Chapter XVII: Debts To Pay
-Gee, you're the Archangels of Water and of the Wind… I didn't expect you to be able to call them, girl -the Archangel of Darkness said.
-Well, now you know she can. Avoid some troubles and do us a favor: get out of here -Genzo said, aiming at the evil being with his bow and arrows.
-And why do I have to leave? After all, I have to destroy all of you! Black Fire!
-Hurricane Winds! -Genzo stopped the attack while Taro took Sanae to a safe place.
-Are you OK, Sanae-san?
-Yeah, thanks to you, Misaki-kun.
-Well, well, it's time to work.
However, another Black Archangel appeared. Genzo immediately recognized it; it was the Archangel of Ice.
-You're late -the Archangel of the Darkness alleged.
-I would've arrived earlier if you had asked for help before. Take charge of the Archangel of Water; I have unfinished business with the Archangel of the Wind.
-Whatever -and while the Archangel with the scythe flew towards where Sanae and Taro were, the Archangel with the halberd and the Archangel with the bow began their own fight. They fought face to face, and although the halberd gave an advantage to the Archangel of Ice, Genzo stopped his attacks with his bow, using it like a sword.
-I'll see you blood falling to the floor today.
-You'd wish, creep.
Meanwhile…
-Black Fire!
-Marine Undertow!
Both Archangels tried to defeat each other with their powers. Sanae still didn't know what to do. However, neither she nor Taro counted with the Archangel of the Darkness throwing another black blaze, with her left hand. The attack hit Sanae, who fell to the floor.
-Sanae!
-Don't worry about me! -she answered, with a hand on her stomach. However, seeing how the Archangel of the Darkness could attack twice at the same time gave an excellent idea to the Archangel of Water. Concentrating, he looked for an answer in their heart… until he found it.
-Water Shield! -and what the beginning was a jet of water circulating around Sanae became a powerful water wall when the Archangel of the Darkness attacked. Taro had discovered another ability. It was the only way that Sanae would be safe and he could keep on fighting the Archangel of the Darkness.
Meantime, Genzo and the Archangel of Ice fought with great intensity. Both were quite hurt, but obviously the Archangel of the Wind had the worst injuries. His bow wasn't a weapon to fight face to face, and the Black Archangel's halberd was mucho more powerful than it. However, he had an excellent idea.
-But, what do you think you're doing? -the Archangel of Ice said as Genzo went away, seemingly retreating. –Your bark is just worse than your bite.
-Well, I have a proverb for you: Never judge a book by its cover! -and the keeper shot an arrow, which pierced one of the Black Archangel's wings. He continued shooting arrows at a great speed (like Legolas in Lord of the Rings xD) His aim was practically perfect, and even Genzo was surprised at it.
-Heh, these arrows don't do a thing. Frozen Blizzard!
-Hurricane Winds! -and finally the Archangel of Ice disappeared in a black feather puff, angry. Immediately Genzo turned to see his friends, just when Misaki defeated the Archangel of Darkness, with his Trident in its maximum power.
"Drat, I forgot about the maximum power of my Bow" –Genzo thought, snapping his fingers, but saw with joy how his friend gave the final blow. Furious, the loser disappeared.
-What a coup de grace, Misaki-kun. I hope that Archangel doesn't bother Sanae again.
-I agree, but there's something that makes me mad -Taro said, with a look of great hardness on his usually sweet face. -If Tsubasa and Ishizaki live here, why didn't they come as soon as Sanae pleaded for help?
-Well, you're right on that one. They have a lot of explanation to do then.
-And Hyuga didn't come either, but he has an excuse: He lives in Tokyo and up to where I know, he has to share his room, so it would be very complicated for him to come.
-Anyway, thank you, boys. You saved my life -Sanae said, with a hand on her wound.
-You're injured, Anego.
-I already told you to stop calling me Anego.
-Wait a sec. I'll heal you -Misaki said, putting his hand almost on the injury. Concentrating, he made Sanae's injury disappear completely, and after saying goodbye, he returned to France.
