My Angel Story

Disclaimer: YES!!! I FINALLY GOT DVD 2 OF ANGELIC LAYER!!! LIFE IS
WONDERFUL IN TIMES LIKE THIS!!! This means, however, that
from this chapter on, I'm gonna be making corrections. I found out that
I got Maria's last name, eye color, and Yamano's first name wrong. I also
left out something on Vasquez. I'm gonna correct all of these.
I'm also gonna have to MAJORLY apologize for the longness of this
chapter. I honestly didn't intend for it to be this long or drawn out, it's just
that I've been wanting to write this chapter for a long time, and I wanted to
make it a knockout.
And now, the moment that you've all been waiting for, Kiyoko must face a
'Star Deus', but who is it? It says in the title. I don't own Angelic Layer or
any of its original characters. I DO own Kiyoko Yume, Angel Raishinshi,
Kiyoko's family and friends, Saburo, Youzen, and all other unknown Deus'
and Angels that may show up. Enjoy!

Battle 12: "Raishinshi vs. Suzuka! Kiyoko's Promise!"

Ogata was typing commands furiously into the computer as Icchan came through the automatic door. He saw his assistant working in front of the visual screen and crept up on him, grinning evilly. Ogata didn't even know he was behind him until....

"ICCHAN IS HERE!" he shouted.

"AAAAIIIIIIII!!" Ogata cried, jumping at least three feet in the air.

Icchan chuckled as his assistant gasped for breath. The Father of Angelic Layer glanced at the visual screen. It showed the Stadium Layer being inspected and some people were already gathering in the rows.

"Today's a big day," he said, "especially for Kiyoko." Icchan then glanced at his assistant. "Did you get the roster all straightened out?"

Ogata, now recovered, but still a bit shook up, nodded.

"Yes it is, Chief," he reported, going back to typing, "but I'm not sure if it's a good idea."

Icchan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?" he said, "why?"

Ogata frowned and stopped typing.

"Raishinshi and his Deus may be good, but they've only won four Tournament matches," he said, "and I don't they can handle 'her'. Not at this point anyway."

Icchan said nothing as he walked up to the nearest of the many computers. After typing in a few things, the screen came up with a face shot of Kiyoko, a full shot of Raishinshi, and a list of info between the two pictures. At the bottom were stats on the Tournament. It read:

| Tournament Status: 4 Wins, 0 Loses |

Icchan stared at the information for a bit before typing in something else. Another screen came up. A face shot of a young girl, somewhere around 7 or 8, with long, dark hair and violet eyes. The full shot of her Angel showed a beautiful, long-haired Angel in ninja garb. Icchan glanced at her stats.

| Tournament Status: 4 Wins, 0 Loses |

Icchan stared at the screen a bit before straightening up.

"That all depends," he said after a few seconds.

Ogata turned to him.

"Depends?" he repeated, "depends on what?"

Icchan said nothing as he turned back to the Visual Screen and focused his eyes on the Layer.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kiyoko walked through the doors of the Angelic Layer Stadium and made a beeline towards the Entry Counter. Raishinshi was still in her hand as she walked through the hallway. As she approached the counter, she kept an eye out for Tamiko or Junko. So far, all she saw were other Deus' getting their Angels ready. That's when she saw a familiar face; a girl in a green high school uniform with a brown ponytail.

"Hiromi-san!" Kiyoko called in recognition.

Hiromi Sayaka turned and spotted Kiyoko.

"Oh, it's you," she said, not knowing what else to say.

Kiyoko went over to the older girl.

"You left so fast after our match I never got the chance to ask if Shadow Panther was okay," she said, stopping in front of her, "Raishinshi didn't hurt her badly, did he?"

Sayaka blinked her green eyes and stared down at Shadow Panther. The pink and blue Angel was in her right hand. She looked up and nodded.

"Um, yeah, she's fine," she replied, "but, why do you ask? I mean, we were your opponents."

Kiyoko shrugged, putting her school bag behind her.

"So? That doesn't mean I can't ask how you and your Angel are doing, does it?" she asked.

Sayaka blinked and thought a moment.

"I guess not," she admitted, "it's just that none of my opponents ever asked me that before."

Kiyoko nodded.

"Well, I like being polite," she said, "how are you doing in your fights?"

Sayaka shrugged.

"I've been doing good," she said, "I have to fight Angel Vasquez next."

Kiyoko's mind flashed back to the boyish girl Angel with red-pink hair and ice blue eyes. She also remembered the Deus: a blond tomboy in army-like garb. Even though she had only seen them fight once, it was enough to impress Kiyoko. Then it came to her.

(Do I have to fight them too?) she wondered.

"Who are you fighting?" she heard Sayaka ask.

Kiyoko snapped out of thought and looked up at the girl.

"I don't know yet, I have to check in," she informed her.

"Sayaka!"

Both girls turned to see a couple other girls in green uniforms waving to Sayaka.

"I've gotta go," the older girl said, turning to go. She hesitated and turned back to Kiyoko. "Good luck."

The brunette smiled, nodded, and waved as the older girl left. Kiyoko went to over to the Entry Counter, unaware that she was being watched.

(I hope you're ready, newbie,) Saburo thought, watching her from the West Corner doorway, (your next match is no picnic.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In different part of the building, in an area sealed off to the public, a man was approaching a room down a metallic hallway. The man wore a gray suit, blue tie, and long brown pants, he had brownish-blond hair, neatly brushed, and deep brown eyes. He looked somewhere in his early thirties. On his shoulder, sitting quietly, was a silver-haired Angel with an outfit of white, sky blue, and gold. As the man reached the door, he typed something into the access panel on the wall next to the door, and the door opened. He walked in the room filled with wires, computers, and lights and focused on the medium sized practice Layer in the middle.

"Hey Yukio."

The man turned to see Hiromi stationed at one of the computers. The auburn- haired girl smiled at him.

"You're here early," she commented, "Chief said that he wouldn't be here for a while longer."

The man, Yukio, shrugged.

"I wanted to check out the assignment," he said, "is it how Icchan said?"

Hiromi nodded and pointed to the Layer.

"Yep, you'll be using another form of visor," she explained, "it'll do the same thing the Angel Goggles do, only this one'll measure your brainwaves and send them to my computer."

Yukio glanced at the Layer and walked over to one of the Angel Chairs. He spotted the Angel Goggles: they looked the same as the usual, only the screen on this one was green. He picked it up and looked it over, careful not to drop his Angel. He turned back to Hiromi.

"Will it affect me or my Angel in any way?" Yukio asked.

Hiromi shook her head.

"No, the Chief tested it out," she assured, "it shouldn't do anything bad. I checked the adjustments myself."

Yukio smiled, mischievously.

"Well, then I 'should' be worried," he said, putting the Goggles on.

Hiromi gaped at him and gave him an angry pout. Yukio merely chuckled as he placed his Angel into the Layer, sat down, and turned his Goggles on. He gave a nod to Hiromi to signal he was ready. Hiromi returned the nod and typed a command into her computer and the Layer turned on a couple seconds later. Yukio turned and focused on his Angel. Within moments, the silver Angel opened his bright silver eyes and raised his head. Back at the computer, Hiromi smiled as read-outs appeared on her screen.

"Alright," she cheered, "everything's coming in clear." She turned to the male Deus. "We can proceed whenever you're ready."

Yukio nodded and turned his attention back to the Layer.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Hi, I'm checking in for today's Tournament."

"Alright. May I see your Angel Card?"

Kiyoko nodded as she handed her card to the women behind the Entry Counter. As the woman scanned her card...

"Kiyoko-chan!"

"Yo!"

Blinking, Kiyoko turned, and smiled to see Yuri and Ken running towards her.

"Man, you've gotta stop coming in late," Ken complained, "you're already the 'Queen of Lateness' in school, save this morning."

Kiyoko gave him a look while Yuri came up to greet her.

"We still have five minutes before the Tournament starts," she commented, "my brother and Tamiko are checking out the rosters. Hey, isn't your Mom coming?"

Kiyoko nodded.

"She is, Aya too," she replied, "Junko's Mom had an appointment, so my Mom is picking Junko up."

Ken rolled his eyes.

"Why is everyone so late?" he complained.

Kiyoko gave him another look.

"You're just too impatient to wait," she pointed out.

Ken frowned. In all their classes together, Ken was the most impatient person on the campus. While Kiyoko was usually referred to as the 'Queen of Lateness', Ken was normally called the 'King of Impatience' by his friends.

"I just want everyone here to see you win again," he commented, growing excited, "that way you can show those girls at lunch that it's not luck that's making you win."

Hearing that, Kiyoko's mind flicked back to the thing she was worrying about: who was this 'star Deus'?

"Um, miss?"

Kiyoko turned to see the women behind the counter hand her a slip of paper.

"You're E-4," the woman said, "good luck."

Kiyoko smiled and nodded before turning to her friends.

"Let's go meet the others," she announced.

Ken nodded in agreement and began towards the wall that the roster was posted on. For the second round, sheets of paper were left out on the Entry Counter for people to pick up since they were completed after the first rounds were all done.

"Do you know who I'm fighting?" Kiyoko asked, trying to hide the pure curiosity in her voice.

Yuri shook her head.

"No, Ken and I came looking for you," she said, "we were going to wait for you at the Entry Counter."

Kiyoko smiled.

