I'm trying to read Project ArchAngels from start to finish but, honestly, there are chapters so long and boring even I couldn't read it y.y. If anyone finds anything inconsistent or unexplained, please tell me. When I end this fic I want to tie all loose ends.
Some stuff I have to explain:
1] In this Angelic Layer fic, weapons can be used in battle. I mentioned this in Chap 3, but this is just to remind you.
2] I did a dumb thing. I wrote that in the Nationals Deuses battle in the special interactive Layers. But in the original AL., those Layers were used for the Finals...so.. I have to think of something special for the Finals... maybe a tag team match...
3] Solana's entry phrase is too long. I'm going to cut it down to either "Bring Forth the sun," or Shine your rays upon this dark world," or "Shine your rays" or... well, you get it.
Jamfase: I don't think my fic is all that good either. I don't even like rereading it, I keep thinking "What IS this crap?!", but apparently people like it ^_^. I've decided not to worry about the Layer ideas. They'll come to me, sooner or later. And if they don't, oh well. This story focuses more on plot then on battles.
Little Rabbit f/LRPLI : Thank you! Yes, some of the bunnies were fat, but the chunkier the better!
The Insane Otaku AKA Caterfree: I've never made anyone speechless before. One of goals for this fic was to make my readers go "What?", "Oh my god!", and "WHOA!" But speechless is good too. And if you want excitement, you'll wuv this chapter.
Chibi Mi-chan: Don' wurry. I don' mynd abbrv. Az lung az it's reedable, I'm cul wit it. 4 da Jewel of the Sahara, eet'll take mee a wuile to rite, siince I ahve to research Suth Afrikan coolture az well az others. Thanx 4 de compleements and eenjoy.
Senagirl: Thank you! I never thought this fic was original, but I guess I'm wrong. Enjoy this next installment.
Lady Sage: You noticed that too? Characterization and ending of scenes are my biggest challenges, especially for Michiru. I deleted most of her scenes, and she's such a hard character to portray. I'll do my best though, and thank you.
Destiny Goddess:Thank you! Besides chapter 8, most of my chaps are incredibly long, unlike yours which is both descriptive and concise [I'm jealous -_-]. But I'll trim them down.
Warning: If you didn't like what Apollo did to Tamomo in chap 7, ya may not like this chap...
Chapter 11:
Friendship
-----------------------
Here we go, Akikaze, Akiko thought as she rose to the Layer. We're going to beat Tamo-chan this year. We'll show him that age doesn't matter here. And... this time.. I'll tell him I like him..
"Daijoubu ka?" Tamomo asked from the opposite side. Akiko snapped from her thoughts, blushing. "Em...! Yep, I'm fine! But you won't be..." She blew out her tongue, "After I wipe the floor with you."
The black-haired boy laughed. "We'll see, Akiko-chan. We'll see."
()*()*()
Back in the stands, a grinning Apollo sat on Sayoko's lap, red eyes staring menacingly at the Deuses. They tried to separate him for Sayoko; filling her mind with doubts about his past. Today, he would get his revenge.
()*()*()
A mountain valley materialized on the Layer, flourishing with trees, grass, and a sparkling river. It suddenly darkened; the moon hung in the distance. The only thing visible now was the rushing waters.
"Who will win in a Layer of pitch darkness?" shouted the announcer. "Entry Angel!"
"Akikaze, let the autumn wind guide your arrows! Angel Fall in!"
"Stars of the night, burn bright for Twilight! Angel Fall!"
The Angels dove into the black shadows. Dressed in a raven-colored fairy costume, Twilight blended with the darkness. The Archeress Akikaze stood in the moonlight and took a defensive stance.
"Angelic Fight!"
Flash. Damage to the left arm. Flash. A blow to the chest. Flash. A kick to the stomach flung Akikaze to the ground.
Attacked already?! Akiko gasped. But how can he see me?... Crap! It's the moonlight. I have to get out.
