My Angel Story
Disclaimer: Hi, I'm back! I'm sorry for the harsh fight and the MAJOR emphasis on
over-confidence; I just hated it when Misaki's opponents would smile that
cocky smile, and THEY were the ones who wound up losing. I said my
feelings through Saburo. Anyway, in this chappie, Kiyoko enters the
Tournament with Tamiko. Will she make it past the first fight? I don't own
Angelic Layer, or any of its original characters. I 'do' own Kiyoko Yume,
Angel Raishinshi, Kiyoko's friends and family, Tamiko, Angel Youzen,
Saburo, and Angel Higure. Read away!
Battle 6: "Raishinshi Descends to the Layer!"
Fireworks exploded in the air, and it wasn't even nighttime. A herd of people, half of them were children, were heading into a giant dome-like stadium with flags on top. Signs were posted along the building. Each said, 'Angelic Layer' in red letters against a purple background. All of the people were either Deus' or the parents of Deus', all coming to enter the games this year. And with the 'special event', everyone was double excited, especially a group of five Middle School kids who were currently bobbing and weaving through the crowd.
"C'mon you guys!"
"Ken, wait UP!"
"Ow, sorry sir!"
"Ken, Kiyoko, Tamiko, WAIT!"
"Wait for me!"
Ken led the party as they headed through the crowds. Kiyoko was only a few feet behind him with Tamiko behind her, bumping into anyone in front of her. Takumi and Yuri were behind them all, panting. They finally reached the entrance and glanced up at the posted sign above the large doorway.
"WELCOME TO THE ANGELIC LAYER OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT!"
"Alright, we're here!" Ken cheered.
Yuri looked around at the groups of people that were gathered around the door area.
"There sure are a lot of people here," she said, "more than the usual."
Takumi looked around as well.
"It's the 'special event'," he stated, "it's got everybody interested."
Tamiko looked back up at the sign.
"They sure seem to be making a big deal out of it," she stated, then glanced at he friend, "don't you think?"
Kiyoko didn't say anything as she looked up at the sign. Her eyelids lowered as she remembered the events that took place four days ago, on Thursday. It was right after the fight she had with Saburo.....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko had been walking aimlessly through Piffle Princess without a thought about where she was going. After Saburo had left, she had bolted from the others, and was now wandering down an unknown hallway. She didn't care, however. All she could do was look down at her hurt Angel in sorrow. Raishinshi lay limp in her hands, still damaged from the last fight. She hardly noticed when a man in a white lab coat came out of a doorway and walked carefully over to the drifting girl.
"So, how did it feel to lose your first match?" Icchan asked, quietly.
Kiyoko whirled on him and for a second Icchan thought that he made her mad. But one look at her face would prove otherwise. Instead of anger, there was sadness and guilt stamped on her face and tears in her eyes.
"It hurts!" she cried, sadly, "I let Raishinshi get hurt! I was reckless! I didn't take Yukiwa Saburo seriously and I lost!"
Almost immediately, she began to cry. Icchan frowned and walked over to her.
"You didn't know that he was that strong," he assured, "hardly anyone wins against him and Higure, anyway."
Kiyoko looked up at him, eyes and nose red.
"But this whole match was my fault! He was right," she said, sniffling, "I 'am' a loser."
Icchan furrowed his brow.
"No, you're not," he objected.
"Yes, I am," Kiyoko wailed, "I shouldn't have made Raishinshi attack that way. It's my fault he's hurt!"
Icchan smiled, gently.
"You most certainly 'aren't' a loser, you just got ahead of yourself, that's all," he told her, "all Deus' are like that when they start out: they think they can win them all. The trick is not letting losing get you down. Sure, it hurts, but you 'did' learn something from it, didn't you?"
Kiyoko blinked and sniffed.
"Don't get cocky?" she guessed.
"Ding! Ding! Ding! Correct!" Icchan applauded, "a lot of Deus' have that problem, I don't want to see you become one of them."
Kiyoko wiped away her tears, though her face was still red.
"I guess," she admitted, then hung her head, "but the worst thing is what Saburo said."
Icchan raised an eyebrow.
"He said......."
*Flashback*
" '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.' "
*Flashback End*
"He was saying that I didn't mean the promise I made to Dad," Kiyoko said, frowning, "but I 'did' mean what I said, I 'am' going to make it, only...."
"Only, what?" Icchan asked, leaning close.
"Only I don't know if we 'can' fight him again," Kiyoko sighed, staring at Raishinshi's closed eyes.
Icchan gave a soft sigh.
"We'll worry about that bridge when we come to it," he said, and extended a hand, "but right now, I'd better fix Raishinshi."
Kiyoko looked up and then back at her Angel.
"Does Raishinshi hate me?" she asked, timidly.
Icchan chuckled.
"Don't worry," he said, "he doesn't. Angels and Deus', they say, after a while, develop a bond." Kiyoko looked up in surprise. "He understands."
Kiyoko nodded and handed her Angel to Icchan, who started to fish around in his pockets for his tools. He looked at Kiyoko for a second before he pulled them out. Kiyoko, on the other hand, was looking up at the ceiling, deep in thought.
(Don't worry Daddy,) she thought, (I'll keep my promise.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback End++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Kiyoko?"
Kiyoko blinked and turned to Tamiko who was staring at her in concern.
"Huh?' she asked.
"You were spacing out again, huh?" Tamiko asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, sorry about that," she apologized, "are we going in?"
"Yep."
With that, the five friends made their way through the crowded foyer, and squeezed into the lobby. It was just as crowded as the foyer, with hardly any room to move around.
"Sheesh! How're we ever gonna MOVE in this place?!" Ken cried, bumping into someone.
Kiyoko squeezed by a couple people.
"I dunno," she admitted, "maybe once we get to the Stadium we'll have more space!"
"I, ugh, hope so," Takumi said, bumping into someone.
It took a while, but the group finally entered the stadium. Rows of seats were set all around the stadium. A balcony also made it around the building, for spectators who wanted better views. In the center of the stadium was the Layer, a giant white table, much more larger than the ones at Piffle Princess. On the left and right sides there was an Angel Chair with people inspecting the lifters on each chair and the Angel Goggles. Above the Layer was the Box Screen where video footage, the Fight Timer, and the Angels' Stats were displayed. A bunch of lights hung beneath it. People were already in the seats closest to the Layer. By the time the five kids got there, the middle was the next best place to sit.
"This way!" Ken called, running to the row in the middle.
"Well, duh," Tamiko said, following him.
The group slid into the aisle and took their seats. More people continued to pile into seats behind them. It was almost time to start. Once settled, Tamiko turned to her friend.
"So, you nervous?" she asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Oh yeah," she admitted, "very much so, but I won't let it stop me."
"That a girl," Tamiko grinned, "just stay focused and you'll be fine."
Kiyoko nodded. Takumi turned to her.
"Have you given your Entry any modifications?" he asked, "I mean, 'Let's Go!' isn't very original."
Kiyoko rubbed her chin.
"Yeah, I was thinking about that," she murmured.
Ken shrugged.
"Who cares?" he asked, bored, "just say something cool."
Yuri looked at him.
"You've got to think about the Entry carefully," she said, sternly, "after all, it lets the opponent know your talent and fight style."
"In that case," Tamiko grinned, thinking of her own Entry, "you've gotta say something 'Raishinshi' related, Kiyoko."
Kiyoko nodded and reached into her pocket. After tugging a bit, she pulled out a folded piece of white, lined paper. She opened it up and looked at it. The others looked as well. To their surprise, it was filled with Entry lines.
"Woah! You sure gave this a lot of thought," Tamiko commented, "that's over 20 different Entry lines!"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"I came up with so many," she said, eyes skimming the page, "I didn't know which one to pick at the time."
"And you do now?" Yuri asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, I looked them all over three times now, and I've decided to mix them up," she stated.
"Mix them up?" Ken echoed, "whazzat?"
"I was thinking of using this one," she said, pointing to a phrase near the top of the page, "and the last part of this one." she pointed at one near the bottom.
Takumi leaned close and read the first one aloud.
" 'Never Give Up'... " he read.
" '...Justice is on Our Side,' " Yuri finished the last one, and smiled, "that sounds great!"
"Sounds 'very' 'Raishinshi' related," Tamiko agreed.
"I've got to admit, it fits," Takumi said with a nod.
Everyone turned to Ken. He shrugged, but smiled. Kiyoko smiled back. Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the Box Screen lit up. Colorful images played on it as the last few people came in.
"It's starting," Kiyoko whispered, her excitement growing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ogata?" Icchan called as he entered the Control Room.
The dark-haired assistant pushed his seat back from his computer.
"I'm here, what is it Chief?" he asked.
Icchan went over to him and stole a glance at his computer.
"I DO hope that you're getting ready to record the matches I issued you," he said, sounding casual, "you are," An evil twinkle entered his eye. "...aren't you?"
Ogata quickly nodded.
"Y-Yes sir," he confirmed, but then frowned, "are you sure you just want Data on Raishinshi? After all, I hear Angels like Suzuka and Higure are...."
"I ONLY want data on Raishinshi," Icchan stated, "is that too much to ask?"
Ogata shrank back in his chair.
"Uh, well....." Ogata trailed off, "it's just that that girl lost her last match terribly I heard. Why would you want Data from her Angel?"
Icchan frowned at his assistant.
" 'Anyone' could have lost a match against Higure," he stated, firmly.
Ogata still stared at his screen, puzzled. On it was a headshot of Kiyoko and a full shot of Raishinshi. A list of information trailed down between them.
"I know, but she hardly put up a fight," he stated, being honest, "I'm not saying she can't fight, but I'm surprised she even 'wants' to play Angelic Layer after 'that' experience."
Icchan's expression was unreadable as he gazed up at the Visual Screen. It showed what was happening in the Layer. It was almost time to start the games. He stared at the Layer and smiled, softly.
"She has promises to keep," he said, bluntly.
Ogata raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked back at his computer.
"But why her Angel? What makes Raishinshi so special that you want data on him 'only'?" he asked, staring at Raishinshi's picture.
"Guess," was Icchan's only reply.
Ogata blinked, stared and the computer screen, and frowned.
"Ummm.....well, to me he doesn't seem that special. He's a regular model with a regular emphasis; what would make him the Chiefs' favorite?" Ogata pondered, rubbing his chin. He suddenly brightened and snapped his fingers. "I got it! Chief Mihara likes his outfit!"
Icchan rolled his eyes behind his glasses.
"Wrong! And for your 'Penalty Game'....." Icchan smirked and whipped out a couple bananas from his pockets, "...you have to stick these bananas in your ears for 20 minutes!"
Ogata gasped and started to run away, crying, while Icchan ran after him, bananas held high. The Visual Screen went unnoticed as the Box Screen stopped its colorful display and all lights fell on the Layer. The Tournament was starting.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All lights fell onto the Layer as the speakers screeched on. From the upper corner of the stadium, a chair lowered down to the Layer-side with the help of a crane. Sitting in it was a man in a black suit with spikey blond hair, dark shades, and a microphone.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen to this years Angelic Layer Official Tournament!" the announcer cried, receiving a roar from the audience, "I hope you're all ready for this years' BIG games!"
The audience cheered as the Layer table lit up. Kiyoko sucked in a breath.
(It's almost time,) she told herself.
"All the Deus' in Tokyo have come today to prove themselves in the big games this year!" the announcer continued, "who will advance to the next stage? Will it be a reigning Champ? Or something unexpected?!"
