Chapter XXIII: The Bridal Shower
Three days after Daichi saved the raven eggs and Kai told Komichi the truth about him, some beautiful invitation cards arrived at the mailboxes of the Archangels and allies living in Shizuoka. What was it for? Shinobu's wedding. Of course, being a famous person in the city, the media talked about it, but the Archangel of Chaos wanted to keep a low profile and be as discrete as possible.
Ishizaki had just arrived from his training with Jubilo Iwata when he checked his mailbox. Not counting the bills, he rarely had any mail. But he found this time the invitation card and was left speechless. He read it and reread it, thinking what to do, since the invitation was both for him and Yukari, and she was still angry with him.
However, Ryou decided to swallow his words and be humble. He took the phone firmly and dialed his girlfriend's house.
-Hello? Kumi speaking.
-Hi, Kumi-san. It's Ishizaki.
-Ah, hi. What happened? You want to talk to Yukari?
-You don't know how grateful I'd be.
Although he hard Yukari shouting she didn't want to talk, Kumi simply did what Ryou had asked: passed the phone to the aggrieved woman.
-Yukari? It's me, Ryou.
-Now what do you want?
-I… I only wanted to apologize. I know I haven't had much time to see you because of my trainings, and I was too rude the last time you wanted to go out and I was tired.
-And?
-I know just asking for forgiveness it's not enough, but I need you, precious. I need you and you can't even imagine how much it hurts me to be without you.
-Well, it hurts me more that you don't take a bite out of your time to be with me.
And that was Ryou's only chance, served in a silver platter.
-And if I told you we're invited to a wedding and I want to go with you?
-What? Whose wedding?
-Does Kurobane Shinobu ring a bell?
-Of course; he's a friend of yours, isn't he?
-Yes. He's going to get married, and his wedding's next week.
-Bravo for him. I never saw him again after he retired from the D.J. business.
-And then… Would you go with me to the wedding? Besides, I can't dance as I usually do if it isn't with you.
-Let me think –and Yukari hung up.
And there was Ryou, his heart beating like mad in his throat, extremely nervous. This was his only chance to solve his problems with Yukari. However, the phone ringing scared him out of his skin.
-Hello? Ishizaki speaking.
-Ishizaki-kun? It's Misaki.
-Ah, hi there, Misaki-kun. You got the invitation card?
-More than that; I'm one of the wedding's godparents.
-What?
-Shinobu thinks of Jinko as his little sister, and since she and I… –there was a small and nervous silence coming from the Archangel of Water. -…are a couple, then we'll be godparents to the wedding.
-You lucky dog, you. Then you'll go with her, right?
-Yes. And who are you going with?
-Well, I'm praying for Yukari to go with me. Since she's angry with me … And yet I apologized and everything.
-Have some patience, Ishizaki-kun. You'll see everything will be fine.
-I hope so, Misaki-kun –and after saying goodbye and hanging up, Ryou sat down on the couch; ever since he had talked to Yukari, he had been standing up.
"Lord, if miracles exist, please let Yukari see how sorry I am…" –was the only thing the Monkey Boy thought, trying his hardest not to let a tear fall from his eyes.
And yet… The phone rang once again.
-Hello? Ishizaki speaking.
-Ryou? It's me, Yukari.
-You thought about it?
-Yes, I did, and I even talked it with Kumi. Would you pick me up that day?
-Obviously, of course I will! –Ryou was overjoyed. –Count with that. You just have to call me and I'll be there as quick as I can.
-OK and… I accept your apologies.
What else could Ishizaki Ryou ask for in that moment?
Meanwhile, Taro was writing some e-mail messages to his friends. Jinko wasn't there, since she was very tired that day. However, Misaki had received the invitation card for him and Jinko, and as you know, they didn't hesitate in being godparents to the wedding, although they were just sweethearts in that moment.
Entranced as he was, Taro barely put any attention to the music he was listening in that moment (he was listening to some jazz), and though he wasn't as quick at typing as some others, at least he didn't take more than ten minutes to write a message to his friend, Hikaru (NOTE: Misaki isn't as quick at typing as me nn, and yes, Hikaru is none other than Matsuyama Hikaru ;))
He finished sending the messages, and turned off his laptop. He was tired, but his rehab would end in two weeks, and he had never thought of 'speeding up' his recovery a single but. Even if he had thought of it, neither he nor his girlfriend would've approved it; they were always by-the-book.
Besides, if he had done it, he wouldn't have been there enough time to really discover his true feelings towards Jinko.
Although his mind wasn't blank, Taro wasn't thinking of anything in particular as he picked up a book his father gave him and began to read… Although the phone scared him, making him knock down a portrait keeper with his energy wave. Luckily, it didn't even chip.
He answered the phone, and fortunately for him…
-Hello? Misaki speaking.
-Misaki-kun? It's me, Azumi!
-Azumi-san! How are you?
-Fine, thanks. And you?
-Much better, thanks… -and Taro couldn't help a small chuckle leave his throat.
-Really, Misaki-kun?
-Sure. Besides, I'm getting ready for a friend's wedding.
-What? Who's getting married?