Akikaze stumbled to her feet. Another flash. The brown-haired Angel fell back into the white streak of light. Twilight continued to pummel her with invisible kicks, hindering her from escaping the moon's rays. It was then that Akiko noticed it: When Tamomo's Angel attacked, her silver Angel Cord gleamed, causing the oncoming flash. Aha! Akiko urged Akikaze to stand. When Twilight streaked toward her, Akikaze grabbed hold of the Cord and swung her to the earth. Twilight leaped up with a right punch; Akikaze ducked and flung both of them out of the moonlight.
Now neither of us can see, Akiko smirked. But something was wrong. Akikaze was still registering damage. In the darkness, Akiko could make out her tall frame quaking from the blows.
He's still attacking me! But, how? Akiko swung her head at Tamomo. The older boy had closed his eyes, listening attentively with perked ears. He's listening to her footsteps!? Well, two can play at that game. Akiko locked her eyes shut. Alright. Twilight's a powertype, so her steps should be louder than Akikaze's. She heard the soft crinkling of grass under Twilight's feet, coming closer. Right Foot. Left Foot. Right Foot. Left Foot. He's right behind me! Akikaze unleashed a wild kick behind her. Akiko heard a thud on the ground; her damage points went up. Twilight was hit. The powertype Angel rose from the dirt and ran off to the edge of the field.
What is he up to? Akiko asked, paying close attention to the sounds. Twilight halted, then her feet moved in a rapid procession. Right Foot. Pause. Left Foot. Pause. She was dashing toward Akikaze in wide leaps. Right Foot. Pause. Left Foot. Pause. Right Foot. Pause. Pause. Pause...
She's no longer running.. She's in the air! Akiko's hazel eyes flashed open; Twilight was flying high above her opponent, about to launch the final attack. Akikaze whipped out her quiver. Akikaze, now! The Archeress let lose a sparkling arrow, which streaked through Twilight's chest. The black-haired Angel stiffened, then fell into the river with a splash. Her HP dropped to zero.
"Angel out! Akikaze wins!"
Apollo's eyes flared bright red. It was time. From the ceiling, thick wires pulsated with electricity.
"Good fight, Akiko-chan." Tamomo shook her hand. "I see the student has learned more than the teacher."
Like hissing snakes, the electrified wires slithered above the egg seats, preparing to attack.
"Thank you, sensei," Akiko giggled. She then turned to him with a nervous face. "But.. I have to tell you something."
"What is it?"
The wires lashed out from the metal beams.
"I..I love--" One of the wires latched on her shoulder, bolting a shockwave through her body. A horrific, blood curdling scream escaped Akiko's lips. Another wire coiled around Tamomo's neck, and he too cried out in excruciating agony. The audience gasped in terror. Apollo merely smirked.
Finally, the screams stopped. A lifeless Akiko fell from her chair to the hard ground, her head banging the Layer's edge. Tamomo's body collapsed in a heap. There was steam rising from his skin.
In a loud uproar the shocked crowd surged toward the Layer. Sayoko pushed through the noisy throng of spectators, froze, and screamed at the sight of her best friend.
There Akiko lied, soaking in a pool of blood.
-----------------------
Talk about freaky, Youkou thought as she glided on her skateboard. She had witnessed the tragedy at the Arena that afternoon, but couldn't shake off the shock. Even Solana looked unusually frightened. And that Psycho Nerd, Sayoko, she was crying all over the place. Wouldn't blame her, with her friend getting zapped and all. I wonder if they're all righ-- She cut herself short, shoving the thought from her mind. Screw her! Why the hell am I getting all sympathetic?! It was a good thing; now I have two less Deuses to worry about.
"Oh my! Something seems to be troubling my little lady," a voice mused above her. Youkou's lips twisted into a vile sneer. "Fukachi."
Kumori Fukachi, otherwise known as Daemon, leaped from a thickly leafed tree. He feigned surprise. "What? No hugs? No kisses? After all I've done for you, Youkou-chan?"
"Oh, I'll give you something alright." Youkou hurled Solana to his face. "Here's that craptacular Angel you gave me! It's no Advanced Angel. It's a piece of shi--"
"I would love to stay here and chat, but I must fly. However," he gazed at her with amused, almost taunting eyes. "I've come to ask a favor of you."
