My Angel Story
Disclaimer: I'm back! This one was a little hard, you'll see why. Anyway, I wanna thank
all the people who've reviewed me so far. This is my first fanfic that's ever
gotten this far. I LOVE Angelic Layer and I want to continue writing this fic.
Kiyoko and Raishinshi are challenged to a fight by a Layer Champ. Who is
it? You'll see. Though I may have to warn you, the fight scene is a little harsh
mainly because I've been through some stress this week (parents, homework,
tests, etc.). Anyway, that said, I don't own Angelic Layer or any of its
original characters. I do, however, own Kiyoko Yume, Angel Raishinshi,
Kiyoko's friends and family, Tamiko, Angel Youzen, and any more who may
pop up. Now, read away.
Battle 5: "The Speed King, Yukiwa Saburo! Kiyoko's Harsh Lesson!"
"So, she's decided to enter the Tournament?"
"Yeah. What do you think of that?"
Silence.
"Hello?"
"Is she ready?"
"(sigh) Will. You. Relax!"
"I can't help it. It's all happening so fast for her."
"It happened fast for Misaki and look how she turned out."
Silence again.
"Look. All you've got to be worried about are the Nationals."
"I just can't help but worry."
"That's good. That means you're doing your second job right."
"(sigh)"
"I've got her covered. Don't worry about it."
"..."
"I've gotta run. Talk to you later."
"Bye."
"Later."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was Thursday morning at Eriol Academy and Tamiko was telling everybody about what had happened yesterday.
"And then Kiyoko comes and has Raishinshi knock that bully's Angel right out of the Layer," Tamiko said to the audience of kids that were in front of her desk.
Youzen, now perfectly fixed thanks to Icchan, sat at the corner of her desk. His eyes were closed and he was smiling peacefully. Ken and Yuri were two of the kids interested in hearing Tamiko's story. Takumi was over by Kiyoko's desk; the two of them were watching the whole thing. Raishinshi sat at the edge of Kiyoko's desk, legs crossed. Kiyoko looked rather surprised at the whole publicity.
"Tamiko sure is making a big deal out of my fight," she commented, glancing at Raishinshi.
Takumi replied without turning his head.
"You came to her aid when she was in trouble," he said, "so of course she'd make such a big deal out of it."
Kiyoko couldn't help but smiled to herself.
"Yeah, I guess I 'was' good," she said, "but I didn't think I was 'that' good."
Takumi shot her a side-glance.
"It was a last minute move," Kiyoko continued, "I didn't know if it would have worked or not. But it did." She brightened. "I'm turning out just like Suzuhara Misaki."
"Hold on," Takumi said, suddenly, "don't get ahead of yourself. That's the last thing you wanna-"
"Kiyoko!"
Kiyoko and Takumi turned to see Tamiko, Yuri, Ken, and half the kids in the class gathered by her desk. Tamiko was holding Youzen and was looking down at her friend, proudly.
"Kiyoko, want to tell everyone about what happened at Piffle Princess in 'your' perspective?" Tamiko asked.
Kiyoko grinned.
"Okay," she said, brightly.
Yuri gave Kiyoko an expressionless glance before moving to her brother's side.
"Is it just me, or does Kiyoko seem a bit different?" she asked, "before this, she was self-conscious about her talent."
Takumi sighed as he watched Kiyoko tell about what happened at the Layer in detail.
"It's what happens to all Deus' at one time or another," he explained, "she's getting 'over'-confident."
Yuri frowned.
"That doesn't sound like Kiyoko," she commented.
Takumi shrugged.
"Well, if you won two fights in a row and are getting a lot of complements, then it's only natural to let it all go to your head," he said.
Yuri giggled.
"Sounds more like something Ken would do," she joked.
Takumi had to laugh at 'that' remark. Kiyoko, meanwhile, had just finished telling her tale to everyone, and was the center of attention.
"Wow! You're good!"
"I can't believe you stood up to Kya Suzu. She's a Junior in High School and her Angel is tough!"
"You're really brave!"
"Can you show me the move you used?"
"You've got some talent!"
"You're gonna ace the Tournament!"
Kiyoko beamed at the complements. She'd always dreamed she'd become popular in Angelic Layer, but she didn't think it would be this soon. She was already doing well, according to Icchan, and she could now fully operate Raishinshi without a problem. Needless to say, her confidence level was going through the roof.
"You just got lucky."
Kiyoko blinked and turned around. A boy was standing in the doorway. He wore the standard Eriol Academy Middle School Uniform, though he looked one grade higher than Kiyoko. He had long back hair that was tied in a ponytail that went a bit past his shoulders. His deep, navy blue eyes were looking straight into Kiyoko's dark brown ones. Kiyoko swallowed. The boy looked a little scary the way he was scowling at her.
"Hey, what did you say?" Ken demanded from the group.
The boy looked away.
"I saw both her matches," he said, flatly, "she just had a couple lucky shots."
Kiyoko frowned and walked closer to the door.
"Why do say that?" she asked, confused, "they were both tough opponents and I beat them both fairly."
The boy let loose a sigh that carried a small laugh with it.
"I'm sure to a ROOKIE they seemed tough," he said, eyes closed, "but Vesta and her Deus have been playing Angelic Layer for only a month and as for Venus and her Deus..." he turned to look at Kiyoko. "Well, anyone with a brain could beat 'her'."
Tamiko winced at that.
"To say the least, they're amateurs too, like 'you'," he finished, delivering the last word with an icy tone.
Kiyoko frowned once again and Takumi came up to her.
"Don't listen to him," he whispered, "he doesn't know how you play."
"I 'do' know how she plays and I've seen better," the boy snapped, overhearing Takumi, "she won't even make it past the Preliminaries."
With that, the boy turned, and left, leaving Kiyoko with a confused expression.
(W-what did he mean by 'I 'do' know how she plays'?) she wondered as the bell rang.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You're not going to listen to what that guy said are you?" Ken asked.
Kiyoko shook her head. She, Ken, Tamiko, Takumi, and Yuri were at gym and were currently discussing what had happened in homeroom. They were in the usual Eriol Academy Gym clothes: white shirt, blue shorts, and sneakers. The sun was out and there weren't any clouds in the sky, but Kiyoko still felt concerned about what the boy had said.
"He seemed to know what he was talking about," Yuri said, "like he's had experience."
Kiyoko turned and stared at her.
"You mean he plays Angelic Layer?" she asked, a little surprised.
Yuri shrugged while Takumi nodded.
"Maybe," he said, turning to Tamiko, "you've been to the stadium before Tamiko. Have you ever seen him there?"
Tamiko frowned.
"Sorry," she said, "I'm not good with faces, only with Angels."
Takumi rolled his eyes.
"Well, whether he plays or not," Ken spoke up, defiantly, "we shouldn't let him psyche us out like this. He's probably one of those people who just likes to hear himself talk."
Kiyoko and Takumi both looked doubtful.
"Oh, c'mon guys!" Ken shouted, fists up, "we've all seen the way Kiyoko is in battle. Sure she's had some trouble, but she always kicks butt in the end. And besides, for all we know, this guy could be a rookie as well."
Kiyoko made a face.
"He didn't sound like one," she mumbled, still thinking about what the boy said.
"Like I said before," Ken said, "he's just trying to psyche you out."
Kiyoko 'still' looked doubtful. Something about how the guy stared at her made her feel like she'd be seeing more of him. He sounded like he was warning her, rather than insulting her like how Ken had claimed. But the question was: why her? She shoved the thoughts out of her head and focused back on what she had been thinking about before the boy had shown up. The Tournament. She wanted to be in tip-top shape before it started. Tamiko said that it would begin next Monday, right after school. The Deus' who were in school were let off easy, seeing as how Angelic Layer was a popular thing. So Kiyoko and Tamiko wouldn't be pressured with work too much. Kiyoko looked up at the sky and had to smile as a cool breeze blew by.
(I don't care 'what' that boy said 'or' what he thinks,) she thought, (I 'am' gonna make through the Preliminaries and I'm going to ace'em all Dad!)
"Kiyoko?" Tamiko asked, seeing her friend spaced out, "you okay?"
Kiyoko turned to her with a big smile on her face.
"Sure am," she said, happily, "Ken's right. That guy was probably just trying to scare me, or something. Raishinshi and I'll win and show that guy who's the ace here."
"Yeah!" Ken cheered, punching a fist into the air.
"That's the spirit!" Tamiko said, clapping her hands. She was glad to see Kiyoko so positive about this.
Takumi and Yuri, on the other hand, looked a bit worried.
"I'm glad that she's being positive about the Tournament," Yuri said with a frown, "but if she acts like this in a match, she's liable to lose her focus."
Takumi nodded.
"Or she may become what Suzu is," he implied, "an over-confident Deus with no concern for her Angel."
Yuri turned to him in shock.
"But Raishinshi means a lot to her," she argued, "she'd never endanger him without reason."
But Takumi shook his head.
"I didn't mean that," he corrected, "I meant that if she gets 'too' confident, she'll get reckless." He cast a concerned glance at Kiyoko, who was chatting with Ken and Tamiko. "And being reckless has its price."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Chief, are you heading out AGAIN??" Ogata asked, exasperated.
Icchan stopped at the door and turned to his over-panicky assistant.
"Y'know, if you keep worrying," he said, casually, "you're going to have a lot of gray hairs on that head of yours."
Ogata groaned and ran over to Icchan.
"You're going to see that girl again aren't you?" he demanded, "I know she's your new 'student' and all, but this project is TOO important to put on hold."
Icchan activated the doors and the slid open, obediently.
"Who says I'm putting it on hold?" he asked, "I just want to make sure that she's all ready for the Tournament, that's all. Besides, I put 'you' in charge of the project for a while."
Ogata's eyes bugged out.
"WHAT?!!"
Icchan grinned as he ducked into the doors.
"The commissioner is scheduled to come for a meeting later," he said, "tell me how it all turns out when I get back."
"But Chief....!" Ogata began, but the doors had already shut.
On the other side of the door, Icchan shook his head.
"Why can't people just learn to relax?" he grumbled, "and who says I'm putting the project on hold." He smiled as his glasses glistened. "Kiyoko 'is' a part of it, after all. It's important that I monitor her progress."
He then smiled.
"Good thing I know the mind of a Deus," he said, "or I wouldn't know where she's going."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
School had just ended and flocks of students were leaving the building. Among them were Kiyoko and her friends. They walked down the street together, chatting as they did, Kiyoko the most excited of them all.
"Do you think I should invent a cool move like some of the other famous Deus' do?" she asked Tamiko and Yuri.
Tamiko shrugged while Yuri looked a bit worried.
"I dunno," Tamiko said, "Youzen and I have a move, though it's nothing big or anything."
"That's not what the audience said," Ken objected, "and I think you should do that move that Kobayashi Hatoko uses, y'know, the 'Rolling Thunder'."
Yuri frowned.
"That's a little complicated for beginners," she said, "Kiyoko should stick to the basics."
