Chapter XX: The Messenger of the Shades
Meanwhile, in another house in Shizuoka, quite far from Tsubasa's house, a boy was finishing his homework. His skin was very pale, contrasting with his charcoal eyes and hair. He didn't seem older than his twelve years of age, but he was very serious.
-Honey, come on down and have dinner -the boy's mother said.
-I'm not hungry…
-Please, come down.
-OK.
The boy went downstairs and sat down to the table. His mother served the food for him and his two brothers: one older, the other one younger, and the three were extremely similar.
-What's up, Kai? Bored again? -the older brother said.
-it's not that, Rui.
-Don't tell me it's your hunches again.
-Close, but no cigar.
-Then, what is it? –asked the younger brother, curious.
-I don't know, Yuu. I don't know.
-Definitively you're the family weirdo.
-Rui, please don't say those things –the boy's mother said.
-I know why I say it. Kai's the only one that foresees things, and when you least expect it… BANG! They happen. Besides, he's always with that idea of being in this world for something in mind.
-I'm only telling the truth -the one mentioned claimed, annoyed. Nobody believed him when he had premonitions, but they always, always became real.
After having dinner, the boys went to take a bath together. It was a habit. Rui, fourteen years old, Kai, twelve and Yuu, age eight always went together to take a bath since the family had never had an excellent economic situation, and because it was of the few moments in that they could be gathered too.
-No doubt about it: Taking a bath is blissful -Rui said.
-You're right -Yuu responded, while he was applying a lot of soap on his arms. A while later, Rui had begun to lather Kai's back, when he noticed a strange mark on the boy's back.
-Kai, what is this? I've never seen this before.
-What do you mean?
-You have a black mark on your back, and it won't wash off.
-It can't be.
-Well, there it is. Don't think Mom's going to be pleased with this.
-What happened? -Yuu asked, looking at Kai's, and was astonished. A tribal had begun to appear on the boy's back.
-This is very strange…
But the strangest thing began in that instant: the mark of the tribal began to multiply and cover the boy's back completely. Rui, out of sheer extreme anxiety tried to remove the soap from Kai's back, but the water seemed to evaporate before touching the boy's skin.
-Kai… What's happening with you? You're burning like a bonfire!
That was the alarm sign for Shiro, who was in the temple meditating.
-The Messenger of the Shadows… I don't like this at all -immediately the white-cloaked being sent an urgent message to the Archangels and Sanae, although it didn't want the girl to be involved. But there wasn't time to lose. It knew that the other ones would take a long time, so the being in white turned into a moth and flew towards where it felt the Kage non Tsukai's presence. It arrived at the house where the boys were, and saw with horror that the tribal on Kai's back was about to cover it completely.
"May the tribal stop growing…" -Shiro pleaded in its tiny moth form, but seeing sadly that it didn't work. And suddenly an energy wave, much more powerful that the other ones flew and sent Shiro flying. The moth collided against the trunk of a tree, and was immobile for a while. When it recovered consciousness (not much later), it teleported to the temple, where everyone was.
-You called us, and you arrive late, Shiro. That's not nice -Ishizaki said, mocking.
-You'll stop making fun out of me and my misfortune when you know why I called all of you, including Sanae, who shouldn't be here.
-I know that, but you called me, and I have the key to find the last Archangel too.
-Whatever. Now we have to find the last Archangel as soon as possible.
-Tell us something we don't know, but it seems there's no clue of where he is -Genzo said, as he didn't seem to care that he didn't know Shiro.
-Or she -Taro added.
-That's why it's necessary to keep on searching; the Messenger of the Shadows woke up, and it's only a matter of minutes for the Black Archangels to realize it.
All were astonished with Shiro's terrible news.
-And what can we do then? -Genzo asked, alarmed.
-Use your common sense, Archangel of the Wind. We must find the Archangel of Love as soon as possible.
