What excuse could I possibly give to justify updating so late? Well, I've had midterms and reports and a lack of motivation and my computer's been acting up. So, sorry guys. To make up for it, this chapter is longer than the last one.
For anyone who cares, my birthday's January 25. Yep, GoddessUrd1 hits the big 1-8 in a few days.
Don't ask about the bunnies.
Thank you for reviewing and enjoy.
Chapter 9:
Love and Fear
-----------------
All the same. Youkou surveyed the Deuses crowding the Battle Arena's lobbies. They were all the same. Popular. Pretty. Had stable, loving families. She was nothing like them. She had no friends or family, or even a home to go to. All Youkou had was what she carried with her: some clothes, stolen cash, her skateboard, and Solana. Youkou's painful past made her different from the other Deuses. And she would have it no other way. These Deuses were her enemies, and she would never forget that.
Youkou wore her usual garb: black shirt, baggy camouflage pants, heavy boots, with a spiked collar and chains. Like always, she dyed her hair to match her emotions -- a fiery red, and like always she stood out in the crowd. It didn't take long for rumors to spread, but Youkou didn't care. All she cared about was winning the Nationals, and proving to the world how strong she really was.
"Suggoi!" a tiny voice shouted. Youkou turned around; two young children stood behind her.
"Is that Solana? Is it true she's never been hurt in a battle?" asked one. Another one chimed in. "I love how graceful and sweet she is. I bet you're proud to have an Angel like her."
Youkou sneered at the kids. Pride? She felt no pride in Solana. All Youkou felt was disgust and frustration. In fact, she despised her. The redhead was thrilled to have her at first, when a mysterious man, Kumori Fukachi, had presented Solana as a gift. But that soon changed. Solana never fought, she danced. She ignored her Deus' commands, preferring to play with her tambourine rather than attack. Youkou's beaten her, cursed at her, even threw her away, but Solana still refused to battle. She should have never believed Fukachi.
That liar, Youkou hissed as she signed herself in for her next battle. "Advanced Angel" by butt. All this crappy doll can do is prance like a wuss. If she'd just fight, just once....
"Namida Youkou, Namida Youkou," an announcer called. "Please return to the stadium for the Third Battle. Namida Youkou, Namida Youkou."
"Finally! Time for some action." She plucked Solana from her book bag and stared hard at the Angel. "You better fight this time, or it's back to the garbage can. You hear me?"
The Angel nodded fearfully. Youkou snorted, flung her bag over her shoulder, and headed for the Arena.
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
Sayoko waited patiently in the waiting room with Apollo, then jumped up as Akiko rushed toward her.
"Congratulations!" Sayoko cheered, slapping a high five. Akiko smiled brightly.
"Well, it was tough, but The Noble Arrow always shines through." She gave her friend a coy glance. "You didn't doubt us, did you Sayoko-chan?"
Akikaze, or as fans called her "The Noble Arrow", perched on Akiko's shoulder. The green-eyed, brown haired Angel wore a verdant shirt, skirt, and boots, with a brown long-sleeved shirt and stockings underneath. Her bow and arrow slung over her shoulder.
"Are we going to see Tamomo now?" Sayoko asked as they locked arms and headed for the exit.
"Nope," Akiko winked secretly. "We're going to visit the Deus of that Apollo-lookalike you were ogling at last week."
"You mean the Solana Angel? But Why?"
"Oh come on, Sayoko! You know why," She covered Sayoko's ear and whispered in excited tones, "She could be the next ArchAngel! I mean, if you and Namida-san team up, you two could find out some cool secret about them, or make them do whatever you want. Wouldn't that be awesome?"
Sayoko smiled shyly. With the pressure of the Regionals and now the Nationals looming over, she nearly forgot about the ArchAngel legend.
"But Apollo's not an ArchAngel.. I know he acts weird sometimes, and odd stuff starts happening, but he's still a normal Angel."
"Aww, you're no fun!" Akiko pouted teasingly. "But let's check it out anyway. I mean, it wouldn't hurt, right?"