The cheers and clapping that followed that followed slowly subsided. In the meantime, Tamiko gathered her bag, and nudged Kiyoko.
"We'd better go sign up," she whispered, "c'mon Kiyoko."
But Kiyoko was still watching the Layer.
(My Dad came here and fought two years ago with 'his' Angel,) she thought, remembering the matches he won, (he got through all his matches without any trouble. Will...will I be the same?) She then frowned. (Or will I lose like I did with Saburo?)
A noise filled her ears. A buzzer. A match was about to start. Looking up she saw two people heading for the Layer. One was a girl in a gray and white High School uniform with long, dark hair. She was carrying an Angel dressed in red and tan with short, mahogany hair.
"Hey!" Kiyoko cried in recognition, "that's Vesta and her Deus!"
The others looked as well.
"I guess she signed up too," Takumi implied.
"In the West Corner," the announcer called over the mike, "a new face enters the Layer. Please welcome Deus Hirori Sana and Angel Vesta!"
The crowd cheered as Kiyoko leaned forward to get a better look at the other Deus. It was a boy. He wore a black shirt under a dark purple jacket and blue jeans. It was hard to see his face.
"And in the East Corner," the announcer continued, "a returning Star-Deus for two years! All the way from Northern Tokyo, please welcome back the Speed King Yukiwa Saburo and his Angel, the Flying Shadow, Higure!"
"WHA??!!!" Kiyoko cried.
Sure enough, it was Saburo. As the audience continued to scream and cheer, the girls especially, Saburo and his opponent took their seats in the Angel Chairs, placed on the Angel Goggles, and turned them on.
"What the-?" Ken stammered, "he's got the first match!?? Ooooh, that guy!"
Takumi rolled his eyes. Kiyoko's eyes, on the other hand, were now glued to the Layer, watching Saburo.
"Let's see how the newbie Vesta fares against the split-second striker Higure!" the announcer cried, "Entry Angel!"
The minute the Layers' force field shimmered into place, Saburo held out Higure, and looked down at him.
"Run fast! Strike hard! Never quit, Higure!" he announced, and then hurled his Angel towards the Layer, "Angel, Fall in!"
The black and violet Angel passed through the force field, a gold glow surrounding him, and he instantly opened his violet eyes. He straightened up and silently floated to the Layer. He landed, hands in his pockets, face set in a bored gaze.
"Wahooo! Go Saburo!"
"Yeah, yeah! Go, go!"
"You're the coolest!"
Tamiko covered her ears.
"Man, I forgot how loud love-sick girls could cheer," she murmured.
Vesta's Deus, Sana, held up her Angel next.
"Use your power to defeat the foe, Vesta!" she declared and threw her Angel into the Layer, "Angel, fall-in!"
Vesta entered the Layer, glowing, and opened her mahogany eyes. She executed two somersaults before she landed square on the Layer. Her legs were apart, her fists were clenched, and she smiled eagerly at her opponent. Higure didn't respond to the grin, he only frowned.
"And now folk, get ready!" the announcer cried, "Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded and the Angel Stats appeared on the Box Screen above. Vesta wasted no time in attacking. She ran towards Higure at full speed, still smiling. Higure stood stock still, he and his Deus not even tensing.
Kiyoko swallowed. She had a 'bad' feeling about this.
Vesta was only an Angels' arms length away from Higure and drew back her fist. But it was then that Higure smiled at her, a cold smile. He bent backwards at light speed, pressed his hands flat on the Layer, and kicked upward with his right foot. His foot connected with Vesta's chin as he completed his move into a handstand. Vesta's head snapped back and she went flying halfway across the Layer before stopping an inch away from the edge, right in front of her stunned Deus.
Vesta's Damage Gauge immediately dropped to 0. The buzzer rang and the Timer stopped at 9 minutes and 53 seconds. The audience was silent for a minute. Kiyoko and her friends were shocked. As was the announcer. Higure, in one simple move, KO'd an opponent only seven seconds into the match! He was about as fast as Light-Speed Suzuka!
"WOAH! An amazing finish in only six seconds flat!!" the announcer cried, as Higure's picture flashed across the Box Screen, "what a performance! Higure Win!"
Higure and his Deus only smirked as Higure headed for the edge of the Layer. Once there, he flipped out, and into Saburo's waiting hand. Taking off his Angel Goggles, Saburo walked away without even waving to the ecstatic audience. Kiyoko, on the other hand, was gaping at the sight until Tamiko nudged her.
"Kiyoko, we have to go NOW," she pleaded, "otherwise it'll be too late to get our turns."
Kiyoko nodded, took her bag, and followed Tamiko.
"Come back after your matches so you can have lunch with us," Yuri called.
Kiyoko nodded and started to run after Tamiko. But the sight she just saw remained in her mind.
(He beat an opponent in ONE blow?) she thought in disbelief, (and he wants me to face him again? Oh, Dad, I hope we can do this!)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As the two friends entered the Deus' hall, they immediately took notice of all the people that were there. Kids Elementary School grades through High School were all there. Even a few College kids and adults were there. Kiyoko couldn't believe there were this many Deus' participating this year; she could hardly make it through the hallway without bumping into someone.
"Man, I 'knew' we should have gone before the first match," Tamiko complained, "we'll be lucky if we even 'get' to the Entry Counter before the days done."
"Don't worry about it," Kiyoko assured, "we'll make it."
Tamiko turned to her friend.
"Did you practice?" she asked, "I didn't see you at Piffle Princess."
Kiyoko looked down.
"I used Dad's Layer to practice," she said.
Tamiko blinked in surprise.
"I thought you said you don't like using that Layer because of the memories," she implied.
Kiyoko shrugged and gave a sigh.
"For the first couple of days I didn't feel like going to Piffle Princess," she admitted, "I thought 'he' was going to be waiting for me."
Tamiko knew who the 'he' was and nodded.
"Ah, yeah I don't blame you for playing it safe," she assured.
Kiyoko smiled at her friend and took a glance around her. People were either sitting down, walking to places, or standing and talking. Some were dressing up their Angels while others boasted about their strengths and weakness'. Some girls were even putting make-up on their Angels while others brushed their Angels' hair. Kiyoko blinked out of confusion.
(Why are they prettying up their Angels?) she thought, (it's not a beauty contest.)
"There it is."
Kiyoko looked up to where Tamiko indicated. In front of them was a desk built into the wall with computers on the counter and a woman in uniform behind it. Above it, it said: ENTRY COUNTER.
"Let's go then," Kiyoko declared, running over to the desk with Tamiko in tow.
The two reached the counter and the lady turned to them.
"Are you here to apply?" she asked, politely.
Both girls nodded.
"Alright, may I see your cards?" she asked, holding out a hand.
The two girls handed their cards to the lady and she slid them through a card reader that was attached to a big computer, one by one. The girls' info appeared on the screen. After typing something into the computer, the lady handed back their cards, and took out a couple of tickets.
"Okay, you're E-7," the lady said, handing a yellow card to Kiyoko, "and you're E-8." She said, handing another card to Tamiko. "You're both in the 'East' Room, that way," she said, pointing behind her.
"Thank you," both girls said simultaneously, heading in the way she pointed.
After walking down a ways, the two girls found themselves in an average sized room. There were other girls there, with Angels. All of them looked serious. Kiyoko blinked at them all.
(What's up with them?) she wondered, following Tamiko to a seat on the left.
As the girls sat down, Tamiko opened her bag, and took out Youzen.
"So, how are you feeling now?" she asked Kiyoko.
Kiyoko sat down and placed her bag in her lap.
"Kinda nervous," she admitted, undoing her bags' clasp.
"That's natural," Tamiko said, dismissing it with the wave of a hand, "you'll be fine. Just have confidence."
Kiyoko nodded as she reached in her bag and took out Raishinshi. He looked better than ever, all fixed. Icchan had done a good job repairing him. But thinking of the repair brought back bad images of what happened that day. She frowned.
"I'm not sure," she mumbled, "my last fight was bad. 'Very' bad."
Tamiko shook her head.
"But you did good in your previous battles," she said, "and Yukiwa was more experienced than you. That doesn't mean you're a lousy Deus."
Kiyoko sighed.
"I know 'that'," she said, "but....what if Raishinshi gets hurt like that again?"
Tamiko gave her friend a gentle smile. She was about to say something when a woman in uniform came in and called out a number. A girl with short blond hair and dressed in a green school uniform. She was holding an Angel that was in a red and orange uniform. She left, though, before the girls could get a good look at her.
"Another fight," Tamiko commented, "this soon?"
Kiyoko shrugged.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It's time for Battle 5 to get underway!" the announcer cried.
The audience was screaming as the two Deus' seats were raised. One of the Deus' was a young girl around the age of 7. She had waist-length dark hair and deep violet eyes. She wore the Elementary School grade uniform for Eriol Academy. Her Angel was already in the Layer. She was dressed in a black, purple-lined ninja outfit with a 'short' black skirt. A long-sleeved black net shirt was underneath her outfit. She wore fingerless black gloves with a purple rim and knee-high black boots with a purple rim. A big red bow was tied around her waist with bells at the tips. Her dark blue hair was tied up in a red band that had a red cord with a bell hanging down from it; obviously acting as an Angel Cord. Her arms were crossed and her dark blue eyes were focused on the opponent.
The other Angel was standing on the other side of the Layer. She had very short brown hair and with brown eyes. She had a simple two-piece outfit: a red tank top and a short orange skirt that hardly reached her knees. She had on red, knee-high boots and red wristbands to match. An orange Angel Cord is tied to the back of her shirt. She was staring the she-ninja down. Her Deus had short blond hair and an Eriol Academy High School uniform. The same girl Kiyoko and Tamiko had seen in the Waiting Room on the East Side.
"In the East Corner, the Invisible Venus Kobayashi Hatoko and her Angel, Light-Speed Suzuka, ready themselves for their 5th Official Tournament!" the announcer cried, "with this Miracle Girl growing up so fast, it's no wonder she's aced all her fights since three years ago. Win'em while you're young as I always say!"
The little girl only smiled.
"Her opponent, Deus Yamata Yuni and her Angel Robin in the West Corner, are returning regulars to the Layer!" the announcer continued, "how will they fair in a match against the Invincible Venus?"
The audience cheered and the Angels' Stats appeared on the Box Screen.
"Angelic Fight!"
Before Robin could so much as move, Suzuka vanished in a displacement of air. Robin only had time to blink. Suzuka appeared under her, her left hand propping her up, and her left knee bent under her. Her right arm was across her chest as her right leg shot up, and caught Robin under the chin with heel of her boot. Robins' head snapped back and she sailed through the air. She went flying out of the Layer and into the lap of her Deus, who was staring in shock at her Angel.
No one said anything. The buzzer sounded, ending the match. Suzuka stared at the opponent for a second before turning around and walking back to her Deus. Suzuka's picture flashed across the screen as the audience immediately cheered.
"W-Woah! An amazing match! And it was over in only 3 seconds!!" the announcer screamed in amazement, "Light-Speed Suzuka Wins the match!!"
Hatoko merely took off her Angel Goggles and flashed a smile to the audience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Woah! She's amazing!" Kiyoko cried, staring at the TV in the Waiting Room.
She had always known that Kobayashi Hatoko was an all-star Deus and her Angel was one of the fastest in the Layer, but she'd never actually seen them in action, only once at Tamiko's house when she fought against the Champion of the Layer, Hikaru, in an Official Tournament only a year back. Hikaru won, barely.
"Yeah, she IS something isn't she?" Tamiko commented.
