My Angel Story
Disclaimer: Wow, I really am on a roll. I just LOVE Angelic Layer! This chapter, Kiyoko
goes up against Asuka and Colossus. Can Raishinshi beat this Heavyweight
type? Sorry if Asuka sounds out of character, if she is that is, I don't know
her that much. ? I don't own Angelic Layer or any of its original character. I
'do' own Kiyoko Yume, Angel Raishinshi, Kiyoko's friends and family,
Tamiko, Angel Youzen, Saburo, Angel Higure, and any other characters and
Angels that may pop up. Now, onward!
Battle 8: "Raishinshi Isn't Weak! Kiyoko vs. Asuka!"
A silver van pulled into the Angelic Layer Stadium Parking Lot. The minute it got parked, the drivers' door opened, and Mrs. Yume toppled out. She ran like nuts towards the entrance. The passenger door opened and Aya came out, calling after her mother.
"Mom! Slow down!" she cried, trying to catch up with her mother.
Mrs. Yume had gotten to the doors and stopped to catch her breath.
"B-But...Kiyoko's first...match has already...ended," she gasped, "and...I said that...I'd come watch...her."
Aya rolled her eyes.
"That doesn't mean you have to knock yourself out over it," she stated, "she's got one more match left today. We'll catch that one."
Mrs. Yume, her breathing calm again, looked up, and nodded.
"I suppose," she admitted, "do you think she won her first match, though?"
Aya sighed as her mother opened the double glass doors.
"Mom, I don't think she'd be 'that' good," she said, "she probably got Layered Out in the first two minutes."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I thought you ROCKED!" Ken clarified over his sandwich, "you totally kicked Shadow Panthers' butt!"
Kiyoko blushed. She and her friends were at the Stadium Café, where food and drink were served. After their first matches, Deus' got a break before their second rounds. They had 20 minutes total to get everything into order before Layer time. Right now, Kiyoko, Tamiko, and Takumi were having the café's famous flavored pastries while Yuri and Ken had turkey sandwiches. And Ken couldn't stop talking about the girls' fights.
"I'm serious!" he continued, "you BOTH rocked! You'll win every match for sure!"
Takumi sighed while Yuri smiled.
"I think you're improving greatly, Kiyoko," she stated.
Kiyoko looked up from her cherry-flavored pastry.
"Really?" she asked, "I did?"
Yuri nodded.
"Yes, Raishinshi's movement improved a lot," she assured, "and you could take tips from watching Tamiko."
Now it was Tamiko's turn to blush.
"I'm not that good," she admitted, "I just barely made it out of my last fight."
Takumi shrugged.
"But you came through, both of you did," he complemented, "I think you'll both do fine."
Kiyoko and Tamiko exchanged smiling looks.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Hey Chief?" Ogata called over his computer, "here's the next opponent that Kiyoko has to fight next."
Icchan walked over to the computer and checked the new roster. The 20 minute lunch breaks were technically used to print out the new rosters, but Icchan let Ogata do all that. And he was curious to know who Kiyoko's next opponent was. Upon seeing the name, he straightened up, and rubbed his chin.
"Is it okay chief?" Ogata asked, nervously, "I can change it if you want."
Icchan shook his head after a moment.
"No, I think it's okay," he said, and headed back to his seat by the view screen, "the data is being collected, right?"
Ogata nodded.
"Yep, we're getting all of it," he assured as he ordered around the rest of the roster.
"Good," Icchan said, "I don't want to miss anything good."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko was finishing up her pastry when she heard...
"Kiyoko, sweetie!"
"Sis!"
Kiyoko looked up in surprise and turned to the lobby to her right. What she saw was her mother running towards her at full speed with her sister 'trying' to keep up.
"I'm SO 'sorry'!" Mrs. Yume cried, wrapping her arms around her daughter, tightly, "I wanted to come sooner, but I couldn't get off work until only 20 minutes ago, and then I had to pick up your sister! Oh, honey, I'm so sorry I'm late!"
All this time that she was apologizing, she was squeezing Kiyoko tighter and tighter. Kiyoko was being squashed, but that wasn't really what she was worried about.
"Mom, let go, you're crushing Raishinshi!" she called, her voice a little muffled.
Mrs. Yume's eyes widened and she quickly let go as Kiyoko fumbled for her uniform pocket. She pulled out her Angel and sighed with relief. He wasn't hurt or bent. Aya rolled her eyes.
"Oh. My. Gosh. You're getting all worked up over a DOLL?" she asked.
Kiyoko wrinkled her nose at her sister.
"Don't listen to her, honey," her mother said, "so, how'd you do in your first match."
Before she could reply, Aya spoke up again.
"Like I said Mom, she probably lost," she huffed, "after all, you 'know' how she handles pressure."
Before Kiyoko could reply...
"She won."
Aya blinked and turned to Takumi, who was looking up at her rather displeased.
"What?" Aya asked.
"I said, 'she won'," he repeated, "you should really put more faith in her."
Mrs. Yume beamed.
"You won?! My baby won!" she cried, hugging her daughter again, more gently, "I knew it!"
Aya blinked in surprise. She won? Her sister, who hates pressure, is very indecisive, can't handle stress and strain, and has a hard time even focusing on homework actually won her first Tournament Match?
"Yeah, I did," Kiyoko said, giving Aya a triumphant smile, "and Tamiko did too."
Tamiko blushed and turned to Mrs. Yume.
"I sure did," she said, "by the way, is my Dad coming?"
Mrs. Yume suddenly frowned and let go of her daughter.
"I'm sorry Tamiko," she apologized, "but he got caught in a meeting. He can't come today."
Tamiko flinched upon hearing this and looked down, sadly.
"It's okay," she mumbled, then looked up with a small smile, "but my match was nothing compared to Kiyoko's."
Kiyoko shook her head.
"No way," she objected. But Tamiko wouldn't hear it.
"Hey, I got my strategy from 'you'," she said, surprising her friend, "so it's all thanks to you we won." She pulled out Youzen who had been sleeping in her pocket.
Both girls smiled at one another.
"You should of seen Raishinshi take out Shadow Panther," Ken said, getting back to their former topic, "it was 'so' cool!"
Yuri nodded.
"And he struck first," she added.
Mrs. Yume went nuts.
"Oh, my baby! She's turning out just like her father!" she cried, joyously.
Aya made a sour face at that. Suddenly, the speakers above came on.
" 'All Deus' please return to your assigned waiting rooms,' " the announcer said, " 'repeat, all Deus' please return to your assigned waiting rooms.' "
Everyone in the Café got up and started to leave.
"We'd better go," Tamiko said, "c'mon Kiyoko."
Kiyoko nodded and turned to her family.
"Wish me luck," she said, "I'll be in the 7th fight."
Mrs. Yume nodded. Aya said nothing.
As the two girls ran towards the East Corner Waiting Room, Ken was leading everyone to the stands. Aya hung back and watched her sister go.
(Just don't leave like Dad did,) she thought, and went after the others.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko and Tamiko had made it back to the waiting room just as the first battle appeared on the rooms' TV.
The match had just started and the Angels were already in the Layer. Kiyoko was surprised to see that, once again, Higure was in the Layer. The black and violet Angel was standing still as another Angel charged at him. The new Angel had on what looked like a blue bathing suit-like outfit with her breasts shown in dark blue and knee-high dark blue boots. She had dark blue wavy hair and a blue cap with the letters 'TJ' on it. Kiyoko suspected that that was the Angels' name. Her eyes were covered with big orange glasses, so it was hard to make out her face.
Kiyoko watched as the blue Angel reached Higure and started punching at him. He ducked and dodged all of her jabs. The blue Angel tried to right kick him, but Higure back flipped away. The blue Angel charged at Higure as he landed, but met an unpleasant surprise. The minute Higure landed, he vanished into thin air. The blue Angel stopped and looked around, puzzled.
Kiyoko gasped. Higure had done this to her and Raishinshi before!
"Look Out!" she cried.
But it was too late. The blue Angels' head snapped back as she was invisibly hit. She then stumbled forward and then to the side. She kept being struck from all sides by her invisible attacker until, finally, she fell down onto the Layer surface. Higure re-appeared next to her. The blue Angels' Damage Gauge had dropped to 0 and the timer had stopped at 9 minutes.
"Higure, Win!" the announcer screamed as the audience cheered, "what a match, it was over in just a minute! Give Speed King Yukiwa Saburo a big hand!"
The audience continued to cheer as Saburo got up, took Higure from the Layer, and left the area.
"Man, can you believe him?" Tamiko asked, grumpily.
Kiyoko said nothing. She merely hugged Raishinshi as she remembered the harsh onslaught that Raishinshi was able to endure. She prayed that she'd never have to see it done on her Angel again.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In the audience, in the middle row, Kiyoko's friends and family were watching the second match get underway. Mrs. Yume was ignoring the announcer and turned to Yuri.
"How many people are fighting in this years' Tournament?" she asked.
Yuri thought a moment.
"I think the papers said almost twice as much since the 3rd Year Championship," she said. Out of all the middle school kids, Yuri and her brother were the only ones who actually read the newspaper.
"Wow," Mrs. Yume whispered, "that's a lot. Will the Tournament be any different?"
"Well, I heard that since there are more Deus' this year than any other because of the 'special event', I think they're going to have more winners this year," Yuri continued, eyes straying to the Layer.
Aya blinked at that.
"I thought they only have four winners in the Tokyo Prelims," she stated.
Takumi shrugged.
"Well, more Deus' have come because of the 'special event', so there's more than usual," he explained, "they were thinking about giving Deus' twelve matches instead of ten, but the creators didn't like that idea. So they wound up having six winners' places instead of four."
Ken turned to his friend.
"Do ya think Kiyoko and Tamiko can make it?" he asked.
Takumi was about to reply, when...
"Katalina, Win!"
Everyone turned to see a girl with shoulder length dark hair and brown eyes take off her Angel Goggles and take her Angel from the Layer. It was hard to see her Angel, but they 'did' notice blond hair and pink ice skates. The girl waved to the audience as she headed for the West Side door.
"What a match, over in 3 minutes, nearly!" the announcer continued over the cheering audience, "Hikawa Yuuko is a force to be reckoned with when her Angel is in the Layer! What surprises wait in the next match?"
Takumi sighed and sat back in his seat.
"With so many experienced Deus' this year," he said, "they'll have their hands full."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko was looking down at Raishinshi, deep in thought.
(I wonder just how many Deus' came. Can we beat them all?) she thought, (I promised my Dad I'd ace all my matches once I entered the Tournament. But what if I go up against Higure again? What if we lose to him again? I can't bear to see Raishinshi beat up that way again. I...)
"You okay, Kiyoko?"
Kiyoko looked up and turned to Tamiko who was giving her friend a worried look.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she assured, "just thinking."
Kiyoko leaned back on the seat she and Tamiko were sharing.
"Hey, Tami-chan?" she asked.
Tamiko turned at the mention of her childhood nickname.
"Do you think that we'll have to face Higure here?" she asked, nervously.
Tamiko thought a moment then shook her head.
"I doubt it, remember what Yuri said during our break?" she replied, "not everyone will have the chance to fight everyone."
Kiyoko nodded, but then turned to her friend.
"But what if 'we' have to fight one another?" she asked.
Tamiko hesitated.
"I...I guess we fight our hardest," she finally said, "to fight half- heartedly isn't the way to play Angelic Layer."