"Favor?"
"Why yes. You didn't think I'd give you an Angel without anything in return?" He picked a bruised Solana from the pavement. "I see this Advanced Angel is not of your taste. But what if there's another Angel you might have interest in? One that is powerful and shares your thirst for battle? I am sure you know which one I speak of."
Youkou squinted suspicious eyes. "You mean Apollo, right?"
"You are a quick one, aren't you? Though I have someone on the job, you may be of assistance. I'll give you a proposition, dearest: You steal Apollo from Sayoko and give him to me, and I'll let you have him when I'm done. Simple, yes?"
"Hmmm..." Youkou folded her arms thoughtful. The idea intrigued her. "Well, she does look kinda naive.I could rip her off in no time."
"And Apollo is the type of fighter you've always wanted." He handed her her Angel. "So, what is your answer?"
Just as she opened her mouth, a frightened voice echoed in Youkou's mind. No, Don't! Youkou froze, looking around in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Fukachi asked. Youkou shook her head, "Well, I thought I heard.." Please, don't listen to him! The voice shouted again. Youkou looked down and met Solana's intense stare. Don't give Alpha over to him, Angel urged mentally. Youkou's eyes shot up. What the... Is this doll talking to me?!
He noticed her confusion. "I see you need some time to decide." Fukachi tucked Solana in her pocket. "The plan is simple: Get into Sayoko's good graces and pretend to be her friend. Then, when she least expects it; capture him. Apollo will be all yours." He bowed humbly, clicked on his heels, and walked off. "I expect an answer in a week, love. Do not disappoint me."
-----------------------
"Sayoko-sama, what is wrong? You seem troubled."
Sayoko sniffed. "Didn't you see what happened today? The doctors say Tamomo might be paralyzed, and Akiko.. she .." Her voice whimpered away.
Apollo blinked, confused. "You are not happy then? Why? Should you not be glad that they are gone?
"NO! How could I? They're my friends. I could never wish them harm."
"Friends?" The Angel glided toward her on sparkling wings, his innocent face hiding something sinister, "But were they your friends?"
"Nani?
An ominous tone crept into Apollo's voice. "You told me that friends protect each other. Friends trust and care for each other. But Tamomo and Akiko only caused you pain."
"But.."
"You were never accepted by them, were you?" He began to circle her, like a beast about to pounce on a helpless prey. "Tamomo was older and more intelligent. Akiko was beautiful and popular. They made you feel insecure."
"..well.."
"They forced you to do things against your will. You never wished to battle Cathleen like Akiko. Nor did you desire to pursue the ArchAngel legend, as Tamomo. But they did not care about your feelings. No one cares about your feelings, except for me."
"I.."
"But it was always like this. You were ridiculed and exploited by those posing as your friends. They made you feel worthless. You strive to be liked, but was always left alone."
"They..."
"Do you not wish to fight back? Do you not want the power to punish those who mistreated you?"
"You.."
"Sayoko, I am your only friend. I am the only one you can trust. Believe in me, and I can take away all your sorrows." He slipped his hands over her waist, pressing tender lips against her ear. "I can do anything you ask of me."
"Anything?" A dazed Sayoko whispered, mesmerized by his words. Apollo smirked, cruel and malicious. "Anything."
It was an intoxicating offer. All the power to do anything she wanted, right at her finger tips. Though it was just a dream, Sayoko was compelled to take the chance.
She heaved a deep sigh.
"I want.." she turned to him, anger and determination brewing in her face. "I want to be the next Angelic Layer champion. I want to defeat Suzuhara and humiliate her like she did to us. I want to be as popular as her, and respected like her.. and.." She lowered painful brown eyes. "I.. just want to be like her."
A strange sadness welled in Apollo's eyes. He hugged her tightly. "I like you the way you are."
"I know, but.. Suzuhara has everything. She has friends, and a fan club and she's National Championship.. I.. I just hate her!"
"Then Suzuhara must suffer." He raised her head to meet his determined eyes. "I will help you defeat her. We will win all our battles and hurt anyone in our way." He winked at her with a thumbs up. "Sayoko, We are Gonna Win."