But Kiyoko shook her head.
"No way," she objected, "that's one of the first things I want to try."
Now 'both' Yuri and Tamiko stared at her.
"But Raishinshi couldn't even do that handstand-spin kick I showed you," Tamiko inquired, "how's he going to do a back flip kick?"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"We'll work on it today at practice," she said, simply.
Takumi blinked.
"You're practicing?" he asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
(At least she's practicing,) Takumi told himself, (but still, she's gotta take this more seriously.)
"Uh, Kiyoko?" Takumi asked.
"Hmm?" she answered.
Takumi hesitated before continuing.
"Maybe you should be a bit more serious when it comes to the Tournaments," he said, bluntly.
Kiyoko just stared at Takumi.
"What are talking about Takumi?" Ken asked, "she'll do fine."
Takumi frowned.
"If she doesn't take it seriously, she won't." Takumi said that before he could stop himself.
This time, everyone stared.
"If you go into a battle so carefree, you'll become over-confident," Takumi continued, unable to stop himself now, "and if you become over-confident, you make mistakes. Make too many and you'll wind up losing. It's that simple."
Nobody spoke. Yuri sighed. After a while, Kiyoko spoke up.
"Takumi, you worry too much," she said, confidently, "I can handle myself. I won twice, I can do it again."
Takumi shook his head, but Kiyoko was now turned to Tamiko and Ken.
"Do you guys want to watch me practice?" she asked.
Tamiko nodded.
"You bet!" Ken cried, "can you show me the move you used on Venus?"
Kiyoko nodded.
"Sure."
"Alright!"
As the three of them continued to walk down the street, Yuri and Takumi hesitated. Yuri walked over to her brother.
"What made you say all that?" she asked, "you told me during lunch that you didn't want to say anything."
Takumi sighed and walked down the street after everyone else. Yuri quickly caught up with him.
"I just...had to say 'something'," he said, then shook his head, "but it's pointless now."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A ways behind the group of friends was another kid. A boy. The same boy that had gone to Kiyoko's homeroom earlier that day. He had been both watching and listening to the whole conversation. He frowned.
(That girl CANNOT be related to him,) he thought, (she thinks she can ace them all, huh? Time for a wake up call.)
With a wry look, the boy walked after them, keeping to the shadows.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Piffle Princess was crowded more today than ever. It was no doubt because of the Tournament; everyone wanted to be ready for the big games. And with this so-called 'Special Event', everyone wanted to be especially ready. All of the Practice Layers were taken and the Angel Accessories were being pulled off the racks like they were candy. Needless to say, Kiyoko and co. had a hard time making through the lobby.
"Man! It's packed in here!" Ken stated, right after squeezing through a group of kids.
"Gee, I never would have noticed," Takumi grumbled, maneuvering around some store clerks.
Kiyoko and Tamiko were trying to locate the Registration Desk; with all the people it was hard to even move, let alone see. Yuri was looking around and frowned at the large amount of people.
"We may not be able to practice today," she mumbled.
Kiyoko shook her head.
"Yes, we 'are'," she insisted, locating the Registration Desk, and moving to it. The others followed.
None of them noticed the boy enter the jammed store, spot Kiyoko, and make a beeline for the Registration Desk.
"Excuse me," Kiyoko asked the women at the Registration Desk, "can I enter a mini-Tournament?"
The woman looked up and nodded.
"Sure thing," she said, "by the way, I saw your match. You were good."
Kiyoko smiled.
"Thanks," she said.
Ken grinned and threw an arm around Kiyoko's shoulder.
"Looks like someone is turning into a celebrity," he teased, "may I get an autograph?"
Kiyoko laughed. Takumi rolled his eyes. And Tamiko yanked Ken off Kiyoko.
"Ignore him," Tamiko said flatly, "he asked me the same thing after 'I' won my first couple of matches."
Kiyoko smiled and waved a hand in the air, teasingly.
"Don't worry, I'll give everyone my autograph once I win the Tournament," she joked.
"The only thing you'll win is last place."
Kiyoko froze and whirled around to see the same boy from homeroom standing behind her, hands in his pockets, and face twisted in a scowl.
"You again?!" Kiyoko cried, getting the others' attention.
The boys' expression didn't falter as he glanced over the group.
"I can't believe all of you are getting excited over nothing," he said, flatly, "you're hanging out with a 'loser'."
Kiyoko winced and Tamiko stepped forward.
"That's enough!" she warned, "you have no right to judge people the way you're doing. Who do you think you are?"
The boy smirked.
"You'd be surprised," he said.
Ken crossed his arms over his chest.
"Why do you keep saying Kiyoko-chan's a loser?" he asked, "she 'won' her matches."
The boy didn't drop his gaze.
"Takes an amateur to beat an amateur," he huffed.
Takumi was just about to intervene when Kiyoko walked straight up to the boy.
"Why do you keep picking on me? I've done nothing to you," she protested, "I've practiced everyday since I got Raishinshi and we're doing just fine. We'll make it past the Prelims, you'll see!"
The boy raised an eyebrow and chuckled. Kiyoko looked at him, puzzled.
"You think that just because you won TWO tiny battles, you're a champ," he said, eyes closing, "people with an attitude like yours don't deserve to play Angelic Layer, because only a 'snob' would boast and want attention. Confidence is fine, but it's 'over'-confidence that leads to failure. And that's what too many Deus' have. You're just another 'wannabe' Deus."
Kiyoko grit her teeth.
"I'm NOT a wannabe!" she cried, "OR a snob! I'm nothing like what you just said!"
"Prove it."
Kiyoko blinked.
"Huh?" she mumbled.
The boy turned to the woman at the desk, who was watching the whole thing.
"Can you arrange for 'both' of us the fight in a match?" he asked.
The lady blinked and nodded.
"Uh....sure," she mumbled and handed the boy a card, staring at him in awe.
Card in hand, the boy turned to her.
"If you want to prove to me that you're not what I said you are, then prove it in a match," he said, holding up the Fight Card in his hand.
Kiyoko was frozen. He 'was' a Deus after all and he looked dead serious. But Kiyoko pushed her shock away and glared at him.
"I-I didn't even agree to fight you," she said.
"That's right," Yuri joined in, " 'both' players should want to fight. It's not supposed to be a one-sided decision."
The boy frowned.
"Are you telling me you're too 'scared' to fight?" he asked, "a 'real' Deus wouldn't be afraid to accept a challenge from another Deus. I was right, you 'are' a wannabe."
Kiyoko glared at him.
"No I'm not scared!" she snapped, turning around, "let's go!"
Takumi whirled on her.
"Kiyoko!" he called, but she and the boy were already heading for their assigned Layer.
Ken rubbed his hands together.
"Don't worry, Takumi," he said, "Kiyoko'll cream him."
But Takumi, and Yuri, didn't look so convinced.
(I've got a 'bad' feeling about this,) he thought, heading after Kiyoko.
Kiyoko and the boy walked over to the Layer they were assigned to: Layer 7. Kiyoko was mad. Why? Why make fun of her when she did nothing wrong? Sure she was caught up in winning, who wouldn't be? Her dream was coming true. She was keeping her promise to her Dad. Why didn't this guy understand that she was full-filling her dream? She didn't know and she didn't care. She was going to win all her fights, just like her Dad did, and that included the one she was about to have.
She reached into her bag and gently took out Raishinshi. She had to smile every time she saw him. He looked so much like his Anime counterpart it was just too cute. He looked so much like he was sleeping, Kiyoko didn't really want to wake him.
"Senkaiden Houshin Engi."
Kiyoko blinked and looked up to see the boy staring at her Angel.
"Uh," was all Kiyoko could say.
"You based him off the character Raishinshi from Senkaiden Houshin Engi, right?" he asked, then continued without waiting for an answer, "it's fitting; for him 'and' for you."
Kiyoko blinked again. The boy smirked.
"You're both losers."
Hearing that, Kiyoko was nearly livid in anger. How dare he! How dare he insult not only her Angel, but her favorite character as well! That did it. If she didn't want to fight before, then she wanted to now. She approached the Layer in angry strides and stopped in front of the chair that was on the left side. The boy went to the other side.
"Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried, running over to the Layer, and over by her friend, "Kiyoko, you shouldn't let him intimidate you like this. He's just looking for a fight."
Kiyoko didn't pay any attention as she looked down at Raishinshi.
"Don't worry," she assured, "we'll be fine."
The announcer woman came over and held the mike out for Kiyoko.
"Hello again," she said, "please, tell everyone your name."
Takumi, Yuri, and Ken entered the Layer circle, worried eyes on Kiyoko.
"Yume Kiyoko," Kiyoko stated, firmly.
"And your Angels' name?"
"Raishinshi."
The woman nodded.
"Good luck," she said, before heading in the boys' direction.
(She'll need it,) Takumi thought.
The announcer was already at the boys' side. The boy was now holding his Angel, but he was holding it in a way that made it hard to see. It was a male, not doubt about that.
"What's your-" she began, until she got a good look at the boy and gasped, "o-oh my gosh! Y-Y-You-you're......!"
The boy smiled and leaned closer to the mike.
"Yukiwa Saburo."
Upon saying his name, everyone in the area stopped dead, and turned to the Layer.
"Huh? WHO'S having a match?"
"Yukiwa Saburo!?"
"I don't believe it!"
"He's playing HERE?!"
"Man, I feel sorry for his opponent!"
Kiyoko blinked in confusion and looked around. Everyone was staring at the boy in awe and amazement. Many of them were pointing and murmuring about him. Some of the girls were going nuts.
"I can't believe it's him!"
"Hey, Saburo!"
"You can do it Saburo!"
"I've never seen him play a mini-Tournament!"
Kiyoko was now very confused. What was so special about this guy? He didn't look special. Takumi and Yuri were just as confused.
"They don't know what they're talking about, Kiyoko," Ken assured, "after this, they'll know who the 'real' champ is."
Tamiko, meanwhile, was deep in thought. She had heard the name before, but she couldn't quite remember. Meanwhile, the announcer had recovered from her shock, and went back to her job.
"A-and your Angels' name?" she stammered.
"Higure." was the blunt reply.
This drew more cheers from the crowd, another confused look from Kiyoko, .....and a horrified from Tamiko.
"What is it Tamiko?" Kiyoko asked, her attention going to her friend.
Tamiko looked down at Kiyoko with frightened eyes.
"Y-Yukiwa Saburo and his Angel, Higure, are Layer Legends," she explained in a shaky voice, "Yukiwa is an experienced Deus and Higure is a star Angel. They're really strong."
The announcer woman recovered once again and turned to the crowd.
"Well everyone, you're in for a treat!" she called, "here in the Layer today is none other than the 'Speed King' himself, Deus Yukiwa Saburo and his Angel, Higure! We haven't seen them since the Nationals last year! Is this a sign that this years' games are gonna be big?!"
Everyone cheered. Kiyoko, on the other hand, stood stock-still. Her eyes were wide.