Kiyoko nodded, but still looked troubled. Fighting Higure would be hard enough, but fighting a childhood friend and her Angel would be even harder. She got up from her seat.
"I'm going to go get a quick drink," she said, "I'll be right back."
Tamiko looked up to reply, but Kiyoko had already left. Tamiko sighed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
After taking a couple sips from the water fountain by the lobby, Kiyoko straightened, and let out a nourished sigh. She'd forgotten to order a drink during the break so her throat was pretty dry. Now that she got her drink, she began to head back to the waiting area.
"Hey!"
Startled, Kiyoko turned to see a girl standing behind her. She wore an open orange jacket with a white shirt under it, faded jeans, and white sneakers. Her hair was brown and short and her gray eyes were focused on Kiyoko.
"You're Yume Kiyoko, right?" she asked.
Kiyoko nodded. The girl got closer and seemed to stare at her impolitely.
"I saw your fight with Higure last week," she said, going over to the drinking fountain, "must not be good at Angelic Layer, huh?"
Kiyoko blinked in surprise at the girl as she took a drink.
"What do you mean?" she asked, sounding confused.
The girl looked up from the fountain.
"You hardly put up much of a fight with Higure, it's no wonder you got your butt kicked," she told her, bluntly, "not to mention you ran right into his special move."
Kiyoko frowned.
"I-I didn't know," she said, trying to block the bad memory out of her mind, "and besides, my qualifying match was good. My friends and family said so."
"Of course they would," the girl remarked.
"Didn't you see it?"
"I heard about it. Heard that your Angel was getting beat up until the last minute."
"At least we won."
"Only barely."
Kiyoko frowned even more. This girl didn't seem to like Kiyoko for some reason.
"Hey, is that your Angel?" the girl suddenly asked, pointing at Raishinshi.
Kiyoko looked down at him and nodded. The girl got closer and stared at him.
"Looks like a girl," she remarked.
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes.
"He does 'not'," she said, firmly, "he's a good Angel."
"He can't even defend himself," the girl said, "last fight you had with Shadow Panther, he was getting hit half the time. You only won by getting her by the Layers' edge and giving her a Layer Out."
Kiyoko was slowly getting upset. Why was this girl putting her down so much?
"What about 'your' Angel?" she found herself saying, "is she any good?"
The girl smiled and reached into her jean pocket that was hidden by her jacket. She pulled out an Angel. It was a muscular female, obviously a Power-type, though Kiyoko thought it was a guy at first. She was dressed in a skin-tight black and red outfit with black pants and boots. The chest and arms were the only parts not covered, though the breasts were slightly hidden. The Angel had red, spiked shoulder guards and red wristbands as well. The outfit also covered her neck and head, like Shadow Panther, but with no visor or cat ears. Her mouth was showing, but there were no eyeholes, just white, eye-shaped marks where the eyes were supposed to be. And finally, wavy blue-white hair flowed out behind the Angels' head.
"Here she is," the girl said, "her names Colossus and she's much better than 'your' Angel."
Kiyoko couldn't help it.
"She looks like a guy," she said, not feeling happy with what she just said.
The girl scowled at Kiyoko.
"At least she's not weak like your Angel is," she huffed.
Kiyoko's eyes widened, then narrowed quickly.
"Raishinshi isn't weak!" she said, madly.
The girl shrugged and walked away.
"Keep saying that," she drawled, "and maybe it'll come true, 'newbie'."
Kiyoko watched her go, a hurt expression on her face. Why? Why her and Raishinshi? Why were they always teased? Kiyoko didn't know why that girl didn't like her, but she didn't have to put her Angel down so much. Sighing, Kiyoko turned to head back the waiting room....
"I'M WIGGLY ICCHAN!"
Kiyoko jumped and backed up. Icchan was standing in front of her, hands waving around, grin present.
"Ah! M-Mr. Icchan! Do you have to sneak up on me?" Kiyoko stammered.
Icchan stopped waving his arms, but continued to grin.
"Call it a habit," he said.
Kiyoko smiled up at her friend.
"Did you see my match?" she asked.
"Sure did," Icchan replied, "it was great."
Kiyoko smiled and hugged Raishinshi. At least 'somebody' was being nice.
"I saw you talking to that girl," Icchan brought up, "sounds like she didn't like you very much, eh?"
Kiyoko immediately frowned.
"I know," she said and looked down at Raishinshi again, "but why? I didn't do or say anything to her or her Angel."
Icchan adjusted his glasses as he gazed down at his student.
"I'm familiar with that Deus," he said, calmly, "she's like that with everyone. She's lost her share of fights and it's made her attitude rough when it comes to Angelic Layer. She mainly does this to those she..." Icchan quickly stopped.
"Hm?" Kiyoko asked.
"Er, nothing," Icchan covered up, "anyway, she did that just to dampen your spirit. Don't let what she said get to you."
Kiyoko made a face.
"By the way," Icchan continued, "I just came here to tell you to be careful next match."
Kiyoko blinked and looked up at him.
"Huh? Why?" she asked.
Icchan's face turned serious.
"I checked the roster and your opponent is a Heavyweight like Venus," he said, "she's tough and don't expect the same technique you used on Venus to work again."
Kiyoko thought a moment.
"But Tamiko beat Venus and 'she' was a Heavyweight," she said.
Icchan sighed.
"Tamiko has about a years experience in the Layer," he informed her, "she knows her way around Angels in a match." Kiyoko nodded. "But don't worry, I know you can win."
Kiyoko nodded once more before heading for the waiting room.
"Thanks Mr. Icchan," she called before leaving.
Icchan waved as she left before looking in the direction of the Layer, where the 5th battle was already being fought.
(I just hope you can handle her,) he thought, (she's gotten better since the 3rd Official Tournament.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko headed back to the waiting room just as the last parts of Battle 5 were being shown.
Once again, Light-Speed Suzuka was in the Layer. The ninja Angel was currently dodging blows from another Angel that was dressed in a green jacket with a white tank top underneath, a green skirt that reached her knees, white sandals, and green armbands. Her bright green hair was flowing around her shoulders as her emerald eyes were fixed in an angry glare. Suzuka however, wasn't glaring, but simply staring as she ducked and stepped away from the Angels' blows.
After a while, she back flipped on the Layer, away from the green Angel. The green Angel lunged after her. But that was a 'big' mistake. Leaning forward ever so slightly, Suzuka back flipped with her right leg extended. Her foot caught the opponent under the chin and sent her flying. She hit the Layer and slid a bit, then skidded to a halt near the edge. She didn't get back up.
"WOW! That was the 'Rolling Thunder'!" the announcer cried as the buzzer sounded, ending the match, "it's been quite a while since we've seen her use it! And Light-Speed Suzuka Wins the match in less than a minute!"
As the audience applauded, Kiyoko went towards her seat where Tamiko was also sitting. Her eyes were glued to the screen.
"Cool, huh?" Kiyoko asked, once close enough to her entranced friend.
Tamiko snapped out of it and nodded.
"Huh? Yeah! It 'was' cool!" she said, "it's rare that Suzuka does the 'Rolling Thunder' in the Tokyo Prelims. That was awesome!"
Kiyoko nodded and sat back down. Her mood lightened.
"I'd like to go up against her one day," she mumbled.
Tamiko turned to her friend in surprise.
" 'You' want to go up against the Invincible Venus?!" she asked, incredulously.
Kiyoko shrugged.
"Yeah," she said, "I've always wanted to fight a strong Angel like her. She's awesome!"
Tamiko smiled.
"Feeling better now I suppose?" she asked.
"Yep." Came the reply.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kobayashi Hatoko walked up the steps to the balcony area where the small brunette was waiting.
"That was great, Hatoko-chan," Suzuhara Misaki said, "you haven't used the 'Rolling Thunder' in a long time."
Hatoko shrugged, careful not to drop Suzuka of course.
"I wanted to give a special performance for this years Official Tournament," she said.
A girl behind Misaki, the girl with glasses, smiled at the seven year old Deus.
"That's one special performance they won't forget, it's just too bad I've already played my matches elsewhere," Saito Kaede said, "otherwise I'd give an appearance here as well."
The tall girl next to her glanced over to the short girl by the railing.
"Isn't your sister up next?" Jounouchi Sai asked, calmly.
The short girl nodded eagerly.
"Yes, she is," Fujisaki Arisu said, sounding excited, "I can't wait to see Mao's next match."
The girl in the frilly dress looked impatient.
"I want to see Kiyoko's match," Seto Ringo whined, glancing at the Layer.
Misaki nodded.
"Me too," she said, going over to the railing, "but let's watch Mao and Madoka-san first."
The other girls turned their attention back to the Layer as the Angel Girls raised signs saying, 'Battle 6'.
Back in the stands, Ken was waiting impatiently.
"I want to see Kiyoko and Tamiko," he grumbled.
Takumi turned to him.
"Well, you're going to have to wait," he said, "besides, Fujisaki Madoka is up next."
Aya leaned forward.
"Isn't she like a Martial Artist or something," she asked, sounding a bit bored.
Yuri nodded.
"Yes, she and her Angel have gotten pretty popular in the past couple years," she said, smiling, "Mao's very good."
Mrs. Yume continued to watch as a girl came out of the East Corner door.
"In the East Corner, Deus Minoko Kani and Angel Michiru!" the announcer cried, "regulars here to the Layer!"
The girl, Kani, had curly red hair and hazel eyes. She wore a middle school uniform colored gold and white. On her arm was a slender Angel. She wore a sky blue tunic with the kanji symbol for 'peace' written in navy blue on the chest. A navy blue vest was over the tunic. She wore a close fitting navy skirt with slits on the side to help movement. She wore ankle high sky blue boots and elbow length sky blue gloves. Her hair was dark blue and her eyes were closed.
"In the West Corner, the well known Deus Fujisaki Madoka and Angel Mao!" the announcer continued, "I can't remember a time when these two actually participated in the Tokyo Preliminaries! This is certainly a real treat for us!"
The audience cheered as a dark-haired girl came out of the West Corner door. She was dressed in a fancy blue Chinese outfit. On one arm was Mao, sitting in a fancy position. Madoka and Kani walked to their Angel Chairs, placed their Goggles on, and turned them on.
"This should go well," Yuri said, rather excited.
"Entry Angel!"
The Layer lit up, the force field flashed into existence, and both Angel Chairs were raised. Kani went first, holding Michiru over her head.
"Michiru, be true to yourself within the Layer!" she cried, and threw her Angel forward, "Angel, Fall in!"
The blue Angel sailed through the force field, gave off a brief glow, and opened her bright blue eyes. She calmly floated down towards the Layer. Once she landed, she flipped forward on the Layer, and then stood still.
Madoka smiled at Mao before beginning.
"Geki!" Madoka jabbed her elbow out. "Zan!" She threw her fist into the air. "Ha!" She thrust the same fist in front of her, and with her other hand, held Mao in front of herself. "Mao's strength is my strength! Angel fall-in!"
Madoka threw her Angel towards the Layer. Mao glided through the air and slid through the force field, and glowed. Her golden eyes opened immediately. She trust her foot out, turned upside down with one of her feet in the air, then turned herself right side up, with her left knee tucked to her chest, and her right arm up in the air. She landed on both feet, and took a Kung-fu stance.
