* crawls out from under piles of schoolwork and chores * Hiya, minna-san! I
hope everybody's alive and well. But I gotta say GOMENASAIIII!!! I know I
haven't updated for a long time, and I apologize for making you wait; I had
lots of schoolwork (still do!) and I also had writers block. But that's all
over now!!! I've updated and it's much longer than any of my other
chapters, I think... Anyway, on to the thank-yous, and there's quite a few of
them considering its been like four months since I updated. Here goes:
JAMFASE: Hey, girl! Thanks a lot, but isn't staying up that late bad for you? * tries to look innocent and fails miserably * And yes, I purposely wrote Ryoko's character to be like Icchan's... you'll find out why soon enough! And is this soon enough for you? * cackles evilly * Yup, gotta love being crazy!!!
LI'AIN: Well, thank you very much! I try with the entry lines, although I think the entry lines in this one might not be that good... * sweatdrops * And also, thanks for pointing the whole 'celestial angel' thing out; I just like that word, that's all. I know you didn't mean to offend. * smiles *
LITTLE RABBIT F/LRPLI: Haruka-chan!!! * huggles * Yay! You AND Rillion reviewed! I'm so happy! I hope so too. * grins *
SANA JISUSHI: Thanks Jill!!! And I will be reading/ reviewing your story as soon as I finish here, okay? Ryoko is a riot, isn't she? Hmm... I don't think Camden Weiss is an actress... I've never heard of her if she is...
DR. THINKER: I will!!! * beams *
RYUU NO FURUI YAMI: Another new reviewer!!! Yay!! * huggles * Yes, there will be guy dei, three of them actually, but all that happens after the tournament... does this mean you'll keep reading to find out? I hope you do!!! Thanks for the review!!! And what does your name mean? * blinks *
THE INSANE OTAKU AKA CATERFREE: Aww, thank you!!! Madison and Tia appreciate the support and I'm sure they'll do their best, but remember, there can only be one winner, or can there be...?
MILLENIUM MUTANT: * rubs ear * Ouch... but I don't mind yelling at all! Nope, just let me get my earmuffs * pulls on fluffy earmuffs * Ah, that's better. (j/k) And I think it's great that you can relate to Ryoko. Ya know, now that I think about it, she's based loosely on my personality too, but also has lots of Icchan... see a connection anywhere? Oh, and if you need any help with your AL fic, then I can help; just ask, okay?
JASON Q: You came back!!! And you have Angelic Layer on DVD?! * looks envious * It's going to be awhile before I get that... but I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I wonder, will you like this one too? Yes, dei is the plural of deus. Isn't that something?
AIKO-CHAN0: Oh another new reviewer!!! I'm really flattered that you think so highly of my fic. I hope you enjoy this chapter too!!! Sorry about the Portugese... * huggles *
DAYDREAMER9: Thanks! And what's next? You'll have to keep reading to find out!!! And guess what? You can start now because here's a new chapter!!! Enjoy!!!
CcB: Unfortunately, I don't think this fic will be done for quite awhile yet. It's going to be three parts; next is the Euro-Challenge Arc, and then it's on to Japan. So yeah, I guess you're going to have to keep reading!!! * grins *
ANA: Kasumi-chan!!! You finally reviewed! Thank you and you come back in during this chapter. Hope you like it!!!
WINDSONG: Windy-sama!!! I'm so happy; six reviews in one day? Wai, that just makes me so giddy!!! I read all of your reviews and followed your advice, so you're welcome to check it over to be sure that it worked, although I'm glad I changed what you advised. And maybe I did mean to put in the whole "deuces/deuses" thing, but I don't believe that it was my original intention. Another Nicole fan? Boy she sure is getting popular. * laughs * Anyway, thanks for the comments, advice, compliments, etc. See you online? Hope so!
Okay, that's all for the thank yous. Again, sorry for making you all wait so long!!! I'll try not to wait so long next time okay? And since I basically wrote this chapter in a matter of hours, I apologize for any spelling, grammatical or other errors beforehand. I did read it over, but I'm so tired I might have missed a couple of things. Oh and for all of you who have been wanting to see what the Angels in this fic look like, I now have a website for all of them!!! If you want to see what I've posted so far, then click on my website link in my profile. Now for the moment you've all been waiting for... THE DISCLAIMER!!! * utter silence, then a loud BOO! *
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THE CONCEPT OF ANGELIC LAYER, ICCHAN, OGATA, OR THE ORIGINAL PIFFLE PRINCESS. I do, however, own Madison, Tia, Celeste, Sam, Heather, Ryoko, Shota, Destiny, and any other OC's and OC Angels found in this story. Please do not use them! Thank you!
