A/N: Third Chapter for Two Different Worlds. I am really glad. Today's chapter concludes the ending of the Angelic Layer Tournament. I don't really have a name for this particular tournament. It's not that important. Well, on with the story.
Title:Another Step
Author: Kawaiignidgirl
Genre: Romance/Drama
Ratings: PG/PG-13 (a little)
Suzuhara Household
Rays of sunshine were peeking through the blinds of Misaki's window and onto her face. Misaki unconsiously scrunched her face and pulled her comforter over her face. Then a loud ring sounded throughout her room. Misaki's alarm clock. It was extremely loud that Misaki slapped her hand on the clock. Which causing it to stop it with the noise.
Then, another noise sounded. Her other alarm clock, and which she placed on other side of the bed. Misaki groaned and reached out her left hand to slap that one from interupting her dream.
Hikaru was, once again, leaning on Misaki's school textbooks. She was watching the scene with amusement. She lightly giggled to herself. She had watched the same scene about twice a week and the same results had happened.
Misaki unconciously sighed to herself. But it was interupted by the loud ring of both of her other alarm clocks on the other side of her room. Which was right next to Hikaru. Misaki's eyes flew opened at the sound. She threw open the covers and rushed to the other side of the room. She slammed both of her palms on both of the alarm clocks. She sighed and looked at Hikaru.
"I can't get my right amount of sleep anymore, eh Hikaru?" she said to the doll. She wasn't exactly expecting an answer but just a look in her battle doll's eyes told her the answer.
'Of course,' Hikaru thought in her mind.
Misaki went into her bathroom to brush her teeth and to take a quick shower. She had to wake up at six o' clock sharp to start the breakfast and prepare for the tournament. There is school today but for only about three hours. Her other classes after 10, she'll have to skip. She would make up the work on Saturday, and while at school.
When Misaki closed the door behind her, Hikaru cautiously stood up and flew over to Misaki's mirror. She had to make sure that no signs of Cefairo was on her. She did this every time whenever she is back from Cefairo.
Misaki is usually an early person but she had slept in on some days because of practicing at Piffle Princess. Hikaru turned her head towards the bathroom door and heard that the sound of water running down had stopped. She flew back to her earlier position and froze.
Misaki came out of the bathroom, and fully dressed as well as energetic like always. Her uniform was still from Eriol Academy but since she was older classmen now, the skirts were a darker blue and along with her collar. She didn't need to wear those long socks anymore. The only other exception was that she was wearing her spring outfit.
She hasn't change much except for that her short hair has grown into thick light brown hair. She had it lined up with her front bangs. Though she doesn't tie her hair like the usual way anymore.
The Kitchen
Misaki placed Hikaru on the table and went to prepare the breakfast, and as well as her lunch for after the tournament. Hikaru decided to move a little because Misaki wouldn't notice the difference anyway. She had smell Misaki's cooking before and they smelt delicious. She would love to taste it but that would probably be in the future. Maybe. If it comes to the term when she'll have to tell her the truth.
Hikaru sniffed the air for a brief second and smelt that Misaki was making eggs and omelet. Hikaru sniffed the air again, the omolet seemed to be made of sausage, ham, and a faint smell of cooked onions.
Misaki finished with the breakfast and arranged the plates into the right order. She then, started on the bentos. She made two large and a smaller one for herself. Shuuko and Shouko might not have time to go and buy lunch when they're working. Especially her mother. She had artifically legs specially made and she just got them last year when the doctors declared that they were stabled for the patients who has disabilities.
Then, lastly, Misaki placed a chocolate candy in both her mother and aunt's bento. She did that everyday, and out of her love for them both. She placed the bentos in each of their's purse. Now it was time to wake them up.
When Misaki trumped upstairs, Hikaru looked at the doorway to the stairway cautiously, if expecting Misaki suddenly come down again. When she made sure that Misaki was still upstairs, she flew over to the jar, where Misaki had kept the candy.
She looked curiously at it. Misaki had a jar in her room where she placed different variety colors of paper folding stars. Each star represents a day has pass since Hikaru had been created. Hikaru liked the jar full of stars because it made her feel special and that Misaki would always love her.
"Uh oh." she said as she heard footsteps coming down on the stairway. She promptly flew back to her earlier position so that her flying over the candy won't be suspisious. It's not like she has batteries to fly mechanically.
