My Angel Story
Disclaimer: Hey everyone! I just wanted everyone to know that if they want to use any of
the Angels and Deus' that I created that, you can as long as you e-mail me
for the okay. In this chapter, Raishinshi vs. Katalina! Who'll win? Should I
keep putting these previews up in the disclaimer? Anyway, I don't own
Angelic Layer or any of the original characters. I 'do' own Kiyoko Yume,
Angel Raishinshi, Kiyoko's friends and family, Tamiko, Angel Youzen,
Saburo, Angel Higure, and any other Angels that may pop up. Read on!
Battle 9: "Avoid the Spin Kick! Raishinshi vs. Katalina!"
It was Tuesday morning, right before school, and Kiyoko had gotten everything done from brushing her teeth to getting dressed to eating breakfast. All in record speed. She now had fifteen minutes before school started and was spending them laying on her bed, Raishinshi propped up next to her, and her headphones on her ears. She was currently listening to the song 'BlackBird' which was Raishinshi's Image Song from 'Senkaiden Houshin Engi'. It was her favorite. She laid there, eyes closed, sunbeams flowing through the curtain, thinking about the matches she won and the matches coming up.
(I can't believe I survived the first day in the Tournament. I must really be lucky,) she thought, as she listened to her song, (then again, I was merely following my friends' advice. I believed in Raishinshi and in myself and I won. Maybe I 'do' have a chance in the Tournament.)
As her song reached the halfway point, she sat up, and stared at her curtains. Sunlight was peeking through. Getting up, Kiyoko went over to them, and opened them wide. She squinted a bit as the sunlight washed over her face. She turned back to her sleeping Angel. After the first day of the Tournament was over and Tamiko had finished her match, Tamiko fixed up Raishinshi. Kiyoko walked over, placed her red CD Player back on her bed, and picked up her Angel.
"Rise and shine, Raishinshi," she whispered to him, "we've got another couple of matches after school. You ready?"
Raishinshi didn't reply.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko had left for school the minute her song was finished, many thoughts of the Tournament swirling in her head. Raishinshi was safely in her bag and she thought about the moves that she had practiced during the weekend and even last night. She thought about the encouraging words her friends had said to her after the match. Yuri and her Mom had given her much support. Tamiko and Ken were ecstatic and Tamiko said that she'd repair Raishinshi whenever he needed it. Aya had admitted that she was good, but she doubted that she could keep going. Takumi, who had been skeptical about Raishinshi's abilities, had decided to be open to Raishinshi and Kiyoko's abilities. And Kiyoko had gotten rid of her doubt.
Kiyoko looked up at the clear sky.
(I've gotten past two matches,) she thought, (I have eight left. I wonder who I'll have to fight?)
"Kiyoko!"
Startled, the brunette looked behind her to see Takumi running to catch up with her.
"Takumi-kun," Kiyoko greeted, "good morning."
"Morning," Takumi panted, stopping beside her.
Kiyoko stared at him, curious.
"You're usually at school by now," she said, "is anything wrong?"
After catching his breath, Takumi looked up at her.
"No, I just wanted to talk to you," he said.
Kiyoko blinked and started walking again.
"Talk?" she asked, "what about?"
Takumi walked beside her.
"About your matches," he replied.
Kiyoko blinked again.
"What about them?" she asked.
Takumi hesitated.
"I, uh, thought they were great," he finally said, "and....I want to apologize for saying all those things about Raishinshi last week. I was wrong, kinda. I mean..."
Kiyoko giggled.
"Apology accepted. But I thought you apologized at Piffle Princess, after my qualifying match," Kiyoko said.
Takumi sighed.
"I admitted I was wrong," he corrected, "I didn't exactly apologize. Besides, I've also been doubting you and that's not how a friend should act."
Kiyoko shrugged.
"That's okay," she assured, "I doubted myself for the first two matches myself."
Takumi stared at her.
"You? Over-Confident Kiyoko?" he asked, surprised a bit.
Kiyoko started to laugh. She hadn't heard her old, Kindergarten nickname for a long time. Ken and some of the older kids had given her the name because she always thought she could do anything and everything. Takumi rarely called her that name, but it was still good to hear.
"Yes, I did doubt myself, especially against Colossus," she admitted, "I thought I was a gonner until..."
"Speaking of Colossus," Takumi interjected, a question suddenly coming to mind, "that clothesline you used; was that planned ahead?"
Kiyoko shook her head.
"Nope, I came up with it as Colossus was coming at Raishinshi," she answered, "I didn't think we could pull it off for a second."
On hearing this, Takumi stopped, and gaped.
"You came up with it as she was charging at him?!" he asked, incredulously, green eyes wide, "you cut it 'that' close?! What would you have done if the attack failed?! Raishinshi could have been Layered Out, or worse!"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"Well, we he didn't," she said, continuing to walk, "and I have faith in Raishinshi."
Takumi blinked and stared after his friend.
(She has faith in Raishinshi...) he thought.
After a bit, he ran after her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It's about time you two showed up," Ken scolded, as Kiyoko and Takumi walked into their A Day class.
Ken and Tamiko had the first class with them. Yuri was in another class. A Day, 1st period, was the only time Yuri and her brother were separated. Tamiko looked at the two of them, curiously.
"You're usually at school early, Takumi," she pointed out, "it's not like you to come last minute."
Ken nodded.
"Yeah," he agreed, grinning, "that's Kiyoko's job."
Ken quickly ducked behind Tamiko, who merely rolled her eyes, as Kiyoko shot him a death glare. Takumi shrugged.
"I wanted to say something to Kiyoko, that's all," he explained.
Ken peeked out from over Tamiko's shoulder.
"What did you guys talk about?" he asked.
Takumi said nothing. Kiyoko was busy looking for Raishinshi in her bag to answer either. Ken suddenly broke out into a grin.
"Oh, man, Takumi," he giggled, "don't tell me you told her."
Kiyoko was still busy looking and didn't hear the question. Takumi, however, did. He narrowed his eyes.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, suspiciously.
Ken went up to his friend, giggling, as Kiyoko went over to Tamiko, Angel in hand.
"I mean," Ken started, "did you finally tell her that you l-"
Before Ken had even finished the sentence, Takumi clamped his hand over his friends' mouth, his face growing red.
"Clam up, Ken-kun!" he hissed, "and no, it was nothing like that!"
Ken was still snickering as Kiyoko went over to Tamiko.
"Are you sure that he's completely fixed?" she asked, a bit concerned.
Tamiko gave Raishinshi a quick inspection before handing him back to her friend.
"Yes, he's fine," she insured, "don't worry, everything will be fine."
Kiyoko looked down at her Angel.
"I just want to be ready for the Tournament," she said, "my first two matches were intense enough."
"You'd think they'd go easy on you, you're just a beginner," Ken pointed out, settling down, and escaping Takumi.
"That would be fighting half-heartedly," Takumi said, giving Ken a warning glare before facing the girls, "that's not the proper way to play Angelic Layer."
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, you're right," she agreed, then blinked, "uh, Takumi, why is your face red?"
Takumi froze while Ken stifled a laugh.
"N-No reason," he lied, scratching the back of his head.
Before the girls could question him more, the bell rang, and all the students sat down to begin Math class.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Chief, here's the data you wanted me to print!" Ogata called from his computer, "and I didn't look at it, just like you told me."
Icchan walked over to his assistants seat and stared at the papers that were emerging from the printer. Once they were out, he quickly snatched them up, and skimmed over them.
"Just as I thought," he said, "he's performing at only half power."
Ogata gave the sheet a glance.
"Is that bad?" he asked.
"Bad?" Icchan asked, revealing a smile, "heck no! With the way he's fighting, and only at half power to top it off, I wouldn't be surprised if she reached the Nationals without uncovering his full abilities."
Ogata blinked.
"Are you talking about Yume and her Angel?" he asked, "what full abilities? He's just a Speed type like half the other Angels in Angelic Layer. What's the big deal?"
"Guess," Icchan said, still reading the papers.
Ogata paused and thought a minute.
"Well, I'll have to admit, he won against a Heavyweight without giving her a Layer Out," he pondered, "so...I've got it! He's really a Power type, isn't he? And everyone's just saying he's a Speed type because it's secret?"
Icchan frowned at his assistant.
"Wrong! And your 'Penalty Game' is..." Icchan whipped out a 'Whoopy Cushion' from his coat pocket, "you have to sit on this for the rest of the day."
Ogata gaped as he took the 'Whoopy Cushion' and got up.
"But..." he began, but was silenced with a look from Icchan.
"No 'buts'," he said, "and as for Yume and her Angel," he glanced back at the papers, "I'll tell you some other time."
"Okay..." Ogata grumbled, and placed the 'Whoopy Cushion' on his seat.
Icchan looked back to the papers and smiled.
(He's not a Power type,) he thought, (but he's just as good.)
Ogata groaned as he sat down and Icchan couldn't help but laugh at the noise he heard after that.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"So, did you practice any cool moves yesterday?"
Kiyoko rolled her eyes. She, Ken, and Yuri were on their way to Tamiko's house. School was out for the day and Tamiko had gone home ahead to get Youzen. She didn't bring him to school like Kiyoko did unless she was showing him off some reason. They had stayed behind to wait for Takumi who had 'Book Club', but he told them to go ahead without them. Ken was currently wanting to know if Kiyoko had learned any cool moves.
"I went over some basic moves," she replied, as they arrived at Tamiko's street, "that's all."
Ken gave her an odd look.
"Basic? You're supposed to do cool moves in a Tournament!" he protested, "not basic stuff!"
Yuri shook her head.
"Not true," she said, "most advanced moves come from simple moves. Like Suzuka's 'Rolling Thunder', it's a three-piece combination: a handstand, an back flip, and a simple forward kick."
"WHA!?" Ken cried, "it's 'that' simple!? But everyone makes a big deal about it being complicated!"
"It is," said Yuri, "if you do it wrong, your Angel will lose his or her balance, or even get injured in the process."
Kiyoko turned to the dark-haired girl, puzzled.
"But when I saw her do the 'Rolling Thunder' yesterday, she didn't do a handstand," Kiyoko pointed out.
Yuri flicked a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"Kobayashi-san's been practicing for years," she explained, "she most likely modified it. Not to mention she probably invented new moves for her Angel."
Kiyoko nodded, remembering the move she used on Robin. She had to be 'real good' to pull a move like that.
(I wonder if I could beat her?) she wondered.
They got to Tamiko's house, a two story beige house with a brown roof. Knowing that she'd be expecting them, the door was most likely open. Ken got to the door first. Sure enough, the door was open, and Ken ran inside.
"Tamiko-chan! We're here!" he called.
"Okay, be with you in a minute!" she called.
Entering the foyer, the trio took off their shoes, and headed for the living room where they heard Tamiko's voice. Upon entering the living room, they noticed that the TV was on, and Tamiko was sitting in front of it. She was giving Youzen an inspection, her Angel Repair Kit besides her. On the screen was a Layer Battle by the looks of it.
"Tamiko, are you ready to go?" Yuri asked.
Tamiko nodded and looked up.
"Yeah," she said, picking up her Angel Repair Kit, "isn't Takumi with you?"
"He's still at 'Book Club'," Ken explained, "he said he'd meet us here."
As the others talked, Kiyoko sat down before the TV. It was indeed a Layer Battle. It was between a couple of Angels. One was an unfamiliar Angel: a female with peach-colored that was done in two ponytails, a pink Angel Cords tied to each. Her eyes were the same color as her hair. She was wearing a pink, silver-lined ballet outfit with a drooping white tutu. She wore pink tights and peach ballet slippers. She was throwing punches at another Angel who was 'very' familiar. Black and purple ninja outfit, big red bow, long navy hair pulled up in a ponytail...
"Hey, that's Suzuka!" Kiyoko cried in recognition.
Tamiko, now standing, leaned over to get a better look at the ninja girl, who was dodging the other Angels' blows.
"Yeah, this is the footage from last years' Tournament, the one where Hikaru defeated her," Tamiko explained, "my brother taped it as we were watching it, remember? That's why he kept checking the TV every five minutes."
Kiyoko nodded and continued to watch the TV footage. Suzuka was dodging all of the Angels' attacks. She was moving at light-speed it seemed. After a while, she back flipped away and landed an Angels' legs' length away. She thrust out her left leg and began to kick. She went so fast her leg was a blur. Kiyoko narrowed her eyes at the sight. The other Angel didn't have time to react as she was hit multiple times by the high-speed kick.
"Wow!" Kiyoko cried, "she's fast when she attacks!"
"Kiyoko, we've gotta go," Tamiko told her, "the Tournament is going to start in ten minutes. I only took this out to watch Hikaru's match in the beginning."
Kiyoko, however, continued to watch as Suzuka stopped kicking, and let her opponent fall to one knee.
"You guys go on ahead," she said, "I'll catch up to you."
"But Kiyoko-" Yuri started.
"Don't worry, I'll catch up," Kiyoko assured them, and turned back to the tape, giving it her full attention.