She smiled. "You'd do that for me?"
"Yes," The Angel returned a serene smile. "That is what friends do."
Some stuff I have to explain:
1] In this Angelic Layer fic, weapons can be used in battle. I mentioned this in Chap 3, but this is just to remind you.
2] I did a dumb thing. I wrote that in the Nationals Deuses battle in the special interactive Layers. But in the original AL., those Layers were used for the Finals...so.. I have to think of something special for the Finals... maybe a tag team match...
3] Solana's entry phrase is too long. I'm going to cut it down to either "Bring Forth the sun," or Shine your rays upon this dark world," or "Shine your rays" or... well, you get it.
Jamfase: I don't think my fic is all that good either. I don't even like rereading it, I keep thinking "What IS this crap?!", but apparently people like it ^_^. I've decided not to worry about the Layer ideas. They'll come to me, sooner or later. And if they don't, oh well. This story focuses more on plot then on battles.
Little Rabbit f/LRPLI : Thank you! Yes, some of the bunnies were fat, but the chunkier the better!
The Insane Otaku AKA Caterfree: I've never made anyone speechless before. One of goals for this fic was to make my readers go "What?", "Oh my god!", and "WHOA!" But speechless is good too. And if you want excitement, you'll wuv this chapter.
Chibi Mi-chan: Don' wurry. I don' mynd abbrv. Az lung az it's reedable, I'm cul wit it. 4 da Jewel of the Sahara, eet'll take mee a wuile to rite, siince I ahve to research Suth Afrikan coolture az well az others. Thanx 4 de compleements and eenjoy.
Senagirl: Thank you! I never thought this fic was original, but I guess I'm wrong. Enjoy this next installment.
Lady Sage: You noticed that too? Characterization and ending of scenes are my biggest challenges, especially for Michiru. I deleted most of her scenes, and she's such a hard character to portray. I'll do my best though, and thank you.
Destiny Goddess:Thank you! Besides chapter 8, most of my chaps are incredibly long, unlike yours which is both descriptive and concise [I'm jealous -_-]. But I'll trim them down.
Warning: If you didn't like what Apollo did to Tamomo in chap 7, ya may not like this chap...
Friendship
-----------------------
Here we go, Akikaze, Akiko thought as she rose to the Layer. We're going to beat Tamo-chan this year. We'll show him that age doesn't matter here. And... this time.. I'll tell him I like him..
"Daijoubu ka?" Tamomo asked from the opposite side. Akiko snapped from her thoughts, blushing. "Em...! Yep, I'm fine! But you won't be..." She blew out her tongue, "After I wipe the floor with you."
The black-haired boy laughed. "We'll see, Akiko-chan. We'll see."
()*()*()
Back in the stands, a grinning Apollo sat on Sayoko's lap, red eyes staring menacingly at the Deuses. They tried to separate him for Sayoko; filling her mind with doubts about his past. Today, he would get his revenge.
()*()*()
A mountain valley materialized on the Layer, flourishing with trees, grass, and a sparkling river. It suddenly darkened; the moon hung in the distance. The only thing visible now was the rushing waters.
"Who will win in a Layer of pitch darkness?" shouted the announcer. "Entry Angel!"
"Akikaze, let the autumn wind guide your arrows! Angel Fall in!"
"Stars of the night, burn bright for Twilight! Angel Fall!"
The Angels dove into the black shadows. Dressed in a raven-colored fairy costume, Twilight blended with the darkness. The Archeress Akikaze stood in the moonlight and took a defensive stance.
"Angelic Fight!"
Flash. Damage to the left arm. Flash. A blow to the chest. Flash. A kick to the stomach flung Akikaze to the ground.
Attacked already?! Akiko gasped. But how can he see me?... Crap! It's the moonlight. I have to get out.
Akikaze stumbled to her feet. Another flash. The brown-haired Angel fell back into the white streak of light. Twilight continued to pummel her with invisible kicks, hindering her from escaping the moon's rays. It was then that Akiko noticed it: When Tamomo's Angel attacked, her silver Angel Cord gleamed, causing the oncoming flash. Aha! Akiko urged Akikaze to stand. When Twilight streaked toward her, Akikaze grabbed hold of the Cord and swung her to the earth. Twilight leaped up with a right punch; Akikaze ducked and flung both of them out of the moonlight.