As the girls chatted away, an uneasy tension grew in Apollo's body. He disliked Akiko. She was too curious. From day one the girl had pursued his forgotten past, a past he wanted to protect from Sayoko. He scowled irritably at his Deus' friend, eyes flicked with blood red. If Akiko kept up this search, he may need to get rid of her.
(\__/)
(=;.;=)
(")_(")
Daemon kinked up an eyebrow. "You met Beta?"
"Hai. It has a new Deus now. But it hasn't activated any special abilities yet." Raven narrowed suspicious eyes at partner. "You don't look surprised."
The spiky-haired man stepped out of the thick shadows, dressed not in his usual black attire, but in some casual slacks and a T-shirt. He peered over the balcony overlooking the hustling crowd below. "Should I be?"
"It was in your custody. How could you let it escape? Have you forgotten our mission?" Irritation crept in her voice. For as long as they worked together, Daemon never took his assignments seriously, always approaching it with a lighthearted and careless attitude. The two were complete opposites: Raven, cold and straightforward; and Daemon, coy and flirtatious, and despite their differences they succeeded in every mission. This one, however, was the only one that affected them personally.
Daemon rolled his eyes. "Oh yes, our all-important mission. 'Capture the Alpha Prototype for scientific examination. Destroy if target is unattainable.'" He sauntered over to her with a sly smile. "I know our objective. Trust me, I've got everything under control. If my plan works, Alpha will come to us. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a battle to practice for."
Raven glanced at Daemon's side as he walked by. "This isn't a game. Beta is no threat, but Alpha's already awakening his power. If he fully revives--"
"The Earth will stop spinning. Apocalypse will come. Doom to us all. Yes, yes, we've been over this before." He waved his hands in exasperation. "I know what I'm doing. Honestly, Kuroi, do you not trust me?"
The black-eyed spy followed her partner exit the balcony. A small smirk twitched her lips. "Trust you?" Kuroi snickered to herself, then retreated to the black shadows. "Trust you, Fukachi? I wouldn't trust you with my life."
(\___/)
(=~.~=)
(")__(")
"An interesting match we have next! Light-speed Suzuka, with Deus Kobayashi Hatoko, versus Sunshine Solana, Angel of Compassion, with Deus Namida Youkou. Can this rookie compete with Suzuka's swift speed on the Flying Fortress? Entry Angel!"
Hatoko tossed Suzuka in. "Go faster than lightning and sound, Suzuka! Angel Fall in!" The blue-haired ninja tumbled into the Layer, a castle on a floating chunk of rock, poised with hands on hips. Hatoko fans, with colorful banners, cheered her name from the crowd.
"Bring forth the sun! Shine your rays upon this dark world, Solana! Angel, Fall in!" Solana burst from Youkou's hand and purled magnificently into the Layer. She courtesied to her opponent and Deus, then blew happy kisses to the crowd.
"Angelic Fight!"
Suzuka was too fast. She bolted and unleashed a might kick to Solana's stomach, knocking her to the far end of the castle. Solana wobbled to her feet, tambourine in hand. Youkou blinked, and in the split-second Suzuka dashed forth, sprung into a somersault, and hurled a massive blow to her chest. Solana blocked it with her drum, but still suffered damage. She leaped up and landed on the palace's tower to maintain distance.
Damn, she's too fast, Youkou thought. I can't attack directly if she's on the offensive. I have to slow her down somehow.
Suzuka suddenly disappeared. Solana looked about fretfully. In a blur, the ninja appeared behind her, and struck her back with a fury of kicks. The golden haired Angel fell to the dirt. Youkou's icy blue eyes narrowed. Suzuka had wiped Solana's attack, defense, and speed to a near minimal, and had wrecked major damage. Another kick could end the match.
"Get up, you stinking load of crap!" Youkou screamed at her bruised Angel.
"Stop it!"
Youkou looked up and met Hatoko's reproachful glare. "You should be ashamed of yourself, treating your Angel like that." she reprimand sternly. "A Deus and her Angel are a team. They believe in each other and work together to become stronger. Don't blame her for your faults as a Deus."