(He's an experienced Deus?) she thought, shocked.
The boy, Saburo, turned to her.
"Didn't think I was so strong I see" he asked.
Kiyoko blinked twice in shock, but then narrowed her eyes, and sat in the Angel Seat.
(I won't be intimidated,) she told herself, (he's just a bully, like Suzu.)
Saburo also sat down. Both put on their Angel Goggles and turned them on.
"Kiyoko, stop, you can't win against him," Takumi pleaded, "he's an experienced Deus!"
Kiyoko firmly shook her head.
"He also insulted me and Raishinshi," she pointed out, "I can't let him get away with that." She looked over at her opponent. "Since when does a 'Legend' become a bully? Picking fights isn't exactly how 'true' champions should act."
Saburo smiled.
"True," he admitted, "but your case is special."
Kiyoko furrowed her brows.
"What?" she asked.
"Let's just say," he began, "I'm giving you a special lesson of how an 'experienced' Deus and Angel fight."
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. If he thought she was scared of him, he had another thing coming.
"Now that we're ready," the woman announcer cried, "Entry Angel!"
The Layer lit up, the box screen above filled with both Angels' stats, and the force field shimmered into place. Saburo's face grew serious.
"Run fast! Strike hard! Never quit, Higure!" Saburo declared, and threw his Angel towards the Layer, "Angel-Fall in!"
The black figure sailed through the Layers' force field and immediately came to life. He straightened up and silently floated to the Layer. He was now in clear view.
Higure had short, unkempt violet hair with dark indigo tips. He wore a black, long-sleeved trench coat that was held in place by an indigo clasp at both the collar and the waist. He wore a bright lavender scarf that was wrapped around his neck with a dark indigo Angel Cord clasped in back of it. His pants were long, a bit baggy around the thighs, and were colored dark violet. They stopped at his ankles where they were connected to his black boots by black strips. His violet eyes were bright against his pale skin.
(My turn,) Kiyoko thought, glancing down at Raishinshi, (I don't care if he 'is' a pro, I'm probably just as good as he is.)
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried, throwing Raishinshi towards the Layer with all her might.
Raishinshi slid through the force field, opened his eyes, and front-flipped gracefully onto the Layer. He glared angrily at Higure who just stared at him, bored.
"My complements," Saburo said, smirking, "he actually landed this time."
Kiyoko glared at him, but said nothing.
(I'll show him,) she said.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan walked into Piffle Princess, instantly scanning the room for any signs of Kiyoko. Although, he instead found himself scrambling out of the way of a couple girls who would've blown him over for sure. He stared after them.
(They sure were in a hurry,) he commented, before going back to his search.
He hadn't gotten very far when, once again, he was nearly run over by a bunch of kids. He adjusted his glasses and gave the group a frown.
(They should really have more respect for their elders,) he thought. He then noticed a group of people gathering by the Layer labeled 'Layer 7'. (Hmm? Wonder what's up over there?) He suddenly grinned. (Maybe it's Kiyoko!)
Icchan walked swiftly over to the Layer and pushed past a couple of people to get a closer look. The first thing he saw, however, wasn't in the Layer. He noticed four kids that were being pushed back by the growing crowd. A couple of boys: one with brown hair and one with dark hair. There were two girls as well: one with dark hair and one with blond hair that was up in a ponytail. The blond girl was trying to push her way back to the Layer area where he found....Kiyoko!
(I knew she'd be here,) Icchan thought.
He then noticed something. Kiyoko had an angry look on her face while her friends' faces were of worry. Icchan turned to see her opponent and gasped.
(Oh, no!) he thought, looking at a now serious Saburo, (this is NOT good! Kiyoko, what have you gotten yourself into now?)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ready?!" the announcer cried.
Kiyoko just glared harder, as did Raishinshi. Saburo gave a small smile while Higure remained monotone. Kiyoko's friends held their breathes.
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded,....but Higure didn't make a move. Raishinshi got into a defensive position as Kiyoko stared long and hard at Higure.
(Why isn't he moving in to attack like Vesta and Venus did?) she wondered, then frowned, (oh well, this fight isn't going to be won by standing still.)
With that thought in mind, Raishinshi broke out into a run, heading straight for Higure.
"No!" Icchan cried from the crowd, "don't rush him!"
But it was too late. Raishinshi was nearly in front of Higure, no more that a few inches, when Higure's leg snapped up into a right forward kick. It caught Raishinshi right under the chin, snapping his head back, and sending him flying halfway across the Layer. His Damage Gauge dropped to 85%. Kiyoko gasped.
"Please," Saburo retorted, "that's an old move."
Kiyoko frowned.
(Stand, Raishinshi,) she thought to her Angel.
Raishinshi heaved himself onto his elbows and then pushed himself onto his hands. He looked towards Higure. The aloof Angel was just standing there, arms folded across his chest, looking at Raishinshi with an extremely bored expression. Frowning, Raishinshi got up, and stood his ground before charging again.
"What is she doing?!" Takumi asked to the open air.
"C'mon Kiyoko!" Ken cheered, "knock him flat!"
Raishinshi was almost at Higure, right fist drawn. This time, Higure didn't attack. He just waited. Raishinshi, once in striking distance, threw a right jab at Higure's face. Higure merely moved his head left. Raishinshi threw a left jab. Higure moved his head right. Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi threw a right hook, to which Higure simply stepped back. Raishinshi tried a right hook and left hook one after the other. Higure just kept moving back.
(He's toying with her,) Icchan thought with a sigh, (and this is only the tip of the iceberg.)
Raishinshi kept throwing hooks and jabs, none connecting. Higure was moving too swiftly. Kiyoko watched the whole battle with a frown.
(I've got to make contact,) she told herself, (or this match is as good as over.)
Raishinshi stopped punching and spun into a left spin kick. Higure lifted his right arm, vertically, to the side, and blocked the kick. Raishinshi frowned, upset, and did a right spin kick. Higure re-folded his right arm and raised his left, blocking the next kick. Raishinshi turned left and did a left side kick. Higure merely reached out with both hands, grabbed Raishinshi by the ankle, and twisted him over on his stomach.
But Higure was far from done.
Still holding Raishinshi by the ankle, Higure jumped up, flipped himself over, and brought both booted feet down on Raishinshi's back. The purple Angel cried out silently.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
Tamiko had managed to get back to the Layer area.
"Don't give up Kiyoko!" she cried.
Higure released Raishinshi's ankle and jumped off his back....only turn spin around and kick Raishinshi in the right side. Raishinshi went flying about a foot and a half before landing, hard. Kiyoko sat watching in horror.
" 'Still' think you can ace'em all?" Saburo asked, sounding bored.
Gritting her teeth, Kiyoko put her focus on Raishinshi, willing him to stand.
(C'mon Raishinshi! We can't quit!) she called, (this guy's nothing but a bully. Let's win this!)
Shakily, Raishinshi got up, his hair getting in his face. He turned to Higure, who was gazing at him, expectantly.
(He's expecting us to attack from the front,) Kiyoko thought, (let's see how he handles an aerial assault!)
With that, Raishinshi ran at Higure again.
"Kiyoko! What are you doing?!" Tamiko cried.
Takumi held his breath. He didn't know what Kiyoko was doing, but he hoped she had a plan.
(She never learns,) Saburo thought, bored, (the same old trick won't work if you keep doing it over and over.)
Higure got into a fighting stance. But right before he was within striking range, Raishinshi leapt straight into the air. Higure looked up, as did everyone else.
(Hmm?) Saburo thought, watching Raishinshi.
With the lights to his back, Raishinshi was silhouetted against them, and began to descend. Soon, he was only half a foot away from Higure. Smiling slightly, Raishinshi swung his right leg in a sweeping motion, aiming for the left side of Higure's head. A blow like that would have knocked him out of the Layer. If it had connected, that is.
Higure reached out and grabbed Raishinshi by the foot, and jumped up. For a split second, both Angels were parallel to one another before Raishinshi fell onto his back, and Higure came down after him, burrowing his knees into Raishinshi's stomach. The purple Angel cried out quietly, eyes wide.
(Raishinshi!) Kiyoko cried, mentally.
Icchan and Takumi simultaneously shook their heads.
Higure hopped off the hurting Angel and stared down at him while Saburo stared at his Deus.
"That was a good strategy, too bad you lacked the sense to pull it off," he snapped, "sure, and aerial attack is a good way to catch your opponent off guard, but it also leaves your Angel vulnerable to attack. Especially when your opponent has more experience than you. A REAL Deus would've known that."
Kiyoko frowned and stared at Raishinshi. He looked hurt so bad. But she couldn't stop. She couldn't lose. They 'had' to win.
(I don't want to lose,) she thought.
Raishinshi staggered to his feet, arms and head sagging.
(I don't want to lose!) she thought, narrowing her eyes at Saburo.
Raishinshi looked at Higure and furrowed his brow.
(I DON"T WANT TO LOSE!)
Raishinshi ran forward and leapt into a left jump kick, aiming straight for Higure's chest. In the blink of an eye, Higure vanished. Kiyoko was so shocked, she dropped her focus, and let Raishinshi fall to the Layer.
(Huh? What happened?) she thought, looking around the Layer. Higure was nowhere in sight.
"W-Where'd he go?" Ken cried, searching the Layer, "did he turn invisible or something?"
Tamiko grew even more pensive than before.
Suddenly, just as suddenly as he disappeared, Higure re-appeared in front of Kiyoko. Kiyoko gave a start. The small Angel was glaring up at her.
"And you call yourself a Deus?"
Kiyoko looked up at Saburo. He was also glaring at her.
"What do you mean?" Kiyoko asked.
"You obviously don't care about your Angel," he said, "otherwise you wouldn't have made him fall like that."
Kiyoko gasped. Raishinshi! She forgot that he was in mid-jump!
"A 'real' Deus would have remained calm, but I guess I'm asking too much from a beginner," Saburo continued, "all you want to do is win. But it's not winning that makes you a Deus. It's your skill that proves your worth. And right now, you're not worth nothing. And neither is your Angel."
Higure turned to Raishinshi who was slumped over, almost like he was unconscious. In the blink of an eye, Higure was gone again. Kiyoko gasped.
(Raishinshi, quick, get up!) she cried, mentally.
Raishinshi slowly picked himself up, teeth clenched.
(It's too late to counter now,) Icchan thought, sighing.
Suddenly, Raishinshi's head snapped back, as if he was hit. But no one was there! Kiyoko gasped as Raishinshi lurched forward, now struck from behind. This continued: Raishinshi seemed to be getting struck from all sides and was rocking back and forth with each hit. Kiyoko's friends watched, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Man! Raishinshi's getting clobbered!" Ken cried, grabbing his hair.
Yuri bit her lip.
"He's going too fast," she murmured.
Takumi nodded.
Kiyoko was watching in pure fear. Fear for her Angel. She'd never been in a situation like this.
