Guardian Angels

Chapter Three: The Celebration

Disclaimer: I don't own A.L. or the characters (except for OCs)

Mental Conversations between Deuses and Angels represented by ::talking::

Misaki stood in front of her mother smiling. She was dressed in a blue silk formal gown that left her shoulders bare. Standing by her side was Hikaru. She was still dressed in the same gown Misaki had met her. This was the second time that night that Misaki had manifested her. Even though they were always together Hikaru could only be in the physical world for short periods of time. Doing this twice in one night had made both of them very tired, but Misaki wanted Hikaru to be here for her Coronation.

Her mother Shuuko sat in her throne and smiled back at her daughter. Beside her stood Head Priest Ichiro Mihara, better known to both mother and daughter as Icchan. Tonight, though, was a very formal night for all of them.

"Empress Shuuko may I present Heir-Apparent Deus Misaki and her Angel Hikaru. The Heir-Apparent has fulfilled the requirement of summoning a Guardian Spirit as it is stated in the Zenkoku law. I stand as witness to this."

Shuuko nodded. "Let it be known that Deus Misaki is no longer Heir- Apparent but heir to the throne and Princess of Zenkoku!" She stood as Misaki kneeled before her and placed a silver ciclet on the girl's head. Misaki then rose up and she and Hikaru took their rightful places to the left of her mother.

"All Hail Princess Misaki!" The Herald to the left of the throne called out to audience witnessing the event.

"Hail!" The call resounded that throughout the Audience Chamber was so loud it was nearly deafening. Misaki turned slightly pink at such a response. Her mother smiled at seeing this. She leaned over to her slightly and whispered. "No need to be embarrassed. You are very much loved by our subjects."

"All Hail Empress Shuuko!"

"Hail!" Was the thunderous response.

"Now," Shuuko called. "If you will proceed to the Grand Hall there Coronation Ball will begin!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Misakichi!!" Tomoyo exclaimed as she rushed up Misaki followed by Hotoko and a boy who resembled her with black hair and eyes. "You looked so great up there! Didn't she look good Kotaru?" She asked the boy next to her as she put him in a headlock.

"Congratulations, Misaki." Hotoko smiled up at her.

"Thank you." Misaki said, blushing slightly. "Umm, Tomoyo-chan, shouldn't you let him get some air?" The poor boy was turning blue.

"Oh he'll be fine." She let dropped to the ground. Where he lay trying to catch his breath.

"Oh! Everyone I would like you to meet Hikaru." Misaki said stepping aside to show her Angel. "Hikaru, these are my friends Tomoyo, Kotaru, and Hotoko."

Hikaru stepped forward smiling sweetly at each of them. "I'm am pleased to meet all of you."

Hotoko curtsied "It's nice to meet you, Hikaru."

Kotaru, who had returned to normal color stood and bowed deeply to Hikaru. "My lady Angel, it is we who are pleased to meet you. It is such a joyous occasion that the Princess Misaki has summoned such a lovely Angel as you. I look forward to further occasions where we will spend time together."

"What Mr. Formal is trying to say is," Tomoyo broke in punctuating her words with a good fist to the top of Kotaru's head. "Welcome to the group!"

"Thank you." Hikaru said smiling, she paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I regret that I cannot join you at the Ball, but my time is almost up. I look forward to seeing all of you again."

"Goodbye, Hikaru!" They called as she vanished into tiny specks of glittering light.

"Awww." Tomoyo pouted, "I wish she could have stayed for the party."

"It's okay," Misaki said smiling. "She's with us in spirit."

:: Yes.yes I am. :: Hikaru stated in her head, causing Misaki to smile even wider.

"Well what are we standing around for?" Tomoyo cried. "We have a party to get to!"

With that the four friends made their way to the Grand Hall, laughing and talking the whole way.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Can I have your autograph, Ohjiro-san?"

"I'm so happy you're here Ohjiro-san!"

"Dance with me, Ohjiro-san."