"Well, you were right to head over there," she stated.

Ken, who was leading the trio, looked at them over his shoulder.

"Why do you always have to check in everyday?" he asked, "Deus' didn't have to do that before."

Yuri turned to him.

"You know the reason, Ken," she stated, "it was in the papers."

During the 4th Official Tournament, in the middle of the Tokyo Preliminaries, a storm had wiped out all the information in the Stadiums' computers, including the registered Deus information and the roster listings. They had to re-do the Tournament the next week. Since then, Deus had to check-in daily, and the rosters were made out every round to avoid another upset. The roster was already printed out with all the names of the Deus', but if someone failed to show, their names would be taken out of the roster, and they'd be out of the Tournament.

"Yeah, well, I liked the old way," he stated, "it was less confusing."

"Then, if we had another short out, all of the necessary information would be lost," Yuri explained, "Kiyoko would have to fight all over again."

Ken grinned.

"I wouldn't mind," he commented, "we could see Raishinshi kick more butt."

Kiyoko rolled her eyes.

"Don't bother with him Yuri," she said, "he's got fighting on the brain."

Yuri giggled as they approached the spot on the wall where the roster was posted. Most people called it the 'roster wall'. The three friends immediately spotted Takumi and Tamiko reading it along with four other people who were obviously Deus'. As they approached, Tamiko turned towards them, hearing them come up.

"Kiyoko," she said, looking a bit tense, "you're here."

Kiyoko nodded. Takumi looked up and regarded Kiyoko as if she had grown another head.

"You didn't see the roster, did you?" he asked.

Kiyoko shook her head.

"No, I just arrived," she said, growing nervous at the look on Takumi's face, "why, is it about who I have to fight today?"

Before Takumi could answer, Ken butted in.

"Whoever it is, guys, she's no match for Kiyoko. Not with 'her' skills," he boasted, raising a fist in the air.

Takumi sighed as Kiyoko went over to the roster. She looked to the line that said 'Battle 4' and gaped at what she read.

'East Corner: Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi vs. West Corner: Deus Kobayashi Hatoko and Angel Suzuka.'

Kiyoko stared at the line for a few more seconds.

"Well?" Yuri asked, curiously.

Kiyoko turned back to them, eyes wide.

"I-I have to fight Kobayashi-sama and Light-Speed Suzuka," she said.

Yuri blinked in surprise.

"Oh, man," Ken said, excitement turning into doubt, "this' bad."

"No it's not."

Everyone looked at Kiyoko. To everyone's surprise, she was smiling.

"It's super!" she cheered, bringing Raishinshi up to her chest, "I've 'always' wanted to fight the 'Invincible Venus'. This is amazing!"

Everyone blinked at the smiling girl.

"Aren't you....nervous?" Takumi asked, confused.

Still smiling, Kiyoko turned to her friends.

"Are you kidding?" she asked, "I'm petrified."

Everyone sweat-dropped upon hearing that.

"But, I can't let fear get in the way," Kiyoko continued, "or I'll fail. That's what my Dad told me when I asked him if he was scared during his matches."

Tamiko smiled at that.

"Sounds like something your Dad would say," she commented, "and it's very true."

Takumi nodded and glanced back at the roster. He frowned.

(I hope you're as confident as you sound, Kiyoko,) he thought, worried.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As the Tournament was beginning, Kiyoko and Tamiko made their way to the East waiting room, Angels in hand. Kiyoko's mind was a jumble of excitement and tension. She'd always said that she wanted to fight against the 'Invincible Venus', but now that now was that time, she was beginning to worry. What if her match was just like how it was with Higure and Saburo? Would she lose again? Kiyoko tried to clear her head as she turned to Tamiko.

"Hey, Tamiko?" she spoke up.

Tamiko turned to her friend.

"Hm?" she said.

Kiyoko looked away for a moment and stared down at Raishinshi.

"Have you ever fought against Suzuka?" she asked.

Tamiko blinked and thought for a moment.

"No," she said, then turned to Kiyoko, "but I did lose against another experienced Angel."

Kiyoko turned back to her friend.

"Who?" she asked, curiously.

Tamiko smiled slightly.

"You wouldn't know her," she said, "it was in the Kanto Prelims. Her name was Fairy."

Her friend blinked a couple times then smiled.

"You're right," Kiyoko admitted, "I don't know her."

Tamiko smiled and held Youzen close.

"It was around the time I invented Youzen's special attack," she explained, "I'd already lost once in the Tokyo Prelims against another experienced Deus, but Fairy beat Youzen in only a couple minutes."

Kiyoko's eyes widened.

"How could she defeat 'you' that quickly?" she asked.

Tamiko sighed.

"I don't really know," she said, "Fairy just....I don't know. It was bizarre."

Kiyoko nodded, a bit confused.

"Why did you ask about this?" her friend asked, curious herself.

Kiyoko frowned and looked down at Raishinshi again.

"I'm...I'm nervous," she admitted, "like I said, I'm petrified. I'm afraid I'll fail Raishinshi again."

Tamiko patted her friend's shoulder.

"How do you think I felt when I fought Venus?" she asked, "but I got over it and focused on the fight. You just have to remember to stay focused."

Kiyoko said nothing.

"That's right."

The two girls blinked and turned around. Behind them stood a 8 year-old with dark hair that reached her waist, violet eyes, and an Eriol Academy Elementary School uniform. She was holding an Angel dressed in Ninja garb and was smiling up at the girls. The two friends gasped. This could only be one Deus.

"K-Kobayashi-sama!" Kiyoko stuttered, eyes wide.

"Light-Speed Suzuka too!" Tamiko gasped.

The girl only smiled and nodded.

"Oh my gosh!" Kiyoko cried, hugging Raishinshi, "it's you! In person!"

Hatoko giggled.

"Yes, it's me," she said, "I didn't think I was 'that' popular."

"Are you kidding?" Tamiko gaped, "aside from Yukiwa and Suzuhara-sama, you're the most popular Deus in Angelic Layer!"

Hatoko smiled at her.

"I've heard good things about you too," she told Tamiko, "you're the 'Whiz Kid', right?"

Tamiko blushed and nodded.

"You're a good Deus," Hatoko informed her, causing Tamiko to turn smitten.

Kiyoko gave her friend a side-glance of amusement. That's when she noticed that Hatoko was looking at her and Raishinshi. She turned to her as Hatoko came up.

"I've also seen all of your matches," she said, "you and your Angel are a fine team. I especially liked your match against Katalina."

Kiyoko blinked.

"Y-you watched my matches?" she asked in astonishment. The 'Invincible Venus' had watched a newbies' matches?

Hatoko nodded. She then reached up and patted Raishinshi on the head, confusing Kiyoko.

"Your Angel is a good fighter and you're good at strategies from what I've seen," she told her, "I have a feeling our match will be a good one."

Kiyoko smiled. Something about the way Hatoko had said that made her confidence come back.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back in the secluded room, balls of red light swirled around the Layer. The silver Angel narrowed his eyes as two balls approached him at high-speed. The minute the two were in striking range, the silver Angel turned on his left foot, and stuck his right leg out, executing a spin kick that destroyed the balls. Another came from behind. The silver Angel drew his left arm up and then jabbed behind him with his elbow, destroying the ball. Two zoomed in from above. The silver Angel leapt upwards and did a split kick in mid-air, taking out both balls. Upon landing, he drop kicked another ball, and spin kicked another two. Another ball came at his right. Narrowing his silver eyes, the Angel swiped his hand at the ball. It disappeared. The last one was coming in from behind, at a higher speed than the others. Closing his eyes, the male Angel spun around, and delivered a palm strike that took out the ball. A buzzer sounded.

"Hey, that was great Yukio," Hiromi complemented, turning away from her computer, "and you weren't even straining as hard as most Deus'."

Yukio smiled at her and then at his Angel, who was now standing calmly in the Layer.

"We've been fighting for two years and this year makes it a year and a half," he told her, "I've used to his movements."

Hiromi smiled and turned back to her computer.

"The bond between Angel and Deus," she said, "Chief says that the more you fight with your Angel, the more their moves seem like your own."

Yukio smiled.

"Icchan knows a lot," he said.

Hiromi giggled. Besides Misaki, her mother, and now Kiyoko, Yukio was the only one who called the Chief by his nickname. Then again, they were friends after all.

"Oh, by the way, did you check out the roster for today?" she asked the man.

Yukio shook his head as he focused back on his Angel.

"No, why?" he asked, having his Angel turn to face him.

Hiromi looked at him over her shoulder.

"I guess the Chief forgot to tell you," she said, "Kiyoko is going to be fighting Kobayashi and Suzuka in her first match today."

Hearing this, Yukio suddenly spun around to face her, eyes wide in shock. Even his Angel bore a surprised look.

"What?!" he cried.

Hiromi turned completely around to face him, her eyes nervous.

"Yeah, I thought it was sudden too," she continued, "I mean, a rookie fighting a star Deus 'this' early in the Tournament? That's a little extreme. Especially when she already lost to an opponent similar to Suzuka in the past."

Yukio blinked when he heard that.

"What do you mean?" he asked, sounding a bit tense.

Hiromi shrugged.

"Yukiwa Saburo," she said, "to be honest, I'm a little worried. Kiyoko looks like a good kid."