(He's right,) she thought, blankly, watching her Angel be struck one hit after another, (I'm the reason Raishinshi's getting hurt. I'm in way over my head. Now what'll I do?)
Then, the blows stopped. Higure re-appeared in front of Saburo and watched Raishinshi fall to the Layer, limp.
"Oh my gosh!" Tamiko cried.
Icchan frowned and turned to Saburo. He began to wonder.
(Is there a reason why he's fighting her like this?) he thought, giving Saburo a critical look, (is he...getting her ready for....?)
In back of the crowd, a trio of teenagers were gathering to see the fight. Two were girls and the other was a boy. The boy had dark hair, gray eyes, and tanned skin. One girl had shoulder length dirty blond hair and bright violet eyes. The other had short brown hair with a strip of brown hair going down the sides of her head and bright, sky blue eyes. They were each wearing an Eriol Academy High School uniform and were obviously Freshmen.
"What's going on?" the brown-haired girl asked.
The dark-haired boy peered over the heads of some people, him being the tallest of the group.
"It's a fight between two Angels: a purple one and a black one," he reported.
"We know it's a fight between two Angels," the blond scolded, "but who's winning."
The boy looked back.
"Well, one's-WOAH!" the boy jumped back, "it's...Yukiwa Saburo!"
"WHAT!!??" both girls cried. The blond girl ran to where the boy was and stood on her tiptoes to see the problem.
"Yikes! That's him alright!" she said, and then winced, "and that purple Angel's getting whomped!"
Nervous to the point of panicking, Kiyoko checked Raishinshi's Damage Gauge and Meter. The Meter indicated multiple damaged areas including the stomach, back, and face. As for his Damage Gauge, it had dropped to only 14%. Kiyoko's eyes widened as she looked at her brave Angel. He was on his knees, his head lowered. He was bruised in a lot of places. Kiyoko winced.
(Please hold on Raishinshi,) she begged, (please, I'll find a way out of this. I've gotta think! There has to be some way to win!)
Saburo looked at her and grunted.
"Guess it's over," he said, flatly.
Higure then ran forward at high speed. When he was halfway to Raishinshi, he leapt into the air. As he descended, he extended one leg out, aiming for Raishinshi's head.
"Look out, Kiyoko!" both Tamiko and Yuri cried.
Kiyoko's head snapped up, as did Raishinshi's.
(I got it!) she thought, hope sparking in her chest.
The minute Higure was in range, Raishinshi rose up, and grabbed Higure's extended leg in one swift movement.
(Huh?) Saburo thought, blinking.
"Yes!" Tamiko and Ken cried.
Takumi and Yuri held their breaths. Icchan leaned forward, hoping for the best. The three teenagers were still watching.
"Woah, she got a hold of him!" the boy cried.
"Alright! Go purple Angel!" the blond cheered, hopping up and down.
The brown-haired girl went over to where her friends were and stood on her tiptoes too, in order to see.
Meanwhile, back on the Layer, a look of bewilderment came across Higure's face while Raishinshi flashed him a confident smile. Clutching his leg tightly, Raishinshi spun the still airborne Higure around in a circle, twice, before throwing him with all his might at the edge of the Layer. Higure sailed through the air, heading straight for the Layer's edge.
"Yeah!" Ken cried.
All of Kiyoko's friends held their breaths. Icchan clenched his teeth. The teens that were watching waited expectantly. Kiyoko gave a triumphant smile. But Saburo, on the other hand, just grunted in distaste.
Higure, who halfway to the edge, righted himself, and front flipped in mid- air, causing him to stop. He extended a leg and landed, gracefully, only five inches away from the edge. Higure dusted himself off and looked over at his opponent. Raishinshi's expression was one of shock while Kiyoko stared in horror.
(I-It didn't work,) she thought to herself, (h-he's still in the Layer.)
"No way!!!" the blond teen cried, clenching her fists, "that should have worked!"
The dark-haired boy narrowed his eyes.
"Against an inexperienced Deus, yes," he said, "but Yukiwa's not your average Deus."
The brunette looked worried and turned to Kiyoko.
Tamiko was speechless. Takumi and Yuri both frowned. Icchan shook his head.
(Well, it would have been too easy if it had worked,) he thought.
Saburo gave Kiyoko an interested look.
"I must admit, I'm a little impressed," he admitted, "this' the fist time in two years that anyone's ever even 'touched' Higure, let alone hit him." He frowned. "But that was a desperate attempt, you know. You're losing your focus and this match isn't even over. This is what I was talking about. A 'true' Deus never panics. A 'true' Deus knows how to handle his or her Angel in a bad situation. And a 'true' Deus never gets desperate."
Kiyoko grit her teeth. Saburo narrowed his eyes.
"You think 'I'm' tough, well, wait 'till you see all the Deus' in the Tournament this year," he continued, "they and their Angels are a 'lot' more tougher than any opponent you've faced. You waltz in with an over- confident outlook, and you'll be reamed in your match. Trust me, I know. I've seen it happen. Suzuhara Misaki became a Champion of the Layer because she takes all her matches seriously, so she can keep her focus." His scowl now registered on Higure's face. "But you just throw your Angel into a fight without a care. And you call yourself a Deus?"
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. Inside, however, she knew he was right.
(I have been like that, haven't I?) she thought, sadly, (even in my very first match, I was reckless. I can't believe how careless I was. I let Raishinshi get hurt so much.) She took a deep breath and turned to her Angel. (I'm sorry Raishinshi.)
Saburo raised an eyebrow.
"You quitting?" he asked, then sighed, "figures. Only wimps quit before a match is over."
Kiyoko looked up at him and glared.
"I won't quit," she stated, firmly, "as long as I have something to fight for I won't quit."
"Oh?" Saburo said, "and what might that be?"
Kiyoko straightened and looked straight into Saburo's eyes.
"I promised my Dad I'd become a Champion," she said, "and I 'can't' let him down!"
With that, Raishinshi charged forward, his expression was steady. Higure blinked his violet eyes.
"Your Dad, huh?" Saburo repeated, knowingly, "that's a fine goal I'll admit. But..."
Higure turned to his left side and spread his legs out. He bent his right leg, lowered his left arm, palm down, and pulled back his right arm, palm facing forward. Raishinshi didn't slow down, for Kiyoko had no idea what Higure was doing. But Icchan and Tamiko did.
"Stop, Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried.
Icchan grit his teeth.
(It's WAY too late now,) Icchan thought.
Raishinshi leapt at Higure, right fist pulled back. Higure smiled. At that moment, the air around his drawn palm began to shimmer and ripple. Kiyoko didn't get a chance to notice, but the short, brown-haired teen did. After all, she'd gone against it herself.
"LOOK OUT!!" she cried. But it was too late.
Before Raishinshi could throw his punch, Higure stepped forward with his right leg, leaned forward, drew his left arm in, and thrust his right palm at Raishinshi's chest; all in one swift move. Then, from his palm came what could only be explained as an invisible, shimmering force that shot out like a wave, and hit Raishinshi square in the chest. His eyes widened and he mouth opened in a silent gasp.
"RAISHINSHI!!!" Kiyoko screamed in horror.
Tamiko covered her mouth. Takumi, Ken, and Yuri all gasped in shock. The audience gasped as well. Icchan sighed. The three teens could only watch in shock from their position as Raishinshi slowly fell away from Higure.
"...you'll have to do 'a lot' better against 'me' in a fight." Saburo concluded.
Raishinshi went flying backwards. He hit the Layer and slid all the way to the edge by Kiyoko before stopping, picking up dust. His Damage Points dropped all the way to 0 and the Timer stopped at 1 minute. For a while, no one spoke. Kiyoko's friends and the three teens looked in shock at the Layer. Icchan frowned and started to walk away. Kiyoko stared down at her Angel.
He was bruised up and looked rather worse for the wear, but he was still intact. But that didn't help Kiyoko.
"Raishinshi....." she murmured in a low voice.
"H-Higure Win!" the announcer cried.
The audience started to applaud and cheer, but Kiyoko didn't hear them. She reached over and picked up Raishinshi, gently.
"Wow! Yukiwa Saburo does it yet again!" the announcer cried, "I never thought he'd use Higure's 'Gravity Blow' in a public match!" Saburo took off his headset. "Give a big hand for the Speed King!"
The applause got louder. Ignoring it, Saburo plucked Higure out of the Layer, and glanced over at Kiyoko. She was still sitting down and was looking sadly at Raishinshi, guilt written all over her face.
"Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried, running over to her friend.
"Is Raishinshi okay?" Yuri asked, concerned, as she ran to Kiyoko.
"I can't believe that guy!" Ken cried, stomping over.
Takumi said nothing, but placed a hand on Kiyoko's shoulder.
Saburo walked over to the other side of the Layer and stopped besides Kiyoko. She looked up at him, numbly. Higure was perched on his shoulder, now asleep, while Saburo looked down at Kiyoko and Raishinshi.
"Don't worry, your Angel will be fine, just fix him up," he said, flatly, "it's too bad you lost so easily. I was hoping for a better performance."
Ken glared at him and was about to say something, but Takumi raised a hand to silence him.
"You said that you made a promise to your Dad, well, you won't be able to fulfill that if you don't take this game seriously," Saburo continued, and scowled when he saw that Kiyoko was near tears. "Don't start! Instead of crying, start training. And if that isn't enough to ask, then here's another challenge."
Kiyoko looked confused.
"If you want to prove to me that you meant what you said about your Father, then enter the Tournament, and face me again in the Layer," Saburo said, voice low.
Kiyoko said nothing.
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
Saburo closed his eyes, turned around, and left without saying another word.
*...hakanai hoshi zora.*
The three teens frowned. The brunette cast a glance at Kiyoko.
"I feel sorry for her," she whispered.
Her friends nodded in agreement.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni...*
Kiyoko frowned and turned back to Raishinshi. Tears built up in her eyes.
*...negai o kakeru kara*
Raishinshi lay unconscious in her hands. A teardrop fell on the spot where Higure issued the final blow.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I HATED WRITING THIS!!!!! "sniffles" Sorry about that. I don't like losing OR having my Angel beat up. But this was the only way the story would work. Like it says in the disclaimer, I've been under a lot of stress. "sigh" Besides, Kiyoko had to lose sometime, and she needed a rival. As for Saburo, he's not a bad guy. His past will be unraveled later on.
Anyway, you're probably wondering about why I made such a big deal out of over-confidence. If you paid attention in the AL series, most of all of Misaki's opponents had a mean smile on their lips. And what happened? They all lost. I have a thing against snotty, over-confident people and I wanted Kiyoko to have the same outlook. What better way than to have her act that way when she lost? Don't worry though, I won't have Raishinshi get beat up like this again. If you want to know what Higure's attack is like, I suggest you look at the AL manga, volume 6; it's the big move Hikaru used on Athena.
Next time, Kiyoko is going to enter the Tournament, with an improved game outlook. Can she beat her first opponent? Wait and see! Please R&R, no flames please!
