Disclaimer: You know the drill. I hope. ^_^

Author's notes: Hey! Chapter 7 is finally up! Yay! I'm sorry it wasn't up sooner, but my computer was acting up, and
whenever It was working, fanfiction.net wasn't, but finally both are working, so I can post. The song in this is not mine. It
is "Shackled" by Vertical Horizon. Thanks to everyone for the great reviews. I hope you are happy with this chapter and
the ones to come. As always, enjoy! Read and review please!!

IMPORTANT NOTE PLEASE READ!!!: Ok people, I'm going to need some help. I'd like to thank the anonymous
writer/publisher who reviewed my story and gave me some very good suggestions and comments. While I was reading
over my story I saw what they were talking about. I got to involved with Miyako and Ryo and have kinda neglected the
others. So, here's where I need your help. I want to hook Nasuti up with Touma or Seiji, but I don't know who. So I
need you guys to tell me who you think Nasuti should be paired up with. I also need some ideas on how to get things
started in that department. I kinda have an idea, but I'd like to hear yours. So please write to me in your reviews, or send
me an e-mail at rekkas_angel@yahoo.com or at the e-mail at the end of the chapters. I don't care which. Plus I won't be
able to get out the next chapter till I get some ideas, so there's a little incentive for ya. Thanks everyone! And thanks again
Anonymous writer/publisher! ^_^

Death's Angel
By Rekka's Angel

Chapter 7
Aftermath

Ryo sat in a chair next to the bed Miyako was in, silently watching her. Byakuen was lying on the ground next to his feet. He sighed, knowing it was going to be a while before she woke up.
"What in the world happened back there? I didn't know she had powers like that." Ryo rested his head on the palm of his hand. Byakuen growled in response. Ryo patted Byakuen's head and continued to watch Miyako. "Well, just goes to show
ya, you think you know a person and, wham! They hit ya with somethin' new."

**********

It had been two hours and Ryo and Byakuen were still by Miyako's side. There was occasional visits by the others, but
they decided to leave them alone.
Touma peeked in the room to check on them. He smiled as he saw Ryo asleep with his head resting on the bed beside
Miyako.
"Man, he's got it bad."
"Got what bad?" Shin inquired.
"Look." Touma pointed into the room. Shin shrugged.
"He's supporting her. Haven't you heard that even when someone is unconscious they can still hear you and feel your
presence. He's reassuring her that she's safe. Personally I think it's quite sweet." Touma smirked.
"Exactly my point. Look at them. Haven't you noticed how protective and caring they are to one another? I think they like each other, but they don't realize it yet. Plus they look cute together." Touma grinned mischievously.
"I agree with you there, they do look cute together. And I can see where you're coming from with the liking each other bit, but I think you're making to much of something little. How do you know they're just not good friends?" Touma frowned.
"Have you seen the way they look at each other, the way they'll steal a glance when they think the others not looking."
"Oh, you mean like the way you and Michi do that." Shin teased. Touma blushed. "Ha! I knew it, you do like her. Isn't
she in our science class?" Touma glared at him, but nodded. "Anyway, I think you're making too much out of this. I mean
considering the situation between them, it's only natural they'd look after each other like that." Touma smiled and lifted an
eyebrow.
"I bet you by the time this whole thing is over, that they admit their feelings for one another. And when I say feelings, I
mean that they're in love with each other." It was now Shin's turn to raise an eyebrow.
"I think I just might take you up on that offer."
"Good, let's shake on it." They both smiled as they shook hands.
"So what do you get if you win?" Shin asked.
"Just the fact that I was right and you were wrong." Shin grinned.
"Yeah right, what else."
"50 dollars."
"Alright. And if I win I get 50 dollars."
"Deal."
"Whatcha up to?"
"Oh just a friendly little bet." Touma replied.
"About what?"
"Them." Shin pointed into the room Ryo and Miyako occupied.
"What did you bet?"
"I bet Shin that by the time this whole thing is over, they admit their feelings for one another. If I win he pays me $50.00, if he wins I pay him $50.00." Shuu laughed and looked at the two.
"Shin, you know you're my best friend, but I hope you have the money and are ready to pay. I gotta agree with Touma on this one, buddy." Shin's smile turned into a frown.
"Does everyone here, but me think they'll get together!"
"SHHH!" Shuu and Touma hushed him.
"Sorry."

