belonging to the butler that had been brutally slain last night by a rather unexpected third-party.
Pursing his lips, the man pressed a button on a dashboard, and the recording began to rewind. After a couple of minutes, he pressed the button again, and the recording had gone back to last night's events, exactly when the teenage boy launched his attack on the escapees. Watching with a glint in his eye as the boy viciously swung his hammer and knife at the group, the man licked his lips in satisfaction.
"The boy was certainly trying to help us in this event," he thought. "While his efforts were amateurish, he does have potential. He could be quite a useful pawn in our scheme yet. A shame he had to flee like that. I would've loved to recruit him myself. But no matter. When the next phase of the operation is initiated, there is no doubt he will be there, and I will be sure to greet him personally when that time comes. In the meantime..."
He glanced towards yet another computer screen, which was recording the room of Sadahiro Hashimoto, who was eating his lunch while his daughter attempted to talk to him, only to no avail. His lips curved into a nasty sneer, and he tapped his armrest rhythmically.
"...Things need to run their course."
Nishitōkyōchūō General Hospital
Several hours later
The bell of the elevator rang softly, and the elevator doors slid open, revealing Chouko.
With a calm exhale, the silver-haired girl stepped out of the elevator and entered the ground floor of the hospital. She scanned the entire area, noticing a complete absence of patients, employees, and visitors. She then glanced out of the nearest window, taking note of the starry sky and the shining streetlights outside.
Though it was hours ago when she first learned the cancellation of her father's program due to the complications posed by the cult, Chouko couldn't help but feel as if she had just learned of the news seconds ago. Strangely enough, she had the sensation of something inside her being empty, as if she was a hollow log. The girl did not want to think of it as a yearning to see Kimiko and Hasumi again. Every time she interacted with those two girls, she felt as if they were people she would not easily get along with, especially Kimiko. She didn't appreciate the attitude that magenta-haired girl maintained in the presence of her respectable father. In fact, if she wasn't all that proper, Chouko would've admitted out loud her gratitude for them being gone, not that there was anyone to confess to anyway.
As for the boy named Arata Takahashi, he was still in the hospital, so she didn't have to bid him farewell just yet. She didn't want to feel any relief from that...but for some reason, there was a slight twinge of it in her heart. And it disgusted her to no end. How could she have these kinds of positive feelings towards that boy?!
Continuing her trek across the ground floor, Chouko next looked at the empty food court. The lights were still on, but all of the businesses were closed and gated off, and not a single table was occupied. That said, she decided to take a seat at one of the oblong tables, located near the middle of the food court. Looking around, seemingly in curiosity, the silver-haired girl mentally noted that the silence and emptiness of the area was strange. One might even describe it as rather unnerving...
Then, Chouko slowly scanned the table she was sitting at, from one end to the other end. She could imagine the people who would sit on it, no doubt large families or tight-knit groups of friends, having the time of their lives. Then again, who would be wanting to have the time of their lives if they were in a hospital?
In fact, the silver-haired girl wondered why there was a food court with popular businesses using it. However, she couldn't see the necessity in setting up restaurants in a pessimistic place such as this hospital. She understood that these businesses needed as much branches to be situated in a single area as possible, but she did expect some more modesty from them, as the heiress of a fellow corporation. Did they really expect their customers to attain some sort of happiness even here?
"Businesses can be quite inconsiderate," she thought. "At least Hashimoto Communications does not have that kind of capacity."
Suddenly, she noticed a faint glimmer at the corner of her eye. Glancing at the farther end of the food court, at a corner, Chouko noticed a piano sitting there, still open, its white keyboard radiating a welcoming aura. The musical instrument looked exactly like the one in Junna's possession. Speaking of which, she wondered if her piano managed to survive the blaze that engulfed her home. Junna's room was indeed dangerously close to the half that had been burnt down...
"Chouko-chan?" a voice piped suddenly.
Chouko flicked her head towards the origin of the voice, surprised at the presence of another person but refusing to show it. To her relief, it was none other than...
"Oh, greetings Junna-san," she replied, moving strands of her hair behind her ear. "I didn't hear you come down here."
"You sure?" The maid glanced back towards the elevators, her head tilted in curiosity. "I am pretty sure those elevator bells had a bit of a loud ring to it." She then shrugged. "Oh, well." Junna looked back towards Chouko, a worried expression flooding her face. "Anyway, whatever are you doing down here, where no one else is around to protect you?! I covered half of his forsaken hospital looking for you!"
Chouko stood up from her chair and bowed respectfully. "My apologies, Junna-san. I was ungraciously woken from my sleep and I could not remain still for long. So, I thought I would exhaust myself by traveling down here to the ground floor and explore. There were some interesting things here that have piqued my interest."
