Chapter X: An Accidental First Kiss
Meanwhile, Tsubasa and Ishizaki had barely arrived on time. Tired, but with no visible wounds (ah, mind power...) they ran to the classroom, and were barely able to avoid being grounded. On the other hand Hyuga arrived without setbacks or injuries, if you're asking yourselves about it.
When it was lunchtime, Tsubasa, Sanae and Ishizaki sat down under a tree. The boys narrated what had happened to the girl. Fortunately she was a very good listener, but she was really when she heard that Misaki-kun hadn't been surprised of what happened.
-Just as you hear it. Somehow he knew it.
-Unless he dreamt it or something...
-It was more a premonition, I think. It'd be necessary to ask to Misaki-kun -Ishizaki said.
-It was also very convenient for Hyuga to arrive in the precise moment. I think telepathy is another one of our powers.
-Or maybe only Sanae's, since she's not an Archangel.
-I don't think I'm the only one here with telepathy. Why don't you try it? -the girl said, embarrassed. The boys did it, unsuccessfully.
-No, we can't. I do think you're the only one capable of doing it -Tsubasa said.
-Well, let's stop discussing. Besides, I'm too tired to talk -Ishizaki said, before taking a big bite out of his lunch.
-You mean you're too hungry -somebody said, coming closer to them. It was Yukari, who was with Kumi.
-You heard us? -Sanae said, pale.
-Only the last thing Ryou said. You know he'll eat anything that isn't tied down -Kumi said, making that one mentioned choke.
-Be careful with what you say -Tsubasa said advisably, rubbing his friend's back. Finally Ryou was able to breathe and looked disdainfully at the girls.
-Whatever, we didn't come here to fight. What are you gonna do tonight? -Yukari asked.
-What I always do: take care of Atsushi and do homework.
-Take a break.
-The same as Tsubasa.
-And why don't you come with us to that new juvenile disco that opened up recently, Vitalis? I've heard it's only for underage people and they sell some exquisite sodas.
-If you're talking about sodas, I prefer Sanae's family's soda fountain -Ishizaki said. -But I don't refuse to change my routine.
-If I get home early, I think there won't be any trouble. I only worry about my mother.
-I don't know if my parents will let me go... After all, I have to take care of Atsushi.
-And if we convince your parents? After all, you seldom go out, Sanae -Kumi replied. -I don't think your parents are that strict.
-Well...
-Don't be a spoilsport, Sanae. Look: Tsubasa and Ryou will go.
-But... Will you help me convince my parents?
-Of course -Yukari said kindly.
The rest of the day was the same, and after arriving of the soccer training, Tsubasa commented to his mother about the idea that Yukari and Kumi had had.
-Wouldn't it be very dangerous?
-What do you mean, mom? Quarrels? They only sell sodas; well, that's what Yukari said.
-No; I mean if the Black Archangels attack and you don't notice it.
-It's impossible for me not to notice it, mom. I didn't tell you, but every time a Black Archangel attacks one of us, I get a pain attack, as if I'd been electrocuted.
-This is definitely terrible...
-No, don't worry, mom. Some time ago, I almost fainted when it happened, and although they're still very painful, I can endure them better now. But, can I go out then?
-OK then... But I want you here early.
-Promise -and Tsubasa ran to the telephone to tell Ishizaki. He had also convinced his mother, telling her that helping so much with the family business needed a reward. He called Kumi, who called Yukari, who immediately set out to Sanae's house to try to convince the girl's parents. After a lot of talk, and assuring them they'd be home early, the girl was able to make Sanae go with her to Vitalis.
-But, what should I put on? To be honest, I don't know about fashion -Sanae said, worried.
-Come with me. I can lend you something since your clothes are way out of fashion, my dear friend.
-OK... -and the two girls went to the Nishimoto's house. Kumi went there a while later, and since they were going to meet in the disco with Tsubasa, Ishizaki and Izawa (they asked him later), they tried clothes and makeup to go there.