**********

"Uhhh." Miyako slowly opened her eyes and squinted when the sun shone in them, feeling a little disoriented. She looked around and noticed she was in an unfamiliar room. She stood up and started to walk towards the door, but felt dizzy and sat back on the bed.
"What happened?" Miyako looked up as she heard the door open. It was Seiji. Miyako watched him as he took a seat
beside the bed.
"How are you feeling?"
"Ok, I guess. I bit dizzy and worn out. Why?" Seiji looked at her quizzically.
"You mean you don't remember what happened?"
"All I remember is Touma shouting, telling everyone to suit up, and then I woke up here." Miyako answered. "What
happened?" At that moment Ryo walked into the room.
"Hi." Miyako greeted.
"I'm glad you're finally up." Ryo smiled. Shin, Shuu, Touma, and Nasuti came up behind him. They smiled when they
saw Miyako sitting on the bed.
"Are you feeling ok?" Nasuti asked. Miyako was now very confused.
"Could someone please tell me what happened!" Everyone but Seiji looked at her confused and a bit shocked.
"What all do you remember?" Touma inquired. Miyako sighed.
"All I remember is you telling everyone to suit up, and then waking up here."
"Well, you screamed and yelled no, you started glowing red, attacked the whole army, completely obliterated them with
some awesome attack, then fell to your knees looking kinda blank. You didn't respond to anything. You finally did
something when Byakuen laid his head in your lap and you stroked his head. Did I miss anything?"
"Yeah. Seiji did somethin' to ya that made you unconscious." Shuu said.
"But at the time it was the only thing we could do to snap you out of it." Shin finished. Miyako looked stunned and sat
there trying to comprehend all the information she was given.
"You ok?" Ryo asked. She snapped out of it and nodded.
"I kinda feel weak and I was pretty dizzy when I tried to walk earlier."
"I'm just glad you're ok." Nasuti stated. Everyone nodded.
"Thanks everyone." "What in the world did I do? And how?'> Miyako thought.
"No problem. Besides, Ryo was the one that wouldn't leave your side. He even sleep next to the bed in the chair Seiji's in. He only left to get something to eat." Shuu grinned. Ryo blushed as did Miyako.
"Thanks Ryo." He smiled.
"It was nothing." Miyako got a mischievous glint in her eye. She slowly got up, walked over to Ryo, and hugged him
tightly, positioning her lips next to his ear. Ryo stood there for a minute and then gently hugged back.
"Thank you Ry-chan, you've always been there for me." Miyako whispered into his ear. He blushed and nodded. Touma and Shuu grinned. Shuu nudged Shin who just glared at him.

**********

In the Dynasty

"Master, The Ronins are strong." A young man, the Ronins age, kneeled in front of a dark throne. The only light in the
room was from the candles that lined the walls, and even then it was still very dark. The young man had blood red hair, and
bright silver eyes. He wore black armor with a large sword strapped to his back. His name was Heath. A shadow appeared
in the room, it's presence filling the surroundings with it's evil aura.
"Yes they are. But they're nothing we can't handle."
"Yes Master."
"Do you have a plan?" The shadow grew in size and eventually became human shaped, taking a seat on the throne. It's red eyes sparkled in the darkness, as a malicious grin spread across it's face.
"Yes Master Chaos."
"And what do you plan to do?"
"To capture Rekka. Once I have Rekka I will use him to get rid of the other Ronins and that girl from earlier. I'll have Suki and Yusuke help me."
"What girl?"
"I'll show you." Heath made a holo-globe appear in front of Chaos and showed the part of the battle when Miyako
unleashed her power and obliterated the soldiers.
"I see. Although instead of killing her, we might be able to use her to our advantage."
"Yes we could, but there's something different about her. She's not a normal human."
"I can see that. I suggest then, that you do not fail in your mission."
"Yes Master." Heath bowed and teleported out of the room and in to his chamber. "This girl could prove to be a great asset to us." He grinned mischievously and thought about all the ways to destroy the Ronins."

