My Angel Story
Disclaimer - Wow! I'm on a roll! This story has been in me for so long, I can't stop
writing. I'm still looking for info on the days the AL Tournaments are held.
Why the fuss? In two more chapters, Kiyoko and Raishinshi head for the
Tokyo Preliminaries. And now, legal stuff: I don't own any of the original
cast from Angelic Layer. But, I DO own Kiyoko, Raishinshi, Kiyoko's
family, Kiyoko's friends, Tamiko, and Youzen. Now, onward!
Battle 3: "Dancing is Practice?! Kiyoko meets a Star!"
"Oh, man! I just can't believe that battle the other day!" Ken cried, during lunch, "it was SO rad!"
Takumi, who was sitting next to the excitable boy, unwrapped his sandwich as he peered over to Kiyoko.
"I have to say, I'm impressed," he admitted, "but that punch still has me confused."
Kiyoko and her friends were outside, eating lunch in the lunch area where most kids came to eat. It was less crowded and less smelly than the cafeteria. Kiyoko had been commented by her friends all day today and yesterday about her match. She was all red from the complements. She was currently sitting with Tamiko and Yuri on one side of the square bench, while Ken and Takumi were on the side to their left.
Upon hearing his comment though, Kiyoko turned to Takumi.
"What do you mean?" she asked, "I told you I got the idea from what Raishinshi did in episode 7."
Takumi shook his head.
"No, I mean how did you know where to hit Vesta?" he asked, referring to the Angel that had been Raishinshi's opponent the other day.
Kiyoko blinked.
"Huh?" she asked.
"Everyone who knows anything about fighting knows that the solar plexus is a vulnerable spot," he explained, "but you've never taken Martial Arts. How'd you know where to hit?"
Kiyoko cocked her head to one side.
"Solar plexus?" she asked, Tamiko giving the boys an odd look.
"Yes, how did-" Takumi stopped, eyes widening, "wait, you didn't 'know' that you hit her in a vulnerable spot?"
Kiyoko shook her head.
"No, I just had Raishinshi punch her," she said, going back to her juice.
Takumi nodded, slowly, and turned back to his sandwich. Ken gave him a quizzical look.
"Why are you so flipped?" he asked.
Takumi took a bite out of his sandwich, chewed, and swallowed.
"If Raishinshi had with missed that punch," he explained, "he would've been the one in a heap instead of Vesta. He won by a lucky shot."
Ken blinked.
"So? What's that got to do with the solar plexus?" he asked.
"Nothing, really," Takumi admitted, "but it also proves that that was a last minute strike, which may, or may not have worked out okay."
Ken blinked twice this time.
"You mean that Kiyoko thought it up at the last minute?" he asked, blinking again.
Takumi nodded.
"Wow! That's even cooler!" Ken whooped.
Takumi rolled his eyes and took another bite of his sandwich.
Back on the girls' side, Tamiko turned to Kiyoko.
"Hey, are you gonna enter the Tournament?" she asked her friend between chews.
Kiyoko shook her head.
"I'd better practice before I enter any more matches," she said, setting her juice down.
Tamiko shook her head.
"No, I mean THE Tournament," she said, "y'know, the one they hold every year?"
Kiyoko did a double take at her friend.
"Huh? It's this month?" she asked, a little surprised, "I didn't know. I thought it was next month."
"Nope, it's this month," Tamiko confirmed, "you gonna enter yourself and Raishinshi in it?"
Kiyoko thought a moment while Yuri glanced at Tamiko.
"You've registered already, haven't you Tamiko?" she asked, setting down her sandwich.
Tamiko nodded.
"Yep," she grinned, giving a peace sign, "this'll be the second one I've been to. I'm not sure if I'll make it to the Semies this time."
Kiyoko looked up and smiled.
"I'm sure you'll do fine," she said.
"Are you going to enter?" Tamiko repeated.
Kiyoko frowned.
"It's come too soon," she said, quietly, to herself, then looked up to her friends, "I'll think about it."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You want me to do WHAT?"
"You heard me. I need an Angel Card."
About the same time Kiyoko and her friends were eating their lunch, Icchan Mihara was trying to get a favor from his assistant, Ogata. Apparently his request had taken his assistant by surprise.
"But, I can't just make like that," Ogata explained, "and why do you need one so bad?"
Icchan shook his head.
"Not for me," he said, reaching into his lab coat, "for her."
Icchan pulled out a picture and showed it to Ogata. It showed two people. One was a brown-haired girl with dark brown eyes. She was smiling and standing next to a man in a blue business suit and red tie.
"Huh?" Ogata asked, staring at the picture, then gasped, "hey! Isn't that...?!"
Icchan nodded and put the picture away.
"Yep, and she won her first official match yesterday," he stated, "so she qualifies. So put it into gear!"
Ogata sighed.
"You did this for 'her' too," he said, remembering the events that happened 3 years ago, "but why does it matter so much that 'this' girl enters this years' games?"
Icchan looked up at him, slyly, from his place on a chair below him.
"Guess," he said.
Ogata gave a start, but then started to think.
"Hmmmm, if she's 'his' kid, then..." he pondered, then snapped his fingers with a smile, "I got it! This is one of those celebrity competitions isn't it?"
Icchan frowned.
"Wrong! And, as a penalty-" he proclaimed, pulling out a pack of French Fries from one of his pockets, "- you have to eat these fries with your nose."
Ogata frowned in disbelief as he took the fries. Icchan had gotten up and was heading out the door.
"Get that card to me by 4, or else!" he called over his shoulder, stepping through the sliding door.
"Okay..." Ogata whined, a couple of fries in his nose already.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
School was out for the day and Kiyoko was walking home alone again. She wanted some time to think about what Tamiko had told her during lunch and politely excused herself from the group. She walked by one of the two Flower Shops, her head lowered in thought.
(So the Tournaments at the end of the week, huh?) Kiyoko thought, (I didn't know it was so close. It always started the month after this one. I must have miscounted or something.)
She took a left between the Flower Shops and walked down the small street.
(I've hardly even begun Angelic Layer and already the Tournament is coming up,) she thought, looking up as she came to a shaded bridge, (there's no time for me to get ready.)
Halfway across the bridge, Kiyoko stopped. She brought up her suitcase and opened it. Reaching in, she pulled out her Angel: a boy with black-blue hair that falls a little past the shoulder and dressed in a purple outfit. Kiyoko frowned and held Raishinshi close.
"There's not enough time," she whispered to him, "I almost lost last time and I couldn't bear to see you get hurt like that. Maybe-"
"I'M WIGGLY ICCHAN!!"
Kiyoko whirled around in surprise and nearly jumped sky-high when she saw Icchan behind her, waving his arms around in a funny pattern.
"M-M-Mr. I-Icchan?" she stammered, falling on her rear from the shock.
Icchan looked down at her and smiled.
"Beautiful day, eh?" he asked, arms going to his hips, "I see we're getting cuddly with our Angel."
Kiyoko blinked, then looked down. She was holding Raishinshi very close to her now. She immediately turned red.
"Oh! Um...well, I..." she stammered.
Icchan rolled his eyes and fixed his glasses.
"Sheesh, I was only joking," he stated.
Kiyoko sighed with relief.
"So," Icchan spoke up, "I hear that the Tournament is coming up for Angelic Layer."
Hearing this, Kiyoko nodded and frowned a little.
"Yeah, I heard," she mumbled.
Icchan, not noticing the glum sound in her voice, continued.
"It's supposed to be a really good year," he continued to explain, "a lot of great Deus' will be coming from all over Tokyo to play Angelic Layer. I'll bet you'll love to-"
"I don't think I'll go this time."
Icchan stopped short and turned to her in complete shock.
"Huh?????" he gaped. He did NOT expect this.
Kiyoko's eyes were downcast.
"I didn't think that the Tournament was so close," she explained, "I haven't had the time to practice yet. I doubt I could take on a bunch of experienced Deus'. I'll pass this year."
With that said, she started off for home again, allowing Icchan to face- fall behind her. As soon as he recovered, however, he shot after her. He skidded to a halt in front of her.
"HOLD ON!!" he cried, then stopped, and reproached more gently, "why are you giving up so soon?
Kiyoko furrowed her brow.
"You saw my fight with Vesta," she said, referring to yesterday's fight, "she nearly took out Raishinshi. Why? Because I wasn't ready, I should have practiced with him first like you said."
Icchan frowned.
"But you did your best and won," he pointed out, "you and Raishinshi hung in there, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but I couldn't protect him from getting hurt," she said, feeling downer than ever.