The ballet Angel was back on her feet and turned towards Suzuka. The ninja was standing before her, no expression on her face. The opponent Angel narrowed her eyes and charges at Suzuka, full speed. She threw multiple punches towards Suzuka, but Suzuka dodged each one by simply moving her head and upper body. Then the peach and pink Angel executed a roundhouse kick. Suzuka, in one swift movement, hopped over the other Angel, and threw a left sidekick to her back. The other Angel stumbled forward, but turned on Suzuka, throwing a fast jab at her face. But the ninja girl simply caught her fist and threw the opposing Angel over her shoulder. The other Angel went flying. She landed a foot from the Layers' edge.
(Wow, she's really good,) Kiyoko thought, watching Suzuka in admiration, (I wonder if Raishinshi can move as quick as Suzuka?)
The ballet Angel stood up and charged at Suzuka again, an angry look on her face. Suzuka didn't move right away. It was only when her opponent was halfway to her that she made her move. She bent backwards and laid her hands flat on Layer behind her. She then hoisted her legs into the air above her. She had just finished getting into her handstand when the other Angel covered the distance between them and raised her fist to knock the ninja down. But she never got the chance.
Suzuka swept her legs through the space between her arms, one leg sticking out, and executed a back flip that propelled herself halfway into the air. But that was nothing compared to how her opponent experienced. Suzuka's extended foot, moving almost to fast to see, smashing under the chin of the ballet Angel, who flew farther and higher than Suzuka did. Both Angels landed, but only Suzuka remained standing. The crowd erupted into cheers.
"What a knockout! Suzuka, Win!" the announcer cried, "looks like the 'Invincible Venus' strikes again, nailing her opponent with her trademark 'Rolling Thunder' back flip kick!"
Kiyoko found herself clapping with the rest of the audience as a picture of Kobayashi Hatoko appeared. The little girl was taking off her headset, smiling to the audience. She looked like she had good, honest, 'no-hard- feelings' fun, the kind of fun everyone has when they're playing a game. Kiyoko smiled. In all her matches, except Higure's, after the moments of panic were over, Kiyoko had felt that fun deep inside her.
"I 'really' hope we get to fight Suzuka!" she cried, "it'd be an honor!"
"Kiyoko?"
Hearing her name, Kiyoko turned to see Takumi entering the living room.
"Takumi, hi," she replied.
Takumi gave her an odd look.
"Shouldn't you be at the Stadium signing up for today's matches?" he asked, "I only dropped by because Ken said they'd stop by over here."
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, they already left, I told them to go without me," she said, turning back to the TV screen, "I wanted to see the rest of this match."
Takumi's expression went from confused to nervous.
"Uh, Kiyoko?" he spoke up, "have you checked the time?"
Confused, Kiyoko looked down at her flower print watch, and gasped.
"Oh my gosh!" she cried, jumping up, "the Tournaments going to start soon!"
Takumi sighed in exasperation.
"Yeah, and I already saw your Moms' van heading in that direction," he told her, "and you've got two minutes before in actually starts."
Kiyoko was beyond panicked.
"Oh no!" she cried, shutting the TV and VCR off at top speed, "and the Stadium is two blocks away! I'll never get there in time!"
Takumi frowned and headed for the door.
"I figured I was going to be late for the Tournament opening if I just walked from school," he began, "so I brought my bike. You can ride with me."
Kiyoko, despite her panic, hesitated.
"I can?" she asked, dumbly.
Takumi nodded.
"Yeah, it's got pegs in back for standing on," he explained, "Yuri rides with me sometimes. We can make it there in less than a few minutes if we hurry. I'm sure they haven't closed the Entry Counter down yet."
Kiyoko smiled a hopeful one and followed Takumi out the door.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko and Takumi made it to the Stadium only a couple minute after the Tournament began. There was a chance. Kiyoko, after quickly thanking Takumi for the ride, ran as fast as she could to the Stadium. She ran through the double doors, down the hall, and around the corner towards the Entry Room. A few Deus' were still on the benches, but Kiyoko was only interested in the Entry Counter. Since the Tokyo Prelims was a daily thing, each Deus had to check-in to get a new number in the new roster that was made. If you didn't check-in, then you'd be disqualified.
Kiyoko was running so fast, she almost crashed into the Entry Counter. The lady behind it gave her a concerned look as the 12-year old stood breathing heavily before the counter.
"Are you okay?" she asked, kindly, "can I help you?"
Kiyoko nodded and, when she had caught her breath, replied.
"Y-Yes," she said, still breathless, "I-I'm here to apply for today's matches. Am I too late?"
The lady gave her a gentle smile.
"May I see your Angel Card?" she asked.
After fumbling a bit, Kiyoko pulled out her card, and gave it to the lady. She shuffled around impatiently as the lady ran her Card through the Card Reader and looked at the info being displayed.
"Oh, you're the girl from the other day," the lady said in recognition, "I caught a glimpse of your match with Shadow Panther. Nice job."
Kiyoko smiled and nodded in a 'thank you' gesture. The lady then handed Kiyoko her card.
"You're in luck," she said, "we have a few spaces left in the roster."
Kiyoko beamed. She made it on time.
(Oh, thank you Kami-sama!) she thought with joy.
The lady handed her a card with a number on it.
"You're E-11," she told her, pointing down the hall, "good luck."
Kiyoko nodded, took her number, and dashed towards the East Waiting Room.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I knew we should have pried her from the TV screen," Ken grumbled from his place in the stands.
Kiyoko's family and friends were sitting in a row a bit closer to the Layer area. Takumi had only just joined them and he was filling them in on the story.
"When my sister is watching something on TV, it takes hours until she gets off," Aya remarked, lying back in her seat.
Mrs. Yume looked worried.
"Do you think she made it in time?" she asked, worriedly.
Takumi shrugged.
"I guess so," he said, "they seem to have an endless roster from what I know. She probably made it, just barely."
Yuri said nothing as everyone talked about Kiyoko's bad habit of being late. She only watched the Layer fight that was going on at the moment.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko came to a screeching halt inside the East Waiting Rooms' doorway. The seats were nearly full and all the Deus' were staring at her, oddly. But Kiyoko ignored that and scanned the room for a familiar face.
"Kiyoko!"
Kiyoko looked up and saw Tamiko waving to her from a seat by the left wall. Smiling, Kiyoko ran to her friend, and collapsed besides her. Tamiko gave her friend a sly look.
"Maybe now you won't wait 'till the last minute to get going," she commented.
Kiyoko gave her friend a look, but broke into a smile.
"Okay, okay, I won't do that again," she sighed, "so, what number do you have?"
Tamiko looked down at her card.
"Youzen and I have E-3," she said, indicating to the sleeping Angel in her lap, "and you?"
Kiyoko frowned.
"E-11," she grumbled.
Tamiko smiled as her friend brought her school bag before her.
"So, when's your match?" Kiyoko asked, taking Raishinshi out.
"I already had it."
Kiyoko turned to her friend in shock.
"And I missed it?! I'm SO sorry Tami-chan!" she cried.
Tamiko almost laughed and patted her friend on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, you'll catch my next one," she assured.
Kiyoko nodded, but still looked sad.
A roar of cheers came from the television. The two girls looked up to see the match on TV had ended. An Angel dressed up in a pink, nurses outfit lay crumpled on the Layer with a familiar Angel standing over her. The Angel was a cat girl dressed in green, white, and red with a brown tail and gold eyes. She was standing triumphantly over her foe. It was Mao.
"Mao, Win!" came the announcers' voice over the speakers, "yet another fantastic win by Fujisaki Madoka and her Kung Fu Angel!"
A picture of the dark-haired girl flashed on the screen as she waved to the crowd, Mao in her hand. Kiyoko sighed and turned to Tamiko.
"Did I miss Suzuka's match?" she asked.
Tamiko nodded.
"Yep, she was the second Angel up," Tamiko said, "you didn't miss much. She did that 'rapid kick' that you saw her do on the video."
Kiyoko frowned again.
"I 'definitely' have to fix my lateness habit," she grumbled.
Tamiko giggled in reply.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As Madoka walked up the final steps up to the balcony, she was instantly greeted by her sister.
"That was a great match!" she cried, smiling, "you were fantastic!"
Madoka smiled down at her sister.
"It wasn't a problem," she said, looking down at Mao, "Mao can handle anything."
Misaki ran up to her.
"Yay Madoka-san!" she cried, jumping up and down.
Madoka gave the small girl a smile. Sai watched her receive complements from the others before turning back to the Layer. The 5th match was about to begin. She watched as the opponents were introduced, but she didn't really pay much attention. She was waiting for a particular Deus to come. But she had a feeling it would take a while.
(Not a problem for me,) she thought to herself, (I can wait.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As Kiyoko was waiting for her turn, Icchan was in the computer room with Ogata. The two were discussing the roster for today, when...
Ring! Ring!
Icchan looked up from the roster and dug into his coat pocket. He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open and on.
"Hello?" he asked.
"Hello, Icchan."
"Hey, what's new? How's your practice?" Icchan asked, merrily. He knew the caller.
"Fine, but, I haven't seen Kiyoko yet."
" 'sigh' Yeah, she came in late from what I was told."
"What?! She made it though, didn't she?"
"Relax. Yes, she was in time to re-register for today's matches. She has the 11th match."
"When's that?"
Icchan gave the phone an odd look before continuing.
"Aren't you here?"
"No. I'd be too close."
"Well...the 7th match is ending, so, four more matches before Kiyoko fights."
"Okay."
"You could at least watch her matches, you know."
"I'm on my way."
"Good. You gonna come up to see us in the computer room?"
"...."
"If you don't want to, then say so."
"I-I think I'll watch from the balcony."
"A front row seat, eh? Well, have it your way, but I insist we talk during lunch break."
"Alright. Until lunch then."
"'Kay, see ya."
Icchan hung up and turned back to Ogata, who was looking up at him.
"Problem, Chief?"
Icchan shook his head as he turned towards the visual screen. The 8th match was starting and the Deus' were already being introduced. He turned to Ogata.
"Can you find who Kiyoko and Raishinshi are going to fight from the roster?" he asked.
Ogata nodded.
"Yeah, just give me a few minutes, and it'll be on screen," he said, typing the necessary commands in the computer.
Icchan nodded and turned back to watching the match in progress.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mrs. Yume looked at her watch.
"Oh my," she murmured, "Kiyoko must have really come in late. She hasn't fought yet."
Aya huffed and folded her arms behind her head.
"She probably has the last match," she grumbled.
Ken watched the battle in front of him and didn't hear the conversation going on.
"I'm sure she wasn't 'that' late," Yuri assured Mrs. Yume, "she probably is the one right after this one."
Mrs. Yume nodded, though she didn't look convinced. She really wanted to see Kiyoko's match. Just like she really wanted someone else to see it too.
(I hope you can see her somehow,) she thought, watching as one Angel tossed another Angel out of the Layer, ending the match.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As the 9th battle began, Kiyoko was drifting off into sleep, she was so bored. She wished that she had brought something to read with her. She cradled Raishinshi in her lap as she laid her head back on the cushioned seat. Ignoring the TV, she closed her eyes...and the memories started to surface.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
She was 9 years old when her Dad came home one day with something on his arm. It looked like a doll, a boy doll, without clothes. Kiyoko didn't get a good look at it since her father hid it in his and her mothers' room rather quickly. She wondered about the strange doll all day, but she didn't ask her Dad about it because she didn't really want to pry. But she did, however, sneak a peek in his room to see if she could see it. But she didn't and her Dad had spotted her.
"What are you doing, Kiyoko?" he asked, kindly, walking over to where his daughter stood in the doorway to his room.
Kiyoko spun around and looked down embarrassed.
"I, um..." she hesitated, looking at her slippers.
Her Dad, Mr. Yume, smiled, and turned to his room.
"You wouldn't be interested in a particular 'doll', would you?" he asked, knowingly.
Kiyoko looked up and, after a couple seconds, gave a timid nod. Mr. Yume smiled and went into his room. A couple minutes later, he came out, the strange doll in his hands. He kneeled besides his youngest daughter.
"Is 'this' what you were trying to see?" he asked, showing her the doll.
Kiyoko walked closer to get a better look. The doll was indeed a boy, even though his long silver-white hair would make others assume that he was a girl. A white handkerchief was wrapped around him, serving as a temporary outfit. His joints showed and his eyes were closed, as if he was sleeping. Kiyoko stared at him for a long time.
"Wow," she finally said, eyes wide.
Her father smiled.
"Do you like him?" he asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, he's pretty," she said, looking up at her Dad, "what kind of doll is he?"
Mr. Yume's smile grew wider.
"Do you know that game that everyone's now playing, the one with the fighting dolls?" he asked her, gently. She nodded. "well, he's an Angel. An Angel meant for Angelic Layer."
Kiyoko's eyes widened even more.
"This is an Angel?! An actual Angel?!" she cried in wonder, "like Hikaru?!"
Mr. Yume nodded.
"Yes, he was a gift to me from a friend," he explained, "he's a very 'special' Angel as well."
Kiyoko kept staring at the Angel. Ever since it started, Kiyoko had 'loved' Angelic Layer. She always wanted to play, but she never had enough money to get one. But now, her 'Daddy' had an Angel.
"Are you going to play Angelic Layer, Daddy?" she asked, patting the sleeping Angel on the head.
Mr. Yume nodded.
"Yes, I am," he said, "my friend and I are testing something and this Angel here is going to be helping us." He smiled down at the Angel. "to tell the truth, I've kind of gotten attached to him already."