She prompt herself on the table with her back to Misaki. She heard Misaki's voice along with her mother's. As well as her aunt's yawning. Misaki lifted Hikaru up from the table and placed her to a sitting position. She met Shuuko's eye. Shuuko winked at her while she smiled.
The three ate the dinner in silence. Momentarily, Misaki announced that she was finished. She grabbed her bento and placed it into her school briefcase. She placed Hikaru in her hands since she didn't have any pockets with her. She hurriedly ran to the front door and grabbed her shoes. She was about to slip her feet into the pair of shoes when a honk came through the door.
"Naaaa! Bye, kaa-san, Aunt Shouko!" she cried as she flew open the door to the outside, as well as ignoring Shouko's cried of to not call her aunt. Which she thought that it made her feel old.
The honk was made by Oujirou, who was waiting for her outside in his car. When Misaki came through the door, a grin was on his face. He had offered to drive her to school because he didn't have to go to college early today.
He was sitting in his silver Mercedes Benz convertible. Now I'm not saying that he wanted to show off his expensive car or anything, but you can't blame him if he owns a partial part of a company.
Misaki ran to the door of the car and all the while apologizing. "Gomen nasai! I'm sorry that you had to wait." she said.
But Oujirou just waved it off. "It's all right. We're not late."he said as the corners of his mouth was starting to curl into a smile. Misaki sighed in relief. She climbed into the car and then Oujirou started the engine.
On the Road
Soft music was heard in Oujirou's car and while he was humming the tune in his head. Misaki was looking out the window and as thoughts were swarming into her head. She was staring into space. Somethings were on her mind. Hikaru was placed on a holder in the car, and sitting right next to Wizard.
Oujirou was looking at Misaki through the corners of his eye. He smiled. Somthing was on her mind again. He could tell. She was doing this very often now. He decided to speak up then.
"Misaki,"he said.
Her head jolted up a little at the sound. She turned her head towards Oujirou. "What is it?" she asked.
"I thought that I should talk to you. You are not acting like usual."he said as his eyes were still kept on the road.
"Really?"
"Yes. Are you worry about something? The tournament?" he said.
Misaki shooked her head.
"It's just that.... I think something is wrong with Hikaru" she said as she turned her head fully into his direction.
Oujirou slammed his foot on the brakes when the light changed red. He turned to Misaki and looked at her in the eye.
"Why would you think that?" he asked. But he knew fully well that the angels were listening below them.
Misaki then started to make small hand motions, like whenever she's nervous. "Well, this may be incomprehensible to believe but I thought I saw movement from her" Misaki said as she picked up Hikaru and lightly examined her.
Oujirou's eyes widen a little. "Why would you think that?" he asked as he watched Misaki's reaction when he had said that.
"Well,....I just saw a slight movement last night before I went to bed" she said as her eyes darted to the road.
The light turned green. Oujirou pressed on the control with his foot. "Don't worry about it now, Misaki. You have to be focus on the tournament. Or maybe you shouldn't, so I can beat you" he said as a hint of smile appeared on his lips.
Misaki grinned. "Maybe,"
School
Oujirou's convertible pulled up at the foot of the academy. Misaki unstrapped her seatbelt. She turned towards Oujirou.
"Thank you for driving me here. I'll see you in a couple of hours." she said as she leaned over to give him a peck on the cheek. She opened the car door and stepped out. She waved farewell to Oujirou and went into the school.
About Three Hours Later
"MISAKICHII!!!!!!," yelled a voice from a distance. Misaki turned her her around and to see her best friend, Tamayo, running towards her. Tamayo hadn't change much. Her short, sandy blonde hair had grown longer. But she hadn't lost her spunk or her never endingly amount of energy.
When Tamayo reached her, she pulled Misaki in a tight hug. Misaki was nearly suffuocated if it weren't for Kotarou who pulled Tamayo off of her. Tamayo would've placed him in a headlock if she didn't see Misaki gasping for air.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Misakichii. I didn't mean it to hug that hard." she said as she placed her hand over her mouth.
"Maybe it's because I pulled you off of Suzuhara-chan."Koutarou said sarcastically.
Tamayo glared at him.
"It's alright. I'm fine" said Misaki as she smiled at the both of them as she straightened up her posture.
