Chapter XVI: Shinobu and the Ring
The aftermath of the battle wasn't any better. Pierre disappeared without a trace after that. Azumi broke into tears after Taro told her about Wataru's sacrifice; it figured she still had the teenage crush on the husky dog-eyed guy. However, when she asked to see Wataru's body and bid him the last goodbye, Taro went mute.
-Azumi-san, there's a little problem.
-What happened? Is he too disfigured or what?
-It's not that, miss –said Tooru, lowering his face. –When Wataru drew his last, his body dissolved, turned into energy…
-And for some reason he entered my magatama; I mean, now Wataru and I… Wataru and I…
-Are one –said Azumi finally. Taro nodded, unable to talk anymore. He felt strange.
-That's why Misaki's armor changed, or better said, evolved. Now it's stronger… And even his weapon changed.
Taro still had his armor on and the barrier was still active… And then he noticed that his Trident wasn't there anymore.
-What are these blades? What does this mean?
-They look like the Shinobi Blade Chipp has in Guilty Gear… Oh, forget it… It's a videogame –Tooru said, as he saw Taro and Azumi's confused expressions.
-In what language are you talking to us? –said Azumi, a huge drop of sweat popping out of the back of her head.
A while later, Tooru left, leaving Taro and Azumi alone. The Archangel of Water had gone back to normal and deactivated the barrier, but he didn't feel well. He had never had to face the death of a friend.
-Azumi-san…
-Misaki-kun… I still can't explain myself why did Wataru merge with you. Now both of you are really one, but to be honest, I don't know how I will explain his death to his parents.
-Me neither. I think we can only tell them he disappeared. After all, that is the truth.
-Yes… -and for some reason unknown to Misaki, Azumi threw herself into his arms, crying bitterly. He could only return the hug as the friend he was.
Days passed, and Azumi was the one in charge of 'calling' the police about Wataru's disappearance, and called Wataru's parents and twin brother, Kunio.
As anyone would expect, the police didn't find any trace of Wataru, and a symbolic funeral was held in Paris. Azumi and some of the husky dog-eyed guy's friends were there. And far from the crowd, Taro observed the funeral desolately, trying not to be noticed.
-You're Azumi, right? –said someone to the young woman, who was very near the coffin.
-Yes… -and though at first she was surprised of seeing who had talked to her, she shook her head and recovered her calm. It was Kunio, Wataru's twin brother. But unlike his 'late' brother, Kunio had brown eyes and was perfectly normal.
-Wataru talked to me a lot about you. You're just how he described you.
-What did you say?
-Although we didn't see each other much, he wrote a lot to me, talking about you. I know that although h and you didn't last more than two days as a couple because of some troubles, he always loved you a lot.
-You're serious?
-That I am, Azumi-san.
-I, I loved your brother too, and a lot. Out of what happened, Wataru was an excellent friend and brilliant at languages. When I knew he disappeared, I thought I'd die… -she said, drying up a tear.
Of course, in Japan, the other Archangels heard the news painfully. Jinko was as mute as a stone statue, while Ishizaki, Kai, Rairyuu and Shinobu grieved their ally and friend's loss in their own way. Tsubasa, Sanae and Kojiro also grieved Wataru's death in Europe, but no one was as depressed as Taro, fro very obvious reasons. Now he knew why he felt so strange; he really felt guilty.
-If I wouldn't had fallen unconscious… -he told himself, overwhelmed in the middle of the rehab, until Jinko, tired of his continuous berating, slapped his face.
-It wasn't your fault, Misaki. If Wataru sacrificed himself for you and your friend, you mustn't and can't blame yourself –she said, furious. –Besides, he always had wished to do something important for all of you. He told me that personally.
-Doctor… -Misaki, with a hand on his aching cheek, was looking at the Archangel of Darkness, confused.
-You should know by now that none of us know if we'll survive or not. We're not the only ones growing stronger, but they are too, and I don't even dare to think how powerful Kurai is right now.
-Yes, but…
-For God's sakes, just make your friend's last wish come true. Avenge him; you won't only feel at peace with him, but you'll make the Antiarchangels pay for what they did.
Taro was astounded. When did Jinko begin to talk like that?
-Doctor… Are you sure you're OK?
-I'm okay… No, I'm lying. It hurt me a lot when I heard that Wa had been murdered.
-Wa?
-When we were Black Archangels before, we called each other by the first syllable of our names to hide our identities.
-I get it now… Nice way of hiding it.
-I know… As I said, Wa's death hurt me a lot. To be honest, after redeeming himself, he turned into a man that deserved a better fate.
-Well, that's true, but…
-But? I, for an instance, I won't hesitate in putting an end to the next Antiarchangel that appears here, even if it means my life.
But as she said these words, there was some bitterness in Jinko's voice.
-Even if it means your life?
-Anyway, who'd care if I die?
-Lots of people –said Misaki firmly. –Your family and friends, including myself.
-Am I forced to believe you?
-It's not my choice if you believe me or not. You're not forced to believe it, but I've never lied to my friends, and the day's yet to come when I lie to them for the very first time.