**********

Miyako walked down to the lake and stood on the dock. The wind blew her golden hair around her body as if it were
caressing her. She closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the water splashing against the shore as she let all her
worries and frustrations be blown away with the breeze. She heard footsteps behind her and smiled.
"Miya-chan?"
"Hmm."
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah. I just came down here to relax and let all my worries be blown away. And you?"
"Same thing I guess. That, and checking on you."
"Ry-chan. you worry too much about me."
"Well, you've had a rough couple of days."
"Hmm, I guess so." Miyako took in a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. Ryo stood beside her as they both looked at
the serene lake and scenery. "You're so lucky to have friends like them. Even though you died, you had a great life and had
the chance to live on this beautiful planet. Ryo turned his head to the side to look at Miyako. What he saw took his breathe
away. The setting sun gave her an unearthly glow as it reflected the deep blue of her sparkling eyes. The wind blew her
silken hair around her as though it were preforming an intricate dance in the warm colors of the dusk sky. Her cloak
fluttered in the breeze making a soft and soothing noise. Miyako shivered involuntarily as the wind became a bit chilly. She
wrapped her arms loosely around herself as she stared off into the distance. At that moment a song came to Miyako's mind.
She had heard it when she was a little girl. A tear rolled down her cheek as she remembered the day she heard it. She was
in the car with her mom, on their way to the grocery. "It's kinda ironic how well it describes my life"> Miyako smiled
sadly and began to softly sing it.

"For so long my life's been sewn up tight inside your hold
And it leaves me there without a place to call my own."

Ryo listened closely as Miyako sang in a haunting yet beautiful voice.

"I know now what shadows can see
There's no point in running 'less you run with me
It's half the distance through the open door
Before you cut me down
Again
Let me introduce you to the end"

{"Come on Mommy, Daddy. Let's go for a ride!" A little five year old girl with her blond hair in a ponytail, ran over to her mom giggling.
"Alright sweetie." A beautiful woman with light brown hair, deep blue eyes, and slender figure, led her daughter outside
into the snow. The little girl ran happily to the car.
"Slow down Miyako. You don't want to fall." A tall handsome man with ebony hair and emerald eyes walked out the front door behind them, pulling on his coat and getting into the drivers side of the car.
"Come on Daddy, let's go!" Miyako buckled herself in the back and anxiously waited. Yume looked back at her daughter and smiled.
"Ready sweetie?" Miyako vigorously nodded." Jiro started up the car and pulled out of the driveway.
"Where would you like to go, Miyako?" Jiro asked.
"To the park!" Jiro smiled and headed towards the park as the sun was setting in the orange sky. He turned down a small, less used, back road, so they didn't run into traffic. Snow covered trees lined one side of the road while the other side was a steep cliff. That was when it happened. A fawn ran out into the street. Jiro swerved so he wouldn't hit it, making him loose control of the car as it slid on the ice, and rammed into a tree. Silence. If anyone was around at the time, they would have seen the eyes of the baby deer turn a blood red before it bounded away into the forest.
There was darkness all around the little girl. She slowly opened her eyes and saw a pretty lady with long black hair and
deep purple eyes. The woman's face was expressionless, but her eyes held a certain sadness.
"It's not yet time." Miyako again opened her eyes, but she was now back in the car. The first thing that hit her was the
pain. It cut through her like a thousand knives as she cried in agony. That is, until she saw her parents.
"Mommy, Daddy?" She unbuckled herself and leaned over to the front of the mangled car. She whimpered as she saw
them covered in a sticky red liquid. "Mommy?" She shook her mother, who leaned against the door, blood pouring from
the gashes on her forehead and arms. "Daddy?" tears were now pouring down her face in despair, the earlier pain now
forgotten. Neither responded to her pleading. She faintly heard sirens in the distance as she sobbed into her mothers chest,
clutching her coat.
The sirens became louder and louder, stopping next to the car. An E.M.T pried open the front door and almost wept at the sight. He gently pulled Miyako away from her mother and wiped the blood from her face. Miyako's sobs racked her small frame as she called for her parents. A nurse took her and tried in vain to calm the little girl down. Police and medical
personnel sadly began the process of recording the accident and identifying the dead bodies. Miyako cried as she was taken
into one of the ambulances and from her parents.
"Mommy, Daddy. I love you." She whispered.}