A while later, they arrived to Vitalis, although the boys hadn't arrived. Sanae had a pair of relatively tight Brazilian-cut black pants, a blue sleeveless shirt, shoes the same color of the shirt and no makeup (Kumi and Yukari said she didn't need it ;)); Kumi had a white denim knee-length skirt, black boots, a low cut black shirt and some make-up in the eyes. Yukari had a pair of dark blue pants like Sanae's, platform shoes, a sky blue strapless shirt and also had a little makeup (Were they going to a party or to conquer boys?). Moments later the boys appeared. Tsubasa had a short-sleeved black shirt under a relatively new indigo sweater, jeans and sneakers and surprisingly... smelled of cologne; Ishizaki went with a white sleeveless T-shirt, dark jeans and tennis, while Izawa went with shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a T-shirt under the shirt, black pants and black shoes.
-You're late, guys -Yukari said, a bit annoyed.
-Ishizaki bumped with a tree and was dizzy for a while. Next time, look where you're walking -Mamoru said, upset.
-Stop scolding me, dude -Ryou replied, making the girls laugh.
-You look great -Sanae said timidly.
-You too. We almost didn't distinguish you, right, Tsubasa-kun?
-Er, yeah, you're right... -the boy said, unable to look at Sanae.
-Are we going in then?
-Why did we come for then? Let's go in.
Kumi wanted to enter with her crush, but Yukari discouraged it with a glance, so she entered with Izawa. Yukari immediately joined with Ryou, making Tsubasa and Sanae go in together.
-This place is enormous! -Ryou exclaimed when he saw all the tables and people inside the disco.
-What a bunch of lights... I'm surprised no one's blind here -Kumi said.
-Let's find a table quickly, or we'll be standing up all night -Yukari said, looking for an empty table. Finally Tsubasa noticed an empty table, near the soda bar. The six teenagers hurried to take that table, and Sanae offered to go for the sodas. All requested what Yukari recommended: a vanilla ice cream float. As the cost of the ticket to enter Vitalis it covered the value of the sodas, there was no need to pay anything else.
-Excuse me, could you please give me six vanilla ice cream floats? -the girl said to the attendant.
-Sure. Show me the entrances.
Although that confused Sanae for a moment, she showed the attendant the tickets, and later took the sodas to the table in a tray.
-Well, I propose a toast for being able to convince Sanae's parents, because we're here and because we'll win the National Tournament -Yukari said, lifting her soda.
-Kampai! -and everyone raised their glasses. Indeed, that soda float was delicious, and it helped palliate the heat in the place.
-Do you want to dance? -Mamoru asked Kumi.
-OK -and they went to the dance floor. The DJ had a huge selection of electronic music, but it wasn't at all boring. Ishizaki danced with Yukari (Between us, Ishizaki was good at dancing), and although in the beginning she was afraid of him stepping on her, she accepted.
-Er, do you want to dance? -Tsubasa asked timidly. –I'm not a good dancer, but...
-Me neither, so we're even -Sanae responded, nervous. The boy offered her a hand so she could stand up, which she accepted gratefully. They went to the dance floor, hidden among several groups, and they used the few steps they knew. It wasn't much, but they didn't care. Later, some romantic ballads sounded in the disco. Kumi and Mamoru returned to the table to take a rest, while the other two couples continued dancing. Ryou and Yukari didn't see the trouble in dancing closely; they were just friends. Tsubasa and Sanae were a bit embarrassed, but in the end he placed softly a hand on her waist, and she leaned on the lad she had loved ever since she was little.
-Sorry if I don't know how to dance a lot -Tsubasa said, embarrassed while Tsuki no Niji, by Something Else played.
-I should be the one apologizing. Since I don't go out much, I'm not a good dancer...
Ryou and Yukari continued dancing, but they saw with pleasure how the other couple danced.
-They make a good couple, no doubt. I don't understand why Tsubasa doesn't confess his feeling if he's so in love -Yukari said, smiling.
-I know Tsubasa likes Sanae, but, you say he's in love? Those are major league words.
-Those are things you don't realize because you're an insensitive idiot, but believe me; that's what happens.
The slow music finished, and some groovy, fast music began to play (Wild Rush, by T.M. Revolution how I love that song!) Tsubasa and Sanae had gotten tired, the same as the other couple (Ishizaki and Yukari)
-Do you want to take a rest?
-Well, yeah... -but the girl tripped, and Tsubasa grabbed her to avoid her falling to the floor. But what they didn't realize was that they were joined but the corner of their lips... They lasted a millisecond that way, but as soon as they realized what happened, they broke up, red with embarrassment.
-I ...I'm sorry... I didn't really want to do it.
-It's my fault... If it hadn't tripped you wouldn't have passed by this...