Icchan sighed.
"Now I see," he said, "you're worried that you won't be able to focus on Raishinshi and will wind up getting him hurt, right?"
Kiyoko nodded.
Icchan smiled.
"Someone I know is like that," he stated, "she was always worrying that she'd fail her Angel and she'd wind up hurt. But, when you're playing Angelic Layer, you have to keep one thing in mind: the Angels feel what their Deus' feel. If you're sad and doubt yourself, Raishinshi'll be the same."
Kiyoko looked up in surprise.
"Which means," Icchan continued, "if you doubt yourself like this, then your Angel will definitely fail. You should never quit, especially before you even get started. So, could you at least think about it a little?"
Kiyoko looked down, but nodded. Icchan smiled.
"Good," he stated, no longer sounding serious, "now, what should a new Deus be doing right about now?"
Kiyoko looked up at him, quizzically.
"Practice," Icchan answered.
Kiyoko blinked.
"Practice?" she repeated.
Icchan gave a firm nod, glasses shining.
"Practice."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
After walking several blocks, the two made it to the nearest Piffle Princess, and went inside. Kiyoko obediently followed Icchan inside and over to the Registration Counter. She was silently wondering about what he was planning on doing. He had mentioned something about a special form of practice, but he wouldn't say what kind of practice. After he was done paying for the Practice Layer, he led her upstairs. She thought, as they traveled up the stairs to the Practice Room, that she saw something under his coat. She shook off the thought.
Once at the top of the stairs, the duo found themselves in a large room filled with four mini Layers, smaller than the one Kiyoko fought in the other day. Three of the tables were occupied, but the one in the right-hand corner, by the window, was vacant. Icchan headed over to it with Kiyoko in tow. As soon as they approached it, Icchan turned to her suddenly.
"How come you're so quiet?" he asked, a little concerned.
Kiyoko frowned.
"Well, you said you'd handle everything when we got here," she explained, "so I tried not to get in the way."
Icchan sighed, but smiled.
"You really DO remind me of her," he said.
"Huh?" Kiyoko asked.
"Er, nothing," Icchan assured, quickly turning to the egg-shaped seat, "now then, you probably already know most of what I'm about to tell you, but it's necessary."
Kiyoko nodded. Icchan then picked up a blue, pink-screened headset from the seat and showed it to Kiyoko.
"These are Angel Goggles," he said, holding the headset up, "it, when activated by the side buttons, transfers brainwaves to the Angel. You can visualize them doing just about anything. From walking to running, to swimming to jumping, but this is only achievable when the Angel is inside the Layer." He then held up a blue wire attached to the headset. "This cord connects your thoughts to your Angel. The visor also brings up the Damage Gauge and Damage Meter of your Angel. You are allowed to access it during the fights."
Kiyoko nodded and looked down at Raishinshi, who was still sleeping silently in her hands.
"So, if I want Raishinshi to walk or smile, he'd do it?" she asked.
Icchan nodded and handed her the headset.
"You did a good job yesterday, but you weren't in complete control of your Angel," Icchan informed her, motioning to the seat, "but 'Icchan's Special Practice Menu' will change that."
"You mentioned that before," Kiyoko said, sitting in the chair, "what is this, 'Special Practice Menu' anyway?"
Icchan smiled widely and reached inside his coat.
" 'This'," he said, pulling out a portable stereo.
Kiyoko only stared as Icchan pulled a small table over to the Layer and placed the stereo on it. He turned then flipped a switch on the Layers' ring. The floor lit up and the force field shimmered into place. Icchan then turned to Kiyoko.
"Okay, now, throw Raishinshi into the Layer," he instructed.
Kiyoko looked nervously at Raishinshi and then back at Icchan.
"As long as you focus on him, he'll be fine," he assured her, reading her mind.
Kiyoko swallowed, but nodded. She looked down at Raishinshi and then at the Layer. She took a deep breath.
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" she cried, tossing the sleeping Angel to the Layer.
The minute he slid through the force field, Kiyoko shut her eyes, and focused. When Raishinshi was all the way into the Layer, his eyes popped open. He flipped in mid-air and floated down to the Layer. When Kiyoko opened her eyes, she was surprised at what she saw. Raishinshi had landed square on his feet, his back to her.
"He-he landed! He landed!" she cheered, clapping hers hands.
Icchan nodded.
"Yep," he confirmed, "now, try turning him around to face you."
Kiyoko nodded and focused back on Raishinshi. In a couple seconds, the purple clad Angel turned his body around to face her. Kiyoko smiled in triumph. Then, to her surprise, Raishinshi smiled back at her.
"O-oh my-! He-he smiled at me!" Kiyoko cried, turning to Icchan, "but I didn't visualize him doing that!"
Icchan smiled.
"Some of the Angels actions and expressions are based on subconscious thoughts," he explained, "that's why Angels have expressions: they feel what their Deus feels."
Kiyoko blinked in surprise.
(So,) she thought, looking down at her lap, (Raishinshi feels what I feel. Dad was right.)
"Um...Kiyoko?"
Blinking, Kiyoko looked up at Icchan. He was frowning and indicating to the Layer. Kiyoko turned to look. Raishinshi was swaying back and forth slightly and his expression was blank. Kiyoko gasped.
"R-Raishinshi!" she cried, focusing on him.
A few seconds later, Raishinshi stopped swaying, and stared at the ground. Kiyoko tilted her head to one side and made a noise of confusion.
"If you're not focusing on your Angel," Icchan explained from beside her, "then your Angel won't work. In your fight yesterday, some of your attacks were weak. That was because you weren't focused on the fight, but on Raishinshi's well being."
Kiyoko had Raishinshi turn completely around so she could look him over. On hearing Icchan's last statement, she turned to him in confusion.
"But aren't you supposed to watch out for your Angel?" she asked, giving Raishinshi a quick glance to make sure he wasn't swaying like he was earlier.
Icchan nodded and moved closer to the Layer.
"Yes, you are, but that doesn't mean you need to stop what you're doing for every punch that's thrown at him," he explained, looking Raishinshi over, "you need to stay focused during a fight, otherwise you'll lose."
Kiyoko frowned.
"We'll lose?" she repeated, silently.
Icchan nodded, but then put on a wide grin.
"That's why I decided that you needed a practice session!" he announced, strutting over to the small stereo.
Kiyoko blinked. Icchan hit the 'Play' button and cheery, bouncy pop music came out. Kiyoko then stared as Icchan began dancing to the music; he almost looked like he was doing the Hula. Halfway into the dance, he turned to her.
"Well?" he asked, shaking his feet to the music as well, "aren't you gonna try?"
Kiyoko froze and turned red.
"But, I don't know how to dance," she admitted, quietly.
Icchan froze in mid-step and whirled to her, still on one foot.
"Dummy! You aren't the one who dances!" Icchan proclaimed, a little exasperated, "Raishinshi is!"
Kiyoko's mouth dropped and she turned redder than before.
"WHAAAAAAAT????!!!!!!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A girl stopped in front of Piffle Princess, her pink cap pulled tight over her gold hair. She gazed up at the sign, hugging her overcoat closer to hide her ritzy outfit. If it was one thing the girl hated, it was too much attention. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small figure with dark pink hair.
"It's been a while since we practiced at a public Layer," she said, keeping her voice down, "I hope it's better than the ritzy one they gave me."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Wh-wh-what do you mean 'Raishinshi is going to dance???" Kiyoko stammered, almost losing her focus.
Icchan had stopped the music and was now rewinding it.
"Dancing is the best form of practice," he said with a grin, "and dancing lets you control your Angel better."
Kiyoko stared at Raishinshi who was looking up at her, blankly.
"B-b-but, boys don't dance," she protested.
Icchan froze, spun around, and put his hands on his hips.
"So then what was 'I' doing a moment ago!?" he asked, sounding upset.
Kiyoko winced.
"Um..." she trailed off.
Icchan relaxed and let out a sigh.
"Never mind, I'm out of practice anyway," he admitted, and went back to the stereo to see that it had stopped rewinding.
"Okay, now, we're going to start with the arms," he told her, looking over his shoulder, "that'll help you punch better."
Kiyoko cocked her head to one side.
"But, that punch Raishinshi used to win..." she began.
"Was fueled by anger and determination," Icchan cut her off, "a lethal mix. An Angel's reaction to his or her Deus' anger usually results in stronger, swifter actions. In this case, the last three moves that Raishinshi executed were the result of your anger towards Raishinshi getting hurt. But this won't work all the time, you understand."
