Chapter XVII: Rairyuu: Sacrifice In The Name of Love

In Italy, Hyuga finally had finished moving. The new apartment was a little wider than the previous one, but to be honest he didn't care.

However, he wasn't sure of being safe in Calabria.

Ever since the Archangel of Hatred's death, he decided to distance himself from his family and friends, including Rairyuu. He didn't want them to cry his death if it happened.

It seemed too that the Antiarchangels always found them, although Hino hadn't attacked him again by now.

Or what was he planning to do?

Anyway, in that moment he was finishing unloading the boxes he had packed with the things he had, and mind you, he didn't have many. But the journey had been a long one, and in spite of having arrived the previous day, he was terribly tired; not for nothing he had had to cross all Italy by jet.

He was hammering down a nail for a picture when the phone rang. The scare made the already famous energy wave fly, but luckily, nothing fell down.

-I'll be… Who can it be if nobody has my telephone number yet…? –he grumbled while he went for the telephone. -Pronto? Parla Hyuga.

-Hyuga? It's Rairyuu.

-How did you get my telephone number?

-I got your new address and thanks to da Internet, I found your telephone.

-Gee; I'm still stuck to the typing machine.

-If ya say so, Hyuga.

-Anyway, I think it'd be better if you don't give my phone number to anyone else, Ikazuchi. I prefer to be far from the others.

-Why's that?

-You wouldn't understand it.

-Hey, Hyuga, I believe I'm your friend in spite of everything. Ya can tell me what's wrong.

-Ill just tell you this: remember we're all in serious danger, and if I get away from the others, no one will be hurt.

-Why do ya say it?

-The Antiarchangels won't stop until they reach their goal, and we know very well what happened with Misaki's friend. I won't allow anyone to blame him or herself of doing nothing if I die.

-Stop bein' such an IDIOT! If ya die, how do ya think da others will react? Have ya thought of your family, your friends, your fans? I think ya haven't.

-Listen to me, Ikazuchi. I'm not going to let anyone else die. And if I die, then it'll be for everyone's sake.

-Ya selfish creep -Rairyuu said through the telephone. –No one can merely die just to save another human.

And the call was hung.

-And if nobody can die to save another person, then why the Archangel of hatred sacrificed himself?

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Rairyuu was still angry with the nonsense Hyuga had told him.

-What does that Hyuga think he said? –the guy with the blond streaks in his hair said. He was in his apartment, and he had called the Archangel of the Fire after finishing his homework. However, he knew how strong his temper was, so he decided to practice his fighting style for a while.

With each blow he connected on his sandbag (he called to get it fixed) his fury diminished, but his strength increased.

-Gee, why is it that every time I get angry my strength grows? It's not that it's a disadvantage when I fight, but I should try to control my temper.

However, a call got him out of his thoughts.

-Hello? Ikazuchi speaking.

It was one of his partners, inviting him to have a drink with the others. Rairyuu seldom drank alcoholic drinks, but he thought that a beer once in a century couldn't be so bad.

He accepted and went to change himself, without knowing what to expect. Although well, everyone acts like that when something unexpected appears, right?

Once the call ended, he changed clothes (he had had a frayed camouflaged sweat suit on) and he left, not without thinking what was the woman he had a crush on doing.

He arrived at the bar where he and his friends usually met, and they went in for a drink. However, for some reason, without having even tried a drop of beer, Rairyuu thought he had seen someone familiar between the people drinking there.

-Rai-kun, what's up with you? –one of his partners asked when he saw that his friend was looking at the crowd distractedly.

-Oh, nothing… Forget it –but the guy was really acting strange.

"I could've sworn Hino was around; however, it could be I'm going paranoid too. Wouldn't be a big surprise, since with everything happening now…"

-Hey, Rai-kun… Your beer's in front of you.

-Ah, Sorry… I'm on the moon today. Idiot, idiot, idiot… -and the guy hit his forehead theatrically. He concentrated again on the conversation while he drank the cold, bitter beer he had in front. However, the guy he thought was Ryoma went nearer to the group where Rairyuu was, and the Archangel of Thunder's doubts vanished on the spot. It was only a guy who looked like Hino, only that he had a scruffy mustache. When he noticed that detail, Ikazuchi sighed in relief, since he didn't really want to fight. A while later, when his beer had been drunk, Rairyuu said goodbye to his friends and left to his house, not without feeling a bit mistrustful. He had even thought of turning into an animal just to go undercover, but thought it twice. He arrived home and fixed a sandwich, since his stomach always twisted and turned when he drank beer. After eating what he made, he sat down to read a book for his college assignments.