Kiyoko only stared at the screen as Hatoko, Suzuka in hand, walked away from the Layer.
(I wonder if I'll get to fight her?) she thought.
"Hey, Kiyoko, look," Tamiko whispered, indicating to the door with her head.
Kiyoko looked up to see the girl that Suzuka defeated come into the room with a long face. She looked like she was about to cry. A girl next to her patted her on the shoulder as she sat down, but the girl was still sadly looking down at her Angel.
Kiyoko's eyelids lowered.
(I guess I'm not the only one who gets upset over a loss,) she thought, frowning herself.
She stared down at her sleeping Angel. She thought about what happened during her first match: she had been so confident and yet she nearly lost because she was afraid for Raishinshi. If her mother, sister, and friends hadn't arrived she would have most likely lost. Her second match, with Venus, she had something to fight for. She wanted to help Tamiko. And after winning, she got ahead of herself. She had beaten a Heavyweight and she thought she could rule the Layer because she thought that Raishinshi was invincible. But then her third match came, against Higure. He dared her to fight him and Kiyoko accepted the dare because she thought, not just that he was a bully, but because she wanted to win. And she became careless and got Raishinshi hurt because of her reckless behavior. She thought she had lost him to Saburo's finishing move. But now he was okay and Kiyoko now had a new perspective on Angelic Layer.
(I don't want to be a bully. I don't want to get Raishinshi hurt anymore. I'm going to take Angelic Layer more seriously now,) she thought to herself, (because if I don't, I'll lose. And I'd be breaking my promise to Dad.)
She looked up as another girl left the room with her Angel.
(I'll be up after her,) Kiyoko thought, nervously.
She turned to Tamiko, who was looking down at Youzen.
"Tamiko?" she said.
"Mm?" Tamiko replied.
Kiyoko looked at Youzen for a moment.
"Were you nervous when you fought with Youzen the first time?" she asked.
Tamiko blinked and looked up at her friend, quizzically.
"Of course I was," she answered, "why wouldn't I have been?"
"How about now?" Kiyoko asked, "are you scared now?"
Tamiko thought a moment.
"I'm not too sure, it depends on the condition of the battle," she stated, then gave her friend a quizzical look, "why?"
Kiyoko frowned.
"I wasn't worried in my first match, but it also didn't cross my mind that Raishinshi would get hurt," she admitted, "thinking back on those moments, I wonder if I should call myself a Deus."
Tamiko shook her head.
"You can't bash yourself over that stuff," she said, "after all, all Deus' get cocky now and then. Even I was like that once, then I lost to another more experienced Deus, and I woke up. Thing is, you can't act too high and mighty all the time, otherwise you'll never win a match."
Kiyoko looked down at Raishinshi.
"Do you think I'll win this time?" she asked, quietly.
Tamiko gave her an encouraging smile.
"As long as you have confidence in Raishinshi and yourself, and believe in the two of you, you can do anything," she said, looking at Youzen.
Kiyoko thought a moment.
(Believe? I guess....,) she thought.
The noise from the TV got her attention. Looking up, she saw that the current match was coming to a close. It showed two Angels fighting: one belonged to the girl who came from this room. She was dressed up like a harlequin, in blue and green colors and frilly pants and sleeves. The second Angel was dressed up in a green and red Chinese styled outfit. She had a boyish haircut and a cat-like tail that ended in a gold ball. He hair was white-green and her eyes were gold. She also had the cutest feature: cat ears on top of her head.
The clown Angel was charging at the cat Angel. She lunged at her with a raised fist. But the cat Angel reacted quickly and grabbed the Angels' incoming fist. She then flipped the hapless Angel over her shoulder and the opponent landed with a loud thud on her back.
(Wow, what a move!) Kiyoko thought.
But the match wasn't over yet. The clown Angel jumped up and leapt into the air. On her descent, she pointed her knees downwards towards the cat Angel. But the cat Angel jumped out of the way at the last minute, letting the clown Angel slam to the Layer. The clown Angel looked up...and received a right spin kick that knocked the rest of her points down to 0. The buzzer sounded.
"Wow!" Kiyoko breathed.
"Wow, what a match! Over in 5 minutes, ladies and gentlemen," the announcers' voice declared over the speakers, "Mao Win!"
The cat Angel waved to the audience as they cheered for her. Tamiko stared at the TV in awe.
"Woah! That's Deus Fujisaki Madoka's Angel!" she gaped, "I didn't know she was participating in 'this' Tournament!"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"Probably the 'special event'," she suggested, "like what Takumi said."
Tamiko nodded. Kiyoko looked back at the TV. She couldn't believe how amazing that fight was. The clown Angels' movements were all used against her. And that Angel, Mao, was a good fighter from what she saw.
(Can I ever be like that?) she wondered.
A few seconds later, the defeated Deus came back, looking bummed out. A lady in uniform was following her.
"E-7, Ms. Yume Kiyoko," she called out, "is E-7, Yume Kiyoko, here?"
Swallowing, Kiyoko stood.
"H-Here," she stuttered, holding Raishinshi close.
The woman turned to her and smiled.
"It's your turn, ma'am," she said.
Kiyoko nodded and swallowed once again. She was jittery all over. Could she do this?
"Good luck Kiyoko," Tamiko said, smiling.
Kiyoko turned to her friend and smiled, shakily, back.
"Thanks," she said, turning to go, "I'm gonna need it."
"You'll be fine," Tamiko called after her, "just have confidence!"
Kiyoko nodded and walked out of the room. She began to head down the pink hallway, staring at Raishinshi. She couldn't calm herself down, her heart was beating like nuts. She tried to remember what her Mom and Tamiko said. She had to stay confident. She stared down at Raishinshi and set a determined face.
(I have to keep my cool,) she told herself, (I 'can' do this. I did it twice before, so I can do it again."
She looked up at the ceiling and then in front of her. The stadium was only a few steps away. She looked down at Raishinshi again.
"Let's try our hardest, Raishinshi," she told him.
He said nothing, but for a second, she could have sworn he was smiling.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back in the stadium, everyone was waiting for the next match to begin. Ken was the most impatient person in the audience.
"Man! How much longer until Kiyoko and Tamiko's matches!" Ken wailed.
Takumi gave his friend his famous 'oh brother' look.
"They went to sign up late," he pointed out, so maybe their matches are the last ones."
Ken face-faulted on the seat in front of him. Yuri gave her brother a smile.
"Do you think Kiyoko can win her matches?" she asked.
Takumi shrugged.
"It all depends on Kiyoko," he said, bluntly.
Suddenly, the announcer's seat moved closer to the Layer, and the two little Angel girls that issued each match came forward and held up a sign that read, 'Battle 7.'
"Alrighty folks, Battle 7 is coming up!" the announcer declared.
Yuri looked down at the Layer circle and smiled.
"Look!" she cried, pointing, "it's Kiyoko!"
Ken and Takumi looked to where she was pointing. Sure enough, from the East side door came Kiyoko, holding Raishinshi close to her chest. Another girl came from the West side door. She had brown hair that was put up in a ponytail and a solid green High School uniform. From where Kiyoko was, all she could make out of the Angel was that she was in a skin-tight, blue bodysuit and had a blue tail with a pink band around the tip attached to the bottom of her outfit.
(Must be her Angel Cord,) Kiyoko guessed.
"In the East Corner," the announcer began, "another newbie, Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi!"
Kiyoko slid into the Angel Chair in front of her. The audience didn't really cheer much, she was a new Deus after all. Ignoring this, Kiyoko placed Raishinshi on her lap, took the Angel Goggles, and put them on. She picked up Raishinshi and turned to her opponent.
"And in the West Corner," the announcer continued, pointing at the girl in green uniform, "a returning regular to the Layer! Deus Hiromi Sayaka and her Angel, the quick-footed fighter, Shadow Panther!"
The audience cheered as the other girl took her seat and placed her Goggles on. In the back of the stadium, near the entry door, a boy with a long, dark ponytail, purple jacket, and blue jeans was leaning against the wall. Saburo watched the Layer expectantly.
(Hope you improved, newbie,) he thought, looking at Kiyoko, ('cause I'm not going to settle for anything less than good.)
The opponent Deus, Sayaka, turned on her Angel Goggles. Kiyoko quickly did the same.
"Middle School Deus, Yume Kiyoko, is new to the Layer, making this her first Official Tournament!" the announcer stated, "let's see how our next newbie fares in her first Tournament Match!"
Kiyoko swallowed. Back in the East Corner waiting room, Tamiko smiled at her friend in the TV screen.
(Cool it, Kiyoko,) she thought, (just relax and you'll do fine.)
Back in the stands, Ken was howling.
"Go, Kiyoko!" he cried, Takumi and Yuri 'trying' to ignore him.
"Entry Angel!"
The buzzer sounded, the stats filled out, and the force field flashed into place. The two Angel Chairs were raised to become even with the Layer. Kiyoko looked around her at the expecting audience. They were all waiting for her. She stared down at Raishinshi. He was resting in her arms.
(Here we go, Raishinshi,) she thought, closing her eyes. She held Raishinshi up a bit.
"Never give up!" she cried, then opened her eyes and raised Raishinshi over her head with both hands, "Justice is on our side!" She drew her right arm back, her right hand gripping her Angel. "Raishinshi!" she finished, throwing her Angel towards the Layer.
He sailed towards the force field, eyes closed, violet Angel Cords whipping around behind him. He slid through the force field and was surrounded by a golden glow. His eyes opened wide and he spread his arms and legs, causing the golden glow to vanish.
"Angel, Fall in!" Kiyoko concluded.
He tucked his knees up to his chest and moved his outstretched arms behind him, fists clenched. He descended towards the Layer at a high speed. When he was only a foot away from the surface, he front flipped into a crouch. In one fluid movement, he straightened up, bent his knees, and raised his arms into a boxing position. His brown- orange eyes staring down his opponent.
Raishinshi had entered the Layer.
"WOW! Go, Kiyoko!" Ken cried, while Yuri merely clapped.
"Much better landing," Takumi stated.
Kiyoko's opponent glanced down at her Angel.
"Slash through the darkness, Shadow Panther!" she cried, then drew back her arm, and threw her Angel towards the Layer, "Angel, Fall in!"
Shadow Panther spun towards the Layer. Upon entering, she briefly glowed, and executed an array of complex twists onto the Layer, twists that made Kiyoko's head spin. She landed on her feet with her cattail wrapped around her legs. She had her right arm crossed over her chest and it was holding up her left arm that was raised to her face, he finger to her lips. Her left shoulder was turned to Raishinshi.
Kiyoko now had a good look at the Angel. She was dressed in a skin-tight blue suit with built in high-heeled boots and large, pointed pink shoulder pads. She wore blue gloves that reached the middle of her upper arm and her bodysuit was open around her chest, exposing her breasts slightly. That surprised Kiyoko. The bodysuit even covered her neck and half of her face. A pink visor was over her eyes and blue, pink in-lined cat ears were on top of her head. Her nose and mouth were the only parts of her face that showed.
(Wonder how she fights?) Kiyoko wondered.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As this was taking place, the Computer Room was currently recording and showing the match. Icchan watched the screen intently with Ogata by his side.
"How do you think she'll fair against Shadow Panther, Chief?" Ogata asked, using his handkerchief to wipe away any remains of banana in his ears, "after all, Shadow Panther is tough, she got all the way to the Kantou Prelims one year."
Icchan rubbed his chin.