And now, the Nationals get underway... sort of... * cackles evilly * I love cliffies, don't y'all? * continues cackling *
* BATTLE TEN *
With the elimination rounds over, Tia and Madison had some time to spare before the Nationals began later that afternoon.
"So, are you hungry?" Tia asked as she and Madison left the Piffle Princess arena. Madison's stomach rumbled before she could reply. There was a pause as the girls looked at each other then they spontaneously burst into giggles.
"I guess I am hungry," Madison admitted, her cheeks pink. "How about we get Chinese food? I'm so in the mood for kung pao chicken."
"Great! Let's go. I'm starved." The girls quickly found a Panda Express nearby and put in their orders before sitting down to eat.
They unwrapped their chopsticks and dug into the food. Between bites, the conversation spanned many of their common interests, until the talk turned back to the upcoming tournament.
"You nervous?" Tia looked up to see Madison's questioning gaze on her. She shook her head, making her curls bounce.
"Just a little, but not really. I just wish I knew who and when I'm supposed to be fighting," Tia answered as she picked up the carton of orange chicken and popped a piece into her mouth.
Madison frowned in thought. "Well, look at it this way," she reasoned, "the fun is in the challenge. It's more challenging if you don't know who your opponent is."
"If you like thinking on your feet."
"If being a ballerina counts, then you've got it made."
"Madison..."
The grey-eyed girl merely grinned at her friend's comment and finished off the kung pao chicken.
"Hey look at the time!" Madison exclaimed suddenly after a glance at her watch revealed that they had to get back to the Arena.
"You're lucky we're going to be late," Tia said as the girls threw away their trash and hurried out the door. "Because now I won't have to smack you."
~*^*^*~
When the girls got back to the Arena, the usher at the main door checked their cards and handed them over to a porter wearing yet another variation of the regulation winged Piffle Princess employee uniform who hustled them down a hall to the Deus Waiting Room.
As the doors automatically slid open before them, Madison and Tia met with the expectant stares of the other eight dei that were also participating in the tournament. After a brief moment, most of the other participants, who were all girls, nodded affably and went back to conversing in groups of two or meditating alone with their Angels.
Perfectly at her ease, Madison bounced through the door of the large airy and sought out a spot on one of the plump white Piffle Princess logo stamped chairs for her and Tia to sit in. But before she could get there, she was nearly bowled over by someone throwing his or her arms enthusiastically around her in a blur.
"Madison!" a familiar voice exclaimed. The grey-eyed girl struggled to see who had seized her so suddenly. When she realized who it was, she squealed loudly.
"Michi-chan! What are you doing here? I didn't know you played Angelic Layer," she exclaimed, hugging her cousin excitedly. Michelle Benjamin was Madison's younger cousin, hailing from Hawaii. Michelle was a friendly girl, tall for her age with wavy brown hair she held back with two barrettes at the sides and bright hazel eyes.
Madison didn't get to see Michelle too often, but they were nonetheless very close. For Madison not to know about Michelle being involved with Angelic Layer was a big shock. But she shook it off.
"Well, I didn't tell you when I started because I wanted to surprise you and make it to the Nationals," Michelle replied frankly, tossing back her wavy brown hair.
"You certainly did your job," Madison asserted. The girls smiled as Michelle finally remembered to greet Tia as well. Just then, a smart looking woman entered the room, motioning for quiet. The ten participants settled down and turned their attention to the executive of Piffle Princess U.S.A.
"Hello, everyone and welcome to the first round of the Nationals. I'm Natsumi Karasuma, an executive of Piffle Princess U.S.A. Congratulations on making it this far," Ms. Karasuma began, smoothing the sleeve of her tailored pinstriped suit and straightening her collar, beaming enthusiastically at the girls.