-But, where do we begin to look? –Taro said, his mind blank. The truth was that everyone except one of the present Archangels didn't have an idea of where to look for. However, the one who had the feeling of where could the last Archangel be stuck stubbornly to his hunch.
-I still think that the Archangel we're looking for is closer than what we think.
-What do you mean, Wakabayashi-kun? -Taro asked.
-Something tells me that maybe Sanae is who we're looking for. Not for nothing, remember that the Archangel of Darkness attacked her, thinking that maybe she was.
The other five boys and Shiro discussed that, thinking that the Archangel of the Wind was right.
-I don't think I'm the Archangel of Love -Sanae said.
-And why do you say it? -Hyuga said. –You can be or not be it. The chance of you being it is 50.
-Let me see… Ishizaki fell with the energy wave, Misaki-kun and Wakabayashi-kun dreamt of this and Tsubasa had a vision where you were attacked, Hyuga-kun. But I haven't had dreams, the energy waves just pass by me, and Tsubasa hasn't had visions where I'm attacked. Besides, although I have the key to find the last Archangel, nothing guarantees that maybe I am the Archangel of Love.
Sanae was right in what she had said, but Genzo's stubbornness was legendary.
-However, there's something you don't realize, Sanae -he defended. -If you notice well, all of us, the ones who are involved in this are very close to Tsubasa, as friends or as rivals.
-And besides, remember what my grandmother told me: one of the Archangels in each side is a woman, and it's the only place left -Tsubasa added.
-How is it that your grandmother told you that? -Shiro asked, with a tone of curiosity in its ethereal voice.
-Er, I…
-You don't have any choice. Tell us now, or you'll regret it -Kojiro said.
Tsubasa sighed, resigned and narrated them what his grandmother had told him. He was forced to break his family's tradition.
-… For this world's sake -and Tsubasa sighed.
Everyone but Sanae was astonished by the story that Tsubasa's family kept. However, Shiro was the most shocked once.
-Your ancestor name is Sara, that's what you say? –said the being in white, trembling.
-Yeah. Why?
-Before being what I am, my name was Karen, and my mother's name was Sara.
-Gee… Don't tell us you knew Tsubasa's ancestor –said Ishizaki, incapable of believing it.
-More than that… I was Sara, the first Kami no Tsukai's wife's daughter.
Now everyone was confused, but Tsubasa was the most confused by all this.
-No wonder you were always scolding me.
-I wasn't scolding you; I say and I repeat I was teaching you. However, I didn't remember that part of my past.
-This is absurd. Now it happens that in you past life you were Tsubasa's ancestor… And for what he told, you were a descendant of the first Kami no Tsukai. If all of this seemed absurd in the first place, now I'm sure this is all complete madness -Hyuga said.
-Don't worry, Hyuga; you're not the only one confused -Genzo said.
-In any case, that's not the point. The point's that we haven't found the last Archangel in our side, and the Messenger of the Shadows already woke up -Sanae said.
-We know that. However, Wakabayashi-kun's suspicions are the most accurate ones. Not for nothing he was the one who realized the pattern there is between us, and according to it, Not counting Mrs. Ozora, you are the girl closest to Tsubasa -Taro said. -Therefore we can't discard the possibility.
-But I already told you that it can't be me. The energy waves don't affect me, and I haven't had anything else like you did.
However, there wasn't any time left; as soon as Sanae finished talking, she felt a very strong presence.
-Just what I feared… He already found us -Shiro murmured.
-Excuse me, are you the White Archangels? -asked the voice of a boy about twelve years old.
-Why do you ask?
-My name is Kagei Kai, and my fate is to decide the fate of the Earth.
-Gee, you already know your fate… Interesting -Hyuga said, as he saw in that mysterious lad one of his younger brothers.
-But I don't know if I am someone in your side, or in the other one. I only know what my fate is.
And Ishizaki had an idea.
-Let's see… do you have any friends, I mean, good friends?