"If Kiyoko stays focused, she can do it," he said, zooming the screen in on Kiyoko, "all she has to do is....."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ready?!" the announcer called.
The audience cheered and both Deus' focused on the Layer.
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded, beginning the match,.....and Shadow Panther wasted no time attacking. She ran at Raishinshi with amazing speed. Raishinshi tensed as she got closer. Shadow Panther drew back her right arm, flattened out her hand, and jabbed it forward, aiming at Raishinshi's face. But, at the last minute, Raishinshi ducked the blow. He then shot up, his right fist slugging Shadow Panther under the chin. With a silent cry, Shadow Panther fell back a ways, her Damage Gauge dropped to 90%. The crowd cheered, Ken the loudest.
"And there it is, Raishinshi issues the first blow!" the announcer cried.
Kiyoko couldn't help but smile a bit. She struck first in an Official Tournament Match!
Shadow Panther regained her balance and charged again. Raishinshi once again got into a stance. Shadow Panther threw a right punch again this time. Raishinshi ducked and ran to the left. Shadow Panther spun at him with a right spin kick. Once again Raishinshi ducked and ran behind her. Shadow Panther spun around and whipped her left hand around in a karate chop. Raishinshi jumped away from it. Both Shadow Panther and her Deus grit their teeth in annoyance. Shadow Panther darted forward and tried to jump kick the male Angel. But Raishinshi back flipped away before it connected. Away from the Layer, Saburo frowned.
(She's had a lot of chances to counter and she blew them all,) he thought, (pathetic.)
"C'mon Kiyoko, counter!" Ken cried.
Takumi rubbed his chin as Raishinshi backed away from a right spin kick.
(Is Kiyoko still afraid of letting Raishinshi get hurt?) he wondered, (because she missed four chances to counter attack.)
As her friends wondered about her, Kiyoko was gazing steadily at the Layer. She knew she had to attack, but Shadow Panther was moving too fast. Kiyoko, still carrying emotional baggage of her fight with Higure, was afraid a counter would leave Raishinshi open to attack.
(If only I could catch her off guard,) she thought.
Raishinshi ducked yet another hand jab from Shadow Panther. The blue Angel was getting madder and tried to hand jab again. Raishinshi ducked. It was then that Kiyoko chose to counter.
(Now!) she cried, mentally.
Raishinshi, staying low, moved forward a step, and jump kicked his opponent in the face. Shadow Panther fell to the Layer, her Damage dropping another ten points. She jumped up and darted at Raishinshi who had just landed. She quickly spun around and delivered a left roundhouse kick to the right side of Raishinshi's face. The purple-clad Angel fell on his side, clenching his teeth. His Damage Gauge dropped to 80%.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
"Oh, man! And Raishinshi was doing so well!" the announcer cried, as the crowd cheered at the hit, "but it's hard to stay away from Shadow Panther for long. She fights like a wildcat when in the Layer! But one must admit, Raishinshi 'is' giving her a good fight!"
Shadow Panther smiled at the crowd and stood before Raishinshi, hands on her hips. Kiyoko grit her teeth.
(This fight isn't over yet,) she told herself and her Angel, (stand up, Raishinshi.)
Raishinshi rolled over and stood up. He faced the grinning girl Angel with a steady look. The timer hit 8 minutes. The moment it did, Shadow Panther charged at Raishinshi, hands pointed. Raishinshi put up a boxing guard. Shadow Panthers' right hand shot at his face. He ducked. She jabbed with her left hand. Once again, Raishinshi ducked. He then threw a fast right jab to her jaw. It struck and Shadow Panther fell back. Raishinshi lunged forward and did a left hook. It hit Shadow Panther, but she rebounded with a right spin kick that caught Raishinshi across the waist. This made him stumble to his knee and gave Shadow Panther time to charge again.
Raishinshi looked up to see a fist land across the right side of his face. He didn't get a chance to block as the blue cat Angel threw three more jabs to his face before sending him flying with a right hook. He crashed to the Layer, hurting. He attempted to get up, but Shadow Panther ran forward, and kicked him across the face. With a silent cry, he skidded closer to the edge of the Layer.
"Oh man, oh man, oh man!!" Ken screamed, holding his head, "Raishinshi getting clobbered all over again!"
Takumi leaned forward, tensely.
"Shadow Panther isn't giving Raishinshi enough time to recover," he stated, "and she's moving 'way' too fast. It's no wonder it was hard for Kiyoko to have Raishinshi counter: Shadow Panther moves to swiftly for an effective counter."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back in the Computer Room, Ogata was watching pensively.
"Things don't look too good for Raishinshi do they?" he asked, as Raishinshi got shakily to his feet.
Icchan watched Shadow Panther run at the purple Angel with an unreadable expression.
"Shadow Panther is the most agile Angel in the Layer, aside from Suzuka," he explained, "Raishinshi can't move fast enough to keep up with her, that's for sure."
Ogata winced as Shadow Panther gave Raishinshi a left uppercut.
"But, isn't there any way for her to win without attaining too much damage?" Ogata asked, checking Raishinshi's Damage Gauge,
Icchan thought a moment.
"Only one way," he said, giving the frowning Kiyoko a smile, "and it's right in front of you Kiyoko. Look closely and you'll see it."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko was more than panicked. Raishinshi was attaining damage to his face, chest and waist, not to mention his Damage Gauge was at 50%. He was fading fast. The timer was already at 5 minutes and she hardly landed any blows on Shadow Panther, who was currently at only 75% health. She was standing before Raishinshi, smiling with triumph.
(What can I do?) Kiyoko thought, desperately, (what can I do to help Raishinshi? Shadow Panther runs too fast for Raishinshi to keep up with her. I can hardly block her attacks, much less dodge them.) Shadow Panther came at Raishinshi again. (What do I do?!)
In that instant, a memory hit her. Not to long ago, on the waiting TV, she witnessed a cat-like Angel called Mao fight with another Angel. She fought in a way that used her opponents' power and speed against her. Kiyoko's eyes widened.
(That's it!) she thought.
Raishinshi relaxed and waited for Shadow Panther to get closer.
"Dodge, Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried from the waiting room.
Shadow Panther thrust her hand out at Raishinshi's chest. But the Raishinshi was ready. He quickly reached out and grabbed Shadow Panthers' incoming hand. He then flipped the shocked Angel over his shoulder and she landed with a loud thud on her back. Her Damage dropped 5 points. Sayaka blinked in surprise. The audience cheered. Ken and Yuri smiled at the comeback move.
(It worked!) Kiyoko thought, smiling. She found her strategy.
Shadow Panther leapt up and forward kicked at Raishinshi with her left leg. Raishinshi quickly grabbed her ankle and twisted the blue cat Angels' leg around, making her fall on her stomach. Raishinshi then jumped up, still holding Shadow Panthers' ankle, and flipped over, his booted feet coming down on Shadow Panthers' back. She gasped silently and her Damage dropped down to 50%.
"Woah! What a move!" the announcer cried, "Raishinshi is showing that he won't give up without a good fight!"
"That was the move Mao used....." Tamiko murmured, staring at her friend on the screen.
".....And the move Higure used on her," Takumi finished from the stands.
In the Computer Room, Icchan smiled. In back of the stadium, Saburo raised an eyebrow.
Shadow Panther got up the minute Raishinshi stepped off her. She raised her right fist and tried to punch him, but he merely caught her wrist, and flung her away. She stumbled to her knee and then straightened. She turned and ran for Raishinshi, but leapt into the air when she was halfway there. She tucked in her right leg and, upon coming down, she swung her left leg in an aerial roundhouse kick. Raishinshi ducked.
"Watch out!" Tamiko cried, recognizing the tactic.
But Kiyoko had seen Shadow Panther tuck her right leg in and suspected something. Shadow Panthers' back was to Raishinshi, but her Deus could still see, and she thrust her right leg backwards, aiming for Raishinshi's face. But, since Kiyoko anticipated something like this, she had Raishinshi side step and side kicked Shadow Panther in the back. She fell forward, but rebounded in a handstand. She then landed and kicked Raishinshi across the face, sending him closer to the edge of the Layer. He was only six inches away.
(Raishinshi, hold on!) Kiyoko called to her Angel.
"C'mon Kiyoko, knock her out!" Ken cried.
"Have confidence!" Yuri called.
Takumi, Icchan, Tamiko, and Saburo were all watching eagerly.
Shadow Panther charged as Raishinshi stood. He waited for her.
(If this goes the way I plan it,) Kiyoko thought, (we might be able to win. But, if it doesn't work, Raishinshi will definitely lose.)
Shadow Panther was coming closer, right fist drawn back. Kiyoko narrowed her eyes in determination.
(He can do it,) she told herself, (Raishinshi can do it if I just believe in him. And I do!)
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
Shadow Panther was on him. She punched forward. But Raishinshi was ready. He jumped up into the air, drawing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them, Raishinshi flipped over Shadow Panther. Time seemed to slow down: Shadow Panther turned to face him in shock as he came out of his flip. His hands landed flat on the Layer. Time seemed to resume as Raishinshi spread his legs and moved his hands rapidly in a circle. His spinning feet connected with Shadow Panthers' face and sent her flying backwards.....right out of the Layer.
Sayaka gasped. Tamiko, Ken, and Icchan broke out into smiles. Shadow Panther landed on the floor with a small click. The audience was silent. The buzzer sounded and the timer stopped at 1 minute. Yuri began to clap.
"Raishinshi Win!" the announcer cried.
The audience cheered as Raishinshi's picture flashed across the box screen. Saburo blinked.
(She used Shadow Panthers' movement against her,) he thought, (nice strategy. But this is only her first match. It's nothing to get excited about.)
Back at the Layer, Kiyoko took off her Goggles and ran over to Raishinshi. Shadow Panther and her Deus were already gone, but Kiyoko didn't pay much attention. She took her Angel and turned to the crowd. She waved in the direction her friends sat. They waved back with Ken screaming cheers.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Up in the balcony of the stadium, a group of girls were gathered. They had witnessed the whole fight and were now commenting on it.
"Not a bad for a beginner Deus," a girl with black hair stated.
"She was a little sloppy with him," a short girl remarked.
"Even so, that was a great finish," a girl with glasses responded.
"I thought she was great," a small girl with brown hair said, the same girl who had watched Kiyoko's battle with Higure.
"I'm not saying she wasn't," the short girl said, "but she nearly got her Angel knocked out of the Layer twice."
"That's only normal for beginners," a tall girl explained, "but she 'did' come through at the end."
"And she finally mastered that move!" a girl in a frilly dress cried with joy, "I'm so proud of her."
A little girl, who was the youngest there, looked over at Kiyoko, and smiled.
"I can tell that she loves her Angel very much, just like she loves Angelic Layer," she said, softly, "I can't wait for our match."
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
Saburo stared at Kiyoko a bit more before heading back to the waiting area.
*....hakanai hoshi zora*
Kiyoko waved at the cheering audience and then looked down at her brave Angel.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni....*
"Thank you, Raishinshi," she whispered to him, and gave him a small hug.
*....negai o kakeru kara*
Raishinshi, eyes still open, smiled.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WAS THAT COOL OR WHAT?!! "Ahem" Anyway, that's Kiyoko's first match and boy was it exciting for me to write! I was doing it while I was listening to the song, 'Watch Me Shine'. That's also the song to an Angelic Layer Music Video. It's SOOOO cool! Anyway, next time, Tamiko's match is next, and she has to fight the same bully that teased her at Piffle Princess. How will this turn out? You've got to wait and see! Please Read and review me. No flames please.