Flames of fury raged in Youkou's eyes. "Don't. You. DARE talk to me like that, kisama! I'll show you who's the better Deus."
Solana painfully cracked open her eyes and turned to her Deus. She felt her. She felt Youkou's anger, her determination, her desperate will to win her words. Though she hated to fight, Solana knew it was the only way to win. A damaged Solana struggled to her feet.
Suzuka charged at lightning speed with a forward kick. Solana didn't move. But as Suzuka's boot came into range, Solana clutched her leg, flung her to the side, and slammed her into the Palace's wall. She then cartwheeled to the opposite wall some distance away. Suzuka peeled herself off and soared after her. Solana waited for the right moment, then ducked. Too fast to stop, Suzuka crashed headfirst in a pillow of dust. The cloud settled; Hatoko gasped. Suzuka's head was wedged in between the stones. Unable to move, she was defenseless against Solana's attack.
Solana backflipped in the air, thrust out her leg, and planted an annihilating blow in Suzuka's back. Suzuka's life meter dropped to zero.
"Angel out! Solana wins!"
The emerald-eyed Angel freed her opponent from the wall, then picked her up and presented her to Hatoko. Hatoko stared at her curiously. "Arigatou." She took the defeated Suzuka from her.
"Awww, did I break your lil' Angel, Hatoko-chan?" Youkou teased with a smug smile. Solana leaped up and landed on her shoulder. Youkou knelt down and bore cruel eyes at the smaller Hatoko. "Angels are not partners. They are toys. I will treat my toy the way I want to, and I don't care what you or any other losers have to say." She straightened up. "Now, get out of my way, before I crush you like your wimpy Suzuka." With those harsh words, an arrogant Youkou shoved Hatoko to the side and left the Arena.
(\___/)
(=^.~=)
(")__(")
"What a frightening girl!" Ogata commented in the control room. "She's an amazing Deus though. Not many Deuses can turn Suzuka's speed against her."
Icchan studied the battle clips on the monitors, then froze in the middle of a scene. It was as he expected; the moment Solana launched her attack, Youkou appeared utterly shocked. Beta was acting on her own, he thought, rubbing his chin in contemplation. And she's growing in strength. It's only a matter of time before both she and Alpha are out of control.
(\___/)
(=o.O=)
(")__(")
Youkou relaxed in the open breeze, sighing in relief. She sat on a nearby park bench, Solana on her lap. "Wow! Who'd have thought you could actually fight?" she chuckled outloud. Solana looked up, a surprised smile grew on her face. "But, it's nothing really surprising. I am the best Deus around. No slowpoke like Hatoko can keep me from the Championship." The smile disappeared, the Angel lowered her eyes in regret. Youkou was always like that. She took all the credit for their victories, even when it was Solana's doing.The only reason she won battles was to make Youkou proud of her. But a sneaking suspicion warned her that Youkou would never change.
"Youkou-san.." a cheery voice spoke up. Youkou glanced to her left, her colbalt eyes fell on a familar girl, the winner of today's Second Match. Her mahogany hair toppled over her shoulders to her back, light hazel eyes radiating like jewels. Youkou felt a twitch of jealousy at the girl's beauty.
"Yamamoto Aki-something, right?" the redhead asked. She nodded. "Just call me Akiko. Congrats on your battle. Em..Do you mind if we take a look at your Angel?"
"We?" Youkou titled her head. Behind Akiko, a shy brunette peeked her head out. "Ko-konnichi wa, Youkou-san," her voice quivered nervously. Youkou squinted her eyes, as if recalling a memory, then bolted to her feet. "I know you! You're that 'Psycho Nerd' from Piffle Princess, Omura Sayoko! You went insane and destroyed Suzumu's Angel."
Sayoko, ashamed, stared down at her shuffling feet and said nothing. Akiko boldly stepped in front.
"Hey! Don't blame it on her. She couldn't stop Apollo from tearing Cathleen apart. He had a glitch and--"
"Blaming her? What are you talking about! That fight kicked ass!" Youkou exclaimed with a gleam of excitement. Both girls gaped at her in shock and dismay. Sayoko stepped forth.
