Chapter IX: Archangels in Nôtre Dame
-Misaki-kun! -Tsubasa exclaimed, waking up quickly. Once again he had dreamt about him. Once again he dreamt that his best friend, with a smile on his face and signaling him to be quiet had flown with wings like an Archangel's.
-Misaki-kun... Perhaps you have something to do with this? I hope you don't. I know we're missing three Archangels, but I don't want to see anyone else involved in this.
He tried to sleep again, but it was useless. He decided to go to the guest room, the one where his idol and friend, Roberto Hongo had lived and now was empty. With a book in his hand Tsubasa went inside the room as quietly as he could, lit the night table's lamp and began to read a book about history of soccer (he'll never change)
He had read half the book when he became drowsy again. He returned to his room, closed the window he had opened to freshen the place and went back to sleep. This time Tsubasa didn't dream about Misaki, not even with a soccer game; he had dreamt of something that he wanted to make true: confess his feelings to Sanae, no matter if it was one-sided or not.
A new day had come, and with it the Archangels and their inseparable ally. Each and every one of them got ready to face that day, which in fact would be very long.
-Tsubasa, honey, wake up -Natsuko knocked on the door, but was surprised upon seeing that Tsubasa was already awake.
-Good morning, mom. I was awake from a long time ago, if you're asking yourself.
-I get it. I'm surprised that you wake up so early ever since you-know-when.
-I'm getting used to see the dawn.
A while later Tsubasa was walking to the Junior High. However, as he passed by the alley where the whole mess began, the same phenomenon happened again: the noise of the street disappeared and everything seemed to go in slow motion... It was a clear sign that Shiro was very near.
-I know you're around here, Shiro. Stop hiding.
-Nothing goes by you, right? -the white cloaked being said, after coming back from its fat gray rat's disguise. -You already notice many things, Tsukai.
-Well, that's a way of putting it. I want to ask you something.
-Ask then.
-Dreaming the same thing once, and again, and AGAIN is normal?
-It depends on the dream, I think -Shiro said, crossing its arms. –Are you passing by this?
-Not only me; my best friends too.
-First things first. What's happening to you?
-I dream of a soccer game, a run of the mill on. But when I least expected it, my best friend is at my side, with his everyday clothes. Just when I realize it, he smiles, tells me to be quiet, grows wings out of nowhere and flies toward the contrary goal. That's what I've been dreaming, and I don't think it's normal at all.
-Is your best friend older than you?
-Why do you ask that?
-Just answer me. I hate it when you answer with another question.
Tsubasa was shocked with that.
-Well, yeah, he's just two months and some days older that me. But I insist: Why do you ask that?
-It's not normal that you dream of your friend more than once and more if he grows wings unless one of two things is happening. One: You have such a strong bond with him you miss him more than ever. Two: He may be one of us.
-Gee, it's the first time you give me a clear answer, Shiro.
-Whatever, whatever... -Shiro hadn't apparently noticed it. -What do your friends dream repeatedly? And, how did you find out?
-They sent me letters telling me that. Both dream of the battle among White and Black Archangels, although there are some points that don't coincide among them. Misaki-kun, who's my best friend, says that in his dreams a young woman in an old kimono appears and he says that I'm there there. Wakabayashi-kun, my other friend, says he doesn't dream it with so many details, but he knows they fight for a reason, I'm there, and he thinks of it as a bad sign.
-And haven't you thought that maybe they're the ones we're looking for? -Shiro said with its typical scolding tone.
-Don't begin... Yeah, I've thought so, but to tell the truth, I hope they're not the ones we're looking for. It would be very risky to try to teleport to Paris or Hamburg, and I don't want to involve anyone else in this crisis.
However, the noise of the street returned while they were discussing, and the bell was ringing, pointing out that Tsubasa was late.
-Oh, rats! I gotta go. See you later, Shiro -and Tsubasa ran away. Shiro observed the teen.
-He said that I had finally given a clear answer. It means I should be more careful with what I say... after all, if I don't help them with this, I'll never be able to obtain my eternal rest. It's not easy to give messages, advice and such -and Shiro disappeared.
On the other hand Tsubasa barely arrived on time.
-Tsubasa-kun, what happened? You almost arrived late -Sanae said, concerned.
-Let's talk later -the boy answered while the teacher entered. When they were in class...