Kiyoko looked up at her Dad with innocent brown eyes.
"Can I hold him?" she asked.
Her father looked at her for a minute, then nodded.
"Yes, you can," he said, holding the doll out to her, "but be gentle with him."
Kiyoko nodded and gently took the sleeping Angel from her father. She held him up in front of her. He was a very handsome Angel, even with no ears and visible joints: that was how all Angels started out, according to her father. She smiled down at the boy Angel.
"He's wonderful, Daddy!" she cried, happily, "are you going to start playing now?"
Mr. Yume chuckled.
"Well, first I need to give my Angel clothes and I need to practice with him," he explained, "and my friend and his assistants are going to help install a Practice Layer in the back room, that'll take some time. But, yes, pretty soon I'll be playing the game."
Kiyoko smiled and started dancing around with the silvery Angel.
"Wow! My Daddy's gonna play Angelic Layer!" she cheered, merrily, "my Daddy's gonna play the best game in the world!"
Mr. Yume laughed softly at his daughters' merriment.
"Yes, I am," he said, still chuckling, "and you can watch me if you want."
Kiyoko stopped dancing and nodded vigorously. She then looked down at her father's Angel.
"Did you give your Angel a name?" she asked, curiously.
Mr. Yume nodded.
"Yes, I did," he told her, "his name is.....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback End++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Kiyoko? Kiyoko!"
Kiyoko woke up with a startled yelp, getting half the waiting rooms' attention. She looked around. It took her only a couple seconds to remember where she was. She turned to see Tamiko giving her an odd look.
"Huh?" she asked, blankly.
She heard a roar of cheering behind her and turned to see the TV.
"You fell asleep," Tamiko said, "I gave up trying to shake you awake, so I had to yell. Your match is next."
Kiyoko turned to her in shock. She slept that long!?
(Boy, sis was right,) she admitted, (I 'am' a heavy sleeper.)
Another roar came from the TV. Kiyoko turned to see the ended match. An Angel had been knocked out of the Layer: it was the same green Angel that Suzuka fought yesterday. Still standing in the center of the Layer was another Angel: she was dressed in an Arabian Dancers' outfit, colored orange-gold and white, she had long dark pink hair that was tied up in a ponytail, and green jewels were present on her hands, belt, neck piece, and forehead. She was bowing to the crowd. It took a couple seconds, but Kiyoko gasped as she recognized the Angel.
"Hey! That's-" she gasped.
"Ranga, Wins!" the announcer cried, "another star Deus makes it past their third match! But, then again, hardly anyone can withstand Ranga's 'Dance of Death'!"
As the TV showed a picture of Ranga's Deus, Kiyoko turned to Tamiko.
"That Angel! She was the one I said practiced with me and Raishinshi!" she cried, amazed that she saw the Angel from Piffle Princess here in the Tournament.
Tamiko stared at her friend.
"Who? Ranga?" she asked, then rolled her eyes as Kiyoko nodded, "that couldn't of been her, Kiyoko. She belongs to pop star Seto Ringo and I heard that her managers gave her, her 'own' Practice Layer. Why'd she want to go to Piffle Princess?"
Kiyoko wanted to protest when the defeated Deus came in and took a seat, face set in a frown. A uniformed lady came in a couple seconds later.
"Ms. E-11? Yume Kiyoko?" she called out.
Kiyoko swallowed and got up. Why was she always being taken off guard?
"Yes ma'am?" she asked.
"You're up," came the sweet reply.
Kiyoko swallowed again and nodded.
"Good luck," Tamiko called as her friend headed out the doorway.
After making a 'very' quick stop to get a drink, which she hoped would help the funny taste in her mouth, she walked quickly down the hallway. She glanced at Raishinshi, who was still in her hands.
(Let's win this for Dad,) she thought to him, hoping that he could somehow hear her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mrs. Yume, who had been scanning the Layer area non-stop since Battle 7, cheered happily.
"Here she comes!" she cried, getting everyone's attention.
Kiyoko's friends looked and cheered as Kiyoko came out of the East Corner door.
"Battle 11 is now in progress! Let's meet our Deus'!" the announcer cried, his dark sunglasses gleaming.
Kiyoko swallowed and walked over to her Angel Chair.
"In the East Corner, Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi!" the announcer declared as Kiyoko sat down, "this newbie has gotten off to a good start, toppling two regulars in one day: the fast-footed Shadow Panther and the powerhouse Colossus! And today is no exception!"
Kiyoko paused as she put on her Angel Goggles.
(What did he mean by that?) she wondered, turning her Goggles on.
"And in the West Corner, we welcome another regular to the Layer, one who's been an unstoppable competitor! Deus Hikawa Yuuko and Angel Katalina!" the announcer concluded.
The crowd cheered as a dark-haired girl with gray eyes walked into the Layer area. She wore a yellow uniform with a red bow and a short, beige skirt. She took a seat in her Angel Chair and put her Goggles on. Kiyoko tried to get a good look at her Angel.
The Angel was a girl and she had light brownish-blonde hair that was done up in a ponytail. A band with two red balls on top held it in place while two blue cords with blue balls on the tips hung down from it. Her Angel Cords. From what Kiyoko could make out, she had a thin blue headband around her head. Her outfit was an odd mix of pink and blue with red shoulder guards that fit the shape of her shoulders. Her elbow joints were showing and she wore red gloves on her hands. She wore light blue tights and pale pink....ice skates? Kiyoko blinked.
(Huh? Why is she wearing ice skates?) she wondered, but then averted her gaze as Yuuko turned to give an annoyed stare.
"What are you looking at?" she demanded.
Kiyoko blushed, embarrassed.
"I...was just looking at your Angel," she answered, timidly, "I didn't mean any..."
"Well don't," the other girl snapped, "I'm not gawking at 'your' Angel."
"Sorry," Kiyoko mumbled, looking down at her lap.
(I forgot what Mom said,) she thought, (it's rude to stare. I must have given her the wrong impression.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan watched the visual screen in the computer room, intently. While Ogata finished up the last of the 'Recording Program'.
"Okay, Chief," he said, getting up to join Icchan, "it's recording."
"It'd better be," he warned, half-heartedly though, "I don't want to miss this."
(I hope you're watching,) he thought, looking at the balcony on screen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Entry Angel!"
The chairs were raised to the Layer as the force field flashed into place. Kiyoko stared at Raishinshi and gave him a 'good luck hug' before beginning her Entry. She closed her eyes and held him level to her face.
"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, making it ripple, 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.
Ken and Mrs. Yume cheered like crazy. Aya sat up and just watched like Takumi was while Yuri simply clapped. Back at the Layer, Yuuko looked down at her Angel and smiled. The she looked up and narrowed her eyes at her opponent.
"Go forth into the Layer and play the melody of the wind, Katalina!" she cried, throwing her Angel towards the Layer, "Angel, Fall in!"
Katalina sailed towards the Layer and entered through the force field. She sparkled gold as she did so, but the glow vanished as she straightened out into a standing position. Her head remained down as she descended. When she was halfway to the Layer surface, her head came up, and she opened her green eyes. She was shooting a firm look straight at Raishinshi. She extended a leg and, as soon as she landed, started to spin in place on the Layer, arms over her head. She spun so fast she looked like a top. Kiyoko was getting dizzy just looking at her.
"Wow, I had no idea an Angel could do that!" Mrs. Yume cried, fascinated by what she saw.
"Since the Layer is smooth and easy to slide on, ice skates can work on it like they do ice," Takumi explained, then he leaned forward, staring at the spinning Angel, "but something tells me that she's spinning for something other than the cool look."
Back in the computer room, Ogata watched the screen nervously.
"Do you think she can beat Katalina?" he asked, watching Raishinshi tense.
Icchan stared at the screen for a bit.
"Maybe," he admitted, "her best bet would be to attack first. But let's see."
As he said that, the announcers' chair moved closer to the Layer.
"Ready?!" he called out.
Both Deus' focused onto the Layer as the crowd cheered in anticipation. Ken was cheering loudly while, in the waiting room, Tamiko crossed her fingers for her friend.
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded and the stats filled. Katalina continued to spin as Kiyoko gave her a long, hard look.
(Why is she spinning?) she thought, puzzled, (what'll that do?) She took a deep breath. (well, I can't win by standing still.)
Raishinshi ran forward, heading straight for the still spinning Angel. Yuuko made a face as he approached.
"He's attacking sooner than I thought," she said to herself.
Katalina suddenly stopped spinning and started to skate....right towards Raishinshi. Kiyoko figured she was charging as well and had Raishinshi continue 'his' charge. Both Angels headed straight for one another; Katalina skating, Raishinshi running. The only difference was that Katalina was smirking.
In back of the room, a dark figure watched the match. His eyes were fixed on the approaching Angels.
"Don't be stupid," Saburo growled, "don't you see what she's going to do?"
Up above the Layer, on the balcony, the seven girls were watching the charge. Misaki recognized what Katalina was going.
"Look out!" she cried, but she was too high up to be heard.
Raishinshi and Katalina were only a foot away from one another. Raishinshi ran faster, black-blue hair shining as he did so. Katalina also picked up the pace, smirk still present. Before Raishinshi could execute any kind of move, the Katalina skated forward, and swung out her left leg. Raishinshi and Kiyoko's eyes widened in unison.
(Dodge!) Kiyoko mentally cried, unaware that Takumi had also yelled the same thing from the stands.
As the Katalina's foot sped towards him in a left spin kick, Raishinshi jumped back a few inches, narrowly missing a hit. Katalina continued to smirk as she landed her foot and almost instantly started to head for the edge of the Layer.
"Woah! That was close!" the announcer cried, "Raishinshi was nearly sliced by Katalina's 'Spin Kick', even if it was only at half power!"
Kiyoko didn't pay attention to him. All her attention was on Katalina. The ice-skating Angel was now skating in around the Layers' edge, in a complete circle.
(That was too close,) Kiyoko thought eying Katalina oddly, (but what's she doing?)
Responding to his Deus' confusion of the skating, Raishinshi was looking around him, watching her nervously. Katalina kept circling around the Layer, not even paying attention to him. Yuuko, however, was. She grinned at the boy Angel.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan narrowed his eyes at the screen. That had been too close for comfort.
"Yikes! He was almost sliced!" Ogata cried, hands going to his head.
Back in the stands.....
"YEESH! That was close!" Ken cried, angrily, "what's she thinking?! She could have sliced him in half!"
Mrs. Yume bit her lip.
"Aren't ice skates considered weapons in Angelic Layer?' Aya asked Takumi.
Takumi narrowed his eyes.
"They're permitted as long as she doesn't hurt anyone with them," he replied.
Ken whirled on him.
"She almost did!" he declared.
"Almost doesn't count," Takumi said, but then frowned to himself, "although I admit that 'was' too close to be safe."
On the balcony above the Layer, Misaki watched worriedly as Katalina began to skate faster.
"She's almost at full speed," she mumbled, worried.
Hatoko went up next to her.
"If Raishinshi had attacked sooner, then maybe he would have stopped her," she pointed out, violet eyes on the Layer.
"Hikawa knew that," Madoka said from behind them, sounding a touch upset, "that's why she attacked so soon: to make Raishinshi back off so that she could attain full speed."
Sai nodded.
"There's no chance of attack now," she said, looking straight at Kiyoko.
The timer was at 7 minutes.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko watched her Angel in worry as he turned in place, trying to keep up with Katalina. Why was she doing this? Why waste time skating around the Layer? Kiyoko didn't have the answer to that and she wished she did.
(If only we could get her to stop,) she thought, watching as Katalina whizzed by her side of the Layer.
Raishinshi turned in her direction, watching Katalina wearily. Kiyoko looked in his direction to give him a mental command, when...
Kiyoko gasped.
Right where Katalina swung her foot, right over Raishinshi's chest, the fabric was torn. A narrow slit was in front of his chest. He was much closer to being sliced than anyone realized.
(Raishinshi!) Kiyoko cried, mentally, (oh my gosh! He 'was' nearly sliced!)
Kiyoko was so busy taking notice to Raishinshi that she didn't see Katalina break out of her circle, and head straight for her Angel. But someone did. Someone who was standing on the balcony opposite to the seven girls, hidden from them by the box screen. It was a man in a blue suit. He was watching the whole match, nervously.
"Watch out Kiyoko," he whispered.
Back on the Layer, Kiyoko finally took notice of the approaching Angel. She was halfway across the Layer and approaching fast. Kiyoko had Raishinshi turn around to face Katalina.
(We're going to have to be careful, Raishinshi,) she told him, (we can't let her hit us with that blade.)
When Katalina was a foot and a half away, she lifted up her left leg, stuck it out, and began to spin on her right leg. Leaning forward, she sped towards the purple Angel with one leg out, the ice skates' blade shining in the Layer lights. As she came into range, her outstretched leg headed for Raishinshi's waist. Raishinshi, eyes wide in panic, jumped back, missing the kick by half an inch. He stumbled back and faced the ice-skating Angel. She was now spinning on her right leg, left leg out, hands held together in front of her. If Kiyoko didn't think that her skating was odd at first, she did now.
"What do you think of Katalina's 'Spin Kick'?" Yuuko called over, smugly, "impressive, huh?"
"Huh?" Kiyoko mumbled. ('Spin Kick'?) she thought, confused.