"You.. enjoyed that?" The pigtailed girl asked, her face in stupendous wonder. Youkou laughed wildly. "Of course, I enjoyed that! That was the best fight I've ever seen! Man, I wished I had an Angel like yours. I'd destroy every opponent I fought. Arashi, Suzuka, all of them. I'd be the National Champion in no time."
Meanwhile, as Apollo listened in on their conversation, a quiet, soothing voice reached into the depths of his mind. Close your eyes...it whispered. His eyes snapped up, confused. Solana had locked her gaze on him, urging him silently with her glowing eyes. Please, I need to speak with you. She closed her eyes. Apollo hesitated, then he too closed his eyes.
"Now awaken."
Emerald eyes fluttered open. In the surreal, dark void, Solana glistened before him, her wings outstretched, shimmering like a ray of sunlight. She came forward and grazed his face with her hands.
"Alpha..." Tears spilled down her cheeks. "Alpha, you're alive.." she swept him up in a loving embrace, weeping against his chest. Apollo stiffened, embarrassed and uneasy.
"I am not Alpha..." he said with a mild blush. Solana paused, then drew herself away and searched deep into his eyes. "You are..." her voice faded, another wave of tears gushed forth. Her finger lightly touched his lips. "You don't remember, do you? You don't remember me, or Gamma, or Delta, or even Michiko-sensei?"
Before he could respond, the golden-haired Angel slipped her hands down and entwined their fingers. She rested her forehead against his. "I understand. Our Creators wiped your memories away to protect you. I suppose our past is better left unsaid."
Apollo remained silent, groping for the right words. He wanted to know more. Solana had invoked in him a growing curiosity about his origins. Inside his mind, fragments of broken memories were reviving, filling his mind with images he did not understand. He stared blankly at her face, slowly remembering her.
"Are you.. my sist--"
She hushed his lips with a gentle finger. "It doesn't matter at this time. What matters is this." Her eyes turn serious. "You and your Deus are in danger. There are those who fear our power, and will do anything to stop us. But, as long as your bond with her is strong, they cannot win."
"Bond?"
"Yes. A bond that connects the hearts of an Angel and the Deus. If our bond is strong enough, we can speak to our Deuses through dreams. I have not done so with Youkou-sama, but I see you have with your Deus." She closed her eyes thoughtfully, and spoke in a gentle, serene whisper.
"Apollo, do you love Sayoko?"
The Angel froze in confusion. "Love?" he asked, unfamiliar with the term. Solana laughed heartily."Don't worry. I am sure you will know what it means to love someday."
The Angel released her embrace and fluttered away, disappearing in the dark void.
"Remember, an ArchAngel's power stems from his bond with the Deus. The day your bond is strongest is the day you can unlock your true power."
"ArchAngels? Give me a break! You think I'm dumb enough to fall for that legend?!" Youkou snapped tartly. Akiko fired back. "It's not dumb! You admit that strange stuff started happening to you when you got Solana, and that she acts on her own in battles. The same goes for Apollo. What other explanation could there be?"
"Yeah, right. If Solana was really an ArchAngel, don't you think I'd notice her walking or talking? And if both of them are ArchAngels, why hasn't Solana gone berserk on any of her opponents like Apollo has?"
"...I don't know! Maybe she does move on her own, but doesn't let you see her. And just because they're ArchAngels doesn't mean they act the same. They have different personalities. Maybe Solana is not as aggressive as Apollo."
"Do you really believe this crap?" Youkou exclaimed incredulously. "Artificial Intelligences? Alpha Prototypes? Are you a moron or what?! You think just 'coz our Angels do freaky stuff they're suddenly so-called cybernetic lifeforms? Pa-lease!" Youkou slung her back sack over her shoulders, Solana shoved inside. "Listen, that Fukachi guy that gave me Solana called her an advanced Angel, just like Apollo. Maybe that's what Advanced Angels do. In any case, you guys have been watching way too much anime." She sent them an airy wave as she strolled off. "Later."