"Like that piano, for example?" replied Junna, her eyebrow raised.
"As if, Junna-san. You know I do not have any interest in such trivial things."
"Yes, says the girl who spent almost half an hour staring at it."
"I did no such-" Chouko paused abruptly. "Wait, almost half an hour. It's been that long?"
"Yes. To be honest, I found you earlier on but I thought I'd leave you with your thoughts. Then, I came back to check on you and saw you still staring at it."
The girl frowned disapprovingly. "You know I cannot abide lies, Junna-san. Be forthcoming with me in the future, will you?"
"I will keep that in mind, Chouko-chan." However, Junna was still smiling craftily. "So, whatever are you waiting for?"
"What are you talking about, Junna-san?"
Junna's smile widened, and she walked up to Chouko. Before the girl could say anything, the maid placed a hand upon her shoulder.
"I know how desperate you are to play the piano. And guess what? Your father is not in a position to object to you giving in to your true desire. Go on, do it."
Chouko's eyes widened in horror. "Are you telling me to defy Father's orders?..." she asked incredulously. She then took a step backward, as if Junna was a terrifying monster. "How...How could you say such a thing to me?! About the person who is providing for your living?!"
The maid sighed and shook her head. "Chouko-chan, you can't fool yourself any longer. Anyone who tries shunning their true image for the sake of a fake one that will only provide more harm than good... They wind up being eaten from the inside out, metaphorically speaking. You need to be you-"
"And what if I cannot?!" interrupted Chouko, although it was more of a question than a protest.
"Well then, I can only tell you this," Junna replied. "Always follow your heart, Chouko-chan."
She then turned around with a swish of her flowing skirt and began walking back towards the elevators. Chouko silently watched the maid leave, her mouth slightly ajar, her eyes expressing complete, uncharacteristic surprise. Once Junna approached one of the elevators and pressed the summoning button, the teenager looked back towards the piano. She couldn't help but notice the spotlight illuminating the musical instrument, which was further beckoning her.
After a couple of minutes of staring, Chouko heard the elevator bell ring, and she glanced over her shoulder. Junna was stepping into the elevator; she pressed a button to the floor Sadahiro was on. As the doors began to automatically slide themselves shut, their eyes met, and Junna gave Chouko an approving nod before the doors closed completely.
With Junna gone, Chouko glanced back at the piano, her lips pursed, her soul torn in half. She wanted to honor her beloved father's wishes so desperately, especially now that he was bedridden and in the middle of a personal crisis... And yet, she always wanted to know what kind of tune Junna had always been playing. She never managed to find out, or even ask... She could only remember what exactly it sounded like...
"Always follow your heart, Chouko-chan."
Chouko couldn't stop herself as she walked towards the piano, her clenched fists, pursed lips, and serious eyes radiating her determination to fulfill her destiny...
"...Kanade... KANADEEEEEEEEEE!"
Takahashi's eyelids abruptly flew open as he gasped. A second later, he sat up and began panting heavily, as if he had just finished running a marathon of some kind. Hot beads of sweat were beginning to drip down his forehead and temples, and he could feel his heart hammering away at his sternum like a jackhammer. He didn't know why he was in this state, for he couldn't recall having any frightening nightmares.
Then, he noticed something else: not only was sweat dripping down his face, but...so were tears...
Once he had calmed down and wiped his face of the sweat and tears, Takahashi glanced at the doorway, as if expecting someone to be standing there. However, the door was closed, and there was no one else in the room with him. He remembered there being two police officers stationed somewhere outside near his doorway, intended as bodyguards, or so he liked to call it.
Just then, he felt a familiar sensation.
"Oh, great," he thought sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. "I'm the potential target of a psycho cult, and I have the urge to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, while in a hospital that's mostly empty at this point. Yeah, real great timing there, body. Real great timing."
At first, Takahashi strongly considered holding it in and waiting for sunrise so there would be more people at that point. However, a couple of minutes later, the urge became stronger, something the redheaded boy rolled his eyes at.
So, after giving it some thinking, he got out of his bed and began walking towards the doorway. Opening the closed door and peeking his head out, Takahashi noticed the two police officers sitting on chairs at either side of the doorway, completely asleep. One was snoring loudly, while a strand of drool was hanging loosely out of the other officer's mouth while he was holding a box of donuts securely to his stomach. Takahashi rolled his eyes yet again.
"Some bodyguards you are..."