"Ready?" the announcer cried, "Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded and the stats filled. Michiru was the first one to make a move. She raced towards Mao, who was still waiting in her stance. She jumped at the waiting Angel and stuck her leg out into a flying right kick. Mao quickly dropped her stance and grabbed the opponent oncoming foot. Spinning around, Mao flung the blue Angel away. Luckily Michiru stopped before getting a Layer Out, but Mao was already heading her way.
Michiru got up fast and started throwing punches at the cat Angel. Mao dodged them all with wonderful precision. Mao flipped backwards on the Layer to gain distance before spinning around with one leg out. Mao's right spin kick caught Michiru across the face, sending her flying.
"Wow, nice one Mao! Looks like the Kung-fu Mistress' of the Layer are taking the lead in this match!" the announcer cried.
Michiru got up while Mao waited in her stance. Michiru, both her and her Deus looking a little tense, ran at Mao. Once in range, she tried to do a left kick, but Mao blocked it. Michiru right kicked. Mao blocked again. Michiru tried a right hook. But Mao ducked the blow. This went on for a while: Mao blocking Michiru's attacks, and dodging some too. Kani was getting nervous, gripping the armrests, and straining. She wasn't having any progress. Madoka, meanwhile, sat calmly, focusing on the match. Everyone in the audience, especially Yuri, was eager to see what happened next.
Finally, Michiru jumped back, and leapt into the air. Mao looked up. Michiru, hardly visible in the lights, descended towards the cat Angel with one leg extended in a drop kick. Mao leapt up at her and met her face to face in the air. Michiru silently gasped as Mao smiled and executed an aerial roundhouse kick that caught Michiru in the neck. With a silent cry, Michiru went flying through the air, and exited the Layer. Kani gasped as her Angel landed in her lap. Mao landed back on the Layer. The buzzer sounded and the audience went nuts.
"Layer Out! Mao, Win!" the announcer cried, Mao's picture flashing across the screen, "a spectacular aerial finish! Hardly anyone can beat Mao when Martial Arts are involved! Give her a hand!"
The audience cheered as Madoka calmly removed her Angel Goggles.
"WOW! YAY, FUJISAKI-SENSEI!" Yuri screamed with joy.
Takumi sweat-dropped and pulled his sister back down as the others clapped.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Wow! Awesome!" Kiyoko cried, "she did that move perfectly!"
Tamiko nodded.
"Yep, if you want to get any tips on karate, just watch Mao," she said, "she's an expert. I got some of my moves just by watching her."
Kiyoko smiled as Madoka picked up Mao from the Layer and waved to the audience.
"My Dad said that he fought her when he came here," she said, more to herself than to Tamiko, "he said she was tough, even for him. She almost knocked him out of the Layer even. She and Hikaru 'both' nearly did."
Tamiko grinned.
"Maybe if we're lucky," she said, a little excited, "maybe we can catch her in the lobby on our way out."
Kiyoko giggled. Tamiko always wanted to meet the popular Deus' and kept coming up with crazy ways to do it. A while later, Kani returned to the waiting room, still a bit stunned. She was followed by a uniformed woman.
"Ms. E-7, Yume Kiyoko?" she called.
Kiyoko jumped up suddenly.
"Uh, yes?" she answered.
"It's your turn."
"O-Oh, uh, right." Kiyoko had forgotten all about her turn.
Swallowing what was left of her fear and blocking out the words that girl said to her in the hall, Kiyoko headed for the door.
"Good luck," Tamiko called.
Kiyoko turned to her and gave her a thumbs-up before dashing out the door.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back in the stands, the audience was still cheering a bit out of excitement. The Angel Girls held up signs that said 'Battle 7' as lights began to focus on the Layer. Back in the stands, meanwhile...
"Oh my gosh, did you see how great Mao was?!" Yuri asked, still ecstatic, "that was a wonderful finish! So artistic, so graceful,- "
"So WHAT?" Ken demanded, scanning the Layer area, "we're here to cheer for Kiyoko, not a karate cat-girl."
Yuri gasped and began scolding Ken. Takumi tried her best to ignore his sister who was an obvious Fujisaki Madoka fan. Aya sat in her seat, bored, while her mother watched the Layer. Suddenly, she stood up, and pointed.
"It's Kiyoko!" she told everyone, then began to wave in her daughters' direction, "Kiyoko! Sweetie, good luck!"
Aya turned bright red and 'attempted' to pull her mother back down into her seat. The others started to clap for their friend as she entered the Layer area.
"Now, let's welcome our Deus' for the next fight!" the announcer shouted, turning to Kiyoko.
"In the East Corner, Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi!" he called out, "this is Yume's first Official Public Tournament, but you wouldn't know it, as she's already defeated one of our returning regulars, the slickest Angel in the Layer, Shadow Panther!"
The audience cheered as Kiyoko got into her Angel Chair. She blushed a bit at the announcers' complements. She had just put on her Angel Goggles when her opponent walked through the West door.
"And in the West Corner, Deus Kitamura Asuka and her Heavyweight Angel Colossus!" the announcer continued.
At the name of the Angel, Kiyoko gasped, and looked up at her opponent. It was the same girl she met in the hall!
"I-It's you!" she cried in surprise.
The girl, Asuka, smiled as she sat down in her Angel Chair.
"Yep, it's me," she smirked, putting on her Goggles, "looks like I get to prove my point, huh?"
Kiyoko swallowed as she turned on her Goggles.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Asuka turned on her Goggles as well.
"I get to prove that your Angel's a weakling," she said, "everyone gets lucky in their first match. Your win was just a fluke."
Kiyoko grit her teeth.
"We'll see," she murmured, gripping Raishinshi.
"Entry Angel!"
With sound of the buzzer and flash of the force field, the match was underway. The audience cheered as the Angel Chairs were raised. Kiyoko looked down at Raishinshi. She gave him a determined nod, closed her eyes, and held him 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.
"GO RAISHINSHI!!" Ken cried, Mrs. Yume cheering just as loud. Takumi and Aya covered their ears, embarrassed, while Yuri smiled.
Asuka smiled and looked down at Colossus, who she was holding in her hand.
"Power wins over anything else!" she cried, gripping Colossus, and drawing back the hand and arm that held her, "Knock them out, Colossus!" she threw her Angel towards the Layers' force field. "Angel, Fall in!"
Colossus entered the force field, glowing. Her head raised and she flexed her muscles, getting rid of the glow. Colossus landed, feet flat on the Layer. She slammed her right fist into her left palm and gave an eager grin at Raishinshi.
"Here we go, folks!" the announcer cried, "Kitamura's Heavyweight Colossus vs. Yume's Lightweight Raishinshi! Who'll win?!"
The audience watched eagerly. Kiyoko's friends and family held their breathes. Tamiko, still in the waiting room, waited patiently. Asuka smiled cockily at Kiyoko while Kiyoko frowned a bit. Both of their Angels stared at one another, waiting to attack.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan and Ogata watched the visual screen, patiently.
"Chief, do you think putting a rookie like her against a Heavyweight this soon is such a good idea?" Ogata asked, unsurely.
Icchan's glasses gleamed in the screens' light.
"I personally think she can handle it if she tries her best," he told his jittery assistant.
(Although, Kitamura has gotten into the habit over the years of putting down her opponents just before the fight, enough to dampen their spirits,) he thought to himself, (losing quite a few times will do that to a person. I hope that Kiyoko is able to forget what she said to her.)
He then turned his attention to the screen as the match began.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded, but no one moved. Kiyoko stared at Colossus in wonder.
(Colossus is obviously a Power type,) she thought, (but how does she fight?)
She got her answer a second later.
Colossus charged at Raishinshi, head on. Raishinshi, caught off guard, jumped back a bit. Colossus threw a fast jab to his face, but Raishinshi's startled jump saved him from the blow. Colossus punched again. Raishinshi ducked it quickly and darted behind Colossus. As the muscular Angel turned, Raishinshi spun on his left foot and delivered a right kick straight to Colossus' face. It hit, but Colossus didn't seem too hurt, and her Damage only went down four points.
(Huh?) Kiyoko thought, then she remembered. Colossus was a Heavyweight.
Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi went in again, and delivered a couple of swift jabs and a left forward kick to Colossus' front. They all hit and Colossus didn't bother blocking. The total damage was only three points. Colossus smiled down at the Lightweight who stared back in bewilderment. Asuka smiled. Colossus drew pack her left fist and delivered an uppercut that sent the boy Angel flying.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried, watching her Angel land three feet away on the Layer.
"Woah! What a punch!" the announcer cried as the audience cheered, "Raishinshi's attacks had no affect on Colossus, but Colossus' attacks sure had an affect on him!"
Raishinshi's Damage Gauge shrank to 85% while Colossus' was only at 93%.
"Oh dear!" Mrs. Yume cried, "how come Kiyoko's Angel got hurt a lot, but the other Angel didn't?"
"Yeah, Colossus only hit Raishinshi once," Ken agreed, "and Raishinshi hit her four times!"
Takumi narrowed his eyes.
"He's too light," he said, bluntly.
"Huh?" Ken asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Aya groaned, "the announcer said that Colossus is a Heavyweight and Raishinshi is a Lightweight. Colossus is heavier than Raishinshi. He won't be able to outweigh her."
Takumi nodded.
"Not to mention Colossus has an emphasis on Power," he added, "her speed isn't very good, but her strength is really high. Raishinshi has an emphasis on Speed, his quickness is high, but his attack power is low."
"And being a Lightweight, his defense probably isn't too good either," Yuri added.
Takumi frowned.
"Just like in the Anime," he said. Yuri heard him, but said nothing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Raishinshi shakily got up as the others were speaking and was facing Colossus. The black and red Angel sneered at him before charging. Raishinshi put up a guard. He dodged Colossus' fast jabs and managed to jump away from the Heavyweight. But she followed him and readied another punch. Raishinshi front flipped over his opponent and ran back to the middle of the Layer. Colossus turned to him.
"What's the matter?" Asuka asked, drawling, "your Angel to weak to put up a fight?"
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. That wasn't it. It was just that when Icchan told her that her opponent was tough, he didn't say that she'd be able to send Raishinshi flying halfway across the Layer. Colossus was almost as strong as Venus.
(I can't worry about how strong she is now,) she told herself, (I have to get some damage on her.)
Raishinshi ran at Colossus as fast as he could, which was very fast. Asuka blinked in surprise at how fast he was. Colossus also seemed to blink under her mask. When within range, Raishinshi crouched before Colossus, and jump kicked her in the face with his right leg. Her head snapped back and she leaned backwards a bit, but she didn't fall over. But Raishinshi wasn't through yet. Once he landed, he quickly jabbed her four times in the stomach and did a forward kick with his right leg. Colossus stumbled backwards, but otherwise kept her footing. But her Damage Gauge dropped to 85%. She was even with Raishinshi.
"Wow! And Raishinshi gives a vicious counter attack!" the announcer cried, "Colossus is hurting!"
The audience cheered. On the balcony, Misaki and Ringo clapped.
"Wow! Go Raishinshi!" Misaki cried, happily.
Sai stared at Kiyoko for a while.
(Kind of wished I participated in 'this' Tournament too,) she thought.
Back in the Layer, Kiyoko couldn't help but give Asuka a smug look.
"Now who's weak?" she called.
To her surprise, Asuka grinned.
" 'You' are," she said, simply.
Without warning, Colossus leapt forward, and delivered a right hook right across Raishinshi's face. He squeezed his eyes shut in pain. Colossus then forward kicked Raishinshi clear across the Layer, he landed only half a foot away from the edge.
