This chapter was supposed
to have action, but I opted for a 2 part "in-depth character analysis" instead.
Affairs will be revealed, secrets unmasked, and new characters emerge. Well,
actually, it's not as dramatic as you might think. I think Chapter 6 will be the
more action-oriented, dramatic part.
Warning: The last scene ends kinda abruptly [this IS a two parter]. And in general, I have a bad time ending scenes.
Any ideas, suggestions, or comments for my shabby writing will be gladly appreciated.
CHAPTER 5:
A Vow for Revenge - Part 1
-----------------------
Nighttime fell on the Omura household. In the kitchen, Hoshiru lightly sipped his coffee, drowning his thoughts. He felt guilty. Guilty for causing his daughter so much pain, guilty for forcing Sayoko to go through this ordeal. He could still recall her angry cries from that evening. The young girl had fled from the Arena in a rage, face tearful, fists clenched, and she vented her fury at everyone in her path. She was angry at Michiru, at Hoshiru, at Apollo, at Misaki, and most of all, at herself. That evening, Hoshiru had witnessed a part of Sayoko never seen before. And knowing he was the cause of her anger made the guilt worse.
The brown-haired scientist rose up from the table with a sigh and leaned over the counter, watching the stars twinkle from the window. He cast his eyes down.
"I spoiled her, Michiko," he muttered low, "I protected her too much. Now she can't face rejection or defeat. If she loses another battle, it may break her. Maybe Angelic Layer is not for her."
Rejection wasn't new to Sayoko. Bullied and teased at school, she made little, if any, friends while traveling abroad. But Hoshiru was a protective father. He shielded her from the outside worlds by lavishing her with attention, love and gifts. Without hesitation he gave his daughter anything and everything she desired. Because of this, Sayoko lived a sheltered life, oblivious to the hardships of the real world, inseparable from her overbearing father.
But now things have changed. No more trips around the world, no more laps of luxury. Sayoko was now a normal kid, going to a normal school, living a normal life. She was suddenly thrown into a world she was once shut out from, and it frightened her.
It hurt Hoshiru to see his daughter so lonely and withdrawn. He wanted Sayoko to be more independent, to be social and outgoing, and not afraid of failure. Angelic Layer could be the answer. Angelic Layer could help her adjust to her new life. She could build confidence in her abilities and rely on herself for support, not him. She might even build long-lasting friendships, something Sayoko had never experienced before.
Hoshiru turned around and crept slowly up the stairs. Angelic Layer was not just for Sayoko's sake. Apollo needed it too. There were hundreds, possibly thousands, of people searching for the goldenhaired Angel. Apollo needed someone who was ignorant of his past and special abilities, someone who wouldn't exploit him for their own purposes. Which made Sayoko the perfect Deus for him.
Up the stairs, down the hallway, Hoshiru tiptoed to Sayoko's bedroom and cracked open the door. Sayoko, hair spiraling over the pillows, lay sprawled over the disheveled sheets. Her small frame looked tiny against the plump blankets. Hoshiru could vaguely make out the dry tears staining her face. He sighed regretfully.
I'm sorry, Sayoko-chan, for putting you through all this.
He slightly withdrew, but a small figure caught his eye. It seems he was not the only one watching her sleep.
Apollo sat on the adjacent pillow, green eyes fixed on his sleeping Deus. At first, he appeared as another lifeless doll, devoid of motion and thought. But the fingers began to twitch, the blank face frowned, and the once immobile Angel reached down and touched Sayoko's face. He caressed her chubby cheeks, gently and carefully, unaware of Hoshiru's presence. His attention was purely on Sayoko.
Hoshiru watched as Apollo with extreme caution slipped past the dozing girl to the floor below. Like a thief in the night, the Angel moved deliberately slow along the carpet, careful not to make the slightest noise to wake her up. He stopped at the sheets on the ground. He threw a furtive glance over his shoulder, then picked the blanket up, made an amazing backflip back onto the bed, and covered Sayoko with the sheet. Apollo snuggled up to his Deus' warm cheeks, yawned quite loudly, and reverted to his normal, doll-like form. Sayoko continued to sleep soundly.
Hoshiru closed the door, sighing with relief. He had made the right decision.
-----------------
Akiko dashed into the bustling courtyard. "Matte, Sayoko!" she called out. Sayoko slowly halted. Since her defeat, Sayoko had been noticeably quiet and withdrawn. Eyes bloodshot from crying, hair clumpy and uneven, Sayoko was a complete mess. Even Apollo, cute in his blue school uniform, seemed unusually tired.