Meantime, in Shizuoka, Taro was painting the time away on a canvas. His leg hurt him a little, but he didn't pay any attention to the pain while he painted what he had in mind. On the other hand, the swelling on his face had receded completely, so the slap Jinko gave him was no longer noticeable. However, he had a heap of queries in his head: How was Azumi faring with Wataru's disappearance? What would've been of Hester, Wataru's tomcat? Many questions were in his head.

However, the phone (luckily a wireless one) rang.

-Hello, Misaki speaking.

-Misaki-san? It's Ozora Natsuko, Tsubasa's mother.

-Ah, Natsuko-san. How are you and your family?

-We're fine, although Koudai still has the cast on and Daichi is really wishing to see Tsubasa again. And, how's your injury?

-Much better, thanks.

-Tsubasa told me about your friend's death.

-Ah, right… -and Taro's face darkened. –It's a shame it happened… Is the coast clear?

-Yes; Koudai's in the bedroom and Daichi's doing his homework.

-Great. I guess that Tsubasa-kun didn't tell you much.

-I'm afraid so.

And joining up the guts to tell it, Misaki remembered the sad moment when Wataru sacrificed himself to save him and Azumi.

Sure, he hadn't fought again ever since that black day, but Misaki knew that Natsuko would keep the secret loyally. That was why he told her everything.

-I'm so sorry, Misaki-san… And yet I don't understand where everything ended in.

-That's the weirdest thing of all; he became energy… And now he's part of me, or better said, of my powers –and in that instant, the apartment's doorbell rang. -Natsuko-san, I'm sorry, but someone's at my door. If you wish, I can call you later.

-OK, Misaki-san. Good-bye.

-Good-bye -and Taro moved to open the door. To his surprise, it was Jinko.

-Imawano-san… What happened?

-I, I… I came to apologize for hitting you.

Jinko looked terrible. Her face was paler than before and it was obvious she had cried. It seemed that the stone wall around her heart had crumbled and fallen.

-You don't need to apologize. In fact, I thank you for returning me to reality. Come on in, please.

-No, I… I have to leave.

-C'mon, it's only for a moment. At least until you've calmed down.

-Calmed down?

-Yes; you're still a bit unstable and it's obvious you've cried.

In the end, the doctor accepted and entered the apartment, although a bit reluctantly.

-I only came to ask you for forgiveness… I was a real creep with you.

-Let it be. I already told you that I'm grateful with you for returning me to this reality. I was very affected by Wataru's death, but thanks to you, I'm my old self again. However, why did you cry?

-No… For nothing. I've been sensible these days for mere foolish stuff -Jinko said, although her heart began to beat uncontrollably when Taro came nearer.

-I doubt they're foolish if they affect you so. I think I'm your friend in spite of everything, and though I know you're very wary, you can trust me.

-They're only stupid things, Misaki-san… After you left the therapy, I was alone, and I remembered some unpleasant things.

-Did you remember your past by any chance?

-How did you know it!

-Only guessed. And what was the thing you remembered?

-I don't even want to think about it… -and Jinko told him her miserable, lonely past. Sure, in the end, the young woman almost burst into tears again, but Taro knew how to avoid it. When the doctor finished relating her past, night had fallen, and she had resisted the urge to cry stoically. Taro looked surprised, comprehensive and even a bit incensed when he heard how badly Jinko had been treated when she was a child.

-However, you can't live remembering your past, you know. You only hurt yourself that way. In fact, the best thing you can do is vent that bitterness you hold against the others.

-Why?

-I've seen people that even get sick just because they keep too much things for themselves and never tell anyone.

-And you, you don't have some resentment towards someone or something?

-I've never been resentful to someone or something. I'd never could; I've never been able to hold a grudge to someone or something…

-No wonder you're so kind… -and Jinko didn't even realize she was as red as an apple. However, a pain attack caught them both. That could only be a sign of something: somebody was being attacked. But they didn't know who, or where.

-Drat… Who are they attacking? I can't even hear the plea for help! –Misaki said, gritting his teeth.

-I think I… I think I heard the Archangel of Fire's voice!

- What? You mean Hyuga-san was attacked? Imawano-san, let's go!

-OK –and both of them teleported to the battle scene. However, the fight wasn't in Italy… but in the University where Rairyuu studied!