-A friend of mine… Who was Wataru's friend too. His name's Shinobu.
-The name rings a bell. Isn't he owner of a disco?
-Yeah, you're right.
-Now I get it. On the other hand, I head a rumor about you…
-What?
-I've heard that someone spotted you in a restaurant in Shizuoka with a young lady… And both of you were somewhat close.
-Ah…I guess I haven't told you.
-What haven't you told me?
-Well… I have a girlfriend.
In France, Azumi smiled at what her buddy had told her.
-Well, that woman must be very lucky. Where did you know her?
-She's the assistant of the doctor who treating my injury. She was also one of Wataru's friends. Her name's Imawano Jinko.
-The Archangel of Darkness?
-How do you know?
-Remember who you're talking to: The Archangel of hatred's friend and former girlfriend. Wataru told me about the others, but talked very kindly about Jinko. She was like a sister for him.
-Well, now she is… my girlfriend.
-She's a lucky one. Well, I just called to say hi.
-Thanks, Azumi-san –and the call ended. Of course, Misaki was feeling quite glad. Although he had always been a 'friendly globetrotter' because of his father's work, and later due to circumstances, he made friends easily thanks to his kindness… And yes, his honey-sweet way of being.
After that, he picked up the portrait keeper and resumed his reading.
And while he read, he didn't notice that someone had gone into the apartment using a key… ;D. He was absorbed by the book, until someone covered his eyes.
-Who is it? – Taro asked aloud, without getting an answer. He asked again, and he didn't dare read the other person's mind in case it was someone who didn't know the truth about him… Until he felt that person kiss his forehead.
And when at last he managed to free his eyes, he saw with glee who it had been.
-I thought you were too tired today…
-I thought you had noticed me –said Jinko, still standing up.
-No… I was reading this book, and I really wanted to finish it.
-Ah, OK… On the other hand, honey, do you know when is Shinobu's wedding exactly?
-Sure. But I thought you'd know it; you're closer to him.
-I didn't receive the card.
-Well, it's in two days.
-And today's the bridal shower. Are we going?
Of course, Taro hadn't noticed that his girlfriend had a beautiful indigo satin dress on. She looked beautiful.
-Give me a sec and I'll be ready in less than a blink.
Misaki teleported to his bedroom (too lazy to walk :P) and put on his best suit. In the end, he had a slate gray suit on, a white shirt and a gray tie with very thin white lines… And also smelled of cologne;).
-Shall we go then?
-With you like that… I'd go to the end of the world –said Jinko, smiling. She had bought the gift earlier, so the only thing they had to do was call a taxi and go to Shinobu's apartment.
Once they arrived…
-Welcome, and thanks for coming –said Shinobu's bride-to-be, helping Jinko with her coat.
-No; thank you for inviting us –answered Misaki politely.
-Well… There isn't much we can offer, but please do come in.
-Well, what we brought you is nothing special, but I hope you like it –Jinko added.
Of course, once they went in, they noticed that a lot of people had arrived, including Ishizaki and Yukari, who had a nice plum-colored two-piece suit on.
-Misaki-kun, Imawano-san, it's nice to se you again –said Ishizaki's girlfriend.
-I say the same –Taro said, amused. Yukari changed too little, let alone she didn't change at all.
-Misaki-kun, Jinko, thanks for coming –said Shinobu, joyful. In spite of being inside his roomy, beautiful apartment, the one who was about to get married never took of his dark eyeglasses.
-Not at all… Thanks for inviting us, Shinobu-san –said Jinko. –You nervous?
-You're kidding, right? Who wouldn't be nervous two days before the greatest day of his life?
-God knows who.
-Er, Shinobu-san… -Misaki began to ask, uncomfortable. –Sorry for being nosy, but, why do you use dark eyeglasses inside your own apartment?
-I guess Jinko never told you why, right?
Misaki admitted he didn't know.
-My eyes are very sensible. That's why I use dark eyeglasses all the time; doctor's orders.
-It must be very hard for you to go out on sunny days, I guess.
-Thanks to my glasses, it's not.
-I understand it now.
-Changing subjects, have you seen there haven't been any more happenings in the past days? –said Shinobu, suddenly very serious.
-You're right. None of them has attacked again in the last days.
-Exactly… After Tooru's disappearance –said Misaki, trying not to sound or look somber. However, the doorbell rang again and Shinobu went to open the door, since his girlfriend was talking with some of her friends.
Kai was there, along with his friend, Komichi.
-Kai! I thought you couldn't come.
-I got here on time, I think.
The young Kage no Tsukai was elegantly dressed in black, while his friend had a nice cherry blossom-colored dress on.
-And I see you brought your fi… I mean, friend.
-What were you just about to say? –Kai asked, looking at Shinobu with poisoned daggers in his eyes¬¬.
-Nothing; slip of the tongue.
Moments later, Kai headed to where Jinko and Taro were, along with Komichi, who couldn't believe her buddy's luck.
-Komichi-chan, let me introduce you. They are Misaki Taro…
-pleased to meet you.
-… and Imawano Jinko.
-It's a pleasure.
-They're friends of mine from a long time ago.
