CHAPTER 26

-"BITTER MEMORIES... MICHAEL ANGELUS REFLECTS ON THE PAST"-

Michael Angelus (currently in his Jusenkyo-cursed human form as the MCD) is in a VERY good mood when he enters his home. He's finally found his old love, namely the Goddess First Class, goddess of the present…Belldandy.

Happily, Angelus is thinking, Today was the most joyful day of my entire life…after all those centuries of loneliness, I've found her. I found the girl who I thought I could never see again…Belldandy, my fiancée."

Then he sits in his chair and grabs the medallion that Belldandy gave him. Aloud, he says to himself, "This medallion was the only thing that reminds me of her during all this years…" He then sighs, "How I remember that 'day'. The day I was made General in my Lord's Heaven…"

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

Many angels are gathered in the Royal Palace of Heaven. An angel dressed in the clothes of combat, with a golden sword walks toward the Throne Room. There, he stands in front of God –(Kami)-, the Heaven King. Next to him was The Goddess of Justice and Peace Athena –(Saint Seiya)-, the Goddess Tsunami –(Tenchi Muyo)- beside her were the Nordic Goddesses and daughters of God…Belldandy, Skuld and Urd. When Angelus approaches them, he kneels before them:

"Michael, you proven yourself to be one of my most loyal, wise and bravest angels in My realm…," God says.

Angelus humbly replies, "Thank you, my Lord."

"You have been a great leader, a caring warrior, who never lifts your sword for hate, only to protect life." Athena says.

Angelus, pleased, bows respectfully. "I only do what I do, ma'am."

Tsunami adds, "Also, you're a wise warrior, who never gives up, and helps those who can't fight."

God concludes, "Therefore, Michael Angelus, from this point on, I'm appointing you… General of all the Armies in Heaven, and, my Confidant and right hand man."

Angelus is honored. "Sir, it is an extreme honor from you, my Lord. I thank you."

God:" Not at all, you've earned it…Now…Arise, Michael Angelus…"

Michael Angelus gets up, and then Kami-sama touches his shoulder with His arm. Then, Angelus is covered in a beautiful light. When the light fades away, Angelus looks at himself. He's gained a new suit of armor. It is a golden armor, which shines as brightly as the sun, with a helmet that has rubies on the sides, and a white cape that cover all his body; his wings are now bigger and more powerful. The Goddess Athena gives Angelus a new sword, it was a bright as the light and hard as a diamond, for it is Excalibur, and Tsunami gives her blessing to him … Angelus is pleased. Bowing to God, he says, "Thank you, my Lord…I promise you all that I will indeed protect all life in this Universe with my life."

"Now congratulations, Michael Angelus. May your fighting spirit lead you to victory and peace, for Heaven and Earth," Athena says.

"And be a good Guardian and protector, forever and ever." Tsunami says.

Then, all the angels cheer and applaud for Michael. Belldandy walks toward Michael and hugs him. "Congratulations, Michael, I'm very happy for you."

"Thanks a lot Belldandy. I'm also happy for this."

"Michael, I want you to have this…" Belldandy gives Michael a cool Medallion.

Angelus is in awe of Bell's gift. "Bell-chan…it's beautiful."

"Michael, this is my Medallion, consider this a gift from me to you for your great promotion of being named General by my Father."

Angelus blushes. "Geez…I'll treasure this medallion with love and care, like you Bell-chan."

Belldandy likewise blushes. "That's so sweet, Michael."

Her sisters Urd and Skuld also approach Angelus. Urd congratulates him. "Way to go Michael, I know you'll make an excellent General."

Skuld nods. "Yeah, congratulations, Michael-oneesan…I'm proud for you."

Angelus gracefully accepts their congratulations. "Thanks for your confidence girls, I mean it."

