Chapter XIV: The Archangel of the Wind Awakes
A while later, everyone was in recess. Tsubasa and the other boys were playing a soccer game, while Kumi and Yukari observed them and Sanae continued knitting.
-Don't you get bored? -Yukari asked her friend. –You've been knitting for a long time.
-I already told you I do it to win some money.
-Yeah, right...
However one of the boys kicked the soccer ball a little too hard and it landed near Sanae's feet. The girl stood up and shot. Don't ask how, but the ball caught an effect like the Drive Shot's, and it went into Morisaki's goal.
-Sanae, how, how did you do that? -said Yukari, her face pale out of astonishment.
-I don't have the slightest idea. I only kicked the ball.
The boys came closer to the girl, astonished by her powerful shot.
-Sanae-chan, that shot was fantastic! How did you do it? -Tsubasa said, surprised.
-I don't know.
All the boys came closer to praise Sanae's shot, but obviously there will always be trouble, since Fujiko and her pals came closer to bother.
-Well, well, well. Look who we have here: Sanae the tomboy.
-Go bother in some other place.
-Or better said, aren't you some sort of scarlet woman? Because you're always with a lot of boys around you.
-Seems to me that someone's jealous -Yukari said, smiling ironically.
-Me jealous of her? I wouldn't be like her even if someone paid me a billion yen.
-Anyway, nobody would accept you. You only take advantage of your "features" to get what you want but you don't get a thing. Scram -Kumi added.
-Girls... -Sanae was surprised by the way her friends defended her.
-You wanna fight or what? -Fujiko said, lifting a couple of scrawny fists.
-We're not going to put up with a loser like you, and the boys agree with us, so you are a loser even before fighting. Get outta here; you're making us sick -Yukari answered, since she was more than ready to kick that annoying girl's bottom.
However, before both girls began the fight, the end-of-recess bell rang. Yukari and Fujiko looked at each other with absolute hate before going to their respective classrooms.
-You don't need to fight, and you mustn't do it, Yukari-chan -Sanae said, restrained. –Just ignore her and that's all.
-Let's say I'll be always ready to fight with her until she understands who's boss Sanae-chan.
-I believe she's plain jealous -Kumi said, sighing. -After all, she is a fashion addicted bubble brain.
-That's right -Sanae admitted, laughing, but stopped laughing as soon as the teacher went in.
Tsubasa and Ryou observed the girls, and couldn't avoid to snicker a little. After all, girl fights were so much fun…
A while later, in the middle of the class of the class, Ryou had gotten bored. They were in Algebra, so yeah, Tsubasa was completely lost too. Rolling his eyes from one side of the room to another, Ishizaki took advantage and took a soccer magazine out of his book bag.
-You're gonna get grounded, Ishizaki-kun -Tsubasa said in an undertone, while he read the algebra text.
-Oh, please, don't act honest 'cause I know you're dying to read this. It's this month's issue.
-I saw it, but it's not time to see it.
-Something the matter, Ozora, Ishizaki? -the teacher said, scolding them.
-No, sir -the first one answered, really nervous.
-Then please don't interrupt the class.
Tsubasa agreed quietly, but Ryou hid his magazine in his algebra book and began to read an article about English soccer.
-Hey, Tsubasa-kun, read this -he whispered, pointing out at the article.
-Not now... -the one mentioned answered, annoyed. -I don't want to flunk Algebra again.
-Ishizaki, please leave the living room -it was listened to say to the teacher. -I won't stand one more interruption.
-But, but...
-You already listened to me. Now... GO OUT!
-Yes, sir... -and Ryou left the living room dragging his feet.
Three minutes later, Ishizaki was out of the classroom, with a pail of water in his hands. Tsubasa had warned him, but he, Ishizaki Ryou had ignored it. However, a strong clatter was listened in the living room, and the boy opened the door to see what had happened. It was not a nice view.
-Tsubasa-kun, Tsubasa-kun, hold on -Sanae had prevented Tsubasa from falling on time, since he had once again an attack. -Tsubasa-kun, please, hold on!
-What happened, Nakasawa?
-Tsubasa has had many headaches lately. When you least expect it, they appear.