A frustrated scowl edged on Akiko's face. "What a jerk.." the dark-haired girl growled. "With that attitude it's a wonder if she has any friends. Come on Sayoko. Solana's probably not an ArchAngel anyway."
Sayoko nodded, and the two girls headed for home. But inside, an uncontrollable knot of worry tightened in her chest. "I wonder..." she murmured, throwing a quick glance to Apollo. The Angel slept peacefully on her shoulder. She frowned slightly. "I wonder if Youkou is afraid of her Angel like I am..."
(\____/) (\____/) (\____/)
(=^.^=) (=^.^=) (=^.^=)
(")___(") (")___(") (")___(")
For anyone who cares, my birthday's January 25. Yep, GoddessUrd1 hits the big 1-8 in a few days.
Don't ask about the bunnies.
Thank you for reviewing and enjoy.
Chapter 9:
Love and Fear
-----------------
Youkou wore her usual garb: black shirt, baggy camouflage pants, heavy boots, with a spiked collar and chains. Like always, she dyed her hair to match her emotions -- a fiery red, and like always she stood out in the crowd. It didn't take long for rumors to spread, but Youkou didn't care. All she cared about was winning the Nationals, and proving to the world how strong she really was.
"Suggoi!" a tiny voice shouted. Youkou turned around; two young children stood behind her.
"Is that Solana? Is it true she's never been hurt in a battle?" asked one. Another one chimed in. "I love how graceful and sweet she is. I bet you're proud to have an Angel like her."
Youkou sneered at the kids. Pride? She felt no pride in Solana. All Youkou felt was disgust and frustration. In fact, she despised her. The redhead was thrilled to have her at first, when a mysterious man, Kumori Fukachi, had presented Solana as a gift. But that soon changed. Solana never fought, she danced. She ignored her Deus' commands, preferring to play with her tambourine rather than attack. Youkou's beaten her, cursed at her, even threw her away, but Solana still refused to battle. She should have never believed Fukachi.
That liar, Youkou hissed as she signed herself in for her next battle. "Advanced Angel" by butt. All this crappy doll can do is prance like a wuss. If she'd just fight, just once....
"Namida Youkou, Namida Youkou," an announcer called. "Please return to the stadium for the Third Battle. Namida Youkou, Namida Youkou."
"Finally! Time for some action." She plucked Solana from her book bag and stared hard at the Angel. "You better fight this time, or it's back to the garbage can. You hear me?"
The Angel nodded fearfully. Youkou snorted, flung her bag over her shoulder, and headed for the Arena.
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
Sayoko waited patiently in the waiting room with Apollo, then jumped up as Akiko rushed toward her.
"Congratulations!" Sayoko cheered, slapping a high five. Akiko smiled brightly.
"Well, it was tough, but The Noble Arrow always shines through." She gave her friend a coy glance. "You didn't doubt us, did you Sayoko-chan?"
Akikaze, or as fans called her "The Noble Arrow", perched on Akiko's shoulder. The green-eyed, brown haired Angel wore a verdant shirt, skirt, and boots, with a brown long-sleeved shirt and stockings underneath. Her bow and arrow slung over her shoulder.
"Are we going to see Tamomo now?" Sayoko asked as they locked arms and headed for the exit.
"Nope," Akiko winked secretly. "We're going to visit the Deus of that Apollo-lookalike you were ogling at last week."
"You mean the Solana Angel? But Why?"
"Oh come on, Sayoko! You know why," She covered Sayoko's ear and whispered in excited tones, "She could be the next ArchAngel! I mean, if you and Namida-san team up, you two could find out some cool secret about them, or make them do whatever you want. Wouldn't that be awesome?"
Sayoko smiled shyly. With the pressure of the Regionals and now the Nationals looming over, she nearly forgot about the ArchAngel legend.
"But Apollo's not an ArchAngel.. I know he acts weird sometimes, and odd stuff starts happening, but he's still a normal Angel."
"Aww, you're no fun!" Akiko pouted teasingly. "But let's check it out anyway. I mean, it wouldn't hurt, right?"