Hino was about to kill the Archangel of Fire, while Rairyuu was unconscious… Not a pleasant vista. The barrier Hyuga had formed began to vanish, so Misaki created his own barrier while Jinko ran to take Rairyuu out of there. Once she took him to a safe place, she took her other identity, and next to Misaki, she attacked Hino, who let Hyuga loose right away.

-Look what the cat brought us: the crippled guy and the babe. I never thought you'd come here to save your lousy friends.

-We won't let you put an end to our friends, Hino! -Jinko exclaimed.

-You don't say…

-Hino… I can't believe how low you've fallen -Misaki said, nodding negatively. -You decided to sell your soul to beat Kojiro and show him who's boss…

-I can defeat Hyuga whenever I want… The only thing I want is to stop having to look at his filthy face. Or it may be that he's not Japanese because of the color of his skin?

-Look who's talking; a Uruguayan-Japanese -said a voice behind Hino, who attacked him. Yes, I believe you know who I mean.

-You woke up, Hyuga… What a miracle.

-I would've died if my friends hadn't come… And I wonder, Hino. If you were about to die, would one of your friends the Antiarchangels come to save you?

That left Hino thinking. Would Carlos, Pierre, Schneider or Kurai help him if he needed help?

-It's obvious.

-Then why did ya take such a long time to answer? -said another voice… Rairyuu, who had just regained consciousness.

-Heh, four Archangels against a single Antiarchangel. This is getting fun.

-Don't change da subject! - Rairyuu yelled, angry.

-It's not your business if I take a long time to answer or not… Armageddon!

The attack flew towards the four Archangels, who barely avoided it. However…

-I claim at my fate for the burden given to me! Shroud of Obscurity!

-High Voltage!

-Fire Storm!

Hyuga, Jinko and Ikazuchi attacked with their powers, but this battle being Taro's first one after having evolved thanks to Wataru, he didn't know what to do. He tried to use his Marine Undertow, but apparently that power no longer existed, so he was forced to attack only with his blades.

But Ryoma's Shijin Shield stopped the majority of attacks. Only Misaki's attack evaded the lethal shield, and made a wound, even if it was minimal damage.

-Heh, you're still a pack of weaklings … I pity you, and mostly you two, White Archangels. Hyuga, once an idiot, always an idiot, and you're still one. And Misaki… What a shame that you evolved thanks to the 'sacrifice' of your friend the Black Archangel, because you don't know how to use your powers. The best thing I could do for you would be to wipe you out -and Ryoma threw his Shield towards the Archangels like an enormous, deadly Frisbee.

But none of our friends was able to avoid it. The Shijin Shield actually tracked them down.

-Drat… isn't there anything we can do against that Shijin Shield? -Jinko said, in a shrill, furious whisper.

-I don't know, Jinko-san -Misaki said, as he still was looking for an answer to his new and unknown powers.

-Shoot… I have to beat him… I have to heal my wounded pride…

However Ikazuchi didn't say anything at all. He knew there had to be a way, a solution for this problem called Hino Ryoma.

"If only somebody distracted him, I could use my High Voltage or my Lightning Strike… No, I'm wrong! Da only thing that can fix this… is my fight technique!"

And standing up with obvious difficulty, the P.E student concentrated, making his lance disappear.

-What? Are you going to surrender? Because you tucked away your weapon for something, right? -Ryoma said sarcastically, but he was confused hen he didn't receive an answer.

-What's Ikazuchi-san planning to do?

-No idea, Misaki-kun –replied Hyuga, but Jinko knew it immediately.

-Kiai Technique -was the only thing she dared to say. She remembered it from the first time she saw Rairyuu use it… And she couldn't help but feel a thorn pierce her heart.

Sure, Ryoma didn't take into account the Archangel of Thunder's concentrated look and unwisely rushed to attack him, without realizing that a strong air slash hit him in the stomach, avoiding the Shijin Shield. The blow stopped him, leaving him breathless.

-What was that? -the White Archangels exclaimed, surprised of seeing that Rairyuu was still with his fist extended in front of him.

-Ikazuchi's fighting style -Jinko said.

-That's why he didn't say anything, right?

-Yes.

And yet Ryoma obstinately tried to hit Ikazuchi. He avoided the Antiarchangel's blows and continued sending air blasts, hurting Hino without touching him directly.

However, the Antiarchangel thought twice (what a miracle) and decided to attack the other Archangels, who nonetheless were able to avoid his blow and countered it with their own attacks.

