XXII chapter: The End
The battle continued in spite of everything. The White Archangels, the Black Archangels and the Messengers fought, but those that wanted to save the Earth were more injured than those who wished to destroy the world. However, the White Archangels were the ones who wished to win more than anyone.
Natsuko and Grandma Ozora were witnesses to it, not counting Shiro. The saw how none of the Archangels, Black or White were about to give up, but unfortunately they saw how the White Archangels fell to the floor, exhausted, and the Black Archangels continued attacking, but Shiro formed a protection barrier as quick as it could.
-Don't give up! You can't lose! -Natsuko ran toward her son, while the old lady stayed in her place.
-Mom, this is too dangerous… -the boy murmured, exhausted.
-Don't give up, honey. I know that you will win.
-I can't fight anymore
-Don't surrender, my boy… I know you can win -the grandmother said, while Shiro observed its 'descendants.'
-Grandma… Forgive me; I failed you.
-You haven't failed me. You won't beat the Shadows if you stay on the floor, you know.
-Ma'am, it is very dangerous to be here. The Black Archangels could kill you -Hyuga said, trying to get up.
-Did you give up already?
-Of course not, but we don't know what to do! -Genzo exclaimed, trying to get up.
And of course, Shiro knew it should give them the last instruction.
-The Star of the Gods. You must do the Star of the Gods -it murmured finally, while its energy was drained.
-What is that? -Sanae asked.
-It's the most powerful attack you have. But there is a great risk.
-We will take any risk for the Earth's sake -Ishizaki said.
-You could die if you use the Star of the Gods. And it's very probable… -Shiro was to the limit of its energy. –That the Black Archangels know how to counter it.
And Shiro fell to the floor, exhausted. Natsuko hurried to take androgynous out of there, while the other ones rose.
-Let's do it -Tsubasa said finally. –It's our last option.
-Aren't you afraid of dying? -Taro asked.
-Are you afraid, buddy?
-No.
-Then, let's do it. If we die, it'll be for this planet and its inhabitants' sake. Shiro, do we have to do?
-Concentrate… And you'll know the rest once you are in focus.
Tsubasa observed each one of the Archangels, who nodded affirmatively. The six rose in the air, concentrating on the Star of the Gods. Of course, the Black Archangels didn't lounge.
-They plan to use the Star of the Gods… They won't be able to conquer us this time -said the Kage no Tsukai, rising. -Who is willing to hive its life for the New Genesis?
The five black-winged beings were more than willing, and they also rose in the air.
-Haures, Demon of the Darkness, I call you!
-Thor, the Northern Thunder, I call you!
-Moloch, Beast of Ice, I call you!
-Eris, Goddess of Discord, I call you!
-Chaos, Origin of the Universe, I call you!
-Charon, Boatman of the Shadows, I call you!
The Black Archangels, with their weapons, traced a six-pointed star, concentrating all their power. And at the same time…
-Gaia, Great Mother Earth, I call you!
-Poseidon, God of the Seas, I call you!
-Salamandra, Spirit of the Flame, I call you!
-Aeoleus, Master of the Winds, I call you!
-Bastet, Faithful Guardian of Love, I call you!
-Amaterasu, Incarnation of the Sun and the Light, I call you!
The White Archangels were able to form the last attack… Pleading to the heavens to win.
Natsuko, Grandmother Ozora and Shiro, who was in its last moments, saw how the two attacks collided, causing such a brilliant splendor that lit up the Shizuoka sky, almost making it bright as day for a moment. None of the two sides surrendered, but Tsubasa knew there was something that only he could do.
-Continue with the attack. I have to defeat the Kage no Tsukai.
-But we can't do it without you -Sanae said, doing her best effort. -The Star won't be complete.
-It'll be, my love -and Tsubasa flew towards Kai. As soon as he saw his enemy, the Messenger of the Shadows abandoned his place, willing to end everything once and for all.
-This time there is no escape, Messenger of the Gods.
-I know it. But I think we don't need to do this. I don't know why we have to fight so absurdly.
-It's our fate. You die and the New Genesis, under the infinite and glorious cover of the darkness arrives…
-Or you die and the world continues as it is. But, wouldn't you like you mother and your family to be alive?
-death is their fate.
Tsubasa didn't stop trying to make Kai see his mistake, while both fought.
-Open you eyes! There are too many people that love this world and want to live happily. Or do you only care about darkness?
-Fate can't change. The New Genesis must happen and the world will be born again. Fate is constant and unalterable.
-It's not. Fate may be foretold… But only each and every one of us can make it happen!
