Chapter XI: A Serious Misunderstanding
Several days passed, a new week began, and strangely no fights between Tsubasa, his friends and the Black Archangels happened. Ishizaki thought they maybe had realized they couldn't beat Tsubasa and the others, but Sanae suspected that maybe they were planning something.
-It's just not normal in them to not act in so many days. I think they're planning something.
-You say it 'cause you're afraid.
-Well, I have my reasons.
-I agree with Sanae. It's not normal that several days pass without an attack.
-Sure, you're always on Sanae's side...
-No; I agree because she IS right.
-I don't believe you.
Truth was that every time Tsubasa agreed with Sanae, nobody believed his excuse of 'because she's right'; it wasn't a secret that they loved each other deeply, but none of them was able to admit it and much less to tell each other what they kept deep in their heart. They were in recess, which was an advantage for them (no eavesdroppers), although Sanae noticed them on having all the necessary cautions. Ishizaki's birthday passed, so Sanae gave him as a 'gift' the bracelet she had made for him in order to make it unnecessary to vanish the bracelet when he wasn't fighting.
There was a soccer game against Otomo Junior High that day, and in the rival team some players who had been Tsubasa and Ryou's teammates in the Elementary Soccer Championship were playing. Just after having finished classes, the boys of the soccer team hurried to arrive at the Junior High's soccer field to warm up before the game. Tsubasa was quite excited (No wonder), but Ishizaki was annoyed.
-What does it happen, Ishizaki-kun? -Izawa asked the Monkey Boy.
-Not much, really; it's just that I have to play against that stuck-up guy, Urabe.
-Urabe Hanji? I thought you and him were friends -Kisugi said intervening.
-Of course not! He left to Otomo Junior High hoping to defeat us, and I heard that Nitta, the one that gave the second victory to Nankatsu Elementary also plays with the Otomo soccer team.
-So you believe they're traitors... If it was their decision, it just can't be helped.
-It's not that. They swore to beat us, and I also had to make a ridiculous bet.
-Why's that? -he/she said Tsubasa finally.
-I met Urabe yesterday, and with his I'll-beat-you-you-wait-and-see tone he made me bet that if they beat us, we had to cheer them, and if we won, they would cheer us.
-You're right; it's ludicrous -Izawa said, raising an eyebrow. -And the next time you make bet, don't involve us, dude.
-Hey, there's no time to argue. Keep you energies for the game, and there we'll show them what we're made of. You agree?
-Of course.
-Sure, Tsubasa-kun.
-Then... let's win!
The two teams came out to the field. Otomo had its usual dark uniform, and Urabe, Kishida, Nishio and Nitta were there, ready to show Nankatsu who's boss. In front of them, the red and white team, with Tsubasa, Ishizaki, Izawa, Kisugi, Taki and the others. The referee, Urabe and Tsubasa decided who would make the kickoff. Lady Luck chose Otomo. Everyone took its position on the field, and the party began under a totally clear sky.
-Nitta, run to the goal! -Urabe shouted, passing the ball. Nitta received it without problem, but Izawa stood in front of him. However, the Otomo lad was able to avoid him and continued running. He shot with all his strength, and it seemed that Morisaki wouldn't arrive, but Ryou stopped it.
-Don't even think we'll let you win! -he exclaimed, angry. He began to run towards the opposite goal, allowing Tsubasa to advance even more. Finally he got the ball, but he found himself with a powerful defense. Tsubasa avoided the first one, but the second defender ran to block him, in a level-like defense. The Nankatsu captain used all his ability to avoid being tackled, and made a high pass to Izawa.
"I trust your aerial ability, buddy" -the boy thought while he kicked the ball. Mamoru jumped, and although several of the Otomo defenders jumped at the same time, none of them was able to avoid the strong head shot from the ex-Shutetsu player. However, Ichijou, the keeper, stopped it.
-Darn it, I couldn't score the goal -murmured Izawa, snapping his fingers.
-You'll have another chance -Kisugi told him encouragingly.
The match continued ahead and it was a field to field game. Many times the goals were endangered, but the defenders' quick reaction avoided the goal in their nets. Otomo took the ball, and Morisaki shouted at his partners to do something. Takasugi, Nakazato, Ishizaki and Iwami made as much as they could, but it would be the last one I mentioned the one who'd steal the ball off Nitta's feet with a lot of difficulty.
-Captain, score that goal once and for all! -he screamed, kicking the ball. Tsubasa took the ball and ran as quick as a tiger towards Ichijou's goal.