As the girls chatted away, an uneasy tension grew in Apollo's body. He disliked Akiko. She was too curious. From day one the girl had pursued his forgotten past, a past he wanted to protect from Sayoko. He scowled irritably at his Deus' friend, eyes flicked with blood red. If Akiko kept up this search, he may need to get rid of her.
(\__/)
(=;.;=)
(")_(")
Daemon kinked up an eyebrow. "You met Beta?"
"Hai. It has a new Deus now. But it hasn't activated any special abilities yet." Raven narrowed suspicious eyes at partner. "You don't look surprised."
The spiky-haired man stepped out of the thick shadows, dressed not in his usual black attire, but in some casual slacks and a T-shirt. He peered over the balcony overlooking the hustling crowd below. "Should I be?"
"It was in your custody. How could you let it escape? Have you forgotten our mission?" Irritation crept in her voice. For as long as they worked together, Daemon never took his assignments seriously, always approaching it with a lighthearted and careless attitude. The two were complete opposites: Raven, cold and straightforward; and Daemon, coy and flirtatious, and despite their differences they succeeded in every mission. This one, however, was the only one that affected them personally.
Daemon rolled his eyes. "Oh yes, our all-important mission. 'Capture the Alpha Prototype for scientific examination. Destroy if target is unattainable.'" He sauntered over to her with a sly smile. "I know our objective. Trust me, I've got everything under control. If my plan works, Alpha will come to us. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a battle to practice for."
Raven glanced at Daemon's side as he walked by. "This isn't a game. Beta is no threat, but Alpha's already awakening his power. If he fully revives--"
"The Earth will stop spinning. Apocalypse will come. Doom to us all. Yes, yes, we've been over this before." He waved his hands in exasperation. "I know what I'm doing. Honestly, Kuroi, do you not trust me?"
The black-eyed spy followed her partner exit the balcony. A small smirk twitched her lips. "Trust you?" Kuroi snickered to herself, then retreated to the black shadows. "Trust you, Fukachi? I wouldn't trust you with my life."
(\___/)
(=~.~=)
(")__(")
"An interesting match we have next! Light-speed Suzuka, with Deus Kobayashi Hatoko, versus Sunshine Solana, Angel of Compassion, with Deus Namida Youkou. Can this rookie compete with Suzuka's swift speed on the Flying Fortress? Entry Angel!"
Hatoko tossed Suzuka in. "Go faster than lightning and sound, Suzuka! Angel Fall in!" The blue-haired ninja tumbled into the Layer, a castle on a floating chunk of rock, poised with hands on hips. Hatoko fans, with colorful banners, cheered her name from the crowd.
"Bring forth the sun! Shine your rays upon this dark world, Solana! Angel, Fall in!" Solana burst from Youkou's hand and purled magnificently into the Layer. She courtesied to her opponent and Deus, then blew happy kisses to the crowd.
"Angelic Fight!"
Suzuka was too fast. She bolted and unleashed a might kick to Solana's stomach, knocking her to the far end of the castle. Solana wobbled to her feet, tambourine in hand. Youkou blinked, and in the split-second Suzuka dashed forth, sprung into a somersault, and hurled a massive blow to her chest. Solana blocked it with her drum, but still suffered damage. She leaped up and landed on the palace's tower to maintain distance.
Damn, she's too fast, Youkou thought. I can't attack directly if she's on the offensive. I have to slow her down somehow.
Suzuka suddenly disappeared. Solana looked about fretfully. In a blur, the ninja appeared behind her, and struck her back with a fury of kicks. The golden haired Angel fell to the dirt. Youkou's icy blue eyes narrowed. Suzuka had wiped Solana's attack, defense, and speed to a near minimal, and had wrecked major damage. Another kick could end the match.
"Get up, you stinking load of crap!" Youkou screamed at her bruised Angel.
"Stop it!"
Youkou looked up and met Hatoko's reproachful glare. "You should be ashamed of yourself, treating your Angel like that." she reprimand sternly. "A Deus and her Angel are a team. They believe in each other and work together to become stronger. Don't blame her for your faults as a Deus."