-(END FLASHBACK)-

Angelus' voiceover continues, "That was one of the happiest moments in my life…my promotion to General, but most of all…being declared Belldandy's Fiancé, I felt like my Lord…Heaven was indeed the joy of the Universe…Then, there was the ball in the royal hall of Heaven. Oh, how I remember that like it was only yesterday…"

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

We see a dance going on inside of the Hall…many people are dancing in the floor; classical music is being played.

Michael Angelus has asked Belldandy to dance. She accepts and he takes her hand and leads her to the dance floor. She hugs him and he hugs her and they began to dance. They were both happy. Later that evening, Michael takes Belldandy to the Balcony, there; they see the stars and the planet Earth:

Belldandy's looking at the sky. "Such a lovely night, isn't it Michael?"

Angelus agrees, "Yes, look at the stars Bell-chan. So peaceful and calm, so nice."

"Michael…?"

"Yes Bell-chan?"

"So how do you feel about your new position as General of my Father's army?"

Angelus is serious when he tells her, "The truth…it's an honor for me, though it is a great privilege, it's also a great responsibility. My powers will be greater, but so are my duties…because "With great power, comes great responsibility"."

"But I'm sure you'll do fine Michael…You're a good warrior, and noble, that's why Father chose you."

"I know…and I'm not gonna disappoint the trust he placed in me. I will not."

"I know you wont…Michael, I love you."

"I love you too, Belldandy."

Then, the two of them share a big kiss under the moonlight.

-(END FLASHBACK)-

SOMEWHERE IN TOKYO:

We now switch to the streets of the city. The MCD is now walking in the street, in his civilian clothes. As he's walking through the crowds of people, he continues to reminisce, thinking, That night, was the first time I kissed Belldandy, it was cool… He frowns, knowing what happened after that. But then…3 days later, it happened, something that shattered my life…

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

Angelus continues his narration, "All was peaceful in Heaven…until God informed me about a great danger that was happening on Earth…A group of demon cat soldiers known as –"The Red Cat Gang"- were making disaster on Earth…they worked for a demon Cat known as the Cat Ghost King…

They were destroying villages, kidnapping young girls for their master, and creating chaos on Earth…Kami summoned me to go there and stop them. So I did. I gathered a squad 20 of our best and most loyal Angels –(male and female)- to go with me, but before I went, I spent one night with Belldandy and informed her about my mission…"

We see Angelus and Belldandy in the Garden of Eden. …birds are singing, all was peaceful. He then explains to Belldandy about his mission. "So that's the mission that God gave me. I have to go there Belldandy."

Belldandy nods. "I see."

"I know you don't like it, and neither do I. But I must do it; I have to save the mortals from that Cat Demon."

"I understand, Michael. After all, it is your job and duty as protector of Heaven and Earth."

Angelus's a little bit worried. "So, you're not…mad?"

Belldandy smiles, replying, "Not at all Michael." Then, serious, she says, "So go and stop that Demon Cat and free the mortals!"

"I will…and thanks Bell-chan!"

"Before you go Michael, take this with you." Belldandy takes a ring from her finger and gives it to Angelus.

"What's this Bell-chan?"

"I want you to take my ring, so you can remember me when you're out there, fighting, knowing that I'll always be with you."

Angelus is touched by her little gift. "Thanks, Belldandy. With this ring, I'll be more powerful."

CHINA – BAYANKALA MOUNTAINS, QINGHAI PROVINCE:

"The next day, my squad and I went to Earth to fight against the Demon Cat Kamusaru and his followers. When we arrived, a battle was unleashed. Even though they outnumbered us, we proved the power of our light against them. When I went head to head against the Cat Ghost King, our battle lasted for almost two days, even though he was strong, I managed to defeat him…"

The battle between Michael Angelus and the Cat Ghost King is a sight never seen before… Angelus is facing down Kamusaru; the evil Ghost Cat is hurt and weak…both of them are floating in mid-air:

Kamusaru, the Cat Ghost King, angrily declares, "Myaooo...you haven't won yet you miserable bird…I will win!"