-Black Fire!

-Fire Storm!

-I claim at my fate for da burden given to me! Lightning strike!

Jinko, Kojiro and Rairyuu's attacks struck Ryoma, without causing major damage (remember he's immune to fire), but at last the evolved Archangel found the answer to his predicament; he remembered Wataru's attack and…

-This is your last stand! Oceanic Darts! -and a myriad of water arrows flew from Taro's hands, at last hurting the Uruguayan-Japanese Antiarchangel.

More dead than alive, Ryoma fell to the floor, but he still wasn't tired. Was it their thirst for vengeance the thing that didn't let the Antiarchangels get tired?

-Heh, heh… not bad. Not bad at all. Finally you're able of making this a good fight. However, you think that will defeat me? You poor idealists.

-What?

-Maybe your friend the evolved Archangel found his power at last, but not even all of you attacking together will defeat me. Armageddon! –and he directed the attack expressly towards Jinko, although Rairyuu pushed the young woman, receiving the attack directly.

-Ikazuchi!

Hyuga and Misaki shouted, but Jinko was silent. The guy that had a crush on her and she only saw as one more acquaintance had saved her life. However, as you know, the Antiarchangels' attack have a secondary effect, and Ryoma's collateral damage didn't make itself wait; Rairyuu lost his energy quickly, making him feel weak.

-Jinko, Misaki, get him out of here! I'll take care of this creep! -and Hyuga rushed to attack Ryoma, who used his Shield once again, although this time, the Archangel of the Fire avoided the shield's razor-sharp edge. In the meantime, Jinko and Taro took Rairyuu out of there, as he was very weak.

-Are… are ya OK? –he asked the other two Archangels.

-Idiot -was the only thing the Archangel with the scythe was able to say.

-Why d'ya keep on calling me an idiot?

-Don't you understand it, Ikazuchi? I didn't ask you to save me; I didn't ask you to push me and make the attack hit you squarely.

-And do I have to wait for ya to ask for help just to save ya? Jinko, although I know too well that ya barely stand me 'cause we know each other from a long time…

-There's no time to talk! –Misaki exclaimed, as he saw that Kojiro fell to the floor, exhausted. Immediately Misaki went to save his friend, while Jinko distracted Ryoma. However, the Archangel of Water's strength failed too and he fell to the ground in the middle of everything, so Jinko was the only one who got there to save Hyuga. And yet…

-This time I will destroy you, Hyuga! You won't bother me ever again! Armageddon!

But the attack didn't hit Hyuga or Jinko.

Rairyuu, with his last shot of energy teleported in front of Jinko, and like his deceased friend, his armor and magatama were destroyed.

-RAIRYUU! -the other three Archangels exclaimed, while the blinding explosion didn't let Hino see what he did. However, while the explosion blinded the ones there, Rairyuu, dying, fell over Jinko, making the unconscious effort of protecting her. Once the light disappeared, Ryoma observed what happened, and cackling cruelly, he vanished. But…

-Ikazuchi, why? Why did you do it? -Jinko exclaimed, about to cry.

-I already told ya, Jinko –he answered, while she kneeled beside him, Misaki was still far from there and Hyuga was behind Jinko.

-You idiot -Kojiro said to his friend, furious. –Weren't you the one that told me that no one's death was for the good of anyone?

-I lied. Wataru sacrificed himself to save us, and I think… it's my turn.

-Why?

-Being hit by two Armageddons… -Jinko said, in shock. -Rai… ryuu… doesn't have enough energy to live…

-Say that again –said the young man with the blond streaks in his hair weakly.

-Rairyuu…

-It sounds so beautiful when ya say it, Jinko… Hyuga, Misaki, please… protect Jinko with all what you have… Including da little energy… I have. Don't… let anything… happen… to her… 'cause I… love… her… -and like Wataru, Rairyuu's body dissolved when he died. He turned into energy, and entered the crying Archangel of Fire's magatama. Out of crying, Hyuga Kojiro couldn't help being as furious as he had never been before.

-Hino, I swear you'll pay this… You'll pay it dearly… I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, HINO! -and like Misaki, Hyuga evolved completely; his armor, his weapons… he no longer had his daggers, but some gloves on his hands Oo.

"Now ya're the true Archangel of Fire… With your strength, and my Kiai Technique, ya'll fight in a way never… Never seen by anyone… -and that was the last time Kojiro heard Rairyuu's voice, the voice of the one he owed more than his life.