Disclaimer: I'm back! This one was a little hard, you'll see why. Anyway, I wanna thank
all the people who've reviewed me so far. This is my first fanfic that's ever
gotten this far. I LOVE Angelic Layer and I want to continue writing this fic.
Kiyoko and Raishinshi are challenged to a fight by a Layer Champ. Who is
it? You'll see. Though I may have to warn you, the fight scene is a little harsh
mainly because I've been through some stress this week (parents, homework,
tests, etc.). Anyway, that said, I don't own Angelic Layer or any of its
original characters. I do, however, own Kiyoko Yume, Angel Raishinshi,
Kiyoko's friends and family, Tamiko, Angel Youzen, and any more who may
pop up. Now, read away.
Battle 5: "The Speed King, Yukiwa Saburo! Kiyoko's Harsh Lesson!"
"So, she's decided to enter the Tournament?"
"Yeah. What do you think of that?"
Silence.
"Hello?"
"Is she ready?"
"(sigh) Will. You. Relax!"
"I can't help it. It's all happening so fast for her."
"It happened fast for Misaki and look how she turned out."
Silence again.
"Look. All you've got to be worried about are the Nationals."
"I just can't help but worry."
"That's good. That means you're doing your second job right."
"(sigh)"
"I've got her covered. Don't worry about it."
"..."
"I've gotta run. Talk to you later."
"Bye."
"Later."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was Thursday morning at Eriol Academy and Tamiko was telling everybody about what had happened yesterday.
"And then Kiyoko comes and has Raishinshi knock that bully's Angel right out of the Layer," Tamiko said to the audience of kids that were in front of her desk.
Youzen, now perfectly fixed thanks to Icchan, sat at the corner of her desk. His eyes were closed and he was smiling peacefully. Ken and Yuri were two of the kids interested in hearing Tamiko's story. Takumi was over by Kiyoko's desk; the two of them were watching the whole thing. Raishinshi sat at the edge of Kiyoko's desk, legs crossed. Kiyoko looked rather surprised at the whole publicity.
"Tamiko sure is making a big deal out of my fight," she commented, glancing at Raishinshi.
Takumi replied without turning his head.
"You came to her aid when she was in trouble," he said, "so of course she'd make such a big deal out of it."
Kiyoko couldn't help but smiled to herself.
"Yeah, I guess I 'was' good," she said, "but I didn't think I was 'that' good."
Takumi shot her a side-glance.
"It was a last minute move," Kiyoko continued, "I didn't know if it would have worked or not. But it did." She brightened. "I'm turning out just like Suzuhara Misaki."
"Hold on," Takumi said, suddenly, "don't get ahead of yourself. That's the last thing you wanna-"
"Kiyoko!"
Kiyoko and Takumi turned to see Tamiko, Yuri, Ken, and half the kids in the class gathered by her desk. Tamiko was holding Youzen and was looking down at her friend, proudly.
"Kiyoko, want to tell everyone about what happened at Piffle Princess in 'your' perspective?" Tamiko asked.
Kiyoko grinned.
"Okay," she said, brightly.
Yuri gave Kiyoko an expressionless glance before moving to her brother's side.
"Is it just me, or does Kiyoko seem a bit different?" she asked, "before this, she was self-conscious about her talent."
Takumi sighed as he watched Kiyoko tell about what happened at the Layer in detail.
"It's what happens to all Deus' at one time or another," he explained, "she's getting 'over'-confident."
Yuri frowned.
"That doesn't sound like Kiyoko," she commented.
Takumi shrugged.
"Well, if you won two fights in a row and are getting a lot of complements, then it's only natural to let it all go to your head," he said.
Yuri giggled.
"Sounds more like something Ken would do," she joked.
Takumi had to laugh at 'that' remark. Kiyoko, meanwhile, had just finished telling her tale to everyone, and was the center of attention.
"Wow! You're good!"
"I can't believe you stood up to Kya Suzu. She's a Junior in High School and her Angel is tough!"
"You're really brave!"
"Can you show me the move you used?"
"You've got some talent!"
"You're gonna ace the Tournament!"
Kiyoko beamed at the complements. She'd always dreamed she'd become popular in Angelic Layer, but she didn't think it would be this soon. She was already doing well, according to Icchan, and she could now fully operate Raishinshi without a problem. Needless to say, her confidence level was going through the roof.
"You just got lucky."
Kiyoko blinked and turned around. A boy was standing in the doorway. He wore the standard Eriol Academy Middle School Uniform, though he looked one grade higher than Kiyoko. He had long back hair that was tied in a ponytail that went a bit past his shoulders. His deep, navy blue eyes were looking straight into Kiyoko's dark brown ones. Kiyoko swallowed. The boy looked a little scary the way he was scowling at her.
"Hey, what did you say?" Ken demanded from the group.
The boy looked away.
"I saw both her matches," he said, flatly, "she just had a couple lucky shots."
Kiyoko frowned and walked closer to the door.
"Why do say that?" she asked, confused, "they were both tough opponents and I beat them both fairly."
The boy let loose a sigh that carried a small laugh with it.
"I'm sure to a ROOKIE they seemed tough," he said, eyes closed, "but Vesta and her Deus have been playing Angelic Layer for only a month and as for Venus and her Deus..." he turned to look at Kiyoko. "Well, anyone with a brain could beat 'her'."
Tamiko winced at that.
"To say the least, they're amateurs too, like 'you'," he finished, delivering the last word with an icy tone.
Kiyoko frowned once again and Takumi came up to her.
"Don't listen to him," he whispered, "he doesn't know how you play."
"I 'do' know how she plays and I've seen better," the boy snapped, overhearing Takumi, "she won't even make it past the Preliminaries."
With that, the boy turned, and left, leaving Kiyoko with a confused expression.
(W-what did he mean by 'I 'do' know how she plays'?) she wondered as the bell rang.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You're not going to listen to what that guy said are you?" Ken asked.
Kiyoko shook her head. She, Ken, Tamiko, Takumi, and Yuri were at gym and were currently discussing what had happened in homeroom. They were in the usual Eriol Academy Gym clothes: white shirt, blue shorts, and sneakers. The sun was out and there weren't any clouds in the sky, but Kiyoko still felt concerned about what the boy had said.
"He seemed to know what he was talking about," Yuri said, "like he's had experience."
Kiyoko turned and stared at her.
"You mean he plays Angelic Layer?" she asked, a little surprised.
Yuri shrugged while Takumi nodded.
"Maybe," he said, turning to Tamiko, "you've been to the stadium before Tamiko. Have you ever seen him there?"
Tamiko frowned.
"Sorry," she said, "I'm not good with faces, only with Angels."
Takumi rolled his eyes.
"Well, whether he plays or not," Ken spoke up, defiantly, "we shouldn't let him psyche us out like this. He's probably one of those people who just likes to hear himself talk."
Kiyoko and Takumi both looked doubtful.
"Oh, c'mon guys!" Ken shouted, fists up, "we've all seen the way Kiyoko is in battle. Sure she's had some trouble, but she always kicks butt in the end. And besides, for all we know, this guy could be a rookie as well."
Kiyoko made a face.
"He didn't sound like one," she mumbled, still thinking about what the boy said.
"Like I said before," Ken said, "he's just trying to psyche you out."
Kiyoko 'still' looked doubtful. Something about how the guy stared at her made her feel like she'd be seeing more of him. He sounded like he was warning her, rather than insulting her like how Ken had claimed. But the question was: why her? She shoved the thoughts out of her head and focused back on what she had been thinking about before the boy had shown up. The Tournament. She wanted to be in tip-top shape before it started. Tamiko said that it would begin next Monday, right after school. The Deus' who were in school were let off easy, seeing as how Angelic Layer was a popular thing. So Kiyoko and Tamiko wouldn't be pressured with work too much. Kiyoko looked up at the sky and had to smile as a cool breeze blew by.
(I don't care 'what' that boy said 'or' what he thinks,) she thought, (I 'am' gonna make through the Preliminaries and I'm going to ace'em all Dad!)
"Kiyoko?" Tamiko asked, seeing her friend spaced out, "you okay?"
Kiyoko turned to her with a big smile on her face.
"Sure am," she said, happily, "Ken's right. That guy was probably just trying to scare me, or something. Raishinshi and I'll win and show that guy who's the ace here."
"Yeah!" Ken cheered, punching a fist into the air.
"That's the spirit!" Tamiko said, clapping her hands. She was glad to see Kiyoko so positive about this.
Takumi and Yuri, on the other hand, looked a bit worried.
"I'm glad that she's being positive about the Tournament," Yuri said with a frown, "but if she acts like this in a match, she's liable to lose her focus."
Takumi nodded.
"Or she may become what Suzu is," he implied, "an over-confident Deus with no concern for her Angel."
Yuri turned to him in shock.
"But Raishinshi means a lot to her," she argued, "she'd never endanger him without reason."
But Takumi shook his head.
"I didn't mean that," he corrected, "I meant that if she gets 'too' confident, she'll get reckless." He cast a concerned glance at Kiyoko, who was chatting with Ken and Tamiko. "And being reckless has its price."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Chief, are you heading out AGAIN??" Ogata asked, exasperated.
Icchan stopped at the door and turned to his over-panicky assistant.
"Y'know, if you keep worrying," he said, casually, "you're going to have a lot of gray hairs on that head of yours."
Ogata groaned and ran over to Icchan.
"You're going to see that girl again aren't you?" he demanded, "I know she's your new 'student' and all, but this project is TOO important to put on hold."
Icchan activated the doors and the slid open, obediently.
"Who says I'm putting it on hold?" he asked, "I just want to make sure that she's all ready for the Tournament, that's all. Besides, I put 'you' in charge of the project for a while."
Ogata's eyes bugged out.
"WHAT?!!"
Icchan grinned as he ducked into the doors.
"The commissioner is scheduled to come for a meeting later," he said, "tell me how it all turns out when I get back."
"But Chief....!" Ogata began, but the doors had already shut.
On the other side of the door, Icchan shook his head.
"Why can't people just learn to relax?" he grumbled, "and who says I'm putting the project on hold." He smiled as his glasses glistened. "Kiyoko 'is' a part of it, after all. It's important that I monitor her progress."
He then smiled.
"Good thing I know the mind of a Deus," he said, "or I wouldn't know where she's going."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
School had just ended and flocks of students were leaving the building. Among them were Kiyoko and her friends. They walked down the street together, chatting as they did, Kiyoko the most excited of them all.
"Do you think I should invent a cool move like some of the other famous Deus' do?" she asked Tamiko and Yuri.
Tamiko shrugged while Yuri looked a bit worried.
"I dunno," Tamiko said, "Youzen and I have a move, though it's nothing big or anything."
"That's not what the audience said," Ken objected, "and I think you should do that move that Kobayashi Hatoko uses, y'know, the 'Rolling Thunder'."
Yuri frowned.
"That's a little complicated for beginners," she said, "Kiyoko should stick to the basics."