Cautiously looking down either side of the hallway, Takahashi then reluctantly wandered out of his room and headed to his left. He wondered if he should be out of his room or even his bed, or if he should've at least gotten someone to accompany him. After all, he was still a patient. However, those thoughts were overridden by his strong desire to find the nearest bathroom stall and do his business.
Conveniently, after a couple of minutes of searching, the nearest men's bathroom Takahashi could find was closed off for repairs.
"Oh, couldn't your night get any worse, Arata Takahashi?" the boy asked himself. "Really, couldn't it?..."
He then noticed the women's restroom directly next to the men's restroom. It wasn't closed off.
Takahashi mentally cursed himself for not going inside the women's restroom several minutes back. Apparently, he had decided to be moralistic enough to not step foot into that room and search for another men's restroom. However, the floor he was on had no other such restrooms, and the teenager was forced to take the elevator down to the ground floor in his search. However, that only served to make his urge worsen by the minute.
"The things I do to respect women's privacy..." he thought, frowning sadly.
Then, his thoughts were dispelled by the ringing of the elevator bell. As soon as the doors opened, Takahashi dashed out into the main lobby, where he immediately spotted a sign indicating the men's restroom, and the area wasn't closed off. Sighing in relief, the boy ran into the room as fast as he could, entering the nearest stall and closing the door behind him. The toilet looked extremely welcoming to him right now.
As soon as he raised his hospital gown, placed toilet paper on the seat, and sat down, Takahashi took quick notice of the faint tune that was playing in the distance. He was sure the tune was coming from somewhere else on the ground floor if he could hear it so easily. He sighed in agitation, believing it to be one of those songs the hospital played to soothe incoming patients, in the same function as elevator music. Then, his agitation increased as soon as he recognized the music; he heard it a few times before on the radio. It was one of those older, lamer songs, he believed.
As soon as he was done relieving himself, Takahashi stood up, flushed the toilet, and lowered his hospital gown. Exiting the stall to wash his hands, the redheaded boy noticed at that point the music was distant and coming from a single source, instead of being played all around for the hospital to hear. To make things even more interesting for him, the music sounded slightly different, as if only one instrument was being used to play it. Also, there was no one singing it.
Finished with washing his hands, the boy left the restroom and began heading towards the elevator. Halfway there, he stopped, spotting something at the corner of his eye. Glancing towards the food court passively, his eyes widened as soon as he recognized the silver-haired girl at the corner, playing the piano.
"Chouko?..." he thought incredulously.
Indeed, there Chouko was, playing the piano...and she was doing quite excellent at it. The movements of her fingers, the way her body swayed to the tune, the very energy that seemed to shoot off whenever her fingertip hit a certain key, it was all gracious. Coupled with the spotlight illuminating her and the piano, Takahashi would have easily mistaken her for a professional pianist, playing one of her trademark songs.
"I don't believe it..." thought Takahashi. "It's...It's almost beautiful..."
"Chouko-chan was so fascinated by it ever since she was a little girl. She always watched me from a distance whenever I played it. But every time I try to get her to play herself, she shuts out her real feelings and becomes that serious, robotic Chouko you see all the time."
"She shuts out her real feelings... She shuts out her real self. So..." Takahashi's eyes widened. "So that must be the true Chouko, behind that piano..."
He continued to watch Chouko as she swayed to the music. At that point, she almost bore the resemblance of an angel. With every passing minute, Takahashi's lower jaw was slowly sliding open. He was completely in awe of the almost miraculous sight that was before him. If God didn't exist to grant him such a magnificent sight, then the redhead just couldn't understand the otherworldly forces at play.
Then, before he knew it, Chouko stopped playing, to his slight discomfort. Now, she was looking down at the keyboard, her face stoic and emotionless as usual, but her golden eyes were shining with some sort of newfound lively energy. Takahashi could imagine she was thinking about how much of a relief it was to remove that unreasonably heavy burden off her shoulders and finally express herself in the only way she knew how.
Suddenly, the silver-haired girl stood up and walked away from the piano. Seconds later, she spotted Takahashi standing in the food court. It was at that moment he realized he had moved closer to her and the piano, subconsciously so. As their eyes met, both of their faces became as red as tomatoes.
"He-Hello..." Takahashi greeted, raising his hand awkwardly.
"Hello yourself..." replied Chouko, trying her best to remain calm. "Wha-What are you doing d-down here, o-out of your r-room?"
"What am I doing out of my room?" The redhead crossed his arms, hoping to look cool. "For your information, I had to take a dump, the men's bathroom upstairs had to be closed off for repairs, and there was no one who could accompany me downstairs." He then raised an eyebrow at her. "What're you doing down here?"