"During the Nationals, the battles will be divided into five blocks. The battles taking place today and tomorrow will be Blocks 1 & 2. During these blocks, each Deus and Angel will need to win at least one battle to advance to Block 3, and two victories will secure your place in that Block. From there, the blocks will continue to directly eliminate competitors from the tournament right down to the last battle," explained Ms. Karasuma. She nodded a signal to one of the assistants in the Waiting Room and a large viewing screen emerged from the wall.
"Now, between battles, Dei who are not competing in the current battle can either wait here in the Waiting Room or sit in the Arena in our special Deus section. Of course," she added, observing some of the looks that her last comment was soliciting, "you are allowed to go and come as you need to, but you may not interfere with any battle in the Arena Layer, understood?"
The girls nodded simultaneously, and Ms. Karasuma continued.
"From this screen, you will be able to watch each battle from our special 'VIP' cameras. And, if you get hungry, there's always the Piffle Princess Café downstairs," she finished, looking around at the participants expectantly.
"Any questions? Great. Be sure to do your best and on behalf of Piffle Princess Inc., good luck to all of you," she added before bowing herself out of the room.
When she left, all ten competitors began to buzz excitedly, with the exception of Nicole St. James.
"Thinking of backing out?" Ana asked her brooding raven-haired friend who was seated opposite her. Shooting her a Look, Nicole sniffed disdainfully.
"Not even. Raven and I never back out," she said simply, turning her dark gaze away from Ana and toward the window. By looking at her, no one would ever guess that Nicole couldn't wait for the battles to begin.
~*^*^*~
The Piffle Princess Arena was filled to capacity with eager fans of Angelic Layer from all over the country. Banners waved and balloons floated amidst the faces anticipating the commencement of the Nationals.
From a skybox at the top of the Arena, Ryoko smiled as she looked over the crowd. Even after all of the work she'd put in for the last three years on the American launch of Angelic Layer, she still couldn't believe that the first tournament in the country was actually happening.
"I just hope that..." Ryoko trailed as she heard the door open behind her. Shota stepped in and walked over to the huge window where she stood.
"Big crowd, huh?" he said, scanning the Arena below. Nodding, Ryoko gave a silent sigh.
"Hai. Lots more than I would have hoped for," she answered. Shota looked at her strangely then chuckled.
"Aa, sou desu ka? Angelic Layer isn't exactly being ignored here in America, you know. What else did you expect?"
"I don't... exactly know. It's just that--" Cutting herself off, Ryoko turned and glared at Shota.
"Never you mind what I said. I don't feel like explaining myself," she snapped. "But you, sir," she continued in a sweeter tone, "have a job to do!" Ryoko's dark blue eyes narrowed.
"Now go on and do it, before I get mad," she finished, a sinister glint in her eyes that was much like the glint of Icchan's glasses marking her sentence.
'I guess it runs in the family' Shota thought to himself as he adjusted the tie on his white announcer's suit.
"I'm going," he said aloud as he left.
"Shota." At the sound of Ryoko's voice, he turned and looked questioningly at her.
"Good luck," she said without turning to him. Nodding, Shota grinned and left, closing the door behind him.
Meanwhile, the competitors were ushered to the main balcony in the Arena. One of the assistants told two of the girls to bring their Angels with them in order to be ready for the first battle. Both of the girls had long hair parted in the middle, but one had her pixie blue hair curled just under her chin and the other styled her jet black hair bone straight.
"I guess they get to go first," Madison whispered to Tia and Michelle. Tia nodded and Michelle breathed a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad I don't have to go first this time around," she said. Madison grinned and walked over to the two girls to wish them luck. Looking somewhat startled by this frank offering of goodwill, both girls thanked her warmly.
"Why you insist on doing that is a complete mystery to me," Tia remarked as Madison came back to them, still grinning widely.
Madison shrugged. "It's just what I do," she stated serenely, walking out to the balcony with the rest of the competitors before either of her companions could say another word.
~*^*^*~
Hurrying up to the platform next to the VIP balcony, Shota climbed into the egg-shaped chair and signaled the person operating the ground controls to turn on the power. He easily and silently maneuvered the chair to his starting position above the darkened Layer.
Shota slipped the one-sided headset onto his left ear and settled the microphone in front of his mouth. Putting his designer shades into place, Shota was now ready for his role as official Angelic Layer Tournament Officiator/Announcer.