None of the couple's friends realized the accident, but they saw that both teens were red.
-What's up with them? Why are they red? -Kumi asked.
-Don't tell me Tsubasa stepped on you, Sanae -Yukari said, suspecting.
-No, it's not that. It's just that well, we had never danced... together -Sanae explained.
-But you danced well -Yukari said. -Although it's obvious you don't dance much.
-Gee, did you read our mind? -Tsubasa said, lightly sarcastic.
-OK, OK, don't get angry. C'mon, take a seat -Mamoru said, trying to settle the discussion that was about to arise. Tsubasa sat down, but Sanae went to the bathroom. She left to wash her face for the heat she felt, and for simple curiosity took out her glass sphere. What she saw was not good at all: A fight was looming.
She ran towards the table and requested Tsubasa to go with her immediately.
-What happened, Sanae-chan? Looks like you saw a ghost.
-Be careful... There's gonna be a fight.
-How come?
-Remember that the talisman you gave me allows me to see what will happen, and it seems that there'll be a fight between you, Ishizaki and a Black Archangel, although it's not here and now... Please, be careful.
-All right -although he remembered the accident (lucky one), Tsubasa didn't feel so nervous when he spoke to Sanae. -Sanae, I...
-Yes? What happened?
-I... I only want... -he began to stutter. Sanae tried to look confused, but in the bottom of her heart she wished for him to complete what he was going to say.
-Hey, it's over, guys -Mamoru said, coming closer to them and ruining the magic moment (in fact, Final Distance by Utada Hikaru was playing)
-Ah, OK. Shall we go? -Tsubasa asked.
-Sure... It's lat and we have to go to school tomorrow.
Kumi, Izawa, Ryou, Yukari, Sanae and Tsubasa left Vitalis, happy and tired, but a black blaze blocked their way.
-What in the world...? -Mamoru exclaimed, surprised.
-Careful! -and Tsubasa, Ishizaki and Sanae saved the others from the attack.
"May everyone be safe and sound.. May no one remember this…" -Ryou used hiss powers to avoid Mamoru, Kumi and Yukari remember those moments, although Sanae was there too, but for some reason his powers didn't work with her. Well it could have been the talisman what protected it.
-What's wrong with me? I feel sick -Kumi said, putting one of her hands on her forehead. Mamoru and Yukari felt the same, but Sanae didn't.
Meanwhile, inside the barrier...
-You again... -Tsubasa and Ishizaki were ready to fight and not get beat.
-That idiot, the Archangel of Hatred couldn't do anything right... Black Fire! -and the Archangel of Darkness attacked. Ishizaki was able to avoid the attack, but Tsubasa received the attack squarely.
-Tsukai! Are you OK?
-Not really... -and Tsubasa used his wings to avoid the other attack of the youth that possessed the powers of Darkness.
-Give up once and for all -the Archangel said, seizing her scythe. –Don't delay the unavoidable.
-I'd be already dead if I gave up... -and Tsubasa liberated all the power of his sword using the white pebble that belonged to him. A little more relieved, he flew and was face to face with his enemy. It wasn't easy; Tsubasa hadn't still recovered of the black flame that hit him, while the Black Archangel was unhurt.
-Tsukai, let me beat her. I can manage it -Ishizaki said, seizing its axe.
-No... Let me bet her this time -and Tsubasa repelled the attack with difficulty. The Archangel of Darkness used her Black Fire again, but Tsubasa countered it with his own attack, until Ishizaki, frantic to o something attacked with his Fury of the Earth. The Archangel of Darkness fell to the floor thanks to the attack, and she disappeared again, full with fury but at the same time with something she ignored, something that always passed to her when she fought against the Kami no Tsukai. Immediately the weapons, the wings, the bracelets and the rest disappeared, just like the barrier.
-Hey, what happened? I don't remember anything... What are we waiting for? -Izawa said, placing a hand on his head.
-Kumi and Yukari got dizzy, but they're OK now -Sanae said.
-I was dizzy for a sec too...
-Whatever. Let's get outta here better -and everyone went to their respective homes.
When Tsubasa arrived, Natsuko was sleeping, but the night table's lamp was lit. She fell asleep waiting for her son.