Akiko cringed at the sight. "What happened to you? Your clothes are all wrinkly, and your face... Were you run over by something?"
Sayoko sneered with contempt. Akiko recoiled, alarmed. That hard look of loathing, those eyes filled with fury ... there was something terribly wrong with her today. The humiliation from her match still hunted her, Akiko could see it.
Sayoko turned around and walked to the school's entrance. "Please, wait Sayoko-chan," the dark-haired girl pleaded. She stopped, but didn't looked back. Akiko made a tentative step forward.
"This is Tamomo. He's a friend of my brother." She motioned to someone at her side. Sayoko and Apollo glanced back. Clad in a high school uniform, Tamomo looked impressive with his long black hair clipped back and black rimmed glasses. From his soft green eyes to welcoming smile, he exuded an aura of elegance and intellect. Even the way he bowed had a level of sophistication.
"Konnichi wa, Sayoko-chan," the older bow greeted with a pinch of foreign accent. He bowed again to the Angel on her shoulder. "Konnichi wa, Apollo. Nice to meet you both."
"Tamomo's been studying the ArchAngels legend for years." Akiko explained. "I told him about Apollo, and he said he'd research it for us. Aren't you excited? Now we can find out of Apollo really is an ArchAngel!"
Apollo's eyes narrowed. He skimmed over Tamomo's body with a sweeping glance, sizing him up. He didn't like him. He didn't like the way Tamomo looked, acted. And he especially didn't like the way he leered at his Deus. The Angel tightened his grip on Sayoko's collar. If Tamomo laid a finger on *his* Sayoko, he'd be sorry.
Sayoko simply gave the boy a hostile glance before whipping around and leaving. Akiko reached out to stop her, but decided against it.
"I'm sorry. She's usually not like this." Akiko apologized. She glanced back at her friend's fading figure in the distance, worried. Sayoko, what's happening to you?
-----------------
Long sensual legs wrapped in sheer stockings. Slim waist, tall frame, curves shapely and smooth. An image of perfection, donning a stark black suit and high heels. She strutted down the hallway of the Production Office, employees gazing at her at every step. She had beauty. She had power. And she wasn't afraid to use. For this vixen, Omura Michiru, Director of Angelic Layer International's Angel Production Department, was willing to use anything, exploit anyone, to get her way.
Her footsteps struck terror in the hearts of her workers. Michiru had earned the reputation of being the cruelest boss in the Angelic Layer Corporation. Verbally, and sometimes physically, abusive, the blond woman lashed out at all who opposed her. Her frigid glare could pierce the soul, her scathing words tear a person to shreds. And she couldn't care less. Firing someone on a whim meant nothing to her. As long as Michiru got what she wanted, nothing else mattered.
There was one person who was immune to Michiru's wrath, her husband Hoshiru. That isn't to say that he hadn't had his share of abuse. It wasn't unusual for Michiru to humiliate him, to make him a public spectacle in front of the Production staff, to threaten to fire him. But Hoshiru's other job as Supervisor of the Promoting Committee allowed him little time to work at his wife's department.
Michiru descended down the elevator to the ground floor and left the building for her lunch break. Confident to the point of arrogance, Michiru bore a stern demeanor that seemed unbreakable. She was proud of all her accomplishments. She pushed herself through college, secured a great career, and had caring husband. Was there nothing she couldn't do?
As she crossed the street, a woman with 2 smiling children walked passed. Michiru's face remained stolid, but as she ducked into a nearby alley, hot tears sprang from her eyes. There was one thing she couldn't do.
She couldn't become a mother.
Every young infant, every school child was a constant reminder of that flaw. But one child, Omura Sayoko, caused her the most pain. It wasn't Sayoko herself that pained her, it was what she symbolized. Sayoko was the embodiment of all Michiko's achievements. As twins, Michiru and Michiko rivaled over everything. But it was Michiko who made the grades, received the most attention, stole Michiru's first love, and eventually experienced a joy Michiru will never be able to feel: motherhood. Sayoko was a symbol of Michiru's failures, and she hated her for it.
"A broken woman is a sad sight to see," a voice chuckled from above. A teary-eyed Michiru looked. From the roof, a dark figure leapt down the fire escape and landed before her. He flicked at her a mischievous grin. "And why is my love crying? Something wrong at home?"