And just in that instant Tsubasa felt how his sword pierced Kai's ribs, along with a terrible pain on his side. The two swords had pierced the same place in both Messengers.
-Give up, Kami non Tsukai. The New Genesis will make the darkness cover the Earth.
-I won't give in. My friends, my family and the girl I love… Everyone counts on me.
-Don't you understand it? You're going to die.
-I won't die. And you won't die either. I'm sure… I'm totally sure that the planet which I protect and love will continue in its current condition, with problems and everything, without any of us dying -Tsubasa answered, with the trusting, valiant look he always had in the soccer field and in his life. He concentrated his power, and pleading for the fight to end, he shone as bright as the sun. –Because this is the fate and the path I've chosen.
A magnificent explosion followed that light; the Star of the Gods, and the Star of the Shadows exploded, making both Black and White Archangels fall to the floor, without any more energies.
-No… they didn't lose, right? -Natsuko said, holding back tears as she saw how her son's friends fell to the floor… and her son didn't.
-I hope he didn't, Natsuko.
However, the powerful light didn't cease. None of the Messengers had fallen to the floor. The brilliant light vanished, and Tsubasa, still very injured, went down with the unconscious Kage no Tsukai in his arms.
The White Archangels, relieved to see their friend alive, tried to get up, but weren't able to. The Black Archangels couldn't believe their eyes. Their leader hadn't died… Because the Messenger of the Gods didn't want to complete his fate.
"Each and every person in the world decides his or her fate. Nobody can decide for you…" -and once again that mysterious light left Tsubasa. For some strange reason, out of the Black Archangels and the Messenger of the Shades went a black aura, which vanished as the morning fog. Immediately Jinko, Wataru, Tooru, Rairyuu, Shinobu and little Kai went back to normal.
-What happened…? My head -the friendless girl said, as she wasn't able to see well without her glasses.
-It's over. The Final Battle's over -Natsuko said.
-In the end, the light won -Wataru said. He couldn't move.
-And the best thing is that nobody died -Taro said.
-I wouldn't be so sure -Sanae said, turning to see Shiro. Everyone did the same, and saw that the white being was on the floor, dying. Tsubasa ran towards Shiro, followed by Natsuko and his grandmother.
-Shiro… My fate is done…
-You said it yourself; every person decides his or her future… -and Shiro coughed out blood; its end was near.
-But… I remember that you forced me to become what I am.
-What I told you then was true… Accepting your fate is one thing; completing it is totally different…
-Shiro -Grandma Ozora said. –Were you really one of my ancestors?
-Yes…I was… And I hope to rest at last…-Shiro coughed blood again.
-We'll never forget you, Shiro –said Ishizaki.
-It doesn't care if you want to remember me or not…I only served…my sentence…
-Don't talk.
-It doesn't matter… I only hope that you become stronger and wiser every day, Ozora Tsubasa, and all of you… -and with its final breath, smiling, Shiro began to disappear.
It was a sad moment. The White Archangels, and who had been until that moment the Black Archangels couldn't help but cry Shiro's death.
-Rest in peace -Tsubasa said finally, before falling to the floor, unconscious.
-Tsubasa!
-He had forgotten his injuries…
-Guys, let's do something about it -Sanae said to her partners. -Maybe we're tapped, but we have to do one last effort for Tsubasa.
-Right -and Ryou, Kojiro, Genzo, Taro and Sanae concentrated their power. It wasn't much, but it was enough to cure the Messenger of the God's critical injuries.
The others observed that, without knowing what to do… Or at least that happened to most of the others.
Finally Tsubasa recovered from his wounds and woke up.
-I know it's not much what I can do for you, but I wish for you not to be our enemies, but our friends. Well be able this way to continue living in this world as normally as ever… Don't you think?
-But… Jinko, the kid and I live here, but, how will Rairyuu, Tooru and Wataru return to where they live? After all, we have no powers now -Shinobu said.
-We'll do something about it. Do you agree?
-All's fine by us… -and Shinobu and Tsubasa shook hands, since Kai was fast asleep.
Taro and Wataru, Kojiro and Rairyuu, and Genzo and Tooru disappeared in that instant. Jinko began to leave on her own, but Shinobu stopped her.
-Wait. I know you're heartbroken, Jinko… And knowing you, you need to open your heart.
-What do you mean?
-We don't have powers now, but I knew that you slipped away to see Tsubasa asleep because you had fallen in love with him.
-And?
-Well, I think each and every one of us had a reason to keep this planet alive as it is.
-Ah, really? Which was your reason?