-Not really.
-Do you like soccer?
-I like it, but I'm not very good at it
-Would you like to learn how to play soccer?
-Of course!
-Well, Kai-kun, welcome to our group of friends. Ah, by the way, my name is Ishizaki Ryou.
The other ones were confused by Ryou's crazy idea, but it was a good chance to avoid the Final Battle, or at least to slow it up.
-I'm Nakasawa Sanae. Pleased to meet you -the girl said, somewhat uncomfortable.
-Ozora Tsubasa.
-Hyuga Kojiro.
-Misaki Taro.
-Wakabayashi Genzo.
Everyone introduced itself out of sheer politeness, although they felt they were making a serious mistake.
-Pleased to meet you all… But, who are you? -Kai asked Shiro, who didn't know where to hide.
-I'm Shiro –it answered casually.
-Shiro? And which is your name?
-Shiro's a special being, Kai-kun. Its name's only Shiro –said Ishizaki, practical, and in a whisper… -Ignore Shiro. It's missing a few marbles.
-I heard you –the white-cloaked being answered, letting an energy wave fly and making Ishizaki collide comically against a column, causing everyone, including Kai, to laugh.
For some strange reason, Kai felt good between the beings of the light, although that wasn't his true fate.
A while later, Tsubasa, Sanae and Ishizaki took the sleeping boy back to his house, whose mark in the back seemed to vanish, while Hyuga, Misaki and Genzo returned to their respective residences and schools.
Obviously time hadn't passed, but at that time Kai should've been in bed, sleeping. Tsubasa and Ishizaki took him into his bedroom, and later Sanae, carried to the bedroom by Tsubasa, tucked the boy neatly between the blankets. After leaving the Kagei house (without no one realizing it), Ishizaki left to his house, while Tsubasa escorted Sanae to her house. However, in spite of what happened that afternoon, they walked normally, since they weren't still officially going out.
-Well, good night, Tsubasa-kun -Sanae said, as she was about to go into her house.
-Sanae, I… I forgot to ask you something.
-What is it? -the girl asked, hoping to hear the complete sentence.
-I, you… Do you want…?
-Yes…?
-Honey, are you going in or are you staying out? It's chilly outside -they heard Sanae's mother say, ruining the magic moment.
-We'll talk tomorrow, Tsubasa. See you.
-See you then -and disappointed by his shyness, Tsubasa began his walk back home. In a nearby house, someone was listening Love You by Hiro, the same one Taro had heard before.
-…I love you, I love you baby, tsuyoku kyuu to daite… -the boy was humming. -What the…? That song's catchy.
However, it was the perfect one for him and Sanae -in fact when someone's in love, any romantic song is perfect.
However, as he was in the middle of his way home, a pain attack, much more powerful that any other one tortured him. However, he tried to concentrate and fight against that pain. On his knees, holding himself together, the Kami no Tsukai fought to see what happened among the terrible pain. And he knew it immediately: The Black Archangels had noticed Kai.
"Help! help! Somebody kidnapped me!" –Kai's voice exclaimed in Tsubasa's mind.
-No, it can't be… Kai! -and extending his wings, Tsubasa flew towards where he felt the boy's presence. But luckily he wasn't the only one. He met in the air with Ryou and Kojiro, who had just teleported from Tokyo because of the plea for help.
-Did you hear the call? -Ishizaki asked. -I didn't only hear it, but I felt it. Now I think I know what you feel when those attacks get you, Tsubasa-kun.
-I passed by that too.
-Me three -Hyuga responded, hurrying up.
However, when they arrived to the place where Kai's presence was felt, they met with a horrible surprise.
The Black Archangels were there, with the Archangel of the Chaos's whip tying Kai up. All of then were ready to fight or die trying. Kai was much paler, without a doubt out of sheer shock, and gave a somewhat reproachful look at the boys.
-We were waiting for you -the most powerful Black Archangel said.