Back in the waiting room, Tamiko bit her lip.
"C'mon Kiyoko," she whispered, "you have to fight back."
Katalina spun forward again. Raishinshi tensed and backed away as her foot whizzed by where his head was a moment ago. And it didn't stop there. Katalina continued to spin towards him. Raishinshi backed up again as her leg came at him again. She then aimed higher. Raishinshi ducked and then jumped back as her leg came at him again. He jumped back a bit to gain distance. He stared at his spinning opponent with tense brown-orange eyes, just as his Deus stared at her with her brown eyes.
(How can I attack?) Kiyoko thought, (if I stand still, she'll just-) Suddenly, Kiyoko's eyes widened. (I have an idea, Raishinshi!)
Once again, Katalina spun towards her opponent, but Raishinshi stood stock still.
"What's Raishinshi doing?!" the announcer cried into his mike, "staying still while Katalina does her 'Spin Kick' is crazy!"
"Move it, Kiyoko!" Ken screamed, "otherwise Raishinshi'll get hit!"
But Raishinshi didn't move. And that suited Katalina and her Deus just fine: an easier target for them. Katalina spun at him, left leg out, blade gleaming. Raishinshi didn't move a hairs' inch. Finally, Katalina reached him, and her leg headed straight for his upper body. But it didn't hit him like most people thought it would. Right before the spin kick could connect, Raishinshi reached out with his left arm, and hooked it around Katalina's extended leg. This shocked her Deus and her shock also appeared on Katalina's face. Raishinshi then turned and swung his right leg. The back of his foot hit Katalina in the stomach and caused her to slide back.
Her Damage Gauge dropped to 85% and the crowd cheered.
"WOAH! That's the first time I ever saw ANYONE stop Katalina's kick in mid- spin!" the announcer cried, "phenomenal!"
"YAY!" Tamiko cried. Her friend just scored a solid hit to the Layers' trickiest Angel!
"That was amazing!" Misaki cried, clapping.
Sai raised an eyebrow.
Back on the Layer, Katalina was swaying, but still skating. Yuuko glared at the Kiyoko and her Angel. She wasn't impressed like everyone else was.
"I'm not done yet!" she shouted, angrily.
Katalina recovered with help from her Deus and skated forward. Raishinshi had recovered from the kicking stance, but was caught off guard. Katalina's left leg came up again and swung at his face from the right instead of the left, catching Kiyoko by surprise. Her heel connected with the left side of Raishinshi's face. Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi went flying to the left. He hit the Layer, hard, and skidded. He stopped only an inch away from the edge. His Damage Gauge dropped to 79%.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
"Yikes! Guess it was only a matter of time before Raishinshi was struck by the 'Spin Kick'! But, OW, he got it right in the face!" the announcer cried, drawing more cheers from the crowd.
"Don't give up, Kiyoko!" Mrs. Yume called out.
"POUND HER!!" Ken cried, fists clenched.
In back of the stands, Saburo continued to watch..
"That 'was' a good way to attack, stopping Katalina in mid-kick, then striking her," he muttered to himself, then frowned, sourly, "but she should have expected a counter-attack. She didn't even bother putting up her Angels' guard."
Raishinshi stood up, shakily. He turned to see Katalina skate towards the other edge of the Layer again.
(Now I've got to build up her speed again,) Yuuko thought, bitterly, (we could have nailed him if Katalina's 'Spin Kick' was at full strength.)
The timer hit 4 minutes.
Kiyoko watched as Katalina approached Raishinshi on her second spin around the Layer and she didn't look happy.
(Look out, Raishinshi!) she thought, gasping.
Raishinshi turned and jumped away as Katalina whizzed by. He stared in her direction for a couple seconds, then gave chase.
"NOW what's she doing?" Saburo asked to the open air, sounding bored.
Raishinshi continued to follow Katalina, even though she already had a head start on him.
"What's he trying to do?" Arisu grunted, "she's going way to fast for him to catch up."
Kaede shrugged and calmly went on watching the match.
"I wouldn't underestimate them," she said, "they aren't giving up like most Deus' do."
Katalina kept on skating, ignoring Raishinshi as he ran far behind her.
"What's she trying to do?" Yuuko asked herself, "Katalina's going 'much' faster than 'her' Angel is."
Kiyoko focused her steadying gaze on the two Angels.
(C'mon, Raishinshi,) she quietly urged, (you have to move faster.)
Raishinshi's expression grew firm as he leaned forward and ran harder. To everyone's surprise, the purple Angel sped up, and started to gain on Katalina. Katalina looked over her shoulder and gave a silent gasp. She tried to pick up the pace, but Raishinshi continued to gain on her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"How'd he get so fast all of a sudden?" Ogata asked.
Icchan smiled.
"I think she knows," he said.
Ogata turned to him.
"Huh? Knows what?" he asked, blankly.
"Knows that Katalina gains speed by skating around the Layer," he said, eyes not leaving the visual screen, "she must have figured it out and is attempting to stop her from doing so. Not a bad idea."
Ogata cast a doubtful look at the screen.
"Won't Hikawa eventually figure 'that' out?" he asked.
"Oh yeah," Icchan replied, getting a questioning glance from his assistant, "but I think these two can handle her."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Yeah! That's it Kiyoko!" Ken cheered, waving his arms around.
Raishinshi was gaining on Katalina, only half a foot away. Katalina's Deus saw this and mentally ordered her away from the Layers' edge. Katalina moved away and headed for the center of the Layer, Raishinshi following close behind.
"Back off!" Yuuko snapped.
Katalina whirled around and stuck out her right leg. Raishinshi jumped away from the spin kick just in time. Katalina began to spin in place again, this time with her right leg out. Raishinshi narrowed his eyes like Kiyoko did.
(There's no chance for me to hit her again on the ground,) Kiyoko thought, giving the ice-skating Angel a long look, (but maybe an aerial attack would work.)
Raishinshi clenched his fists and leapt into the air.
"Huh?! What's he doing?!" Ken cried.
"An aerial attack." came Takumi's simple reply.
Raishinshi sailed slowly over Katalina's position and began to descend, knees pointing down.
Seeing this, Yuuko smiled.
(Oh no you don't,) she thought, unable to hide her smirk, (I let that pass once, but not again.)
Still spinning, Katalina bent her knee, and shot upwards into a straight up jump. This shocked Kiyoko, causing her to lose her focus, and make Raishinshi drop her legs. She hadn't expected her to do that! Katalina swung her right leg and caught Raishinshi by the waist. With a silent gasp, he fell to the Layer floor, his Damage Gauge dropped to 50%.
"Raishinshi!!" Kiyoko cried, leaning forward in her chair.
"OUCH!! That really must have stung!!" the announcer screamed, the audience, "after her defeat against Hikaru, Deus Hikawa Yuuko has overcome her earlier weakness, making her Angel an unstoppable fighter! In fact, only one other Angel after that was able to beat her! Yume Kiyoko, what will you do against this ice-skating Angel?!"
The timer hit 2 minutes.
Katalina landed gracefully on the Layer and continued to spin.
"There's no way you can stop Katalina," Yuuko said, smugly, "so you might as well wait until time runs out."
Kiyoko grit her teeth as Raishinshi got up, warily.
"Don't give up, Kiyoko!" Mrs. Yume called out.
Aya rolled her eyes.
"Mom, look at the damage her Angel has," she sighed, "it's obviously too late for any kind of comeback."
As Kiyoko thought of what to do, the man on the balcony behind her watched her closely.
"Don't give up, Kiyoko. All is not lost," he whispered, "look closely. There's a small chance for you to win."
Kiyoko watched the skating Angel in worry. She was still spinning, smirk present, and it was obviously impossible to attack from the front. That would be suicide. And an aerial attack was obviously out of the question. So....
(What else can I do?) Kiyoko thought, feeling her doubt coming back.
Then, as she continued to watch Katalina spin, a memory struck her. She stared long and hard at Katalina and then over at Raishinshi, who was standing a couple feet away from her. She turned back to Katalina and narrowed her eyes.
(If this goes the way I want it,) she thought, analyzing the scenario, (then we might be able to make a comeback. But if it fails....) Kiyoko grit her teeth, Raishinshi did the same. (no, he 'can' do it. He did it in the Anime. All I have to do is believe in him!)
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" she called out.
Raishinshi broke out into a run, heading straight for Katalina.
"Huh?" Yuuko said, blinking, "what now?"
Raishinshi continued to run. The timer hit 1 minute.
"You can't charge her, Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried from the waiting room.
"She's crazy to try that trick again!" Ogata cried, pulling his hair.
But Icchan smiled.
"Not crazy," he started.
Back on the Layer, Raishinshi was running fast and close to the ground, like a ninja. Since Katalina figured he was just charging, Katalina kept spinning. But when he was only a few inches away from her spinning leg, Raishinshi dived forward, put his left hand straight down on the Layer, and swung his right leg over the floor, kicking Katalina's support leg out from under her.
Katalina gave a silent cry as her leg left the ground. For a couple seconds, she was suspended in the air. Quickly, Raishinshi placed his right hand on the Layer, and leaned on his arms to support his lower body. As Katalina began to come down, Raishinshi bent his knees, drew in his legs, and, with help from Kiyoko's aim, threw his legs out, hitting Katalina right in the stomach. They were frozen that way, it seemed, for a couple seconds.
Kiyoko's friends and family gaped, the seven girls watched, Saburo raised an eyebrow at the move, Yuuko's gasped, and the man on the balcony smiled.
"She's smart," Icchan finished.
As if time had started up again, Katalina flew backwards from the blow with a silent cry, hit the Layer, and slid....right out of the Layer. She landed on the floor with a small clatter. The timer stopped at 20 seconds and the buzzer sounded. Nobody spoke. The announcer stared at the sight awhile, before....
"Raishinshi, Win!" he shouted into the mike.
The audience began cheering like mad. Ken and Mrs. Yume cried out cheers of victory as Raishinshi's picture flashed across the screen. Yuri and Takumi were clapping like mad while, in the waiting room, Tamiko was once again dancing with Youzen.
"She...she actually won," Aya said, then smiled a bit, "nice going sis."
Saburo said nothing. He simply left. Back on the girls' side of the balcony, Misaki was cheering.
"Wow! They did it!" she cried, clapping, "they did it!"
Sai let out a soft laugh.
"That was a risky move," she commented, "I'm surprised she could pull it off."
Hatoko watched Kiyoko as she took off her Angel Goggles and give a sigh of relief.
"She had faith in her Angel," she said, knowingly, "and they both worked together to pull that move off."
Kaede smiled down at her.
"Just like how you and Misaki are with your Angels," she stated.
Back in the stands, Yuri turned to her brother.
"Does that move look familiar?" she asked, simply.
Takumi turned to her, puzzled.
"Huh?" he asked.
"That move Raishinshi just did, when he kicked Katalina's leg out from under her," Yuri explained, "don't you recognize it?"
Takumi thought a couple seconds, then shook his head. Yuri rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway.
"Senkaiden Houshin Engi, episode 7," she told him, "Raishinshi used that move on Taikoubou during their fight, remember?"
Takumi blinked twice before his eyes widened in realization.
"She mimicked one of his moves again?" he asked, surprised.
Yuri nodded and looked back to the Layer. Kiyoko had retrieved Raishinshi from the Layer and was hugging him. She then looked over to the fallen Katalina, picked her up, and went over to her Deus.
"Here you go," she said, kindly, holding out the unconscious Angel.
Yuuko stared at her a while before taking Katalina.
"Um, thanks," she mumbled.
"Is she hurt bad?" Kiyoko asked.
Yuuko blinked and looked down at Katalina.
"It's nothing I can't fix," she replied.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Um, I'm sorry about earlier," she said, rubbing the back of her head, "for staring at your Angel. I must have given you the wrong impression."
Yuuko shook her head, her mood loosening up a bit.
"Nah, I'm always edgy when I fight," she said, "it's not your fault, really."
Kiyoko smiled and held out her hand.
"Thanks, I hope we can have a match again," she said.
"Yeah," Yuuko agreed, shaking hands.
The audience continued to cheer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan watched as Kiyoko shook hands with Yuuko with a smile on his face.
"Yep," he told himself, "she's definitely like him."
Ogata turned to him.
"Him?" he repeated, then his eyes widened in realization, "oh! 'Him'!"
Icchan rolled his eyes.
"Y'know Ogata, I worry about you sometimes," he muttered, but then grinned, "and the fact that she pulled off a near impossible move like that, proves that she's...."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
After Yuuko had left, Kiyoko was left alone in front of a cheering crowd. She looked down at her Angel.
*....hakanai hoshi zora*
"Thanks for sticking with me," she told him, softly.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni....*
Back up on the other side of the balcony, the man in the blue suit was still watching.
*....negai o kakeru kara*
He smiled down at Kiyoko.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Boy, this one was my longest Chapter yet! Phew, I didn't think it'd be so long, sorry for the delay in updates. Next time, Tamiko goes up against someone who you've all seen at least once before. Will her father be able to make it in time to see his daughters' match? Well, I've got a lot of work to do, so please Read and Review what I have so far, no flames please.