-Ozora, if you did the homework I left, tell me which are the most and least electronegative elements in the periodic table?
"C'mon, think, think..." -Tsubasa didn't remember it well. For some reason the dream had invaded his mind; Taro, the fact that he was in France... His typical kind smile...
"That's it! France... Francium! And his smile... Toothpaste has fluorine"! -and Tsubasa gave the answer correctly. He never felt more grateful with that dream... Although it would be in short that the dream's real meaning would come out to the light.
And you know that when things can't go worse, they do. After giving his correct answer Tsubasa had the pain attack again. Ishizaki and Sanae stood up in alarm. The monkey-face teenager used his powers to make the others believe that Tsubasa had an atrocious headache and Sanae hurried to avoid Tsubasa hitting his head.
-Ishizaki, Nakasawa, can you explain to me why did you getup? -the teacher said sternly.
-Don't you see that Tsubasa has a horrible headache? -Ishizaki said.
-It'll be better to take him to the infirmary -Sanae said. –He's got a cold sweat and he's pale.
-Then do something about it, Nakasawa.
-I'll help too; Tsubasa is very heavy for her, sir -and between Ryou and Sanae they took the half-unconscious young man to the infirmary. Ryou was right; Sanae wasn't strong enough to help Tsubasa, and even for him he was heavy, but they did it between the two of them.
-What happened? -the nurse asked when the three went in.
-It's Tsubasa-kun. He's got such a strong headache he's almost unconscious -Ryou lied.
-Well, leave him on the stretcher. I thought he had had enough after getting so hurt in the soccer games.
-He hasn't gotten hurt that much -Sanae said reproachfully.
-Well, you two, go to class. I'll take charge of this teen.
Ryou and Sanae left the infirmary, but for a moment they stayed out, talking.
-I suspect that Tsubasa detected another attack to an Archangel.
-Not Hyuga, right?
-I dunno, Sanae. I don't have and idea of what to do.
-It'll be better to discuss this with Tsubasa in recess. Let's go; I bet the teacher's angry.
They entered the classroom, sat down and continued with the dull Chemistry class. A while later, before the bell rang, the teacher warned them that there would be an exam about the periodic table (the topic they were seeing)
-Please don't forget to study, as those that obtain the best marks will be exempted of the end of trimester exam.
-You're serious? -Yukari said, astonished.
-But that will only be for those that obtain the best mark in the next class's exam, Miss Nishimoto -and the bell finally rang. Immediately the Archangel of the Earth and his ally hurried to the infirmary. The nurse informed them that Tsubasa had been sleeping after another pain attack.
-I suppose those pains must leave him exhausted -Sanae said, not very convinced of what she said.
-Well, talk that with him -and the nurse left to take a sip of coffee.
Sanae and Ishizaki came closer to the stretcher where Tsubasa was sleeping.
"He's so handsome when he sleeps..." –the girl thought, undoubtedly moved, but she didn't let Ryou see her that way.
-Time to wake Sleeping Beauty up. C'mon, Sanae, wake him up, but don't scare him.
-But, how?
-How should I know? You're the one with the ideas... Hey, use what he gave you.
Sanae took the glass sphere, without really knowing what to do, and asked for an answer.
"If you know how the Kami no Tsukai and the Archangels use their powers, then it shouldn't be that hard for you to use the powers of the talisman" -was Shiro's answer.
-Tsubasa-kun, please wake up -the girl murmured, with the glass sphere in her hand. The white fog that was inside formed a small whirl, and the boy woke up.
-It's the first time someone wakes me up so softly... Thank you, Sanae-chan.
-Let's get outta here. We have to talk -Ryou said, pointing at the door.
-I can't leave until the nurse gives the order.
-She went to take a coffee break.
-Anyway, it's better to wait, or am I wrong?
-If you say so... -Ryou said, bored.
Sanae and Ryou brought near a couple of plastic benches.
-Why did you have that attack, Tsubasa? -the Monkey Boy asked.
-It may be because I don't control my powers completely, or because they're attacking someone. Well, that's what Shiro says. And in this case, I'm afraid the second option is right.
-And did you see where the attack happened?
-I saw a round colored window, like in a church, and the one who was attacked.
-Who did they attack? -Sanae asked, worried.
-I didn't distinguish well who it was, but I have the impression that it's somebody very near to us. The attacking Black Archangel's wings didn't let me see.