-My reason? Easy; it's music. When I first heard it, and since then it's been one of my great loves. I can't imagine a world without music.
-Heh, I suppose I have a reason too… But, and the other ones?
-I guess they have their reasons too. Wataru has his girlfriend, Tooru has video games, and Rairyuu…
Why do you stop?
-Because I don't imagine what could've bee his reason.
-I know it -Jinko said, very sure.
-Which is it, then?
-Well, you remember that he was always joking with me so I went out with him?
-Yeah…
-I was Ikazuchi's reason; he has a crush on me.
Meantime, the other ones went to their houses, although Tsubasa left Kai in his house again. Natsuko and Grandmother Ozora were already at home, exhausted when he returned.
-It's over now… -Natsuko said, relieved.
-So it seems.
-I don't know -Tsubasa said. –I have the hunch this hasn't finished.
-Why?
-Life goes on. That's why.
-I'm surprised. You've grown up a lot, honey -Natsuko said.
-Yeah, I guess…
-What your mother says is true. You have become a real man.
-Weren't you the one who always called me your boy?
-Well, mothers and grandmothers always have the bad habit to see children and grandchildren like children, although they are already grown up.
-Even if they have a girlfriend?
Natsuko and Grandma looked at each other, lightly confused, while Tsubasa felt surer of himself.
-Well, I asked Sanae to be my girlfriend if we were able to survive this.
-And since you did and won…
-Then you were able to get the courage you needed to ask her to be your girlfriend. Congratulations -both ladies said, hugging the lad, who from being a boy obsessed with soccer, had become a more mature and stronger boy, without leaving his love for the most popular sport in the world.
Dawn came, and with it the Archangels (except Taro and Genzo ;D). Tsubasa woke up on time in spite of the time he stayed up in the night. He changed clothes, went downstairs and made his breakfast, since his mother and grandmother were sleeping. A while later he went to the Junior High, feeling different.
"To be honest, it'll be very strange to not fight with the Black Archangels again… But it's better this way. I love to know that I'm not risking my life again. It's time to be the old Ozora Tsubasa again, a soccer player whose dream is to win the World Cup…Oh, who am I kidding? I'll never be the same guy again. I'm a soccer player whose dream is to win the World Cup and knows that only he can choose his fate… and is able to turn into a cat, read minds, make things disappear, teleport…"
And he passed by the alley where everything had begun. A gray, fat rat passed by, but the phenomenon that used to happen when Shiro was there didn't happen. He had forgotten for an instant that Shiro had died.
"I believe I'll miss Shiro in spite of its scolding. It guided us well although it only gave a clear answer once."
He continued walking, and met with Jinko, who had changed too. She was no longer completely depressed and walked with her head straight.
-Hi, Imawano–san…
-Call me Jinko, Tsubasa-kun -she answered casually. -After all, we are friends, aren't we?
-Bingo. See you later.
-Sure. Will go to Vitalis next Friday? Shinobu will work there again.
-I'll try to.
-And don't forget to bring your girlfriend.
-How do you…?
-I'm not deaf. I heard you clearly when you asked Nakasawa-san to be your girlfriend if you survived last night.
-Ah, OK -Tsubasa laughed, nervous. –See you later, Jinko.
-Later -and both of them went to their respective schools. Tsubasa arrived on time, but just for fun, he decided to turn into a cat and explore a little. However, as soon as he went up a cherry tree, he met with a beautiful white cat with a golden stain on its back.
-Meow?
-Meooow… -the cat answered immediately. -Good morning, Tsubasa-kun.
-Sanae! I didn't recognize you.
-It doesn't surprise me… I wanted to try out my powers, since now I know what I am.
-And what are you?
-I'm an Archangel.
-I think you forgot something -said another familiar voice, coming from a light gray rat with a green stain on its fur. (Is that even possible?)
-Ishizaki-kun!
-Hi, guys. Sanae, did you forget that you're the Nankatsu soccer team's manager.
-I'll never forget that… and please transform in some other animal, or I will be forced to hunt you. Not for nothing, you're transformed into a rat.
-By the way, I met with Kai today -Sanae added.
-And how is he?
-Quite tired, but he's OK. He greeted me and went to his school.
-That's great… It means we didn't have to destroy anything in order to win.
-Better said, we freed Kai and the others from a horrible fate -Tsubasa said.
-That's deep and philosophical -Ishizaki said, astonished.
-Well, let's go to class.
A while later everyone went into the classroom. Kumi and Yukari were surprised to see that Tsubasa and Sanae weren't nervous anymore when they were near.
-What happened with you? You don't seem to be the same ones.