Kiyoko nodded and faced the Layer. Icchan started the music up again and moved to Kiyoko's side.
"Now, try moving his arms like this," he instructed, raising both arms, and shook them up and down to one side like he was shaking a box. After a while, he shook them on the other side.
Kiyoko gawked at the movements. 'This' was dancing?
"Well, come on," Icchan coaxed.
Nodding, Kiyoko turned to Raishinshi, and visualized the moves she wanted. So, after a second or so, Raishinshi raised his arms to one side and moved them like what Icchan was doing and then swung them over to the other side, and repeated the action. Icchan stopped dancing and watched with a pleased smile. Kiyoko, on the other hand, frowned a bit as Raishinshi repeated the action for the fourth time.
"Uh, what now?" she asked.
Icchan thought a moment then smiled.
"Now, try this," he said, and began moving his arms up and down on both sides of him.
Kiyoko nodded and, within minutes, Raishinshi was doing the same thing. Although, he was doing it more hesitantly. Icchan noticed this and frowned.
"Try loosening him up," Icchan suggested, "relax."
Kiyoko swallowed. Soon, Raishinshi was doing the moves more fluidly, moving his body in the process. Icchan clapped.
"Yeah, that's it!" he said.
Kiyoko gave him a smile.
"Kiyoko!" Icchan cried, pointing to the Layer.
Kiyoko turned to see Raishinshi stumbling back. Gasping, Kiyoko focused again, and Raishinshi steadied himself.
"Keep focused," Icchan told her. She nodded.
Ring! Ring!
Icchan looked up in surprise and reached into his coat.
"What is it?" Kiyoko asked, turning away from the Layer, slightly.
Icchan pulled out his cell phone and turned back to his young pupil.
"It's probably a business call," he said, walking away, "I'll be right back, you keep practicing. And loosen up!"
Kiyoko nodded and turned back to the Layer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Once Icchan was halfway down the staircase, away from Kiyoko's ears and eyes, he flipped the phone on.
"Ogata, if this is you, you're gonna have a serious 'Penalty Game' when I get back!" Icchan hissed into the phone, "I thought I said no calls until after I..."
"Icchan...?"
Icchan immediately stopped talking.
"Yukio?" he asked.
There was an affirmative on the other line.
"Sorry about that, I thought you were my assistant," Icchan apologized.
A muffled laugh came from the other end.
"So I heard," the other man said, "are you still giving him a hard time?"
Icchan shrugged.
"Now and then," he replied, turning away from the bottom stairs, "anyways, why'd you call?"
A pause.
"Do you think this is a good idea?" came the question.
Icchan blinked.
"Sure it is, for both of you," he affirmed, "why are you acting so giddy all of a sudden?"
As he waited for a reply from the nervous man, he didn't notice a girl in a pink cap and brown overcoat trot up the stairs, and move past him for the Practice Layers.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile, back at the Practice Room, Kiyoko was having a bit of trouble. Raishinshi was dancing to the music, but he was out of sync with it. Kiyoko tried to get him into sync, but he would stumble every now and then. He was still doing a combination of the two arm moves Icchan had shown her and she had added in a couple steps where he moved in a circle. But no matter how much she added on, it just didn't seem right. Finally, the music stopped and Raishinshi dropped his arms and looked down at the Layer.
(I don't think I'm doing this right,) Kiyoko thought, getting up from her seat.
She walked over to the stereo and pressed rewind.
(Might as well keep trying, even if I don't understand this,) she thought.
Then, from behind her, she heard a sound that made her straighten up. It was the same sound that was heard whenever an Angel slid through the Layer's force field. Kiyoko spun around to see another girl by the Layer. She wore a closed, brown overcoat, and a pink cap the seemed to be hiding a pair of golden ponytails under it. The girl was looking at the Layer. As Kiyoko approached, she saw something else.
It was another Angel. She was floating down to the Layer. She was dressed in an Arabian dancer outfit that included a white and gold-breasted outfit that showed her collarbone (or where the collar bone would be considered) and a gold, close fitting necklace around her neck. Attached to it, on each side, was a long white strand of cloth that was held aloft somehow and reached her ankles. These obviously acted as Angel Cords. Her forearms were covered with a baggy white cloth that was held in place by gold bands at the end. She wore baggy, orange pants and white, pointed shoes like Arabians wear. There was a gold tiara on her forehead with a green jewel in the middle. Her hair was a dark pink color and was tied near her head, but it still hung down and was curly at the bottom. Her emerald green eyes were focused on the Layer below. She landed gracefully, performing a small spin as she did so.
Kiyoko stared at the doll in confusion. The Arabic looking doll turned to Raishinshi, who was still frozen. A moments' pause and the other Angel started to walk towards him. Kiyoko's eyes widened. What was going on? She wasn't going to fight him was she? Kiyoko turned to the girl. The other girl was also wearing a headset, the one that had been on the other seat. Kiyoko turned back to the Layer. The girl Angel had now stopped besides Raishinshi. She was looking at him curiously. Raishinshi just continued to stare at the floor, his Deus too worried to make him react. Kiyoko ran to the part of the Layer they were at and watched them, panicked. She wasn't ready for a fight and she had the feeling that this Angel was an experienced fighter. And yet, the girl Angel wasn't moving in for an attack. She was just looking at Raishinshi, top to bottom. Then, in one swift spin, she turned to face Kiyoko, who blinked in surprise.
Now what?
Suddenly, the stereo's music filled her ears. She turned to see that the other girl in the coat had turned the music on. She listened to it for a while.
"Not a bad tune," the girl admitted in a cheerful voice, turning to Kiyoko, "you've got good taste."
Kiyoko was too confused to reply. The girl then turned to the Layer. Kiyoko turned as well and blinked in surprise. The girl Angel was dancing! She was doing a series of spins and moves that included crossing your arms and shuffling your feet. And she did it all gracefully.
(Well, duh,) she thought to herself, (she's a dancer. But, wait! Does this mean she's not going to fight?)
"Hey, aren't ya gonna join in?"
Kiyoko snapped out of her thoughts and saw that the girl was pointing to the Layer. Kiyoko turned to Raishinshi and shrugged.
(Why not?) she thought, focusing, (can't hurt.)
In moments, Raishinshi had come to life again and was moving his arms up and down like the girl Angel was. The girl Angel then started to shuffle her feet to the left, to the right, stepping over her feet, the usual dance moves. Hesitantly, Raishinshi copied the movements. In seconds, both Angels were dancing together, even if Raishinshi was going a bit slower. Kiyoko was fascinated at how smoothly the girl Angel moved.
"That's great," the other girl complemented, "now let's try spinning."
With that, the girl Angel cast off with her left foot and spun a couple times on one leg before landing. Kiyoko blinked while Raishinshi stared.
"Your turn," the girl said.
"Huh?" Kiyoko said, dumbly, but proceeded to try the move.
Like the girl Angel, Raishinshi cast off with his left foot and attempted to mimic the spin. But as soon as he shifted to one leg, he fell flat on his face. Kiyoko gasped while the other girl giggled.
"Not so fast," the other girl said, "it's not like we're competing. Relax."
Relax? That's what Icchan and her father always said. She'd always thought that by just visualizing the move would make your Angel do it without trouble. And how are you going to relax in a battle? Shrugging that off, Kiyoko turned back to the Layer, and had Raishinshi stand up.
(Can't hurt to make an effort,) she told herself, visualizing the move again.
Once again, Raishinshi cast off with his left foot and, this time, stayed balanced and spun perfectly. Kiyoko beamed as he came down from the spin.
"I did it!" she cheered.
The other girl clapped her hands.
"Yep, that's how I felt when I first started," she said, "oh! Here comes the closing!"
As the music began to rap up, the girl doll did a swift twirl, before letting her-self fall backwards in front of Raishinshi. Kiyoko gasped and Raishinshi opened his mouth in a silent gasp as he quickly grabbed the Angel around the shoulders to stop her from falling. To her surprise, the Angel merely smiled, raised one arm above her, and one to the side. It was a dance move that professionals used to finish up dances. The music stopped and Kiyoko stared a while before smiling.
"Wow! That was cool!" she cried, clenching her fists.
"Very cool," the other girl agreed, then turned to face Kiyoko, "may I ask you something?"
"Hmm?" Kiyoko asked, turning to the girl.
The girl smiled politely.
"Would you and your Angel mind practicing with us?" she asked.
Kiyoko blinked and then nodded.