Now neither of us can see, Akiko smirked. But something was wrong. Akikaze was still registering damage. In the darkness, Akiko could make out her tall frame quaking from the blows.
He's still attacking me! But, how? Akiko swung her head at Tamomo. The older boy had closed his eyes, listening attentively with perked ears. He's listening to her footsteps!? Well, two can play at that game. Akiko locked her eyes shut. Alright. Twilight's a powertype, so her steps should be louder than Akikaze's. She heard the soft crinkling of grass under Twilight's feet, coming closer. Right Foot. Left Foot. Right Foot. Left Foot. He's right behind me! Akikaze unleashed a wild kick behind her. Akiko heard a thud on the ground; her damage points went up. Twilight was hit. The powertype Angel rose from the dirt and ran off to the edge of the field.
What is he up to? Akiko asked, paying close attention to the sounds. Twilight halted, then her feet moved in a rapid procession. Right Foot. Pause. Left Foot. Pause. She was dashing toward Akikaze in wide leaps. Right Foot. Pause. Left Foot. Pause. Right Foot. Pause. Pause. Pause...
She's no longer running.. She's in the air! Akiko's hazel eyes flashed open; Twilight was flying high above her opponent, about to launch the final attack. Akikaze whipped out her quiver. Akikaze, now! The Archeress let lose a sparkling arrow, which streaked through Twilight's chest. The black-haired Angel stiffened, then fell into the river with a splash. Her HP dropped to zero.
"Angel out! Akikaze wins!"
Apollo's eyes flared bright red. It was time. From the ceiling, thick wires pulsated with electricity.
"Good fight, Akiko-chan." Tamomo shook her hand. "I see the student has learned more than the teacher."
Like hissing snakes, the electrified wires slithered above the egg seats, preparing to attack.
"Thank you, sensei," Akiko giggled. She then turned to him with a nervous face. "But.. I have to tell you something."
"What is it?"
The wires lashed out from the metal beams.
"I..I love--" One of the wires latched on her shoulder, bolting a shockwave through her body. A horrific, blood curdling scream escaped Akiko's lips. Another wire coiled around Tamomo's neck, and he too cried out in excruciating agony. The audience gasped in terror. Apollo merely smirked.
Finally, the screams stopped. A lifeless Akiko fell from her chair to the hard ground, her head banging the Layer's edge. Tamomo's body collapsed in a heap. There was steam rising from his skin.
In a loud uproar the shocked crowd surged toward the Layer. Sayoko pushed through the noisy throng of spectators, froze, and screamed at the sight of her best friend.
There Akiko lied, soaking in a pool of blood.
-----------------------
Talk about freaky, Youkou thought as she glided on her skateboard. She had witnessed the tragedy at the Arena that afternoon, but couldn't shake off the shock. Even Solana looked unusually frightened. And that Psycho Nerd, Sayoko, she was crying all over the place. Wouldn't blame her, with her friend getting zapped and all. I wonder if they're all righ-- She cut herself short, shoving the thought from her mind. Screw her! Why the hell am I getting all sympathetic?! It was a good thing; now I have two less Deuses to worry about.
"Oh my! Something seems to be troubling my little lady," a voice mused above her. Youkou's lips twisted into a vile sneer. "Fukachi."
Kumori Fukachi, otherwise known as Daemon, leaped from a thickly leafed tree. He feigned surprise. "What? No hugs? No kisses? After all I've done for you, Youkou-chan?"
"Oh, I'll give you something alright." Youkou hurled Solana to his face. "Here's that craptacular Angel you gave me! It's no Advanced Angel. It's a piece of shi--"
"I would love to stay here and chat, but I must fly. However," he gazed at her with amused, almost taunting eyes. "I've come to ask a favor of you."
"Favor?"