Yukio got up and took off his Angel Goggles, causing his Angel to slump into a sitting position.

"When is her match?" he asked, nervously.

Hiromi blinked and turned to the computer. After typing in a few quick commands, a screen popped up.

"Um, according to the data being recorded in the Video Room, the second match is ending," she reported, "so, after the third match she'll be going up against Suzuka."

Yukio took a deep breath.

"Is the exercise done?" he asked her.

Hiromi went back to the screen she was previously on.

"Yep, we've gathered enough data, so," she turned to him with a knowing smile, "you can watch her match."

Yukio gave the young assistant a smile, ran back to the Layer, carefully picked up his Angel, and ran out the sliding doors. Hiromi sighed as he left.

"Chief's right," she commented, playfully, "he 'does' worry too much."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As the second battle was drawing to a close, back in the stadium stands, Kiyoko's family and friends were waiting. Mrs. Yume watched as the two Angels were battling it out in the Layer, one losing, one winning.

"So, 'who' exactly is fighting Kiyoko?" she asked the others. Ken had been very vague when he told her. He said something about 'Venus'.

"Kobayashi Hatoko," Takumi replied, not looking up, "one of the toughest Deus' in the Layer."

"The youngest too," Yuri added.

Mrs. Yume frowned.

"But Ken said something about Venus," she said, "I was wondering what a planet had to do with the match."

Aya and Takumi groaned while Yuri burst into laughter. Ken, on the other hand, turned red with embarrassment.

"I didn't mean Venus as in the planet," he said, "I meant that..."

"That's Kobayashi's nickname in the Layer, Mrs. Yume," Takumi interrupted, not wanting his friend to confuse the brunette woman any further, "she's called the 'Invincible Venus' because she hardly ever loses. That's why I'm worried."

Mrs. Yume blinked.

"Why are you worried? Kiyoko's done fine so far," she said.

Aya sighed.

"Mom, this 'Kobayashi girl' is a 'star' Deus, she's more experienced," she explained, "Kiyoko is just a rookie whose probably had 'beginners luck' up until now."

Mrs. Yume frowned a bit.

"And since Suzuka is the fastest Angel in the Layer, aside from Higure," Takumi continued, "Kiyoko will have her hands full. She might not even win."

Now, Mrs. Yume's face bore an annoyed expression.

"Listen to all of you," she said, angrily, "you're Kiyoko's friends. You should be supporting her, not doubting her."

Takumi and Ken felt guilty while Aya shook her head.

"Mom, I'll admit Kiyoko is good, but she's not 'that' good," she stated, "remember when Dad fought this 'Suzuka' Angel two years ago? He nearly lost to her."

Mrs. Yume turned towards her eldest.

"But he won, I remember that," she stated, "and it's all because you, Kiyoko, and I believed in him. We have to do it for Kiyoko now."

Yuri nodded.

"She's right," she told her brother and Ken, "we just have to believe in Kiyoko, just like she believes in Raishinshi."

Takumi smiled a bit at his sisters' words and nodded. Ken smiled and turned to the Layer.

"You're right," he commented, "Suzuka! Prepare to meet your match!"

Takumi glared at his friend

"She said to 'believe in Kiyoko, not 'put down her opponent'," he scolded.

Ken merely stuck his tongue out, causing everyone but Aya and Takumi to giggle.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Okay, all fixed."

Kiyoko smiled as she took Raishinshi from her friend. Both girls were sitting on a bench in the waiting room. During the second match, Kiyoko had asked Tamiko if she could fix Raishinshi's outfit. It still had the rip from when Katalina nearly hit him. Tamiko had brought her Angel Repair Kit with her and had fixed up his outfit without a problem.

"Wow Tamiko, it looks as good as new," Kiyoko commented as the third match started on TV, "there aren't even any smudges. What was that liquid you put on his outfit?"

Tamiko stuck her Repair Kit back inside her school bag and then smiled at her friend.

"It's a special formula that fixes pleather outfits, the kind Angels wear," she explained, "it just fills in the gap, no tricks."

Kiyoko smiled and looked down at Raishinshi. He was sleeping, like Youzen was on Tamiko's lap, but he almost seemed to be frowning. Kiyoko frowned and lowered her eyelids.

(You're nervous too, aren't you Raishinshi?) she asked, mentally.

Tamiko noticed her friends' nervous expression and patted her back.

"Relax, Kiyoko," she said, "everything will be fine."

Kiyoko still looked troubled. Sure, she had seen video and matches of Suzuka in action, but that was nothing like being in a real match with her. And Kiyoko had so many promises to keep. But could she keep them all? Kiyoko had won so far, but the words the girls at lunch said to her came back into her mind.

("You only won four times. You just got lucky.")

("You're luck'll run out eventually, you know.")

Kiyoko tried to block out the voices of the two girls, but it was hard. What if they were right? Maybe all of this 'was' luck.

("It's not luck. It all comes down to how much you love your Angel. Faith in your Angel is the key to win and she's proven her faith by getting this far.")

Kiyoko blinked. That was what that boy at lunch had said. Kiyoko looked back down at Raishinshi, her face a bit more steady.

(The boy's right,) she thought.

Cheers came from the TV screen. Tamiko was cheering as well. Kiyoko looked up to see a familiar pair of Angels fighting in the Layer. One was Angel Robin, who had fought with Suzuka on the first day of the Tournament. The other was an Angel dressed as an Arabian Dancer with dark rose-colored hair. The only difference was that Robin was lying on the Layer surface while the Arabian Angel stood over her, waving to the crowd.

"And Angel Ranga does it again!" the announcer cried, "Angel Robin hardly stood a chance of beating her anyway, Ranga being the Angel of a Pop Star Deus. Seto Ringo takes the win!"

More cheers were heard as Kiyoko narrowed her eyes at the victorious Angel.

(I don't care what anyone else says,) she told herself, (that IS the same Angel that danced with Raishinshi at Piffle Princess. But, wouldn't that mean that her Deus...that girl...was...)

Kiyoko barely noticed as the defeated Deus came in, followed by a woman in uniform.

"E-4, Yume Kiyoko?" she called out.

Kiyoko snapped out of thought and stood up, facing the lady.

"You're up now, miss," the lady said.

(This' it,) Kiyoko thought, swallowing hard.

"Good luck, Kiyoko," Tamiko told her.

Kiyoko nodded as she walked towards the doorway. Around her, she heard the other Deus' whispering.

"Doesn't she have to fight Suzuka?"

"Yeah, I feel sorry for her."

"She won't last three seconds."

"I always feel sorry for beginners."

"She was bound to lose sometime, anyway."

Kiyoko frowned as she walked out the doorway and down the hall.

(I can't let this get to me,) she thought, (I just have to think of what I thought about today. About my other battles.)

Kiyoko stared down at her Angel.

(I have to work together with Raishinshi,) she thought to herself, (we have to stay focused and use what we can to our advantage. We have to be just like Daddy.)

Kiyoko nodded and held up Raishinshi.

"Let's go, Raishinshi," she whispered to him.

He didn't reply, but he didn't seem to frown anymore.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back in the stands, a couple rows up from Kiyoko's friends and family, sat a couple of High School kids. One was a boy with dark hair and gray eyes and the other was a girl with chin-length dirty blond hair and magenta eyes. Both were the same kids that Kiyoko and her friends saw at lunch. Both were waiting around impatiently, well, actually the girl was the impatient one.

"When's Hatoko's match gonna start?!" she moaned, "I wanna see her kick butt!"

The boy was ignoring his friends flailing arms and stayed focused on the Layer. The Box Screen was showing unusual designs, a sign of a waiting period.

"She has to fight that girl we met at lunch this afternoon," he told his friend.

The girl immediately stopped and turned to him.

"Huh?" she asked, dumbly.

The boy rolled his eyes. His friend had obviously not read the entire roster. Elsewhere, on the balcony to the right of the Layer, six of the seven girls were watching the Layer. The short brunette watched the Layer with a confused look. The girl with glasses glanced over at her.

"Is anything wrong, Misaki-chan?" Saito Kaede asked, kindly.

Suzuhara Misaki looked up.

"It's just that, Hatoko-chan is my friend, but I also want Kiyoko-sans' Angel to be okay," she murmured, "I don't know who to cheer for."

The tall girl shrugged.

"Don't cheer then," Jounouchi Sai said, "just watch. I have a feeling this match will be interesting."

The short girl with dark, puffy hair frowned.

"Do you honestly think that a 'rookie' can beat Suzuka?" Fujisaki Arisu scoffed. Of all the girls, Arisu was the most skeptical.

Her sister, another girl with dark hair that was put up in buns, sighed.

"Have an open mind, sis," Fujisaki Madoka said, "after all, she was able to beat three regulars."

Arisu shook her head.

"Regulars are hardly anything compared to a star Deus," she stated, "a star Deus is good enough to compete in the Nationals, not get stuck in the qualifying games like most Deus' do."

Madoka rolled her eyes.

"Then I guess in the 4th and 5th Official Tournaments you failed the Preliminaries to make the other Deus' feel better?" she teased.

Arisu turned red, but didn't say anything. A girl in a poofy dress and gold pigtails leaned over the railing and watched in excitement as the display on the Box Screen faded away and the announcers' chair zoomed in closer to the Layer.

"It's starting! It's starting!" Seto Ringo cried, clapping her hands.