Disclaimer: Hey everyone! I just wanted everyone to know that if they want to use any of
the Angels and Deus' that I created that, you can as long as you e-mail me
for the okay. In this chapter, Raishinshi vs. Katalina! Who'll win? Should I
keep putting these previews up in the disclaimer? Anyway, I don't own
Angelic Layer or any of the original characters. I 'do' own Kiyoko Yume,
Angel Raishinshi, Kiyoko's friends and family, Tamiko, Angel Youzen,
Saburo, Angel Higure, and any other Angels that may pop up. Read on!
Battle 9: "Avoid the Spin Kick! Raishinshi vs. Katalina!"
It was Tuesday morning, right before school, and Kiyoko had gotten everything done from brushing her teeth to getting dressed to eating breakfast. All in record speed. She now had fifteen minutes before school started and was spending them laying on her bed, Raishinshi propped up next to her, and her headphones on her ears. She was currently listening to the song 'BlackBird' which was Raishinshi's Image Song from 'Senkaiden Houshin Engi'. It was her favorite. She laid there, eyes closed, sunbeams flowing through the curtain, thinking about the matches she won and the matches coming up.
(I can't believe I survived the first day in the Tournament. I must really be lucky,) she thought, as she listened to her song, (then again, I was merely following my friends' advice. I believed in Raishinshi and in myself and I won. Maybe I 'do' have a chance in the Tournament.)
As her song reached the halfway point, she sat up, and stared at her curtains. Sunlight was peeking through. Getting up, Kiyoko went over to them, and opened them wide. She squinted a bit as the sunlight washed over her face. She turned back to her sleeping Angel. After the first day of the Tournament was over and Tamiko had finished her match, Tamiko fixed up Raishinshi. Kiyoko walked over, placed her red CD Player back on her bed, and picked up her Angel.
"Rise and shine, Raishinshi," she whispered to him, "we've got another couple of matches after school. You ready?"
Raishinshi didn't reply.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko had left for school the minute her song was finished, many thoughts of the Tournament swirling in her head. Raishinshi was safely in her bag and she thought about the moves that she had practiced during the weekend and even last night. She thought about the encouraging words her friends had said to her after the match. Yuri and her Mom had given her much support. Tamiko and Ken were ecstatic and Tamiko said that she'd repair Raishinshi whenever he needed it. Aya had admitted that she was good, but she doubted that she could keep going. Takumi, who had been skeptical about Raishinshi's abilities, had decided to be open to Raishinshi and Kiyoko's abilities. And Kiyoko had gotten rid of her doubt.
Kiyoko looked up at the clear sky.
(I've gotten past two matches,) she thought, (I have eight left. I wonder who I'll have to fight?)
"Kiyoko!"
Startled, the brunette looked behind her to see Takumi running to catch up with her.
"Takumi-kun," Kiyoko greeted, "good morning."
"Morning," Takumi panted, stopping beside her.
Kiyoko stared at him, curious.
"You're usually at school by now," she said, "is anything wrong?"
After catching his breath, Takumi looked up at her.
"No, I just wanted to talk to you," he said.
Kiyoko blinked and started walking again.
"Talk?" she asked, "what about?"
Takumi walked beside her.
"About your matches," he replied.
Kiyoko blinked again.
"What about them?" she asked.
Takumi hesitated.
"I, uh, thought they were great," he finally said, "and....I want to apologize for saying all those things about Raishinshi last week. I was wrong, kinda. I mean..."
Kiyoko giggled.
"Apology accepted. But I thought you apologized at Piffle Princess, after my qualifying match," Kiyoko said.
Takumi sighed.
"I admitted I was wrong," he corrected, "I didn't exactly apologize. Besides, I've also been doubting you and that's not how a friend should act."
Kiyoko shrugged.
"That's okay," she assured, "I doubted myself for the first two matches myself."
Takumi stared at her.
"You? Over-Confident Kiyoko?" he asked, surprised a bit.
Kiyoko started to laugh. She hadn't heard her old, Kindergarten nickname for a long time. Ken and some of the older kids had given her the name because she always thought she could do anything and everything. Takumi rarely called her that name, but it was still good to hear.
"Yes, I did doubt myself, especially against Colossus," she admitted, "I thought I was a gonner until..."
"Speaking of Colossus," Takumi interjected, a question suddenly coming to mind, "that clothesline you used; was that planned ahead?"
Kiyoko shook her head.
"Nope, I came up with it as Colossus was coming at Raishinshi," she answered, "I didn't think we could pull it off for a second."
On hearing this, Takumi stopped, and gaped.
"You came up with it as she was charging at him?!" he asked, incredulously, green eyes wide, "you cut it 'that' close?! What would you have done if the attack failed?! Raishinshi could have been Layered Out, or worse!"
Kiyoko shrugged.
"Well, we he didn't," she said, continuing to walk, "and I have faith in Raishinshi."
Takumi blinked and stared after his friend.
(She has faith in Raishinshi...) he thought.
After a bit, he ran after her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"It's about time you two showed up," Ken scolded, as Kiyoko and Takumi walked into their A Day class.
Ken and Tamiko had the first class with them. Yuri was in another class. A Day, 1st period, was the only time Yuri and her brother were separated. Tamiko looked at the two of them, curiously.
"You're usually at school early, Takumi," she pointed out, "it's not like you to come last minute."
Ken nodded.
"Yeah," he agreed, grinning, "that's Kiyoko's job."
Ken quickly ducked behind Tamiko, who merely rolled her eyes, as Kiyoko shot him a death glare. Takumi shrugged.
"I wanted to say something to Kiyoko, that's all," he explained.
Ken peeked out from over Tamiko's shoulder.
"What did you guys talk about?" he asked.
Takumi said nothing. Kiyoko was busy looking for Raishinshi in her bag to answer either. Ken suddenly broke out into a grin.
"Oh, man, Takumi," he giggled, "don't tell me you told her."
Kiyoko was still busy looking and didn't hear the question. Takumi, however, did. He narrowed his eyes.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, suspiciously.
Ken went up to his friend, giggling, as Kiyoko went over to Tamiko, Angel in hand.
"I mean," Ken started, "did you finally tell her that you l-"
Before Ken had even finished the sentence, Takumi clamped his hand over his friends' mouth, his face growing red.
"Clam up, Ken-kun!" he hissed, "and no, it was nothing like that!"
Ken was still snickering as Kiyoko went over to Tamiko.
"Are you sure that he's completely fixed?" she asked, a bit concerned.
Tamiko gave Raishinshi a quick inspection before handing him back to her friend.
"Yes, he's fine," she insured, "don't worry, everything will be fine."
Kiyoko looked down at her Angel.
"I just want to be ready for the Tournament," she said, "my first two matches were intense enough."
"You'd think they'd go easy on you, you're just a beginner," Ken pointed out, settling down, and escaping Takumi.
"That would be fighting half-heartedly," Takumi said, giving Ken a warning glare before facing the girls, "that's not the proper way to play Angelic Layer."
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, you're right," she agreed, then blinked, "uh, Takumi, why is your face red?"
Takumi froze while Ken stifled a laugh.
"N-No reason," he lied, scratching the back of his head.
Before the girls could question him more, the bell rang, and all the students sat down to begin Math class.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Chief, here's the data you wanted me to print!" Ogata called from his computer, "and I didn't look at it, just like you told me."
Icchan walked over to his assistants seat and stared at the papers that were emerging from the printer. Once they were out, he quickly snatched them up, and skimmed over them.
"Just as I thought," he said, "he's performing at only half power."
Ogata gave the sheet a glance.
"Is that bad?" he asked.
"Bad?" Icchan asked, revealing a smile, "heck no! With the way he's fighting, and only at half power to top it off, I wouldn't be surprised if she reached the Nationals without uncovering his full abilities."
Ogata blinked.
"Are you talking about Yume and her Angel?" he asked, "what full abilities? He's just a Speed type like half the other Angels in Angelic Layer. What's the big deal?"
"Guess," Icchan said, still reading the papers.
Ogata paused and thought a minute.
"Well, I'll have to admit, he won against a Heavyweight without giving her a Layer Out," he pondered, "so...I've got it! He's really a Power type, isn't he? And everyone's just saying he's a Speed type because it's secret?"
Icchan frowned at his assistant.
"Wrong! And your 'Penalty Game' is..." Icchan whipped out a 'Whoopy Cushion' from his coat pocket, "you have to sit on this for the rest of the day."
Ogata gaped as he took the 'Whoopy Cushion' and got up.
"But..." he began, but was silenced with a look from Icchan.
"No 'buts'," he said, "and as for Yume and her Angel," he glanced back at the papers, "I'll tell you some other time."
"Okay..." Ogata grumbled, and placed the 'Whoopy Cushion' on his seat.
Icchan looked back to the papers and smiled.
(He's not a Power type,) he thought, (but he's just as good.)
Ogata groaned as he sat down and Icchan couldn't help but laugh at the noise he heard after that.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"So, did you practice any cool moves yesterday?"
Kiyoko rolled her eyes. She, Ken, and Yuri were on their way to Tamiko's house. School was out for the day and Tamiko had gone home ahead to get Youzen. She didn't bring him to school like Kiyoko did unless she was showing him off some reason. They had stayed behind to wait for Takumi who had 'Book Club', but he told them to go ahead without them. Ken was currently wanting to know if Kiyoko had learned any cool moves.
"I went over some basic moves," she replied, as they arrived at Tamiko's street, "that's all."
Ken gave her an odd look.
"Basic? You're supposed to do cool moves in a Tournament!" he protested, "not basic stuff!"
Yuri shook her head.
"Not true," she said, "most advanced moves come from simple moves. Like Suzuka's 'Rolling Thunder', it's a three-piece combination: a handstand, an back flip, and a simple forward kick."
"WHA!?" Ken cried, "it's 'that' simple!? But everyone makes a big deal about it being complicated!"
"It is," said Yuri, "if you do it wrong, your Angel will lose his or her balance, or even get injured in the process."
Kiyoko turned to the dark-haired girl, puzzled.
"But when I saw her do the 'Rolling Thunder' yesterday, she didn't do a handstand," Kiyoko pointed out.
Yuri flicked a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"Kobayashi-san's been practicing for years," she explained, "she most likely modified it. Not to mention she probably invented new moves for her Angel."
Kiyoko nodded, remembering the move she used on Robin. She had to be 'real good' to pull a move like that.
(I wonder if I could beat her?) she wondered.
They got to Tamiko's house, a two story beige house with a brown roof. Knowing that she'd be expecting them, the door was most likely open. Ken got to the door first. Sure enough, the door was open, and Ken ran inside.
"Tamiko-chan! We're here!" he called.
"Okay, be with you in a minute!" she called.
Entering the foyer, the trio took off their shoes, and headed for the living room where they heard Tamiko's voice. Upon entering the living room, they noticed that the TV was on, and Tamiko was sitting in front of it. She was giving Youzen an inspection, her Angel Repair Kit besides her. On the screen was a Layer Battle by the looks of it.
"Tamiko, are you ready to go?" Yuri asked.
Tamiko nodded and looked up.
"Yeah," she said, picking up her Angel Repair Kit, "isn't Takumi with you?"
"He's still at 'Book Club'," Ken explained, "he said he'd meet us here."
As the others talked, Kiyoko sat down before the TV. It was indeed a Layer Battle. It was between a couple of Angels. One was an unfamiliar Angel: a female with peach-colored that was done in two ponytails, a pink Angel Cords tied to each. Her eyes were the same color as her hair. She was wearing a pink, silver-lined ballet outfit with a drooping white tutu. She wore pink tights and peach ballet slippers. She was throwing punches at another Angel who was 'very' familiar. Black and purple ninja outfit, big red bow, long navy hair pulled up in a ponytail...
"Hey, that's Suzuka!" Kiyoko cried in recognition.
Tamiko, now standing, leaned over to get a better look at the ninja girl, who was dodging the other Angels' blows.
"Yeah, this is the footage from last years' Tournament, the one where Hikaru defeated her," Tamiko explained, "my brother taped it as we were watching it, remember? That's why he kept checking the TV every five minutes."
Kiyoko nodded and continued to watch the TV footage. Suzuka was dodging all of the Angels' attacks. She was moving at light-speed it seemed. After a while, she back flipped away and landed an Angels' legs' length away. She thrust out her left leg and began to kick. She went so fast her leg was a blur. Kiyoko narrowed her eyes at the sight. The other Angel didn't have time to react as she was hit multiple times by the high-speed kick.
"Wow!" Kiyoko cried, "she's fast when she attacks!"
"Kiyoko, we've gotta go," Tamiko told her, "the Tournament is going to start in ten minutes. I only took this out to watch Hikaru's match in the beginning."
Kiyoko, however, continued to watch as Suzuka stopped kicking, and let her opponent fall to one knee.
"You guys go on ahead," she said, "I'll catch up to you."
"But Kiyoko-" Yuri started.
"Don't worry, I'll catch up," Kiyoko assured them, and turned back to the tape, giving it her full attention.
The ballet Angel was back on her feet and turned towards Suzuka. The ninja was standing before her, no expression on her face. The opponent Angel narrowed her eyes and charges at Suzuka, full speed. She threw multiple punches towards Suzuka, but Suzuka dodged each one by simply moving her head and upper body. Then the peach and pink Angel executed a roundhouse kick. Suzuka, in one swift movement, hopped over the other Angel, and threw a left sidekick to her back. The other Angel stumbled forward, but turned on Suzuka, throwing a fast jab at her face. But the ninja girl simply caught her fist and threw the opposing Angel over her shoulder. The other Angel went flying. She landed a foot from the Layers' edge.