-Anego, I mean, Sanae, please tell Tsubasa he'll have to explain to me why he didn't come to save you.
-OK, Wakabayashi-kun -and the goalkeeper disappeared. Sanae continued walking home and arrived. She looked at the time in the grandfather clock and was amazed; it was midnight.
-Luckily my parents aren't here, but I don't want to be alone. After what happened to me, I believe I have to admit that I am afraid.
However, she heard a small knock on her bedroom's window. She ran to her room and there was the black and white cat with the golden mark on his back. Sanae, aggrieved, remembered that Tsubasa didn0t rescue her from the Archangel of Darkness's attack.
-Please, Sanae, open up! I need to talk with you! -the cat exclaimed, desperate.
-Leave.
-I couldn't arrive because of the Archangel of Thunder. I did hear your plea for help, but the Archangel of Thunder attacked me, and I assure you I barely beat him.
Sanae wanted to believe him, but she didn't know if the lad was telling her the truth.
-I don't believe you.
-Believe me, please! I wanted to arrive on time! I wanted to keep you safe and sound, but I wasn't able to! If I could've been there, I would've gladly died to save you, Sanae!
Actually, it was kind of funny to see the cat on the windowsill shouting like mad. But the lad wasn't aware of what he said, and Sanae couldn't believe her eyes and ears.
-I have to be very tired. Goodbye –and talking no more, Sanae closed the curtains, changed clothes and went to bed. Tsubasa, incensed by the girl's attitude, returned to his house, changed clothes and went to sleep, annoyed. He slept miserably, thinking mainly of the confession that Kumi made to him, the anxiety he had while he fought with the Archangel of Thunder, and Sanae's resentment.
"Sanae, please, believe me" –was the last thing he thought before falling deeply asleep. However, he had soccer training, and got up late.
-Tsubasa, honey, don't you have soccer training today?
-Huh?... Oh, man! I do! -and quick as a shot he got ready and left without eating anything. Natsuko was about to tell him that, but she didn't have time to do so.
When he arrived…
-You're late -Sanae scolded him, cold as ice.
-I'm sorry –Tsubasa said sheepishly and ran to change clothes. Definitively the girl's indifference hurt him, and it was the second time it passed.
The training continued, and obviously Tsubasa was down on the dumps. Ishizaki, worried by his friend's lack of spirit cornered him while they took a break.
-What happened last night between you and Sanae for her to be so mad at you, huh?
-I couldn't rescue her from the attack of the Archangel of Darkness.
-How come?
-What you heard. She was walking to her house and the Archangel of Darkness attacked her. She pleaded for help and I tried to save her, but the Archangel of Thunder stopped me and I had to fight with him. After I was able to defeat him I tried to arrive, but she wasn't there. I even went to her house and told her why I couldn't arrive, but she didn't believe me.
-So she's resentful at you. I think there's only one thing you can do, and what is it? You have to find the way so she can forgive you.
-I doubt it. If I even told her I'd die just to save her, you think there'll be something that convinces her that I'm telling the truth?
-You told her WHAT? -Ryou exclaimed, amazed.
-I think I wasn't very aware of what I said, but that was what I said.
-Man, Tsubasa, your crush is pathological. If one of the Black Archangels hears that, he or she'll believe that Sanae's your weak point.
-And isn't Yukari your weak spot?
That was quite a deep answer from the Kami no Tsukai, since he left Ishizaki without knowing what to say and redder than a beet.
Opening his heart made Tsubasa feel better, but he felt a thorn prick his heart every time he saw Sanae. She, on the other hand, hated to be so icy with Tsubasa, but she couldn't forget the fact that he didn't go to save her.
-Sanae-chan, what's the matter? -Yukari said, while they got some towels ready.
-Nothing, Yukari. I'm exhausted. That's all -the girl answered briskly, maybe a little too much.
-You got up on the wrong side of the bed. First, I see you're acting Ice Queen with Tsubasa and now you're very dry. Are you sure everything's OK?
-I already told you I'm exhausted. I got home at midnight and I don't really want to talk about it.