Michiru straightened up, the tears suddenly ceased. "I haven't taken the Prototype," she stated flatly, salvaging what little arrogance she could muster. The stranger grinned, and with his strong arms swept her up in a tight embrace. Michiru didn't hug back.
"You have plenty of time. He's not at full strength. Demo," she pulled back and gazed into deeply into her cold, moist eyes. "If my partner finds out about us, we're done for."
"Then why don't you tell her, Daemon?"
"She wants you dead. All of you. Rav-chan has her own vendetta against him." He snapped back on his black shades. "But our orders are only to capture him, or destroy him if necessary. And with your help, Michiru, we'll do just that."
-----------------
Stacks mounting stacks of books lined the walls of Tamomo's room. Sayoko grazed the filled shelves with wide-eyed wonder. Tamomo's room was a library crammed with books of culture, arts, and technology. But it wasn't the room that impressed her. The very size of his huge estate was breathtaking. Luxuriant in every detail, the mansion's exquisite decor radiated with wealth and prestige. Sayoko sighed, homesick. Tamomo's house reminded her of her former life.
Cross-legged on his king-sized bed, Tamomo was steadily typing at his laptop. It took much persuading from Akiko to convince her to visit his house. Sayoko wasn't as insistent as Akiko or Tamomo to discover Apollo's true nature. But the girl eventually caved in to her curiosity, so she came over that evening to learn more about the ArchAngel legend.
"You're not the way I imagined you to be," the black-haired boy mused. Sayoko turned around. "Huh?"
"You don't know? You have a reputation at Piffle Princess. 'Psycho Nerd,' is what they call you. The Deus with the insane Angel that tore open their opponent. I figured you to be a madwoman of sorts, or an arrogant misfit." He smiled kindly. "I never thought that you'd be so ... cute."
Sayoko painfully closed her eyes as the memories resurfaced. The tearing of limbs.. the slashes and blows. She still found it difficult to believe that her Apollo could turn into such a monster.
"Apollo's not insane. He just has some mental issues, that's all." The pigtailed girl stared angrily out the silk-laced windows. "And he can control himself. Like when we fought.. we fought.."
"Suzuhara Misaki." Tamomo peered over the dark-rimmed glasses. "I've heard about that. How lucky you are to gave the National Champion as an opponent. Most people only wish for that opportunity. How was it?"
Sayoko didn't move. Tears of anger glazed her eyes. Thinking back to that battle unleashed a storm of emotions she thought were suppressed. Rage. Sorrow. Rejection. Never in her life had Sayoko felt such humiliation, such shame. Apollo's battered body still burned vividly in her mind. Misaki had hurt Apollo. And for that she will never forgive her.
A teardrop slid down her cheek. "I hate her."
Tamomo looked up. "Nani?"
"I hate her.. I hate her.. I.." Sayoko whirled around, face contorted with fury. "I HATE THAT BITCH!!" she screamed, her face beastly with rage. The wild emotions she bottled up erupted in a tirade of fury. The enraged girl yanked Tamomo's ponytail and forced down. In a low, furious tone, she seethed. "She beat up Apollo and humiliated me in public. I tried so hard to fight her, but I lost. I LOST! She injured Apollo, and I cannot let her get away with it. I will beat her, Iijima-san. I will beat her and hurt her Angel tenfold! She will pay for hurting my Apollo!"
Tamomo cringed at the frightening intensity of her voice. She meant what she said. He could see it in her eyes. The burning lust for revenge was clear. But there was some pain lurking in her brown depths. As he stared deeply into her weeping eyes, Tamomo realized the true cause of her anger. He pried her hands off him and held them in his own.
"You've never felt defeat before, have you?" he asked gently. Sayoko snapped out her daze and blinked. His warm voice calmed her down, and she just noticed the smoothness of his delicate hands.
"You must care about your Angel dearly. And he cares about you. But neither of you can reach your potential without facing pain. That's true in life and in Angelic Layer. I know it hurts you now, but a vow for revenge will only cloud your judgment. Just learn from the pain and move on."
While the pair talked, Apollo sat on Sayoko's bookbag, glaring at Tamomo's back. Emerald eyes flamed red as Tamomo slid his hand over Sayoko's face. An unknown emotion consumed his being. It wasn't rage; it wasn't sadness. It was a feeling the Angel never felt before: envy. Watching his beloved Deus focussing her attention on Tamomo instead of him fed his growing jealousy. Apollo didn't know how, but he would make Tamomo suffer for this.