-Well, it looked as if... - Kisugi began to say, but his expression changed. His face looked blank, but not only Taipei's; everyone else did too. Sanae realized that everyone had changed their expression thanks to Ishizaki's quick mind.
-Believe me, Tsubasa-kun has a monster-sized headache. It'll be better to take him to the infirmary -the girl said.
-Then hop to it, Nakasawa -the teacher said, telling the others to sit down. Sanae stood up, was able to get the almost unconscious Tsubasa to his feet and began to go very slowly to the infirmary. Ishizaki tried to help, but Sanae told him to stop.
However, Sanae didn't take the almost unconscious boy to the infirmary. She knew that Tsubasa didn't have that attack because of lack of control of his powers, but because it was a sign of things coming.
-Tsubasa-kun, do you feel better?
-I'll feel better the day these attacks stop.
-Yeah, I know. You saw what's happening?
-A Black Archangel's attacking.
-It's attacking who?
-I couldn't see who. It was very dark.
-Then it must be very late in the night. Wait a moment, you said you suspected that Wakabayashi-kun was the Archangel of the Wind. Couldn't it be that...?
-Can't you back it up? -Tsubasa said, reminding Sanae of the glass sphere. She realized it and took it out. As always, Tsubasa couldn't find any logic in the mist that moved in whirls, currents and small explosions, but Sanae did.
-Your suspicions are 100 accurate. A Black Archangel's attacking Wakabayashi-kun in Germany, and what's worse, he attacked Genzo's friends too.
-Sanae-chan, warn the other ones, especially Misaki-kun; he's the one who's closest to the scene. After warning them, return to the classroom, act as if nothing had happened and tell the teacher I'm in the hospital wing. Tell Ishizaki-kun to stay here; he can't afford to get in more hot water.
-All right -and while Tsubasa disappeared in an instant, Sanae ran to the classroom, gave Tsubasa's message to Ryou and entered the classroom.
"Misaki-kun, Hyuga, a Black Archangel is attacking Wakabayashi-kun in Hamburg, Germany. It seems there are lots of injured people. Get there as soon as you can!"
In Tokyo, Hyuga was in class, reading a philosophy text, when he received Sanae's message.
"Oh, no... I'll have to think of something."
-Teacher, I'm not feeling well -he said, a hand on his forehead.
-What's happening, Hyuga?
-Headache.
-Well, then go to the infirmary.
-If you're sick, Hyuga-kun, I'll help you –said Ken.
-Don't worry; I can get there on my own -and he left the classroom. Once he was sure nobody followed him, he went to the infirmary, told the nurse what happened to him, and after she gave him a pill, the boy went to an isolated place and disappeared.
On the other hand, Taro had been fast asleep, dreaming of returning to Japan, when he woke up startled. The energy wave made the easel where he had a painting fall.
-Oh, no... My easel. But the fourth Archangel's first –he said to himself, putting some clothes under the covers to simulate his body. Muffling a yawn, he changed clothes quickly and teleported to Hamburg. He arrived there just when as Tsubasa fought with a Black Archangel seizing an enormous halberd. Hyuga was taking the injured innocents to a safe place and erasing their minds with his powers.
-Tsukai! Archangel of Fire! I'm coming! -and lifting his wings, the boy flew to attack the Black Archangel.
Tsubasa sighed from relief when seeing his best friend there.
-Take charge of our friend. I'll distract this bad guy.
-OK -and Tsubasa went towards Genzo, who was very wounded, but conscious.
-How are you, Wakabayashi-kun?
-OK, I think... Tsubasa-kun? What in the world are you doing here?
-What am I doing here? Saving you life, pal -and well, you already know what happens when Tsubasa comes close to a sleeping Archangel. Once again the attack got the Messenger of the Gods, while his white magatama shone aquamarine.
-What the...? Tsubasa! Answer me, man! -Genzo was panicking when he saw his friend suffer that way, but he didn't have time to react; the aquamarine beam hit the goalkeeper. Immediately the bracelet, the magatama and what seemed the head of an arrow and a string went out of him, while the torrent of images and memories flooded his head.
"Look in your heart and you will find the power that you need to beat the Black Archangels, those that wish to destroy the world. You must use the fury of the wind... with Aeolus's Bow and Arrows."