-Well, I understand why you're so dry with me and I don't blame you, but why are you so cold with Tsubasa? Did he hurt you or something?
-Yes and no. It's something personal.
-Because if I were you, Sanae, and I'm not, I wouldn't hurt Tsubasa like that -Kumi said, very serious.
-You say it because you have a crush on him.
-Not really; I said it because your Ice Queen charade hurts him a lot. I can see it on his face.
-How can my attitude hurt him?
-Sanae, don't you understand it? Tsubasa loves you, and more than what you can possibly imagine. Don't hurt him more with your indifference, because believe me, you'll never know what you had unless you lose it.
"Tsubasa loves you, and more than what you can possibly imagine…" -that phrase stuck in Sanae's mind. Was Kumi probably telling the truth?
-And how do you know it? -Yukari asked, startled.
-Because last night I told Tsubasa what I felt for him, and he told me he only saw me as a good friend. Besides, he admitted he was madly in love with another girl. And that girl's you, Sanae-chan. That's why I said what I said.
Nakasawa Sanae was more than amazed. She couldn't believe that the man she loved felt the same for her.
-However, don't tell him you know that. I don't want him to think I'm a blabbermouth.
-Yeah, sure, Kumi -and they sat down to se the practice match the boys were playing. Sanae and Yukari realized why Kumi said what she said. Tsubasa played as he usually did, but he wasn't so lively, and his eyes had a deep sadness.
"I think I was very hard with him. He has never lied to me, but I didn't believe him when he told me that he had had a fight with the Archangel of Thunder. But, is it true what Kumi said? Maybe it is; she was very serious when she told us and she wouldn't have told us if she wanted to hurt us. That's what I think."
That mixed Sanae's feelings. She didn't know what to say or think, but she knew what she had to do. She had to apologize to Tsubasa.
Later, everyone went home. Sanae was still quite pensive, and seemingly Tsubasa was thoughtful too. Ever since he arrived to the training and she had scolded him they hadn't spoken to each other. The boy walked, meditating his sadness, and he didn't notice that Kumi was near.
-Tsubasa-senpai, what's wrong? You are kind of… depressed.
-Huh? No, it's nothing, Kumi. I'm just not in the mood for anything, actually.
-That's depression.
-Yeah, I guess -and in that moment his stomach grumbled, leaving him red in shame.
-Don't you mean you're kind of hungry?
-I think I'm both.
-Well, then go home and eat something. I bet that once your stomach's full you'll feel better. See you -and Kumi left for her house.
"Kumi… Although she's heartbroken by my fault, she is a good friend. Well, I know that I can count with her, but the truth I doubt I'll get out of this unlucky day."
He arrived to his house, and Natsuko was waiting for him with a big lunch. Tsubasa told her what had happened the previous night and what happened in the training, although omitting what he didn't want to reveal.
-Oh, Tsubasa… If you couldn't save Sanae, and she's angry at you for that, it's because she hoped you were the first one there. Nonetheless, it wasn't your fault, and you couldn't have done much against two Black Archangels, right?
-Mom, if fighting with just one leaves me drained, between the two Black Archangels I would've been killed.
They finished eating lunch, and Tsubasa decided to wash the dishes while Natsuko retired to take a nap. He tried to keep his mind away from the thought of Sanae's bitterness. Because of that, he didn't hear the steps that came closer, and obviously when he felt someone touching his shoulder he got scared and let an energy wave fly. Immediately he heard someone falling on the floor; it had to be a White Archangel.
-Who is there…? -Tsubasa turned, opening his mouth in surprise.
-No wonder they say to call before coming… -Genzo griped, rubbing his back.
-Wakabayashi-kun… How are you? -the boy that had been washing dishes asked, but went quiet when seeing the hardness of his friend's eyes. And without previous warning, or justified reason, Genzo punched Tsubasa's face so hard he sent him against the dishwasher.
-What was that for?
-Why didn't you go save Anego, I mean, Sanae last night? You were the one nearest to her and the Archangel of Darkness almost killed her if it wasn't for Misaki-kun and me saving her on time!