Tamomo dropped his hands and returned to his beeping laptop. "I've collected all my data and complied it in one document. Would you like me to summarize it for you?"
"Hai. Arigatou gozaimasu, Iijima-san."
"'Tamomo-chan' will do." He clicked a few buttons and began. "Around ten years ago, when Angelic Layer first became mainstream in Japan, 3 Angel designers from the Production Department were ordered to create a new Angel model. The designers' initial plan was an Angel with a better human interface, therefore can interact with the Deus more. They intended for the model to have a built in vocabulary and have the ability to move outside the Layer within a 2 diameter perimeter."
"But Akiko told me they wanted to create an A.I."
Tamomo shook his head. "A lot of people get that confused. The designers had no intention to create an artificial intelligence. They simply wanted an Angel with new features that would attract the public. It would still be a normal Angel, only with more physical detail, conditioned verbal responses, and it could walk. At least, that's what they planned.
"All Angels have the basic computer programming. Their programming allows them to receive commands from the Deus' head set and fight within the Layer. This new model would be installed with fighting programs that allow the Deus to learn moves quicker and easier. It was also equipped with a learning program, which made the Angel teach itself new moves from its opponents."
Programs... Sayoko thought back to her fight with Suzumu, and the unfamiliar words flashing over the vizier during the battle. Could those Defensive and Offensive programs I saw be the programs he's talking about?
"When the first test model was created, it was a success. The creators were thrilled. But they needed a name. Thus, they titled their new creation ArchAngel, and their operation 'Project ArchAngels.' The experimental model, the Alpha Prototype, was called ArchAngel A, or simply 'A'."
Hey wait ... aren't all the clothes Papa gave me labeled with 'A's?.
"The designers tested the Prototype for some months. It's test results were perfect. The Prototype appeared flawless, but it wasn't. While programming the ArchAngel, a computer virus had infected the doll but remained undetected. The virus began deleting and reconstructing data. In the beginning, it was hardly noticeable. ArchAngel A followed all commands from its Deus and seemed normal. As time progressed, the virus infected the preprogrammed fighting mechanism. It became more aggressive in its battles. Its moves were more violent. But nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"Time passed, and the virus hacked into the verbal program. It started using words and phrases never taught to him, and its responses to questions became more complex, revealing signs of intellect. Later, its learning program was infested with the virus, and the Angel began absorbing much more information than intended. Instead of learning just vocabulary and fighting moves, 'A' observed the designers' behavior and actions, and imitated them. The Virus was actually helping the Angel understand human interaction.
"ArchAngel A started showing signs of infection. It became increasingly violent toward its creators, and engaged in rebellious behavior. But tests still showed no indications of the virus.
"By now, the entire Angel was riddled with the bug. Instead of destroying him, though, the virus made the opposite effect: it enhanced ArchAngel A's capabilities, from its fighting to learning skills. The Angel's core programming was transformed from basic to superadvanced. Five months after infection, ArchAngel A evolved into a completely different being. It expressed symptoms of pain, happiness, guilt, and other emotions, understood the concepts of right and wrong, and displayed an intelligence superior to its creators. But 'A' also expressed a level of mental instability. It questioned the scientists on morality, on religion and ethics and technology, and questioned himself on its existence. Was it a life? A piece of machinery? What was it?
"The programmers finally discovered the bug. But the Virus had infiltrate so much of the Angel's Programming that in order to exterminate it, all programming would be whipped clean. The group was divided on what to do. This virus had transformed this normal Angel to something beyond ordinary technology. ArchAngel A had a conscience, could think and act for itself, and even had a fear of death. It truly was an artificial intelligence. But an intelligence they had no control over.
"Word leaked out that an A.I was created. The government, afraid of what danger this A.I. might pose, sent 3 agents to investigate the situation ... and this is where the legend goes astray."
"What do you mean?"
"No one knows what happened from there. But the popular notion is that when the government agents discovered the ArchAngel's whereabouts and attempted to capture it, an 'incident' occurred, which resulted in the death of its Deus and one of the agents. Whether it was also destroyed, or even if the whole incident occurred, is still under suspicion." Tamomo closed the document. Sayoko, sitting beside him, remained silent. There were still so many answered questions popping into her mind, she didn't where to start.
"That's.. Incredible," she whispered at last, able to find her voice. "To think one Angel can have so much power... Masaka..."