(Wow, she's really good,) Kiyoko thought, watching Suzuka in admiration, (I wonder if Raishinshi can move as quick as Suzuka?)
The ballet Angel stood up and charged at Suzuka again, an angry look on her face. Suzuka didn't move right away. It was only when her opponent was halfway to her that she made her move. She bent backwards and laid her hands flat on Layer behind her. She then hoisted her legs into the air above her. She had just finished getting into her handstand when the other Angel covered the distance between them and raised her fist to knock the ninja down. But she never got the chance.
Suzuka swept her legs through the space between her arms, one leg sticking out, and executed a back flip that propelled herself halfway into the air. But that was nothing compared to how her opponent experienced. Suzuka's extended foot, moving almost to fast to see, smashing under the chin of the ballet Angel, who flew farther and higher than Suzuka did. Both Angels landed, but only Suzuka remained standing. The crowd erupted into cheers.
"What a knockout! Suzuka, Win!" the announcer cried, "looks like the 'Invincible Venus' strikes again, nailing her opponent with her trademark 'Rolling Thunder' back flip kick!"
Kiyoko found herself clapping with the rest of the audience as a picture of Kobayashi Hatoko appeared. The little girl was taking off her headset, smiling to the audience. She looked like she had good, honest, 'no-hard- feelings' fun, the kind of fun everyone has when they're playing a game. Kiyoko smiled. In all her matches, except Higure's, after the moments of panic were over, Kiyoko had felt that fun deep inside her.
"I 'really' hope we get to fight Suzuka!" she cried, "it'd be an honor!"
"Kiyoko?"
Hearing her name, Kiyoko turned to see Takumi entering the living room.
"Takumi, hi," she replied.
Takumi gave her an odd look.
"Shouldn't you be at the Stadium signing up for today's matches?" he asked, "I only dropped by because Ken said they'd stop by over here."
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, they already left, I told them to go without me," she said, turning back to the TV screen, "I wanted to see the rest of this match."
Takumi's expression went from confused to nervous.
"Uh, Kiyoko?" he spoke up, "have you checked the time?"
Confused, Kiyoko looked down at her flower print watch, and gasped.
"Oh my gosh!" she cried, jumping up, "the Tournaments going to start soon!"
Takumi sighed in exasperation.
"Yeah, and I already saw your Moms' van heading in that direction," he told her, "and you've got two minutes before in actually starts."
Kiyoko was beyond panicked.
"Oh no!" she cried, shutting the TV and VCR off at top speed, "and the Stadium is two blocks away! I'll never get there in time!"
Takumi frowned and headed for the door.
"I figured I was going to be late for the Tournament opening if I just walked from school," he began, "so I brought my bike. You can ride with me."
Kiyoko, despite her panic, hesitated.
"I can?" she asked, dumbly.
Takumi nodded.
"Yeah, it's got pegs in back for standing on," he explained, "Yuri rides with me sometimes. We can make it there in less than a few minutes if we hurry. I'm sure they haven't closed the Entry Counter down yet."
Kiyoko smiled a hopeful one and followed Takumi out the door.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko and Takumi made it to the Stadium only a couple minute after the Tournament began. There was a chance. Kiyoko, after quickly thanking Takumi for the ride, ran as fast as she could to the Stadium. She ran through the double doors, down the hall, and around the corner towards the Entry Room. A few Deus' were still on the benches, but Kiyoko was only interested in the Entry Counter. Since the Tokyo Prelims was a daily thing, each Deus had to check-in to get a new number in the new roster that was made. If you didn't check-in, then you'd be disqualified.
Kiyoko was running so fast, she almost crashed into the Entry Counter. The lady behind it gave her a concerned look as the 12-year old stood breathing heavily before the counter.
"Are you okay?" she asked, kindly, "can I help you?"
Kiyoko nodded and, when she had caught her breath, replied.
"Y-Yes," she said, still breathless, "I-I'm here to apply for today's matches. Am I too late?"
The lady gave her a gentle smile.
"May I see your Angel Card?" she asked.
After fumbling a bit, Kiyoko pulled out her card, and gave it to the lady. She shuffled around impatiently as the lady ran her Card through the Card Reader and looked at the info being displayed.
"Oh, you're the girl from the other day," the lady said in recognition, "I caught a glimpse of your match with Shadow Panther. Nice job."
Kiyoko smiled and nodded in a 'thank you' gesture. The lady then handed Kiyoko her card.
"You're in luck," she said, "we have a few spaces left in the roster."
Kiyoko beamed. She made it on time.
(Oh, thank you Kami-sama!) she thought with joy.
The lady handed her a card with a number on it.
"You're E-11," she told her, pointing down the hall, "good luck."
Kiyoko nodded, took her number, and dashed towards the East Waiting Room.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I knew we should have pried her from the TV screen," Ken grumbled from his place in the stands.
Kiyoko's family and friends were sitting in a row a bit closer to the Layer area. Takumi had only just joined them and he was filling them in on the story.
"When my sister is watching something on TV, it takes hours until she gets off," Aya remarked, lying back in her seat.
Mrs. Yume looked worried.
"Do you think she made it in time?" she asked, worriedly.
Takumi shrugged.
"I guess so," he said, "they seem to have an endless roster from what I know. She probably made it, just barely."
Yuri said nothing as everyone talked about Kiyoko's bad habit of being late. She only watched the Layer fight that was going on at the moment.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko came to a screeching halt inside the East Waiting Rooms' doorway. The seats were nearly full and all the Deus' were staring at her, oddly. But Kiyoko ignored that and scanned the room for a familiar face.
"Kiyoko!"
Kiyoko looked up and saw Tamiko waving to her from a seat by the left wall. Smiling, Kiyoko ran to her friend, and collapsed besides her. Tamiko gave her friend a sly look.
"Maybe now you won't wait 'till the last minute to get going," she commented.
Kiyoko gave her friend a look, but broke into a smile.
"Okay, okay, I won't do that again," she sighed, "so, what number do you have?"
Tamiko looked down at her card.
"Youzen and I have E-3," she said, indicating to the sleeping Angel in her lap, "and you?"
Kiyoko frowned.
"E-11," she grumbled.
Tamiko smiled as her friend brought her school bag before her.
"So, when's your match?" Kiyoko asked, taking Raishinshi out.
"I already had it."
Kiyoko turned to her friend in shock.
"And I missed it?! I'm SO sorry Tami-chan!" she cried.
Tamiko almost laughed and patted her friend on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, you'll catch my next one," she assured.
Kiyoko nodded, but still looked sad.
A roar of cheers came from the television. The two girls looked up to see the match on TV had ended. An Angel dressed up in a pink, nurses outfit lay crumpled on the Layer with a familiar Angel standing over her. The Angel was a cat girl dressed in green, white, and red with a brown tail and gold eyes. She was standing triumphantly over her foe. It was Mao.
"Mao, Win!" came the announcers' voice over the speakers, "yet another fantastic win by Fujisaki Madoka and her Kung Fu Angel!"
A picture of the dark-haired girl flashed on the screen as she waved to the crowd, Mao in her hand. Kiyoko sighed and turned to Tamiko.
"Did I miss Suzuka's match?" she asked.
Tamiko nodded.
"Yep, she was the second Angel up," Tamiko said, "you didn't miss much. She did that 'rapid kick' that you saw her do on the video."
Kiyoko frowned again.
"I 'definitely' have to fix my lateness habit," she grumbled.
Tamiko giggled in reply.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As Madoka walked up the final steps up to the balcony, she was instantly greeted by her sister.
"That was a great match!" she cried, smiling, "you were fantastic!"
Madoka smiled down at her sister.
"It wasn't a problem," she said, looking down at Mao, "Mao can handle anything."
Misaki ran up to her.
"Yay Madoka-san!" she cried, jumping up and down.
Madoka gave the small girl a smile. Sai watched her receive complements from the others before turning back to the Layer. The 5th match was about to begin. She watched as the opponents were introduced, but she didn't really pay much attention. She was waiting for a particular Deus to come. But she had a feeling it would take a while.
(Not a problem for me,) she thought to herself, (I can wait.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As Kiyoko was waiting for her turn, Icchan was in the computer room with Ogata. The two were discussing the roster for today, when...
Ring! Ring!
Icchan looked up from the roster and dug into his coat pocket. He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open and on.
"Hello?" he asked.
"Hello, Icchan."
"Hey, what's new? How's your practice?" Icchan asked, merrily. He knew the caller.
"Fine, but, I haven't seen Kiyoko yet."
" 'sigh' Yeah, she came in late from what I was told."
"What?! She made it though, didn't she?"
"Relax. Yes, she was in time to re-register for today's matches. She has the 11th match."
"When's that?"
Icchan gave the phone an odd look before continuing.
"Aren't you here?"
"No. I'd be too close."
"Well...the 7th match is ending, so, four more matches before Kiyoko fights."
"Okay."
"You could at least watch her matches, you know."
"I'm on my way."
"Good. You gonna come up to see us in the computer room?"
"...."
"If you don't want to, then say so."
"I-I think I'll watch from the balcony."
"A front row seat, eh? Well, have it your way, but I insist we talk during lunch break."
"Alright. Until lunch then."
"'Kay, see ya."
Icchan hung up and turned back to Ogata, who was looking up at him.
"Problem, Chief?"
Icchan shook his head as he turned towards the visual screen. The 8th match was starting and the Deus' were already being introduced. He turned to Ogata.
"Can you find who Kiyoko and Raishinshi are going to fight from the roster?" he asked.
Ogata nodded.
"Yeah, just give me a few minutes, and it'll be on screen," he said, typing the necessary commands in the computer.
Icchan nodded and turned back to watching the match in progress.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mrs. Yume looked at her watch.
"Oh my," she murmured, "Kiyoko must have really come in late. She hasn't fought yet."
Aya huffed and folded her arms behind her head.
"She probably has the last match," she grumbled.
Ken watched the battle in front of him and didn't hear the conversation going on.
"I'm sure she wasn't 'that' late," Yuri assured Mrs. Yume, "she probably is the one right after this one."
Mrs. Yume nodded, though she didn't look convinced. She really wanted to see Kiyoko's match. Just like she really wanted someone else to see it too.
(I hope you can see her somehow,) she thought, watching as one Angel tossed another Angel out of the Layer, ending the match.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As the 9th battle began, Kiyoko was drifting off into sleep, she was so bored. She wished that she had brought something to read with her. She cradled Raishinshi in her lap as she laid her head back on the cushioned seat. Ignoring the TV, she closed her eyes...and the memories started to surface.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
She was 9 years old when her Dad came home one day with something on his arm. It looked like a doll, a boy doll, without clothes. Kiyoko didn't get a good look at it since her father hid it in his and her mothers' room rather quickly. She wondered about the strange doll all day, but she didn't ask her Dad about it because she didn't really want to pry. But she did, however, sneak a peek in his room to see if she could see it. But she didn't and her Dad had spotted her.
"What are you doing, Kiyoko?" he asked, kindly, walking over to where his daughter stood in the doorway to his room.
Kiyoko spun around and looked down embarrassed.
"I, um..." she hesitated, looking at her slippers.
Her Dad, Mr. Yume, smiled, and turned to his room.
"You wouldn't be interested in a particular 'doll', would you?" he asked, knowingly.
Kiyoko looked up and, after a couple seconds, gave a timid nod. Mr. Yume smiled and went into his room. A couple minutes later, he came out, the strange doll in his hands. He kneeled besides his youngest daughter.
"Is 'this' what you were trying to see?" he asked, showing her the doll.
Kiyoko walked closer to get a better look. The doll was indeed a boy, even though his long silver-white hair would make others assume that he was a girl. A white handkerchief was wrapped around him, serving as a temporary outfit. His joints showed and his eyes were closed, as if he was sleeping. Kiyoko stared at him for a long time.
"Wow," she finally said, eyes wide.
Her father smiled.
"Do you like him?" he asked.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Yeah, he's pretty," she said, looking up at her Dad, "what kind of doll is he?"
Mr. Yume's smile grew wider.
"Do you know that game that everyone's now playing, the one with the fighting dolls?" he asked her, gently. She nodded. "well, he's an Angel. An Angel meant for Angelic Layer."
Kiyoko's eyes widened even more.
"This is an Angel?! An actual Angel?!" she cried in wonder, "like Hikaru?!"
Mr. Yume nodded.
"Yes, he was a gift to me from a friend," he explained, "he's a very 'special' Angel as well."
Kiyoko kept staring at the Angel. Ever since it started, Kiyoko had 'loved' Angelic Layer. She always wanted to play, but she never had enough money to get one. But now, her 'Daddy' had an Angel.
"Are you going to play Angelic Layer, Daddy?" she asked, patting the sleeping Angel on the head.
Mr. Yume nodded.
"Yes, I am," he said, "my friend and I are testing something and this Angel here is going to be helping us." He smiled down at the Angel. "to tell the truth, I've kind of gotten attached to him already."
Kiyoko looked up at her Dad with innocent brown eyes.