"No dance with me!"

"No, me!"

Ohjiro sighed as he sought a way out of the cluster of females that had completely surrounded him. This always happened whenever he went to formal functions or anywhere public for that matter. It was starting to become slightly annoying; especially since every female that clamored for his attention thought that they would be the perfect girl for him. They were all nice and some quite beautiful but none of them had struck that cord in him.

:: You seem distressed, Ohjiro. :: Wizard commented in his head.

::Why does this always happen? Why does nearly every single female in the room have to flock around me? :: Ohjiro asked, quite frustrated at this point.

:: Well, you are Prince of Kansai, thanks to yours truly. Also, for some reason, most think you're very handsome. Women are attracted to pretty men in power. ::

:: Very funny. Just help me get out of this crowd! ::

:: Well, I do see the Empress and High Priest Ichiro speaking near the entrance. You have not greeted her yet. This would be a good opportunity. ::

:: Thanks Wizard, you're a lifesaver! ::

:: Yes, yes, I know I'm wonderful. ::

Ignoring the last comment, Ohjiro smiled at the females surrounding him. "My apologies, but I must greet the Empress. If you will excuse me?"

Amongst the cries of disappointment, he pushed himself out of the circle of admirers and walked across the white marble floor to where Shuuko and Ichiro were talking quietly to themselves. Shuuko looked up and smiled at him, kindly. The smile reached her warm blue eyes causing his heart to flutter slightly. "Prince Ohjiro, It is wonderful that you came."

:: Now here is a Woman. :: Wizard commented, chuckling mentally. ::It's too bad you don't have a chance. ::

:: Shut up. :: Ohjiro responded as her bowed to the Empress. "My Empress it is a great honor to be invited to such a joyous occasion. High Priest Ichiro, it is good to see you again." He bowed in turn to the priest who bowed back at him.

"Prince Ohjiro, it is a pleasure to see you."

"How long will you be staying with us?" The Empress asked.

"I will stay at least a few days. Since it is so peaceful, my stewards will be able to handle any problems that should arise in Kansai."

"Then perhaps you would aid us in training Misaki? You and Wizard are one of the best teams we have. I would like her to see what you are capable of."

"I would be my pleasure, my Empress." He bowed once again.

"Princess Misaki, accompanied by Deus Hotoko, Lord Kotaru, and Lady Tomoyo!" The Herald announced as the group entered the Grand Hall.

"Misaki!" Shuuko called, beckoning her daughter to join her. Misaki excused herself from her friends and came to stand by he mother, curtsying to her and Icchan. "Misaki, I'd like to introduce you to Prince Ohjiro."

"I'm pleased to meet you Prince Ohjiro." She responded, curtsying to him politely. As her deep blue eyes met his he felt his heart flutter. She was quite lovely. Her auburn hair was short except for two locks that came down to her chin. Each lock was braided and had a butterfly clip at the end. She was dressed in a blues dress that set off her eyes beautifully. It was long leaving the shoulder bare and around her neck was a blue silk choker with a silver butterfly dangling down.

:: Hmm, looks like you've found an interesting one ::

Ohjiro ignored him, bowing to Misaki. "It is an honor to meet you
Princess Miskai." He said as he brought her hand to his lips, causing
her to turn slightly pink.

"Ohjiro has agreed to help train you and Hikaru." Shuuko told Misaki,
unknowingly breaking the moment. "He and Wizard are quite an
accomplished team. You will learn a lot from them."

"Oh," Misaki looked from him to her mother, then back at him and
smiled. "Thank you, Ohjiro-san. I hoped Hikaru and I will become
strong like you."

"I'm sure you will have no problem becoming strong. You just
have to have faith in yourself and Hikaru." He smiled back,
reassuringly. The orchestra began a waltz giving Ohjiro an idea. He
held out his hand. "Would you give me the honor of having the first
dance?"

Misaki nodded, once again turning slightly pink. "I would be
delighted." She said putting her hand in his.