-Seems I have no escape... I'll have to fight my way out -said the Archangel that had just woken up, the Archangel of the Wind. Immediately he turned to see Tsubasa, who was still half unconscious but was beginning to wake up.
-Tsubasa-kun, what's this? What do I have to do?
The boy blinked twice or thrice, and recovered consciousness.
-Concentrate and whatever you need, ask for it. You have to discover your powers.
-Powers?
-Just as you heard it... Careful! -Tsubasa exclaimed, as he pushed Wakabayashi. At first he angered because of that, but later he noticed that he'd be frozen to death if Tsubasa hadn't saved his life.
-I get it now... -and concentrating, Genzo made his wings appear. –Hey, you! Face Fight someone you size!
-Heh, Your bark's worse than your bite. Frozen Blizzard! -the Black Archangel exclaimed, attacking. However, Genzo got used very quickly to its wings and avoided it knowingly. Remembering hi weapons, he took his bow, aimed and shot an arrow. The arrow was at least ten times faster than a normal arrow, and this one hit the Black Archangel. He, infuriated, attacked Genzo with his halberd, but immediately Hyuga's Fire Storm stopped him.
-Hyuga?
-No time. Fire Storm!
-Frozen Blizzard! -the two attacks collided, but the Archangel of Ice was more powerful and made Hyuga fall to the floor. -Just as I thought, you're all talk.
-You'd wish... Shout of the Gods!
-Marine Undertow! -Tsubasa and Misaki had attacked at the same time, injuring the Black Archangel.
-I want to try it too... -Genzo concentrated, searching in its heart, and finally found the answer. –Hurricane Winds!
That was the attack that defeated immediately the Archangel of Ice, who disappeared after swearing vengeance.
-Gee, this time it was hard -Hyuga grumbled, using his powers to cure its wounds in a certain degree.
-Don't mention it. There was not even time to create the barrier -Misaki said.
-I created it. You just didn't notice it -Tsubasa said, wiping the sweat off his forehead. -By the way, excellent attack, Wakabayashi-kun.
-Yeah, sure... –he answered, half lost, but later he recovered his conscious (and his astonishment) –Would any of you MIND EXPLAINING TO ME WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED HERE?
Tsubasa and Hyuga looked at the time in their watches, and knew they still had time. Misaki wasn't in a hurry, although he muffled yet another yawn.
-It's a long story. You see, we, and Ishizaki-kun who stayed in Japan, are in big trouble. If we want this planet to continue as it is, we have to fight with the Black Archangels and the Kage no Tsukai, and we still are missing an Archangel in our side.
-And how did you know I'm one of well, the good guys?
-I had the suspicion that you were once of us when I received your letter, telling me that you dreamt the same thing again and again. Also, every time an Archangel's attacked, I feel a terrible pain. Now listen to me, Wakabayashi-kun. We don't have much time left. You have to develop your powers and control them, because not only you life depends on it, but the whole human race counts on us -Tsubasa said.
-What's that of the Archangels? And why did Misaki-kun call you Tsukai?
-I'm on to it. Tsubasa-kun, that is the Messenger of the Gods, has to find the five Archangels that supposedly are the only ones that can help him in the fight against the Black Archangels, who are looking for the Messenger of the Shadows -Misaki answered.
-And?
-If we don't beat the five Black Archangels and the Kage no Tsukai, the world will be destroyed.
-And who are the Black Archangels?
-Well, you already knew one, the Archangel of Ice. There's also the Archangel of Darkness, who in fact is a girl, the Archangel of Thunder, the Archangel of Hatred and we still haven't face the Archangel of Chaos, who according to Shiro, is the most powerful of them.
-Who's Shiro?
-An androgynous being that was a messenger from the heavens, and later a woman called Karen, who in order to achieve eternal rest has to guide us...
-And nag Tsubasa -Hyuga said curtly.
-Don't interrupt me, Hyuga. It was the one putting us in this entire mess.
-But tell me something. If you live in Shizuoka, how is it that Misaki and Hyuga found out they were attacking me?
-Thanks to our ally, Sanae.
-Anego?