"ONE Angel?" The black-haired boy turned around and gave her an inquisitive look. "Who said there was just one ArchAngel?"
TO BE CONTINUED
Warning: The last scene ends kinda abruptly [this IS a two parter]. And in general, I have a bad time ending scenes.
Any ideas, suggestions, or comments for my shabby writing will be gladly appreciated.
A Vow for Revenge - Part 1
-----------------------
Nighttime fell on the Omura household. In the kitchen, Hoshiru lightly sipped his coffee, drowning his thoughts. He felt guilty. Guilty for causing his daughter so much pain, guilty for forcing Sayoko to go through this ordeal. He could still recall her angry cries from that evening. The young girl had fled from the Arena in a rage, face tearful, fists clenched, and she vented her fury at everyone in her path. She was angry at Michiru, at Hoshiru, at Apollo, at Misaki, and most of all, at herself. That evening, Hoshiru had witnessed a part of Sayoko never seen before. And knowing he was the cause of her anger made the guilt worse.
The brown-haired scientist rose up from the table with a sigh and leaned over the counter, watching the stars twinkle from the window. He cast his eyes down.
"I spoiled her, Michiko," he muttered low, "I protected her too much. Now she can't face rejection or defeat. If she loses another battle, it may break her. Maybe Angelic Layer is not for her."
Rejection wasn't new to Sayoko. Bullied and teased at school, she made little, if any, friends while traveling abroad. But Hoshiru was a protective father. He shielded her from the outside worlds by lavishing her with attention, love and gifts. Without hesitation he gave his daughter anything and everything she desired. Because of this, Sayoko lived a sheltered life, oblivious to the hardships of the real world, inseparable from her overbearing father.
But now things have changed. No more trips around the world, no more laps of luxury. Sayoko was now a normal kid, going to a normal school, living a normal life. She was suddenly thrown into a world she was once shut out from, and it frightened her.
It hurt Hoshiru to see his daughter so lonely and withdrawn. He wanted Sayoko to be more independent, to be social and outgoing, and not afraid of failure. Angelic Layer could be the answer. Angelic Layer could help her adjust to her new life. She could build confidence in her abilities and rely on herself for support, not him. She might even build long-lasting friendships, something Sayoko had never experienced before.
Hoshiru turned around and crept slowly up the stairs. Angelic Layer was not just for Sayoko's sake. Apollo needed it too. There were hundreds, possibly thousands, of people searching for the goldenhaired Angel. Apollo needed someone who was ignorant of his past and special abilities, someone who wouldn't exploit him for their own purposes. Which made Sayoko the perfect Deus for him.
Up the stairs, down the hallway, Hoshiru tiptoed to Sayoko's bedroom and cracked open the door. Sayoko, hair spiraling over the pillows, lay sprawled over the disheveled sheets. Her small frame looked tiny against the plump blankets. Hoshiru could vaguely make out the dry tears staining her face. He sighed regretfully.
I'm sorry, Sayoko-chan, for putting you through all this.
He slightly withdrew, but a small figure caught his eye. It seems he was not the only one watching her sleep.
Apollo sat on the adjacent pillow, green eyes fixed on his sleeping Deus. At first, he appeared as another lifeless doll, devoid of motion and thought. But the fingers began to twitch, the blank face frowned, and the once immobile Angel reached down and touched Sayoko's face. He caressed her chubby cheeks, gently and carefully, unaware of Hoshiru's presence. His attention was purely on Sayoko.
Hoshiru watched as Apollo with extreme caution slipped past the dozing girl to the floor below. Like a thief in the night, the Angel moved deliberately slow along the carpet, careful not to make the slightest noise to wake her up. He stopped at the sheets on the ground. He threw a furtive glance over his shoulder, then picked the blanket up, made an amazing backflip back onto the bed, and covered Sayoko with the sheet. Apollo snuggled up to his Deus' warm cheeks, yawned quite loudly, and reverted to his normal, doll-like form. Sayoko continued to sleep soundly.
Hoshiru closed the door, sighing with relief. He had made the right decision.
-----------------
Akiko dashed into the bustling courtyard. "Matte, Sayoko!" she called out. Sayoko slowly halted. Since her defeat, Sayoko had been noticeably quiet and withdrawn. Eyes bloodshot from crying, hair clumpy and uneven, Sayoko was a complete mess. Even Apollo, cute in his blue school uniform, seemed unusually tired.