Shota began in what was known as his 'business voice', "Almost one year has passed since Piffle Princess U.S.A. introduced America to the world of Angelic Layer." Here, a huge globe shaped projection of various Japanese and then some American battles between Angels rotated in the middle of the Layer, totally capturing the audience's attention.
"Thousands of dei from all over the country have eagerly entered the realm of the Angels..." The images in the globe dissolved into a gigantic hologram of the white promo Angel wrapped in her flawless white wings inside an Angel Egg.
"... They've battled hard, fighting with all they've got..." Slowly, the promo Angel's wings unfolded and the Egg began to crack with the slowly growing light aura around the Angel.
"...And today, they're here to show you what they're made of. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls..." Shota paused for dramatic effect, "... welcome to the first ever ANGELIC LAYER AMERICAN NATIONAL TOURNAMENT!!!"
As the promo Angel burst out of the Angel Egg, her aura flashed blindingly for a second and revealed the enormous tournament sized Layer with the Piffle Princess caption girls waving and smiling, ready to do their jobs. The audience roared with an excitement so palpable that you could feel the charge in the air.
"Competing here today are the top ten dei in the country," he said, gesturing to a balcony in the arena cloaked in darkness. "They are: Tia Adams, Michelle Benjamin, Ana Diaz, Giselle, Gabby Henriquez, Amanda Jonson, Emily Mason, Serenity Snow, Nicole St. James, and Madison Williams!"
An individual spotlight snapped on over each girl as her name was called, followed by cheers from different sections of the audience and assorted banners waved enthusiastically for the assorted dei.
When the cheers and applause died down, Shota announced, "Get ready folks, because the battles are about to begin!" He punched in a few buttons on the small panel before him and continued, "First battle in Block One of the Nationals: Deus Amanda Jonson and Angel Kaguya vs. Deus Serenity Snow and Angel Isis!"
Amanda and Serenity descended down the steps on either side of the balcony, to the Chairs waiting for them on the landing pads on either side of the Layer, while the remaining dei returned to the Deus Waiting Room.
"Dei ready..." Shota called. The girls settled into their respective chairs and slipped the headsets over their heads, the wings on either side snapping open as they were turned on. The chairs were raised to what was called "Battle Level", which would give the dei the best viewing position to efficiently command their Angels.
Shota switched to the private microphone and told the girls the battle information. "Okay girls," he instructed, "this is a timed battle. The battle will proceed until one Angel is rendered unable to fight or when time runs out. If the latter occurs, then the Angel with the most remaining hit points will be declared the victor of the match, got it?"
Amanda and Serenity nodded and Shota returned to regular microphone.
"Angels to the Layer..." Amanda kissed the top of Kaguya's head, saying, "Strength comes from wisdom; Kaguya, be wise and be strong!" then tossed her into the Layer. Kaguya's cobalt blue eyes opened as she descended into the Layer with her skirt billowing around her, landing on both feet in the Layer in a crouching position and paused before she stood up and folded her hands in front of her.
"Like a blizzard and its blinding snow, Isis, freeze them in their tracks!" From Serenity's wrist, Isis spiraled towards the Layer, landing in a spin much resembling a carefree gypsy's dance and turned to look at Kaguya with bright silver eyes.
Kaguya was dressed in a long slate blue Chinese-style dress trimmed in navy blue with slits up to the thigh on both sides. Underneath the dress she wore black tights and white tabi socks slate blue platform sandals with navy straps on her feet. Kaguya's straight jet black hair was held back from her face with a slate blue hair Angel Cord in the form of a scarf with its navy trimmed ends resting on her shoulders. As a finishing touch, she wore a gold bangle bracelet on each wrist and matching gold earrings.
Isis wore a long blue sarong-style skirt bound at the left hip with a silver snowflake and a white crossover halter-top to which a snowflake- trimmed Angel Cord that faded from navy to white was attached with another silver snowflake. Her blue-black hair was caught up in a long ponytail bound with a blue hair band trimmed with yet another silver snowflake. A silver armband snaked around her upper left arm and a snowflake patterned bracelet and anklet set finished off her costume.
Looking to both sides to confirm that the competitors were ready, Shota gave the call, "ANGELIC FIGHT!!!"