-Misaki-san…
-Don't ever say something you'll regret later.
Some time later, Misaki left, and Jinko was in the office after talking with her chief about the soccer player's evolution. Alone as she was, she kept her mind blank and her face expressionless as she checked some medical histories.
Alone… She had always felt alone. Out of the Black Archangels, no one had ever talked to her. She didn't have any friends as a child, and her parents were always too busy for her. She didn't even have siblings like Tooru or Wataru.
Until she was fourteen years old.
Because of her solitude and coldness, she studied to ease her pain and was more and more lonesome with every day that passed, and thanks to that, she was transferred one year up her school.
That was why she was just fourteen years old when she met the only person that said a kind word to her, that time when she bumped with him, with the only boy that woke up something inside her.
Yes… When she collided with Ozora Tsubasa. She obviously knew who he was, but she had to hide it, and hide herself, since they really were mortal enemies, but Jinko had a secret crush on the Messenger of the Gods. She used to go and gaze at him when he left his window open, trying her hardest not to be noticed, and though he noticed it anyway, he never knew who it was.
Until he at last was in love with the girl he liked, and Jinko once again was back to her loneliness.
Time passed, and though she had friends, she never called them so. She merely thought of them as 'people she knew. '
However, between the people nearest to her, only one understood her… Shinobu.
"I have to talk with Shinobu-san. I know it's not the right time, but I need to talk with him."
The young woman hung her doctor's coat, closed the office and went to Vitalis. However, some gangsters blocked her way and they didn't have any good intentions.
-Hey, babe, ya wanna have a drink?
-I'd prefer to drink a glass of poison before going out with you -Jinko replied dryly.
-Ya don't have to be so rude, babe…
-Leave me alone –and she tried to go away, but one of the gangsters grabbed her arm.
-I said we go and have a drink and no one says no to me, got it?
-Let me go, you animal… Or you'll pay it.
Luckily, an old friend of ours passed by and…
-Leave my friend alone! –said the guy, punching the face of the creep that was grabbing Jinko's arm. –Whoever touches my friends is made to regret it.
Both hooligans fled when they realized who had been the one attacking them without even sweating.
-You okay, Jinko-san?
-Ishizaki-san… Thanks –and Yukari ran to where they were.
-Ryou-chan, why did you run so quickly?
-Some creeps were harassing Jinko-san.
-Jinko-san? Long time no see.
-Ditto, Nishimoto-san –said the ice-cold doctor, already a bit calmer.
-Ryou-chan, I thought you were chasing a pretty woman.
-Well, I did see one, but you're the prettiest one in Shizuoka, my dear –answered Ryou calmly. –By the way, Jinko-san, where are you going in such a hurry?
-Shinobu called me. He needs me to help him with something –Jinko lied. –See you later.
Both Archangels took their own way and the doctor finally arrived at the disco.
-Shinobu-san? –she said when she entered the place, which was only inhabited in that moment by the workers.
-Boss isn't here right now –said the guard. –He hasn't arrived yet.
-How come? Shinobu-san's usually early, let alone the first one here.
-Well, he hasn't arrived.
Of course, Jinko had a bad suspicion. Thanking the guard for his info, she decided to go to Vitalis' owner's house, but she hadn't even given a step when her friend arrived.
-Where were you?
-Went to fix out some of the place's paperwork –Shinobu said, although he was clearly nervous.
-You're lying between your teeth –said Jinko, miffed ¬¬U.
-Well, to be honest… I went to buy a ring.
-A ring? What for?
-Just guess.
-Well… I guess you're going to ask your girlfriend to marry you.
-Bull's-eye.
And they were talking normally, but suddenly something caused a cut on the Archangel del Chaos' cheek.
-Who goes there? –he yelled, cleaning up his blood. Yet, the only answer he got was an evil, childish giggle.
-Kurai! –Jinko exclaimed, recognizing that voice.
-Kurai? Is it that being you told me?
-You know any other?
-No.
-Tell me, what's a ring? –said the Black Guide's evil creation, appearing in front of them with her sexy red dress.
-Gee… First you attack us and now you ask us what's a ring… Don't you know anything?
-I want to know everything –was the only thing Kurai said before attacking the Black Archangels with her deadly toy. –And if you don't tell me, I'll destroy you.
That gave Shinobu an idea.
-If you kill us, you won't know what a ring is, Kurai.
Jinko looked at Shinobu, asking for an explanation.
-What is it? Tell me!
-This is a ring –and he took out the ring he bought from his pocket.
Strangely, Kurai approached Shinobu and observed the ring for a long time, her eyes shining with curiosity.
-That's a ring? What's it for?
-Many things –Shinobu said. –It's for women to adorn themselves, or for couples to be engaged…
-Oooh… Well, now that I know it, I'll destroy you!
If you're asking yourselves, Kurai always formed a barrier around her; she was born with it. That was why no one noticed what happened at the disco.
The two Black Archangels changed their clothes in a second and made their weapons appear, avoiding Kurai's deadly yo-yo at all costs. However, they couldn't fight her alone, since Kurai was too strong.