"And I feel the cold wind blowing beneath my wings
It always leads me back to suffering
But I will soar until the wind whips me down
Leaves me beaten on unholy ground again"

A couple tears ran down her cheeks as she continued to sing. The horrible memory fresh in her mind.

"So tired now of paying my dues
I start out strong but then I always lose
It's half the distance before you leave me behind
It's such a waste of time."

Ryo listened sadly as Miyako sang, wanting to hold her, but deciding not to disturb her yet. The words made Miyako think of all the people she had taken. Always trying to be strong for them, but wanting to cry every time they left. She
remembered Lily and how hard it was to let her go.

"'Cause my shackles
You won't be
And my rapture
You won't believe
And deep inside you will bleed for me

So here I stand inside of a broken dream
Forever holding on to splitting seems
So take your piece and leave me alone to die
I don't need you to keep my faith alive."

Miyako felt exactly like what the words were saying. She wanted to die and be forgotten, tired of her dreams and feelings being torn apart.

"I know now what trouble can be
And why it follows me so easily
It's half the distance through the open door
Before you shut me down
Again
Let me introduce you to the end.

'Cause my shackles
You won't be
And my rapture you won't believe
And deep inside you will bleed for me

Though you know you care

'Cause my shackles
You won't be
And my rapture
You won't believe
And deep inside you will bleed for me

And my laughter
You won't hear"

Pain. Miyako felt like she was in the middle of a hurricane of immense pain and suffering.

"The faster
I disappear"

That's exactly what she wanted to do, disappear forever.

"And time will burn your eyes to tears"

Her voice gradually became softer as it drifted away into the breeze, ending the song. Her eyes stared blankly into the
distance as if in a trance. Her shoulders shook with the effort of holding back the tears. Ryo could no longer take it. He
reached out and took her into his strong arms, gently, but firmly holding her to him. Miyako numbly wrapped her arms
around his waist, as her whole body shook from the turbulence of her emotions.
"It's ok to cry." A dam burst inside Miyako and she sobbed into Ryo's chest as she let all the pain come forth full force.
He held on to her tightly as she shook with the intensity of her sobs. Ryo stroked her hair as he tried to calm her. She held
onto him tightly as if afraid he would disappear if she let go. He held her as close as possible, reassuring her that he was
real and wouldn't leave her. "Shh, It's ok. You're safe." Miyako continued crying. "You shouldn't keep everything locked
inside. It'll just hurt more when everything comes crashing down on you. I'm always here for you Miya-chan." Miyako
calmed down enough to talk, and raised her head to look at Ryo. She peered into his eyes and felt like she would melt
under his caring gaze.
"Don't make promises you can't keep." Miyako slowly let him go and tried to pull away from the embrace, but he
wouldn't let her. She looked away from him and stared at the ground. Ryo reluctantly let her go, but kept a hold of her hands. She looked down at them and shivered as a chill ran up her spine.
"Why would I say that, and not intend to do what I said?" Ryo questioned. Miyako's gaze slowly went to his puzzled face.
"Because when this is over, you'll be gone." Miyako answered sadly. Ryo stood in shock. He hadn't thought about that. Miyako slipped her hands out of his and backed away. "Never thought about that, did you." It was more of a statement
then a question. A flash of bright light appeared next to Miyako, and a few seconds later Meticia stood there.
"I want both of you back at once." They nodded and disappeared along with Meticia.
As soon as they arrived Meticia looked Miyako up and down and sighed.
"Come with me Miyako. I need to have a word with you." Miyako nodded and briefly glanced at Ryo before heading off.