~*^*^*~
I know, I know, I'm mean for leaving it off at that, but that just means you'll have to come back for more, right? Did I do a good job describing Kaguya and Isis? Please review and tell me what y'all thought, okay? Comments, criticism, and advice are all welcome!!! Ja mata ne, minna-san!!! =^___^=
JAMFASE: Hey, girl! Thanks a lot, but isn't staying up that late bad for you? * tries to look innocent and fails miserably * And yes, I purposely wrote Ryoko's character to be like Icchan's... you'll find out why soon enough! And is this soon enough for you? * cackles evilly * Yup, gotta love being crazy!!!
LI'AIN: Well, thank you very much! I try with the entry lines, although I think the entry lines in this one might not be that good... * sweatdrops * And also, thanks for pointing the whole 'celestial angel' thing out; I just like that word, that's all. I know you didn't mean to offend. * smiles *
LITTLE RABBIT F/LRPLI: Haruka-chan!!! * huggles * Yay! You AND Rillion reviewed! I'm so happy! I hope so too. * grins *
SANA JISUSHI: Thanks Jill!!! And I will be reading/ reviewing your story as soon as I finish here, okay? Ryoko is a riot, isn't she? Hmm... I don't think Camden Weiss is an actress... I've never heard of her if she is...
DR. THINKER: I will!!! * beams *
RYUU NO FURUI YAMI: Another new reviewer!!! Yay!! * huggles * Yes, there will be guy dei, three of them actually, but all that happens after the tournament... does this mean you'll keep reading to find out? I hope you do!!! Thanks for the review!!! And what does your name mean? * blinks *
THE INSANE OTAKU AKA CATERFREE: Aww, thank you!!! Madison and Tia appreciate the support and I'm sure they'll do their best, but remember, there can only be one winner, or can there be...?
MILLENIUM MUTANT: * rubs ear * Ouch... but I don't mind yelling at all! Nope, just let me get my earmuffs * pulls on fluffy earmuffs * Ah, that's better. (j/k) And I think it's great that you can relate to Ryoko. Ya know, now that I think about it, she's based loosely on my personality too, but also has lots of Icchan... see a connection anywhere? Oh, and if you need any help with your AL fic, then I can help; just ask, okay?
JASON Q: You came back!!! And you have Angelic Layer on DVD?! * looks envious * It's going to be awhile before I get that... but I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I wonder, will you like this one too? Yes, dei is the plural of deus. Isn't that something?
AIKO-CHAN0: Oh another new reviewer!!! I'm really flattered that you think so highly of my fic. I hope you enjoy this chapter too!!! Sorry about the Portugese... * huggles *
DAYDREAMER9: Thanks! And what's next? You'll have to keep reading to find out!!! And guess what? You can start now because here's a new chapter!!! Enjoy!!!
CcB: Unfortunately, I don't think this fic will be done for quite awhile yet. It's going to be three parts; next is the Euro-Challenge Arc, and then it's on to Japan. So yeah, I guess you're going to have to keep reading!!! * grins *
ANA: Kasumi-chan!!! You finally reviewed! Thank you and you come back in during this chapter. Hope you like it!!!
WINDSONG: Windy-sama!!! I'm so happy; six reviews in one day? Wai, that just makes me so giddy!!! I read all of your reviews and followed your advice, so you're welcome to check it over to be sure that it worked, although I'm glad I changed what you advised. And maybe I did mean to put in the whole "deuces/deuses" thing, but I don't believe that it was my original intention. Another Nicole fan? Boy she sure is getting popular. * laughs * Anyway, thanks for the comments, advice, compliments, etc. See you online? Hope so!
Okay, that's all for the thank yous. Again, sorry for making you all wait so long!!! I'll try not to wait so long next time okay? And since I basically wrote this chapter in a matter of hours, I apologize for any spelling, grammatical or other errors beforehand. I did read it over, but I'm so tired I might have missed a couple of things. Oh and for all of you who have been wanting to see what the Angels in this fic look like, I now have a website for all of them!!! If you want to see what I've posted so far, then click on my website link in my profile. Now for the moment you've all been waiting for... THE DISCLAIMER!!! * utter silence, then a loud BOO! *
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THE CONCEPT OF ANGELIC LAYER, ICCHAN, OGATA, OR THE ORIGINAL PIFFLE PRINCESS. I do, however, own Madison, Tia, Celeste, Sam, Heather, Ryoko, Shota, Destiny, and any other OC's and OC Angels found in this story. Please do not use them! Thank you!