Angelus points his sword at the fiend. "You will never win evil cat! Light will always triumph over evil, and you're done for!"

The Cat Ghost King screams, "MYAAAAAAAAAAAA! NEVEEEEEEEEEEEEER!!"

The Cat Ghost King charges against Michael with his giant paws. But Angelus dodges Kamusaru's attacks and with his golden sword he strikes the Cat Ghost in his chest with one powerful slash. The Cat Ghost King screams in pain… unable to fight anymore.

Michael Angelus solemnly intones, carrying out Heaven's sentence. "Cat Ghost King, for all the crimes that you have committed against humanity, how do you plead?

"I'LL KILL YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

"Wrong answer! Cat Ghost King, it's time for you to pay for your crimes!"

Then, Angelus reaches into a secret compartment in his armor and pulls out five paper talismans. He quickly places four of them in front of him; one at the top, one on his left, one on his right, and one below him. As the four talismans float in mid-air, energy forms between them, so that the four points make a cross! Then, he takes the fifth and final talisman out. This one is different from the other four, for it has a Japanese kanji written on it, which translated, means "SEAL" or "BANISH".

"And now…. HEAVEN'S SECRET TECHNIQUE! BANISHING OF THE EVIL SPIRIT!!"

Angelus places the fifth talisman in the center of the cross, and a beam of light shoots out and hits the Cat Ghost King squarely in the chest, blowing a hole right through him! Ghostly fluids (ectoplasm, perhaps?) pour out the fiendish feline's wound. Suddenly, a star appears behind the Cat Ghost King, and opens a portal; next, it began to pull him towards it…

Shocked, the Cat Ghost King cries out, "WHAT…WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? WHAT'S HAPPENING!?"

Angelus reveals the fate of his enemy. "THAT's a portal Evil Cat! For your crimes, I'm sending you to the streams of time…where you'll be trapped in there for all eternity!"

"NOOOOO, YOU CANT DO THIS TO MEEEE! MYAAAA!"

"But I can, Cat Ghost! You'll never harm any living soul; never again you'll see this world, for I sentence you to oblivion…" Angelus finishes his technique. "EVIL, BE GONEEEEE!!

Then the Cat Ghost King begins to fade away into the hole, but before he's sucked away:

"IF I'M GONNA GO DOWN…THEN YOU'LL GO DOWN WITH MEEE…MYAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"

"Huh!?"

Then, the Cat Ghost King launches one blast toward Angelus before disappearing. The blast strikes Angelus hard and explodes on contact, like a small atomic blast. He falls toward the ground, unconscious, splash-landing in one of many VERY familiar pools –(Jusenkyo)-. He wakes up and sees that he's underwater. He swims to the surface and notices that he's in a training ground, with many bamboo poles and many ponds.

When he gets out, he tries to fly, but ends up falling flat on his face. He tries to stretch his wings, but he can't…then something happens, something that Angelus sees upon himself… He has no wings… He is shocked beyond belief. "NO…MY WINGS, WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY WINGS…?" He looks closer at himself. "WAIT A MINUTE…MY POWERS, I FEEL THAT THEY ARE REDUCED…! WHAT'S HAPPENED TO MEEEEE!?"

-(END FLASHBACK)-

Angelus sadly thinks, Next thing I knew, I was turned into a human, for I landed in those damned Springs of Jusenkyo, specifically, in the –"Spring of Drowned Man"-. I don't know what happened, but those magical waters somehow reduced my powers, but at the same time, gave my cursed form immortality.

The MCD is now walking alone on a beach. His thoughts turn to an old friend…

"Erick…I don't know what happened to him. He used to be a good man, almost as good as an angel. He helped those people who were sick and injure, I admired him a lot, and he always had this way of looking at life with joy, so full of joy, full of laughter. And now…he's evil… How can some people change, even good people? His path to destruction began when he saw those ancient scrolls. Back then, before my accident, I warned him…"

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

When Erick finds those scrolls –(See Chapter 5 –"Two New Players Make Their Appearance!"-)- he begins to read them…later Michael Angelus appears and warns him:

"Erick, I know that you want to increase your powers to help people, but those scrolls are way too dangerous for you to control."