But Kiyoko shook her head.
"No way," she objected, "that's one of the first things I want to try."
Now 'both' Yuri and Tamiko stared at her.
"But Raishinshi couldn't even do that handstand-spin kick I showed you," Tamiko inquired, "how's he going to do a back flip kick?"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"We'll work on it today at practice," she said, simply.
Takumi blinked.
"You're practicing?" he asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
(At least she's practicing,) Takumi told himself, (but still, she's gotta take this more seriously.)
"Uh, Kiyoko?" Takumi asked.
"Hmm?" she answered.
Takumi hesitated before continuing.
"Maybe you should be a bit more serious when it comes to the Tournaments," he said, bluntly.
Kiyoko just stared at Takumi.
"What are talking about Takumi?" Ken asked, "she'll do fine."
Takumi frowned.
"If she doesn't take it seriously, she won't." Takumi said that before he could stop himself.
This time, everyone stared.
"If you go into a battle so carefree, you'll become over-confident," Takumi continued, unable to stop himself now, "and if you become over-confident, you make mistakes. Make too many and you'll wind up losing. It's that simple."
Nobody spoke. Yuri sighed. After a while, Kiyoko spoke up.
"Takumi, you worry too much," she said, confidently, "I can handle myself. I won twice, I can do it again."
Takumi shook his head, but Kiyoko was now turned to Tamiko and Ken.
"Do you guys want to watch me practice?" she asked.
Tamiko nodded.
"You bet!" Ken cried, "can you show me the move you used on Venus?"
Kiyoko nodded.
"Sure."
"Alright!"
As the three of them continued to walk down the street, Yuri and Takumi hesitated. Yuri walked over to her brother.
"What made you say all that?" she asked, "you told me during lunch that you didn't want to say anything."
Takumi sighed and walked down the street after everyone else. Yuri quickly caught up with him.
"I just...had to say 'something'," he said, then shook his head, "but it's pointless now."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A ways behind the group of friends was another kid. A boy. The same boy that had gone to Kiyoko's homeroom earlier that day. He had been both watching and listening to the whole conversation. He frowned.
(That girl CANNOT be related to him,) he thought, (she thinks she can ace them all, huh? Time for a wake up call.)
With a wry look, the boy walked after them, keeping to the shadows.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Piffle Princess was crowded more today than ever. It was no doubt because of the Tournament; everyone wanted to be ready for the big games. And with this so-called 'Special Event', everyone wanted to be especially ready. All of the Practice Layers were taken and the Angel Accessories were being pulled off the racks like they were candy. Needless to say, Kiyoko and co. had a hard time making through the lobby.
"Man! It's packed in here!" Ken stated, right after squeezing through a group of kids.
"Gee, I never would have noticed," Takumi grumbled, maneuvering around some store clerks.
Kiyoko and Tamiko were trying to locate the Registration Desk; with all the people it was hard to even move, let alone see. Yuri was looking around and frowned at the large amount of people.
"We may not be able to practice today," she mumbled.
Kiyoko shook her head.
"Yes, we 'are'," she insisted, locating the Registration Desk, and moving to it. The others followed.
None of them noticed the boy enter the jammed store, spot Kiyoko, and make a beeline for the Registration Desk.
"Excuse me," Kiyoko asked the women at the Registration Desk, "can I enter a mini-Tournament?"
The woman looked up and nodded.
"Sure thing," she said, "by the way, I saw your match. You were good."
Kiyoko smiled.
"Thanks," she said.
Ken grinned and threw an arm around Kiyoko's shoulder.
"Looks like someone is turning into a celebrity," he teased, "may I get an autograph?"
Kiyoko laughed. Takumi rolled his eyes. And Tamiko yanked Ken off Kiyoko.
"Ignore him," Tamiko said flatly, "he asked me the same thing after 'I' won my first couple of matches."
Kiyoko smiled and waved a hand in the air, teasingly.
"Don't worry, I'll give everyone my autograph once I win the Tournament," she joked.
"The only thing you'll win is last place."
Kiyoko froze and whirled around to see the same boy from homeroom standing behind her, hands in his pockets, and face twisted in a scowl.
"You again?!" Kiyoko cried, getting the others' attention.
The boys' expression didn't falter as he glanced over the group.
"I can't believe all of you are getting excited over nothing," he said, flatly, "you're hanging out with a 'loser'."
Kiyoko winced and Tamiko stepped forward.
"That's enough!" she warned, "you have no right to judge people the way you're doing. Who do you think you are?"
The boy smirked.
"You'd be surprised," he said.
Ken crossed his arms over his chest.
"Why do you keep saying Kiyoko-chan's a loser?" he asked, "she 'won' her matches."
The boy didn't drop his gaze.
"Takes an amateur to beat an amateur," he huffed.
Takumi was just about to intervene when Kiyoko walked straight up to the boy.
"Why do you keep picking on me? I've done nothing to you," she protested, "I've practiced everyday since I got Raishinshi and we're doing just fine. We'll make it past the Prelims, you'll see!"
The boy raised an eyebrow and chuckled. Kiyoko looked at him, puzzled.
"You think that just because you won TWO tiny battles, you're a champ," he said, eyes closing, "people with an attitude like yours don't deserve to play Angelic Layer, because only a 'snob' would boast and want attention. Confidence is fine, but it's 'over'-confidence that leads to failure. And that's what too many Deus' have. You're just another 'wannabe' Deus."
Kiyoko grit her teeth.
"I'm NOT a wannabe!" she cried, "OR a snob! I'm nothing like what you just said!"
"Prove it."
Kiyoko blinked.
"Huh?" she mumbled.
The boy turned to the woman at the desk, who was watching the whole thing.
"Can you arrange for 'both' of us the fight in a match?" he asked.
The lady blinked and nodded.
"Uh....sure," she mumbled and handed the boy a card, staring at him in awe.
Card in hand, the boy turned to her.
"If you want to prove to me that you're not what I said you are, then prove it in a match," he said, holding up the Fight Card in his hand.
Kiyoko was frozen. He 'was' a Deus after all and he looked dead serious. But Kiyoko pushed her shock away and glared at him.
"I-I didn't even agree to fight you," she said.
"That's right," Yuri joined in, " 'both' players should want to fight. It's not supposed to be a one-sided decision."
The boy frowned.
"Are you telling me you're too 'scared' to fight?" he asked, "a 'real' Deus wouldn't be afraid to accept a challenge from another Deus. I was right, you 'are' a wannabe."
Kiyoko glared at him.
"No I'm not scared!" she snapped, turning around, "let's go!"
Takumi whirled on her.
"Kiyoko!" he called, but she and the boy were already heading for their assigned Layer.
Ken rubbed his hands together.
"Don't worry, Takumi," he said, "Kiyoko'll cream him."
But Takumi, and Yuri, didn't look so convinced.
(I've got a 'bad' feeling about this,) he thought, heading after Kiyoko.
Kiyoko and the boy walked over to the Layer they were assigned to: Layer 7. Kiyoko was mad. Why? Why make fun of her when she did nothing wrong? Sure she was caught up in winning, who wouldn't be? Her dream was coming true. She was keeping her promise to her Dad. Why didn't this guy understand that she was full-filling her dream? She didn't know and she didn't care. She was going to win all her fights, just like her Dad did, and that included the one she was about to have.
She reached into her bag and gently took out Raishinshi. She had to smile every time she saw him. He looked so much like his Anime counterpart it was just too cute. He looked so much like he was sleeping, Kiyoko didn't really want to wake him.
"Senkaiden Houshin Engi."
Kiyoko blinked and looked up to see the boy staring at her Angel.
"Uh," was all Kiyoko could say.
"You based him off the character Raishinshi from Senkaiden Houshin Engi, right?" he asked, then continued without waiting for an answer, "it's fitting; for him 'and' for you."
Kiyoko blinked again. The boy smirked.
"You're both losers."
Hearing that, Kiyoko was nearly livid in anger. How dare he! How dare he insult not only her Angel, but her favorite character as well! That did it. If she didn't want to fight before, then she wanted to now. She approached the Layer in angry strides and stopped in front of the chair that was on the left side. The boy went to the other side.
"Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried, running over to the Layer, and over by her friend, "Kiyoko, you shouldn't let him intimidate you like this. He's just looking for a fight."
Kiyoko didn't pay any attention as she looked down at Raishinshi.
"Don't worry," she assured, "we'll be fine."
The announcer woman came over and held the mike out for Kiyoko.
"Hello again," she said, "please, tell everyone your name."
Takumi, Yuri, and Ken entered the Layer circle, worried eyes on Kiyoko.
"Yume Kiyoko," Kiyoko stated, firmly.
"And your Angels' name?"
"Raishinshi."
The woman nodded.
"Good luck," she said, before heading in the boys' direction.
(She'll need it,) Takumi thought.
The announcer was already at the boys' side. The boy was now holding his Angel, but he was holding it in a way that made it hard to see. It was a male, not doubt about that.
"What's your-" she began, until she got a good look at the boy and gasped, "o-oh my gosh! Y-Y-You-you're......!"
The boy smiled and leaned closer to the mike.
"Yukiwa Saburo."
Upon saying his name, everyone in the area stopped dead, and turned to the Layer.
"Huh? WHO'S having a match?"
"Yukiwa Saburo!?"
"I don't believe it!"
"He's playing HERE?!"
"Man, I feel sorry for his opponent!"
Kiyoko blinked in confusion and looked around. Everyone was staring at the boy in awe and amazement. Many of them were pointing and murmuring about him. Some of the girls were going nuts.
"I can't believe it's him!"
"Hey, Saburo!"
"You can do it Saburo!"
"I've never seen him play a mini-Tournament!"
Kiyoko was now very confused. What was so special about this guy? He didn't look special. Takumi and Yuri were just as confused.
"They don't know what they're talking about, Kiyoko," Ken assured, "after this, they'll know who the 'real' champ is."
Tamiko, meanwhile, was deep in thought. She had heard the name before, but she couldn't quite remember. Meanwhile, the announcer had recovered from her shock, and went back to her job.
"A-and your Angels' name?" she stammered.
"Higure." was the blunt reply.
This drew more cheers from the crowd, another confused look from Kiyoko, .....and a horrified from Tamiko.
"What is it Tamiko?" Kiyoko asked, her attention going to her friend.
Tamiko looked down at Kiyoko with frightened eyes.
"Y-Yukiwa Saburo and his Angel, Higure, are Layer Legends," she explained in a shaky voice, "Yukiwa is an experienced Deus and Higure is a star Angel. They're really strong."
The announcer woman recovered once again and turned to the crowd.
"Well everyone, you're in for a treat!" she called, "here in the Layer today is none other than the 'Speed King' himself, Deus Yukiwa Saburo and his Angel, Higure! We haven't seen them since the Nationals last year! Is this a sign that this years' games are gonna be big?!"
Everyone cheered. Kiyoko, on the other hand, stood stock-still. Her eyes were wide.