"I believe you already know the answer to that." Chouko shuffled her foot uncomfortably, the color of her cheeks rising. "I assume you were not expecting something like this from a serious, no-nonsense heiress like me..."
"No, I honestly didn't."
Chouko pursed her lips and looked down at the floor in shame.
"But..." continued Takahashi, prompting her to look up at him. "You...You're actually pretty good at that..."
The girl's eyes widened, and the blush disappeared from her face, being replaced with a soft smile that was slowly widening. She was almost beaming at the boy.
"You think so?..." she asked.
"Of course! Anyone who can play a song like that with such grace surely deserves the praise I just said, at the very least."
"Th-Thank you." Chouko blushed again and closed her eyes for a moment, relishing in the compliment. Then, she opened them and looked at Takahashi. "And thank you, Arata Takahashi, for taking this time to listen. I guess this makes you my first audience."
"And probably your first fan." Takahashi was beginning to settle into the conversation; his blush was now gone. "You know, you should become a professional pianist!"
At that very remark, Chouko abruptly became rigid and her eyes widened in horror, as if she was seeing a ghost. Her smile immediately turned into a noticeable frown. Takahashi's eyes widened as well; he was afraid he said something that offended her. After all, he still barely knew her.
"Chouko?" he asked. "Chouko, are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"
Then, the girl replied, almost talking to herself, "My name is Chouko Hashimoto, heir to the Hashimoto business."
Takahashi blinked in confusion. "W-What?"
Chouko didn't respond. Instead, she silently walked past the redheaded boy and headed towards the elevator. Briefly dumbfounded by the response he got, Takahashi then turned around and ran after the silver-haired girl, nearly stumbling in his step as he did so.
"Chouko, wait!" he called. "Wait a minute! Hold on, Chouko!"
He caught up with Chouko, just as she approached the elevator and pressed the summoning button. He grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. However, she was not looking at him; instead, she stared vacantly ahead at his chest. It was at that moment Takahashi realized what the problem really was.
"Look, Chouko!" Takahashi said. "I know you've got a problem with being told that, but I really mean it. And I think you can-"
Chouko wrestled herself out of Takahashi's grip and looked up at him with a look of cold defiance.
"I have no idea what you are babbling about, Arata Takahashi," she replied.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
The elevator bell rung, signifying its arrival. Chouko stepped inside the transport device, closely followed by Takahashi.
"I honestly don't," she said.
"I'm talking about the problem between you and your dad, Chouko."
Chouko refused to look at him as she replied, "I have absolutely no quarrels of any sort with my father. You are speaking nonsense, Takahashi."
"Say all you want, Chouko, but Junna-san seems to think otherwise. And if what I saw ever since I came to your home has anything to go by, then I agree."
"Junna-san is a kind, caring woman, but she can certainly worry over someone too much, and trivially so. Do not let her words poison your mind."
Takahashi frowned angrily. "You're the one whose mind is poisoned by someone's words, and that someone happens to be your father!"
The elevator bell rang again, and the doors slid open. Chouko calmly stepped out of the elevator, and Takahashi growled as he followed her out, unsatisfied that she didn't seem to be paying attention to him like she had been back at the food court.
"Chouko, just listen to me!" he exclaimed. "I wanna help you-"
The girl stopped walking. "No, you do NOT." Chouko twirled around, a bitter expression on her face. "You never held even a simple modicum of concern for my well-being. Ever since we first met, you have treated me like an undesirable parasite, something that must be avoided at all costs. You would not gladly take a bullet for me, even if it meant being granted all of the fortunes the world has to offer in return-"
"Actually, that said, I would like to do that," interrupted Takahashi, still frowning disapprovingly.
Chouko's frown became even more pronounced. "And that is the base of my problem with you, Arata Takahashi. While you immaturely treat me like a pest, I have seen you for what you really are: a selfish, low-class boy who aspires to achieve lofty, ambitious goals that have been and always will be beyond reach."
Takahashi's eyes widened at the insult. "E-Exc-Excuse me?!" He regained his composure almost immediately. "I'll have you know that with hard work and enough determination, any kind of goal is within anyone's reach! Anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. And if you put your mind to what your true goal is, then nothing can stop you from accomplishing your dreams, not even your own father!"
"Why, thank you for the advice, Takahashi-san."
"So does this mean you'll listen to your heart and not the words of your dad?"
"I'm afraid you're mistaken." Chouko's expression returned to its original stoic state. "You advised me to not be afraid in surpassing my father in the business. I was initially afraid of doing that, but now, I realize there is nothing wrong with outdoing the efforts of the generation that came before you."