And now, the Nationals get underway... sort of... * cackles evilly * I love cliffies, don't y'all? * continues cackling *
* BATTLE TEN *
With the elimination rounds over, Tia and Madison had some time to spare before the Nationals began later that afternoon.
"So, are you hungry?" Tia asked as she and Madison left the Piffle Princess arena. Madison's stomach rumbled before she could reply. There was a pause as the girls looked at each other then they spontaneously burst into giggles.
"I guess I am hungry," Madison admitted, her cheeks pink. "How about we get Chinese food? I'm so in the mood for kung pao chicken."
"Great! Let's go. I'm starved." The girls quickly found a Panda Express nearby and put in their orders before sitting down to eat.
They unwrapped their chopsticks and dug into the food. Between bites, the conversation spanned many of their common interests, until the talk turned back to the upcoming tournament.
"You nervous?" Tia looked up to see Madison's questioning gaze on her. She shook her head, making her curls bounce.
"Just a little, but not really. I just wish I knew who and when I'm supposed to be fighting," Tia answered as she picked up the carton of orange chicken and popped a piece into her mouth.
Madison frowned in thought. "Well, look at it this way," she reasoned, "the fun is in the challenge. It's more challenging if you don't know who your opponent is."
"If you like thinking on your feet."
"If being a ballerina counts, then you've got it made."
"Madison..."
The grey-eyed girl merely grinned at her friend's comment and finished off the kung pao chicken.
"Hey look at the time!" Madison exclaimed suddenly after a glance at her watch revealed that they had to get back to the Arena.
"You're lucky we're going to be late," Tia said as the girls threw away their trash and hurried out the door. "Because now I won't have to smack you."
~*^*^*~
When the girls got back to the Arena, the usher at the main door checked their cards and handed them over to a porter wearing yet another variation of the regulation winged Piffle Princess employee uniform who hustled them down a hall to the Deus Waiting Room.
As the doors automatically slid open before them, Madison and Tia met with the expectant stares of the other eight dei that were also participating in the tournament. After a brief moment, most of the other participants, who were all girls, nodded affably and went back to conversing in groups of two or meditating alone with their Angels.
Perfectly at her ease, Madison bounced through the door of the large airy and sought out a spot on one of the plump white Piffle Princess logo stamped chairs for her and Tia to sit in. But before she could get there, she was nearly bowled over by someone throwing his or her arms enthusiastically around her in a blur.
"Madison!" a familiar voice exclaimed. The grey-eyed girl struggled to see who had seized her so suddenly. When she realized who it was, she squealed loudly.
"Michi-chan! What are you doing here? I didn't know you played Angelic Layer," she exclaimed, hugging her cousin excitedly. Michelle Benjamin was Madison's younger cousin, hailing from Hawaii. Michelle was a friendly girl, tall for her age with wavy brown hair she held back with two barrettes at the sides and bright hazel eyes.
Madison didn't get to see Michelle too often, but they were nonetheless very close. For Madison not to know about Michelle being involved with Angelic Layer was a big shock. But she shook it off.
"Well, I didn't tell you when I started because I wanted to surprise you and make it to the Nationals," Michelle replied frankly, tossing back her wavy brown hair.
"You certainly did your job," Madison asserted. The girls smiled as Michelle finally remembered to greet Tia as well. Just then, a smart looking woman entered the room, motioning for quiet. The ten participants settled down and turned their attention to the executive of Piffle Princess U.S.A.
"Hello, everyone and welcome to the first round of the Nationals. I'm Natsumi Karasuma, an executive of Piffle Princess U.S.A. Congratulations on making it this far," Ms. Karasuma began, smoothing the sleeve of her tailored pinstriped suit and straightening her collar, beaming enthusiastically at the girls.
"During the Nationals, the battles will be divided into five blocks. The battles taking place today and tomorrow will be Blocks 1 & 2. During these blocks, each Deus and Angel will need to win at least one battle to advance to Block 3, and two victories will secure your place in that Block. From there, the blocks will continue to directly eliminate competitors from the tournament right down to the last battle," explained Ms. Karasuma. She nodded a signal to one of the assistants in the Waiting Room and a large viewing screen emerged from the wall.