(He's an experienced Deus?) she thought, shocked.
The boy, Saburo, turned to her.
"Didn't think I was so strong I see" he asked.
Kiyoko blinked twice in shock, but then narrowed her eyes, and sat in the Angel Seat.
(I won't be intimidated,) she told herself, (he's just a bully, like Suzu.)
Saburo also sat down. Both put on their Angel Goggles and turned them on.
"Kiyoko, stop, you can't win against him," Takumi pleaded, "he's an experienced Deus!"
Kiyoko firmly shook her head.
"He also insulted me and Raishinshi," she pointed out, "I can't let him get away with that." She looked over at her opponent. "Since when does a 'Legend' become a bully? Picking fights isn't exactly how 'true' champions should act."
Saburo smiled.
"True," he admitted, "but your case is special."
Kiyoko furrowed her brows.
"What?" she asked.
"Let's just say," he began, "I'm giving you a special lesson of how an 'experienced' Deus and Angel fight."
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. If he thought she was scared of him, he had another thing coming.
"Now that we're ready," the woman announcer cried, "Entry Angel!"
The Layer lit up, the box screen above filled with both Angels' stats, and the force field shimmered into place. Saburo's face grew serious.
"Run fast! Strike hard! Never quit, Higure!" Saburo declared, and threw his Angel towards the Layer, "Angel-Fall in!"
The black figure sailed through the Layers' force field and immediately came to life. He straightened up and silently floated to the Layer. He was now in clear view.
Higure had short, unkempt violet hair with dark indigo tips. He wore a black, long-sleeved trench coat that was held in place by an indigo clasp at both the collar and the waist. He wore a bright lavender scarf that was wrapped around his neck with a dark indigo Angel Cord clasped in back of it. His pants were long, a bit baggy around the thighs, and were colored dark violet. They stopped at his ankles where they were connected to his black boots by black strips. His violet eyes were bright against his pale skin.
(My turn,) Kiyoko thought, glancing down at Raishinshi, (I don't care if he 'is' a pro, I'm probably just as good as he is.)
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried, throwing Raishinshi towards the Layer with all her might.
Raishinshi slid through the force field, opened his eyes, and front-flipped gracefully onto the Layer. He glared angrily at Higure who just stared at him, bored.
"My complements," Saburo said, smirking, "he actually landed this time."
Kiyoko glared at him, but said nothing.
(I'll show him,) she said.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan walked into Piffle Princess, instantly scanning the room for any signs of Kiyoko. Although, he instead found himself scrambling out of the way of a couple girls who would've blown him over for sure. He stared after them.
(They sure were in a hurry,) he commented, before going back to his search.
He hadn't gotten very far when, once again, he was nearly run over by a bunch of kids. He adjusted his glasses and gave the group a frown.
(They should really have more respect for their elders,) he thought. He then noticed a group of people gathering by the Layer labeled 'Layer 7'. (Hmm? Wonder what's up over there?) He suddenly grinned. (Maybe it's Kiyoko!)
Icchan walked swiftly over to the Layer and pushed past a couple of people to get a closer look. The first thing he saw, however, wasn't in the Layer. He noticed four kids that were being pushed back by the growing crowd. A couple of boys: one with brown hair and one with dark hair. There were two girls as well: one with dark hair and one with blond hair that was up in a ponytail. The blond girl was trying to push her way back to the Layer area where he found....Kiyoko!
(I knew she'd be here,) Icchan thought.
He then noticed something. Kiyoko had an angry look on her face while her friends' faces were of worry. Icchan turned to see her opponent and gasped.
(Oh, no!) he thought, looking at a now serious Saburo, (this is NOT good! Kiyoko, what have you gotten yourself into now?)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ready?!" the announcer cried.
Kiyoko just glared harder, as did Raishinshi. Saburo gave a small smile while Higure remained monotone. Kiyoko's friends held their breathes.
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded,....but Higure didn't make a move. Raishinshi got into a defensive position as Kiyoko stared long and hard at Higure.
(Why isn't he moving in to attack like Vesta and Venus did?) she wondered, then frowned, (oh well, this fight isn't going to be won by standing still.)
With that thought in mind, Raishinshi broke out into a run, heading straight for Higure.
"No!" Icchan cried from the crowd, "don't rush him!"
But it was too late. Raishinshi was nearly in front of Higure, no more that a few inches, when Higure's leg snapped up into a right forward kick. It caught Raishinshi right under the chin, snapping his head back, and sending him flying halfway across the Layer. His Damage Gauge dropped to 85%. Kiyoko gasped.
"Please," Saburo retorted, "that's an old move."
Kiyoko frowned.
(Stand, Raishinshi,) she thought to her Angel.
Raishinshi heaved himself onto his elbows and then pushed himself onto his hands. He looked towards Higure. The aloof Angel was just standing there, arms folded across his chest, looking at Raishinshi with an extremely bored expression. Frowning, Raishinshi got up, and stood his ground before charging again.
"What is she doing?!" Takumi asked to the open air.
"C'mon Kiyoko!" Ken cheered, "knock him flat!"
Raishinshi was almost at Higure, right fist drawn. This time, Higure didn't attack. He just waited. Raishinshi, once in striking distance, threw a right jab at Higure's face. Higure merely moved his head left. Raishinshi threw a left jab. Higure moved his head right. Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi threw a right hook, to which Higure simply stepped back. Raishinshi tried a right hook and left hook one after the other. Higure just kept moving back.
(He's toying with her,) Icchan thought with a sigh, (and this is only the tip of the iceberg.)
Raishinshi kept throwing hooks and jabs, none connecting. Higure was moving too swiftly. Kiyoko watched the whole battle with a frown.
(I've got to make contact,) she told herself, (or this match is as good as over.)
Raishinshi stopped punching and spun into a left spin kick. Higure lifted his right arm, vertically, to the side, and blocked the kick. Raishinshi frowned, upset, and did a right spin kick. Higure re-folded his right arm and raised his left, blocking the next kick. Raishinshi turned left and did a left side kick. Higure merely reached out with both hands, grabbed Raishinshi by the ankle, and twisted him over on his stomach.
But Higure was far from done.
Still holding Raishinshi by the ankle, Higure jumped up, flipped himself over, and brought both booted feet down on Raishinshi's back. The purple Angel cried out silently.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
Tamiko had managed to get back to the Layer area.
"Don't give up Kiyoko!" she cried.
Higure released Raishinshi's ankle and jumped off his back....only turn spin around and kick Raishinshi in the right side. Raishinshi went flying about a foot and a half before landing, hard. Kiyoko sat watching in horror.
" 'Still' think you can ace'em all?" Saburo asked, sounding bored.
Gritting her teeth, Kiyoko put her focus on Raishinshi, willing him to stand.
(C'mon Raishinshi! We can't quit!) she called, (this guy's nothing but a bully. Let's win this!)
Shakily, Raishinshi got up, his hair getting in his face. He turned to Higure, who was gazing at him, expectantly.
(He's expecting us to attack from the front,) Kiyoko thought, (let's see how he handles an aerial assault!)
With that, Raishinshi ran at Higure again.
"Kiyoko! What are you doing?!" Tamiko cried.
Takumi held his breath. He didn't know what Kiyoko was doing, but he hoped she had a plan.
(She never learns,) Saburo thought, bored, (the same old trick won't work if you keep doing it over and over.)
Higure got into a fighting stance. But right before he was within striking range, Raishinshi leapt straight into the air. Higure looked up, as did everyone else.
(Hmm?) Saburo thought, watching Raishinshi.
With the lights to his back, Raishinshi was silhouetted against them, and began to descend. Soon, he was only half a foot away from Higure. Smiling slightly, Raishinshi swung his right leg in a sweeping motion, aiming for the left side of Higure's head. A blow like that would have knocked him out of the Layer. If it had connected, that is.
Higure reached out and grabbed Raishinshi by the foot, and jumped up. For a split second, both Angels were parallel to one another before Raishinshi fell onto his back, and Higure came down after him, burrowing his knees into Raishinshi's stomach. The purple Angel cried out quietly, eyes wide.
(Raishinshi!) Kiyoko cried, mentally.
Icchan and Takumi simultaneously shook their heads.
Higure hopped off the hurting Angel and stared down at him while Saburo stared at his Deus.
"That was a good strategy, too bad you lacked the sense to pull it off," he snapped, "sure, and aerial attack is a good way to catch your opponent off guard, but it also leaves your Angel vulnerable to attack. Especially when your opponent has more experience than you. A REAL Deus would've known that."
Kiyoko frowned and stared at Raishinshi. He looked hurt so bad. But she couldn't stop. She couldn't lose. They 'had' to win.
(I don't want to lose,) she thought.
Raishinshi staggered to his feet, arms and head sagging.
(I don't want to lose!) she thought, narrowing her eyes at Saburo.
Raishinshi looked at Higure and furrowed his brow.
(I DON"T WANT TO LOSE!)
Raishinshi ran forward and leapt into a left jump kick, aiming straight for Higure's chest. In the blink of an eye, Higure vanished. Kiyoko was so shocked, she dropped her focus, and let Raishinshi fall to the Layer.
(Huh? What happened?) she thought, looking around the Layer. Higure was nowhere in sight.
"W-Where'd he go?" Ken cried, searching the Layer, "did he turn invisible or something?"
Tamiko grew even more pensive than before.
Suddenly, just as suddenly as he disappeared, Higure re-appeared in front of Kiyoko. Kiyoko gave a start. The small Angel was glaring up at her.
"And you call yourself a Deus?"
Kiyoko looked up at Saburo. He was also glaring at her.
"What do you mean?" Kiyoko asked.
"You obviously don't care about your Angel," he said, "otherwise you wouldn't have made him fall like that."
Kiyoko gasped. Raishinshi! She forgot that he was in mid-jump!
"A 'real' Deus would have remained calm, but I guess I'm asking too much from a beginner," Saburo continued, "all you want to do is win. But it's not winning that makes you a Deus. It's your skill that proves your worth. And right now, you're not worth nothing. And neither is your Angel."
Higure turned to Raishinshi who was slumped over, almost like he was unconscious. In the blink of an eye, Higure was gone again. Kiyoko gasped.
(Raishinshi, quick, get up!) she cried, mentally.
Raishinshi slowly picked himself up, teeth clenched.
(It's too late to counter now,) Icchan thought, sighing.
Suddenly, Raishinshi's head snapped back, as if he was hit. But no one was there! Kiyoko gasped as Raishinshi lurched forward, now struck from behind. This continued: Raishinshi seemed to be getting struck from all sides and was rocking back and forth with each hit. Kiyoko's friends watched, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Man! Raishinshi's getting clobbered!" Ken cried, grabbing his hair.
Yuri bit her lip.
"He's going too fast," she murmured.
Takumi nodded.
Kiyoko was watching in pure fear. Fear for her Angel. She'd never been in a situation like this.