-P, pleased, pleased to meet you… Mi, mi, Mito Komichi.
-Pleasure's ours, Mito-san –Taro replied, with his trademark caramel smile. –I'm glad Kai-kun has a great friend in you.
-Uh, I…Domo arigato gozaimasu.
Komichi couldn't believe that she was looking at none other than Misaki Taro, one of Japan's best soccer players, and his girlfriend.
-On the other hand, how's the team getting ready for the National Tournament? –asked Jinko to Kai.
-Couldn't be better. I hope we win the championship this year, but there's a huge mount of strong teams this year.
-Nonetheless, with Kai-kun's leadership, the team will get to the National finals. I'm sure of that –Komichi added, at last talking normally.
-That's the spirit –Taro said, in good spirits. They were about to keep on talking, when Shinobu called for everyone's attention.
-My dear friends, I only ask for a minute of your time. My girlfriend and I wish to thank you all for coming. All of you have been witnesses to our life together, which began four years ago…
-And six months –Shinobu's girlfriend added.
-Thanks, sweetheart. As I said, all of you haven been witnesses to our long time together, and that's why I can't find of any other way of thanking you all by inviting you to the bridal shower, and the wedding, which will be in two days. All of you, including the ones who aren't able to be here, are invited.
In that moment, Shinobu was talking about the Archangels that were not in Shizuoka, because they were in their home countries… Or because they were not in this world.
The night passed on, although Kai and Komichi had to leave early.
On the other hand, in another house, Natsuko was shocked to see the eggs Daichi had rescued. The boy had decided to make them hatch, and he had used the nest, along with some rags and a desk lamp he kept on all the time.
-Daichi, would you mind explaining this? –she asked as she saw her son's work.
-They're some raven eggs that were abandoned. Someone killed one of their parents with a stone, and the other raven never appeared. That's why I decided to take care of them.
-And haven't you ever heard of "Breed crows and they'll peck out your eyes?"
-Sure, but I don't believe it. It's just some dumb proverb.
-Oh, Daichi… Don't say I didn't tell you later.
-I know, mom.
And that's why Daichi took special care of his nest. Of course, he decided not to tell anyone about it, although he wanted to tell Tsubasa about his self-imposed mission. However, how would his brother reply when he knew it?
"Knowing the Tsukai, he'd react the same way the others do" –Shiro answered in the youngest Ozora's mind.
-I'll take care of the hatchlings n mater what. I'm not able of leaving them homeless.
And Shiro had to admit that Daichi had his older brother's steadfastness.
-I know I have it; I'm the Kami no Tsukai's brother.
On the following day, Shinobu woke up, somewhat nervous. The bridal shower had been splendid, and tomorrow would be an unrepeatable day. However, he had a very reasonable fear: And if one of the Antiarchangels, or even worse, the Black Guide attacked in the middle of his wedding?
"I hope it doesn't" –he thought.
Luckily, it was Saturday, and it was quite a nice day, so the Archangel of Chaos decided to go out and have some fresh air. After putting on a sweat suit, a T-shirt and his famous dark glasses, Shinobu went out of his apartment.
He had a good walk around Shizuoka, breathing the fresh morning air. As happened (and happens) with his battle partner, the Archangel of the Wind, going out to walk in the mornings made Shinobu feel alive. Since it wasn't even 7 A.M., he didn't meet with anyone he knew…
Or that he thought.
While we walked by a peaceful park, he felt a horrid chill. He didn't dare to see who was behind him, but he immediately knew who it was once he heard a voice talk.
-I heard you're getting married, Archangel of Chaos.
-Carlos Santana!
-I'm glad you know my name.
-I'm not glad you know about my wedding.
-And is it perhaps a secret? –the Brazilian's cold gray eyes had an evil flash.
-No, but I don't want you lot to know.
Santana didn't reply, but the fearsome black marks under his eyes appeared, giving the betrothed man a chill again.
-Don't tell me you're going to kill me as my wedding gift.
-You're very perceptive, Archangel of Chaos.
-What a pity, but that's the one gift I can't receive.
While Shinobu distracted Santana with his comments, he pleaded in his mind for someone to help him.
However, he couldn't distract his enemy anymore. Santana made his kathars appear and attacked Shinobu, who although tried to evade the attack, was injured on one of his shoulders. The ex–D.J let out a yelp of pain, but that encouraged Santana, who once again tried to attack the Black Archangel.
And yet…
-Fury of the Earth!
Luckily Ishizaki had been around there, and he didn't need more than an instant to find out what was happening. He ran as quickly as he could (and mind you, being 5'8". high and weighing 148 lb. didn't make him nearly as fast as Maurice Green, if you know what I mean) and attacked, as he noticed that the Archangel of chaos was seriously injured.
-You again, Santana?
-You're meddling again where you shouldn't, Macaco?
-that's where you're wrong, soccer cyborg. My buddy here needed help, and I received his plea. And now that I'm wondering… If you ever had to ask for help, would any of your cronies come to save your hide?
-I don't need anyone's help. Apocalypsis!
Right now, I don't know if Santana's attack had been on purpose or a diversion, but neither Shinobu nor Ishizaki wished to know that.