"Now, between battles, Dei who are not competing in the current battle can either wait here in the Waiting Room or sit in the Arena in our special Deus section. Of course," she added, observing some of the looks that her last comment was soliciting, "you are allowed to go and come as you need to, but you may not interfere with any battle in the Arena Layer, understood?"
The girls nodded simultaneously, and Ms. Karasuma continued.
"From this screen, you will be able to watch each battle from our special 'VIP' cameras. And, if you get hungry, there's always the Piffle Princess Café downstairs," she finished, looking around at the participants expectantly.
"Any questions? Great. Be sure to do your best and on behalf of Piffle Princess Inc., good luck to all of you," she added before bowing herself out of the room.
When she left, all ten competitors began to buzz excitedly, with the exception of Nicole St. James.
"Thinking of backing out?" Ana asked her brooding raven-haired friend who was seated opposite her. Shooting her a Look, Nicole sniffed disdainfully.
"Not even. Raven and I never back out," she said simply, turning her dark gaze away from Ana and toward the window. By looking at her, no one would ever guess that Nicole couldn't wait for the battles to begin.
~*^*^*~
The Piffle Princess Arena was filled to capacity with eager fans of Angelic Layer from all over the country. Banners waved and balloons floated amidst the faces anticipating the commencement of the Nationals.
From a skybox at the top of the Arena, Ryoko smiled as she looked over the crowd. Even after all of the work she'd put in for the last three years on the American launch of Angelic Layer, she still couldn't believe that the first tournament in the country was actually happening.
"I just hope that..." Ryoko trailed as she heard the door open behind her. Shota stepped in and walked over to the huge window where she stood.
"Big crowd, huh?" he said, scanning the Arena below. Nodding, Ryoko gave a silent sigh.
"Hai. Lots more than I would have hoped for," she answered. Shota looked at her strangely then chuckled.
"Aa, sou desu ka? Angelic Layer isn't exactly being ignored here in America, you know. What else did you expect?"
"I don't... exactly know. It's just that--" Cutting herself off, Ryoko turned and glared at Shota.
"Never you mind what I said. I don't feel like explaining myself," she snapped. "But you, sir," she continued in a sweeter tone, "have a job to do!" Ryoko's dark blue eyes narrowed.
"Now go on and do it, before I get mad," she finished, a sinister glint in her eyes that was much like the glint of Icchan's glasses marking her sentence.
'I guess it runs in the family' Shota thought to himself as he adjusted the tie on his white announcer's suit.
"I'm going," he said aloud as he left.
"Shota." At the sound of Ryoko's voice, he turned and looked questioningly at her.
"Good luck," she said without turning to him. Nodding, Shota grinned and left, closing the door behind him.
Meanwhile, the competitors were ushered to the main balcony in the Arena. One of the assistants told two of the girls to bring their Angels with them in order to be ready for the first battle. Both of the girls had long hair parted in the middle, but one had her pixie blue hair curled just under her chin and the other styled her jet black hair bone straight.
"I guess they get to go first," Madison whispered to Tia and Michelle. Tia nodded and Michelle breathed a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad I don't have to go first this time around," she said. Madison grinned and walked over to the two girls to wish them luck. Looking somewhat startled by this frank offering of goodwill, both girls thanked her warmly.
"Why you insist on doing that is a complete mystery to me," Tia remarked as Madison came back to them, still grinning widely.
Madison shrugged. "It's just what I do," she stated serenely, walking out to the balcony with the rest of the competitors before either of her companions could say another word.
~*^*^*~
Hurrying up to the platform next to the VIP balcony, Shota climbed into the egg-shaped chair and signaled the person operating the ground controls to turn on the power. He easily and silently maneuvered the chair to his starting position above the darkened Layer.
Shota slipped the one-sided headset onto his left ear and settled the microphone in front of his mouth. Putting his designer shades into place, Shota was now ready for his role as official Angelic Layer Tournament Officiator/Announcer.
Shota began in what was known as his 'business voice', "Almost one year has passed since Piffle Princess U.S.A. introduced America to the world of Angelic Layer." Here, a huge globe shaped projection of various Japanese and then some American battles between Angels rotated in the middle of the Layer, totally capturing the audience's attention.