Flames of fury raged in Youkou's eyes. "Don't. You. DARE talk to me like that, kisama! I'll show you who's the better Deus."
Solana painfully cracked open her eyes and turned to her Deus. She felt her. She felt Youkou's anger, her determination, her desperate will to win her words. Though she hated to fight, Solana knew it was the only way to win. A damaged Solana struggled to her feet.
Suzuka charged at lightning speed with a forward kick. Solana didn't move. But as Suzuka's boot came into range, Solana clutched her leg, flung her to the side, and slammed her into the Palace's wall. She then cartwheeled to the opposite wall some distance away. Suzuka peeled herself off and soared after her. Solana waited for the right moment, then ducked. Too fast to stop, Suzuka crashed headfirst in a pillow of dust. The cloud settled; Hatoko gasped. Suzuka's head was wedged in between the stones. Unable to move, she was defenseless against Solana's attack.
Solana backflipped in the air, thrust out her leg, and planted an annihilating blow in Suzuka's back. Suzuka's life meter dropped to zero.
"Angel out! Solana wins!"
The emerald-eyed Angel freed her opponent from the wall, then picked her up and presented her to Hatoko. Hatoko stared at her curiously. "Arigatou." She took the defeated Suzuka from her.
"Awww, did I break your lil' Angel, Hatoko-chan?" Youkou teased with a smug smile. Solana leaped up and landed on her shoulder. Youkou knelt down and bore cruel eyes at the smaller Hatoko. "Angels are not partners. They are toys. I will treat my toy the way I want to, and I don't care what you or any other losers have to say." She straightened up. "Now, get out of my way, before I crush you like your wimpy Suzuka." With those harsh words, an arrogant Youkou shoved Hatoko to the side and left the Arena.
(\___/)
(=^.~=)
(")__(")
"What a frightening girl!" Ogata commented in the control room. "She's an amazing Deus though. Not many Deuses can turn Suzuka's speed against her."
Icchan studied the battle clips on the monitors, then froze in the middle of a scene. It was as he expected; the moment Solana launched her attack, Youkou appeared utterly shocked. Beta was acting on her own, he thought, rubbing his chin in contemplation. And she's growing in strength. It's only a matter of time before both she and Alpha are out of control.
(\___/)
(=o.O=)
(")__(")
"Youkou-san.." a cheery voice spoke up. Youkou glanced to her left, her colbalt eyes fell on a familar girl, the winner of today's Second Match. Her mahogany hair toppled over her shoulders to her back, light hazel eyes radiating like jewels. Youkou felt a twitch of jealousy at the girl's beauty.
"Yamamoto Aki-something, right?" the redhead asked. She nodded. "Just call me Akiko. Congrats on your battle. Em..Do you mind if we take a look at your Angel?"
"We?" Youkou titled her head. Behind Akiko, a shy brunette peeked her head out. "Ko-konnichi wa, Youkou-san," her voice quivered nervously. Youkou squinted her eyes, as if recalling a memory, then bolted to her feet. "I know you! You're that 'Psycho Nerd' from Piffle Princess, Omura Sayoko! You went insane and destroyed Suzumu's Angel."
Sayoko, ashamed, stared down at her shuffling feet and said nothing. Akiko boldly stepped in front.
"Hey! Don't blame it on her. She couldn't stop Apollo from tearing Cathleen apart. He had a glitch and--"
"Blaming her? What are you talking about! That fight kicked ass!" Youkou exclaimed with a gleam of excitement. Both girls gaped at her in shock and dismay. Sayoko stepped forth.
"You.. enjoyed that?" The pigtailed girl asked, her face in stupendous wonder. Youkou laughed wildly. "Of course, I enjoyed that! That was the best fight I've ever seen! Man, I wished I had an Angel like yours. I'd destroy every opponent I fought. Arashi, Suzuka, all of them. I'd be the National Champion in no time."