**********

Miyako sat in front of Meticia as Meticia looked through a couple books.
"Meticia."
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"About what?"
"How my parents died." Meticia dropped the book she was holding.
"How did you find out?"
"I had a flashback of sorts. I was just standing by the lake and thinking, when all of a sudden a song came to mind and I
started singing it. The next thing I know, I'm watching my parents and I die. I saw you and you said, it's not yet time, and
then I was alive again. Why did you never tell me?" Miyako asked as tears slid down her face. She roughly brushed them
away as Meticia picked up the book she had dropped and put it back on the shelf.
"Because you were just a little girl, and I didn't want it to effect you...your work. You wouldn't have taken it well, and it just would have caused you more pain."
"No it wouldn't. Not as much pain as it's caused me now."
"I did what I thought was best for you!"
"Well it didn't work! It hurts more finding it out now and never knowing anything about my past or parents. Now, right in the middle of a crisis I remember, for some reason, my parents dying!" Miyako yelled. "So why? Why now does all of this happen, and why did you make me live again without my parents, just to die five years later and become what I am now." The ice cold tone of Miyako's voice pierced Meticia like a knife. Miyako's face was emotionless. No anger, no sadness, no hate, and no love; nothing.
"Why? Because I had no choice. I did what I was told. You weren't supposed to die when you did, but why you died five years later, I don't know. You weren't supposed to die then either, but for some reason you did and I couldn't help you like before. Something was blocking me from doing so."
"But why did you save me in the first place?" Meticia didn't know what to say. "Well?" She looked at Miyako as a tear
rolled down her face. Miyako was a bit surprised, but didn't comment.
"Because you reminded me of my daughter, and like I said before, I had no choice." Miyako gasped. To say she was
shocked was an understatement.
"That still doesn't really tell me much." Miyako answered in a monotone voice.
"I'm afraid that's all I can tell you. I'm not even sure why you became an angel of death in the first place." Meticia
motioned to the book selves. "You can look through these books, but I doubt they will help you." Miyako nodded. "This
isn't why I called you here, though."
"Oh, why did you then?"
"I wanted to talk to you about what happened when you were attacked."
"Oh really."
"Yes."
"What do you wanna know?"
"How did you release so much energy? And why?"
"Don't ask me. All I know is I wanted to keep everyone from getting hurt, and I let loose. Actually I didn't know what had happened. I had to have the guys clue me in. They told me after I basically incinerated a thousand soldiers, that I blanked out. I was there physically, but not all there mentally. I didn't respond to anyone except when Byakuen laid his head in my lap. Seiji used his power to kinda knock me out, and then later I woke up in Nasuti's room."
"Interesting. I'll have to look into this. If anything else like that happens, I want you to tell me as soon as possible."
Miyako nodded and walked out of the room. "It looks like she's beginning to get a hold of her powers." Meticia
whispered.