(Raishinshi!) Kiyoko cried, mentally.
His Damage Gauge dropped to 69%, but Colossus was far from finished, for she ran at the grounded Angel.
"Get out of there!" Tamiko cried from the waiting room.
Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi got up, and rolled out of the way just as Colossus punched the spot where he was. He ran towards the middle of the Layer, trying to stay away from the edge. Colossus quickly followed her opponent. Raishinshi stopped in the middle of the Layer and waited for Colossus. As soon as she reached him, she kicked out with her left leg. Raishinshi quickly grabbed it with left arm, spun around, and kicked Colossus in the face with his right leg. Surprised by the attack, Colossus stumbled back a bit. Her Damage went down to 80%.
"Good counter, Kiyoko!" Yuri called from the audience.
But Colossus soon recovered and delivered a right jab directly at Raishinshi's stomach. The purple Angel grit his teeth and fell back.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ouch! Raishinshi's losing!" Ogata cried, "I knew this was gonna be too much!"
Icchan frowned and watched the screen.
"Asuka seems determined to win," he said to the open air, "Kiyoko, you 'must' focus."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Raishinshi was on his knees, one hand on his stomach. Colossus was over him, waving to a cheering crowd. The timer was currently at 6 minutes and 35 seconds. Raishinshi had a lot of Damage done to his face and stomach. Kiyoko was almost panicking. Every time he attacked, Asuka would have Colossus counter attack much harsher than what Raishinshi inflicted. Was Asuka right? 'Was' Colossus stronger than Raishinshi? Kiyoko pushed away the thought best she could.
(We can hardly faze her,) she thought, tensely, (I have to knock her out of the Layer.)
Ignoring Icchans' advice from earlier, she had Raishinshi get up, and head for the edge of the Layer. Asuka narrowed her eyes. Colossus ran after Raishinshi and, when she was close enough, she leapt over his head, and landed in front of him. Both he and Kiyoko gasped. In the computer room, Icchan sighed.
"That old trick isn't gonna work on me!" Asuka angrily cried.
Colossus extended her right arm and charged at Raishinshi. He was only beginning to stop running. Colossus' arm was meant to clothesline him in the neck, but Asuka executed the move too fast, and it caught Raishinshi by the waist instead. Raishinshi lurched to a halt and was thrown back to the far side of the Layer. He landed hard on the Layer surface, eyes shut tight, teeth clenched. His Damage Gauge quickly dropped to 40%. Kiyoko gasped.
"Ouch! That had to hurt!" the announcer shouted into the mike, "it's a wonder how Raishinshi was able to stay in the Layer after a hit like that! Colossus has gotten stronger in the years after her defeats in the 3rd and 4th Official Tournaments and she certainly is showing off her supreme strength here in this match against Raishinshi! Deus Yume Kiyoko, what will you do?!"
"You can lose," Asuka suggested, "it'd save your Angel a lot of Damage if you just quit."
Kiyoko frowned and looked at Raishinshi. He was kneeling on the Layer, head down, hands flat on the Layer. Just like he looked in the battle between him Higure. Kiyoko grit her teeth. How could she help her Angel? How?!
On the balcony, the seven Deus' watched.
"Poor Raishinshi," Misaki murmured, sad eyes on the purple Angel, "he's getting hurt so much."
"No fair! Kiyoko was doing good!" Ringo pouted.
Kaede looked sadly at Kiyoko and then over to Asuka.
"Kitamura-san isn't giving Raishinshi much of a chance is she?" she inquired.
Sai frowned.
"I doubt that he'll win this match," she said, flatly.
Back in the stands...
"COME ON, KIYOKO!!" Ken cried.
Aya shook her head.
"I figured this Tournament would be too much for her," she said, sitting back in her seat.
Yuri said nothing, but kept watching expectantly.
Back in the Layer, the timer hit 4 minutes. Kiyoko still had no idea what to do.
(If I make Raishinshi stand,) she thought, sadly, (Colossus will just hurt him more. Maybe Asuka was right; maybe all my wins really were flukes. I should just quit. It's not worth hurting Raishinshi any more.)
At that moment, however, a memory struck Kiyoko. It was from the show Raishinshi was from: one time he was being teased about being weak and that he shouldn't bother continuing the fight he was fighting. But he didn't give up. He got right back up and kept fighting, ignoring the insults best he could. That's why she liked him. He never gave up, no matter what. Kiyoko's eyes widened in realization.
(I can't give up,) she told herself, (if I do, then I 'really' wouldn't be worthy of being a Deus. Raishinshi didn't give up when he fought, so neither can I!)
As Kiyoko regained herself, Raishinshi subconsciously clenched his right fist, and started to stand up.
"Yes," Icchan cheered, silently.
Kiyoko's friends and family, even Aya, brightened. Misaki and Ringo smiled. And Asuka blinked in surprise.
Raishinshi stood near the Layers' edge, staring straight at Colossus.
"Raishinshi has stood up! This match isn't over yet folks!" the announcer cried, as the audience cheered.
Asuka gave Kiyoko a surprised look.
"Boy you've got guts," she commented, "hardly anyone wants to continue when Colossus starts hammering them into the Layer."
Kiyoko's gaze was steady.
"I have a promise to keep and I intend to keep it," she called over.
Asuka gave her a wry smile.
"How're you gonna make a comeback with the damage your Angel has?" she asked, incredulously, "you were better off quitting."
Kiyoko glared at her.
"Raishinshi and I won't quit," she said, firmly, "we won't give up, so 'you' might as well quit."
Asuka grinned.
"You newbies are always stubborn," she commented, "you 'sure' you want to continue?"
Kiyoko gave a sharp nod.
"Bring it!" she cried, Raishinshi getting into a boxing position.
Asuka shrugged. Colossus broke out into a run, as fast as she could go. Raishinshi tensed.
(Fighting the way we are, we don't stand a chance,) she thought, her head spinning with many thoughts, (I obviously can't win by brute force, but Asuka isn't going to let Colossus go anywhere at Layers' edge unless she knows it's a win. How can we beat her?)
Then it came to her as Colossus was halfway across the Layer.
"Let's Go, Raishinshi!" she cried.
Raishinshi broke into a run, heading straight for Colossus.
"What's she doing?" Asuka asked to the open air.
Both Angels were heading straight for one another. Colossus smiling, Raishinshi steady. Colossus drew back her fist. Raishinshi did the same with his right fist. But then Raishinshi stuck his whole arm out to the side and side stepped slightly. Colossus ran into the arm head on, getting the clothesline right in the neck. She flopped down on her back, hard.
Colossus' Damage Gauge dropped to 0 and the buzzer sounded, ending the match. No one said a word. The timer had stopped at 1 minute. The announcer gawked down at what he just saw. Sai and the equally doubtful Arisu blinked in surprise. Aya gasped. Asuka stared in disbelief.
"YAY, KIYOKO!" Mrs. Yume cried.
The audience cheered loudly as the announcer caught up with them.
"WOAH! I don't believe it! Raishinshi took out Colossus with one of her own moves!" he screamed, "amazing! Raishinshi, Win!"
Kiyoko smiled proudly at her brave Angel. She then turned to Asuka. The older girl was staring down at her lap, almost like she was about to cry.
"Not again," she heard her mumble, "why? Why do I always lose?"
Kiyoko frowned, instantly feeling sorry for the girl. She turned to Raishinshi, who was still standing over the Colossus.
(Raishinshi? Can you help me with one more thing?) she asked, mentally.
In the stands, Ken was doing a victory dance where he stood.
"Alriiiight, Kiyoko!" he cheered, "you rock!"
Yuri turned to her brother.
"You were wrong about him again, bro," she said, "Raishinshi, both Anime and Angel, always fights his hardest, no matter what the odds are."
Takumi sighed and had to smile at the correction his sister made. She was right. He 'did' fight his hardest.
"Oh, my. Look," Mrs. Yume said, pointing at the Layer.
Quite suddenly, all the people in the audience grew silent. Confused, Asuka looked up, and stared in surprise. Raishinshi, with quite some effort, had managed to pick up Colossus, and was carrying her over to Asuka. Asuka continued to watch in confusion as Raishinshi brought Colossus in front of her, set her down on the Layer, and then sat down in exhaustion.
The audience cheered again, more loudly this time.
"Now THAT is what I call good game spirit!" the announcer shouted with a smile, "give newbie Yume Kiyoko a hand!"
The audience cheered louder as Kiyoko took off her Angel Goggles and ran to Asuka's side of the Layer. Asuka had picked up Colossus and was looking down at her. She then turned to Kiyoko as she picked up Raishinshi.
"Why did you...?" she began, but was cut off.
"Is she okay?" Kiyoko asked, politely.
Asuka did nothing but stare.
"Huh?" she said, blankly.
"Colossus, she's not hurt badly, is she?" Kiyoko asked again.
Asuka blinked.
"W-Why would it matter to you?" Asuka stuttered in confusion, "you won."
Kiyoko shrugged.
"So? That doesn't mean I don't have to be nice," she said, then smiled, "if Colossus is damaged badly, I could have my friend, Tamiko, fix her. She owns an Angel Repair Kit."
Asuka blinked again and looked down.
"No, that's okay," she said, timidly, "I have a Repair Kit too."
Kiyoko nodded. But before she could go, Asuka held out her hand.
"Nice fight," she said, without looking up, "This is the first time a Lightweight's won against Colossus without winning by a Layer Out." She then looked up, smiling. "I'll admit it, I was wrong about your Angel: he 'is' good."
Kiyoko smiled and shook Asuka's hand.
"You're a pretty good fighter too," she said, "I hope we can have a match again sometime."
Asuka blushed, timidly.
"S-Sure thing," she agreed.
The audience was still cheering when both girls left. Ken and Mrs. Yume were cheering loudest. Yuri and Takumi clapped their hands in excitement. Inside the waiting room, Tamiko was jumping up and down, hugging Youzen. Even Aya managed a smile at her sisters' win.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"She used the momentum Colossus had built up in her run against her," Icchan mumbled watching the Layer, "the perfect KO against a Heavyweight: one must turn their weight against them."
Ogata was still clapping over the victory.
"I can't believe the two of them pulled off that fight," he cheered, " I mean, if that punch Colossus was about to use had connected, there's 'no way' Raishinshi would have been able to survive it."
Icchan rubbed his chin, thoughtfully.
"If she's anything like 'him'," he stated, "then I sincerely doubt anything could stop her."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
The instant Kiyoko came into the waiting room, Tamiko tackled her, and hugged her tight.
"That was great!" she cried, "I can't believe you won!"
*....hakanai hoshi zora*
"To be honest, neither can I," Kiyoko admitted, hugging her friend back.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni....*
As the two girls laughed and cheered, a head poked in, and stared at Kiyoko.
*....negai o kakeru kara*
Saburo watched the girls for a long time until he finally gave Kiyoko a secretive smile.
(Not bad.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HaHA! I've completed yet another chapter! This is unbelievable: I never before could get a fanfic going this long. I feel so happy! Anyway, next Chapter, Kiyoko goes up against Hikawa Yuuko and Angel Katalina. Will they beat this ice-skating Angel? Stay tuned! And yes, I'll admit, I got some pieces of my chapter from the Manga dialogue, so I'll say it: I don't own the Manga either. But I hope you like my story. Please Review me, but no flames!