"Why yes. You didn't think I'd give you an Angel without anything in return?" He picked a bruised Solana from the pavement. "I see this Advanced Angel is not of your taste. But what if there's another Angel you might have interest in? One that is powerful and shares your thirst for battle? I am sure you know which one I speak of."
Youkou squinted suspicious eyes. "You mean Apollo, right?"
"You are a quick one, aren't you? Though I have someone on the job, you may be of assistance. I'll give you a proposition, dearest: You steal Apollo from Sayoko and give him to me, and I'll let you have him when I'm done. Simple, yes?"
"Hmmm..." Youkou folded her arms thoughtful. The idea intrigued her. "Well, she does look kinda naive.I could rip her off in no time."
"And Apollo is the type of fighter you've always wanted." He handed her her Angel. "So, what is your answer?"
Just as she opened her mouth, a frightened voice echoed in Youkou's mind. No, Don't! Youkou froze, looking around in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Fukachi asked. Youkou shook her head, "Well, I thought I heard.." Please, don't listen to him! The voice shouted again. Youkou looked down and met Solana's intense stare. Don't give Alpha over to him, Angel urged mentally. Youkou's eyes shot up. What the... Is this doll talking to me?!
He noticed her confusion. "I see you need some time to decide." Fukachi tucked Solana in her pocket. "The plan is simple: Get into Sayoko's good graces and pretend to be her friend. Then, when she least expects it; capture him. Apollo will be all yours." He bowed humbly, clicked on his heels, and walked off. "I expect an answer in a week, love. Do not disappoint me."
"Sayoko-sama, what is wrong? You seem troubled."
Sayoko sniffed. "Didn't you see what happened today? The doctors say Tamomo might be paralyzed, and Akiko.. she .." Her voice whimpered away.
Apollo blinked, confused. "You are not happy then? Why? Should you not be glad that they are gone?
"NO! How could I? They're my friends. I could never wish them harm."
"Friends?" The Angel glided toward her on sparkling wings, his innocent face hiding something sinister, "But were they your friends?"
"Nani?
An ominous tone crept into Apollo's voice. "You told me that friends protect each other. Friends trust and care for each other. But Tamomo and Akiko only caused you pain."
"But.."
"You were never accepted by them, were you?" He began to circle her, like a beast about to pounce on a helpless prey. "Tamomo was older and more intelligent. Akiko was beautiful and popular. They made you feel insecure."
"..well.."
"They forced you to do things against your will. You never wished to battle Cathleen like Akiko. Nor did you desire to pursue the ArchAngel legend, as Tamomo. But they did not care about your feelings. No one cares about your feelings, except for me."
"I.."
"But it was always like this. You were ridiculed and exploited by those posing as your friends. They made you feel worthless. You strive to be liked, but was always left alone."
"They..."
"Do you not wish to fight back? Do you not want the power to punish those who mistreated you?"
"You.."
"Sayoko, I am your only friend. I am the only one you can trust. Believe in me, and I can take away all your sorrows." He slipped his hands over her waist, pressing tender lips against her ear. "I can do anything you ask of me."
"Anything?" A dazed Sayoko whispered, mesmerized by his words. Apollo smirked, cruel and malicious. "Anything."
It was an intoxicating offer. All the power to do anything she wanted, right at her finger tips. Though it was just a dream, Sayoko was compelled to take the chance.
She heaved a deep sigh.
"I want.." she turned to him, anger and determination brewing in her face. "I want to be the next Angelic Layer champion. I want to defeat Suzuhara and humiliate her like she did to us. I want to be as popular as her, and respected like her.. and.." She lowered painful brown eyes. "I.. just want to be like her."
A strange sadness welled in Apollo's eyes. He hugged her tightly. "I like you the way you are."
"I know, but.. Suzuhara has everything. She has friends, and a fan club and she's National Championship.. I.. I just hate her!"
"Then Suzuhara must suffer." He raised her head to meet his determined eyes. "I will help you defeat her. We will win all our battles and hurt anyone in our way." He winked at her with a thumbs up. "Sayoko, We are Gonna Win."
She smiled. "You'd do that for me?"
"Yes," The Angel returned a serene smile. "That is what friends do."