**********

Miyako walked down to her room and went inside. She found Ryo waiting for her.
"I didn't mean to upset you earlier."
"It wasn't your fault Ryo. You just didn't think about what would happen after this is over. You were there when I needed you, and that's all that matters. I am going to miss you." Miyako stated sadly.
"Don't talk like that, Miya-chan. Let's just be happy for the time we have together." She nodded. "I'm going to miss you too, though." Miyako gave him a small smile.
"What did Meticia want?"
"She just wanted to know what happened when I incinerated all those soldiers."
"What did happen?" Miyako shook her head.
"Your guess is as good as mine. You actually know more than I do. My mind is a black from the moment I yelled to the
time I woke up in Nasuti's room." Miyako flopped onto her bed and sighed. "Oh, didn't Nasuti say she had more
information on who we're up against?" Ryo nodded.
"Yeah. She did say something like that before they attacked."
"Well, why don't you go and see what it is."
"Do you want to come?" Miyako thought for a minute and made her decision.
"No, I'd rather not right now."
"Alright." Ryo took a step back and disappeared with a flash.
"Why do things have to be so damn complicated!" Miyako yelled in frustration.

**********

Ryo appeared in Nasuti's living room, right in front of Shuu and Jun, who were playing a video game.
"No! Not again! I call interference! Ryo did his disappearing, appearing thingy, and appeared right in front of me!" Shuu complained.
"Shuu, Nii-chan, you were dead before Ryo appeared." Jun stated.
"Nuh uh!"
"Yes huh."
"Nuh uh."
"Boys!" Nasuti yelled from the study. Shuu and Jun shut up and decided it was a draw. Ryo chuckled and walked into the study, where Nasuti, Seiji, and Touma were busily working on the computer.
"So what did you find?" Ryo asked.
"Oh, Ryo. I'm glad you're here. We just started working and found some more information and," Nasuti looked around
and behind Ryo. "Where's Miyako?"
"Miya-chan decided not to come. She's had a rough time and I guess she just wanted to rest a while." Nasuti nodded in
understanding.
"Anyway. It looks like Arago was working for a higher being. Apparently it looks like we are up against Arago's master. His name is Chaos, and he has, uh......" Nasuti scrolled down the screen and continued reading. "It looks like he has three warriors, kinda like the dark warlords, only more powerful. This guy is much more powerful than Arago, but more human." Nasuti scrolled to the bottom and exited the file. "There isn't anything else here I'm afraid. It doesn't even talk about his warriors. It looks like not many people knew about him, and those that did are either dead or never knew much in the first place." Nasuti scanned through the disk again.
"Wait a minute Nasti-chan, what was that?" Touma asked, pointing to the screen. Nasuti went back and opened the file
they had apparently looked over.
"I could have sworn that wasn't there a minute ago." Nasuti opened the file and a picture of the symbols of hope, faith,
and love came up, with some more information. "It talks about another armor!"
"What, how could that be? I thought, we found them all." Touma said, astonished. Seiji nodded in agreement.
"What does it say about it?" Seiji asked.
"Not much. It doesn't even give the name. It looks like it's another fire element armor. It talks about some of the weapons; Twin katanas, daggers, and shurinken (throwing stars). It goes on to say that it is a mysterious armor that no one has ever seen, except for the creator, which is unknown. It is just as powerful, if not more powerful than Kikoutei."
"You're kidding, right?" Touma asked.
"I'm afraid not."
"Well, let's just hope if it does show up, that it's on our side." Ryo stated. They all nodded.
"The three symbols, hope, faith, and love, represent the armor and it's wearer. So unlike yours that have one overall
virtue, this one has a combination of three."
"Interesting."
"That's all it has on the armor and about Chaos."
"Well, that's more than I expected. If we're lucky, Chaos doesn't know about this mysterious armor." Touma said.
"If he doesn't already have it." Seiji added. Touma sighed.
"I'm praying he doesn't."
"I'm going to go tell Miyako about what we found out. Bye guys." They waved as again Ryo disappeared.
"I hope we get some help, that's all I can say." Seiji and Touma nodded. This was not going to be an easy fight.

**********

Well, we now know a bit about Miyako's past. So what is this mysterious armor? What will happen in the next battle with
Chaos? Who is Nasuti's love interest? Read in the next chapter! Please, R&R! Ja ne. -Rekkas' Angel ^_^
rekkas_angel@yahoo.com

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