Disclaimer: Wow, I really am on a roll. I just LOVE Angelic Layer! This chapter, Kiyoko
goes up against Asuka and Colossus. Can Raishinshi beat this Heavyweight
type? Sorry if Asuka sounds out of character, if she is that is, I don't know
her that much. ? I don't own Angelic Layer or any of its original character. I
'do' own Kiyoko Yume, Angel Raishinshi, Kiyoko's friends and family,
Tamiko, Angel Youzen, Saburo, Angel Higure, and any other characters and
Angels that may pop up. Now, onward!
Battle 8: "Raishinshi Isn't Weak! Kiyoko vs. Asuka!"
A silver van pulled into the Angelic Layer Stadium Parking Lot. The minute it got parked, the drivers' door opened, and Mrs. Yume toppled out. She ran like nuts towards the entrance. The passenger door opened and Aya came out, calling after her mother.
"Mom! Slow down!" she cried, trying to catch up with her mother.
Mrs. Yume had gotten to the doors and stopped to catch her breath.
"B-But...Kiyoko's first...match has already...ended," she gasped, "and...I said that...I'd come watch...her."
Aya rolled her eyes.
"That doesn't mean you have to knock yourself out over it," she stated, "she's got one more match left today. We'll catch that one."
Mrs. Yume, her breathing calm again, looked up, and nodded.
"I suppose," she admitted, "do you think she won her first match, though?"
Aya sighed as her mother opened the double glass doors.
"Mom, I don't think she'd be 'that' good," she said, "she probably got Layered Out in the first two minutes."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I thought you ROCKED!" Ken clarified over his sandwich, "you totally kicked Shadow Panthers' butt!"
Kiyoko blushed. She and her friends were at the Stadium Café, where food and drink were served. After their first matches, Deus' got a break before their second rounds. They had 20 minutes total to get everything into order before Layer time. Right now, Kiyoko, Tamiko, and Takumi were having the café's famous flavored pastries while Yuri and Ken had turkey sandwiches. And Ken couldn't stop talking about the girls' fights.
"I'm serious!" he continued, "you BOTH rocked! You'll win every match for sure!"
Takumi sighed while Yuri smiled.
"I think you're improving greatly, Kiyoko," she stated.
Kiyoko looked up from her cherry-flavored pastry.
"Really?" she asked, "I did?"
Yuri nodded.
"Yes, Raishinshi's movement improved a lot," she assured, "and you could take tips from watching Tamiko."
Now it was Tamiko's turn to blush.
"I'm not that good," she admitted, "I just barely made it out of my last fight."
Takumi shrugged.
"But you came through, both of you did," he complemented, "I think you'll both do fine."
Kiyoko and Tamiko exchanged smiling looks.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Hey Chief?" Ogata called over his computer, "here's the next opponent that Kiyoko has to fight next."
Icchan walked over to the computer and checked the new roster. The 20 minute lunch breaks were technically used to print out the new rosters, but Icchan let Ogata do all that. And he was curious to know who Kiyoko's next opponent was. Upon seeing the name, he straightened up, and rubbed his chin.
"Is it okay chief?" Ogata asked, nervously, "I can change it if you want."
Icchan shook his head after a moment.
"No, I think it's okay," he said, and headed back to his seat by the view screen, "the data is being collected, right?"
Ogata nodded.
"Yep, we're getting all of it," he assured as he ordered around the rest of the roster.
"Good," Icchan said, "I don't want to miss anything good."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko was finishing up her pastry when she heard...
"Kiyoko, sweetie!"
"Sis!"
Kiyoko looked up in surprise and turned to the lobby to her right. What she saw was her mother running towards her at full speed with her sister 'trying' to keep up.
"I'm SO 'sorry'!" Mrs. Yume cried, wrapping her arms around her daughter, tightly, "I wanted to come sooner, but I couldn't get off work until only 20 minutes ago, and then I had to pick up your sister! Oh, honey, I'm so sorry I'm late!"
All this time that she was apologizing, she was squeezing Kiyoko tighter and tighter. Kiyoko was being squashed, but that wasn't really what she was worried about.
"Mom, let go, you're crushing Raishinshi!" she called, her voice a little muffled.
Mrs. Yume's eyes widened and she quickly let go as Kiyoko fumbled for her uniform pocket. She pulled out her Angel and sighed with relief. He wasn't hurt or bent. Aya rolled her eyes.
"Oh. My. Gosh. You're getting all worked up over a DOLL?" she asked.
Kiyoko wrinkled her nose at her sister.
"Don't listen to her, honey," her mother said, "so, how'd you do in your first match."
Before she could reply, Aya spoke up again.
"Like I said Mom, she probably lost," she huffed, "after all, you 'know' how she handles pressure."
Before Kiyoko could reply...
"She won."
Aya blinked and turned to Takumi, who was looking up at her rather displeased.
"What?" Aya asked.
"I said, 'she won'," he repeated, "you should really put more faith in her."
Mrs. Yume beamed.
"You won?! My baby won!" she cried, hugging her daughter again, more gently, "I knew it!"
Aya blinked in surprise. She won? Her sister, who hates pressure, is very indecisive, can't handle stress and strain, and has a hard time even focusing on homework actually won her first Tournament Match?
"Yeah, I did," Kiyoko said, giving Aya a triumphant smile, "and Tamiko did too."
Tamiko blushed and turned to Mrs. Yume.
"I sure did," she said, "by the way, is my Dad coming?"
Mrs. Yume suddenly frowned and let go of her daughter.
"I'm sorry Tamiko," she apologized, "but he got caught in a meeting. He can't come today."
Tamiko flinched upon hearing this and looked down, sadly.
"It's okay," she mumbled, then looked up with a small smile, "but my match was nothing compared to Kiyoko's."
Kiyoko shook her head.
"No way," she objected. But Tamiko wouldn't hear it.
"Hey, I got my strategy from 'you'," she said, surprising her friend, "so it's all thanks to you we won." She pulled out Youzen who had been sleeping in her pocket.
Both girls smiled at one another.
"You should of seen Raishinshi take out Shadow Panther," Ken said, getting back to their former topic, "it was 'so' cool!"
Yuri nodded.
"And he struck first," she added.
Mrs. Yume went nuts.
"Oh, my baby! She's turning out just like her father!" she cried, joyously.
Aya made a sour face at that. Suddenly, the speakers above came on.
" 'All Deus' please return to your assigned waiting rooms,' " the announcer said, " 'repeat, all Deus' please return to your assigned waiting rooms.' "
Everyone in the Café got up and started to leave.
"We'd better go," Tamiko said, "c'mon Kiyoko."
Kiyoko nodded and turned to her family.
"Wish me luck," she said, "I'll be in the 7th fight."
Mrs. Yume nodded. Aya said nothing.
As the two girls ran towards the East Corner Waiting Room, Ken was leading everyone to the stands. Aya hung back and watched her sister go.
(Just don't leave like Dad did,) she thought, and went after the others.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko and Tamiko had made it back to the waiting room just as the first battle appeared on the rooms' TV.
The match had just started and the Angels were already in the Layer. Kiyoko was surprised to see that, once again, Higure was in the Layer. The black and violet Angel was standing still as another Angel charged at him. The new Angel had on what looked like a blue bathing suit-like outfit with her breasts shown in dark blue and knee-high dark blue boots. She had dark blue wavy hair and a blue cap with the letters 'TJ' on it. Kiyoko suspected that that was the Angels' name. Her eyes were covered with big orange glasses, so it was hard to make out her face.
Kiyoko watched as the blue Angel reached Higure and started punching at him. He ducked and dodged all of her jabs. The blue Angel tried to right kick him, but Higure back flipped away. The blue Angel charged at Higure as he landed, but met an unpleasant surprise. The minute Higure landed, he vanished into thin air. The blue Angel stopped and looked around, puzzled.
Kiyoko gasped. Higure had done this to her and Raishinshi before!
"Look Out!" she cried.
But it was too late. The blue Angels' head snapped back as she was invisibly hit. She then stumbled forward and then to the side. She kept being struck from all sides by her invisible attacker until, finally, she fell down onto the Layer surface. Higure re-appeared next to her. The blue Angels' Damage Gauge had dropped to 0 and the timer had stopped at 9 minutes.
"Higure, Win!" the announcer screamed as the audience cheered, "what a match, it was over in just a minute! Give Speed King Yukiwa Saburo a big hand!"
The audience continued to cheer as Saburo got up, took Higure from the Layer, and left the area.
"Man, can you believe him?" Tamiko asked, grumpily.
Kiyoko said nothing. She merely hugged Raishinshi as she remembered the harsh onslaught that Raishinshi was able to endure. She prayed that she'd never have to see it done on her Angel again.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In the audience, in the middle row, Kiyoko's friends and family were watching the second match get underway. Mrs. Yume was ignoring the announcer and turned to Yuri.
"How many people are fighting in this years' Tournament?" she asked.
Yuri thought a moment.
"I think the papers said almost twice as much since the 3rd Year Championship," she said. Out of all the middle school kids, Yuri and her brother were the only ones who actually read the newspaper.
"Wow," Mrs. Yume whispered, "that's a lot. Will the Tournament be any different?"
"Well, I heard that since there are more Deus' this year than any other because of the 'special event', I think they're going to have more winners this year," Yuri continued, eyes straying to the Layer.
Aya blinked at that.
"I thought they only have four winners in the Tokyo Prelims," she stated.
Takumi shrugged.
"Well, more Deus' have come because of the 'special event', so there's more than usual," he explained, "they were thinking about giving Deus' twelve matches instead of ten, but the creators didn't like that idea. So they wound up having six winners' places instead of four."
Ken turned to his friend.
"Do ya think Kiyoko and Tamiko can make it?" he asked.
Takumi was about to reply, when...
"Katalina, Win!"
Everyone turned to see a girl with shoulder length dark hair and brown eyes take off her Angel Goggles and take her Angel from the Layer. It was hard to see her Angel, but they 'did' notice blond hair and pink ice skates. The girl waved to the audience as she headed for the West Side door.
"What a match, over in 3 minutes, nearly!" the announcer continued over the cheering audience, "Hikawa Yuuko is a force to be reckoned with when her Angel is in the Layer! What surprises wait in the next match?"
Takumi sighed and sat back in his seat.
"With so many experienced Deus' this year," he said, "they'll have their hands full."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko was looking down at Raishinshi, deep in thought.
(I wonder just how many Deus' came. Can we beat them all?) she thought, (I promised my Dad I'd ace all my matches once I entered the Tournament. But what if I go up against Higure again? What if we lose to him again? I can't bear to see Raishinshi beat up that way again. I...)
"You okay, Kiyoko?"
Kiyoko looked up and turned to Tamiko who was giving her friend a worried look.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she assured, "just thinking."
Kiyoko leaned back on the seat she and Tamiko were sharing.
"Hey, Tami-chan?" she asked.
Tamiko turned at the mention of her childhood nickname.
"Do you think that we'll have to face Higure here?" she asked, nervously.
Tamiko thought a moment then shook her head.
"I doubt it, remember what Yuri said during our break?" she replied, "not everyone will have the chance to fight everyone."
Kiyoko nodded, but then turned to her friend.
"But what if 'we' have to fight one another?" she asked.
Tamiko hesitated.
"I...I guess we fight our hardest," she finally said, "to fight half- heartedly isn't the way to play Angelic Layer."