Disclaimer: Hi, I'm back! I'm sorry for the harsh fight and the MAJOR emphasis on
over-confidence; I just hated it when Misaki's opponents would smile that
cocky smile, and THEY were the ones who wound up losing. I said my
feelings through Saburo. Anyway, in this chappie, Kiyoko enters the
Tournament with Tamiko. Will she make it past the first fight? I don't own
Angelic Layer, or any of its original characters. I 'do' own Kiyoko Yume,
Angel Raishinshi, Kiyoko's friends and family, Tamiko, Angel Youzen,
Saburo, and Angel Higure. Read away!
Battle 6: "Raishinshi Descends to the Layer!"
Fireworks exploded in the air, and it wasn't even nighttime. A herd of people, half of them were children, were heading into a giant dome-like stadium with flags on top. Signs were posted along the building. Each said, 'Angelic Layer' in red letters against a purple background. All of the people were either Deus' or the parents of Deus', all coming to enter the games this year. And with the 'special event', everyone was double excited, especially a group of five Middle School kids who were currently bobbing and weaving through the crowd.
"C'mon you guys!"
"Ken, wait UP!"
"Ow, sorry sir!"
"Ken, Kiyoko, Tamiko, WAIT!"
"Wait for me!"
Ken led the party as they headed through the crowds. Kiyoko was only a few feet behind him with Tamiko behind her, bumping into anyone in front of her. Takumi and Yuri were behind them all, panting. They finally reached the entrance and glanced up at the posted sign above the large doorway.
"WELCOME TO THE ANGELIC LAYER OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT!"
"Alright, we're here!" Ken cheered.
Yuri looked around at the groups of people that were gathered around the door area.
"There sure are a lot of people here," she said, "more than the usual."
Takumi looked around as well.
"It's the 'special event'," he stated, "it's got everybody interested."
Tamiko looked back up at the sign.
"They sure seem to be making a big deal out of it," she stated, then glanced at he friend, "don't you think?"
Kiyoko didn't say anything as she looked up at the sign. Her eyelids lowered as she remembered the events that took place four days ago, on Thursday. It was right after the fight she had with Saburo.....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko had been walking aimlessly through Piffle Princess without a thought about where she was going. After Saburo had left, she had bolted from the others, and was now wandering down an unknown hallway. She didn't care, however. All she could do was look down at her hurt Angel in sorrow. Raishinshi lay limp in her hands, still damaged from the last fight. She hardly noticed when a man in a white lab coat came out of a doorway and walked carefully over to the drifting girl.
"So, how did it feel to lose your first match?" Icchan asked, quietly.
Kiyoko whirled on him and for a second Icchan thought that he made her mad. But one look at her face would prove otherwise. Instead of anger, there was sadness and guilt stamped on her face and tears in her eyes.
"It hurts!" she cried, sadly, "I let Raishinshi get hurt! I was reckless! I didn't take Yukiwa Saburo seriously and I lost!"
Almost immediately, she began to cry. Icchan frowned and walked over to her.
"You didn't know that he was that strong," he assured, "hardly anyone wins against him and Higure, anyway."
Kiyoko looked up at him, eyes and nose red.
"But this whole match was my fault! He was right," she said, sniffling, "I 'am' a loser."
Icchan furrowed his brow.
"No, you're not," he objected.
"Yes, I am," Kiyoko wailed, "I shouldn't have made Raishinshi attack that way. It's my fault he's hurt!"
Icchan smiled, gently.
"You most certainly 'aren't' a loser, you just got ahead of yourself, that's all," he told her, "all Deus' are like that when they start out: they think they can win them all. The trick is not letting losing get you down. Sure, it hurts, but you 'did' learn something from it, didn't you?"
Kiyoko blinked and sniffed.
"Don't get cocky?" she guessed.
"Ding! Ding! Ding! Correct!" Icchan applauded, "a lot of Deus' have that problem, I don't want to see you become one of them."
Kiyoko wiped away her tears, though her face was still red.
"I guess," she admitted, then hung her head, "but the worst thing is what Saburo said."
Icchan raised an eyebrow.
"He said......."
*Flashback*
" '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.' "
*Flashback End*
"He was saying that I didn't mean the promise I made to Dad," Kiyoko said, frowning, "but I 'did' mean what I said, I 'am' going to make it, only...."
"Only, what?" Icchan asked, leaning close.
"Only I don't know if we 'can' fight him again," Kiyoko sighed, staring at Raishinshi's closed eyes.
Icchan gave a soft sigh.
"We'll worry about that bridge when we come to it," he said, and extended a hand, "but right now, I'd better fix Raishinshi."
Kiyoko looked up and then back at her Angel.
"Does Raishinshi hate me?" she asked, timidly.
Icchan chuckled.
"Don't worry," he said, "he doesn't. Angels and Deus', they say, after a while, develop a bond." Kiyoko looked up in surprise. "He understands."
Kiyoko nodded and handed her Angel to Icchan, who started to fish around in his pockets for his tools. He looked at Kiyoko for a second before he pulled them out. Kiyoko, on the other hand, was looking up at the ceiling, deep in thought.
(Don't worry Daddy,) she thought, (I'll keep my promise.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback End++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Kiyoko?"
Kiyoko blinked and turned to Tamiko who was staring at her in concern.
"Huh?' she asked.
"You were spacing out again, huh?" Tamiko asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, sorry about that," she apologized, "are we going in?"
"Yep."
With that, the five friends made their way through the crowded foyer, and squeezed into the lobby. It was just as crowded as the foyer, with hardly any room to move around.
"Sheesh! How're we ever gonna MOVE in this place?!" Ken cried, bumping into someone.
Kiyoko squeezed by a couple people.
"I dunno," she admitted, "maybe once we get to the Stadium we'll have more space!"
"I, ugh, hope so," Takumi said, bumping into someone.
It took a while, but the group finally entered the stadium. Rows of seats were set all around the stadium. A balcony also made it around the building, for spectators who wanted better views. In the center of the stadium was the Layer, a giant white table, much more larger than the ones at Piffle Princess. On the left and right sides there was an Angel Chair with people inspecting the lifters on each chair and the Angel Goggles. Above the Layer was the Box Screen where video footage, the Fight Timer, and the Angels' Stats were displayed. A bunch of lights hung beneath it. People were already in the seats closest to the Layer. By the time the five kids got there, the middle was the next best place to sit.
"This way!" Ken called, running to the row in the middle.
"Well, duh," Tamiko said, following him.
The group slid into the aisle and took their seats. More people continued to pile into seats behind them. It was almost time to start. Once settled, Tamiko turned to her friend.
"So, you nervous?" she asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Oh yeah," she admitted, "very much so, but I won't let it stop me."
"That a girl," Tamiko grinned, "just stay focused and you'll be fine."
Kiyoko nodded. Takumi turned to her.
"Have you given your Entry any modifications?" he asked, "I mean, 'Let's Go!' isn't very original."
Kiyoko rubbed her chin.
"Yeah, I was thinking about that," she murmured.
Ken shrugged.
"Who cares?" he asked, bored, "just say something cool."
Yuri looked at him.
"You've got to think about the Entry carefully," she said, sternly, "after all, it lets the opponent know your talent and fight style."
"In that case," Tamiko grinned, thinking of her own Entry, "you've gotta say something 'Raishinshi' related, Kiyoko."
Kiyoko nodded and reached into her pocket. After tugging a bit, she pulled out a folded piece of white, lined paper. She opened it up and looked at it. The others looked as well. To their surprise, it was filled with Entry lines.
"Woah! You sure gave this a lot of thought," Tamiko commented, "that's over 20 different Entry lines!"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"I came up with so many," she said, eyes skimming the page, "I didn't know which one to pick at the time."
"And you do now?" Yuri asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, I looked them all over three times now, and I've decided to mix them up," she stated.
"Mix them up?" Ken echoed, "whazzat?"
"I was thinking of using this one," she said, pointing to a phrase near the top of the page, "and the last part of this one." she pointed at one near the bottom.
Takumi leaned close and read the first one aloud.
" 'Never Give Up'... " he read.
" '...Justice is on Our Side,' " Yuri finished the last one, and smiled, "that sounds great!"
"Sounds 'very' 'Raishinshi' related," Tamiko agreed.
"I've got to admit, it fits," Takumi said with a nod.
Everyone turned to Ken. He shrugged, but smiled. Kiyoko smiled back. Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the Box Screen lit up. Colorful images played on it as the last few people came in.
"It's starting," Kiyoko whispered, her excitement growing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ogata?" Icchan called as he entered the Control Room.
The dark-haired assistant pushed his seat back from his computer.
"I'm here, what is it Chief?" he asked.
Icchan went over to him and stole a glance at his computer.
"I DO hope that you're getting ready to record the matches I issued you," he said, sounding casual, "you are," An evil twinkle entered his eye. "...aren't you?"
Ogata quickly nodded.
"Y-Yes sir," he confirmed, but then frowned, "are you sure you just want Data on Raishinshi? After all, I hear Angels like Suzuka and Higure are...."
"I ONLY want data on Raishinshi," Icchan stated, "is that too much to ask?"
Ogata shrank back in his chair.
"Uh, well....." Ogata trailed off, "it's just that that girl lost her last match terribly I heard. Why would you want Data from her Angel?"
Icchan frowned at his assistant.
" 'Anyone' could have lost a match against Higure," he stated, firmly.
Ogata still stared at his screen, puzzled. On it was a headshot of Kiyoko and a full shot of Raishinshi. A list of information trailed down between them.
"I know, but she hardly put up a fight," he stated, being honest, "I'm not saying she can't fight, but I'm surprised she even 'wants' to play Angelic Layer after 'that' experience."
Icchan's expression was unreadable as he gazed up at the Visual Screen. It showed what was happening in the Layer. It was almost time to start the games. He stared at the Layer and smiled, softly.
"She has promises to keep," he said, bluntly.
Ogata raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked back at his computer.
"But why her Angel? What makes Raishinshi so special that you want data on him 'only'?" he asked, staring at Raishinshi's picture.
"Guess," was Icchan's only reply.
Ogata blinked, stared and the computer screen, and frowned.
"Ummm.....well, to me he doesn't seem that special. He's a regular model with a regular emphasis; what would make him the Chiefs' favorite?" Ogata pondered, rubbing his chin. He suddenly brightened and snapped his fingers. "I got it! Chief Mihara likes his outfit!"
Icchan rolled his eyes behind his glasses.
"Wrong! And for your 'Penalty Game'....." Icchan smirked and whipped out a couple bananas from his pockets, "...you have to stick these bananas in your ears for 20 minutes!"
Ogata gasped and started to run away, crying, while Icchan ran after him, bananas held high. The Visual Screen went unnoticed as the Box Screen stopped its colorful display and all lights fell on the Layer. The Tournament was starting.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All lights fell onto the Layer as the speakers screeched on. From the upper corner of the stadium, a chair lowered down to the Layer-side with the help of a crane. Sitting in it was a man in a black suit with spikey blond hair, dark shades, and a microphone.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen to this years Angelic Layer Official Tournament!" the announcer cried, receiving a roar from the audience, "I hope you're all ready for this years' BIG games!"
The audience cheered as the Layer table lit up. Kiyoko sucked in a breath.
(It's almost time,) she told herself.
"All the Deus' in Tokyo have come today to prove themselves in the big games this year!" the announcer continued, "who will advance to the next stage? Will it be a reigning Champ? Or something unexpected?!"