He led her out to the dance floor and put his hand on her waist.
They began to dance.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Shuuko leaned against the rail of the outside balcony, watching
as Ohjiro and Misaki danced their third dance together.

"They seem to be getting along well." Icchan stated as he came
to stand beside her.

"Yes." She responded smiling softly to herself. "I'm glad that,
for now, she's happy. I wish she would always be like this, but I
doubt that could be possible."

Icchan cleared his throat. "I have received word for our agent
in Dartantus. There have been more disappearances of late. People are
being taken from their homes at night, never to be heard from again."

Shuuko sighed closing her eyes. "Those poor people."

"There are also rumors of dark things patrolling the cities at
night. Most townsfolk are afraid to be out of their homes at night.
The strong men that don't disappear are apparently being conscripted
for an army being built. It looks like our peace is about to end."

"So my past mistake is coming back to haunt me." A single tear
slipped from the corner of one of her closed eyes.

Icchan took her hand in his and squeezed it. "Don't blame
yourself, Shuuko. You didn't know this would happen. You did what was
best at the time."

"I should have seen what he would become, though. I could have
stopped it." She opened her eyes, returning them once again to the
dancing pair. "Poor Misaki."

"Does she know?"

"No I don't have the heart to tell her, yet."

"It would be best if she heard it from you instead of finding
out from a different source."

"I'll tell her soon. Just let her be happy for a little longer."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Misaki whirled around the dance floor feeling as if she was
dancing on clouds. She gazed up at he partner admiring for the
hundredth time. He's so handsome, she thought to herself as she gazed
into his soft blue eyes. He was a few inches taller than her with
short black hair and was dressed in a fitted black suit. She seemed to
fit perfectly in his arms as they danced.

:: My, what a nice looking man. :: Hikaru sighed. :: I like this
one. ::

"Are you alright, Misaki-san?" Ohjiro asked as the song ended.

She blushed realizing that she'd been staring at him and dropped
her eyes. "Y-yes. I'm fine. I'm just a little tired." Actually, she
was exhausted and had a painful headache, but she didn't want him to
know that. She was having too much fun to retire just yet.

He studied her carefully for a few moments. "You manifested
Hikaru twice tonight, didn't you?"

She nodded, slightly confused. What did that have to do that
with anything?

"Are you dizzy? Do you have a headache?"

"Now that you mention it, my head does hurt."

He nodded. "Just as I thought. I think it's time for you to
retire, Princess. You've stressed yourself quite a bit today and it
would be horrible if you collapsed."

"Collapsed?" She asked mildly alarmed. "I'm not that tired."

"You may not feel it, but you have put quite a strain on your
body today. Manifesting is quite stressful for both the Deus and
Angel. You should really get some sleep. Besides, tomorrow you begin
your training."

"I guess you're right." She sighed as he led her out of the
Grand Hall and into the hallway. He stopped at the intersection that
led to the guest rooms.

"This is where I leave you. Will you be able to make it to your
room alright?" He asked with a concerned look on his face.

Misaki nodded smiling. "I'll be fine. I had a wonderful time
tonight, Ohjiro. Thank you."

He smiled back at her warmly and kissed her hand again. "I'm the
one who should thank you." He leaned close to her ear and whispered
softly. "You're really cute when you blush." Then he kissed her softly
on the cheek causing her to blush furiously before making his way down
the hall. "Goodnight Princess Misaki."

:: Close your mouth. It's not befitting a Princess to look like
a fish. ::

Misaki's mouth snapped shut as she came out of her daze. She
touched her hand to her cheek and grinned.

:: Yes, I definitely like this one. ::

Misaki nodded in response to Hikaru's words. :: So do I, Hikaru.
So do I ::

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Okay, Finally finished with this chapter! Yay!

Thanks for the reviews! Most of the other chapters will hopefully be
as long (or longer) as this one.

Next Chapter: A look into Dardantus