"Aren't you suppose to head for the tournament right now?" piped Tamayo.
Misaki nodded and then said, "My aunt is coming to pick me up.". Then she looked at her watch. "It's about time that she would be coming".
Right after she had said that, a car came down the road and Misaki could see Shouko as the driver. Her aunt was writing a story on the Angelic Layer tournament and who would win. She was just conviently driving Misaki there as well.
Misaki jumped to the ledge of the sidewalk and waved her aunt over. Shouko acknowledged her with a nod. Shouko pulled over and she talked to them through the passenger seat's window.
"Hello, Koutarou, Tamayo."Shouko said, before she turned her sights back to Misaki, "Misaki, get in the car. We don't have any time to lose. We're going to be late. Mainly that could be my fault."
Misaki nodded hurriedly. She waved bye to her two friends and stepped into the car. Shouko began to concentrate on the road again. "Hold on,"Shouko said as she stepped on the pedal.
Misaki yelped. She grabbed ahold of the seat. She sighed in relief. It was a good thing that she had her seatbelt on. As they were nearing the arena, Shouko slowed down a bit.
Misaki let out a breath of relief.
Arena
Shouko turned the steering wheel to the right. The car turned a corner and entered the parking lot of the top dues(plural). Shouko parked on the first level and then pulled the key out of the ignition. She turned from her position of the driver seat to look at Misaki.
"I'll be at the main lobby with the other reporters. Now are you sure that you don't need me to walk you to your room?"Shouko asked as she narrowed her eyes.
Misaki sweatdropped. Shouko can get overly cautious and protective. Misaki nodded certainly. "Yes, Shouko-san. I'm fourteen, I can handle it."she said as she chose her words carefully.
Shouko drew back and nodded. They both opened the car doors and slammed it back. Shouko locked it and she went to the elevator with Misaki.
Shouko and Misaki stepped into the elevator as the door closed behind them. Shouko pressed Floor 2 with a star imprinted next to it. Misaki pressed for Floor 8. Misaki felt the elevator going up and then it went down again. The elevator ding and Shouko stepped out.
"Wish me luck"Misaki called. Shouko nodded and smiled at her neice. The last thing Misaki saw before the elevator had closed was Shouko's encouraging face.
Floor 8
The elevator sounded the automatic ding again and the elevator door opened. Suzuhara Misaki stepped out and turned right. She passed many doors with chattering voices in foreign languages. Did I mention that this tournament is internationally? No? Then, I'm so sorry. Apparently, it is.
When Misaki reached a room that had the door number,D060, she took a key out from her pocket. She had recieved the key in the mail earlier. She heard a click and was reassured that the key was correct. She opened the door to find a master bedroom in front of her. Getting a master bedroom was one of the perks of being champion of Angelic Layer.
She sat down on the bed and peered at the room. This room was similar to the kinds that she had received in the past. A knock on the door awokened her back to reality. Misaki inclined her head. Who could that be?
She stood up and strolled over to the door. When she opened it, she found Hatoko in front of her. Hatako is still a child prodigy and in second grade this year. She got taller and looked more mature. Though nothing really changed about her.
Misaki jumped a little. "Oh, it's you, Hatoko-chan. I didn't expect you will be at the door."Misaki said as she smiled to her friend.
Hatoko smiled back and said, "There are many things that are unexpected, Misaki-chan. Remember that saying, expect the unexpected.".
'Huh?'Misaki thought. Hatoko was often times confusing her with her words. She was wise for her age. Misaki even asks her for sage advice sometimes. It was a known fact that Hatoko was as well, a top ranking dues. Hatoko had given her advice about Angelic layer when she had just started to play the game. You could say that Hatoko was a little enigma. Well maybe to Misaki.
Hatoko grinned at Misaki's lack of understanding of she had said.
Then her eyes glinted with an unlike character of mischieveious. "Oujirou-san was worried when you haven't arrived yet, Misaki-chan."
Just as Hatoko had predicted, Misaki's cheeks turned to slight hue of pink like the hair of her battle angel. "Well, where is he now?" Misaki asked while trying not to stutter out the question. Hatoko giggled to herself.
"He's in his room. I believe he is with Ichijrou-san." Hatoko paused to ponder for a moment. "Ichijrou-san could be talking to Oujirou-san about a subject that is ridicoulous. Due to Ichijrou-san's character."