The cheers and clapping that followed that followed slowly subsided. In the meantime, Tamiko gathered her bag, and nudged Kiyoko.
"We'd better go sign up," she whispered, "c'mon Kiyoko."
But Kiyoko was still watching the Layer.
(My Dad came here and fought two years ago with 'his' Angel,) she thought, remembering the matches he won, (he got through all his matches without any trouble. Will...will I be the same?) She then frowned. (Or will I lose like I did with Saburo?)
A noise filled her ears. A buzzer. A match was about to start. Looking up she saw two people heading for the Layer. One was a girl in a gray and white High School uniform with long, dark hair. She was carrying an Angel dressed in red and tan with short, mahogany hair.
"Hey!" Kiyoko cried in recognition, "that's Vesta and her Deus!"
The others looked as well.
"I guess she signed up too," Takumi implied.
"In the West Corner," the announcer called over the mike, "a new face enters the Layer. Please welcome Deus Hirori Sana and Angel Vesta!"
The crowd cheered as Kiyoko leaned forward to get a better look at the other Deus. It was a boy. He wore a black shirt under a dark purple jacket and blue jeans. It was hard to see his face.
"And in the East Corner," the announcer continued, "a returning Star-Deus for two years! All the way from Northern Tokyo, please welcome back the Speed King Yukiwa Saburo and his Angel, the Flying Shadow, Higure!"
"WHA??!!!" Kiyoko cried.
Sure enough, it was Saburo. As the audience continued to scream and cheer, the girls especially, Saburo and his opponent took their seats in the Angel Chairs, placed on the Angel Goggles, and turned them on.
"What the-?" Ken stammered, "he's got the first match!?? Ooooh, that guy!"
Takumi rolled his eyes. Kiyoko's eyes, on the other hand, were now glued to the Layer, watching Saburo.
"Let's see how the newbie Vesta fares against the split-second striker Higure!" the announcer cried, "Entry Angel!"
The minute the Layers' force field shimmered into place, Saburo held out Higure, and looked down at him.
"Run fast! Strike hard! Never quit, Higure!" he announced, and then hurled his Angel towards the Layer, "Angel, Fall in!"
The black and violet Angel passed through the force field, a gold glow surrounding him, and he instantly opened his violet eyes. He straightened up and silently floated to the Layer. He landed, hands in his pockets, face set in a bored gaze.
"Wahooo! Go Saburo!"
"Yeah, yeah! Go, go!"
"You're the coolest!"
Tamiko covered her ears.
"Man, I forgot how loud love-sick girls could cheer," she murmured.
Vesta's Deus, Sana, held up her Angel next.
"Use your power to defeat the foe, Vesta!" she declared and threw her Angel into the Layer, "Angel, fall-in!"
Vesta entered the Layer, glowing, and opened her mahogany eyes. She executed two somersaults before she landed square on the Layer. Her legs were apart, her fists were clenched, and she smiled eagerly at her opponent. Higure didn't respond to the grin, he only frowned.
"And now folk, get ready!" the announcer cried, "Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded and the Angel Stats appeared on the Box Screen above. Vesta wasted no time in attacking. She ran towards Higure at full speed, still smiling. Higure stood stock still, he and his Deus not even tensing.
Kiyoko swallowed. She had a 'bad' feeling about this.
Vesta was only an Angels' arms length away from Higure and drew back her fist. But it was then that Higure smiled at her, a cold smile. He bent backwards at light speed, pressed his hands flat on the Layer, and kicked upward with his right foot. His foot connected with Vesta's chin as he completed his move into a handstand. Vesta's head snapped back and she went flying halfway across the Layer before stopping an inch away from the edge, right in front of her stunned Deus.
Vesta's Damage Gauge immediately dropped to 0. The buzzer rang and the Timer stopped at 9 minutes and 53 seconds. The audience was silent for a minute. Kiyoko and her friends were shocked. As was the announcer. Higure, in one simple move, KO'd an opponent only seven seconds into the match! He was about as fast as Light-Speed Suzuka!
"WOAH! An amazing finish in only six seconds flat!!" the announcer cried, as Higure's picture flashed across the Box Screen, "what a performance! Higure Win!"
Higure and his Deus only smirked as Higure headed for the edge of the Layer. Once there, he flipped out, and into Saburo's waiting hand. Taking off his Angel Goggles, Saburo walked away without even waving to the ecstatic audience. Kiyoko, on the other hand, was gaping at the sight until Tamiko nudged her.
"Kiyoko, we have to go NOW," she pleaded, "otherwise it'll be too late to get our turns."
Kiyoko nodded, took her bag, and followed Tamiko.
"Come back after your matches so you can have lunch with us," Yuri called.
Kiyoko nodded and started to run after Tamiko. But the sight she just saw remained in her mind.
(He beat an opponent in ONE blow?) she thought in disbelief, (and he wants me to face him again? Oh, Dad, I hope we can do this!)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As the two friends entered the Deus' hall, they immediately took notice of all the people that were there. Kids Elementary School grades through High School were all there. Even a few College kids and adults were there. Kiyoko couldn't believe there were this many Deus' participating this year; she could hardly make it through the hallway without bumping into someone.
"Man, I 'knew' we should have gone before the first match," Tamiko complained, "we'll be lucky if we even 'get' to the Entry Counter before the days done."
"Don't worry about it," Kiyoko assured, "we'll make it."
Tamiko turned to her friend.
"Did you practice?" she asked, "I didn't see you at Piffle Princess."
Kiyoko looked down.
"I used Dad's Layer to practice," she said.
Tamiko blinked in surprise.
"I thought you said you don't like using that Layer because of the memories," she implied.
Kiyoko shrugged and gave a sigh.
"For the first couple of days I didn't feel like going to Piffle Princess," she admitted, "I thought 'he' was going to be waiting for me."
Tamiko knew who the 'he' was and nodded.
"Ah, yeah I don't blame you for playing it safe," she assured.
Kiyoko smiled at her friend and took a glance around her. People were either sitting down, walking to places, or standing and talking. Some were dressing up their Angels while others boasted about their strengths and weakness'. Some girls were even putting make-up on their Angels while others brushed their Angels' hair. Kiyoko blinked out of confusion.
(Why are they prettying up their Angels?) she thought, (it's not a beauty contest.)
"There it is."
Kiyoko looked up to where Tamiko indicated. In front of them was a desk built into the wall with computers on the counter and a woman in uniform behind it. Above it, it said: ENTRY COUNTER.
"Let's go then," Kiyoko declared, running over to the desk with Tamiko in tow.
The two reached the counter and the lady turned to them.
"Are you here to apply?" she asked, politely.
Both girls nodded.
"Alright, may I see your cards?" she asked, holding out a hand.
The two girls handed their cards to the lady and she slid them through a card reader that was attached to a big computer, one by one. The girls' info appeared on the screen. After typing something into the computer, the lady handed back their cards, and took out a couple of tickets.
"Okay, you're E-7," the lady said, handing a yellow card to Kiyoko, "and you're E-8." She said, handing another card to Tamiko. "You're both in the 'East' Room, that way," she said, pointing behind her.
"Thank you," both girls said simultaneously, heading in the way she pointed.
After walking down a ways, the two girls found themselves in an average sized room. There were other girls there, with Angels. All of them looked serious. Kiyoko blinked at them all.
(What's up with them?) she wondered, following Tamiko to a seat on the left.
As the girls sat down, Tamiko opened her bag, and took out Youzen.
"So, how are you feeling now?" she asked Kiyoko.
Kiyoko sat down and placed her bag in her lap.
"Kinda nervous," she admitted, undoing her bags' clasp.
"That's natural," Tamiko said, dismissing it with the wave of a hand, "you'll be fine. Just have confidence."
Kiyoko nodded as she reached in her bag and took out Raishinshi. He looked better than ever, all fixed. Icchan had done a good job repairing him. But thinking of the repair brought back bad images of what happened that day. She frowned.
"I'm not sure," she mumbled, "my last fight was bad. 'Very' bad."
Tamiko shook her head.
"But you did good in your previous battles," she said, "and Yukiwa was more experienced than you. That doesn't mean you're a lousy Deus."
Kiyoko sighed.
"I know 'that'," she said, "but....what if Raishinshi gets hurt like that again?"
Tamiko gave her friend a gentle smile. She was about to say something when a woman in uniform came in and called out a number. A girl with short blond hair and dressed in a green school uniform. She was holding an Angel that was in a red and orange uniform. She left, though, before the girls could get a good look at her.
"Another fight," Tamiko commented, "this soon?"
Kiyoko shrugged.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It's time for Battle 5 to get underway!" the announcer cried.
The audience was screaming as the two Deus' seats were raised. One of the Deus' was a young girl around the age of 7. She had waist-length dark hair and deep violet eyes. She wore the Elementary School grade uniform for Eriol Academy. Her Angel was already in the Layer. She was dressed in a black, purple-lined ninja outfit with a 'short' black skirt. A long-sleeved black net shirt was underneath her outfit. She wore fingerless black gloves with a purple rim and knee-high black boots with a purple rim. A big red bow was tied around her waist with bells at the tips. Her dark blue hair was tied up in a red band that had a red cord with a bell hanging down from it; obviously acting as an Angel Cord. Her arms were crossed and her dark blue eyes were focused on the opponent.
The other Angel was standing on the other side of the Layer. She had very short brown hair and with brown eyes. She had a simple two-piece outfit: a red tank top and a short orange skirt that hardly reached her knees. She had on red, knee-high boots and red wristbands to match. An orange Angel Cord is tied to the back of her shirt. She was staring the she-ninja down. Her Deus had short blond hair and an Eriol Academy High School uniform. The same girl Kiyoko and Tamiko had seen in the Waiting Room on the East Side.
"In the East Corner, the Invisible Venus Kobayashi Hatoko and her Angel, Light-Speed Suzuka, ready themselves for their 5th Official Tournament!" the announcer cried, "with this Miracle Girl growing up so fast, it's no wonder she's aced all her fights since three years ago. Win'em while you're young as I always say!"
The little girl only smiled.
"Her opponent, Deus Yamata Yuni and her Angel Robin in the West Corner, are returning regulars to the Layer!" the announcer continued, "how will they fair in a match against the Invincible Venus?"
The audience cheered and the Angels' Stats appeared on the Box Screen.
"Angelic Fight!"
Before Robin could so much as move, Suzuka vanished in a displacement of air. Robin only had time to blink. Suzuka appeared under her, her left hand propping her up, and her left knee bent under her. Her right arm was across her chest as her right leg shot up, and caught Robin under the chin with heel of her boot. Robins' head snapped back and she sailed through the air. She went flying out of the Layer and into the lap of her Deus, who was staring in shock at her Angel.
No one said anything. The buzzer sounded, ending the match. Suzuka stared at the opponent for a second before turning around and walking back to her Deus. Suzuka's picture flashed across the screen as the audience immediately cheered.
"W-Woah! An amazing match! And it was over in only 3 seconds!!" the announcer screamed in amazement, "Light-Speed Suzuka Wins the match!!"
Hatoko merely took off her Angel Goggles and flashed a smile to the audience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Woah! She's amazing!" Kiyoko cried, staring at the TV in the Waiting Room.
She had always known that Kobayashi Hatoko was an all-star Deus and her Angel was one of the fastest in the Layer, but she'd never actually seen them in action, only once at Tamiko's house when she fought against the Champion of the Layer, Hikaru, in an Official Tournament only a year back. Hikaru won, barely.
"Yeah, she IS something isn't she?" Tamiko commented.