-I fought a Black Archangel too. If it hadn't been because the Archangel of Thunder blocked my way, I would've gone to save Sanae as quick as I can.
-Don't lie to me, Ozora Tsubasa.
-I'm not lying! I'd die just to keep Sanae safe and sound! Not only she doesn't believe me, but you don't believe me either! I don't lie, but nobody believes me! -the Messenger of the Gods exclaimed, really furious, creating an even stronger energy wave than the first one.
Wakabayashi fell again. However, his fury became fear as he had never seen Tsubasa so furious.
"I can see in his face how much he wants to be believed. To be honest, I was a fool for not believing him."
-Hey, when you said you'd die just to keep Sanae safe and sound, why's that?
-For a reason you wouldn't understand, Wakabayashi-kun -Tsubasa answered, calming down.
-At least tell me what is it, and if I don't understand it, at least I can keep the secret. After all, I think I'm your friend, aren't I?
-The reason is… I love Sanae. I know she feels the same, but I'm too shy to ask her to be my girlfriend.
Genzo raised an eyebrow.
-How blind can you be, Tsubasa? Sanae loves you since we were Elementary kids, and you didn't even notice her until you became a teenager.
-Thanks for reminding it -Tsubasa said, annoyed
-And how is it that you know about Sanae's feeling?
-Because a girl that is also assisting the team, Kumi, also had… a crush on me, and she confessed her feelings to me. You should already know the result, and after that she told me to hurry up and tell Sanae what I feel.
-But you're a complete chicken in that.
-Yeah. But, answer me something… How is it that you talk about this like a pro? You're younger than me, and I've never known if you've liked someone.
-How to say it? I've never fallen in love, and I haven't had neither the experience nor the luck you have, but I observe what happens around me, and more than anything, I'm a good listener.
That was a brilliant answer said by the Archangel of the Wind.
-By the way, if I were you, I'd take advantage of Sanae being in the park.
-How do you know it?
-I don't have trainings today, and it's six in the morning in Hamburg. I couldn't sleep anymore, so I decided to first talk to you and later go and look again at the old neighborhood.
-But if the other guys see you…
-Don't be silly, Ozora Tsubasa. I was under the shape of a crow. Well, I gotta leave -and Wakabayashi disappeared. Tsubasa was confused, but immediately he decided to follow his friend's advice. However, another person appeared in front of him, although this time he didn't get scared.
-Tsubasa… -and Misaki was ready to hit his friend, but Tsubasa read his mind and stopped him.
-Hey, don't hit me on that side. Wakabayashi-kun hit me there. If you're going to hit me, make it even.
That comment made Taro's apparent bad humor vanish and the sweet boy began to laugh.
-Oh, Tsubasa-kun… This time you really made me laugh… -the lad said, holding his firm stomach, laughing till tears spurted out of his eyes.
-Well now that I think of it… you're right -and both boys laughed just like when Misaki was in Shizuoka.
After the long laugh session, Taro and Tsubasa had the same conversation that the latter had with Genzo. Luckily Misaki didn't think of hitting his friend again (and consequently, he'll never think of it ever again :D)
-… and believe me, I wanted to arrive on time, but I couldn't.
-And did you tell Sanae about it?
-What do you think?
-I think you did. However, keep in mind that Sanae is somewhat sensible.
-Tell me something I don't know.
-Try to talk with her, but calmly. And if you're wondering -Taro said, half-closing his softened-chocolate eyes. –She's still in the park.
-Don't tell me; you read my mind.
-Ah, yeah. Kojiro-kun taught me how to do it. As you should know, it's quite early in Paris, and I couldn't sleep much, so I decided to fly a while around the city, and I saw Sanae sitting on a bench in the park, thinking
-You were transformed in what?
-In the beginning I thought of turning into a seagull, but my common sense beat me and I transformed into a pigeon.
-That was very levelheaded.
-Yeah, I know. Well, your debt is paid. See you, Tsubasa-kun -and Misaki evaporated in that instant.