"Sure!" she said, going over to the stereo, and hit rewind, "I'd love to dance more!"
"Super!" the other girl exclaimed, taking a seat.
The minute the music stopped rewinding, Kiyoko hit play, and quickly went to her seat as the music started to play.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It won't be ready until when?"
"Sometime tomorrow. Please don't give me a 'Penalty', I really tried to get it ready!"
Icchan, after his previous caller had hung up, decided to check on his 'student's' Angel Card. As it turned out, it wasn't quite done.
"All I have to do is place the bar code and lamination, but it takes the computer a while to develop a code, and the laminator isn't working! And...and..."
"WOAH!" Icchan shouted, trying to calm his crazed assistant, "calm down! It can wait until tomorrow."
There was a long pause.
"You're...not mad?" Ogata squeaked.
Icchan sighed and adjusted his glasses.
"The last day to sign up isn't until Friday," Icchan said, "today's Tuesday. There's plenty of time."
A sigh of relief was heard on the other end.
"But if it takes longer than tomorrow," Icchan began, a sly smile coming to his face, " 'someone's' gonna be wearing a dress!"
"WHAAAAAT!!!!????"
"Later."
Turning his cell phone off, Icchan slipped into his jacket, and walked back up the stairs. As he neared the Practice Room, something caught his eye. He still heard the music he gave to Kiyoko, but someone else was with her. And, even though she was disguised, he knew all too well who it was. He smiled and hid around the corner.
(This might help matters,) he thought, watching the two girls.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko and the new girl were having fun, needless to say. Both Raishinshi and the girl Angel were dancing in sync with, not just the music, but with each other as well. Crossing and uncrossing their legs, waving their arms up and down, spinning in place, and pretty much performing every simple dance move in the book. Both Angels were smiling and kept in step with the music. Best of all, Raishinshi wasn't stumbling anymore. Kiyoko had complete control.
"Spin here," the girl instructed as the music started to speed up.
Kiyoko nodded and focused.
The girl Angel and Raishinshi both pushed off with their left legs and spun around a couple times before coming to a graceful halt. The music was coming to a close.
"Okay," the girl announced, "let's wrap it up."
With that, the girl Angel spun in place a couple times, and fell backwards in front of Raishinshi. He and Kiyoko were ready this time. With one arm, he caught her under the shoulders, and held his other out behind him. The girl Angel shot one arm above her and another out in front of her. The music ended at that moment.
"Wow! That was better than last time," the girl complemented, "you're good."
Kiyoko was beaming.
"Thanks, but you're WAY better than me," she said.
The other girl waved a hand.
"I've been practicing for a long time," she said, simply, "no biggie."
Both Angels got out of their dance position and stood side by side on the Layer. Kiyoko looked down at Raishinshi, a smile plastered to her face.
"Now, since you were great to practice with, I'll show you some of the moves I use in fights," the girl said, fishing around in her overcoat's pocket, "now, I know that I always carry some tapes with me, but which one..."
Kiyoko quickly stood up.
"Oh! You don't have to go through all that trouble!" she assured, not wanting to be troublesome.
"Aha! Found it!" the girl cried, holding up a small cassette in triumph. She turned to Kiyoko as she went up to the stereo. "And it's no trouble, I always do this after dancing."
Kiyoko nodded, slowly. The girl replaced Icchans' cassette with her own and then pressed play. The music that came out sounded like Rap music. The girl sat down and focused on the Layer.
"Okay, here's one," she said.
The girl Angel came to life once again and pushed off with her left foot, like she had done earlier. Only this time, on the second spin, she swung her left foot out, and performed a spin kick. Thankfully, Raishinshi had moved back in time. Kiyoko looked a little confused.
"But...that was a dance move," she said.
The girl started to giggle.
"Yeah, I used to get that a lot," she said, and then pointed to the Layer, "but dancing really helps your Angel fight better. It's good for timing and maneuverability."
Kiyoko's eyes widened.
"Really?" she asked.
The other girl nodded.
"Uh-huh, take it from a pro," she said, and then looked at Raishinshi, "have your Angel try that move."
Kiyoko nodded. Raishinshi pushed off with his left leg and executed a spin. On the second spin, he swung his left leg out and, to Kiyoko's surprise, executed it perfectly. The other girl clapped.
"Terrific!" she cried, then re-focused, "here's another."
The girl Angel then cart-wheeled into a handstand and moved her hands in a circle. She swung her legs out and around, looking like a tornado. Kiyoko gaped at the move in awe.
"Your turn," the girl said, as the girl Angel resumed a standing position.
Swallowing, Kiyoko visualized the move she just saw in her head. Raishinshi cart-wheeled into a handstand, a little wobbly, and moved his hands in a circle. He swung his legs out to the side.....only to fall flat on his stomach. Kiyoko gasped. The girl chuckled.
Kiyoko frowned and tried to visualize the move again. Raishinshi picked himself up, also frowning. Once again, he cart-wheeled into a handstand, and turned his hands in a circle. He swung his legs out and attempted to spin, but he just crashed to the Layer, landing on his back. Kiyoko's face fell.
"What am I doing wrong?" she murmured.
"It takes a while for the Angel to get balanced," the girl explained, "keep practicing and you'll get used to it."
Kiyoko smiled up at the girl. She was being so nice.
"By the way," the girl piped up, "what's your name?"
"It's Kiyoko. Yume Kiyoko," Kiyoko said, and pointed to Raishinshi, "and that's Raishinshi."
The girl looked at Raishinshi, who was currently in a sitting position, and blinked.
"Oh! I didn't know it was a boy," she said, a little surprised.
Kiyoko sighed, sadly. She had gotten used to the fact that people mistook Raishinshi for a girl, but it was embarrassing. She turned back to the girl.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"Oh, well," the girl grew a little shy, "I'm..." she then glanced up at the clock. She gasped and suddenly checked her watch. Her eyes widened even more and Kiyoko grew worried.
"Oh, no! I'm late!" the girl cried, standing up suddenly.
The girl Angel ran towards the Layers' edge and leapt into the air. She executed a vertical spin in mid-air and exited the Layer, back first. The girl grabbed her in mid-air and fumbled for the tape in the stereo.
"I didn't know I was so late! Oh, great!" the girl cried, taking the tape out, and shoving it into her pocket, "they're gonna kill me!"
Hearing this, Kiyoko grew even more worried, and stood up.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
The girl turned to her and bowed apologetically.
"Sorry, but I forgot about an appointment I had! I've gotta go!" she said before dashing for the stairs.
She skidded to a halt before going down the stairs. She turned to Kiyoko.
"Hey, Kiyoko?" the girl called, "keep practicing. Who knows? Maybe you'll be a Layer champ like a friend of mine!"
Kiyoko stared at her in confusion at that statement. The girl just smiled, waved, and shot down the stairs like a rocket. Kiyoko blinked in confusion.
(A Layer champ?) she thought, becoming lost in thought for a moment.
"And HOW are we doing?"
Kiyoko jumped and turned to see Icchan looking down at her with a small grin.
"Mr. Icchan!" she cried in surprise, "did you see me dancing with that girl's Angel?"
The adult smiled and nodded.
"Yep," he said, "you were good. Need some work on that last move though."
Kiyoko frowned.
"But don't worry about it," Icchan assured her, "I'm sure that you'll get the hang of it."
Kiyoko smiled and then looked towards the Layer. Raishinshi stood up on the Layer's surface and turned to her.
"Um...Mr. Icchan?" she murmured.
Icchan looked down at Kiyoko, questionably.
"Eh?" he said.
"That offer about the Tournament," she said, and looked up at him, "I'll think it over."
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
Icchan blinked, then smiled down at her.
*...hakanai hoshi zora.*
"That's a good idea," he said, his spirit rising.
Kiyoko nodded, slowly.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni...*
Kiyoko turned to Raishinshi and smiled.
(Maybe,) she thought, (it won't be so bad.)
*...negai o kakeru kara*
Raishinshi only stared back at her, smiling.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Phew! This one took longer! I know there was no action, why'd you think it took so long? Anyway, there will be a bit more action next time. I want to thank the people who reviewed me. As a reminder, I need some more info on what days the big Tournaments are held. Why am I making such a fuss on that? Because this is sorta a sequel to the series (my own fantasy) and I want things to be accurate. I'm starting to believe that the Tokyo Prelims are held on the weekdays and the rest of the big Tournaments are on the weekends. Information would be much appreciated to make this series work. Until the next cool chapter, sayonara!