"If any of the Archangels, Black or White hears this message, please help us!" –thought the Archangel of Darkness, who was already quite hurt.
Luckily, someone was walking by… Someone who couldn't concentrate on his project and was also about to go back home.
-Oh, man… Not again. Hurricane Winds!
Wakabayashi to the rescue!
Once he went into the barrier, his clothes changed and his weapons appeared.
-¡Archangel of the Wind! –exclaimed the Black Archangels there.
-Gee, another Archangel that came to play… I love this –said Kurai, before attacking Genzo, but he avoided the yo-yo and attacked with his arrows.
-You're not going to kill anyone, Kurai.
-Why not?
-Because none of us is going to let him or herself be destroyed! Hurricane Winds!
-I claim at my fate for the burden given to me! Shroud of Obscurity!
-Beginning of the Ages!
The three attacks hit Kurai, but the Shroud of Obscurity was the most damaging one. However, they only made a scrape on her face. Some black drops of blood appeared, and Kurai touched her injury.
-Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! –she shrieked, terrified. –What is THIS?
The Archangels were confused. Kurai had never seen her blood?
-I think she doesn't know that's her blood, as she has never had an injury, I think –whispered Genzo to the others.
-Kurai's thirst for knowledge can be our advantage –added Shinobu. –If she got really close to me when I showed her the ring, just imagine what can happen if we make lots of questions or if we talk of things she doesn't understand.
-Let's do it –said Jinko in the end.
The three humans began to ask senseless questions, leaving Kurai too confused.
-What the heck are you talking about! –she shrieked, about to cry.
-Now! I claim at my fate for the burden given to me! Primal Chains! –and black chains rushed forward from Shinobu's hands, binding Kurai's limbs in less than what you can blink.
-I claim at my fate for the burden given to me! Shroud of Obscurity!
-Hurricane Winds!
The attacks worked better than before, and they were about to finish once and for all with Kurai, but someone appeared and stopped the attacks.
-I don't care if you kill one of the Antiarchangels, but I won't let you destroy my perfect creation! Tenebris Aeternam!
Kuro distracted the others with its attack and disappeared, carrying Kurai in its arms. The Archangels, luckily not as hurt as before, waited for the Black Guide to disappear so they could go back to normal.
-Wait. Let this to me. I claim at my fate for the burden given to me! Pacific Breeze! –and the Archangels' injuries disappeared instantly.
-It's great that at least one of us has the power to heal –Shinobu told Genzo.
-And you had to use up most of your energies to heal yourself before.
-Yet there were lots of injuries left unhealed then.
-Well, I was just passing by. See you –and Genzo left.
-You need to have a talk with me? –asked Shinobu to Jinko once Wakabayashi was gone.
-Er… Yes, Shinobu-san. Since you're the only person I trust…
-OK. Let's go to the office then.
They went into Shinobu's office and sat down as usual, one beside another.
-Tell me what's troubling you…
And Jinko told him all what she had thought and passed after her patient was gone. She also told him what happened when she slapped Misaki's face, although she really regretted that.
-…and yet, he told me I shouldn't say things I'd regret later.
-If he said it because you told him you'd kill the next Antiarchangel you saw even if you die, then I totally agree with him.
-Why?
-Because you're not alone, Jinko. You have all of us, your friends, although you don't believe it, or better said, although you don't WANT to believe it. Look what happened with Wataru's death; we're still very hurt because of his sacrifice.
-Yes, Misaki-kun being the worst… -and Jinko didn't realize what she had just said.
-Jinko, you OK? First time you call someone kun out of the Kami no Tsukai.
-What? It was a mistake. Forget it.
-It doesn't matter. As you said, Misaki-kun took the worst part of this because Wataru was the closest of us to him. Now tell me something. If you die, who would be the first ones to mourn over your death?
-I don't know… - Jinko said. She had never put much thought into that.
-Easy: all of us. Each and every one of us would be hurt, let alone Rairyuu.
-Don't mention that idiot.
-I have to; he's our friend.
They kept on talking, but Jinko was feeling worse over the minute, until a dam broke inside her and burst into tears. She had never felt so lonely in her entire life. Naturally, the Archangel of Chaos could only tell her to open her heart, but letting everything you well up inside has some consequences, as they found out.
Once Jinko cried it all out, she lost consciousness. Luckily, she was sitting down, but she slid to the floor little by little. She would've ended on the floor if her 'big brother' hadn't picked her up from the floor, and after asking his employees to take care of her, he went out of Vitalis to deliver what he had bought.
"I hope I can get married this time… I've waited too long, but now I'm stable and trouble-free…"
He got home, and his girlfriend opened the door.
-Shi-chan, aren't you supposed to be in Vitalis?
-I took some time. You see, I forgot to ask you something this morning.
-What?
-I mean… -and without kneeling, Shinobu took the ring out of his jacket pocket. –Would you like to be with me for the rest of our lives not as my girlfriend, but as something beyond that?
And the answer Shinobu's girlfriend gave almost made the Black Archangel fly thru the air… Out of sheer happiness.