All of the girls turned their attention to the Layer as the Angel Girls held up the cards 'Battle 4'. Down in the stadium, by one of the entrances, Saburo was waiting patiently. Across from 'his' point of observation, another Deus was leaning against the wall. Yamamo Toho watched as the announcer moved closer to the Layer.

"Should be interesting, eh Vasquez?" she asked the muscular Angel on her shoulder.

Back in the Layer area, the stats appeared on the Box Screen and its lights came. The audience was cheering.

"Here we go folks!" the announcer cried, "Battle 4 is now in play!"

The audience went nuts as the first Deus appeared from the West side. A 2nd grader with dark hair walked through the doors. Kobayashi Hatoko waved to the crowd as they cheered for her, careful, though, not to drop Suzuka. The navy haired Angel was sitting on Hatoko's forearm. Her legs were together and were angled to the right, her arms were at her sides, hands on Hatoko's arm, propping her up, and she bore an emotionless look as she slept.

"In the West Corner, say hello to the well known Deus who's still the youngest in the History of Angelic Layer!" the announcer cried out, "Deus Kobayashi Hatoko and her Angel, Light-Speed Suzuka!"

The audience went wild and cheered for the little girl. Then, a girl came out of the East Side door, tense but firm.

"There she is!" Mrs. Yume cried, "it's Kiyoko!"

Kiyoko looked around as she approached the Layer. She glanced down at Raishinshi. He was sitting in a new position: he was sitting on Kiyoko's forearm with his left leg hanging off her arm and his right leg propped up, right foot resting on his left knee. His left hand was behind him, propping him up on Kiyoko's forearm while his right hand was resting on his right knee. His head was down as he slept. Kiyoko smiled at him.

"And in the East Corner, a newbie with the right stuff!" the announcer continued, gesturing a hand at Kiyoko, "say hello again to Deus Yume Kiyoko and Angel Raishinshi!"

The audience, Kiyoko's party especially, cheered for the small girl as she took her seat. Hatoko was already in hers and had her Angel Goggles on and operational. Kiyoko picked up her Angel Goggles off her seat and sat down.

"Deus Yume Kiyoko has shown her stuff on three returning regulars," the announcer continued as Kiyoko put on her Goggles, "the lighting quick, Shadow Panther! The Heavyweight, Colossus! And the one of the hardest Angels to fight, Katalina! Can she now defeat a star Deus?!"

"Go, Kiyoko, go," Tamiko whispered in the waiting room, holding Youzen close.

"C'mon Hatoko!" the dirty-blond haired girl cheered.

Back in the Layer area, Kiyoko hesitated when she was about to turn her Angel Goggles on. After a moments' thought, she turned to Hatoko.

"Um, Kobayashi-sama?" she called.

Hatoko turned to her. Kiyoko sat back in her seat, holding Raishinshi close to her.

"Um, could you do me a favor and, uh," Kiyoko hesitated, but finally got out what she wanted to say, "could you 'not' go easy on me?"

Hatoko blinked in surprise.

"How come?" she asked, curious.

Kiyoko swallowed.

"I-I just want to have an good, honest match," she said, shyly, "that's all."

Hatoko blinked again, but then smiled.

"Alright," she said, "let's have a good match then."

Kiyoko nodded and turned on her Angel Goggles.

"Entry Angel!"

A buzzer was heard and the force field appeared in a brief flash. Both Angel Chairs were raised to Layer level and both Deus' were eye to eye again. Kiyoko looked down at Raishinshi. He was off of her arm now and was waiting for Kiyoko. Taking a deep breath, calming herself, Kiyoko closed her eyes, and held Raishinshi 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.

"Go Kiyoko!" Mrs. Yume cried.

Ken was whooping loudly while everyone else watched. Hatoko held Suzuka in both hands and was looking down at her with a smile. She then looked forward and grew determined.

"Exceed the speed of light and sound, Suzuka!" Hatoko cried, throwing Suzuka forward and up in the air.

Suzuka sailed towards the Layer, one knee bent upward. She slid through the force field, her body aglow. She opened her navy blue eyes and somersaulted in midair, making the glow disappear.

"Angel, Fall in!" Hatoko concluded.

Suzuka went into a nose-dive, straightening out only a couple seconds before reaching the Layer surface. She landed on both feet, which were crossed slightly, and folded her arms. She stared at Raishinshi with an expectant look.

"GO HATOKO!!" the dirty blond girl squealed.

The boy next to her rolled his eyes in embarrassment.

"Tamayo, quiet down," he mumbled, "people are staring at you."

Kizaki Tamayo turned towards the boy.

"Oi, Kotaro-chan," she grumbled, "aren't you gonna cheer on your sister?"

Kobayashi Kotaro sighed.

"I am, in my own way," he said, "the only difference is that I do mine quietly while 'you' make a big scene-ack!"

Tamayo had him in a headlock the minute the last word left his lips.

"Hey! Hey! Are you calling me a loud-mouth?!!" she demanded.

Back in the Layer, Kiyoko was staring at Suzuka. The ninja Angel was staring her Angel down, just like he was staring 'her' down.

(I know from Tamiko's tapes that I can't move my head around or rush her,) she thought to herself, (but how else can I attack safely?)

She didn't have any more time to think about that.

"Angelic Fight!"

The buzzer rang and, in the instant that followed, Suzuka vanished in a displacement of air. Kiyoko and Raishinshi's eyes widened in unison. Kiyoko knew this!

(Raishinshi, dodge!) she mentally screamed.

Suzuka appeared under him, her left hand propping her up, and her left knee bent under her. Her right arm was across her chest as her right leg shot up....but Raishinshi wasn't there. In only a split second before the moment of contact, Raishinshi had cart-wheeled to his left, avoiding the kick in the nick of time. The audience was quiet a moment before cheering.

"WOW! That was amazing!" the announcer cried, "this is the first time ANYONE has EVER dodged that move! Angel Raishinshi is really something!"

All of Kiyoko's friends breathed a sigh of relief as her mother clapped. Raishinshi was back on his feet and facing Suzuka. Suzuka stood up and stared at him. Hatoko smiled. Kiyoko, meanwhile, was a little frazzled. That was a close call! Any slower and Raishinshi would have been knocked out of the Layer.

(I can't think about that now,) Kiyoko thought, taking a deep breath, (I have to stay focused.)

Back on the balcony, Misaki and the other girls were surprised at the move.

"Wow, she had to of had great reflexes to avoid 'that' move," Ringo breathed in awe, but then smiled, "Kiyoko is so cool!"

Sai smiled.

"I was right," she said, "this IS going to be an interesting match. And Hatoko knows it too."

Suzuka was standing with her arms crossed, almost expectantly. Raishinshi looked at her as carefully as his Deus was. After his Deus debated for a couple seconds, Raishinshi was off like a shot, heading straight for Suzuka.

"No, Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried, "don't rush her!"

But Raishinshi was already within striking distance. He drew his right arm back, ready to execute a punch. Outside the Layer, by one of the doors, Saburo scowled.

(Stupid move,) he thought.

Suzuka remained still as Raishinshi drew back his fist. But just a he was about to execute his punch, his right leg came up, and headed straight for Suzuka in a spin kick. For a second, both Deus and Angel bore a look of surprise.

"Huh?!" the announcer voiced, "what's this?!"

Only a second before the kick connected, Suzuka vanished. Raishinshi blinked in confusion as he brought his leg down. Raishinshi, in tandem with his Deus' confusion, looked around the Layer, searching for his opponent. Suzuka was nowhere in sight.

"Huh?" Ken said, blankly, "what happened? Did she turn invisible?"

Takumi narrowed his eyes.

Back on the Layer, Raishinshi was still looking around. Kiyoko was worried. None of this was on Tamiko's tape. Kiyoko scanned the Layer, but it was as if her opponent had vanished.

(What do I do now?) she wondered, watching her Angel tensely, (I can't fight her if I can't see her.)

Hatoko was no longer smiling, her face was set in concentration. Where he was watching, Saburo made a face.

(Standing there like a bump on a log won't help,) he thought.

Kiyoko was getting worried: Suzuka had been gone almost a whole minute. Where was she? Still looking for his opponent, Raishinshi looked over his shoulder ...only to have Suzuka's right foot come down across his face. Kiyoko gasped as Raishinshi hit the Layer and slid a bit. The audience cheered as Suzuka landed.

"And it seems that Light-Speed Suzuka has once again shown us her incredible speed!" the announcer cried, "Raishinshi couldn't avoid that move!"

The purple Angel pushed himself up into a sitting position and put a hand to his left cheek, where he was hit. His Damage went to 85%. Kiyoko swallowed, hard, as Raishinshi stood up.

"Oh man!" Ken cried, "what happened?!"

"How did she do that?" Mrs. Yume wondered, "it's like she disappeared."

"It's her speed."

Everyone looked at Takumi.

"Her speed?" Ken repeated.

Takumi nodded.

"Yeah," he replied, "it's been known that going at extreme speeds can give the illusion that you disappear. That's what Suzuka does. And it's her vanishing act that's won many of her battles."

Aya raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't that a little unfair?" she asked.

Takumi shrugged.

"She's not using any illegal moves, or any cheats to help her speed, so no," he stated.