"Then let's go" Misaki took Hatoko's hand ethusiactically and tugged the girl beside her.
"Misaki-chan, do you know where Oujirou-san's room is?".
Misaki frozed and turned her head robotically towards the younger girl with dotted eyes. "No."
Hatoko sweatdropped. "Well then, I suppose I will lead the way then." She took the older girl's hand and walked through mazes of hallways.
"You're right to have led me here, Hatoko-chan. I could've gotten lost" Misaki smiled at Hatoko of thanks. Hatoko nodded and smiled back. They stopped at a door with the golden plate that said C659. Misaki was sure that Hatoko was correct on Oujirou's room number because she could hear Ichijrou chirpy voice and Oujirou grumbling at his onii-chan.
Misaki and Hatoko quietly laughed. When the laughing had ceased, Misaki knocked on the door thrice. Oujirou and Ichijrou's voices had stopped and the two girls could hear the approaching footsteps that were coming towards them.
Oujirou opened the door and to his surprise, he found his girlfriend and his adolscent friend, Hatoko, standing out there.
"Misaki? Hatoko?" Oujirou hadn't expect to see them. Misaki could tell because she could read his face like a book. Even if she was a little naive.
"Konnichiwa Oujirou, Ich-chan"Misaki said as she acknowledged Oujirou and Ichijrou's presence. Hatoko spoked at a traditional polite tone towards them while saying her greeting.
"Well, if it isn't me little brother's champion girlfriend. Hello, Misakichii-chan." Ichijrou said as he spoke in his maniac confusing voice.
He then turned his attention towards Hatoko. "Konnichiwa to you, Hatoko-chan. You still winning awards?".
Hatoko smiled her enigma smile. "I try".
Misaki watched their exchange of conversation in confusion.
Oujirou sighed heavily.
"Well, I'll leave you to your girlfriend, little brother. Don't do anything naughty"he said as he shifted his glasses.
Oujirou glared murderously at him and was about to bark back a remark. Misaki saw Oujirou open his mouth and she knew that he was about to say something ungentlemenly so she leaned over and kissed him in the mouth.
Oujirou's eyes widen in surprise but he closed his eyes and kissed her deeply. Hatoko watched this in amusement and she departed out the door. Ichijrou had lefted already so the couple weren't so worry about interuption.
Misaki parted her lips and Oujirou pressed deeper. Their tongues moved in synchornized motion and he explored every inch of her mouth. Misaki let out a moan when he did that. He pulled her tighter towards him and continued to do the same thing.
They pulled away to take a breath.
Oujirou smiled fondly at Misaki. "I needed that. Ichijrou was driving me to the edge of my sanity when he had talked to me."
Misaki giggled a little. She gasped suddenly when Oujirou's arms pulled her towards him in an embrace. "What would I do without you?"he asked as his voice was muffled in Misaki's hair. Misaki smiled contently and leaned her head on his shoulder.
None of them noticed the two battle dolls watching them. Misaki had placed Hikaru in a sitting position, and right next to Wizard. Hikaru and Wizard were exchanging conversations in telepathy.
When battle dolls are very near eachother and that their dues have no knowledge of their ablities, they use telepathy. This is one of the methods of which an angel is allow to use.
Do you think you should acknowledge Oujirou-san in some way so he'll look at the time and know that we are going to be late? Hikaru asked as she flicked her eyes towards Wizard.
Wizard looked at Hikaru at the corners of his eye with his usual cold demeanor. How do you suggest I do that?
Hikaru was taken back at his coldness towards her. She tried to smooth things out by saying Then I'll do it.
Her hands glowed and she aimed her hands to the ceiling. When the small energy had touched contact with the ceiling, it had made a sound like bling.
Oujirou opened his eyes when he heard the light sound above him. He looked towards the dolls and saw that Wizard pointing at the grandfather clock. Oujirou gave him the slightest nod and pulled gently away from Misaki.
"We better head to the arena. We won't want our fans to be waiting now do we?"he said as he head over to the dolls and took each one in his hands.
He slipped Hikaru in Misaki's hand and the both of them strolled to the door.