Kiyoko only stared at the screen as Hatoko, Suzuka in hand, walked away from the Layer.
(I wonder if I'll get to fight her?) she thought.
"Hey, Kiyoko, look," Tamiko whispered, indicating to the door with her head.
Kiyoko looked up to see the girl that Suzuka defeated come into the room with a long face. She looked like she was about to cry. A girl next to her patted her on the shoulder as she sat down, but the girl was still sadly looking down at her Angel.
Kiyoko's eyelids lowered.
(I guess I'm not the only one who gets upset over a loss,) she thought, frowning herself.
She stared down at her sleeping Angel. She thought about what happened during her first match: she had been so confident and yet she nearly lost because she was afraid for Raishinshi. If her mother, sister, and friends hadn't arrived she would have most likely lost. Her second match, with Venus, she had something to fight for. She wanted to help Tamiko. And after winning, she got ahead of herself. She had beaten a Heavyweight and she thought she could rule the Layer because she thought that Raishinshi was invincible. But then her third match came, against Higure. He dared her to fight him and Kiyoko accepted the dare because she thought, not just that he was a bully, but because she wanted to win. And she became careless and got Raishinshi hurt because of her reckless behavior. She thought she had lost him to Saburo's finishing move. But now he was okay and Kiyoko now had a new perspective on Angelic Layer.
(I don't want to be a bully. I don't want to get Raishinshi hurt anymore. I'm going to take Angelic Layer more seriously now,) she thought to herself, (because if I don't, I'll lose. And I'd be breaking my promise to Dad.)
She looked up as another girl left the room with her Angel.
(I'll be up after her,) Kiyoko thought, nervously.
She turned to Tamiko, who was looking down at Youzen.
"Tamiko?" she said.
"Mm?" Tamiko replied.
Kiyoko looked at Youzen for a moment.
"Were you nervous when you fought with Youzen the first time?" she asked.
Tamiko blinked and looked up at her friend, quizzically.
"Of course I was," she answered, "why wouldn't I have been?"
"How about now?" Kiyoko asked, "are you scared now?"
Tamiko thought a moment.
"I'm not too sure, it depends on the condition of the battle," she stated, then gave her friend a quizzical look, "why?"
Kiyoko frowned.
"I wasn't worried in my first match, but it also didn't cross my mind that Raishinshi would get hurt," she admitted, "thinking back on those moments, I wonder if I should call myself a Deus."
Tamiko shook her head.
"You can't bash yourself over that stuff," she said, "after all, all Deus' get cocky now and then. Even I was like that once, then I lost to another more experienced Deus, and I woke up. Thing is, you can't act too high and mighty all the time, otherwise you'll never win a match."
Kiyoko looked down at Raishinshi.
"Do you think I'll win this time?" she asked, quietly.
Tamiko gave her an encouraging smile.
"As long as you have confidence in Raishinshi and yourself, and believe in the two of you, you can do anything," she said, looking at Youzen.
Kiyoko thought a moment.
(Believe? I guess....,) she thought.
The noise from the TV got her attention. Looking up, she saw that the current match was coming to a close. It showed two Angels fighting: one belonged to the girl who came from this room. She was dressed up like a harlequin, in blue and green colors and frilly pants and sleeves. The second Angel was dressed up in a green and red Chinese styled outfit. She had a boyish haircut and a cat-like tail that ended in a gold ball. He hair was white-green and her eyes were gold. She also had the cutest feature: cat ears on top of her head.
The clown Angel was charging at the cat Angel. She lunged at her with a raised fist. But the cat Angel reacted quickly and grabbed the Angels' incoming fist. She then flipped the hapless Angel over her shoulder and the opponent landed with a loud thud on her back.
(Wow, what a move!) Kiyoko thought.
But the match wasn't over yet. The clown Angel jumped up and leapt into the air. On her descent, she pointed her knees downwards towards the cat Angel. But the cat Angel jumped out of the way at the last minute, letting the clown Angel slam to the Layer. The clown Angel looked up...and received a right spin kick that knocked the rest of her points down to 0. The buzzer sounded.
"Wow!" Kiyoko breathed.
"Wow, what a match! Over in 5 minutes, ladies and gentlemen," the announcers' voice declared over the speakers, "Mao Win!"
The cat Angel waved to the audience as they cheered for her. Tamiko stared at the TV in awe.
"Woah! That's Deus Fujisaki Madoka's Angel!" she gaped, "I didn't know she was participating in 'this' Tournament!"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"Probably the 'special event'," she suggested, "like what Takumi said."
Tamiko nodded. Kiyoko looked back at the TV. She couldn't believe how amazing that fight was. The clown Angels' movements were all used against her. And that Angel, Mao, was a good fighter from what she saw.
(Can I ever be like that?) she wondered.
A few seconds later, the defeated Deus came back, looking bummed out. A lady in uniform was following her.
"E-7, Ms. Yume Kiyoko," she called out, "is E-7, Yume Kiyoko, here?"
Swallowing, Kiyoko stood.
"H-Here," she stuttered, holding Raishinshi close.
The woman turned to her and smiled.
"It's your turn, ma'am," she said.
Kiyoko nodded and swallowed once again. She was jittery all over. Could she do this?
"Good luck Kiyoko," Tamiko said, smiling.
Kiyoko turned to her friend and smiled, shakily, back.
"Thanks," she said, turning to go, "I'm gonna need it."
"You'll be fine," Tamiko called after her, "just have confidence!"
Kiyoko nodded and walked out of the room. She began to head down the pink hallway, staring at Raishinshi. She couldn't calm herself down, her heart was beating like nuts. She tried to remember what her Mom and Tamiko said. She had to stay confident. She stared down at Raishinshi and set a determined face.
(I have to keep my cool,) she told herself, (I 'can' do this. I did it twice before, so I can do it again."
She looked up at the ceiling and then in front of her. The stadium was only a few steps away. She looked down at Raishinshi again.
"Let's try our hardest, Raishinshi," she told him.
He said nothing, but for a second, she could have sworn he was smiling.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back in the stadium, everyone was waiting for the next match to begin. Ken was the most impatient person in the audience.
"Man! How much longer until Kiyoko and Tamiko's matches!" Ken wailed.
Takumi gave his friend his famous 'oh brother' look.
"They went to sign up late," he pointed out, so maybe their matches are the last ones."
Ken face-faulted on the seat in front of him. Yuri gave her brother a smile.
"Do you think Kiyoko can win her matches?" she asked.
Takumi shrugged.
"It all depends on Kiyoko," he said, bluntly.
Suddenly, the announcer's seat moved closer to the Layer, and the two little Angel girls that issued each match came forward and held up a sign that read, 'Battle 7.'
"Alrighty folks, Battle 7 is coming up!" the announcer declared.
Yuri looked down at the Layer circle and smiled.
"Look!" she cried, pointing, "it's Kiyoko!"
Ken and Takumi looked to where she was pointing. Sure enough, from the East side door came Kiyoko, holding Raishinshi close to her chest. Another girl came from the West side door. She had brown hair that was put up in a ponytail and a solid green High School uniform. From where Kiyoko was, all she could make out of the Angel was that she was in a skin-tight, blue bodysuit and had a blue tail with a pink band around the tip attached to the bottom of her outfit.
(Must be her Angel Cord,) Kiyoko guessed.
"In the East Corner," the announcer began, "another newbie, Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi!"
Kiyoko slid into the Angel Chair in front of her. The audience didn't really cheer much, she was a new Deus after all. Ignoring this, Kiyoko placed Raishinshi on her lap, took the Angel Goggles, and put them on. She picked up Raishinshi and turned to her opponent.
"And in the West Corner," the announcer continued, pointing at the girl in green uniform, "a returning regular to the Layer! Deus Hiromi Sayaka and her Angel, the quick-footed fighter, Shadow Panther!"
The audience cheered as the other girl took her seat and placed her Goggles on. In the back of the stadium, near the entry door, a boy with a long, dark ponytail, purple jacket, and blue jeans was leaning against the wall. Saburo watched the Layer expectantly.
(Hope you improved, newbie,) he thought, looking at Kiyoko, ('cause I'm not going to settle for anything less than good.)
The opponent Deus, Sayaka, turned on her Angel Goggles. Kiyoko quickly did the same.
"Middle School Deus, Yume Kiyoko, is new to the Layer, making this her first Official Tournament!" the announcer stated, "let's see how our next newbie fares in her first Tournament Match!"
Kiyoko swallowed. Back in the East Corner waiting room, Tamiko smiled at her friend in the TV screen.
(Cool it, Kiyoko,) she thought, (just relax and you'll do fine.)
Back in the stands, Ken was howling.
"Go, Kiyoko!" he cried, Takumi and Yuri 'trying' to ignore him.
"Entry Angel!"
The buzzer sounded, the stats filled out, and the force field flashed into place. The two Angel Chairs were raised to become even with the Layer. Kiyoko looked around her at the expecting audience. They were all waiting for her. She stared down at Raishinshi. He was resting in her arms.
(Here we go, Raishinshi,) she thought, closing her eyes. She held Raishinshi up a bit.
"Never give up!" she cried, then opened her eyes and raised Raishinshi over her head with both hands, "Justice is on our side!" She drew her right arm back, her right hand gripping her Angel. "Raishinshi!" she finished, throwing her Angel towards the Layer.
He sailed towards the force field, eyes closed, violet Angel Cords whipping around behind him. He slid through the force field and was surrounded by a golden glow. His eyes opened wide and he spread his arms and legs, causing the golden glow to vanish.
"Angel, Fall in!" Kiyoko concluded.
He tucked his knees up to his chest and moved his outstretched arms behind him, fists clenched. He descended towards the Layer at a high speed. When he was only a foot away from the surface, he front flipped into a crouch. In one fluid movement, he straightened up, bent his knees, and raised his arms into a boxing position. His brown- orange eyes staring down his opponent.
Raishinshi had entered the Layer.
"WOW! Go, Kiyoko!" Ken cried, while Yuri merely clapped.
"Much better landing," Takumi stated.
Kiyoko's opponent glanced down at her Angel.
"Slash through the darkness, Shadow Panther!" she cried, then drew back her arm, and threw her Angel towards the Layer, "Angel, Fall in!"
Shadow Panther spun towards the Layer. Upon entering, she briefly glowed, and executed an array of complex twists onto the Layer, twists that made Kiyoko's head spin. She landed on her feet with her cattail wrapped around her legs. She had her right arm crossed over her chest and it was holding up her left arm that was raised to her face, he finger to her lips. Her left shoulder was turned to Raishinshi.
Kiyoko now had a good look at the Angel. She was dressed in a skin-tight blue suit with built in high-heeled boots and large, pointed pink shoulder pads. She wore blue gloves that reached the middle of her upper arm and her bodysuit was open around her chest, exposing her breasts slightly. That surprised Kiyoko. The bodysuit even covered her neck and half of her face. A pink visor was over her eyes and blue, pink in-lined cat ears were on top of her head. Her nose and mouth were the only parts of her face that showed.
(Wonder how she fights?) Kiyoko wondered.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As this was taking place, the Computer Room was currently recording and showing the match. Icchan watched the screen intently with Ogata by his side.
"How do you think she'll fair against Shadow Panther, Chief?" Ogata asked, using his handkerchief to wipe away any remains of banana in his ears, "after all, Shadow Panther is tough, she got all the way to the Kantou Prelims one year."
Icchan rubbed his chin.