"Can I hold him?" she asked.
Her father looked at her for a minute, then nodded.
"Yes, you can," he said, holding the doll out to her, "but be gentle with him."
Kiyoko nodded and gently took the sleeping Angel from her father. She held him up in front of her. He was a very handsome Angel, even with no ears and visible joints: that was how all Angels started out, according to her father. She smiled down at the boy Angel.
"He's wonderful, Daddy!" she cried, happily, "are you going to start playing now?"
Mr. Yume chuckled.
"Well, first I need to give my Angel clothes and I need to practice with him," he explained, "and my friend and his assistants are going to help install a Practice Layer in the back room, that'll take some time. But, yes, pretty soon I'll be playing the game."
Kiyoko smiled and started dancing around with the silvery Angel.
"Wow! My Daddy's gonna play Angelic Layer!" she cheered, merrily, "my Daddy's gonna play the best game in the world!"
Mr. Yume laughed softly at his daughters' merriment.
"Yes, I am," he said, still chuckling, "and you can watch me if you want."
Kiyoko stopped dancing and nodded vigorously. She then looked down at her father's Angel.
"Did you give your Angel a name?" she asked, curiously.
Mr. Yume nodded.
"Yes, I did," he told her, "his name is.....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++Flashback End++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Kiyoko? Kiyoko!"
Kiyoko woke up with a startled yelp, getting half the waiting rooms' attention. She looked around. It took her only a couple seconds to remember where she was. She turned to see Tamiko giving her an odd look.
"Huh?" she asked, blankly.
She heard a roar of cheering behind her and turned to see the TV.
"You fell asleep," Tamiko said, "I gave up trying to shake you awake, so I had to yell. Your match is next."
Kiyoko turned to her in shock. She slept that long!?
(Boy, sis was right,) she admitted, (I 'am' a heavy sleeper.)
Another roar came from the TV. Kiyoko turned to see the ended match. An Angel had been knocked out of the Layer: it was the same green Angel that Suzuka fought yesterday. Still standing in the center of the Layer was another Angel: she was dressed in an Arabian Dancers' outfit, colored orange-gold and white, she had long dark pink hair that was tied up in a ponytail, and green jewels were present on her hands, belt, neck piece, and forehead. She was bowing to the crowd. It took a couple seconds, but Kiyoko gasped as she recognized the Angel.
"Hey! That's-" she gasped.
"Ranga, Wins!" the announcer cried, "another star Deus makes it past their third match! But, then again, hardly anyone can withstand Ranga's 'Dance of Death'!"
As the TV showed a picture of Ranga's Deus, Kiyoko turned to Tamiko.
"That Angel! She was the one I said practiced with me and Raishinshi!" she cried, amazed that she saw the Angel from Piffle Princess here in the Tournament.
Tamiko stared at her friend.
"Who? Ranga?" she asked, then rolled her eyes as Kiyoko nodded, "that couldn't of been her, Kiyoko. She belongs to pop star Seto Ringo and I heard that her managers gave her, her 'own' Practice Layer. Why'd she want to go to Piffle Princess?"
Kiyoko wanted to protest when the defeated Deus came in and took a seat, face set in a frown. A uniformed lady came in a couple seconds later.
"Ms. E-11? Yume Kiyoko?" she called out.
Kiyoko swallowed and got up. Why was she always being taken off guard?
"Yes ma'am?" she asked.
"You're up," came the sweet reply.
Kiyoko swallowed again and nodded.
"Good luck," Tamiko called as her friend headed out the doorway.
After making a 'very' quick stop to get a drink, which she hoped would help the funny taste in her mouth, she walked quickly down the hallway. She glanced at Raishinshi, who was still in her hands.
(Let's win this for Dad,) she thought to him, hoping that he could somehow hear her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mrs. Yume, who had been scanning the Layer area non-stop since Battle 7, cheered happily.
"Here she comes!" she cried, getting everyone's attention.
Kiyoko's friends looked and cheered as Kiyoko came out of the East Corner door.
"Battle 11 is now in progress! Let's meet our Deus'!" the announcer cried, his dark sunglasses gleaming.
Kiyoko swallowed and walked over to her Angel Chair.
"In the East Corner, Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi!" the announcer declared as Kiyoko sat down, "this newbie has gotten off to a good start, toppling two regulars in one day: the fast-footed Shadow Panther and the powerhouse Colossus! And today is no exception!"
Kiyoko paused as she put on her Angel Goggles.
(What did he mean by that?) she wondered, turning her Goggles on.
"And in the West Corner, we welcome another regular to the Layer, one who's been an unstoppable competitor! Deus Hikawa Yuuko and Angel Katalina!" the announcer concluded.
The crowd cheered as a dark-haired girl with gray eyes walked into the Layer area. She wore a yellow uniform with a red bow and a short, beige skirt. She took a seat in her Angel Chair and put her Goggles on. Kiyoko tried to get a good look at her Angel.
The Angel was a girl and she had light brownish-blonde hair that was done up in a ponytail. A band with two red balls on top held it in place while two blue cords with blue balls on the tips hung down from it. Her Angel Cords. From what Kiyoko could make out, she had a thin blue headband around her head. Her outfit was an odd mix of pink and blue with red shoulder guards that fit the shape of her shoulders. Her elbow joints were showing and she wore red gloves on her hands. She wore light blue tights and pale pink....ice skates? Kiyoko blinked.
(Huh? Why is she wearing ice skates?) she wondered, but then averted her gaze as Yuuko turned to give an annoyed stare.
"What are you looking at?" she demanded.
Kiyoko blushed, embarrassed.
"I...was just looking at your Angel," she answered, timidly, "I didn't mean any..."
"Well don't," the other girl snapped, "I'm not gawking at 'your' Angel."
"Sorry," Kiyoko mumbled, looking down at her lap.
(I forgot what Mom said,) she thought, (it's rude to stare. I must have given her the wrong impression.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan watched the visual screen in the computer room, intently. While Ogata finished up the last of the 'Recording Program'.
"Okay, Chief," he said, getting up to join Icchan, "it's recording."
"It'd better be," he warned, half-heartedly though, "I don't want to miss this."
(I hope you're watching,) he thought, looking at the balcony on screen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Entry Angel!"
The chairs were raised to the Layer as the force field flashed into place. Kiyoko stared at Raishinshi and gave him a 'good luck hug' before beginning her Entry. She closed her eyes and held him level to her face.
"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, making it ripple, 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.
Ken and Mrs. Yume cheered like crazy. Aya sat up and just watched like Takumi was while Yuri simply clapped. Back at the Layer, Yuuko looked down at her Angel and smiled. The she looked up and narrowed her eyes at her opponent.
"Go forth into the Layer and play the melody of the wind, Katalina!" she cried, throwing her Angel towards the Layer, "Angel, Fall in!"
Katalina sailed towards the Layer and entered through the force field. She sparkled gold as she did so, but the glow vanished as she straightened out into a standing position. Her head remained down as she descended. When she was halfway to the Layer surface, her head came up, and she opened her green eyes. She was shooting a firm look straight at Raishinshi. She extended a leg and, as soon as she landed, started to spin in place on the Layer, arms over her head. She spun so fast she looked like a top. Kiyoko was getting dizzy just looking at her.
"Wow, I had no idea an Angel could do that!" Mrs. Yume cried, fascinated by what she saw.
"Since the Layer is smooth and easy to slide on, ice skates can work on it like they do ice," Takumi explained, then he leaned forward, staring at the spinning Angel, "but something tells me that she's spinning for something other than the cool look."
Back in the computer room, Ogata watched the screen nervously.
"Do you think she can beat Katalina?" he asked, watching Raishinshi tense.
Icchan stared at the screen for a bit.
"Maybe," he admitted, "her best bet would be to attack first. But let's see."
As he said that, the announcers' chair moved closer to the Layer.
"Ready?!" he called out.
Both Deus' focused onto the Layer as the crowd cheered in anticipation. Ken was cheering loudly while, in the waiting room, Tamiko crossed her fingers for her friend.
"Angelic Fight!"
The buzzer sounded and the stats filled. Katalina continued to spin as Kiyoko gave her a long, hard look.
(Why is she spinning?) she thought, puzzled, (what'll that do?) She took a deep breath. (well, I can't win by standing still.)
Raishinshi ran forward, heading straight for the still spinning Angel. Yuuko made a face as he approached.
"He's attacking sooner than I thought," she said to herself.
Katalina suddenly stopped spinning and started to skate....right towards Raishinshi. Kiyoko figured she was charging as well and had Raishinshi continue 'his' charge. Both Angels headed straight for one another; Katalina skating, Raishinshi running. The only difference was that Katalina was smirking.
In back of the room, a dark figure watched the match. His eyes were fixed on the approaching Angels.
"Don't be stupid," Saburo growled, "don't you see what she's going to do?"
Up above the Layer, on the balcony, the seven girls were watching the charge. Misaki recognized what Katalina was going.
"Look out!" she cried, but she was too high up to be heard.
Raishinshi and Katalina were only a foot away from one another. Raishinshi ran faster, black-blue hair shining as he did so. Katalina also picked up the pace, smirk still present. Before Raishinshi could execute any kind of move, the Katalina skated forward, and swung out her left leg. Raishinshi and Kiyoko's eyes widened in unison.
(Dodge!) Kiyoko mentally cried, unaware that Takumi had also yelled the same thing from the stands.
As the Katalina's foot sped towards him in a left spin kick, Raishinshi jumped back a few inches, narrowly missing a hit. Katalina continued to smirk as she landed her foot and almost instantly started to head for the edge of the Layer.
"Woah! That was close!" the announcer cried, "Raishinshi was nearly sliced by Katalina's 'Spin Kick', even if it was only at half power!"
Kiyoko didn't pay attention to him. All her attention was on Katalina. The ice-skating Angel was now skating in around the Layers' edge, in a complete circle.
(That was too close,) Kiyoko thought eying Katalina oddly, (but what's she doing?)
Responding to his Deus' confusion of the skating, Raishinshi was looking around him, watching her nervously. Katalina kept circling around the Layer, not even paying attention to him. Yuuko, however, was. She grinned at the boy Angel.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan narrowed his eyes at the screen. That had been too close for comfort.
"Yikes! He was almost sliced!" Ogata cried, hands going to his head.
Back in the stands.....
"YEESH! That was close!" Ken cried, angrily, "what's she thinking?! She could have sliced him in half!"
Mrs. Yume bit her lip.
"Aren't ice skates considered weapons in Angelic Layer?' Aya asked Takumi.
Takumi narrowed his eyes.
"They're permitted as long as she doesn't hurt anyone with them," he replied.
Ken whirled on him.
"She almost did!" he declared.
"Almost doesn't count," Takumi said, but then frowned to himself, "although I admit that 'was' too close to be safe."
On the balcony above the Layer, Misaki watched worriedly as Katalina began to skate faster.
"She's almost at full speed," she mumbled, worried.
Hatoko went up next to her.
"If Raishinshi had attacked sooner, then maybe he would have stopped her," she pointed out, violet eyes on the Layer.
"Hikawa knew that," Madoka said from behind them, sounding a touch upset, "that's why she attacked so soon: to make Raishinshi back off so that she could attain full speed."
Sai nodded.
"There's no chance of attack now," she said, looking straight at Kiyoko.
The timer was at 7 minutes.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiyoko watched her Angel in worry as he turned in place, trying to keep up with Katalina. Why was she doing this? Why waste time skating around the Layer? Kiyoko didn't have the answer to that and she wished she did.
(If only we could get her to stop,) she thought, watching as Katalina whizzed by her side of the Layer.
Raishinshi turned in her direction, watching Katalina wearily. Kiyoko looked in his direction to give him a mental command, when...
Kiyoko gasped.
Right where Katalina swung her foot, right over Raishinshi's chest, the fabric was torn. A narrow slit was in front of his chest. He was much closer to being sliced than anyone realized.
(Raishinshi!) Kiyoko cried, mentally, (oh my gosh! He 'was' nearly sliced!)
Kiyoko was so busy taking notice to Raishinshi that she didn't see Katalina break out of her circle, and head straight for her Angel. But someone did. Someone who was standing on the balcony opposite to the seven girls, hidden from them by the box screen. It was a man in a blue suit. He was watching the whole match, nervously.
"Watch out Kiyoko," he whispered.
Back on the Layer, Kiyoko finally took notice of the approaching Angel. She was halfway across the Layer and approaching fast. Kiyoko had Raishinshi turn around to face Katalina.
(We're going to have to be careful, Raishinshi,) she told him, (we can't let her hit us with that blade.)
When Katalina was a foot and a half away, she lifted up her left leg, stuck it out, and began to spin on her right leg. Leaning forward, she sped towards the purple Angel with one leg out, the ice skates' blade shining in the Layer lights. As she came into range, her outstretched leg headed for Raishinshi's waist. Raishinshi, eyes wide in panic, jumped back, missing the kick by half an inch. He stumbled back and faced the ice-skating Angel. She was now spinning on her right leg, left leg out, hands held together in front of her. If Kiyoko didn't think that her skating was odd at first, she did now.
"What do you think of Katalina's 'Spin Kick'?" Yuuko called over, smugly, "impressive, huh?"
"Huh?" Kiyoko mumbled. ('Spin Kick'?) she thought, confused.