Disclaimer - Wow! I'm on a roll! This story has been in me for so long, I can't stop
writing. I'm still looking for info on the days the AL Tournaments are held.
Why the fuss? In two more chapters, Kiyoko and Raishinshi head for the
Tokyo Preliminaries. And now, legal stuff: I don't own any of the original
cast from Angelic Layer. But, I DO own Kiyoko, Raishinshi, Kiyoko's
family, Kiyoko's friends, Tamiko, and Youzen. Now, onward!
Battle 3: "Dancing is Practice?! Kiyoko meets a Star!"
"Oh, man! I just can't believe that battle the other day!" Ken cried, during lunch, "it was SO rad!"
Takumi, who was sitting next to the excitable boy, unwrapped his sandwich as he peered over to Kiyoko.
"I have to say, I'm impressed," he admitted, "but that punch still has me confused."
Kiyoko and her friends were outside, eating lunch in the lunch area where most kids came to eat. It was less crowded and less smelly than the cafeteria. Kiyoko had been commented by her friends all day today and yesterday about her match. She was all red from the complements. She was currently sitting with Tamiko and Yuri on one side of the square bench, while Ken and Takumi were on the side to their left.
Upon hearing his comment though, Kiyoko turned to Takumi.
"What do you mean?" she asked, "I told you I got the idea from what Raishinshi did in episode 7."
Takumi shook his head.
"No, I mean how did you know where to hit Vesta?" he asked, referring to the Angel that had been Raishinshi's opponent the other day.
Kiyoko blinked.
"Huh?" she asked.
"Everyone who knows anything about fighting knows that the solar plexus is a vulnerable spot," he explained, "but you've never taken Martial Arts. How'd you know where to hit?"
Kiyoko cocked her head to one side.
"Solar plexus?" she asked, Tamiko giving the boys an odd look.
"Yes, how did-" Takumi stopped, eyes widening, "wait, you didn't 'know' that you hit her in a vulnerable spot?"
Kiyoko shook her head.
"No, I just had Raishinshi punch her," she said, going back to her juice.
Takumi nodded, slowly, and turned back to his sandwich. Ken gave him a quizzical look.
"Why are you so flipped?" he asked.
Takumi took a bite out of his sandwich, chewed, and swallowed.
"If Raishinshi had with missed that punch," he explained, "he would've been the one in a heap instead of Vesta. He won by a lucky shot."
Ken blinked.
"So? What's that got to do with the solar plexus?" he asked.
"Nothing, really," Takumi admitted, "but it also proves that that was a last minute strike, which may, or may not have worked out okay."
Ken blinked twice this time.
"You mean that Kiyoko thought it up at the last minute?" he asked, blinking again.
Takumi nodded.
"Wow! That's even cooler!" Ken whooped.
Takumi rolled his eyes and took another bite of his sandwich.
Back on the girls' side, Tamiko turned to Kiyoko.
"Hey, are you gonna enter the Tournament?" she asked her friend between chews.
Kiyoko shook her head.
"I'd better practice before I enter any more matches," she said, setting her juice down.
Tamiko shook her head.
"No, I mean THE Tournament," she said, "y'know, the one they hold every year?"
Kiyoko did a double take at her friend.
"Huh? It's this month?" she asked, a little surprised, "I didn't know. I thought it was next month."
"Nope, it's this month," Tamiko confirmed, "you gonna enter yourself and Raishinshi in it?"
Kiyoko thought a moment while Yuri glanced at Tamiko.
"You've registered already, haven't you Tamiko?" she asked, setting down her sandwich.
Tamiko nodded.
"Yep," she grinned, giving a peace sign, "this'll be the second one I've been to. I'm not sure if I'll make it to the Semies this time."
Kiyoko looked up and smiled.
"I'm sure you'll do fine," she said.
"Are you going to enter?" Tamiko repeated.
Kiyoko frowned.
"It's come too soon," she said, quietly, to herself, then looked up to her friends, "I'll think about it."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You want me to do WHAT?"
"You heard me. I need an Angel Card."
About the same time Kiyoko and her friends were eating their lunch, Icchan Mihara was trying to get a favor from his assistant, Ogata. Apparently his request had taken his assistant by surprise.
"But, I can't just make like that," Ogata explained, "and why do you need one so bad?"
Icchan shook his head.
"Not for me," he said, reaching into his lab coat, "for her."
Icchan pulled out a picture and showed it to Ogata. It showed two people. One was a brown-haired girl with dark brown eyes. She was smiling and standing next to a man in a blue business suit and red tie.
"Huh?" Ogata asked, staring at the picture, then gasped, "hey! Isn't that...?!"
Icchan nodded and put the picture away.
"Yep, and she won her first official match yesterday," he stated, "so she qualifies. So put it into gear!"
Ogata sighed.
"You did this for 'her' too," he said, remembering the events that happened 3 years ago, "but why does it matter so much that 'this' girl enters this years' games?"
Icchan looked up at him, slyly, from his place on a chair below him.
"Guess," he said.
Ogata gave a start, but then started to think.
"Hmmmm, if she's 'his' kid, then..." he pondered, then snapped his fingers with a smile, "I got it! This is one of those celebrity competitions isn't it?"
Icchan frowned.
"Wrong! And, as a penalty-" he proclaimed, pulling out a pack of French Fries from one of his pockets, "- you have to eat these fries with your nose."
Ogata frowned in disbelief as he took the fries. Icchan had gotten up and was heading out the door.
"Get that card to me by 4, or else!" he called over his shoulder, stepping through the sliding door.
"Okay..." Ogata whined, a couple of fries in his nose already.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
School was out for the day and Kiyoko was walking home alone again. She wanted some time to think about what Tamiko had told her during lunch and politely excused herself from the group. She walked by one of the two Flower Shops, her head lowered in thought.
(So the Tournaments at the end of the week, huh?) Kiyoko thought, (I didn't know it was so close. It always started the month after this one. I must have miscounted or something.)
She took a left between the Flower Shops and walked down the small street.
(I've hardly even begun Angelic Layer and already the Tournament is coming up,) she thought, looking up as she came to a shaded bridge, (there's no time for me to get ready.)
Halfway across the bridge, Kiyoko stopped. She brought up her suitcase and opened it. Reaching in, she pulled out her Angel: a boy with black-blue hair that falls a little past the shoulder and dressed in a purple outfit. Kiyoko frowned and held Raishinshi close.
"There's not enough time," she whispered to him, "I almost lost last time and I couldn't bear to see you get hurt like that. Maybe-"
"I'M WIGGLY ICCHAN!!"
Kiyoko whirled around in surprise and nearly jumped sky-high when she saw Icchan behind her, waving his arms around in a funny pattern.
"M-M-Mr. I-Icchan?" she stammered, falling on her rear from the shock.
Icchan looked down at her and smiled.
"Beautiful day, eh?" he asked, arms going to his hips, "I see we're getting cuddly with our Angel."
Kiyoko blinked, then looked down. She was holding Raishinshi very close to her now. She immediately turned red.
"Oh! Um...well, I..." she stammered.
Icchan rolled his eyes and fixed his glasses.
"Sheesh, I was only joking," he stated.
Kiyoko sighed with relief.
"So," Icchan spoke up, "I hear that the Tournament is coming up for Angelic Layer."
Hearing this, Kiyoko nodded and frowned a little.
"Yeah, I heard," she mumbled.
Icchan, not noticing the glum sound in her voice, continued.
"It's supposed to be a really good year," he continued to explain, "a lot of great Deus' will be coming from all over Tokyo to play Angelic Layer. I'll bet you'll love to-"
"I don't think I'll go this time."
Icchan stopped short and turned to her in complete shock.
"Huh?????" he gaped. He did NOT expect this.
Kiyoko's eyes were downcast.
"I didn't think that the Tournament was so close," she explained, "I haven't had the time to practice yet. I doubt I could take on a bunch of experienced Deus'. I'll pass this year."
With that said, she started off for home again, allowing Icchan to face- fall behind her. As soon as he recovered, however, he shot after her. He skidded to a halt in front of her.
"HOLD ON!!" he cried, then stopped, and reproached more gently, "why are you giving up so soon?
Kiyoko furrowed her brow.
"You saw my fight with Vesta," she said, referring to yesterday's fight, "she nearly took out Raishinshi. Why? Because I wasn't ready, I should have practiced with him first like you said."
Icchan frowned.
"But you did your best and won," he pointed out, "you and Raishinshi hung in there, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but I couldn't protect him from getting hurt," she said, feeling downer than ever.