Meanwhile, as Apollo listened in on their conversation, a quiet, soothing voice reached into the depths of his mind. Close your eyes...it whispered. His eyes snapped up, confused. Solana had locked her gaze on him, urging him silently with her glowing eyes. Please, I need to speak with you. She closed her eyes. Apollo hesitated, then he too closed his eyes.
"Now awaken."
Emerald eyes fluttered open. In the surreal, dark void, Solana glistened before him, her wings outstretched, shimmering like a ray of sunlight. She came forward and grazed his face with her hands.
"Alpha..." Tears spilled down her cheeks. "Alpha, you're alive.." she swept him up in a loving embrace, weeping against his chest. Apollo stiffened, embarrassed and uneasy.
"I am not Alpha..." he said with a mild blush. Solana paused, then drew herself away and searched deep into his eyes. "You are..." her voice faded, another wave of tears gushed forth. Her finger lightly touched his lips. "You don't remember, do you? You don't remember me, or Gamma, or Delta, or even Michiko-sensei?"
Before he could respond, the golden-haired Angel slipped her hands down and entwined their fingers. She rested her forehead against his. "I understand. Our Creators wiped your memories away to protect you. I suppose our past is better left unsaid."
Apollo remained silent, groping for the right words. He wanted to know more. Solana had invoked in him a growing curiosity about his origins. Inside his mind, fragments of broken memories were reviving, filling his mind with images he did not understand. He stared blankly at her face, slowly remembering her.
"Are you.. my sist--"
She hushed his lips with a gentle finger. "It doesn't matter at this time. What matters is this." Her eyes turn serious. "You and your Deus are in danger. There are those who fear our power, and will do anything to stop us. But, as long as your bond with her is strong, they cannot win."
"Bond?"
"Yes. A bond that connects the hearts of an Angel and the Deus. If our bond is strong enough, we can speak to our Deuses through dreams. I have not done so with Youkou-sama, but I see you have with your Deus." She closed her eyes thoughtfully, and spoke in a gentle, serene whisper.
"Apollo, do you love Sayoko?"
The Angel froze in confusion. "Love?" he asked, unfamiliar with the term. Solana laughed heartily."Don't worry. I am sure you will know what it means to love someday."
The Angel released her embrace and fluttered away, disappearing in the dark void.
"Remember, an ArchAngel's power stems from his bond with the Deus. The day your bond is strongest is the day you can unlock your true power."
"ArchAngels? Give me a break! You think I'm dumb enough to fall for that legend?!" Youkou snapped tartly. Akiko fired back. "It's not dumb! You admit that strange stuff started happening to you when you got Solana, and that she acts on her own in battles. The same goes for Apollo. What other explanation could there be?"
"Yeah, right. If Solana was really an ArchAngel, don't you think I'd notice her walking or talking? And if both of them are ArchAngels, why hasn't Solana gone berserk on any of her opponents like Apollo has?"
"...I don't know! Maybe she does move on her own, but doesn't let you see her. And just because they're ArchAngels doesn't mean they act the same. They have different personalities. Maybe Solana is not as aggressive as Apollo."
"Do you really believe this crap?" Youkou exclaimed incredulously. "Artificial Intelligences? Alpha Prototypes? Are you a moron or what?! You think just 'coz our Angels do freaky stuff they're suddenly so-called cybernetic lifeforms? Pa-lease!" Youkou slung her back sack over her shoulders, Solana shoved inside. "Listen, that Fukachi guy that gave me Solana called her an advanced Angel, just like Apollo. Maybe that's what Advanced Angels do. In any case, you guys have been watching way too much anime." She sent them an airy wave as she strolled off. "Later."
A frustrated scowl edged on Akiko's face. "What a jerk.." the dark-haired girl growled. "With that attitude it's a wonder if she has any friends. Come on Sayoko. Solana's probably not an ArchAngel anyway."
Sayoko nodded, and the two girls headed for home. But inside, an uncontrollable knot of worry tightened in her chest. "I wonder..." she murmured, throwing a quick glance to Apollo. The Angel slept peacefully on her shoulder. She frowned slightly. "I wonder if Youkou is afraid of her Angel like I am..."
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