-This time I can't fail my friends -and concentrating all his energy, he shot. Ichijou rushed towards the goal, but the strength the ball took was just too much. The ball buried itself in the nets, causing madness in the Nankatsu tribunes. Sanae, Kumi and Yukari were there, shouting gleefully, next to Manabu who had taken the sensible decision of cheering his friends instead of being a player.
-Excellent shot, Tsubasa-kun! -his partners told him.
-We got the rhythm now, but let's go for the victory -he answered, lifting his fist. The tribunes chanted the team's name, and mostly the captain's name.
What neither Tsubasa, neither Ishizaki, neither Sanae knew, was that somebody they knew was observing them, very hidden among the Otomo's fans: Imawano Jinko had been cheering her school's team, but very secretly, the only boy that had been kind with her.
The game ended 3-1, although Nitta had scored a goal after the referee signaled the end of the game.
-Well, Urabe, it seems we made a bet -Ishizaki said, trying very hard not to make fun of the loser.
-What? That's all? You only say that and you don't even make fun of me?
-I don't see the point in it. It would be very nasty on my behalf.
-Well, then we'll support you with all our strength, but you must win all the 'cause you're the ones who represent Shizuoka! -Urabe exclaimed, almost making Ishizaki fall out of fright, and since there wasn't anything that could fall, the energy wave passed almost without being noticed, as Tsubasa fell to the floor.
-Tsubasa-kun, what happened? -Iwami asked when seeing the captain on the floor.
-I slipped.
-That's strange. You usually have a real good balance -Takasugi added.
-Whatever.
Soon after, when the Otomo students that had cheered the team were about to leave, there was someone far away from the others. Tsubasa recognized her immediately, and although Sanae did too, she had a bad feeling.
-Imawano-san! Did you come to see the match?
-Well... yes. It's not that I like soccer a lot, but there wasn't anything else left to do -she answered, looking at her feet.
-Hey, you, you know Tsubasa? -Urabe said, sneering. Jinko looked with daggers in her eyes at the boy, without an answer.
-Don't treat her that way, Urabe. She has a name -Tsubasa answered, somewhat confused by the way that Urabe treated the girl.
-Then you answer me.
-We crashed once, and from then on we talk a little.
-Well, I pity you, Tsubasa-kun. She's a nerd, and believe me, talking to someone like her is just a waste of time.
-Think whatever you want, Urabe, but I don't like people who mistreat the others.
Jinko was amazed as she heard that; no one had ever defended her in that way.
-No, don't worry, Ozora-san. He is right.
-No, he's not. I hate people that prejudices the others without knowing them -and Tsubasa left, leaving Urabe dumbstruck and Jinko with an almost indelible memory she would take to the tomb.
Later he met with Sanae, who was angry.
-Anything wrong, Sanae-chan?
-I saw how you defended Imawano.
-Do you know her?
-Yes. The same thing that happened to you happened to me: I crashed with her -the girl answered, not looking at Tsubasa.
-I see...
-Do you like her?
-How can you think that? I barely know Imawano-san, and even so, I'm not interested in her. I only defended her because I can't stand seeing how people treat others badly without even knowing them.
-Yeah, sure...
-Believe me, Sanae. I could've done it for any other person... mostly for you.
Sanae couldn't believe her ears. Tsubasa wasn't very aware of what he had said, and when he realized it, he looked for a quick excuse.
-You, you said it seriously?
-Sure; you are my best friend... And that's what counts.
Sanae tried to stay calm, but inside she felt her heart shatter. She told Tsubasa she'd see him later, and left. As soon as she was out of earshot and eyeshot, tears began to flow, without a undoubtedly not just because of her shyness, but because she felt heartbroken.
-Sanae, what's wrong? -asked somebody who was nearby. -Why are you crying?
-Kanda... No, it's nothing. I'm just down in the dumps.
Kanda Koushi, a Nankatsu student too, had an obsessive crush on Sanae, and he knew he had a strong rival for her. But that wasn't an obstacle for him to talk with her.
-You can tell me what happened. I won't tell.
Sanae, no doubt wishing to open her heart, told everything to Kanda, who was indeed a good listener. Both of them were talking; just in that moment Tsubasa passed by and couldn't believe what he saw. He felt something break inside him, and ran away, without Sanae and Kanda noticing it.
When he arrived at the house, he slammed shut his bedroom door. Full with rage, more than anything against himself, punched his pillow until he could no more.