Arena
The audience was overwhelming as a couple of late arrivers tried to find a seat to see the playing field. Misaki and Oujirou arrived at the dues waiting room quite late. Everyone else was there on time and Ichijrou's eyes brightened to see Oujirou. Or did it gleam of plotting?
Fortunetly, the first two dues called up wasn't either Misaki nor Oujirou. Or they would get a penelty for being late. After the certain of time that were given to each dues to be on the playing field, the remaining dues narrowed to Misaki, Oujirou, and Shuuko. But when the dues are narrowed down to only three, the champion of last year's compeition must wait and go against the winner of the two.
So Oujirou and Shuuko must go against eachother. Oujirou and Shuuko sat on opposite egg shaped seats. Both of them had wore the pink winged visors to help them control their angels movements.
Misaki was watching this on the sidelines. Her worried eyes flicked from her dear okaa-san to her beloved boyfriend. She didn't even know who to cheer for. Both of them were extremely good and there is a chance for Oujirou to lose. But you never know.
Both opponents gently threw in their angels and the angels instantly resumed to life. Wizard's cerulean eyes stayed firmly on the senior angel before him. Athena was watching him with an intensive gaze behind her head piece's shadows.
The battle went well. Not one of the dues were going to give up this easily. Wizard was fighting at the pace Oujirou had wanted. Oujirou didn't want to humiliate Shuuko so he wasn't making any vital attack yet.
But goes to show, Oujirou surprisingly won. Shuuko smiled, despite her defeat. Both of the dues stepped out of the seats and shook hands. "Congradulation, Ou-chan."Shuuko said as she had spoken Oujirou's nickname from her.
"Thank you, Shuuko-san. But in the back of my mind, I sense that you did this on purpose."he said.
Shuuko's face expression looked of surprisement but it was quickly replaced be her calm demeanor. "You can tell?"she asked as her eyes were dancing of laughter.
Oujirou chuckled. "Of course. But why?"
"Just like how you didn't fight with all you've got. You didn't want to humiliate me?"she said as she smiled as thanks.
"Yes."
"Then do you purpose that I am losing my touch?"she asked as her face was written with mock hurt.
Oujirou revolted. "Of course not!"
Shuuko laughed. "I was kidding. You better get back to Misaki-chan. She's looking for you."
Oujirou nodded and turned around to find Misaki. The next angelic fight is coming up.
Different part of the arena
Misaki turned her head from left to right continuously as she walked down a opposite direction than the mob of people. She was searching for Oujirou. She had already greeted her mother so all she had to find now was Oujirou.
She was walking aimlessly through the crowd and jumping up and down, so you could get a better view. But she didn't need to find him anymore because two arms encompassed around her waist.
She instantaneously turned around and saw Oujirou's face. She huffed. "You scared me, Oujirou."
Oujirou smirked, which was unlike his character. "That was what I wanted to do"
Oujirou reverted his face to a smile. "We have to get ready for our next match. I was looking for you."
Misaki sighed. "Well, okay.".
Waiting Room
When Misaki and Oujirou entered the waiting room, she saw Sai and Kaede. She instantly brightened up. "Sai-chan, Kaede-chan!"
The two women turned and saw their adoloscent friend waving to them. Despite Sai's icy looks towards people, her face loosened and had a small smile upon it. Misaki brightens everyone up. Kaede had her usual kind spirited smile on her face when she saw Misaki.
"Misaki-chan, it's nice to see you again, as you Oujirou-kun."Kaede greeted as her face lit of contentment.
Sai nodded to each of them. "Misaki, Oujirou"
"I thought the both of you had lefted."Misaki asked as her face was full of gladness that they hadn't.
"We wanted to know who would win this tournament. But I thought that it would be interesting to see the both of you to have an angelic fight" Sai said.
"Oh really?" Oujirou asked as his left eyebrow rosed with questioning.
"Yes. Since the both of you have approved, Sai and I wanted to see this fight."Kaede said as she looked from both dues.
"Well,-". Misaki blinked as an announcement was being broadcasted right now, which means interupting her from her sentence.
The little t.v screen on the wall had flicked on the announcer's face. "The final match of this tournament is about to begin. Would Suzuhara Misaki and Mihara Oujirou please come down to the arena." Then with that last word, the announcer's face immediately disappeared.
"Well, that would us."Misaki said.