Akiko cringed at the sight. "What happened to you? Your clothes are all wrinkly, and your face... Were you run over by something?"
Sayoko sneered with contempt. Akiko recoiled, alarmed. That hard look of loathing, those eyes filled with fury ... there was something terribly wrong with her today. The humiliation from her match still hunted her, Akiko could see it.
Sayoko turned around and walked to the school's entrance. "Please, wait Sayoko-chan," the dark-haired girl pleaded. She stopped, but didn't looked back. Akiko made a tentative step forward.
"This is Tamomo. He's a friend of my brother." She motioned to someone at her side. Sayoko and Apollo glanced back. Clad in a high school uniform, Tamomo looked impressive with his long black hair clipped back and black rimmed glasses. From his soft green eyes to welcoming smile, he exuded an aura of elegance and intellect. Even the way he bowed had a level of sophistication.
"Konnichi wa, Sayoko-chan," the older bow greeted with a pinch of foreign accent. He bowed again to the Angel on her shoulder. "Konnichi wa, Apollo. Nice to meet you both."
"Tamomo's been studying the ArchAngels legend for years." Akiko explained. "I told him about Apollo, and he said he'd research it for us. Aren't you excited? Now we can find out of Apollo really is an ArchAngel!"
Apollo's eyes narrowed. He skimmed over Tamomo's body with a sweeping glance, sizing him up. He didn't like him. He didn't like the way Tamomo looked, acted. And he especially didn't like the way he leered at his Deus. The Angel tightened his grip on Sayoko's collar. If Tamomo laid a finger on *his* Sayoko, he'd be sorry.
Sayoko simply gave the boy a hostile glance before whipping around and leaving. Akiko reached out to stop her, but decided against it.
"I'm sorry. She's usually not like this." Akiko apologized. She glanced back at her friend's fading figure in the distance, worried. Sayoko, what's happening to you?
-----------------
Long sensual legs wrapped in sheer stockings. Slim waist, tall frame, curves shapely and smooth. An image of perfection, donning a stark black suit and high heels. She strutted down the hallway of the Production Office, employees gazing at her at every step. She had beauty. She had power. And she wasn't afraid to use. For this vixen, Omura Michiru, Director of Angelic Layer International's Angel Production Department, was willing to use anything, exploit anyone, to get her way.
Her footsteps struck terror in the hearts of her workers. Michiru had earned the reputation of being the cruelest boss in the Angelic Layer Corporation. Verbally, and sometimes physically, abusive, the blond woman lashed out at all who opposed her. Her frigid glare could pierce the soul, her scathing words tear a person to shreds. And she couldn't care less. Firing someone on a whim meant nothing to her. As long as Michiru got what she wanted, nothing else mattered.
There was one person who was immune to Michiru's wrath, her husband Hoshiru. That isn't to say that he hadn't had his share of abuse. It wasn't unusual for Michiru to humiliate him, to make him a public spectacle in front of the Production staff, to threaten to fire him. But Hoshiru's other job as Supervisor of the Promoting Committee allowed him little time to work at his wife's department.
Michiru descended down the elevator to the ground floor and left the building for her lunch break. Confident to the point of arrogance, Michiru bore a stern demeanor that seemed unbreakable. She was proud of all her accomplishments. She pushed herself through college, secured a great career, and had caring husband. Was there nothing she couldn't do?
As she crossed the street, a woman with 2 smiling children walked passed. Michiru's face remained stolid, but as she ducked into a nearby alley, hot tears sprang from her eyes. There was one thing she couldn't do.
She couldn't become a mother.
Every young infant, every school child was a constant reminder of that flaw. But one child, Omura Sayoko, caused her the most pain. It wasn't Sayoko herself that pained her, it was what she symbolized. Sayoko was the embodiment of all Michiko's achievements. As twins, Michiru and Michiko rivaled over everything. But it was Michiko who made the grades, received the most attention, stole Michiru's first love, and eventually experienced a joy Michiru will never be able to feel: motherhood. Sayoko was a symbol of Michiru's failures, and she hated her for it.
"A broken woman is a sad sight to see," a voice chuckled from above. A teary-eyed Michiru looked. From the roof, a dark figure leapt down the fire escape and landed before her. He flicked at her a mischievous grin. "And why is my love crying? Something wrong at home?"
Michiru straightened up, the tears suddenly ceased. "I haven't taken the Prototype," she stated flatly, salvaging what little arrogance she could muster. The stranger grinned, and with his strong arms swept her up in a tight embrace. Michiru didn't hug back.