The other two teenagers looked confused. A round colored window? A church?
-It doesn't make any sense. And besides, if they're attacking somebody we don't even know if we know ho it is or where it is, how will we get there there? –said Ryou, really confused.
-I don't have any ideas... But I insist that I feel that that person that Black Archangel was attacking is quite near to us -Tsubasa repeated with a hand on his forehead. The teens continued talking, but Sanae was very concentrated thinking, until she jumped, upset.
-What's up, Sanae-chan?
-I felt an energy spark -and the girl took her glass sphere again. She observed it largely, just like Tsubasa and Ishizaki. However, there wasn't anything clear in that swirling white mist, but somehow Sanae was able to understand it.
-Boys, I think I know who was attacked and where.
-How? Who and where? -both boys said, at the same time.
-Somehow I can see it... The round colored window is a rosette; the church is in fact the Nôtre Dame cathedral and the victim's Misaki Taro.
-It can't be! It must be roughly one in the morning in Paris! -Tsubasa exclaimed, between infuriated, terrified and incredulous.
-But so it is, Tsubasa-kun. At least that's what I perceive... And what will you do?
-Yeah, that's a good question.
-We'll have to go to Paris to save him, but I don't know if we can count with Hyuga-kun.
-Impossible. At this hour the Cathedral is closed, and you'd shock Misaki-kun if you go -Sanae said pragmatically.
-And then what do we do? Are we going to let my best friend be killed by that dark creature?
-No, but... –Ishizaki was confused too.
-I don't know about you, Ishizaki-kun, but I'll Misaki-kun. Sanae, as you are not able to teleport you'll have to stay here.
-No way Jose. I'll go with you all the way -Ryou said.
-I don't know if I can teleport like you, but it would be worthwhile to try it -however, the nurse arrived, and she was surprised to see Tsubasa awake, and apparently irritated.
-I see you're better now. I'll give you the authorization so you can return to class, and by the way, try calm down. You're fuming.
-No, don't worry, Miss. It's just that Tsubasa always gets this way when he's very hungry -Sanae said nervously. And after receiving the order, Tsubasa and his friends left the infirmary.
-We have about twenty minutes left. If we're lucky, we'll be able to save him and return on time -Tsubasa said.
-Not only luck, but strength -Ishizaki answered. Sanae was concentrated, with the glass sphere in her hand.
"Hyuga-san, if you get this message and are in recess, please teleport to Nôtre Dame as soon as you can. Misaki Taro's been attacked!" -the girl thought difficultly. She wasn't sure if she'd receive an answer, but at least he could try. The three teens ran to rather lonely corner of the school, and concentrated their energy on being able to get to where the one who needed to be saved awaited. Tsubasa and Ryou achieved it, but Sanae wasn't able to teleport. Resigned, she sat down to wait and pray for her friends to be OK.
Meanwhile, the Messenger of the Gods and the Archangel of the Earth were able to arrive safe and sound to Paris.
-We have to look for the rosette. Luckily there's a full moon, se we should see the light filtering through the colored glass. Let's go -and Tsubasa made his bracelet and magatama appear, the same as his sword. Ryou followed suit. However, the Cathedral was huge, and they got tired.
-We're a pair of idiots, Tsubasa-kun. If we're the Black Archangels' enemies, why don't we fly?
-Good point –and lifting their wings, they flew until finding the rosette.
What they saw wasn't good at all.
-C'mon, if you're the famous Archangel of Water at least try to defend yourself –said the Black Archangel that was attacking the boy, who was badly injured.
-I don't know what you're talking about... And why did you bring me here? I don't have anything to do with archangels; I'm not even Catholic -Taro answered pleadingly.
-You do know why I brought you here: this beautiful cathedral will be your tomb -and with what seemed sharp black rocks, like obsidian, the Black Archangel attacked. But...
-Shout of the Gods! -Tsubasa attacked and deviated the Black Archangel's attack, while Ryou formed the traditional barrier. The rocks fell to the floor and shattered in a thousand pieces. The Black Archangel turned to see, and in his eyes the purest hate was seen... Although the most fearsome feature was that he had a blue eye and a brown eye.
-You... you won't survive my... Hatred Blast! -and another series of razor-sharp black rocks attacked, hurting those that had arrived.