-Honey, what's wrong? Why are you so furious?
-Leave me alone.
-But...
-Leave me alone! -Tsubasa shouted, making an energy wave fly and knock down the same poster. Natsuko got scared when she saw that, so she took the wise decision of leaving and waiting for her son to calm down. She had never seen him so furious.
"Tsubasa... I've never seen him so angry. He's not quick to anger, but it had to be something too hard for him so he was that furious..." -Tsubasa's mother thought. She went down the stairs, entered the kitchen and began to make dinner, and a big one, not only because she knew that Tsubasa had a real appetite after a big match, but because fury can make you hungrier.
On the other hand, Sanae was in her room, feeling better, but having seen Tsubasa next to the girl she had a bad feeling about hurt her... And then something clicked in her. It was not that Imawano and the Archangel of Darkness were similar; they were the same person. For that reason Sanae had a bad premonition with the Girl of the Mourning Sword -she was exactly one of the rivals they had to beat so they could stay alive.
Meanwhile, in Paris, Misaki was in class. Ever since the day his power woke up, he no longer had that dream, and looked way better. He was in Algebra, and the teacher explained a specially complicated formula.
-Misaki, using what we have just seen, could you solve the problem that I will dictate him on the blackboard?
-Yes, sir –he answered in French, and passed to the front. The teacher dictated him the problem, and the boy, before beginning, closed his eyes and concentrated. Fortunately he had always been an excellent student, and remembering everything, he solved the problem.
-Very well, Misaki. Excellent answer -and the teacher wrote a ten on the list.
Later in recess, Azumi asked Taro how he had done it.
-I concentrated a lot, I guess
-But that problem was almost impossible to solve. Not even Benoit could solve the problem and we know he's the best in algebra in the classroom.
-Once again I tell you: I concentrated a lot.
-OK. I don't question your capacity, but it looked as if you read the teacher's mind.
Taro snickered, without a doubt amused by what Azumi said. Although he could've done it (he had developed his powers up to where the others were in less time), he had always been a by-the-book boy.
-No, Azumi-san. Nobody can read minds. And even if I could, I'd never do it.
-No doubt. I know that you're always a by-the-rules boy, Misaki-kun.
-Yeah. What did you bring for snack time?
Azumi looked in the cloth bag in which she used to take her food, but it was empty.
-Oh no, it's empty... My mother forgot to give me my snack -and Azumi's stomach roared, making her redden with shame.
-Oh, well, I thought that maybe you had brought those cookies your mother makes, but it doesn't matter. Here, take it -Taro gave half of his sandwich to the girl, who although rejected it at the beginning, gave in to her friend's offer. They were sharing the snack, but Taro had a bad feeling. In his mind he hoped for Azumi to be safe and sound, and mostly for her to not notice it. Immediately the barrier appeared, and just as he thought, a rain of sharp obsidian fragments attacked him.
-Jeez, it's the rookie... seems you're very perceptive, huh?
-What do you want?
-I want to see your blood run! Hatred Blast! -the Archangel of Hatred attacked Taro, who avoided the attack flying. Moments later, they were face to face: Taro fought with his trident, without liberating the weapon's entire power; the Archangel of the Hate seized a mace. The Black Archangel seem to have the advantage, but with what he didn't count was that Taro impelled himself down, landed, propelled himself up and gave him a good blow in the face with the trident. It worked. The Archangel of the Hate was dizzy for an instant, which was taken advantage of by the Archangel of Water, who attacked with his Marine Undertow.
The Archangel of Hatred spat on the floor, and disappeared cursing. Taro made everything related with the Archangel of the Water and the barrier disappear and returned to Azumi, who felt oddly blank.
-What happened? My head's spinning.
-Must be your hunger attacking. Doesn't surprise me if your mother forgot to give you your snack.
-Misaki-kun, you're sweating. Did you run or something?
-No... must be the heat.
-Hmm, well, it is quite hot. Let's go to the classroom; it's cooler there.
Both teenagers went to the classroom, since the bell rang too while they went towards the classroom. They went in, where it was way cooler, and the class continued. At the end of the day Taro had soccer training, but while they were in a practice match the lace of his right shoe broke. He stopped when feeling that his shoe loosened, stopped and signaled the trainer for time.
-My shoelace broke!
-Well, then stop -and the trainer blew his whistle. Immediately Taro went to his locker and looked for the spare shoelaces he had there (he's very cautious :D)
-Luckily I have spares... It'll be better to change both laces, or an accident may happen.