-Yeah. She may not be an Archangel, but she's the only one apart from us that knows about this. Well, now that you know it, we have to leave. And by the way, you have to be on constant alert, since we're still missing the last and most powerful Archangel.
-Isn't it you?
-I'm not an Archangel; I'm a Messenger. I'm talking about... -Tsubasa tried not to laughed and made it... -The Archangel of Love.
-By the name I reckon it's a girl. You sure it's not Sanae?
That opened a question mark in Tsubasa's mind.
-I doubt it. In any case, we'll be talking. See you -and after giving the pebble of pure wind to Wakabayashi, Tsubasa left, while Hyuga had left a little before. Misaki stayed to finish clearing any doubts Wakabayashi had, although the Archangel of Water also had many questions about all this. He explained to him about the powers, how to use and control them, and he also told him up to where their powers had been developed.
-...so try to control them as much as possible, especially when they scare you.
-Why's that?
-Let me see, how can I explain it? When someone scares me, I let go an energy wave that knocks some bad-placed things, or even the Archangels, including Tsubasa. And now that'll happen to you.
-Well, I'm not easily scared.
-I hope so... -but they didn't have any more time; the Archangel of Ice had come back for more.
-You again? You're stubborn -Genzo said, frowning.
-If at first you don't succeed, try and try again -that Archangel answered, seizing his weapon.
-You like proverbs, don't you? -Taro said, smiling slightly.
-Why do you care? After all, death's your fate. Frozen Blizzard!
Genzo and Taro looked at each other for a moment and avoided the attack flying on opposite directions. Taro activated the custom barrier, while Genzo concentrated on making his bow and arrows appear. But he didn't make it.
Obviously the Archangel of Ice noticed that, and attacked Genzo, now critically injured.
-Wakabayashi-kun! -Misaki exclaimed when seeing his friend spitting blood. –I can't allow it... marine Undertow!
The attack hit the Archangel of Ice, confusing him and giving Genzo time to catch his breath and try again to make his weapons appear.
-Do it know or you'll die, Wakabayashi-kun! Attack!
-Don't be obvious... -Genzo stood up, and at last made his weapons appear. Just as Misaki had told him, he removed the ties of the arrow's gem, liberating all its power. He aimed and shot.
-As if that will work...
-We'll see to it. Hurricane Winds! -the arrow had been a decoy; Genzo had waited to be able to attack with his powers, and injured the Black Archangel again. However, the goalkeeper had depleted all his strength and fell to the floor.
-Well, I won't waste your effort, buddy. Marine Undertow!
The attack made a bulls-eye, but Misaki was exhausted too. The Black Archangel left again, full with fury, while the two Japanese teenagers, panting, tried to recover the forces. Misaki teleported back to Paris, while Genzo stayed there, in that Hamburg park, waiting to be able to heal his injuries and go back home. He made the first thing, but that didn't let him teleport back home.
-Now what am I gonna do? I'm nowhere near my house. Oh, if I hadn't accepted going to Schneider's party, I'd be at home.
However, he remembered that another of the powers that he now had was turning into an animal. He transformed into a crow and flew home. He thanked the heavens it was still dark, since if somebody had seen him, it would have been surprised but the weird aquamarine blotch on the crow's wings which strangely reminded of a bow and arrows.
He arrived to his room, changed clothes, and tired as he was, fell asleep. During the two hours he slept his armor appeared unintentionally, but obviously he didn't feel it. He was so fast asleep, he recovered all the lost energy in the two hours he slept and woke up raring to go.
Meanwhile, Tsubasa had appeared on time for the soccer training. Before jumping to the field the boy told Ishizaki and Sanae what happened, including the doubt that Genzo had planted in his head.
-That'd be the most illogical thing I've heard. I haven't been knocked down by the energy waves, nor I've dreamt about this…
-You're right on that one, but there are two things that point that the Archangel of the Love is a girl -Tsubasa said, scratching his chin.
-What?
-First: Genzo says that there's now ay a boy could be the Archangel of Love because of the names. Second: My grandmother's story, and only she, Sanae and I know it.
-And don't even think of asking what it was, Ishizaki; it's a tradition in Tsubasa's family.
-But... what did I say?