Back on the Layer, Suzuka had vanished again. Raishinshi tensed, as did his Deus. Suddenly, Suzuka appeared in front of Raishinshi without warning, completely taking the purple Angel's Deus by surprise. Drawing back her fist, the ninja Angel threw a right jab that connected with her opponents' stomach. With a quiet gasp of alarm, Raishinshi flew three feet backwards, almost getting a Layer Out. His Damage Gauge shrank to 75%. Kiyoko's eyes widened.

"Ouch! Talk about a 'stomach ache'!" the announcer cried, "Suzuka hit Raishinshi hard that time!"

Kiyoko grit her teeth.

(I can't keep taking hits,) she thought, (we have to get in there.)

Raishinshi rolled on all fours and pushed himself upright. He turned to Suzuka and set his face into a determined glare. He ran at Suzuka again. Once again, Suzuka did nothing. When he was close enough, Raishinshi threw a right and left hook back to back, but Suzuka merely stepped back for each blow. Gritting his teeth, Raishinshi delivered a right jump kick, only to have it side-stepped. He turned to Suzuka, but she had back flipped on the Layer and was now in a crouching position. She shot her left leg out. Instantly, her leg became a blur as multiple kicks were being executed in Raishinshi's direction. Kiyoko gasped at the sight.

"Suzuka counters Raishinshi's assault with a flurry of rapid kicks!" the announcer cried, "can he dodge them all?!"

"No way," Toho claimed from her spot, "he can't keep up with those kicks."

Back in the stands.....

"Run, Raishinshi!" Ken cried, panicking more than Kiyoko was.

"She can't make him dodge," Yuri said, worriedly, "he'll still get hit."

Back on the Layer, the kicks were heading straight for Raishinshi. There was nowhere to run and no time to do so. Kiyoko's mind was racing.

(Blocking is no good,) she reasoned, (and dodging won't save him from even a glancing blow. What now?)

She was struck by a memory at that moment.

("Dancing really helps your Angel fight better. It's good for timing and maneuverability.")

Kiyoko blinked.

(I have an idea Raishinshi,) she mentally told her Angel.

Then, the kicks were upon him.

"Oh, no!" Tamiko cried.

"Uh, oh!" the announcer cried, "looks like Raishinshi's in big-huh?!" The announcer blinked behind his shades and even rubbed his eyes as he stared at the Layer. "Is he doing what I think he's doing?!"

Everyone stared at the Layer. In the midst of Suzuka's high-speed kicks, Raishinshi was dancing. Spinning, bending, waving his arms, crossing his legs in and out, and pretty much doing every dance move that Kiyoko could think of. Everyone in the audience was mumbling in confusion at the sight.

"What's he DOING?!!" Ken cried, standing up, "dancing in a Tournament is uncool!"

"I think it's cute," Mrs. Yume commented.

Aya rolled her eyes as Yuri smiled, knowingly.

"If you look closely," she said, "you'll see the reason."

Two rows behind Kiyoko's party, Tamayo was staring at Raishinshi.

"Why is he doing that?" she asked Kotaro, "this is a Angel Fight, not a Dance Contest!"

Kotaro didn't reply as he watched the boy Angel. Up in the balcony, Arisu was watching the scene in dislike.

"Why is she making her Angel dance?" she asked, "it's pointless and embarrassing."

Ringo gave the girl a look while Kaede smiled.

"On the contrary, it's a very clever tactic," she said.

In the waiting room, Tamiko sweat-dropped at the sight.

(What are you thinking Kiyoko?) she wondered.

Back in the Layer area, Suzuka continued to kick, and Raishinshi continued to dance. Both Deus' were equally focused on their Angels while the announcer 'tried' to make sense of the matter. Then, he realized something.

"Wait a minute!" he cried, "despite Suzuka's rapid kicks, Raishinshi is somehow remaining unharmed! Is this the result of the awkward dance?!"

Everyone in the audience, and balcony, blinked in surprise as they stared at Raishinshi's Damage Gauge. It was remaining untouched.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In the Video Room, Icchan was seated in front of the Visual Screen, watching Raishinshi's performance. Ogata and Yuko were at the computers, gathering and sorting out data. Shuji was standing besides Icchan, marveling at the purple Angels' movements.

"How?" he asked to the open air, "how is doing a simple dance able to keep him from being struck by those kicks?"

Ogata looked up at the screen.

"Yeah, I know," he said, "it's kind of weird."

"The answer is in the movement."

The two men turned to Icchan. The man in glasses was watching the screen without expression.

"Huh? What do you mean 'in the movement'?" Ogata asked.

Icchan sat up in his seat.

"Yuko? Would you mind slowing the footage down a bit?" he asked.

The older woman nodded and began typing in a command. In a couple seconds, the footage they were getting on the screen had slowed down to the point where Suzuka's kicks became visible. The assistants looked closely to see an unbelievable sight. Raishinshi was not only dancing through the kicks, but dodging them as well. He ducked one and spun around, letting one kick slide off his body. He bent backwards, a kick flying right over him, and danced left and right, avoiding kicks from the opposite directions. And that wasn't all. His arms and legs were also flailing about. As he raised one arm, a kick slid off it as it moved. And as he kicked up with one leg, it deflected another kick.

"HUH?!" Ogata gasped, standing up, "how is that even possible?!"

Shuji and Yuko were equally surprised. Of all Angels, Ranga and Junko's Angel Kara were the only ones who actually danced on the Layer. It was true, Hikaru and Buranshe would sometimes dance, but nothing like this.

"Does she know where the kicks are going to hit?" Shuji asked, curious.

"Nah, I don't think so." came Icchans' reply.

All three assistants stared at him.

"Then....then how's he dodging?" Yuko asked, watching the purple Angels' odd dance, "an Angel who can dodge Suzuka's kicks is very rare."

Icchan smiled.

"The dance is defensive," he explained, "Raishinshi's moving his body in an unpredictable pattern that Kiyoko is making up as she goes along no doubt. Kobayashi can't lock-onto him like she normally does with other Angels. And he's also deflecting the moves with his arms and legs, simply by the way he moves them."

Shuji blinked in surprise and turned back to the screen.

"Amazing," he stated.

Ogata scratched his head.

"Who'd of thought a dance would come in handy in the middle of a battle," he stated.

Yuko watched the screen carefully as it zoomed in on the two Deus'. Both were focusing hard on their Angels.

"Still," she said, suddenly, "both the kicks and the dodging dance are putting a strain on those girls. They can't keep it up for long."

Icchan nodded. He had a pretty good idea, however, who'd be the first to give in.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kiyoko bit her lip. She couldn't keep this up much longer. Raishinshi was continuing to avoid the kicks with excellent precision. The timer was at 8 min. and Kiyoko was having a hard time keeping up the dancing. She was doing it for one minute straight. And that was a long time when you were in a fight.

(I can't keep this up,) she realized, (I have to break away before I slip up and get Raishinshi hurt.) She then caught a glance at Hatoko. She too was straining to keep kicking. (I have to dodge for Kobayashi-sama's sake too.)

So, as he continued dancing amongst the fast kicks, Raishinshi jumped back, and leapt into the air. He somersaulted over Suzuka's head and landed a foot behind her. Suzuka stopped kicking and turned to face him. Both Angels stared each other down as the audience around them cheered.

"What an amazing display of stamina!" the announcer cried, "could Yume Kiyoko's luck be changing?!"

Hatoko smiled at her opponent. Kiyoko took a deep breath and got Raishinshi into a boxing position.

Meanwhile, Saburo gave Kiyoko an interested look.

(She could dodge just by making him dance,) he thought.

"That's something new," he whispered aloud.

Suddenly, Suzuka disappeared in an instant. Kiyoko gasped.

(Not again,) she thought, scanning the Layer.

Raishinshi began looking around for the aloof ninja. She was nowhere in sight. Kiyoko swallowed as she looked around the Layer.

(What now?) she wondered.

That was when she heard it. It was a slight jingling noise. Kiyoko blinked and listened closely. There was something about that sound...

(It's sounds like...it's coming from...) Kiyoko flicked her eyes to her left.

On a hunch, Kiyoko had Raishinshi turn left. He managed to bring his arms together, vertically in front of him as Suzuka slammed her left foot at him.

"Oh! That was close!" the announcer shouted.

"Good job, Kiyoko!" Ken cheered.

Suzuka had landed and Raishinshi put down his guard. He once again charged her, launching into a flurry of punches. Surprisingly, Suzuka managed to dodge all of them. She then executed a right spin kick aimed at Raishinshi's head. He quickly ducked and aimed a right high kick at 'Suzuka's' head. She, too, ducked, and jumped away. Raishinshi lunged for her in a punch, but the ninja was gone again.

"Oh, man! How much longer is she gonna do that!?" Ken fumed.

Yuri narrowed her eyes, trying to spot Suzuka herself.

"If she's running at her top speed, then she must really mean business," she stated.

Back on the Layer, Raishinshi was looking tense as his Deus looked around. She heard the noise again, coming from behind her Angel. Raishinshi turned, only to get a glancing blow on his shoulder, caused by Suzuka's right jab. Kiyoko gasped and checked her Angels' Damage Meter. It indicated only slight damage done to his right shoulder.

(He was just scratched,) Kiyoko told herself, taking a deep breath, (he's okay. But how can I hit her when she's always moving like that?)