Icchan sighed.
"Now I see," he said, "you're worried that you won't be able to focus on Raishinshi and will wind up getting him hurt, right?"
Kiyoko nodded.
Icchan smiled.
"Someone I know is like that," he stated, "she was always worrying that she'd fail her Angel and she'd wind up hurt. But, when you're playing Angelic Layer, you have to keep one thing in mind: the Angels feel what their Deus' feel. If you're sad and doubt yourself, Raishinshi'll be the same."
Kiyoko looked up in surprise.
"Which means," Icchan continued, "if you doubt yourself like this, then your Angel will definitely fail. You should never quit, especially before you even get started. So, could you at least think about it a little?"
Kiyoko looked down, but nodded. Icchan smiled.
"Good," he stated, no longer sounding serious, "now, what should a new Deus be doing right about now?"
Kiyoko looked up at him, quizzically.
"Practice," Icchan answered.
Kiyoko blinked.
"Practice?" she repeated.
Icchan gave a firm nod, glasses shining.
"Practice."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
After walking several blocks, the two made it to the nearest Piffle Princess, and went inside. Kiyoko obediently followed Icchan inside and over to the Registration Counter. She was silently wondering about what he was planning on doing. He had mentioned something about a special form of practice, but he wouldn't say what kind of practice. After he was done paying for the Practice Layer, he led her upstairs. She thought, as they traveled up the stairs to the Practice Room, that she saw something under his coat. She shook off the thought.
Once at the top of the stairs, the duo found themselves in a large room filled with four mini Layers, smaller than the one Kiyoko fought in the other day. Three of the tables were occupied, but the one in the right-hand corner, by the window, was vacant. Icchan headed over to it with Kiyoko in tow. As soon as they approached it, Icchan turned to her suddenly.
"How come you're so quiet?" he asked, a little concerned.
Kiyoko frowned.
"Well, you said you'd handle everything when we got here," she explained, "so I tried not to get in the way."
Icchan sighed, but smiled.
"You really DO remind me of her," he said.
"Huh?" Kiyoko asked.
"Er, nothing," Icchan assured, quickly turning to the egg-shaped seat, "now then, you probably already know most of what I'm about to tell you, but it's necessary."
Kiyoko nodded. Icchan then picked up a blue, pink-screened headset from the seat and showed it to Kiyoko.
"These are Angel Goggles," he said, holding the headset up, "it, when activated by the side buttons, transfers brainwaves to the Angel. You can visualize them doing just about anything. From walking to running, to swimming to jumping, but this is only achievable when the Angel is inside the Layer." He then held up a blue wire attached to the headset. "This cord connects your thoughts to your Angel. The visor also brings up the Damage Gauge and Damage Meter of your Angel. You are allowed to access it during the fights."
Kiyoko nodded and looked down at Raishinshi, who was still sleeping silently in her hands.
"So, if I want Raishinshi to walk or smile, he'd do it?" she asked.
Icchan nodded and handed her the headset.
"You did a good job yesterday, but you weren't in complete control of your Angel," Icchan informed her, motioning to the seat, "but 'Icchan's Special Practice Menu' will change that."
"You mentioned that before," Kiyoko said, sitting in the chair, "what is this, 'Special Practice Menu' anyway?"
Icchan smiled widely and reached inside his coat.
" 'This'," he said, pulling out a portable stereo.
Kiyoko only stared as Icchan pulled a small table over to the Layer and placed the stereo on it. He turned then flipped a switch on the Layers' ring. The floor lit up and the force field shimmered into place. Icchan then turned to Kiyoko.
"Okay, now, throw Raishinshi into the Layer," he instructed.
Kiyoko looked nervously at Raishinshi and then back at Icchan.
"As long as you focus on him, he'll be fine," he assured her, reading her mind.
Kiyoko swallowed, but nodded. She looked down at Raishinshi and then at the Layer. She took a deep breath.
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" she cried, tossing the sleeping Angel to the Layer.
The minute he slid through the force field, Kiyoko shut her eyes, and focused. When Raishinshi was all the way into the Layer, his eyes popped open. He flipped in mid-air and floated down to the Layer. When Kiyoko opened her eyes, she was surprised at what she saw. Raishinshi had landed square on his feet, his back to her.
"He-he landed! He landed!" she cheered, clapping hers hands.
Icchan nodded.
"Yep," he confirmed, "now, try turning him around to face you."
Kiyoko nodded and focused back on Raishinshi. In a couple seconds, the purple clad Angel turned his body around to face her. Kiyoko smiled in triumph. Then, to her surprise, Raishinshi smiled back at her.
"O-oh my-! He-he smiled at me!" Kiyoko cried, turning to Icchan, "but I didn't visualize him doing that!"
Icchan smiled.
"Some of the Angels actions and expressions are based on subconscious thoughts," he explained, "that's why Angels have expressions: they feel what their Deus feels."
Kiyoko blinked in surprise.
(So,) she thought, looking down at her lap, (Raishinshi feels what I feel. Dad was right.)
"Um...Kiyoko?"
Blinking, Kiyoko looked up at Icchan. He was frowning and indicating to the Layer. Kiyoko turned to look. Raishinshi was swaying back and forth slightly and his expression was blank. Kiyoko gasped.
"R-Raishinshi!" she cried, focusing on him.
A few seconds later, Raishinshi stopped swaying, and stared at the ground. Kiyoko tilted her head to one side and made a noise of confusion.
"If you're not focusing on your Angel," Icchan explained from beside her, "then your Angel won't work. In your fight yesterday, some of your attacks were weak. That was because you weren't focused on the fight, but on Raishinshi's well being."
Kiyoko had Raishinshi turn completely around so she could look him over. On hearing Icchan's last statement, she turned to him in confusion.
"But aren't you supposed to watch out for your Angel?" she asked, giving Raishinshi a quick glance to make sure he wasn't swaying like he was earlier.
Icchan nodded and moved closer to the Layer.
"Yes, you are, but that doesn't mean you need to stop what you're doing for every punch that's thrown at him," he explained, looking Raishinshi over, "you need to stay focused during a fight, otherwise you'll lose."
Kiyoko frowned.
"We'll lose?" she repeated, silently.
Icchan nodded, but then put on a wide grin.
"That's why I decided that you needed a practice session!" he announced, strutting over to the small stereo.
Kiyoko blinked. Icchan hit the 'Play' button and cheery, bouncy pop music came out. Kiyoko then stared as Icchan began dancing to the music; he almost looked like he was doing the Hula. Halfway into the dance, he turned to her.
"Well?" he asked, shaking his feet to the music as well, "aren't you gonna try?"
Kiyoko froze and turned red.
"But, I don't know how to dance," she admitted, quietly.
Icchan froze in mid-step and whirled to her, still on one foot.
"Dummy! You aren't the one who dances!" Icchan proclaimed, a little exasperated, "Raishinshi is!"
Kiyoko's mouth dropped and she turned redder than before.
"WHAAAAAAAT????!!!!!!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A girl stopped in front of Piffle Princess, her pink cap pulled tight over her gold hair. She gazed up at the sign, hugging her overcoat closer to hide her ritzy outfit. If it was one thing the girl hated, it was too much attention. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small figure with dark pink hair.
"It's been a while since we practiced at a public Layer," she said, keeping her voice down, "I hope it's better than the ritzy one they gave me."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Wh-wh-what do you mean 'Raishinshi is going to dance???" Kiyoko stammered, almost losing her focus.
Icchan had stopped the music and was now rewinding it.
"Dancing is the best form of practice," he said with a grin, "and dancing lets you control your Angel better."
Kiyoko stared at Raishinshi who was looking up at her, blankly.
"B-b-but, boys don't dance," she protested.
Icchan froze, spun around, and put his hands on his hips.
"So then what was 'I' doing a moment ago!?" he asked, sounding upset.
Kiyoko winced.
"Um..." she trailed off.
Icchan relaxed and let out a sigh.
"Never mind, I'm out of practice anyway," he admitted, and went back to the stereo to see that it had stopped rewinding.
"Okay, now, we're going to start with the arms," he told her, looking over his shoulder, "that'll help you punch better."
Kiyoko cocked her head to one side.
"But, that punch Raishinshi used to win..." she began.
"Was fueled by anger and determination," Icchan cut her off, "a lethal mix. An Angel's reaction to his or her Deus' anger usually results in stronger, swifter actions. In this case, the last three moves that Raishinshi executed were the result of your anger towards Raishinshi getting hurt. But this won't work all the time, you understand."