"If Kiyoko stays focused, she can do it," he said, zooming the screen in on Kiyoko, "all she has to do is....."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ready?!" the announcer called.
The audience cheered and both Deus' focused on the Layer.
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded, beginning the match,.....and Shadow Panther wasted no time attacking. She ran at Raishinshi with amazing speed. Raishinshi tensed as she got closer. Shadow Panther drew back her right arm, flattened out her hand, and jabbed it forward, aiming at Raishinshi's face. But, at the last minute, Raishinshi ducked the blow. He then shot up, his right fist slugging Shadow Panther under the chin. With a silent cry, Shadow Panther fell back a ways, her Damage Gauge dropped to 90%. The crowd cheered, Ken the loudest.
"And there it is, Raishinshi issues the first blow!" the announcer cried.
Kiyoko couldn't help but smile a bit. She struck first in an Official Tournament Match!
Shadow Panther regained her balance and charged again. Raishinshi once again got into a stance. Shadow Panther threw a right punch again this time. Raishinshi ducked and ran to the left. Shadow Panther spun at him with a right spin kick. Once again Raishinshi ducked and ran behind her. Shadow Panther spun around and whipped her left hand around in a karate chop. Raishinshi jumped away from it. Both Shadow Panther and her Deus grit their teeth in annoyance. Shadow Panther darted forward and tried to jump kick the male Angel. But Raishinshi back flipped away before it connected. Away from the Layer, Saburo frowned.
(She's had a lot of chances to counter and she blew them all,) he thought, (pathetic.)
"C'mon Kiyoko, counter!" Ken cried.
Takumi rubbed his chin as Raishinshi backed away from a right spin kick.
(Is Kiyoko still afraid of letting Raishinshi get hurt?) he wondered, (because she missed four chances to counter attack.)
As her friends wondered about her, Kiyoko was gazing steadily at the Layer. She knew she had to attack, but Shadow Panther was moving too fast. Kiyoko, still carrying emotional baggage of her fight with Higure, was afraid a counter would leave Raishinshi open to attack.
(If only I could catch her off guard,) she thought.
Raishinshi ducked yet another hand jab from Shadow Panther. The blue Angel was getting madder and tried to hand jab again. Raishinshi ducked. It was then that Kiyoko chose to counter.
(Now!) she cried, mentally.
Raishinshi, staying low, moved forward a step, and jump kicked his opponent in the face. Shadow Panther fell to the Layer, her Damage dropping another ten points. She jumped up and darted at Raishinshi who had just landed. She quickly spun around and delivered a left roundhouse kick to the right side of Raishinshi's face. The purple-clad Angel fell on his side, clenching his teeth. His Damage Gauge dropped to 80%.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
"Oh, man! And Raishinshi was doing so well!" the announcer cried, as the crowd cheered at the hit, "but it's hard to stay away from Shadow Panther for long. She fights like a wildcat when in the Layer! But one must admit, Raishinshi 'is' giving her a good fight!"
Shadow Panther smiled at the crowd and stood before Raishinshi, hands on her hips. Kiyoko grit her teeth.
(This fight isn't over yet,) she told herself and her Angel, (stand up, Raishinshi.)
Raishinshi rolled over and stood up. He faced the grinning girl Angel with a steady look. The timer hit 8 minutes. The moment it did, Shadow Panther charged at Raishinshi, hands pointed. Raishinshi put up a boxing guard. Shadow Panthers' right hand shot at his face. He ducked. She jabbed with her left hand. Once again, Raishinshi ducked. He then threw a fast right jab to her jaw. It struck and Shadow Panther fell back. Raishinshi lunged forward and did a left hook. It hit Shadow Panther, but she rebounded with a right spin kick that caught Raishinshi across the waist. This made him stumble to his knee and gave Shadow Panther time to charge again.
Raishinshi looked up to see a fist land across the right side of his face. He didn't get a chance to block as the blue cat Angel threw three more jabs to his face before sending him flying with a right hook. He crashed to the Layer, hurting. He attempted to get up, but Shadow Panther ran forward, and kicked him across the face. With a silent cry, he skidded closer to the edge of the Layer.
"Oh man, oh man, oh man!!" Ken screamed, holding his head, "Raishinshi getting clobbered all over again!"
Takumi leaned forward, tensely.
"Shadow Panther isn't giving Raishinshi enough time to recover," he stated, "and she's moving 'way' too fast. It's no wonder it was hard for Kiyoko to have Raishinshi counter: Shadow Panther moves to swiftly for an effective counter."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back in the Computer Room, Ogata was watching pensively.
"Things don't look too good for Raishinshi do they?" he asked, as Raishinshi got shakily to his feet.
Icchan watched Shadow Panther run at the purple Angel with an unreadable expression.
"Shadow Panther is the most agile Angel in the Layer, aside from Suzuka," he explained, "Raishinshi can't move fast enough to keep up with her, that's for sure."
Ogata winced as Shadow Panther gave Raishinshi a left uppercut.
"But, isn't there any way for her to win without attaining too much damage?" Ogata asked, checking Raishinshi's Damage Gauge,
Icchan thought a moment.
"Only one way," he said, giving the frowning Kiyoko a smile, "and it's right in front of you Kiyoko. Look closely and you'll see it."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko was more than panicked. Raishinshi was attaining damage to his face, chest and waist, not to mention his Damage Gauge was at 50%. He was fading fast. The timer was already at 5 minutes and she hardly landed any blows on Shadow Panther, who was currently at only 75% health. She was standing before Raishinshi, smiling with triumph.
(What can I do?) Kiyoko thought, desperately, (what can I do to help Raishinshi? Shadow Panther runs too fast for Raishinshi to keep up with her. I can hardly block her attacks, much less dodge them.) Shadow Panther came at Raishinshi again. (What do I do?!)
In that instant, a memory hit her. Not to long ago, on the waiting TV, she witnessed a cat-like Angel called Mao fight with another Angel. She fought in a way that used her opponents' power and speed against her. Kiyoko's eyes widened.
(That's it!) she thought.
Raishinshi relaxed and waited for Shadow Panther to get closer.
"Dodge, Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried from the waiting room.
Shadow Panther thrust her hand out at Raishinshi's chest. But the Raishinshi was ready. He quickly reached out and grabbed Shadow Panthers' incoming hand. He then flipped the shocked Angel over his shoulder and she landed with a loud thud on her back. Her Damage dropped 5 points. Sayaka blinked in surprise. The audience cheered. Ken and Yuri smiled at the comeback move.
(It worked!) Kiyoko thought, smiling. She found her strategy.
Shadow Panther leapt up and forward kicked at Raishinshi with her left leg. Raishinshi quickly grabbed her ankle and twisted the blue cat Angels' leg around, making her fall on her stomach. Raishinshi then jumped up, still holding Shadow Panthers' ankle, and flipped over, his booted feet coming down on Shadow Panthers' back. She gasped silently and her Damage dropped down to 50%.
"Woah! What a move!" the announcer cried, "Raishinshi is showing that he won't give up without a good fight!"
"That was the move Mao used....." Tamiko murmured, staring at her friend on the screen.
".....And the move Higure used on her," Takumi finished from the stands.
In the Computer Room, Icchan smiled. In back of the stadium, Saburo raised an eyebrow.
Shadow Panther got up the minute Raishinshi stepped off her. She raised her right fist and tried to punch him, but he merely caught her wrist, and flung her away. She stumbled to her knee and then straightened. She turned and ran for Raishinshi, but leapt into the air when she was halfway there. She tucked in her right leg and, upon coming down, she swung her left leg in an aerial roundhouse kick. Raishinshi ducked.
"Watch out!" Tamiko cried, recognizing the tactic.
But Kiyoko had seen Shadow Panther tuck her right leg in and suspected something. Shadow Panthers' back was to Raishinshi, but her Deus could still see, and she thrust her right leg backwards, aiming for Raishinshi's face. But, since Kiyoko anticipated something like this, she had Raishinshi side step and side kicked Shadow Panther in the back. She fell forward, but rebounded in a handstand. She then landed and kicked Raishinshi across the face, sending him closer to the edge of the Layer. He was only six inches away.
(Raishinshi, hold on!) Kiyoko called to her Angel.
"C'mon Kiyoko, knock her out!" Ken cried.
"Have confidence!" Yuri called.
Takumi, Icchan, Tamiko, and Saburo were all watching eagerly.
Shadow Panther charged as Raishinshi stood. He waited for her.
(If this goes the way I plan it,) Kiyoko thought, (we might be able to win. But, if it doesn't work, Raishinshi will definitely lose.)
Shadow Panther was coming closer, right fist drawn back. Kiyoko narrowed her eyes in determination.
(He can do it,) she told herself, (Raishinshi can do it if I just believe in him. And I do!)
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
Shadow Panther was on him. She punched forward. But Raishinshi was ready. He jumped up into the air, drawing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them, Raishinshi flipped over Shadow Panther. Time seemed to slow down: Shadow Panther turned to face him in shock as he came out of his flip. His hands landed flat on the Layer. Time seemed to resume as Raishinshi spread his legs and moved his hands rapidly in a circle. His spinning feet connected with Shadow Panthers' face and sent her flying backwards.....right out of the Layer.
Sayaka gasped. Tamiko, Ken, and Icchan broke out into smiles. Shadow Panther landed on the floor with a small click. The audience was silent. The buzzer sounded and the timer stopped at 1 minute. Yuri began to clap.
"Raishinshi Win!" the announcer cried.
The audience cheered as Raishinshi's picture flashed across the box screen. Saburo blinked.
(She used Shadow Panthers' movement against her,) he thought, (nice strategy. But this is only her first match. It's nothing to get excited about.)
Back at the Layer, Kiyoko took off her Goggles and ran over to Raishinshi. Shadow Panther and her Deus were already gone, but Kiyoko didn't pay much attention. She took her Angel and turned to the crowd. She waved in the direction her friends sat. They waved back with Ken screaming cheers.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Up in the balcony of the stadium, a group of girls were gathered. They had witnessed the whole fight and were now commenting on it.
"Not a bad for a beginner Deus," a girl with black hair stated.
"She was a little sloppy with him," a short girl remarked.
"Even so, that was a great finish," a girl with glasses responded.
"I thought she was great," a small girl with brown hair said, the same girl who had watched Kiyoko's battle with Higure.
"I'm not saying she wasn't," the short girl said, "but she nearly got her Angel knocked out of the Layer twice."
"That's only normal for beginners," a tall girl explained, "but she 'did' come through at the end."
"And she finally mastered that move!" a girl in a frilly dress cried with joy, "I'm so proud of her."
A little girl, who was the youngest there, looked over at Kiyoko, and smiled.
"I can tell that she loves her Angel very much, just like she loves Angelic Layer," she said, softly, "I can't wait for our match."
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
Saburo stared at Kiyoko a bit more before heading back to the waiting area.
*....hakanai hoshi zora*
Kiyoko waved at the cheering audience and then looked down at her brave Angel.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni....*
"Thank you, Raishinshi," she whispered to him, and gave him a small hug.
*....negai o kakeru kara*
Raishinshi, eyes still open, smiled.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WAS THAT COOL OR WHAT?!! "Ahem" Anyway, that's Kiyoko's first match and boy was it exciting for me to write! I was doing it while I was listening to the song, 'Watch Me Shine'. That's also the song to an Angelic Layer Music Video. It's SOOOO cool! Anyway, next time, Tamiko's match is next, and she has to fight the same bully that teased her at Piffle Princess. How will this turn out? You've got to wait and see! Please Read and review me. No flames please.