"Thousands of dei from all over the country have eagerly entered the realm of the Angels..." The images in the globe dissolved into a gigantic hologram of the white promo Angel wrapped in her flawless white wings inside an Angel Egg.
"... They've battled hard, fighting with all they've got..." Slowly, the promo Angel's wings unfolded and the Egg began to crack with the slowly growing light aura around the Angel.
"...And today, they're here to show you what they're made of. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls..." Shota paused for dramatic effect, "... welcome to the first ever ANGELIC LAYER AMERICAN NATIONAL TOURNAMENT!!!"
As the promo Angel burst out of the Angel Egg, her aura flashed blindingly for a second and revealed the enormous tournament sized Layer with the Piffle Princess caption girls waving and smiling, ready to do their jobs. The audience roared with an excitement so palpable that you could feel the charge in the air.
"Competing here today are the top ten dei in the country," he said, gesturing to a balcony in the arena cloaked in darkness. "They are: Tia Adams, Michelle Benjamin, Ana Diaz, Giselle, Gabby Henriquez, Amanda Jonson, Emily Mason, Serenity Snow, Nicole St. James, and Madison Williams!"
An individual spotlight snapped on over each girl as her name was called, followed by cheers from different sections of the audience and assorted banners waved enthusiastically for the assorted dei.
When the cheers and applause died down, Shota announced, "Get ready folks, because the battles are about to begin!" He punched in a few buttons on the small panel before him and continued, "First battle in Block One of the Nationals: Deus Amanda Jonson and Angel Kaguya vs. Deus Serenity Snow and Angel Isis!"
Amanda and Serenity descended down the steps on either side of the balcony, to the Chairs waiting for them on the landing pads on either side of the Layer, while the remaining dei returned to the Deus Waiting Room.
"Dei ready..." Shota called. The girls settled into their respective chairs and slipped the headsets over their heads, the wings on either side snapping open as they were turned on. The chairs were raised to what was called "Battle Level", which would give the dei the best viewing position to efficiently command their Angels.
Shota switched to the private microphone and told the girls the battle information. "Okay girls," he instructed, "this is a timed battle. The battle will proceed until one Angel is rendered unable to fight or when time runs out. If the latter occurs, then the Angel with the most remaining hit points will be declared the victor of the match, got it?"
Amanda and Serenity nodded and Shota returned to regular microphone.
"Angels to the Layer..." Amanda kissed the top of Kaguya's head, saying, "Strength comes from wisdom; Kaguya, be wise and be strong!" then tossed her into the Layer. Kaguya's cobalt blue eyes opened as she descended into the Layer with her skirt billowing around her, landing on both feet in the Layer in a crouching position and paused before she stood up and folded her hands in front of her.
"Like a blizzard and its blinding snow, Isis, freeze them in their tracks!" From Serenity's wrist, Isis spiraled towards the Layer, landing in a spin much resembling a carefree gypsy's dance and turned to look at Kaguya with bright silver eyes.
Kaguya was dressed in a long slate blue Chinese-style dress trimmed in navy blue with slits up to the thigh on both sides. Underneath the dress she wore black tights and white tabi socks slate blue platform sandals with navy straps on her feet. Kaguya's straight jet black hair was held back from her face with a slate blue hair Angel Cord in the form of a scarf with its navy trimmed ends resting on her shoulders. As a finishing touch, she wore a gold bangle bracelet on each wrist and matching gold earrings.
Isis wore a long blue sarong-style skirt bound at the left hip with a silver snowflake and a white crossover halter-top to which a snowflake- trimmed Angel Cord that faded from navy to white was attached with another silver snowflake. Her blue-black hair was caught up in a long ponytail bound with a blue hair band trimmed with yet another silver snowflake. A silver armband snaked around her upper left arm and a snowflake patterned bracelet and anklet set finished off her costume.
Looking to both sides to confirm that the competitors were ready, Shota gave the call, "ANGELIC FIGHT!!!"
~*^*^*~
I know, I know, I'm mean for leaving it off at that, but that just means you'll have to come back for more, right? Did I do a good job describing Kaguya and Isis? Please review and tell me what y'all thought, okay? Comments, criticism, and advice are all welcome!!! Ja mata ne, minna-san!!! =^___^=