-Tsukai, go save Misaki-kun. I'll distract this maniac meanwhile -Ryou said, getting up. -Hey, you, fight with somebody your size!
-OK -the sword-wielding teenager whispered and ran towards Taro. -Misaki-kun, are you all right?
-Tsu, Tsubasa-kun -unexplainably, Taro wasn't surprised of seeing his best friend with a sword in his hand and a couple of wings on the back. -I knew you would come... I knew you'd come to save me, buddy.
-I know... You're badly hurt.
-It's nothing... -but immediately Tsubasa passed by the same thing that the previous times, when he discovered that Ishizaki and Hyuga were Archangels; however, a ray of blue light shot out of the Messenger of the Gods' magatama and hit Misaki.
-Tsubasa-kun... What's happening? And why do feel this pain...? -Taro said, terrified. A pale blue magatama, a bracelet, and what in the beginning looked like a drawing pen appeared from within him. After that, Tsubasa was half-unconscious and gasped because of the pain he endured. And just as with the other Archangels, a torrent of memories filled the sweet boy's mind... The Archangel of the Water had woken up.
-I don't have doubts anymore... -and Taro made a pair of wings appear on his back. Tsubasa saw that, and tried to stop Taro because of his wounds, but he, smiling, gestured Tsubasa to be quiet. The boy flew towards the Black Archangel that had attacked him, his small pen transforming into a trident, and attacked him with great agility. However, the dark being attacked him back.
-Don't even try it, rookie -the Archangel of the two-colored eyes said, after having beaten Ishizaki and sent the Archangel of Water against a pillar.
-At least I can try it.
-Misaki-kun... -Ishizaki said, trying to get up. –He's right; you don't still know how to control your power.
-But I can't let him kill you, Ishizaki-kun...
-You waste your time. You're just no match for me!
-But I am. Fire Storm! -and the Black Archangel fell to the floor thanks to Hyuga's awesome attack.
-Kojiro-kun... You too...
-I can see that what Sanae said is right. Are you OK? And where's Tsubasa?
-I've been better, and Tsubasa-kun is there, almost unconscious.
-By the way, since you've just woken up, listen to your heart, and you'll see that you'll be able to control your power. Finish this idiot while I take charge of these two.
-OK -and in spite of his wounds, Taro closed his eyes and cleared his mind of all thought.
"Look in your heart and you will find the power that you need to conquer the Black Archangels, the custodians of the darkness. You must use Water's power... with the Poseidon's Trident."
"Poseidon's Trident... Water's power... Look in my heart..." -Taro repeated that mentally, like a litany, until his magatama shone and the teenager opened his eyes.
-What's up? Is the rookie afraid of attacking? Attack me if you dare!
-Don't underestimate me... Marine Undertow! –I don't need to say it; he wasn't aware of what he did but Taro lifted his arms, his hands back against back, separated them lowering his arms while a two water spheres formed in his hands, and quickly pushed them towards the Black Archangel. A great water flow formed from the water spheres and sent the Archangel of Hatred to the floor.
-This isn't the last thing that you'll see from the Archangel of Hatred -and cursing he tried to escape, but somebody hit him before he could disappear.
-Don't even think about cursing in a sacred place –were Tsubasa's words, who returned thanks to Hyuga and as quick as lightning attacked the evil being.
After everyone recovered, Tsubasa explained to his friend what to do and gave him the blue pebble, before leaving along with Ryou. However, Hyuga still had time, and solved the doubts his friend had.
-I know it sounds absurd, but you have to discover your powers for yourself. Now, it's better for you to use them and return home. Your father would worry if he saw your room empty.
-I know it, Kojiro. I have to thank you and the others for saving me.
-Hey, if we want to realize our dreams we have to face our fate... Well, those are Tsubasa's gaudy words.
-Well, it'll be better to leave.
-And by the way, if your father notices the mark of the trident, tell him it's a temporary tattoo.
-Sure -and Kojiro left too. Taro concentrated, thought of being in his room, safe and unharmed... And immediately he was there.
"Azumi was right; that dream was a preview of what was going to happen. And now that I know it, the only thing I can do is learn more and more to control this wonderful power."
-I knew you'd come to help me, Tsubasa-kun. I don't know why I knew it, but I felt it. I knew that I wouldn't die today... Although you faced today a great danger just to save me. I can only thank you for saving me -and tired as he was, he fell sound asleep.