"Oh, come on, Michael, these scrolls will help me a lot! With them, I can do lots of wonders. Think of all the good things I will do!"

"I know, but still, it is not wise for you to have so much power Erick, cause "Absolute power corrupts absolutely"."

"But still…"

"Look Erick, it's not worth it to sacrifice your life. Think about your loved one Cassandra, think about yourself, all the power you'll need lies in here…" Angelus says, touching Erick's heart, and then points to the scrolls. "…not there."

Erick's unsure. "Really?"

"Yes…as your Guardian Angel, no, as your friend, don't take the easy way…because the easy way always turns out to be the hard way."

"Okay…if you say so, Michael."

"Well, I must be going now Erick…take care, okay?"

-(END FLASHBACK)-

"But then, he'd had an accident of his own. I found out that he was killed by some cowardly prince, and worse, by his loved one Cassandra. I never thought that woman could turn out like that…they even incinerated the house where Erick was left for dead…but, that was the beginning of the end of the goodness of Erick…something happened in there. When Erick survived, however…" Angelus's tone of voice becomes very serious at this point. "He was no longer the honorable man of justice I once knew…for he had used those forbidden scrolls, and now he is a completely different man…Now his dark side has taken him over, no surprise there, after being betrayed by his loved one…After that, I tried to talk it over with him, but he wouldn't listen to me…how I remember when I talked to him that 'time'…"

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

ROMANIA -(EUROPE)- 150 B.C.

Michael Angelus is with Erick outside a castle; it is night, with cold winds and fog. Erick is dressed in a black cape, with a purple scar around his neck, dark pants, and a white shirt.

Angelus implores his friend, "Erick, please, listen to me. You don't want to follow this road; let me help you."

Erick actually laughs, "Ha, help me? Help me in what? I'm doing just fine."

"Erick, what you're doing is wrong. You're using magic from those forbidden scrolls; you are walking deep down the path of self-destruction! Let me help you!"

Erick bitterly remarks, "It is too late for me, 'my' friend."

"No it's not Erick…it's not too late to change, you gotta have faith in me and in my Lord…"

Erick's mad now. "FAITH? Ha! Faith in what, Michael, huh? You are asking me to have faith, after what happened to me?"

"Erick, you can't mean that…Look, you can't throw away your faith just because of that!"

Erick snorts, "Please, I dedicated my life to help those who couldn't help themselves, I devoted my life to help humanity…" Angry, he reveals, "…and what did humanity do to me? …BETRAYED…THEY BETRAYED ME!…THE VERY SAME PEOPLE I HELPED BETRAYED MEEEE!!"

Angelus is trying to calm him down. "Erick, please…!"

Sadly, Erick continues, "And Cassandra… She was my life…" The anger within him rises up again. "AND SHE BETRAYED ME! LOVE BETRAYED ME, HUMANITY BETRAYED MEEEEEE! SO TELL ME, MICHAEL, HOW CAN YOU SAY TO ME TO NOT LOSE MY FAITH…? SO WITH THESE POWERS, I'LL CHANGE THE WORLD!"

Angelus gasps at Erick's decision. "Erick, don't, don't do it…the Lord…"

"THE LORD? HA! YOU THINK THAT GOD CARES?"