Kiyoko nodded, but still looked troubled. Fighting Higure would be hard enough, but fighting a childhood friend and her Angel would be even harder. She got up from her seat.
"I'm going to go get a quick drink," she said, "I'll be right back."
Tamiko looked up to reply, but Kiyoko had already left. Tamiko sighed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
After taking a couple sips from the water fountain by the lobby, Kiyoko straightened, and let out a nourished sigh. She'd forgotten to order a drink during the break so her throat was pretty dry. Now that she got her drink, she began to head back to the waiting area.
"Hey!"
Startled, Kiyoko turned to see a girl standing behind her. She wore an open orange jacket with a white shirt under it, faded jeans, and white sneakers. Her hair was brown and short and her gray eyes were focused on Kiyoko.
"You're Yume Kiyoko, right?" she asked.
Kiyoko nodded. The girl got closer and seemed to stare at her impolitely.
"I saw your fight with Higure last week," she said, going over to the drinking fountain, "must not be good at Angelic Layer, huh?"
Kiyoko blinked in surprise at the girl as she took a drink.
"What do you mean?" she asked, sounding confused.
The girl looked up from the fountain.
"You hardly put up much of a fight with Higure, it's no wonder you got your butt kicked," she told her, bluntly, "not to mention you ran right into his special move."
Kiyoko frowned.
"I-I didn't know," she said, trying to block the bad memory out of her mind, "and besides, my qualifying match was good. My friends and family said so."
"Of course they would," the girl remarked.
"Didn't you see it?"
"I heard about it. Heard that your Angel was getting beat up until the last minute."
"At least we won."
"Only barely."
Kiyoko frowned even more. This girl didn't seem to like Kiyoko for some reason.
"Hey, is that your Angel?" the girl suddenly asked, pointing at Raishinshi.
Kiyoko looked down at him and nodded. The girl got closer and stared at him.
"Looks like a girl," she remarked.
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes.
"He does 'not'," she said, firmly, "he's a good Angel."
"He can't even defend himself," the girl said, "last fight you had with Shadow Panther, he was getting hit half the time. You only won by getting her by the Layers' edge and giving her a Layer Out."
Kiyoko was slowly getting upset. Why was this girl putting her down so much?
"What about 'your' Angel?" she found herself saying, "is she any good?"
The girl smiled and reached into her jean pocket that was hidden by her jacket. She pulled out an Angel. It was a muscular female, obviously a Power-type, though Kiyoko thought it was a guy at first. She was dressed in a skin-tight black and red outfit with black pants and boots. The chest and arms were the only parts not covered, though the breasts were slightly hidden. The Angel had red, spiked shoulder guards and red wristbands as well. The outfit also covered her neck and head, like Shadow Panther, but with no visor or cat ears. Her mouth was showing, but there were no eyeholes, just white, eye-shaped marks where the eyes were supposed to be. And finally, wavy blue-white hair flowed out behind the Angels' head.
"Here she is," the girl said, "her names Colossus and she's much better than 'your' Angel."
Kiyoko couldn't help it.
"She looks like a guy," she said, not feeling happy with what she just said.
The girl scowled at Kiyoko.
"At least she's not weak like your Angel is," she huffed.
Kiyoko's eyes widened, then narrowed quickly.
"Raishinshi isn't weak!" she said, madly.
The girl shrugged and walked away.
"Keep saying that," she drawled, "and maybe it'll come true, 'newbie'."
Kiyoko watched her go, a hurt expression on her face. Why? Why her and Raishinshi? Why were they always teased? Kiyoko didn't know why that girl didn't like her, but she didn't have to put her Angel down so much. Sighing, Kiyoko turned to head back the waiting room....
"I'M WIGGLY ICCHAN!"
Kiyoko jumped and backed up. Icchan was standing in front of her, hands waving around, grin present.
"Ah! M-Mr. Icchan! Do you have to sneak up on me?" Kiyoko stammered.
Icchan stopped waving his arms, but continued to grin.
"Call it a habit," he said.
Kiyoko smiled up at her friend.
"Did you see my match?" she asked.
"Sure did," Icchan replied, "it was great."
Kiyoko smiled and hugged Raishinshi. At least 'somebody' was being nice.
"I saw you talking to that girl," Icchan brought up, "sounds like she didn't like you very much, eh?"
Kiyoko immediately frowned.
"I know," she said and looked down at Raishinshi again, "but why? I didn't do or say anything to her or her Angel."
Icchan adjusted his glasses as he gazed down at his student.
"I'm familiar with that Deus," he said, calmly, "she's like that with everyone. She's lost her share of fights and it's made her attitude rough when it comes to Angelic Layer. She mainly does this to those she..." Icchan quickly stopped.
"Hm?" Kiyoko asked.
"Er, nothing," Icchan covered up, "anyway, she did that just to dampen your spirit. Don't let what she said get to you."
Kiyoko made a face.
"By the way," Icchan continued, "I just came here to tell you to be careful next match."
Kiyoko blinked and looked up at him.
"Huh? Why?" she asked.
Icchan's face turned serious.
"I checked the roster and your opponent is a Heavyweight like Venus," he said, "she's tough and don't expect the same technique you used on Venus to work again."
Kiyoko thought a moment.
"But Tamiko beat Venus and 'she' was a Heavyweight," she said.
Icchan sighed.
"Tamiko has about a years experience in the Layer," he informed her, "she knows her way around Angels in a match." Kiyoko nodded. "But don't worry, I know you can win."
Kiyoko nodded once more before heading for the waiting room.
"Thanks Mr. Icchan," she called before leaving.
Icchan waved as she left before looking in the direction of the Layer, where the 5th battle was already being fought.
(I just hope you can handle her,) he thought, (she's gotten better since the 3rd Official Tournament.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko headed back to the waiting room just as the last parts of Battle 5 were being shown.
Once again, Light-Speed Suzuka was in the Layer. The ninja Angel was currently dodging blows from another Angel that was dressed in a green jacket with a white tank top underneath, a green skirt that reached her knees, white sandals, and green armbands. Her bright green hair was flowing around her shoulders as her emerald eyes were fixed in an angry glare. Suzuka however, wasn't glaring, but simply staring as she ducked and stepped away from the Angels' blows.
After a while, she back flipped on the Layer, away from the green Angel. The green Angel lunged after her. But that was a 'big' mistake. Leaning forward ever so slightly, Suzuka back flipped with her right leg extended. Her foot caught the opponent under the chin and sent her flying. She hit the Layer and slid a bit, then skidded to a halt near the edge. She didn't get back up.
"WOW! That was the 'Rolling Thunder'!" the announcer cried as the buzzer sounded, ending the match, "it's been quite a while since we've seen her use it! And Light-Speed Suzuka Wins the match in less than a minute!"
As the audience applauded, Kiyoko went towards her seat where Tamiko was also sitting. Her eyes were glued to the screen.
"Cool, huh?" Kiyoko asked, once close enough to her entranced friend.
Tamiko snapped out of it and nodded.
"Huh? Yeah! It 'was' cool!" she said, "it's rare that Suzuka does the 'Rolling Thunder' in the Tokyo Prelims. That was awesome!"
Kiyoko nodded and sat back down. Her mood lightened.
"I'd like to go up against her one day," she mumbled.
Tamiko turned to her friend in surprise.
" 'You' want to go up against the Invincible Venus?!" she asked, incredulously.
Kiyoko shrugged.
"Yeah," she said, "I've always wanted to fight a strong Angel like her. She's awesome!"
Tamiko smiled.
"Feeling better now I suppose?" she asked.
"Yep." Came the reply.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kobayashi Hatoko walked up the steps to the balcony area where the small brunette was waiting.
"That was great, Hatoko-chan," Suzuhara Misaki said, "you haven't used the 'Rolling Thunder' in a long time."
Hatoko shrugged, careful not to drop Suzuka of course.
"I wanted to give a special performance for this years Official Tournament," she said.
A girl behind Misaki, the girl with glasses, smiled at the seven year old Deus.
"That's one special performance they won't forget, it's just too bad I've already played my matches elsewhere," Saito Kaede said, "otherwise I'd give an appearance here as well."
The tall girl next to her glanced over to the short girl by the railing.
"Isn't your sister up next?" Jounouchi Sai asked, calmly.
The short girl nodded eagerly.
"Yes, she is," Fujisaki Arisu said, sounding excited, "I can't wait to see Mao's next match."
The girl in the frilly dress looked impatient.
"I want to see Kiyoko's match," Seto Ringo whined, glancing at the Layer.
Misaki nodded.
"Me too," she said, going over to the railing, "but let's watch Mao and Madoka-san first."
The other girls turned their attention back to the Layer as the Angel Girls raised signs saying, 'Battle 6'.
Back in the stands, Ken was waiting impatiently.
"I want to see Kiyoko and Tamiko," he grumbled.
Takumi turned to him.
"Well, you're going to have to wait," he said, "besides, Fujisaki Madoka is up next."
Aya leaned forward.
"Isn't she like a Martial Artist or something," she asked, sounding a bit bored.
Yuri nodded.
"Yes, she and her Angel have gotten pretty popular in the past couple years," she said, smiling, "Mao's very good."
Mrs. Yume continued to watch as a girl came out of the East Corner door.
"In the East Corner, Deus Minoko Kani and Angel Michiru!" the announcer cried, "regulars here to the Layer!"
The girl, Kani, had curly red hair and hazel eyes. She wore a middle school uniform colored gold and white. On her arm was a slender Angel. She wore a sky blue tunic with the kanji symbol for 'peace' written in navy blue on the chest. A navy blue vest was over the tunic. She wore a close fitting navy skirt with slits on the side to help movement. She wore ankle high sky blue boots and elbow length sky blue gloves. Her hair was dark blue and her eyes were closed.
"In the West Corner, the well known Deus Fujisaki Madoka and Angel Mao!" the announcer continued, "I can't remember a time when these two actually participated in the Tokyo Preliminaries! This is certainly a real treat for us!"
The audience cheered as a dark-haired girl came out of the West Corner door. She was dressed in a fancy blue Chinese outfit. On one arm was Mao, sitting in a fancy position. Madoka and Kani walked to their Angel Chairs, placed their Goggles on, and turned them on.
"This should go well," Yuri said, rather excited.
"Entry Angel!"
The Layer lit up, the force field flashed into existence, and both Angel Chairs were raised. Kani went first, holding Michiru over her head.
"Michiru, be true to yourself within the Layer!" she cried, and threw her Angel forward, "Angel, Fall in!"
The blue Angel sailed through the force field, gave off a brief glow, and opened her bright blue eyes. She calmly floated down towards the Layer. Once she landed, she flipped forward on the Layer, and then stood still.
Madoka smiled at Mao before beginning.
"Geki!" Madoka jabbed her elbow out. "Zan!" She threw her fist into the air. "Ha!" She thrust the same fist in front of her, and with her other hand, held Mao in front of herself. "Mao's strength is my strength! Angel fall-in!"
Madoka threw her Angel towards the Layer. Mao glided through the air and slid through the force field, and glowed. Her golden eyes opened immediately. She trust her foot out, turned upside down with one of her feet in the air, then turned herself right side up, with her left knee tucked to her chest, and her right arm up in the air. She landed on both feet, and took a Kung-fu stance.