-You're never the same person every moment -Sanae said, muffling a yawn.
-You're right on that one, Sanae -Kumi said.
-Don't be surprised. You learn something new every day -Ryou said, scratching his back.
-Wow… That was deep, Ishizaki-kun -Yukari said, impressed.
-Nah… You want something deep? Ask the know-it-all -and Ishizaki pointed with the thumb towards Manabu, who sneezed. And the gang of friends laughed.
In Tokyo, Hyuga waited for recess to arrive. The other ones did too, since they wanted to play some soccer. Finally the bell rang, and the boys went to the field to play. However…
-What are you doing here? -Ken asked, angry when he saw Rairyuu there.
-I wonder if… If I can play with ya.
-And what makes you think we'll let you play? -Kazuki said.
-Well… I jus' wanted to apologize for my attitude towards ya before.
-C'mon, let Rairyuu play -Hyuga said.
-Hyuga-san? Since when are you in first name terms with him? -asked Takeshi, surprised.
-Let's say he saw the wrong in his ways and now he's changed.
Ken, Kazuki and Takeshi looked at each other, confused, but they decided to accept Rairyuu in the game, and I don't need to say that although he wasn't an expert, at least the boy with the blond streaks in his hair knew how to control the ball.
Meantime, in Paris, Azumi saw with great happiness that Taro and Wataru were back, but the last one took what would be the hardest decision of his life.
-Azumi-chan, I know we've just been a couple for a pair of says, but I think it's better for you to find another boy… somebody that can love you so much he would give up his life for you.
-But, Wataru…
-You know what I was, and although Misaki-kun told me you didn't care that I was an evil being, I'm just not the right boy for you.
-However, that's not an obstacle for you two being friends -Taro said, with his sweetest smile. –This is the best for all of us, isn't it, Wataru-kun?
-Well, yes.
-Hey, when did you begin to be in good terms?
-When this whole matter of the Earth's fate ended, Azumi-san. C'mon, let's get a soda at my home.
And the three teens left to Taro's house.
On the other hand, Herman had been waiting at Genzo's place, very worried. And finally he arrived with Tooru.
-Hallo, Herman.
-Hi, Genzo… Tooru?
-Hallo.
-What are you doing here?
-I know that wasn't a good beginning. But, do you want to learn how to be invincible in video games?
-I do.
-Me too...
-Well, see you tomorrow then… Since I believe that friends shouldn't be selfish with what they know.
And Herman and Tooru left to their houses.
Meantime, classes passed and it was called a day, just like the training. Tsubasa and Sanae were in the park, walking hand in hand.
-I'm glad this whole thing ended.
-Yeah. By the way, I met with Jinko today, and she invited us to Vitalis on Friday. Shinobu's going to present himself again
-Cool… But we should tell the others, right?
-Why not?
Both of them looked at each other's eyes, not needing any words. They didn't even need to read their minds.
"I' so glad we survived. Tsubasa-kun" -Sanae said without speaking; only looking at the boy she was in love with.
"Me too; at last I made true a dream greater than my dream of winning the World Cup."
-And which is that? -asked the girl aloud.
-To have you to my side. You're the one I love more than anything in this world, Sanae-chan.
-I say the same -Sanae said, resting her head on her beloved's shoulder.
And so, who was at first a soccer player with big dreams, and later was the one whose fate was to save us all, was in that moment the happiest boy in the world, after all what he lived. And don't you think that the knowledge of knowing that you control your fate and being with the one, or ones you love is the greatest reward of all?
Owari
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At last I finished this translation. It took me a lot of time to do it, since the original story is in Spanish.
I'd like to thank the following people:
-Patysanae, Alisse, Soccer girl and all the people who read this fic in the La Página de Capitán Tsubasa forums. You made me continue writing when I thought I was blank.
-Vini and Krizzie for cheering me on in the translation process. Thanks for your reviews.
-Mom (no kidding) for having so much patience with me.
-Rei-chan, Shiris, T.K, Bones and all my other friends for resisting the torture I am.
-David for being my best friend, although he's in Fort Lauderdale and I'm in Bogotá City.
-Misaki, Taro and Yato (R.I.P, buddy TT) for warming my seat. Meow for for giving us the chance to show our creativity and letting us put out best (and sometimes worst) stories on the net for everyone to read.
-And of course, Takahashi Yoichi-sensei for creating characters as wonderful as Tsubasa, Misaki, Hyuga, Wakabayashi and the others. Sensei, domo arigato gozaimasu!
Thanks for everything,
Saki Hashimoto (Colombia)