Angelus is shocked! "How can you say that Erick, of course He cares! He cares for everyone and…"

Erick explodes, "LIES, ALL LIES! IF THAT'S TRUE, MICHAEL, ANSWER ME THIS THEN! WHERE WAS YOUR GOD WHEN ALL THOSE PEOPLE I HELPED WERE SICK, WHERE WAS YOUR GOD WHEN THERE WAS SUFFERING…?" Though he's mad, tears are rolling down Erick's face. "WHERE WAS YOUR GOD WHEN I WAS DYING…WHEN I WAS DYING IN THAT FIREY PLACE, ALONE AND HELPLESS, I CALLED UPON HIS NAME! I CRIED OUT FOR HIS HELP! DID HE COME TO MY AID? DID HE SAVE ME FROM DYING IN THE FIRE? NOOOOOOO…!! HE LEFT ME THERE TO DIE, MICHAEL! THERE'S YOUR GOD! HE DOESN'T CARE FOR ANYONE!!"

"You cannot mean that, Erick! Look, if you allow me to help you I can…"

"I have no time for this stupid chat, 'my' friend…We will meet again, good bye."

"Erick, wait!"

But Erick vanishes from sight.

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

"That was only the beginning of his evil ways…" Angelus sadly continues. "50 years after my 'accident' in Jusenkyo, I've met with him again. I thought that he could change. I thought that it was only temporary, his hatred… Unfortunately, it was even more dangerous than I thought…"

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

CHINA -(ASIA)- 200 B.C

Michael Angelus, now in his Jusenkyo-cursed human form, is face to face with Erick in the place where the Great Wall of China will be in the future…Erick is still wearing his same clothes. Angelus found out that Erick has now become an evil person. With the spells learned from those forbidden scrolls, Erick wrought chaos on many lands:

Angelus angrily asks, "Erick, why are you doing this? Why are you using those spells to hurt people, instead of helping them? Have you lost all sense of humanity in you?"

Erick snorts, "Oh please, Michael, don't give me that lecture…have 'I' lost my humanity? I don't think so, it is Humanity that has lost its Humanity… you think very little of them Michael!"

"What you're saying is rubbish, Erick! What has happened to you? You used to be a noble man, and now, you're a dishonorable one."

"Maybe I woke up. You should do that too Michael."

Angelus is confused. "What do you mean?"

Erick explains for his former friend, "What I mean is…you should realize that this world we live in isn't a fantasy, it ain't no Heaven. Maybe if you try to think more with your head, with more conscience, maybe then you'll realize that God isn't such a nice person after all."
Oooh, Angelus is mad now. "Don't you DARE insult my Lord, Erick! I won't allow you to!"

Erick gives Angelus the no-no finger gesture. "Michael, Michael, how pathetic of you…You're like a dog, protecting its master, obeying every command its master gives, You're like a slave to Him."

Angered by this, Angelus declares, "ENOUGH! Listen, Erick, I don't want to be your enemy, but if you continue to behave like this, and do all those nasty things…then I'm afraid that I'll have to stop you, do you understand?"

Erick laughs, "My, my, aren't WE in a foul mood?" Then, seriously, he says while charging a fireball, "I don't think so, Michael. If you want to be my enemy, so be it."

Erick then launches his fireball at Angelus, who evades it and the fireball explodes. When the smoke clears, Erick is gone…all Angelus finds is a note to him saying…

-"There is no worst Blind, then the one who doesn't want to see…Erick"-

Angelus snarls while holding the paper, "Erick…!!"

-(END FLASHBACK)-

Angelus finally says, "That was the last time I saw Erick…and now, he's back, now working with that miserable fur ball, that Cat Ghost King… Well, this time, I'll make them pay, that Cat Ghost…and my –"Ex-Friend"- Erick! I won't let them win, as God as my witness, I shall defeat them…I WILL DEFEAT THEM! CAT GHOST KING! ERICK! BE PREPARED, FOR I SHALL DELIVER JUSTICE UPON YOU!!"

Meanwhile…

RED CAT GANG'S HIDEOUT – INSIDE ERICK'S DARK CHAMBER…

Erick is meditating, along with his beloved Delia…when he sneezes. "AH-CHOOO!!"

"Bless you, Erick."

"Thanks De-chan…" Hmmm, someone must be talking about me. It must be him, Erick thinks, remembering his old friend, Michael Angelus.

TO BE CONTINUED…