"Ready?" the announcer cried, "Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded and the stats filled. Michiru was the first one to make a move. She raced towards Mao, who was still waiting in her stance. She jumped at the waiting Angel and stuck her leg out into a flying right kick. Mao quickly dropped her stance and grabbed the opponent oncoming foot. Spinning around, Mao flung the blue Angel away. Luckily Michiru stopped before getting a Layer Out, but Mao was already heading her way.
Michiru got up fast and started throwing punches at the cat Angel. Mao dodged them all with wonderful precision. Mao flipped backwards on the Layer to gain distance before spinning around with one leg out. Mao's right spin kick caught Michiru across the face, sending her flying.
"Wow, nice one Mao! Looks like the Kung-fu Mistress' of the Layer are taking the lead in this match!" the announcer cried.
Michiru got up while Mao waited in her stance. Michiru, both her and her Deus looking a little tense, ran at Mao. Once in range, she tried to do a left kick, but Mao blocked it. Michiru right kicked. Mao blocked again. Michiru tried a right hook. But Mao ducked the blow. This went on for a while: Mao blocking Michiru's attacks, and dodging some too. Kani was getting nervous, gripping the armrests, and straining. She wasn't having any progress. Madoka, meanwhile, sat calmly, focusing on the match. Everyone in the audience, especially Yuri, was eager to see what happened next.
Finally, Michiru jumped back, and leapt into the air. Mao looked up. Michiru, hardly visible in the lights, descended towards the cat Angel with one leg extended in a drop kick. Mao leapt up at her and met her face to face in the air. Michiru silently gasped as Mao smiled and executed an aerial roundhouse kick that caught Michiru in the neck. With a silent cry, Michiru went flying through the air, and exited the Layer. Kani gasped as her Angel landed in her lap. Mao landed back on the Layer. The buzzer sounded and the audience went nuts.
"Layer Out! Mao, Win!" the announcer cried, Mao's picture flashing across the screen, "a spectacular aerial finish! Hardly anyone can beat Mao when Martial Arts are involved! Give her a hand!"
The audience cheered as Madoka calmly removed her Angel Goggles.
"WOW! YAY, FUJISAKI-SENSEI!" Yuri screamed with joy.
Takumi sweat-dropped and pulled his sister back down as the others clapped.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Wow! Awesome!" Kiyoko cried, "she did that move perfectly!"
Tamiko nodded.
"Yep, if you want to get any tips on karate, just watch Mao," she said, "she's an expert. I got some of my moves just by watching her."
Kiyoko smiled as Madoka picked up Mao from the Layer and waved to the audience.
"My Dad said that he fought her when he came here," she said, more to herself than to Tamiko, "he said she was tough, even for him. She almost knocked him out of the Layer even. She and Hikaru 'both' nearly did."
Tamiko grinned.
"Maybe if we're lucky," she said, a little excited, "maybe we can catch her in the lobby on our way out."
Kiyoko giggled. Tamiko always wanted to meet the popular Deus' and kept coming up with crazy ways to do it. A while later, Kani returned to the waiting room, still a bit stunned. She was followed by a uniformed woman.
"Ms. E-7, Yume Kiyoko?" she called.
Kiyoko jumped up suddenly.
"Uh, yes?" she answered.
"It's your turn."
"O-Oh, uh, right." Kiyoko had forgotten all about her turn.
Swallowing what was left of her fear and blocking out the words that girl said to her in the hall, Kiyoko headed for the door.
"Good luck," Tamiko called.
Kiyoko turned to her and gave her a thumbs-up before dashing out the door.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back in the stands, the audience was still cheering a bit out of excitement. The Angel Girls held up signs that said 'Battle 7' as lights began to focus on the Layer. Back in the stands, meanwhile...
"Oh my gosh, did you see how great Mao was?!" Yuri asked, still ecstatic, "that was a wonderful finish! So artistic, so graceful,- "
"So WHAT?" Ken demanded, scanning the Layer area, "we're here to cheer for Kiyoko, not a karate cat-girl."
Yuri gasped and began scolding Ken. Takumi tried her best to ignore his sister who was an obvious Fujisaki Madoka fan. Aya sat in her seat, bored, while her mother watched the Layer. Suddenly, she stood up, and pointed.
"It's Kiyoko!" she told everyone, then began to wave in her daughters' direction, "Kiyoko! Sweetie, good luck!"
Aya turned bright red and 'attempted' to pull her mother back down into her seat. The others started to clap for their friend as she entered the Layer area.
"Now, let's welcome our Deus' for the next fight!" the announcer shouted, turning to Kiyoko.
"In the East Corner, Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi!" he called out, "this is Yume's first Official Public Tournament, but you wouldn't know it, as she's already defeated one of our returning regulars, the slickest Angel in the Layer, Shadow Panther!"
The audience cheered as Kiyoko got into her Angel Chair. She blushed a bit at the announcers' complements. She had just put on her Angel Goggles when her opponent walked through the West door.
"And in the West Corner, Deus Kitamura Asuka and her Heavyweight Angel Colossus!" the announcer continued.
At the name of the Angel, Kiyoko gasped, and looked up at her opponent. It was the same girl she met in the hall!
"I-It's you!" she cried in surprise.
The girl, Asuka, smiled as she sat down in her Angel Chair.
"Yep, it's me," she smirked, putting on her Goggles, "looks like I get to prove my point, huh?"
Kiyoko swallowed as she turned on her Goggles.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Asuka turned on her Goggles as well.
"I get to prove that your Angel's a weakling," she said, "everyone gets lucky in their first match. Your win was just a fluke."
Kiyoko grit her teeth.
"We'll see," she murmured, gripping Raishinshi.
"Entry Angel!"
With sound of the buzzer and flash of the force field, the match was underway. The audience cheered as the Angel Chairs were raised. Kiyoko looked down at Raishinshi. She gave him a determined nod, closed her eyes, and held him 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.
"GO RAISHINSHI!!" Ken cried, Mrs. Yume cheering just as loud. Takumi and Aya covered their ears, embarrassed, while Yuri smiled.
Asuka smiled and looked down at Colossus, who she was holding in her hand.
"Power wins over anything else!" she cried, gripping Colossus, and drawing back the hand and arm that held her, "Knock them out, Colossus!" she threw her Angel towards the Layers' force field. "Angel, Fall in!"
Colossus entered the force field, glowing. Her head raised and she flexed her muscles, getting rid of the glow. Colossus landed, feet flat on the Layer. She slammed her right fist into her left palm and gave an eager grin at Raishinshi.
"Here we go, folks!" the announcer cried, "Kitamura's Heavyweight Colossus vs. Yume's Lightweight Raishinshi! Who'll win?!"
The audience watched eagerly. Kiyoko's friends and family held their breathes. Tamiko, still in the waiting room, waited patiently. Asuka smiled cockily at Kiyoko while Kiyoko frowned a bit. Both of their Angels stared at one another, waiting to attack.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan and Ogata watched the visual screen, patiently.
"Chief, do you think putting a rookie like her against a Heavyweight this soon is such a good idea?" Ogata asked, unsurely.
Icchan's glasses gleamed in the screens' light.
"I personally think she can handle it if she tries her best," he told his jittery assistant.
(Although, Kitamura has gotten into the habit over the years of putting down her opponents just before the fight, enough to dampen their spirits,) he thought to himself, (losing quite a few times will do that to a person. I hope that Kiyoko is able to forget what she said to her.)
He then turned his attention to the screen as the match began.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded, but no one moved. Kiyoko stared at Colossus in wonder.
(Colossus is obviously a Power type,) she thought, (but how does she fight?)
She got her answer a second later.
Colossus charged at Raishinshi, head on. Raishinshi, caught off guard, jumped back a bit. Colossus threw a fast jab to his face, but Raishinshi's startled jump saved him from the blow. Colossus punched again. Raishinshi ducked it quickly and darted behind Colossus. As the muscular Angel turned, Raishinshi spun on his left foot and delivered a right kick straight to Colossus' face. It hit, but Colossus didn't seem too hurt, and her Damage only went down four points.
(Huh?) Kiyoko thought, then she remembered. Colossus was a Heavyweight.
Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi went in again, and delivered a couple of swift jabs and a left forward kick to Colossus' front. They all hit and Colossus didn't bother blocking. The total damage was only three points. Colossus smiled down at the Lightweight who stared back in bewilderment. Asuka smiled. Colossus drew pack her left fist and delivered an uppercut that sent the boy Angel flying.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried, watching her Angel land three feet away on the Layer.
"Woah! What a punch!" the announcer cried as the audience cheered, "Raishinshi's attacks had no affect on Colossus, but Colossus' attacks sure had an affect on him!"
Raishinshi's Damage Gauge shrank to 85% while Colossus' was only at 93%.
"Oh dear!" Mrs. Yume cried, "how come Kiyoko's Angel got hurt a lot, but the other Angel didn't?"
"Yeah, Colossus only hit Raishinshi once," Ken agreed, "and Raishinshi hit her four times!"
Takumi narrowed his eyes.
"He's too light," he said, bluntly.
"Huh?" Ken asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Aya groaned, "the announcer said that Colossus is a Heavyweight and Raishinshi is a Lightweight. Colossus is heavier than Raishinshi. He won't be able to outweigh her."
Takumi nodded.
"Not to mention Colossus has an emphasis on Power," he added, "her speed isn't very good, but her strength is really high. Raishinshi has an emphasis on Speed, his quickness is high, but his attack power is low."
"And being a Lightweight, his defense probably isn't too good either," Yuri added.
Takumi frowned.
"Just like in the Anime," he said. Yuri heard him, but said nothing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Raishinshi shakily got up as the others were speaking and was facing Colossus. The black and red Angel sneered at him before charging. Raishinshi put up a guard. He dodged Colossus' fast jabs and managed to jump away from the Heavyweight. But she followed him and readied another punch. Raishinshi front flipped over his opponent and ran back to the middle of the Layer. Colossus turned to him.
"What's the matter?" Asuka asked, drawling, "your Angel to weak to put up a fight?"
Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. That wasn't it. It was just that when Icchan told her that her opponent was tough, he didn't say that she'd be able to send Raishinshi flying halfway across the Layer. Colossus was almost as strong as Venus.
(I can't worry about how strong she is now,) she told herself, (I have to get some damage on her.)
Raishinshi ran at Colossus as fast as he could, which was very fast. Asuka blinked in surprise at how fast he was. Colossus also seemed to blink under her mask. When within range, Raishinshi crouched before Colossus, and jump kicked her in the face with his right leg. Her head snapped back and she leaned backwards a bit, but she didn't fall over. But Raishinshi wasn't through yet. Once he landed, he quickly jabbed her four times in the stomach and did a forward kick with his right leg. Colossus stumbled backwards, but otherwise kept her footing. But her Damage Gauge dropped to 85%. She was even with Raishinshi.
"Wow! And Raishinshi gives a vicious counter attack!" the announcer cried, "Colossus is hurting!"
The audience cheered. On the balcony, Misaki and Ringo clapped.
"Wow! Go Raishinshi!" Misaki cried, happily.
Sai stared at Kiyoko for a while.
(Kind of wished I participated in 'this' Tournament too,) she thought.
Back in the Layer, Kiyoko couldn't help but give Asuka a smug look.
"Now who's weak?" she called.
To her surprise, Asuka grinned.
" 'You' are," she said, simply.
Without warning, Colossus leapt forward, and delivered a right hook right across Raishinshi's face. He squeezed his eyes shut in pain. Colossus then forward kicked Raishinshi clear across the Layer, he landed only half a foot away from the edge.