Raishinshi moved back, hand on his shoulder. Suzuka charged at him and lunged forward again. Raishinshi quickly side-stepped as she executed a flying right kick. But as she did so, her bow wavered from the motion, and Kiyoko heard a familiar noise. The jingling sound. Then, it hit her.

(The bells on her bow!) Kiyoko thought, eyes widening, concealed behind her visor, (that's what's causing the jingle noise! That's what I've been hearing. It wasn't all in my head.) Kiyoko narrowed her eyes. (Now I know what to do.)

The minute Suzuka landed, Raishinshi charged at her, and lunged forward.

"Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried, thinking her friend was making a big mistake, "charging like that won't do you any good!"

Raishinshi punched forward, but Suzuka was once again gone in a blink.

"NOT AGAIN!" Ken moaned.

"Go, Hatoko, GO!!" Tamayo cheered.

Raishinshi narrowed his eyes and stood ready as his Deus listened, eyes closed. After a couple seconds, Kiyoko opened her eyes, and flicked them to her right.

(There!) she cried, mentally.

Raishinshi, in a fluid movement, leaned to his left, brought in his right leg, and kicked outward in a right side kick. His foot connected with Suzuka's stomach just as she reappeared beside him. She cried out silently and fell back. The audience, including Kiyoko's friends and Tamayo and Kotaro, gasped. The girls on the balcony watched in surprise.

"I don't believe it," Toho mumbled, shocked herself.

Suzuka's Damage Gauge dropped to 85% due to the speed she was running at and the sudden force applied to stop her. The audience then went nuts.

"WOAH! What a surprising comeback!!" the announcer screamed, "Raishinshi is the first Angel that's landed a blow on Suzuka when she runs at her natural high-speed! Incredible!!"

Raishinshi stood waiting while Suzuka stood up. Hatoko smiled over at Kiyoko.

"You really are a good Deus," she said, truthfully, "I know this match will be fun."

Kiyoko blinked and reddened a bit.

"Um, thank you Kobayashi-sama," she mumbled, then leaned forward, "I hope we have fun too."

Saburo was now watching with a bit more interest. Toho gave Kiyoko a smirk.

"Guess they've got more spunk than I realized," she commented.

Up in the balcony opposite to the one the girls were on, Yukio watched the fight. He smiled as Kiyoko struck Suzuka. He glanced at the timer. It was at 6 minutes.

Back in the Layer, both Angels stood looking at one another for a while. Raishinshi and Suzuka gazed competitively into each others' eyes, sunset colors meeting night blue. Both Deus' watched their Angels and each other, both determined. For a few seconds, neither did anything, causing the audience to grow quiet as they waited. The seconds ticked by.

"Why aren't they moving?" Mrs. Yume mumbled.

"I hope they aren't busted," Ken whined, "I wanna see Kiyoko fight."

Takumi raised an eyebrow as he watched the two Angels.

"I think they're waiting," he finally said.

Everyone turned to him in question.

"Waiting?" Ken asked, confused, "for what?"

Takumi watched as the timer neared the 5 minute mark.

"For the right moment to attack," he explained.

In the Layer, both Angels watched each other, and they're Deus' kept an eye on the timer. The second the timer reached 5 minutes, both pairs of eyes flicked towards the Layer, and narrowed.

In an instant, both Angels ran at one another at top speed. When both were close enough, Raishinshi attacked first. He let loose a volley of fast jabs and a spin kick aimed at Suzuka's face. The ninja gracefully dodged the punches and ducked the kick. Suzuka then retaliated with a series of spin kicks. Raishinshi put his arms up in front of his face and backed away as the kicks came his way. As Suzuka hesitated to execute a jump kick, Kiyoko took advantage of the pause. Raishinshi jumped over Suzuka's head and spun in midair to face her back. Suzuka turned around just in time to see a purple boot strike her in the face. Her head snapped back, but she recovered fast. As soon as Raishinshi landed, Suzuka executed a side right kick in the stomach. With a silent cry, the purple Angel skidded on the Layer, and stopped only five inches from the Layers' edge.

"Get up, Raishinshi!" Yuri cried, "hurry!"

"Go get'em, Suzuka!" Tamayo cheered.

Heart pounding in a mix of worry and excitement, Kiyoko glanced at both Angels. Suzuka was watching Raishinshi as he slowly stood up. Once he was on his feet, Suzuka took off like a shot in his direction. Raishinshi stood ready as Suzuka neared him. Halfway to him, the ninja Angel vanished in a displacement of air. Kiyoko clenched her teeth.

"She's doing it AGAIN!!!" Ken wailed, gripping his head.

(You're overdoing it, Hatoko,) Kotaro thought, watching the Layer.

Kiyoko knew that Hatoko was planning on knocking Raishinshi out of the Layer and that meant she'd attack from the front. Raishinshi tensed as Kiyoko formed a plan. After a couple seconds, Suzuka reappeared under Raishinshi again, in a crouch. Kiyoko had seen her do this before on Tamiko's tape.

(Don't move yet, Raishinshi,) she told her Angel.

Raishinshi remained motionless as Suzuka smiled up at him.

"Run Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried in the waiting room, attracting everyone's attention.

In the Layer, as Suzuka rose a bit to execute her kick, Raishinshi bent backwards at light speed, pressed his hands flat on the Layer, and kicked upward with his right foot. His foot connected with Suzuka's chin as he completed his move into a handstand. The ninja's head snapped back again and she hit the Layer and slid a ways before stopping. By now, the crowd was cheering loudly.

"This is turning out to be quite a match!" the announcer cried, "first-time newbie Yume Kiyoko and her Angel are fighting freely against Light-Speed Suzuka! How do you think this match will turn out?!"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ogata and Shuji both had their faces so close to the Visual Screen, they were almost squashed against it. Icchan was smiling at the purple Angel as he got down from his handstand and looked in the direction of his opponent.

"She's doing better than I thought," Icchan mumbled.

Yuko looked up from the data that was filling up on her computer and stared at the Visual Screen.

"This is the first match in a long time that anyone has really landed blows on Suzuka," she commented, "she must be quite skilled to be using such risky strategies."

Shuji turned from the screen.

"You're right, that last move was a definite risk," he stated, "if he had done that a second slower, he'd of been Layered Out."

Ogata turned to Icchan.

"Hey Chief?" he asked, "is this girl a martial artist or the daughter of one? 'Cause she certainly fights like one."

Icchan grinned.

"Nope, she's not a fighter," he said, "hardly much of an athletic person herself."

All three assistants gawked at him.

"B-b-but, then..." Ogata muttered.

Icchan adjusted his glasses and watched Suzuka rise from her previous position.

"You're forgetting who she learned from," he said, "and after seeing this, there's no doubt about it. They really 'do' have the same fighting style."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kiyoko watched the Angels on the Layer, intensely. The timer was at 4 min. and, according to Raishinshi's Damage Meter, her Angel was sustaining less Damage compared to what he had before. Both Angels stood facing each other again, both in battle stances now. Raishinshi's Damage Gauge was at 63% and Suzuka was at 60%. Kiyoko thought for a second, ignoring the crowds' cheers behind her.

(Suzuka has slightly less than Raishinshi, but she could still find a way to make a comeback,) she thought, (this is going to be a rough battle, I hope you can hang in there, Raishinshi.)

Raishinshi tensed in his boxing stance. Just then, Suzuka charged at Raishinshi. Raishinshi waited for her to come within range before lashing out with a right jab. But Suzuka side-stepped the punch and delivered a right hook to the left side of her opponents' face. Raishinshi stumbled back, but recovered fast. Suzuka ran at him again and drew back her left fist. Raishinshi lunged forward and tried to uppercut Suzuka, only to have the ninja side-step again, and deliver a hard jab to his back. Raishinshi crashed to the Layer, eyes squeezed shut.

Kiyoko blinked.

Raishinshi got up, turned around, and kicked forward with his right leg, but Suzuka had vanished again, and reappeared behind Raishinshi. In one fluid motion, Suzuka wrapped her right arm around the purple Angels neck. Crying out silently in surprise, Raishinshi's hands automatically went to his opponents arm. Kiyoko's eyes widened as Suzuka tightened her grip.

"Raishinshi!" she cried.

Grabbing the ninja girls' arm firmly, Raishinshi jumped into the air, and flipped Suzuka over his shoulder in midair. Suzuka managed to catch herself in midair and landed on her feet. Raishinshi flipped in midair and landed gracefully. Only after a moments' hesitation, the purple Angel ran for his opponent again, and leapt into a flying right kick. Suzuka side-stepped again and, to Kiyoko's surprise, kicked Raishinshi straight in the stomach. The purple Angel fell to the Layer, hurt.

(How is she avoiding all his attacks?) Kiyoko thought, swallowing.

"C'mon Raishinshi!" Ken cried out, "knock her flat!"

Takumi and the rest of the group watched intently, not paying attention to Tamayo who was screaming in excitement a couple rows behind them.

The purple Angel ran at the recovered ninja and let loose a volley of jabs. Suzuka dodged and ducked most of them. She darted behind Raishinshi, who turned just in time to be jabbed in the face. Stepping back a bit, Raishinshi glared at his opponent and let loose a right spin kick. Suzuka merely blocked it and gave him a palm strike right in the face. His head snapped back as he fell to the Layer and slid. He stopped two feet from the Layer edge. His Damage went to 40%. Kiyoko watched in worry.