Back in the waiting room, Tamiko bit her lip.
"C'mon Kiyoko," she whispered, "you have to fight back."
Katalina spun forward again. Raishinshi tensed and backed away as her foot whizzed by where his head was a moment ago. And it didn't stop there. Katalina continued to spin towards him. Raishinshi backed up again as her leg came at him again. She then aimed higher. Raishinshi ducked and then jumped back as her leg came at him again. He jumped back a bit to gain distance. He stared at his spinning opponent with tense brown-orange eyes, just as his Deus stared at her with her brown eyes.
(How can I attack?) Kiyoko thought, (if I stand still, she'll just-) Suddenly, Kiyoko's eyes widened. (I have an idea, Raishinshi!)
Once again, Katalina spun towards her opponent, but Raishinshi stood stock still.
"What's Raishinshi doing?!" the announcer cried into his mike, "staying still while Katalina does her 'Spin Kick' is crazy!"
"Move it, Kiyoko!" Ken screamed, "otherwise Raishinshi'll get hit!"
But Raishinshi didn't move. And that suited Katalina and her Deus just fine: an easier target for them. Katalina spun at him, left leg out, blade gleaming. Raishinshi didn't move a hairs' inch. Finally, Katalina reached him, and her leg headed straight for his upper body. But it didn't hit him like most people thought it would. Right before the spin kick could connect, Raishinshi reached out with his left arm, and hooked it around Katalina's extended leg. This shocked her Deus and her shock also appeared on Katalina's face. Raishinshi then turned and swung his right leg. The back of his foot hit Katalina in the stomach and caused her to slide back.
Her Damage Gauge dropped to 85% and the crowd cheered.
"WOAH! That's the first time I ever saw ANYONE stop Katalina's kick in mid- spin!" the announcer cried, "phenomenal!"
"YAY!" Tamiko cried. Her friend just scored a solid hit to the Layers' trickiest Angel!
"That was amazing!" Misaki cried, clapping.
Sai raised an eyebrow.
Back on the Layer, Katalina was swaying, but still skating. Yuuko glared at the Kiyoko and her Angel. She wasn't impressed like everyone else was.
"I'm not done yet!" she shouted, angrily.
Katalina recovered with help from her Deus and skated forward. Raishinshi had recovered from the kicking stance, but was caught off guard. Katalina's left leg came up again and swung at his face from the right instead of the left, catching Kiyoko by surprise. Her heel connected with the left side of Raishinshi's face. Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi went flying to the left. He hit the Layer, hard, and skidded. He stopped only an inch away from the edge. His Damage Gauge dropped to 79%.
"Raishinshi!" Kiyoko cried.
"Yikes! Guess it was only a matter of time before Raishinshi was struck by the 'Spin Kick'! But, OW, he got it right in the face!" the announcer cried, drawing more cheers from the crowd.
"Don't give up, Kiyoko!" Mrs. Yume called out.
"POUND HER!!" Ken cried, fists clenched.
In back of the stands, Saburo continued to watch..
"That 'was' a good way to attack, stopping Katalina in mid-kick, then striking her," he muttered to himself, then frowned, sourly, "but she should have expected a counter-attack. She didn't even bother putting up her Angels' guard."
Raishinshi stood up, shakily. He turned to see Katalina skate towards the other edge of the Layer again.
(Now I've got to build up her speed again,) Yuuko thought, bitterly, (we could have nailed him if Katalina's 'Spin Kick' was at full strength.)
The timer hit 4 minutes.
Kiyoko watched as Katalina approached Raishinshi on her second spin around the Layer and she didn't look happy.
(Look out, Raishinshi!) she thought, gasping.
Raishinshi turned and jumped away as Katalina whizzed by. He stared in her direction for a couple seconds, then gave chase.
"NOW what's she doing?" Saburo asked to the open air, sounding bored.
Raishinshi continued to follow Katalina, even though she already had a head start on him.
"What's he trying to do?" Arisu grunted, "she's going way to fast for him to catch up."
Kaede shrugged and calmly went on watching the match.
"I wouldn't underestimate them," she said, "they aren't giving up like most Deus' do."
Katalina kept on skating, ignoring Raishinshi as he ran far behind her.
"What's she trying to do?" Yuuko asked herself, "Katalina's going 'much' faster than 'her' Angel is."
Kiyoko focused her steadying gaze on the two Angels.
(C'mon, Raishinshi,) she quietly urged, (you have to move faster.)
Raishinshi's expression grew firm as he leaned forward and ran harder. To everyone's surprise, the purple Angel sped up, and started to gain on Katalina. Katalina looked over her shoulder and gave a silent gasp. She tried to pick up the pace, but Raishinshi continued to gain on her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"How'd he get so fast all of a sudden?" Ogata asked.
Icchan smiled.
"I think she knows," he said.
Ogata turned to him.
"Huh? Knows what?" he asked, blankly.
"Knows that Katalina gains speed by skating around the Layer," he said, eyes not leaving the visual screen, "she must have figured it out and is attempting to stop her from doing so. Not a bad idea."
Ogata cast a doubtful look at the screen.
"Won't Hikawa eventually figure 'that' out?" he asked.
"Oh yeah," Icchan replied, getting a questioning glance from his assistant, "but I think these two can handle her."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Yeah! That's it Kiyoko!" Ken cheered, waving his arms around.
Raishinshi was gaining on Katalina, only half a foot away. Katalina's Deus saw this and mentally ordered her away from the Layers' edge. Katalina moved away and headed for the center of the Layer, Raishinshi following close behind.
"Back off!" Yuuko snapped.
Katalina whirled around and stuck out her right leg. Raishinshi jumped away from the spin kick just in time. Katalina began to spin in place again, this time with her right leg out. Raishinshi narrowed his eyes like Kiyoko did.
(There's no chance for me to hit her again on the ground,) Kiyoko thought, giving the ice-skating Angel a long look, (but maybe an aerial attack would work.)
Raishinshi clenched his fists and leapt into the air.
"Huh?! What's he doing?!" Ken cried.
"An aerial attack." came Takumi's simple reply.
Raishinshi sailed slowly over Katalina's position and began to descend, knees pointing down.
Seeing this, Yuuko smiled.
(Oh no you don't,) she thought, unable to hide her smirk, (I let that pass once, but not again.)
Still spinning, Katalina bent her knee, and shot upwards into a straight up jump. This shocked Kiyoko, causing her to lose her focus, and make Raishinshi drop her legs. She hadn't expected her to do that! Katalina swung her right leg and caught Raishinshi by the waist. With a silent gasp, he fell to the Layer floor, his Damage Gauge dropped to 50%.
"Raishinshi!!" Kiyoko cried, leaning forward in her chair.
"OUCH!! That really must have stung!!" the announcer screamed, the audience, "after her defeat against Hikaru, Deus Hikawa Yuuko has overcome her earlier weakness, making her Angel an unstoppable fighter! In fact, only one other Angel after that was able to beat her! Yume Kiyoko, what will you do against this ice-skating Angel?!"
The timer hit 2 minutes.
Katalina landed gracefully on the Layer and continued to spin.
"There's no way you can stop Katalina," Yuuko said, smugly, "so you might as well wait until time runs out."
Kiyoko grit her teeth as Raishinshi got up, warily.
"Don't give up, Kiyoko!" Mrs. Yume called out.
Aya rolled her eyes.
"Mom, look at the damage her Angel has," she sighed, "it's obviously too late for any kind of comeback."
As Kiyoko thought of what to do, the man on the balcony behind her watched her closely.
"Don't give up, Kiyoko. All is not lost," he whispered, "look closely. There's a small chance for you to win."
Kiyoko watched the skating Angel in worry. She was still spinning, smirk present, and it was obviously impossible to attack from the front. That would be suicide. And an aerial attack was obviously out of the question. So....
(What else can I do?) Kiyoko thought, feeling her doubt coming back.
Then, as she continued to watch Katalina spin, a memory struck her. She stared long and hard at Katalina and then over at Raishinshi, who was standing a couple feet away from her. She turned back to Katalina and narrowed her eyes.
(If this goes the way I want it,) she thought, analyzing the scenario, (then we might be able to make a comeback. But if it fails....) Kiyoko grit her teeth, Raishinshi did the same. (no, he 'can' do it. He did it in the Anime. All I have to do is believe in him!)
"Let's go, Raishinshi!" she called out.
Raishinshi broke out into a run, heading straight for Katalina.
"Huh?" Yuuko said, blinking, "what now?"
Raishinshi continued to run. The timer hit 1 minute.
"You can't charge her, Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried from the waiting room.
"She's crazy to try that trick again!" Ogata cried, pulling his hair.
But Icchan smiled.
"Not crazy," he started.
Back on the Layer, Raishinshi was running fast and close to the ground, like a ninja. Since Katalina figured he was just charging, Katalina kept spinning. But when he was only a few inches away from her spinning leg, Raishinshi dived forward, put his left hand straight down on the Layer, and swung his right leg over the floor, kicking Katalina's support leg out from under her.
Katalina gave a silent cry as her leg left the ground. For a couple seconds, she was suspended in the air. Quickly, Raishinshi placed his right hand on the Layer, and leaned on his arms to support his lower body. As Katalina began to come down, Raishinshi bent his knees, drew in his legs, and, with help from Kiyoko's aim, threw his legs out, hitting Katalina right in the stomach. They were frozen that way, it seemed, for a couple seconds.
Kiyoko's friends and family gaped, the seven girls watched, Saburo raised an eyebrow at the move, Yuuko's gasped, and the man on the balcony smiled.
"She's smart," Icchan finished.
As if time had started up again, Katalina flew backwards from the blow with a silent cry, hit the Layer, and slid....right out of the Layer. She landed on the floor with a small clatter. The timer stopped at 20 seconds and the buzzer sounded. Nobody spoke. The announcer stared at the sight awhile, before....
"Raishinshi, Win!" he shouted into the mike.
The audience began cheering like mad. Ken and Mrs. Yume cried out cheers of victory as Raishinshi's picture flashed across the screen. Yuri and Takumi were clapping like mad while, in the waiting room, Tamiko was once again dancing with Youzen.
"She...she actually won," Aya said, then smiled a bit, "nice going sis."
Saburo said nothing. He simply left. Back on the girls' side of the balcony, Misaki was cheering.
"Wow! They did it!" she cried, clapping, "they did it!"
Sai let out a soft laugh.
"That was a risky move," she commented, "I'm surprised she could pull it off."
Hatoko watched Kiyoko as she took off her Angel Goggles and give a sigh of relief.
"She had faith in her Angel," she said, knowingly, "and they both worked together to pull that move off."
Kaede smiled down at her.
"Just like how you and Misaki are with your Angels," she stated.
Back in the stands, Yuri turned to her brother.
"Does that move look familiar?" she asked, simply.
Takumi turned to her, puzzled.
"Huh?" he asked.
"That move Raishinshi just did, when he kicked Katalina's leg out from under her," Yuri explained, "don't you recognize it?"
Takumi thought a couple seconds, then shook his head. Yuri rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway.
"Senkaiden Houshin Engi, episode 7," she told him, "Raishinshi used that move on Taikoubou during their fight, remember?"
Takumi blinked twice before his eyes widened in realization.
"She mimicked one of his moves again?" he asked, surprised.
Yuri nodded and looked back to the Layer. Kiyoko had retrieved Raishinshi from the Layer and was hugging him. She then looked over to the fallen Katalina, picked her up, and went over to her Deus.
"Here you go," she said, kindly, holding out the unconscious Angel.
Yuuko stared at her a while before taking Katalina.
"Um, thanks," she mumbled.
"Is she hurt bad?" Kiyoko asked.
Yuuko blinked and looked down at Katalina.
"It's nothing I can't fix," she replied.
Kiyoko nodded.
"Um, I'm sorry about earlier," she said, rubbing the back of her head, "for staring at your Angel. I must have given you the wrong impression."
Yuuko shook her head, her mood loosening up a bit.
"Nah, I'm always edgy when I fight," she said, "it's not your fault, really."
Kiyoko smiled and held out her hand.
"Thanks, I hope we can have a match again," she said.
"Yeah," Yuuko agreed, shaking hands.
The audience continued to cheer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Icchan watched as Kiyoko shook hands with Yuuko with a smile on his face.
"Yep," he told himself, "she's definitely like him."
Ogata turned to him.
"Him?" he repeated, then his eyes widened in realization, "oh! 'Him'!"
Icchan rolled his eyes.
"Y'know Ogata, I worry about you sometimes," he muttered, but then grinned, "and the fact that she pulled off a near impossible move like that, proves that she's...."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Uh...konya mo mata...*
After Yuuko had left, Kiyoko was left alone in front of a cheering crowd. She looked down at her Angel.
*....hakanai hoshi zora*
"Thanks for sticking with me," she told him, softly.
*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni....*
Back up on the other side of the balcony, the man in the blue suit was still watching.
*....negai o kakeru kara*
He smiled down at Kiyoko.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Boy, this one was my longest Chapter yet! Phew, I didn't think it'd be so long, sorry for the delay in updates. Next time, Tamiko goes up against someone who you've all seen at least once before. Will her father be able to make it in time to see his daughters' match? Well, I've got a lot of work to do, so please Read and Review what I have so far, no flames please.