"Yes. Sai, Kaede, would the both of you be watching from the t.v. or live?" Oujirou asked.
"We'll be watching from live."Kaede commented as Sai nodded her agreement.
Oujirou and Misaki bid farewell and walked, hand in hand, to the arena.
Back to the arena
When Oujirou and Misaki stepped into the blinding lights of the arena, people in the crowds were screaming their names. Misaki noticed some groups of people waving a 'OUJIROU' sign and another holding 'I LOVE THE PRINCE OF ANGELIC LAYER'.
Another ridicoulous sign was 'MIHARA OUJIROU IS MY HUSBAND'. Now, being the understanding and tolerating girlfriend Misaki is, she didn't get mad. She just smiled amusely at the thought.
She saw some of her own signs with 'SUZUHARA MISAKI IS THE BEST'. 'MISAKI IS MY FRIEND'. That one might not be true. She haven't met any of her fans before. Well, she has at Eriol Academy with the upper and lower classmen as her fans. But none of her friends are fans of her.
'WILL BE MY GIRLFRIEND, MISAKI?'. A similar one was 'DUMP MIHARA OUJIROU, MISAKI'. Misaki was taken back by that. She never knew that she had admirers. But she won't part with Oujirou for the world.
She was startled when Oujirou pulled her towards the playing field. The announcer came to them and said, "Won't the both of you please step into the seats. The audience is getting anxious."
The two dues nodded. They went separate ways and when the announcer had cried for the match to begin, both of the dues toss their battle doll gently in the air. Hikaru's head flew back as she entered the ring and landed professionally, yet gracefully on the platform. On the opposite side, Wizard entered with the utmost swiftness. He entered with an air of a stoic and rigde coldness aura around him.
Now that both of the infamous angels have landed in the ring, both of them, like other angels are controlled by their dues. So Hikaru can't retaliate nor resist. The same with Wizard. That shouldn't be too hard, since Wizard and Oujirou have be partners for years now.
Hikaru stared at Wizard with a blank look on her face but inside, she was looking at him with sadness. She didn't realize it but Wizard was actually pushing her away. He didn't want her to know he was in love with her nor want her to be near him because he would start saying ridicoulous words and stumbling. Especially if he always tries not to say his petty excuses.
Oujirou started the first move by having Wizard aim a punch towards Hikaru. Misaki reacted in time and flipped in the air. Both dues began to move their angels with much strong and perfect concentration towards the fight. Neither of them wanted to lose. Nor do they want to fight against eachother. But they have to put aside their differences and make a move.
They can't refuse to fight their opponent, or the judges would just have to revoked their names from the compeition. No dues would want that. Now that we are finished explaining, the fight between Hikaru and Wizard have lasted for about 30 minutes already ( Sorry, but I don't know how long are Angelic Fights so I'll just say that they've been fighting for about 30 minutes. Can someone from out there tell me how long are Angelic Fights? I will gratefully appreciated it )
Wizard was trying not to lean into her body because then he'll get the 'feeling' again. So he settled with punches and kicks. Hikaru did the same because whatever fighting technique suits her. As they were fighting, Wizard and Hikaru somehow got so close together that, the both of them felt an electric tingle sizzle through their body.
Unknown to them, Misaki and Oujirou's head jolted a little back when their angels came into contact with eachother. Like as if they sense that Wizard and Hikaru have this kind of undiscovered love bond. When most angels fall in love, having the feeling of an undescribable vibe run through their bodies are mostly unheard of.
But after that, Wizard and Hikaru stayed even farther. Surely they know what they felt for eachother. The both of them were nearly tossed out of the ring numerous times but always found a way to get back in the game. But the ending score resulted in Hikaru winning by close points.
Misaki sighed in relief. Her head was covered in sweats from the heat of the lights above her. They were gleaming even more down on her even without the protection of the seat she had sat on. She removed her visor and her eyes came into contact with the sudden blinding lights shining down on her eye temple.
Oujirou was in the same state. But he wasn't going to fall over. He walked over to Misaki and she gave him a tired, bright smile. Even if she was tired, she still have to force her tiredness away.
The announcer had them shake hands. Then the announcer declared Suzuhara Misaki the winner to this year's International Angelic Layer Tournament's winner. He handed her the gold colored trophy with ribbons cascading down from each handle. Also with the Angelic Layer symbol etched on the trophy.