"You have plenty of time. He's not at full strength. Demo," she pulled back and gazed into deeply into her cold, moist eyes. "If my partner finds out about us, we're done for."
"Then why don't you tell her, Daemon?"
"She wants you dead. All of you. Rav-chan has her own vendetta against him." He snapped back on his black shades. "But our orders are only to capture him, or destroy him if necessary. And with your help, Michiru, we'll do just that."
-----------------
Stacks mounting stacks of books lined the walls of Tamomo's room. Sayoko grazed the filled shelves with wide-eyed wonder. Tamomo's room was a library crammed with books of culture, arts, and technology. But it wasn't the room that impressed her. The very size of his huge estate was breathtaking. Luxuriant in every detail, the mansion's exquisite decor radiated with wealth and prestige. Sayoko sighed, homesick. Tamomo's house reminded her of her former life.
Cross-legged on his king-sized bed, Tamomo was steadily typing at his laptop. It took much persuading from Akiko to convince her to visit his house. Sayoko wasn't as insistent as Akiko or Tamomo to discover Apollo's true nature. But the girl eventually caved in to her curiosity, so she came over that evening to learn more about the ArchAngel legend.
"You're not the way I imagined you to be," the black-haired boy mused. Sayoko turned around. "Huh?"
"You don't know? You have a reputation at Piffle Princess. 'Psycho Nerd,' is what they call you. The Deus with the insane Angel that tore open their opponent. I figured you to be a madwoman of sorts, or an arrogant misfit." He smiled kindly. "I never thought that you'd be so ... cute."
Sayoko painfully closed her eyes as the memories resurfaced. The tearing of limbs.. the slashes and blows. She still found it difficult to believe that her Apollo could turn into such a monster.
"Apollo's not insane. He just has some mental issues, that's all." The pigtailed girl stared angrily out the silk-laced windows. "And he can control himself. Like when we fought.. we fought.."
"Suzuhara Misaki." Tamomo peered over the dark-rimmed glasses. "I've heard about that. How lucky you are to gave the National Champion as an opponent. Most people only wish for that opportunity. How was it?"
Sayoko didn't move. Tears of anger glazed her eyes. Thinking back to that battle unleashed a storm of emotions she thought were suppressed. Rage. Sorrow. Rejection. Never in her life had Sayoko felt such humiliation, such shame. Apollo's battered body still burned vividly in her mind. Misaki had hurt Apollo. And for that she will never forgive her.
A teardrop slid down her cheek. "I hate her."
Tamomo looked up. "Nani?"
"I hate her.. I hate her.. I.." Sayoko whirled around, face contorted with fury. "I HATE THAT BITCH!!" she screamed, her face beastly with rage. The wild emotions she bottled up erupted in a tirade of fury. The enraged girl yanked Tamomo's ponytail and forced down. In a low, furious tone, she seethed. "She beat up Apollo and humiliated me in public. I tried so hard to fight her, but I lost. I LOST! She injured Apollo, and I cannot let her get away with it. I will beat her, Iijima-san. I will beat her and hurt her Angel tenfold! She will pay for hurting my Apollo!"
Tamomo cringed at the frightening intensity of her voice. She meant what she said. He could see it in her eyes. The burning lust for revenge was clear. But there was some pain lurking in her brown depths. As he stared deeply into her weeping eyes, Tamomo realized the true cause of her anger. He pried her hands off him and held them in his own.
"You've never felt defeat before, have you?" he asked gently. Sayoko snapped out her daze and blinked. His warm voice calmed her down, and she just noticed the smoothness of his delicate hands.
"You must care about your Angel dearly. And he cares about you. But neither of you can reach your potential without facing pain. That's true in life and in Angelic Layer. I know it hurts you now, but a vow for revenge will only cloud your judgment. Just learn from the pain and move on."
While the pair talked, Apollo sat on Sayoko's bookbag, glaring at Tamomo's back. Emerald eyes flamed red as Tamomo slid his hand over Sayoko's face. An unknown emotion consumed his being. It wasn't rage; it wasn't sadness. It was a feeling the Angel never felt before: envy. Watching his beloved Deus focussing her attention on Tamomo instead of him fed his growing jealousy. Apollo didn't know how, but he would make Tamomo suffer for this.