"Mom... No, I won't wake her up. I'll tell her what happened tomorrow morning" -Tsubasa turned off his mother's light, tiptoed to avoid waking up its mother and entered his bedroom. He changed clothes, turned off his lamp (he used it instead of the bedroom light so as not to wake Natsuko up), opened the window and went to bed. He stayed between asleep and awake for a while, but he couldn't forget what had happened that night: although it had been an accident, and just for an instant... That night he had had his very first kiss, and just with the girl he loved.
After thinking that, Tsubasa fell completely asleep, and a smile crossed his face.
Meanwhile, in her own house, Sanae was almost in the same situation. Her parents had waited for her, and more curious than concerned they asked her how it had been. She obviously explained to them what had happened, omitting certain parts ;), and left to her room. She changed clothes, remembering that those clothes were Yukari's and that the attire she had used that afternoon was at her friend's. She put on her nightgown, turned off the light and began to contemplate the moon through her window. Like Tsubasa, she wasn't capable of taking that moment out of her head. It had only been an instant, an accident, and technically it would not have been one for millimeters, but it had been their first kiss after all. And maybe the best thing, and the worst thing was that it had been exactly with him.
-Tsubasa-kun... -the girl sighed, looking at the sky that although had some clouds it wasn't completely covered. -If I only knew what you feel... Maybe I wouldn't daydream so much, or maybe hang on to the hope that my feelings are not one-sided...
The girl closed the blinds, tucked well in her sheets and closed her eyes. Little by little she sank in a deep dream, and for a reason unknown to us, tears began to flow from her closed eyes. The fog of the glass sphere that was on her night table began to move, as if a tiny hurricane was in its interior. Seemingly somebody (maybe Shiro) tried to attack her in dreams; maybe to make her stay away from the Archangels, maybe to hurt her, but the sphere protected the girl from the attack, because after the spilled tears the girl's dream seemed to have changed.
Back at the Ozora's house, Tsubasa was already sleeping deeply. He had left the window open so that some fresh air went in, since his bedroom could be very hot in the night, and that was one of those hot nights.
Being fast asleep, he didn't notice that a small black bird or maybe a bat went in by the window. It settled on the floor, and took human form... It was the Archangel of Darkness. However, the aura of solitude and hate that used to surround her was not there at all.
-I wish to refuse my fate... I wish I didn't have to put an end to you, but unfortunately it can't be. You are a being of light, of sun, the one who symbolizes all the good and beautiful things of life... You always have a smile, a kind word for everyone. But me, me... I am a being of darkness, of shadow and solitude. Unfortunately my fate is to destroy you or die trying... And I don't want to do it. Unfortunately, I represent all the evil and sad in life, which is also what I live everyday. I live in rejection, neglect... That's why my power resides in darkness, but now that I see you like this, I simply wish to escape my fate -she whispered, contemplating the sleeping boy's contour. He was so calm, so serene that the Black Archangel couldn't help but gaze at him, serene too. However, she didn't have the world's entire time, and she couldn't let the other Black Archangels know about this.
And it was when she gazed at the sleeping young man, when she saw the one she had to destroy in that state of peace, when she knew that she should take that secret to the tomb; that she, the Archangel of Darkness realized that if she didn't feel able to kill the Messenger of the Gods... it was not only because he had given to her a kind word, but because she had fallen deeply in love with the one whose name was Heaven's Wings.
When she understood that, she knew she had to leave. If she dared to stay one more instant, she wouldn't be able to resist the desire of staying there and gaze at the Kami no Tsukai eternally. She turned again into the small flying animal, flapped her wings, and flew away from the Ozora's house. She arrived to the same place where she used to meet with the others, and landed.
-Where were you, Jin? –the Siberian husky-eyed Black Archangel asked.
-Just took a flight around the city. I was bored and enraged to death.
-No wonder, if you were beaten again...
-But at least I wasn't beat by someone who had just discovered his powers.
-Well, I wasn't the only one... Rai too, you forgot?
-Don't involve me in your discussions! -he answered, incensed.
-Stop it –the pony-tailed Black Archangel said. -Jin, if you're going to go around alone, at least you should warn us.
-And do I have to tell you why?
-Not necessarily.
-He who hides something denies all –the short-haired, small-eyed Black Archangel said, suspecting that the girl hid something.
-Don't begin with your proverbs, Too!
-I already told you that if you don't like it, ignore it, Rai. It's my way of being.
-Well, enough for today. Don't forget that we will win in the end –the pony-tailed Archangel said.
-For the Black Feather! -and everyone disappeared.