(Raishinshi!) Kiyoko cried, mentally.
His Damage Gauge dropped to 69%, but Colossus was far from finished, for she ran at the grounded Angel.
"Get out of there!" Tamiko cried from the waiting room.
Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi got up, and rolled out of the way just as Colossus punched the spot where he was. He ran towards the middle of the Layer, trying to stay away from the edge. Colossus quickly followed her opponent. Raishinshi stopped in the middle of the Layer and waited for Colossus. As soon as she reached him, she kicked out with her left leg. Raishinshi quickly grabbed it with left arm, spun around, and kicked Colossus in the face with his right leg. Surprised by the attack, Colossus stumbled back a bit. Her Damage went down to 80%.
"Good counter, Kiyoko!" Yuri called from the audience.
But Colossus soon recovered and delivered a right jab directly at Raishinshi's stomach. The purple Angel grit his teeth and fell back.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Ouch! Raishinshi's losing!" Ogata cried, "I knew this was gonna be too much!"
Icchan frowned and watched the screen.
"Asuka seems determined to win," he said to the open air, "Kiyoko, you 'must' focus."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Raishinshi was on his knees, one hand on his stomach. Colossus was over him, waving to a cheering crowd. The timer was currently at 6 minutes and 35 seconds. Raishinshi had a lot of Damage done to his face and stomach. Kiyoko was almost panicking. Every time he attacked, Asuka would have Colossus counter attack much harsher than what Raishinshi inflicted. Was Asuka right? 'Was' Colossus stronger than Raishinshi? Kiyoko pushed away the thought best she could.
(We can hardly faze her,) she thought, tensely, (I have to knock her out of the Layer.)
Ignoring Icchans' advice from earlier, she had Raishinshi get up, and head for the edge of the Layer. Asuka narrowed her eyes. Colossus ran after Raishinshi and, when she was close enough, she leapt over his head, and landed in front of him. Both he and Kiyoko gasped. In the computer room, Icchan sighed.
"That old trick isn't gonna work on me!" Asuka angrily cried.
Colossus extended her right arm and charged at Raishinshi. He was only beginning to stop running. Colossus' arm was meant to clothesline him in the neck, but Asuka executed the move too fast, and it caught Raishinshi by the waist instead. Raishinshi lurched to a halt and was thrown back to the far side of the Layer. He landed hard on the Layer surface, eyes shut tight, teeth clenched. His Damage Gauge quickly dropped to 40%. Kiyoko gasped.
"Ouch! That had to hurt!" the announcer shouted into the mike, "it's a wonder how Raishinshi was able to stay in the Layer after a hit like that! Colossus has gotten stronger in the years after her defeats in the 3rd and 4th Official Tournaments and she certainly is showing off her supreme strength here in this match against Raishinshi! Deus Yume Kiyoko, what will you do?!"
"You can lose," Asuka suggested, "it'd save your Angel a lot of Damage if you just quit."
Kiyoko frowned and looked at Raishinshi. He was kneeling on the Layer, head down, hands flat on the Layer. Just like he looked in the battle between him Higure. Kiyoko grit her teeth. How could she help her Angel? How?!
On the balcony, the seven Deus' watched.
"Poor Raishinshi," Misaki murmured, sad eyes on the purple Angel, "he's getting hurt so much."
"No fair! Kiyoko was doing good!" Ringo pouted.
Kaede looked sadly at Kiyoko and then over to Asuka.
"Kitamura-san isn't giving Raishinshi much of a chance is she?" she inquired.
Sai frowned.
"I doubt that he'll win this match," she said, flatly.
Back in the stands...
"COME ON, KIYOKO!!" Ken cried.
Aya shook her head.
"I figured this Tournament would be too much for her," she said, sitting back in her seat.
Yuri said nothing, but kept watching expectantly.
Back in the Layer, the timer hit 4 minutes. Kiyoko still had no idea what to do.
(If I make Raishinshi stand,) she thought, sadly, (Colossus will just hurt him more. Maybe Asuka was right; maybe all my wins really were flukes. I should just quit. It's not worth hurting Raishinshi any more.)
At that moment, however, a memory struck Kiyoko. It was from the show Raishinshi was from: one time he was being teased about being weak and that he shouldn't bother continuing the fight he was fighting. But he didn't give up. He got right back up and kept fighting, ignoring the insults best he could. That's why she liked him. He never gave up, no matter what. Kiyoko's eyes widened in realization.
(I can't give up,) she told herself, (if I do, then I 'really' wouldn't be worthy of being a Deus. Raishinshi didn't give up when he fought, so neither can I!)
As Kiyoko regained herself, Raishinshi subconsciously clenched his right fist, and started to stand up.
"Yes," Icchan cheered, silently.
Kiyoko's friends and family, even Aya, brightened. Misaki and Ringo smiled. And Asuka blinked in surprise.
Raishinshi stood near the Layers' edge, staring straight at Colossus.
"Raishinshi has stood up! This match isn't over yet folks!" the announcer cried, as the audience cheered.
Asuka gave Kiyoko a surprised look.
"Boy you've got guts," she commented, "hardly anyone wants to continue when Colossus starts hammering them into the Layer."
Kiyoko's gaze was steady.
"I have a promise to keep and I intend to keep it," she called over.
Asuka gave her a wry smile.
"How're you gonna make a comeback with the damage your Angel has?" she asked, incredulously, "you were better off quitting."
Kiyoko glared at her.
"Raishinshi and I won't quit," she said, firmly, "we won't give up, so 'you' might as well quit."
Asuka grinned.
"You newbies are always stubborn," she commented, "you 'sure' you want to continue?"
Kiyoko gave a sharp nod.
"Bring it!" she cried, Raishinshi getting into a boxing position.
Asuka shrugged. Colossus broke out into a run, as fast as she could go. Raishinshi tensed.
(Fighting the way we are, we don't stand a chance,) she thought, her head spinning with many thoughts, (I obviously can't win by brute force, but Asuka isn't going to let Colossus go anywhere at Layers' edge unless she knows it's a win. How can we beat her?)
Then it came to her as Colossus was halfway across the Layer.
"Let's Go, Raishinshi!" she cried.
Raishinshi broke into a run, heading straight for Colossus.
"What's she doing?" Asuka asked to the open air.
Both Angels were heading straight for one another. Colossus smiling, Raishinshi steady. Colossus drew back her fist. Raishinshi did the same with his right fist. But then Raishinshi stuck his whole arm out to the side and side stepped slightly. Colossus ran into the arm head on, getting the clothesline right in the neck. She flopped down on her back, hard.
Colossus' Damage Gauge dropped to 0 and the buzzer sounded, ending the match. No one said a word. The timer had stopped at 1 minute. The announcer gawked down at what he just saw. Sai and the equally doubtful Arisu blinked in surprise. Aya gasped. Asuka stared in disbelief.
"YAY, KIYOKO!" Mrs. Yume cried.
The audience cheered loudly as the announcer caught up with them.
"WOAH! I don't believe it! Raishinshi took out Colossus with one of her own moves!" he screamed, "amazing! Raishinshi, Win!"
Kiyoko smiled proudly at her brave Angel. She then turned to Asuka. The older girl was staring down at her lap, almost like she was about to cry.
"Not again," she heard her mumble, "why? Why do I always lose?"
Kiyoko frowned, instantly feeling sorry for the girl. She turned to Raishinshi, who was still standing over the Colossus.
(Raishinshi? Can you help me with one more thing?) she asked, mentally.
In the stands, Ken was doing a victory dance where he stood.
"Alriiiight, Kiyoko!" he cheered, "you rock!"
Yuri turned to her brother.
"You were wrong about him again, bro," she said, "Raishinshi, both Anime and Angel, always fights his hardest, no matter what the odds are."
Takumi sighed and had to smile at the correction his sister made. She was right. He 'did' fight his hardest.
"Oh, my. Look," Mrs. Yume said, pointing at the Layer.
Quite suddenly, all the people in the audience grew silent. Confused, Asuka looked up, and stared in surprise. Raishinshi, with quite some effort, had managed to pick up Colossus, and was carrying her over to Asuka. Asuka continued to watch in confusion as Raishinshi brought Colossus in front of her, set her down on the Layer, and then sat down in exhaustion.
The audience cheered again, more loudly this time.
"Now THAT is what I call good game spirit!" the announcer shouted with a smile, "give newbie Yume Kiyoko a hand!"
The audience cheered louder as Kiyoko took off her Angel Goggles and ran to Asuka's side of the Layer. Asuka had picked up Colossus and was looking down at her. She then turned to Kiyoko as she picked up Raishinshi.
"Why did you...?" she began, but was cut off.
"Is she okay?" Kiyoko asked, politely.
Asuka did nothing but stare.
"Huh?" she said, blankly.
"Colossus, she's not hurt badly, is she?" Kiyoko asked again.
Asuka blinked.
"W-Why would it matter to you?" Asuka stuttered in confusion, "you won."
Kiyoko shrugged.
"So? That doesn't mean I don't have to be nice," she said, then smiled, "if Colossus is damaged badly, I could have my friend, Tamiko, fix her. She owns an Angel Repair Kit."
Asuka blinked again and looked down.
"No, that's okay," she said, timidly, "I have a Repair Kit too."
Kiyoko nodded. But before she could go, Asuka held out her hand.
"Nice fight," she said, without looking up, "This is the first time a Lightweight's won against Colossus without winning by a Layer Out." She then looked up, smiling. "I'll admit it, I was wrong about your Angel: he 'is' good."
Kiyoko smiled and shook Asuka's hand.
"You're a pretty good fighter too," she said, "I hope we can have a match again sometime."
Asuka blushed, timidly.
"S-Sure thing," she agreed.
The audience was still cheering when both girls left. Ken and Mrs. Yume were cheering loudest. Yuri and Takumi clapped their hands in excitement. Inside the waiting room, Tamiko was jumping up and down, hugging Youzen. Even Aya managed a smile at her sisters' win.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"She used the momentum Colossus had built up in her run against her," Icchan mumbled watching the Layer, "the perfect KO against a Heavyweight: one must turn their weight against them."
Ogata was still clapping over the victory.
"I can't believe the two of them pulled off that fight," he cheered, " I mean, if that punch Colossus was about to use had connected, there's 'no way' Raishinshi would have been able to survive it."
Icchan rubbed his chin, thoughtfully.
"If she's anything like 'him'," he stated, "then I sincerely doubt anything could stop her."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
The instant Kiyoko came into the waiting room, Tamiko tackled her, and hugged her tight.
"That was great!" she cried, "I can't believe you won!"
*....hakanai hoshi zora*
"To be honest, neither can I," Kiyoko admitted, hugging her friend back.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni....*
As the two girls laughed and cheered, a head poked in, and stared at Kiyoko.
*....negai o kakeru kara*
Saburo watched the girls for a long time until he finally gave Kiyoko a secretive smile.
(Not bad.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HaHA! I've completed yet another chapter! This is unbelievable: I never before could get a fanfic going this long. I feel so happy! Anyway, next Chapter, Kiyoko goes up against Hikawa Yuuko and Angel Katalina. Will they beat this ice-skating Angel? Stay tuned! And yes, I'll admit, I got some pieces of my chapter from the Manga dialogue, so I'll say it: I don't own the Manga either. But I hope you like my story. Please Review me, but no flames!