(He's right,) she thought, blankly, watching her Angel be struck one hit after another, (I'm the reason Raishinshi's getting hurt. I'm in way over my head. Now what'll I do?)
Then, the blows stopped. Higure re-appeared in front of Saburo and watched Raishinshi fall to the Layer, limp.
"Oh my gosh!" Tamiko cried.
Icchan frowned and turned to Saburo. He began to wonder.
(Is there a reason why he's fighting her like this?) he thought, giving Saburo a critical look, (is he...getting her ready for....?)
In back of the crowd, a trio of teenagers were gathering to see the fight. Two were girls and the other was a boy. The boy had dark hair, gray eyes, and tanned skin. One girl had shoulder length dirty blond hair and bright violet eyes. The other had short brown hair with a strip of brown hair going down the sides of her head and bright, sky blue eyes. They were each wearing an Eriol Academy High School uniform and were obviously Freshmen.
"What's going on?" the brown-haired girl asked.
The dark-haired boy peered over the heads of some people, him being the tallest of the group.
"It's a fight between two Angels: a purple one and a black one," he reported.
"We know it's a fight between two Angels," the blond scolded, "but who's winning."
The boy looked back.
"Well, one's-WOAH!" the boy jumped back, "it's...Yukiwa Saburo!"
"WHAT!!??" both girls cried. The blond girl ran to where the boy was and stood on her tiptoes to see the problem.
"Yikes! That's him alright!" she said, and then winced, "and that purple Angel's getting whomped!"
Nervous to the point of panicking, Kiyoko checked Raishinshi's Damage Gauge and Meter. The Meter indicated multiple damaged areas including the stomach, back, and face. As for his Damage Gauge, it had dropped to only 14%. Kiyoko's eyes widened as she looked at her brave Angel. He was on his knees, his head lowered. He was bruised in a lot of places. Kiyoko winced.
(Please hold on Raishinshi,) she begged, (please, I'll find a way out of this. I've gotta think! There has to be some way to win!)
Saburo looked at her and grunted.
"Guess it's over," he said, flatly.
Higure then ran forward at high speed. When he was halfway to Raishinshi, he leapt into the air. As he descended, he extended one leg out, aiming for Raishinshi's head.
"Look out, Kiyoko!" both Tamiko and Yuri cried.
Kiyoko's head snapped up, as did Raishinshi's.
(I got it!) she thought, hope sparking in her chest.
The minute Higure was in range, Raishinshi rose up, and grabbed Higure's extended leg in one swift movement.
(Huh?) Saburo thought, blinking.
"Yes!" Tamiko and Ken cried.
Takumi and Yuri held their breaths. Icchan leaned forward, hoping for the best. The three teenagers were still watching.
"Woah, she got a hold of him!" the boy cried.
"Alright! Go purple Angel!" the blond cheered, hopping up and down.
The brown-haired girl went over to where her friends were and stood on her tiptoes too, in order to see.
Meanwhile, back on the Layer, a look of bewilderment came across Higure's face while Raishinshi flashed him a confident smile. Clutching his leg tightly, Raishinshi spun the still airborne Higure around in a circle, twice, before throwing him with all his might at the edge of the Layer. Higure sailed through the air, heading straight for the Layer's edge.
"Yeah!" Ken cried.
All of Kiyoko's friends held their breaths. Icchan clenched his teeth. The teens that were watching waited expectantly. Kiyoko gave a triumphant smile. But Saburo, on the other hand, just grunted in distaste.
Higure, who halfway to the edge, righted himself, and front flipped in mid- air, causing him to stop. He extended a leg and landed, gracefully, only five inches away from the edge. Higure dusted himself off and looked over at his opponent. Raishinshi's expression was one of shock while Kiyoko stared in horror.
(I-It didn't work,) she thought to herself, (h-he's still in the Layer.)
"No way!!!" the blond teen cried, clenching her fists, "that should have worked!"
The dark-haired boy narrowed his eyes.
"Against an inexperienced Deus, yes," he said, "but Yukiwa's not your average Deus."
The brunette looked worried and turned to Kiyoko.
Tamiko was speechless. Takumi and Yuri both frowned. Icchan shook his head.
(Well, it would have been too easy if it had worked,) he thought.
Saburo gave Kiyoko an interested look.
"I must admit, I'm a little impressed," he admitted, "this' the fist time in two years that anyone's ever even 'touched' Higure, let alone hit him." He frowned. "But that was a desperate attempt, you know. You're losing your focus and this match isn't even over. This is what I was talking about. A 'true' Deus never panics. A 'true' Deus knows how to handle his or her Angel in a bad situation. And a 'true' Deus never gets desperate."
Kiyoko grit her teeth. Saburo narrowed his eyes.
"You think 'I'm' tough, well, wait 'till you see all the Deus' in the Tournament this year," he continued, "they and their Angels are a 'lot' more tougher than any opponent you've faced. You waltz in with an over- confident outlook, and you'll be reamed in your match. Trust me, I know. I've seen it happen. Suzuhara Misaki became a Champion of the Layer because she takes all her matches seriously, so she can keep her focus." His scowl now registered on Higure's face. "But you just throw your Angel into a fight without a care. And you call yourself a Deus?"
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. Inside, however, she knew he was right.
(I have been like that, haven't I?) she thought, sadly, (even in my very first match, I was reckless. I can't believe how careless I was. I let Raishinshi get hurt so much.) She took a deep breath and turned to her Angel. (I'm sorry Raishinshi.)
Saburo raised an eyebrow.
"You quitting?" he asked, then sighed, "figures. Only wimps quit before a match is over."
Kiyoko looked up at him and glared.
"I won't quit," she stated, firmly, "as long as I have something to fight for I won't quit."
"Oh?" Saburo said, "and what might that be?"
Kiyoko straightened and looked straight into Saburo's eyes.
"I promised my Dad I'd become a Champion," she said, "and I 'can't' let him down!"
With that, Raishinshi charged forward, his expression was steady. Higure blinked his violet eyes.
"Your Dad, huh?" Saburo repeated, knowingly, "that's a fine goal I'll admit. But..."
Higure turned to his left side and spread his legs out. He bent his right leg, lowered his left arm, palm down, and pulled back his right arm, palm facing forward. Raishinshi didn't slow down, for Kiyoko had no idea what Higure was doing. But Icchan and Tamiko did.
"Stop, Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried.
Icchan grit his teeth.
(It's WAY too late now,) Icchan thought.
Raishinshi leapt at Higure, right fist pulled back. Higure smiled. At that moment, the air around his drawn palm began to shimmer and ripple. Kiyoko didn't get a chance to notice, but the short, brown-haired teen did. After all, she'd gone against it herself.
"LOOK OUT!!" she cried. But it was too late.
Before Raishinshi could throw his punch, Higure stepped forward with his right leg, leaned forward, drew his left arm in, and thrust his right palm at Raishinshi's chest; all in one swift move. Then, from his palm came what could only be explained as an invisible, shimmering force that shot out like a wave, and hit Raishinshi square in the chest. His eyes widened and he mouth opened in a silent gasp.
"RAISHINSHI!!!" Kiyoko screamed in horror.
Tamiko covered her mouth. Takumi, Ken, and Yuri all gasped in shock. The audience gasped as well. Icchan sighed. The three teens could only watch in shock from their position as Raishinshi slowly fell away from Higure.
"...you'll have to do 'a lot' better against 'me' in a fight." Saburo concluded.
Raishinshi went flying backwards. He hit the Layer and slid all the way to the edge by Kiyoko before stopping, picking up dust. His Damage Points dropped all the way to 0 and the Timer stopped at 1 minute. For a while, no one spoke. Kiyoko's friends and the three teens looked in shock at the Layer. Icchan frowned and started to walk away. Kiyoko stared down at her Angel.
He was bruised up and looked rather worse for the wear, but he was still intact. But that didn't help Kiyoko.
"Raishinshi....." she murmured in a low voice.
"H-Higure Win!" the announcer cried.
The audience started to applaud and cheer, but Kiyoko didn't hear them. She reached over and picked up Raishinshi, gently.
"Wow! Yukiwa Saburo does it yet again!" the announcer cried, "I never thought he'd use Higure's 'Gravity Blow' in a public match!" Saburo took off his headset. "Give a big hand for the Speed King!"
The applause got louder. Ignoring it, Saburo plucked Higure out of the Layer, and glanced over at Kiyoko. She was still sitting down and was looking sadly at Raishinshi, guilt written all over her face.
"Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried, running over to her friend.
"Is Raishinshi okay?" Yuri asked, concerned, as she ran to Kiyoko.
"I can't believe that guy!" Ken cried, stomping over.
Takumi said nothing, but placed a hand on Kiyoko's shoulder.
Saburo walked over to the other side of the Layer and stopped besides Kiyoko. She looked up at him, numbly. Higure was perched on his shoulder, now asleep, while Saburo looked down at Kiyoko and Raishinshi.
"Don't worry, your Angel will be fine, just fix him up," he said, flatly, "it's too bad you lost so easily. I was hoping for a better performance."
Ken glared at him and was about to say something, but Takumi raised a hand to silence him.
"You said that you made a promise to your Dad, well, you won't be able to fulfill that if you don't take this game seriously," Saburo continued, and scowled when he saw that Kiyoko was near tears. "Don't start! Instead of crying, start training. And if that isn't enough to ask, then here's another challenge."
Kiyoko looked confused.
"If you want to prove to me that you meant what you said about your Father, then enter the Tournament, and face me again in the Layer," Saburo said, voice low.
Kiyoko said nothing.
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
Saburo closed his eyes, turned around, and left without saying another word.
*...hakanai hoshi zora.*
The three teens frowned. The brunette cast a glance at Kiyoko.
"I feel sorry for her," she whispered.
Her friends nodded in agreement.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni...*
Kiyoko frowned and turned back to Raishinshi. Tears built up in her eyes.
*...negai o kakeru kara*
Raishinshi lay unconscious in her hands. A teardrop fell on the spot where Higure issued the final blow.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I HATED WRITING THIS!!!!! "sniffles" Sorry about that. I don't like losing OR having my Angel beat up. But this was the only way the story would work. Like it says in the disclaimer, I've been under a lot of stress. "sigh" Besides, Kiyoko had to lose sometime, and she needed a rival. As for Saburo, he's not a bad guy. His past will be unraveled later on.
Anyway, you're probably wondering about why I made such a big deal out of over-confidence. If you paid attention in the AL series, most of all of Misaki's opponents had a mean smile on their lips. And what happened? They all lost. I have a thing against snotty, over-confident people and I wanted Kiyoko to have the same outlook. What better way than to have her act that way when she lost? Don't worry though, I won't have Raishinshi get beat up like this again. If you want to know what Higure's attack is like, I suggest you look at the AL manga, volume 6; it's the big move Hikaru used on Athena.
Next time, Kiyoko is going to enter the Tournament, with an improved game outlook. Can she beat her first opponent? Wait and see! Please R&R, no flames please!