(Huh?) she thought.

Raishinshi pushed himself up and turned to see Suzuka heading in his direction. Bringing his arms up in a boxing position, Raishinshi readied himself as she came at him. She launched a blitz of punches at his face, but Raishinshi managed to dodge and evade them all. As Suzuka stopped for a split second, he leaned forward, and did a right front kick. But Suzuka cupped her hands above where it was aimed and knocked it away as it came up. Kiyoko gasped as she realized her Angel was open to attack in that instant.

And attack was exactly what Suzuka did. She leapt forward and delivered a fierce jab to Raishinshi's stomach and then executed a right roundhouse kick that sent the purple Angel flying. He crashed to the Layer, only half a foot from the edge. Kiyoko's eyes widened.

(I don't get it,) she thought, confused, (how come she's avoiding my attacks all of a sudden?)

Back in the stands, Ken and Mrs. Yume were stressing out.

"Yikes! Raishinshi is getting clobbered big time now!" he shouted in panic.

"I know," Mrs. Yume agreed, worried, "that last hit nearly sent him out of the Layer."

Takumi narrowed his eyes.

"Suzuka seems to be countering more effectively compared to before," he stated, "and she's doing it too quick for Raishinshi to really react."

"She's used to his moves."

Everyone stared at Yuri.

"What?" her brother asked.

Yuri's gaze continued to stare at the Layer.

"Kobayashi-san's gotten used to Raishinshi's movements," she explained, "she can attack better because she's seen all his moves. She knows how to avoid them and get around them." Yuri narrowed her eyes. "Kiyoko needs to come up with a move that Kobayashi hasn't seen in order to turn the tables."

Aya made a face.

"What other moves can she do?" she asked, no faith in her voice.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back in the Layer, Kiyoko still wasn't having any luck. Raishinshi ran at Suzuka and executed a jump kick, which the ninja merely side-stepped. Raishinshi turned and started to punch at Suzuka's face, only to be dodged, and jabbed in the face.

(I don't get it,) Kiyoko thought, clenching her fists, (she wasn't avoiding me this good before. I know she's a star Deus, but she's countering as if she knows all my moves.)

Raishinshi recovered from the punch and went back to the offensive as the timer passed 3 minutes. With an angered expression, the purple Angel executed a right hook and a left hook back to back, but Suzuka simply back- flipped away. Raishinshi glared after his opponent, sharing his Deus' confusion and frustration.

"Things don't look good for Angel Raishinshi!" the announcer commented, "he was doing so well! I guess the Invincible Venus is finally proving to be too much!"

Kiyoko gazed over at Raishinshi and checked his Damage. Damage to his face and stomach was being displayed in her Angel Goggles. Kiyoko grit her teeth.

(He won't last much longer if this keeps up,) she thought, desperately, (I don't get it. She shouldn't be able to counter so fast. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I'm fighting the way I always-) She was interrupted by a sudden memory. It occurred only a while before the match...

("I've also seen all of your matches," Hatoko had said, "you and your Angel are a fine team.")

Kiyoko's eyes widened, suddenly, out of realization.

(Of course! Kobayashi-sama said that she watched all of our matches,) she thought, everything becoming clear, (so she knows all of our moves, we're too predictable!)

Raishinshi got into a fighting position as his Deus began to figure out the opponents' strategy.

(We've been repeating our moves for a while, so-) Kiyoko continued to think, eyes narrowed and body relaxed, (we've got to give her some moves that she hasn't seen.)

Raishinshi ran forward, heading straight for Suzuka.

(C'mon newbie,) Saburo thought, (do something that's not so predictable.)

Raishinshi continued to run towards Suzuka, who continued to wait for what her Deus guessed was another repeated move. But, as Raishinshi was halfway to his opponent, he lunged forward, hands out towards the Layer surface. He placed his hands on the Layer, rolled on his back, and slid towards the ninja Angel. Suzuka only had time to blink as Raishinshi slid at her, drew in his legs, and kicked out with his feet, hitting her in the stomach. She fell back on the Layer and slid a bit. Hatoko looked at the purple Angel in surprise, but then smiled.

"I guess you figured me out," she admitted.

The crowd broke out into cheers.

"Wow! Not even I saw that one coming!" the announcer cheered, "and Raishinshi deals an effective counter!"

Kiyoko's party was cheering, although Aya was a little too shocked to applaud. Where did her sister get that move? Saburo gave an amused chuckle at the move.

(Odd, but effective,) he thought.

"Go Kiyoko!" Tamiko cried, her hope growing stronger.

Raishinshi ran at Suzuka as she stood up. The ninja Angel looked up and focused her eyes on the approaching boy Angel. Then, she was off too, running much faster than Raishinshi was. Raishinshi, his Deus reacting quick, abruptly stopped, and, to everyone's amazement, started running backwards as Suzuka came at him.

(Sis can't even do that herself,) Aya thought in surprise, (how's she making her Angel do it without clutzing out?)

Raishinshi and Suzuka continued to run the way they were: Raishinshi running backwards, Suzuka running forwards. Quite suddenly, Suzuka thrust both hands outward, palms facing forward, doing a double palm strike. But Kiyoko saw it coming.

(I won't let that pass again,) she thought.

Raishinshi reached out as Suzuka's hands came his way. He grabbed her wrists, fell on his back, and delivered a fierce kick to her stomach as she passed over him. Suzuka went flying through the air, gasping quietly. Excitement getting the better of her, Kiyoko had Raishinshi get up, and run after Suzuka.

"That's it Kiyoko!" Ken cheered.

"You can do it sweetie!" Mrs. Yume cried.

Misaki, Ringo, Sai, and the man on the opposite balcony watched eagerly. Hatoko watched her Angel fly through the air and frowned.

The ninja twisted in midair so that her back was to Raishinshi. She extended her arms downwards, hands reaching for the Layer. Kotaro noticed what was about to happen, but said nothing. Back in the Video Room, Icchan noticed what was about to happen himself.

(Kiyoko,) he thought, tensing.

Raishinshi continued to run at Suzuka, who had completed her landing...into a handstand. Takumi saw it then, as did Tamiko, and Ringo.

"No!" Takumi cried, standing out of his seat.

"Don't!" Tamiko cried, eyes widening in horror.

"Stop, Kiyoko!" Ringo cried out, clutching the balcony.

But Kiyoko couldn't hear any of them and Raishinshi was already halfway to his opponent. When in range, Raishinshi leapt forward, drawing back his left fist. It was only when Suzuka looked up at the purple Angel and give him a smile did Kiyoko know what she was about to do. Her shock and fear registered on Raishinshi's face, as....

Crack!

Suzuka swept her legs between her arms and kicked out with her right leg. Her foot smashed into Raishinshi as Suzuka completed her backflip, an arc of gold light, created out of the sheer force and energy of her attack, followed her foot as she landed.

"RAISHINSHI!!" Kiyoko cried in fear, standing up in her Angel Chair, her eyes wide in horror.

Raishinshi, eyes shut and teeth clenched, flew through the air. He sailed a couple feet and a half before falling back to the Layer. He landed in a limp heap, face and body bruised. Ken and Mrs. Yume gasped as Takumi and Yuri stared in shock. Even Aya sat up in her chair and gaped. Tamiko's heart sank. Saburo frowned at the sight.

(Pitiful,) he thought, (she didn't even spot the warning signs.)

"And another one bites the dust I suppose," Toho muttered.

Misaki didn't know whether or not she should cheer as everyone else in the audience did.

"WAIT-A-GO, HATOKO!!" Tamayo cheered.

"WOAH! There it is ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer cried, "Light-Speed Suzuka's 'Rolling Thunder'! I guess it was only a matter of time before she used it, especially in a hot match like this! Looks like it's all over for Raishinshi!"

Kiyoko stared at her Angel in a mixture of shock and sadness. Raishinshi was sprawled out on his back, eyes shut, teeth clenched. His expression was pained and it struck Kiyoko like a blow. She had seen the position that Suzuka had shifted into, but she dismissed it as a fancy recovery. That had been foolish of her. She should have known better. She had told herself that she wouldn't be reckless and yet that was exactly what she just did.

(It can't be,) she thought, her eyes growing wet, (it just can't. Raishinshi...I'm so sorry. This is all my fault.)

Then, right then, Kiyoko spotted something. A twitch. Her eyes widened.

(Raishinshi?) she thought, hope sparked in her chest.

At the thought of his name, she saw his arm twitch again. He looked as though he was struggling to open his eyes. Kiyoko's heart almost stopped out of pure relief. He was still functioning! But could he get up?

(Raishinshi?) Kiyoko thought again.

The purple Angel made another slight twitch.

(Raishinshi, please,) Kiyoko called out silently, (please, open your eyes.)

Raishinshi didn't move now. He was lying, motionless. Kiyoko bit her lip. He probably hated her now.

("I'm sorry Raishinshi," she had apologized the other day, during their practice session, "I won't let you down again. I promise.")

(And I broke it, didn't I?) she thought, lowering her head, (I'm sorry Raishinshi. I should have been paying better attention to Suzuka's movements. I let you down again. I'll understand if you don't want to continue.)

Then, she saw it again. The twitch. He was reacting to her thoughts it seemed. Another memory arose in her mind. One that she had wanted to keep since the match with Saburo.