Kiyoko nodded and faced the Layer. Icchan started the music up again and moved to Kiyoko's side.
"Now, try moving his arms like this," he instructed, raising both arms, and shook them up and down to one side like he was shaking a box. After a while, he shook them on the other side.
Kiyoko gawked at the movements. 'This' was dancing?
"Well, come on," Icchan coaxed.
Nodding, Kiyoko turned to Raishinshi, and visualized the moves she wanted. So, after a second or so, Raishinshi raised his arms to one side and moved them like what Icchan was doing and then swung them over to the other side, and repeated the action. Icchan stopped dancing and watched with a pleased smile. Kiyoko, on the other hand, frowned a bit as Raishinshi repeated the action for the fourth time.
"Uh, what now?" she asked.
Icchan thought a moment then smiled.
"Now, try this," he said, and began moving his arms up and down on both sides of him.
Kiyoko nodded and, within minutes, Raishinshi was doing the same thing. Although, he was doing it more hesitantly. Icchan noticed this and frowned.
"Try loosening him up," Icchan suggested, "relax."
Kiyoko swallowed. Soon, Raishinshi was doing the moves more fluidly, moving his body in the process. Icchan clapped.
"Yeah, that's it!" he said.
Kiyoko gave him a smile.
"Kiyoko!" Icchan cried, pointing to the Layer.
Kiyoko turned to see Raishinshi stumbling back. Gasping, Kiyoko focused again, and Raishinshi steadied himself.
"Keep focused," Icchan told her. She nodded.
Ring! Ring!
Icchan looked up in surprise and reached into his coat.
"What is it?" Kiyoko asked, turning away from the Layer, slightly.
Icchan pulled out his cell phone and turned back to his young pupil.
"It's probably a business call," he said, walking away, "I'll be right back, you keep practicing. And loosen up!"
Kiyoko nodded and turned back to the Layer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Once Icchan was halfway down the staircase, away from Kiyoko's ears and eyes, he flipped the phone on.
"Ogata, if this is you, you're gonna have a serious 'Penalty Game' when I get back!" Icchan hissed into the phone, "I thought I said no calls until after I..."
"Icchan...?"
Icchan immediately stopped talking.
"Yukio?" he asked.
There was an affirmative on the other line.
"Sorry about that, I thought you were my assistant," Icchan apologized.
A muffled laugh came from the other end.
"So I heard," the other man said, "are you still giving him a hard time?"
Icchan shrugged.
"Now and then," he replied, turning away from the bottom stairs, "anyways, why'd you call?"
A pause.
"Do you think this is a good idea?" came the question.
Icchan blinked.
"Sure it is, for both of you," he affirmed, "why are you acting so giddy all of a sudden?"
As he waited for a reply from the nervous man, he didn't notice a girl in a pink cap and brown overcoat trot up the stairs, and move past him for the Practice Layers.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile, back at the Practice Room, Kiyoko was having a bit of trouble. Raishinshi was dancing to the music, but he was out of sync with it. Kiyoko tried to get him into sync, but he would stumble every now and then. He was still doing a combination of the two arm moves Icchan had shown her and she had added in a couple steps where he moved in a circle. But no matter how much she added on, it just didn't seem right. Finally, the music stopped and Raishinshi dropped his arms and looked down at the Layer.
(I don't think I'm doing this right,) Kiyoko thought, getting up from her seat.
She walked over to the stereo and pressed rewind.
(Might as well keep trying, even if I don't understand this,) she thought.
Then, from behind her, she heard a sound that made her straighten up. It was the same sound that was heard whenever an Angel slid through the Layer's force field. Kiyoko spun around to see another girl by the Layer. She wore a closed, brown overcoat, and a pink cap the seemed to be hiding a pair of golden ponytails under it. The girl was looking at the Layer. As Kiyoko approached, she saw something else.
It was another Angel. She was floating down to the Layer. She was dressed in an Arabian dancer outfit that included a white and gold-breasted outfit that showed her collarbone (or where the collar bone would be considered) and a gold, close fitting necklace around her neck. Attached to it, on each side, was a long white strand of cloth that was held aloft somehow and reached her ankles. These obviously acted as Angel Cords. Her forearms were covered with a baggy white cloth that was held in place by gold bands at the end. She wore baggy, orange pants and white, pointed shoes like Arabians wear. There was a gold tiara on her forehead with a green jewel in the middle. Her hair was a dark pink color and was tied near her head, but it still hung down and was curly at the bottom. Her emerald green eyes were focused on the Layer below. She landed gracefully, performing a small spin as she did so.
Kiyoko stared at the doll in confusion. The Arabic looking doll turned to Raishinshi, who was still frozen. A moments' pause and the other Angel started to walk towards him. Kiyoko's eyes widened. What was going on? She wasn't going to fight him was she? Kiyoko turned to the girl. The other girl was also wearing a headset, the one that had been on the other seat. Kiyoko turned back to the Layer. The girl Angel had now stopped besides Raishinshi. She was looking at him curiously. Raishinshi just continued to stare at the floor, his Deus too worried to make him react. Kiyoko ran to the part of the Layer they were at and watched them, panicked. She wasn't ready for a fight and she had the feeling that this Angel was an experienced fighter. And yet, the girl Angel wasn't moving in for an attack. She was just looking at Raishinshi, top to bottom. Then, in one swift spin, she turned to face Kiyoko, who blinked in surprise.
Now what?
Suddenly, the stereo's music filled her ears. She turned to see that the other girl in the coat had turned the music on. She listened to it for a while.
"Not a bad tune," the girl admitted in a cheerful voice, turning to Kiyoko, "you've got good taste."
Kiyoko was too confused to reply. The girl then turned to the Layer. Kiyoko turned as well and blinked in surprise. The girl Angel was dancing! She was doing a series of spins and moves that included crossing your arms and shuffling your feet. And she did it all gracefully.
(Well, duh,) she thought to herself, (she's a dancer. But, wait! Does this mean she's not going to fight?)
"Hey, aren't ya gonna join in?"
Kiyoko snapped out of her thoughts and saw that the girl was pointing to the Layer. Kiyoko turned to Raishinshi and shrugged.
(Why not?) she thought, focusing, (can't hurt.)
In moments, Raishinshi had come to life again and was moving his arms up and down like the girl Angel was. The girl Angel then started to shuffle her feet to the left, to the right, stepping over her feet, the usual dance moves. Hesitantly, Raishinshi copied the movements. In seconds, both Angels were dancing together, even if Raishinshi was going a bit slower. Kiyoko was fascinated at how smoothly the girl Angel moved.
"That's great," the other girl complemented, "now let's try spinning."
With that, the girl Angel cast off with her left foot and spun a couple times on one leg before landing. Kiyoko blinked while Raishinshi stared.
"Your turn," the girl said.
"Huh?" Kiyoko said, dumbly, but proceeded to try the move.
Like the girl Angel, Raishinshi cast off with his left foot and attempted to mimic the spin. But as soon as he shifted to one leg, he fell flat on his face. Kiyoko gasped while the other girl giggled.
"Not so fast," the other girl said, "it's not like we're competing. Relax."
Relax? That's what Icchan and her father always said. She'd always thought that by just visualizing the move would make your Angel do it without trouble. And how are you going to relax in a battle? Shrugging that off, Kiyoko turned back to the Layer, and had Raishinshi stand up.
(Can't hurt to make an effort,) she told herself, visualizing the move again.
Once again, Raishinshi cast off with his left foot and, this time, stayed balanced and spun perfectly. Kiyoko beamed as he came down from the spin.
"I did it!" she cheered.
The other girl clapped her hands.
"Yep, that's how I felt when I first started," she said, "oh! Here comes the closing!"
As the music began to rap up, the girl doll did a swift twirl, before letting her-self fall backwards in front of Raishinshi. Kiyoko gasped and Raishinshi opened his mouth in a silent gasp as he quickly grabbed the Angel around the shoulders to stop her from falling. To her surprise, the Angel merely smiled, raised one arm above her, and one to the side. It was a dance move that professionals used to finish up dances. The music stopped and Kiyoko stared a while before smiling.
"Wow! That was cool!" she cried, clenching her fists.
"Very cool," the other girl agreed, then turned to face Kiyoko, "may I ask you something?"
"Hmm?" Kiyoko asked, turning to the girl.
The girl smiled politely.
"Would you and your Angel mind practicing with us?" she asked.
Kiyoko blinked and then nodded.