After hearing Oujirou's encouragement to go up there and her friends cheering her on, she felt better already. Misaki placed Hikaru in the trophy and lifted it in the air.
Shuuko watched from below at her daughter with such proudness. She knew that Misaki could win. She was her daughter after all.
When the announcer interupted the audience's cheering, he declared that they were going to do something different this year for the end of the tournament. He then surprisingly, pointed at Oujirou and Misaki and said that the couple would be performing a show with their angels.
"What?"Misaki said in disbelief.
"We weren't informed of this,"Oujirou said as quietly as possible to the announcer.
When he said that, the announcer's expression reverted to guiltness. "Ichirou-san said that it would be a surprise for you both. He said something about a present for you and Suzuhara-san's relationship.". He was clearly a little shakened up because now Oujirou was staring at him with immense coldness in his eyes.
Oujirou turned his head and scanned the crowd for his scheming older brother. There! He found him up on the control simulation room, where they operate the angels. His brother was smiling at him slyly and waving to him.
Oujirou growled. How were they ever related?! Then he made an unintelligent 'huh' when Misaki tugged his hand. He turned towards Misaki and she was looking at him with deep concern. She had lefted her trophy to her mother.
"Is something the matter, Oujirou?"she asked.
Oujirou relaxed. "No, I'm fine. Let's just put on show for everyone."
Misaki's facial expression reverted to a confused one. "But how? We didn't know about this until today."
"Yes, but we'll figure something out."
Misaki nodded. They retreated to their respective seats and placed on the pink visor again. They gently threw their angels through the air and their angels became alive once more. Hikaru and Wizard had overheard and knew fully well that they have to be in contact again.
Hikaru didn't quite believe the tingling feeling of a shock between them because Wizard have already love someone else. She knew that it wasn't her. To have this undescrible feeling, the angels have to be in very much deep love for eachother. You could say soulmates, if you wish. For an angel to choose a soulmate, it takes many chances for the chooser to think this through. It won't come to them instantaneously. Of course it had taken Hikaru many times to think about it but at the end, she was sure that she loved Wizard.
To be with your soulmate, you are forever bound.
Perfomance
Misaki wasn't too sure about giving a performance for the crowd, especially when she didn't have enough time to be prepare. She was also frightened that she might do something wrong and leave Oujirou in embarassment.
Oujirou smiled knowingly at Misaki and knew that she was worried. He gave her a reassurace smile and it meant that 'it would be alright'.
Both of the dues cleared their mind and only focused on the 'performance' for their fans. Something strange always occurs whenever Oujirou and Misaki are partners in Angelic Layer. They always seem to know how to balance their angel's moves and come into sync with the movements. So it won't be a surprise this time.
Hikaru and Wizard started the show by doing some partnershiping acrobaticing. Hikaru flipped through the air and adding a twist to it and Wizard caught her. The announcer had set up an acrobatic course for the two angels. So Hikaru and Wizard were hanging on ribbons and Hikaru leaped through the air and Wizard caught her hands. Then he swung her. She landed on her feet gracefully and bowed. Wizard untangled himself from the complicated knot and landed on his feet just the same.
The crowd was going wild now as Misaki and Oujirou manuvered some more. There were music on and Wizard and Hikaru began to dance in syncronization. It was a fast tempo but the two champion angels didn't lose their grip.
Wizard was sweating inside as well as Oujirou. 'This is the stupidest thing ever. If Ichirou-san wants to torment Oujrou, why must he do this to me as well?'. Wizard thought as his arms and feet moved faster towards the beat of the music.
'It's not that bad, Wizard-san. Don't be pesstimistic about this. It's actually kind of fun.' Hikaru said her angelic voice cut through his thoughts.
Wizard loosened up a bit after hearing her voice. 'Frankly, I'm tired.'
He heard Hikaru giggled. 'Me too. But look at everyone out on the seats, they look so happy to see us do this.'
Wizard smiled his rare smile to himself. 'You always think of others before yourself'
'Really? I just want everyone to be happy' she said in a surprised tone. She could tell that Wizard was smiling. She grinned to herself. At least he's happy and I helped a little.
'You should smile more often.' came her short comment.
Wizard was takened back. Hikaru gasped a little and mentally covered her mouth. She didn't mean to think that at loud to him.