-Ah, really? Why?
-Because we're deciding this here and now.
Meanwhile, in Paris, Taro was out of the living room, trying to catch his breath after the attack he suffered. Azumi had taken him out of the classroom, scared.
-Misaki-kun, what happened to you?
-It's a long history.
-Tell me then. I'm worried for you.
-Don't get angry for what I'll tell you, but Wataru's involved in what I'll tell you.
Taro began to narrate all what had happened. The girl was surprised with what she listened. It couldn't be that her best friend, and her current boyfriend were in fact mortal enemies, and not because they wanted.
-…that's why I'm afraid it'll be a deadly battle. I told you that you should've not involved yourself too much with Wataru, because of the fate he and I have.
-And isn't there a way you can change that?
-No. He was aware of his fate ever since he was born.
-And you?
-Up to some time ago, I didn't even dream I was an Archangel. People say you can't escape your fate, and although I hate to believe that, I'm afraid it's true.
Azumi's eyes were already full of tears in that moment.
-Then, could you do me two favors?
-What is it, Azumi -san?
-Fight with all your spirit up to the very end, and tell Wataru that no matter what he is, if he is a good guy or a bad guy, I love him more than anyone in this world.
-I promise -and after hugging his friend, Misaki Taro disappeared.
In Hamburg, Genzo was taking his Biology exam when the attack got him.
-Genzo! What's wrong with you? Answer me, man! -Herman exclaimed when the lad fell to the floor, amid the terrible pain.
-Take me out… of here… -the keeper managed to say, before screaming and writhing in pain.
-Herr Kaltz, what's wrong? -the teacher asked, afraid.
-Herr Wakabayashi is sick. I'm taking him out of here -and with a lot of exertion, the small and rude German was able to take his pal out of there.
When they were outside, the pain receded. Genzo gasped out of exhaustion, but he knew what he had to do.
-Herman, if you are my best friend, I ask you to keep a secret.
-Count on me.
Genzo, just his friend in France had done, told everything exactly as had happened, hoping that his friend was a good secret keeper.
When Genzo finished…
-It can't be that you're mixed in this whole matter. I simply can't believe it.
-Well, believe it, and I'd better go and do my job.
-Right now?
-If I don't go now, I'll never get there.
-Well, be careful.
-I promise, and mostly now that I know that one of my enemies is the King of Video Games.
And without saying anything more, the Archangels that had been discovered were ready to face their enemies.
But things didn't look easy at all. Five against five, and Kai seemed to have fallen under the influence of the Black Archangels. He was no longer terrified, and he had begun to grow in a vertiginous way, so much physically as in power, inside a black cocoon.
-I don't like this at all -Tsubasa murmured, gritting his teeth while he fought against the Archangel of Chaos. However, the being of black wings had the advantage.
-And you'll like it less when you know that the Messenger of the Shadows is about to wake up.
Tsubasa didn't answer to his enemy's comment. On the other hand, the Archangel of the Earth fought with the Archangel of Darkness; that of Fire faced the Thunder one, the Water Archangel fought with the Archangel of Hatred and that of the Wind was face to face with the Ice Archangel. And what they would do when the one who guided the shadows woke up?
-Tsubasa-kun! Guys! Don't give up! –they heard Sanae's voice say.
-Sanae, get out of here! It's too dangerous!
Sanae didn't move from place, while she viewed what happened. And Tsubasa hadn't been the only one that had realized that Sanae was there. The Archangel of Chaos did too, and sent an attack towards the girl. Although the talisman defended her, it surpassed its limit: the glass sphere shattered.
-No, the talisman… Now we'll never be able to know where the last Archangel is… -Sanae murmured. Obviously none of the Black Archangels would lose the opportunity to hit a weak point. The five Black Archangels attacked Sanae, but with what they didn't count was with Tsubasa standing in front of her and receiving the attacks with his body.