"Wh-What?!" Takahashi mentally face-palmed. "Tha-That's NOT what I was talking-"
"Again, thank you for the advice, Takahashi-san." Chouko resumed her trek towards her father's room. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must have my rest. A long day is coming upon us and I must be prepared for whatever lies ahead. I recommend you do the same. I bid you a pleasant rest of the night, Takahashi-san."
She walked up to the door, opened it, walked into the room, and closed said door behind her, leaving behind a displeased and irritated but hopeless Takahashi.
"Good night to you too," he snarled.
End of Day Four
Unknown location
Hours later
"Where...Where am I?..."
Chouko looked around, mixed feelings of frustration and fear racing through her mind as she tried to absorb her surroundings. For some reason, she was standing in a vast, almost infinite field of sunflowers. She didn't know how she got to this place; the last thing she remembered was going to sleep in the chair at her father's bedside. She thought she was dreaming, but the environment felt too real. She was certain it wasn't a dream, nor reality however.
Just then, she instinctively looked up and saw numerous glowing white objects fluttering down to the ground. At first, she thought they were snowflakes, but as they neared the ground, Chouko was able to take a closer look at them and identified them for what they were.
"Feathers?..." she asked.
"Hello, Chouko."
Chouko yelped in shock as she twirled around and saw a girl standing a few feet away from her. She was wearing a creamy-white school uniform and sported golden eyes and long, flowing silver hair, much like hers. However, those characteristics didn't catch Chouko's full attention. No, not by a long shot.
It was the pair of large, silver wings sprouting majestically from the girl's back, giving her a striking resemblance to an angel.
"I've been expecting you," continued the girl as she smiled kindly.
NEXT TIME ON "THE WINGS OF AN ANGEL"
Mutsuto: Yo, you feeling alright, man?
Naotatsu: Hey, if you need anything, just give me a call. Okay?
Ginga: You do remember whose side we're on, don't you?!
Takahashi Mother: Ohhhhh, Arata-kun, I'm SO glad you're alright!
Igarashi: You're not going to solve anything, not with that damn attitude.
Takahashi: Don't you dare talk to her like that!
Junna: It's just a nice little song I heard a long time ago...
Chouko: What do I desire the most, out of everything else?...
Chapter 11: My Most Precious Treasure
A/N: Oh my God, this chapter was hard to write, mostly because I was suffering a bout of lovely procrastination. Accursed summer. I apologize if any of you notice any fluctuations in the usual quality you're seeing in the chapters. However, this chapter is over with, and I'm happy for that. And I do hope my future updates for this story don't suffer from the same complications as this one did. I hate it whenever that happens. :(
Anyway, lots of stuff happened in this chapter, big stuff, and we finally have an honest-to-heart interaction between Otonashi/Takahashi and Kanade/Chouko! Too bad that moment didn't last long, but it looks like Chouko might now be confronted by her past life! Whatever shall happen next from all of this? Find out in the next chapter! :D
StardustNyako:
1) Thanks!
2) Well, as you can tell from the next chapter's preview, you'll be given an update on the well-being of Takahashi's mother.
3) When you mean Hasumi, you mean Iwasawa, right? XP
HikariNiwa: My sentiments exactly. :)
AZalmega:
1) I know, right? It's sad that not many good "Angel Beats!" fanfics are being created nowadays. I do hope the new OVA and VN changes things up for the better.
2) You're welcome. And don't worry, I intend to finish this, no matter what! It may take a while, but I shall prevail! I am still enjoying writing down the chapters, so that alone should indicate something about this story's future.
Ash the Aura Guardian:
1) Oh, don't worry, Sadahiro's ego is in for a large deflation, courtesy of our beloved group of heroes. :)
2) And there shall be more to come, obviously, so this isn't over for Otonashi/Takahashi and Kanade/Chouko in their relationship!
3) Yep, Yui's entered the picture! I intentionally made her easy to guess, because hey, just because everyone in the SSS is living new lives doesn't mean they all have to be nearly unrecognizable when we're following them. :D And don't worry, she's in for some development. ;)
4) Welp, I HAD to end the chapter on a huge cliffhanger there. But with cliffhangers come numerous possibilities that can be thought of and possibly answered while waiting for the next update to come along. So, happy guessing! :D
Otaku Prince: Well, it wasn't lovey-dovey, per se, but at least it was an interaction, a big interaction at that. That should account for something, right?
Sebaspe: Oh my God, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for the lecture on Japanese honorifics! I shall use your review as a basis from now on; I do hope I'll make you proud on that. And an extra thank you for offering help if I sorely need it. I'll be sure to seek you out if I have any questions. ;)
Well, hope you enjoyed this particularly thrilling chapter! TheCartoonFanatic01 is out. PEACE!