("I'm gonna become a star Deus too! I'm going to win all my matches, just like you Daddy! I promise!")

Kiyoko clenched her teeth out of determination.

(Raishinshi, I know you're tired, but you have to get up,) she thought, watching her Angel, (I made a promise to my Dad that I wouldn't lose. I also promised you that I wouldn't let you down. I promise to stick with you until the end if you'll stick with me. We can do this, Raishinshi. I just know we can.)

Almost as if he heard her, Raishinshi finally opened his eyes, and slowly propped himself up. The audience grew quiet as the purple Angel slowly dragged himself to his feet. Finally, the purple Angel stood up and faced a surprised Suzuka with an expression of fierce determination. The announcer gawked at the scene.

"I-I don't believe it!!" the announcer, "Angel Raishinshi has stood up after receiving a serious blow from Suzuka!! Unbelievable! And that was a direct hit too!!"

(Not really,) Sai thought, ignoring a hysterically cheering Ringo.

"YEAH! Go, Raishinshi!!" Ken cheered as the rest of Kiyoko's party began to cheer with the rest of the crowd.

Hatoko stared at Raishinshi for a while before giving Kiyoko a smile.

"I was right about you," she commented, "you really are good. Do you want to continue?"

Kiyoko glanced at the timer it hit the 1 minute mark. Her eyes went back to Raishinshi. Though bruised and exhausted, he was ready to give it his all.

"Yes," Kiyoko said, sitting back down, "we want to continue."

Hatoko nodded and Suzuka ran towards Raishinshi. The purple Angel tensed. Kiyoko took a quick look at his stats and winced. Damage was done to his right leg, left arm, and upper body. His Damage Gauge indicated that he only had 15% of health left while Suzuka was at 35%.

(I can't win in hand-to-hand combat, we won't last,) she thought, (I have to find a way to knock her out of the Layer. Somehow so that I won't let Raishinshi get hurt again.) A thought entered her mind. An image of something that happened earlier in the day. Kiyoko's eyes widened. (That's it!)

"Let's go, Raishinshi!" she cried out, determined.

Sharing her determination, Raishinshi charged forward, as fast as he could go.

"What're they doing?" Toho asked the open air.

"Kiyoko, that's suicide!" Aya found herself crying.

Yuri, in spite of the situation, smiled in her direction.

"I didn't think you cared about your sisters' hobby," she stated.

Aya frowned, but stayed quiet. Up in the balcony, Arisu frowned.

"What she's doing is crazy," she stated.

"Not really," Kaede said, "I think Yume-san knows 'exactly' what she's doing."

The two Angels continued to run at one another, both not wanting to quit. Their Deus' were the same. As Raishinshi grew closer to Suzuka, Kiyoko was silently timing the move she had planned. When both Angels were only a foot away from one another, Raishinshi leapt forward, towards Suzuka.

"Is she nuts?!" Ken cried.

Takumi raised an eyebrow.

Suzuka hesitated and was about to put up a guard, but she didn't have to. Raishinshi's left leg came forward and he pushed off of Suzuka's shoulder, launching himself into the air, right leg bent up to his chest. Suzuka turned and watched him a moment.

"What's going on?!" the announcer cried, "what's Angel Raishinshi doing?!"

After a second, Suzuka leapt up after him. Now, both Angels were in the air, one slowly drifting towards the other. The time was almost up, but Kiyoko didn't really pay attention to anything else other than Raishinshi at this point. Suzuka started to close in on the purple Angel, but Raishinshi didn't even look at her as his Deus timed her move.

(Wait, wait, wait,-)

Finally, Suzuka was only an Angels' legs' length away from Raishinshi and was ready to perform an aerial attack, when-

"NOW!" Kiyoko cried.

Raishinshi turned and looked over his shoulder at his opponent. He brought his tucked in right leg out at a 90-degree angle before kicking it back. He struck Suzuka in the chest with his foot, performing a midair split in the process, one arm in front of him and the other out to his right. Suzuka gasped quietly while Raishinshi let out a silent battle cry. Hatoko blinked in surprise. Kiyoko's party all gaped in shock, but Takumi smiled.

"That's it!" he cried, happily.

"Hey! That was-" Tamiko started to exclaim, recognizing her split from earlier in the day.

Suzuka and Raishinshi flew apart. Raishinshi twisted in midair and extended his left leg. He landed in a crouch and watched his opponent fall through the air. Still crying out, Suzuka fell to the Layer and tumbled backwards, heading for the Layers' edge. She gripped the Layer to stop tumbling. From the waist up, she was on the Layer, but her legs were dangling outside the Layer. The buzzer sounded and the timer stopped promptly at 10 seconds.

Nobody said a word. Everyone just gawked at the sight. The announcer stared so hard, he nearly fell out of his seat. Saburo blinked in surprise.

(Interesting,) he thought.

Finally, the silence was broken.

"Raishinshi, WIN!"

The audience went wild and cheered the winner as Raishinshi's picture flashed on screen.

"No way!" Tamayo gaped, "I thought for sure Suzuka was gonna win."

Kotaro sighed, but then smiled.

"In Angelic Layer," he said, "expect the unexpected."

"WAHOO!! SHE WON!!" Ken cried, leaping up, and tackling Takumi in a hug, "HAHA! SHE WON!!"

"Get off, Ken!" the dark-haired boy cried, trying to get some air.

Yuri and Mrs. Yume were clapping like mad, even Aya clapped a bit.

"That's something new," Toho mumbled with a smirk, then turned, and left through one of the door she was by.

"What an amazing come-from-behind match!!" the announcer yelled into his mike, "this is definitely a newbie who means business! Deus Yume Kiyoko's Angel Raishinshi has beaten Kobayashi's Angel Light-Speed Suzuka!!"

Misaki definitely didn't know who to cheer for as Ringo went nuts cheering for Kiyoko and Raishinshi.

"That was amazing," Madoka stated, still staring at the purple Angel, "how'd she pull something like that off?"

Sai shrugged.

"Told you this would be good," she said, smiling slightly.

"All right, Kiyoko!!" Tamiko cheered, ignoring the looks she was getting.

The man on the opposite balcony smiled widely at Kiyoko. The brunette, meanwhile, was smiling like a mad girl. She did it. She really did it!

(Thank you, Raishinshi!) she called out to her Angel, then noticed that Suzuka was still hanging from the Layer, (I think we should help Suzuka get back up.)

Raishinshi turned to the ninja Angel and got up. He took a step in her direction...only to have his right leg bend under him. Everyone gasped as the purple Angel pitched forward. Kiyoko's eyes widened instantly in fear.

"RAISHINSHI!!" she cried, ripping her Angel Goggle off her head.

There was the sound of displacement in the air and the force field rippled where Suzuka once was. In another instant, she reappeared in front of the falling Angel, and caught him before he fell. Kiyoko hardly waited for the Angel Chairs to lower themselves as she jumped off, stumbling a bit. Hatoko also got off of her Angel Chair and took off her Goggles quickly. She got to the two Angels first and gently took them from the Layer. Kiyoko ran up to her and frantically tried to see her Angel.

"W-what happened?!" the announcer cried, then calmed down, "I guess Raishinshi didn't escape unscathed!" His chair hovered over the two girls. "Everything okay?"

Hatoko looked up and nodded. The announcer nodded as well and his chair went back up in its normal position. Hatoko then turned to Kiyoko.

"His leg looks damaged," she stated, "I think Suzuka might have hit him too hard with the 'Rolling Thunder'."

Kiyoko took her Angel and held him in her hands. He lay in her hands like he had when Higure had defeated him, only his right leg was slightly twisted. Kiyoko frowned. A ways away, Saburo made a face.

(He wins, then falls, huh,) he thought, and then headed out of the stadium.

"Oh, my. What happened?" Mrs. Yume asked, worried eyes on her daughter.

Takumi cast worried eyes in Kiyoko's direction.

(That kick,) he began to think.

Kotaro, who was also watching in concern, was thinking the same as Takumi.

(He did it too fast,) he finished.

*Uh...konya mo mata...*

Kiyoko, a deep frown on her face, turned to Hatoko.

"It wasn't your fault," she said, sadly, "it was mine."

*....hakanai hoshi zora*

That said, Kiyoko began to walk away, head down. Hatoko watched her go with a sad expression.

*Uh...hikaru hoshi ni....*

The man on the balcony watched her go with sadness in his eyes.

*....negai o kakeru kara*

Kiyoko headed for the East Corner door, head lowered, trying her best not to break down right there in the Layer area. But she couldn't ignore the wounded Angel lying in her hands.

"I'm so sorry, Raishinshi."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GACK! (falls over from exhaustion) This has gotta be one of the longest chapters I've ever written. So sorry. Once again I wind up hurting my Angel. (starts to cry) WAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! Why do I gotta do that?? "ahem" Sorry, I didn't like putting that in, but it was necessary for the next phase. I hope you liked the match between Raishinshi and Suzuka, I put effort into that match. I want all the battles against the greats to be that good. And if you're wondering how Raishinshi avoided the 'Rolling Thunders' ' full force, Jounouchi-sama gave a hint, but it'll all be explained in the next chappie. Speaking of which, the next one is another R&R, but expect to see a couple familiar faces as Kiyoko makes a few new friends. Please Read and Review! No flames, please!