Tamomo dropped his hands and returned to his beeping laptop. "I've collected all my data and complied it in one document. Would you like me to summarize it for you?"
"Hai. Arigatou gozaimasu, Iijima-san."
"'Tamomo-chan' will do." He clicked a few buttons and began. "Around ten years ago, when Angelic Layer first became mainstream in Japan, 3 Angel designers from the Production Department were ordered to create a new Angel model. The designers' initial plan was an Angel with a better human interface, therefore can interact with the Deus more. They intended for the model to have a built in vocabulary and have the ability to move outside the Layer within a 2 diameter perimeter."
"But Akiko told me they wanted to create an A.I."
Tamomo shook his head. "A lot of people get that confused. The designers had no intention to create an artificial intelligence. They simply wanted an Angel with new features that would attract the public. It would still be a normal Angel, only with more physical detail, conditioned verbal responses, and it could walk. At least, that's what they planned.
"All Angels have the basic computer programming. Their programming allows them to receive commands from the Deus' head set and fight within the Layer. This new model would be installed with fighting programs that allow the Deus to learn moves quicker and easier. It was also equipped with a learning program, which made the Angel teach itself new moves from its opponents."
Programs... Sayoko thought back to her fight with Suzumu, and the unfamiliar words flashing over the vizier during the battle. Could those Defensive and Offensive programs I saw be the programs he's talking about?
"When the first test model was created, it was a success. The creators were thrilled. But they needed a name. Thus, they titled their new creation ArchAngel, and their operation 'Project ArchAngels.' The experimental model, the Alpha Prototype, was called ArchAngel A, or simply 'A'."
Hey wait ... aren't all the clothes Papa gave me labeled with 'A's?.
"The designers tested the Prototype for some months. It's test results were perfect. The Prototype appeared flawless, but it wasn't. While programming the ArchAngel, a computer virus had infected the doll but remained undetected. The virus began deleting and reconstructing data. In the beginning, it was hardly noticeable. ArchAngel A followed all commands from its Deus and seemed normal. As time progressed, the virus infected the preprogrammed fighting mechanism. It became more aggressive in its battles. Its moves were more violent. But nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"Time passed, and the virus hacked into the verbal program. It started using words and phrases never taught to him, and its responses to questions became more complex, revealing signs of intellect. Later, its learning program was infested with the virus, and the Angel began absorbing much more information than intended. Instead of learning just vocabulary and fighting moves, 'A' observed the designers' behavior and actions, and imitated them. The Virus was actually helping the Angel understand human interaction.
"ArchAngel A started showing signs of infection. It became increasingly violent toward its creators, and engaged in rebellious behavior. But tests still showed no indications of the virus.
"By now, the entire Angel was riddled with the bug. Instead of destroying him, though, the virus made the opposite effect: it enhanced ArchAngel A's capabilities, from its fighting to learning skills. The Angel's core programming was transformed from basic to superadvanced. Five months after infection, ArchAngel A evolved into a completely different being. It expressed symptoms of pain, happiness, guilt, and other emotions, understood the concepts of right and wrong, and displayed an intelligence superior to its creators. But 'A' also expressed a level of mental instability. It questioned the scientists on morality, on religion and ethics and technology, and questioned himself on its existence. Was it a life? A piece of machinery? What was it?
"The programmers finally discovered the bug. But the Virus had infiltrate so much of the Angel's Programming that in order to exterminate it, all programming would be whipped clean. The group was divided on what to do. This virus had transformed this normal Angel to something beyond ordinary technology. ArchAngel A had a conscience, could think and act for itself, and even had a fear of death. It truly was an artificial intelligence. But an intelligence they had no control over.
"Word leaked out that an A.I was created. The government, afraid of what danger this A.I. might pose, sent 3 agents to investigate the situation ... and this is where the legend goes astray."
"What do you mean?"
"No one knows what happened from there. But the popular notion is that when the government agents discovered the ArchAngel's whereabouts and attempted to capture it, an 'incident' occurred, which resulted in the death of its Deus and one of the agents. Whether it was also destroyed, or even if the whole incident occurred, is still under suspicion." Tamomo closed the document. Sayoko, sitting beside him, remained silent. There were still so many answered questions popping into her mind, she didn't where to start.
"That's.. Incredible," she whispered at last, able to find her voice. "To think one Angel can have so much power... Masaka..."
"ONE Angel?" The black-haired boy turned around and gave her an inquisitive look. "Who said there was just one ArchAngel?"