'I-I-I-I'm s-sorry. I didn't mean to voice out my comment.'she said timidly.
'It's okay.' he said. Maybe he should smile more often.
Then he heard Hikaru's small, almost unheard of, sigh. "That's a relief. I didn't want to anger you. I can tell you are angry towards me already."
Wizard knew that Hikaru was a little naive but this was one of the significant traits he loved about her. But he didn't expect her to catch on so soon about him avoiding her. "I'm not angry at you".
"I thought you were. You were always avoiding me. I wanted to talk to you but I couldn't find a chance. I thought that we were friends."she said except she didn't know how much her words means to him.
Wizard's cold wall around himself began to lift as he felt his heart breaking at those words. Friends? She doesn't think of him more than that. Life can be so crude. At least he can be close to her.
The performance continued on and the two angels ended with Hikaru jumping in the air with her wings out. With red shimmering dusts raining down on the playing field. Also when Wizard were on the ribbon ropes and making extonishing yet dangerous acrobatics through the air. The two dues then had their angels land on their feet and bowed.
The crowd gave the two pair an outburst of ovation as the two dues and their angels had finished with their outstanding performance.
Misaki smiled at the crowd. Maybe this wasn't a bad idea after all. Oujirou felt his heart warmed up from seeing Misaki smile. At least his baka onii-chan didn't leave his Misaki in depression. The two once again, stepped out and yet another around of ovation began.
The announcer sighed in relief and nervousness. At least now Mihara-san isn't infuriated anymore. He didn't want that to happen again. He need to get better pay for his job. Especially dealing with Mihara Oujirou.
When Hikaru stood up from her bow, she turned towards Wizard and said, "It wasn't that bad, right? It was really fun. Don't you think so?".
After hearing her chirpy voice, he said in a relaxed tone, "It was okay."
Hikaru smiled fondly and knew that coming from Wizard, that was a lot.
With the ovation dimenundoed to silence, Oujirou and Misaki picked up their dolls and went back to the waiting room.
Waiting Room
When Misaki and Oujirou stepped in throught the door, Ringo launched herself into a hug with Misaki. "That was a really good performance, Misaki-chan!"
"Thank you, Ringo-chan. Really."she said.
"How do you two do that?"Arisu asked as she looked from Misaki to Oujirou.
Misaki tilted her head at an angle, indicating her confusion. "Do what?"
"Interact with your angels together perfectly and no slips. Balance during the performance." she said as she shook her head in disbelief.
"I don't know. We just do. We have this sort of.....um....huh.... What is that word, Oujirou?"she asked as she pondered through more.
"Bond?"he said suggestively.
Misaki nodded. "A little like a bond, I guess.".
"Wizard and Hikaru looked so cute together while dancing."Ringo squealed.
"They look alike,yes. But cute?"Oujirou said.
Sai slapped her forehead. "You really are dense, Oujirou-kun."
"You just don't get the language of the feminine"Madoka said as she smiled along.
Oujirou just stared oddly at the ladies around him. Then Misaki laughed. "It's okay, Oujirou. I don't really get them sometimes too.".
" Now, how should we celebrate Misaki-chan's victory?" Kaede said as she glasped her hands together.
As they were talking, they had lefted their angels on the coffee table on their right. The angels were remaining as silent and unmoving as possible. They would make the tinest movement once in awhile so their joints won't be too stiff to move.
All the while, they were congratulating Hikaru on her success. Hikaru was red in the face. She was flushed by the compliments that were given to her and the embarassment of her redden face. So far, Wizard hadn't said anything to her yet.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he looked at his dues and his soulmate, Misaki-san. Why couldn't he talk freely to Hikaru like what Oujirou did to Misaki? His personality? His feelings? Or was it his fear of love? Or the fear of rejection from Hikaru?
He don't know. Probably his fear of rejection from Hikaru. He doesn't know how to act around the person he loves. Does everyone have this problem when they fall in love?
Hee Hee! Wizard has some problems that he must solve on his own. Let's see what happens next time. Also I appreciate reviewers who view this story. AS WELL AS my absense for two months. Gomen nasai. I'll explain what happen when I reload my Perfect Xmas story. Has something to do with I'm kinda mad at their deseicion but kind of grateful too. Kawaiignidgirl