So he did and he returned to the training. The rest passed as always, and when it ended he went home.
-I'm home -the boy said, but he didn't receive an answer. Instinctively he went to the kitchen and saw a note on the fridge's door.
-Taro, I had to leave to buy oil paints. I may be late. Dinner's in the oven. Ichiro.
The boy shrugged and went to his room. After doing his homework and painting a while, he decided to take a good shower, and in fact he needed it, since he had not only trained, but had also fought arduously against a powerful enemy.
In Germany, Genzo had just arrived home. The training was more and more arduous, since the Hamburg Soccer Team was in a good streak; of seven matches played they had won five matches and tied two. He left the handbag in his room, served himself a glass of water and went to check the mail. There was a letter for Taro (they arrived there for a favor his friend asked him) and one for him, from Tsubasa.
"Wakabayashi-kun: Thank you for the pictures. You and Misaki-kun look great in them, although the picture in which you fell in the fountain was hilarious. No resentment, please, although the one where Misaki-kun's about to give a bite to the ice cream is not less laughable.
About the dreams, I recommend you to be extremely careful. I know you're very skeptical, but in this case it'll be better to be careful. As someone told Misaki-kun: it can be a sign of things about to happen.
Things are the same here. Sanae bean to make bracelets again just to win money, she and Ishizaki argue from time to time and Izawa, Kisugi, Taki and Takasugi sometimes ask me about you. I tell them once and again to write you, but they're too lazy.
I'm looking forward to know about you, pal. Greetings from Shizuoka, Japan, Ozora Tsubasa.
PS: Will you come to Japan for vacations?"
-Heh, Tsubasa... I don't know if I'll have vacations or not, but it would be great to pass over there to greet my old friends.
He changed clothes, took a book he was reading and dedicated himself to finish it, although he wasn't able to get out of his head what Tsubasa had warned him in the letter.
Meanwhile, back in Japan, Tsubasa was fast asleep. When he had calmed down he went down to have dinner with his mother and apologized to her for his offensive attitude. They had dinner in silence, and although Natsuko asked him why he had been so angry, Tsubasa asked her not to ask. Now he was sleeping, since it was two in the morning. Once again he had left the window open. Just like some days ago, a tiny flying animal (it could have been a bird or a bat) went into the room, and the Archangel of Darkness took her original form again. As she came was doing sometimes, she glanced at the Kami no Tsukai, doing her best at not waking him up. However, this time she didn't notice that a tiny feather from wings had come off and fell to the floor.
-I don't know how to thank you for what you did for me today. Urabe is exactly one of those that bother me the most, and nobody had defended me before. I thank you, Ozora-san... And although fate put us in different sides, I really wish to change my fate.
The Archangel touched very gently her crush's hair, turned again into the flying animal and instead of going with the other Archangels (their meeting had already finished) she went to her house. She entered by the window of her room, changed her clothes with her powers and went to bed. Although she fell asleep immediately, for an instant a small smile crossed her face. Although she had to fight against the Kami no Tsukai, secretly she gazed at him while he slept, and that was a secret she would keep until the end of her days.
It dawned in Japan, and Tsubasa woke up with a monster-sized headache. Although it still hurt him to think what he had seen yesterday, he cleared his mid of all thoughts and changed clothes.
-Good morning, honey -Natsuko said while she prepared coffee. –How did you sleep?
-Got a monster-sized headache, mom. I feel as if I had my head in a giant nutcracker.
-Did you drink yesterday and now you have a hangover?
-It's not funny, mom. You know I hate alcoholic drinks, mom -Tsubasa grumbled, crabby.
-I know it, son. You have that headache because of your bad temper yesterday. You even made the same poster fall with your energy again.
-Yes, I saw that.
Natsuko served some cereal to Tsubasa, and after going for something in her room, she went down with an aspirin in her hand.
-Take this; it'll help you with the headache.
-Thanks, mom -and Tsubasa took the aspirin with a glass of water. Immediately he ate the cereal reluctantly, and went to his bedroom to take his book bag.
-But, what is this? -he said when he saw the tiny black feather. He picked it up and examined it carefully. It looked like a night bird's wing, although it could have been a Black Archangel's feather too.
-Well, I'll show it to Sanae to see what she says, if she wants to talk to me again -and remembering what had happened painfully, he stuffed the feather in his pocket, too his book bag and left.