"Sure!" she said, going over to the stereo, and hit rewind, "I'd love to dance more!"
"Super!" the other girl exclaimed, taking a seat.
The minute the music stopped rewinding, Kiyoko hit play, and quickly went to her seat as the music started to play.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It won't be ready until when?"
"Sometime tomorrow. Please don't give me a 'Penalty', I really tried to get it ready!"
Icchan, after his previous caller had hung up, decided to check on his 'student's' Angel Card. As it turned out, it wasn't quite done.
"All I have to do is place the bar code and lamination, but it takes the computer a while to develop a code, and the laminator isn't working! And...and..."
"WOAH!" Icchan shouted, trying to calm his crazed assistant, "calm down! It can wait until tomorrow."
There was a long pause.
"You're...not mad?" Ogata squeaked.
Icchan sighed and adjusted his glasses.
"The last day to sign up isn't until Friday," Icchan said, "today's Tuesday. There's plenty of time."
A sigh of relief was heard on the other end.
"But if it takes longer than tomorrow," Icchan began, a sly smile coming to his face, " 'someone's' gonna be wearing a dress!"
"WHAAAAAT!!!!????"
"Later."
Turning his cell phone off, Icchan slipped into his jacket, and walked back up the stairs. As he neared the Practice Room, something caught his eye. He still heard the music he gave to Kiyoko, but someone else was with her. And, even though she was disguised, he knew all too well who it was. He smiled and hid around the corner.
(This might help matters,) he thought, watching the two girls.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko and the new girl were having fun, needless to say. Both Raishinshi and the girl Angel were dancing in sync with, not just the music, but with each other as well. Crossing and uncrossing their legs, waving their arms up and down, spinning in place, and pretty much performing every simple dance move in the book. Both Angels were smiling and kept in step with the music. Best of all, Raishinshi wasn't stumbling anymore. Kiyoko had complete control.
"Spin here," the girl instructed as the music started to speed up.
Kiyoko nodded and focused.
The girl Angel and Raishinshi both pushed off with their left legs and spun around a couple times before coming to a graceful halt. The music was coming to a close.
"Okay," the girl announced, "let's wrap it up."
With that, the girl Angel spun in place a couple times, and fell backwards in front of Raishinshi. He and Kiyoko were ready this time. With one arm, he caught her under the shoulders, and held his other out behind him. The girl Angel shot one arm above her and another out in front of her. The music ended at that moment.
"Wow! That was better than last time," the girl complemented, "you're good."
Kiyoko was beaming.
"Thanks, but you're WAY better than me," she said.
The other girl waved a hand.
"I've been practicing for a long time," she said, simply, "no biggie."
Both Angels got out of their dance position and stood side by side on the Layer. Kiyoko looked down at Raishinshi, a smile plastered to her face.
"Now, since you were great to practice with, I'll show you some of the moves I use in fights," the girl said, fishing around in her overcoat's pocket, "now, I know that I always carry some tapes with me, but which one..."
Kiyoko quickly stood up.
"Oh! You don't have to go through all that trouble!" she assured, not wanting to be troublesome.
"Aha! Found it!" the girl cried, holding up a small cassette in triumph. She turned to Kiyoko as she went up to the stereo. "And it's no trouble, I always do this after dancing."
Kiyoko nodded, slowly. The girl replaced Icchans' cassette with her own and then pressed play. The music that came out sounded like Rap music. The girl sat down and focused on the Layer.
"Okay, here's one," she said.
The girl Angel came to life once again and pushed off with her left foot, like she had done earlier. Only this time, on the second spin, she swung her left foot out, and performed a spin kick. Thankfully, Raishinshi had moved back in time. Kiyoko looked a little confused.
"But...that was a dance move," she said.
The girl started to giggle.
"Yeah, I used to get that a lot," she said, and then pointed to the Layer, "but dancing really helps your Angel fight better. It's good for timing and maneuverability."
Kiyoko's eyes widened.
"Really?" she asked.
The other girl nodded.
"Uh-huh, take it from a pro," she said, and then looked at Raishinshi, "have your Angel try that move."
Kiyoko nodded. Raishinshi pushed off with his left leg and executed a spin. On the second spin, he swung his left leg out and, to Kiyoko's surprise, executed it perfectly. The other girl clapped.
"Terrific!" she cried, then re-focused, "here's another."
The girl Angel then cart-wheeled into a handstand and moved her hands in a circle. She swung her legs out and around, looking like a tornado. Kiyoko gaped at the move in awe.
"Your turn," the girl said, as the girl Angel resumed a standing position.
Swallowing, Kiyoko visualized the move she just saw in her head. Raishinshi cart-wheeled into a handstand, a little wobbly, and moved his hands in a circle. He swung his legs out to the side.....only to fall flat on his stomach. Kiyoko gasped. The girl chuckled.
Kiyoko frowned and tried to visualize the move again. Raishinshi picked himself up, also frowning. Once again, he cart-wheeled into a handstand, and turned his hands in a circle. He swung his legs out and attempted to spin, but he just crashed to the Layer, landing on his back. Kiyoko's face fell.
"What am I doing wrong?" she murmured.
"It takes a while for the Angel to get balanced," the girl explained, "keep practicing and you'll get used to it."
Kiyoko smiled up at the girl. She was being so nice.
"By the way," the girl piped up, "what's your name?"
"It's Kiyoko. Yume Kiyoko," Kiyoko said, and pointed to Raishinshi, "and that's Raishinshi."
The girl looked at Raishinshi, who was currently in a sitting position, and blinked.
"Oh! I didn't know it was a boy," she said, a little surprised.
Kiyoko sighed, sadly. She had gotten used to the fact that people mistook Raishinshi for a girl, but it was embarrassing. She turned back to the girl.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"Oh, well," the girl grew a little shy, "I'm..." she then glanced up at the clock. She gasped and suddenly checked her watch. Her eyes widened even more and Kiyoko grew worried.
"Oh, no! I'm late!" the girl cried, standing up suddenly.
The girl Angel ran towards the Layers' edge and leapt into the air. She executed a vertical spin in mid-air and exited the Layer, back first. The girl grabbed her in mid-air and fumbled for the tape in the stereo.
"I didn't know I was so late! Oh, great!" the girl cried, taking the tape out, and shoving it into her pocket, "they're gonna kill me!"
Hearing this, Kiyoko grew even more worried, and stood up.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
The girl turned to her and bowed apologetically.
"Sorry, but I forgot about an appointment I had! I've gotta go!" she said before dashing for the stairs.
She skidded to a halt before going down the stairs. She turned to Kiyoko.
"Hey, Kiyoko?" the girl called, "keep practicing. Who knows? Maybe you'll be a Layer champ like a friend of mine!"
Kiyoko stared at her in confusion at that statement. The girl just smiled, waved, and shot down the stairs like a rocket. Kiyoko blinked in confusion.
(A Layer champ?) she thought, becoming lost in thought for a moment.
"And HOW are we doing?"
Kiyoko jumped and turned to see Icchan looking down at her with a small grin.
"Mr. Icchan!" she cried in surprise, "did you see me dancing with that girl's Angel?"
The adult smiled and nodded.
"Yep," he said, "you were good. Need some work on that last move though."
Kiyoko frowned.
"But don't worry about it," Icchan assured her, "I'm sure that you'll get the hang of it."
Kiyoko smiled and then looked towards the Layer. Raishinshi stood up on the Layer's surface and turned to her.
"Um...Mr. Icchan?" she murmured.
Icchan looked down at Kiyoko, questionably.
"Eh?" he said.
"That offer about the Tournament," she said, and looked up at him, "I'll think it over."
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
Icchan blinked, then smiled down at her.
*...hakanai hoshi zora.*
"That's a good idea," he said, his spirit rising.
Kiyoko nodded, slowly.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni...*
Kiyoko turned to Raishinshi and smiled.
(Maybe,) she thought, (it won't be so bad.)
*...negai o kakeru kara*
Raishinshi only stared back at her, smiling.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Phew! This one took longer! I know there was no action, why'd you think it took so long? Anyway, there will be a bit more action next time. I want to thank the people who reviewed me. As a reminder, I need some more info on what days the big Tournaments are held. Why am I making such a fuss on that? Because this is sorta a sequel to the series (my own fantasy) and I want things to be accurate. I'm starting to believe that the Tokyo Prelims are held on the weekdays and the rest of the big Tournaments are on the weekends. Information would be much appreciated to make this series work. Until the next cool chapter, sayonara!