Watcher

by Raye Johnsen

"Angelic Layer" is copyright Clamp and all associated parties. This fanwork is for personal entertainment only. I have no rights, make no claim to any, and would appreciate it if Tamayo would please let go of my neck now....

I wonder, Sai, if you have any idea how long I have been watching you?

I wonder if you remember me staring at your profile (which was and remains far more interesting than the standard curriculum) all through middle school, while you stared out the window. But then, a lot of people stared at you. You've always been so cool and elegant.

I do know that you knew of me, at least. Who could not know? The daughter of the head of the Saitou Corporation attracts attention wherever she goes. Furthermore, I was the possessor of a sweet smile.

Did you know that you're the only person who's seen it for the facade it is?

Still, I suppose it takes the builder of a facade to recognise another. You have never asked me to explain myself either. Believe me, I appreciate it.

Why does it take pain to create understanding?

Watching you as we walk down the hall towards the regional finals, I wonder if you are aware of me now. Your pain is still so raw - Lin would not have wanted it so, but I guess it could not be helped. I wish I could do more to soothe your heart - but you have barely let me in. Enough to share your grief, not enough to do more. Yet.

Your body moves so gracefully as we proceed to the arena and your final battle. All I will be able to do is observe; yet you are not objecting to my presence nor my plans. I am honoured. You've never let anyone do that before.

Angelic Layer has been a lot more interesting this year, and it's been exactly what you've needed. I saw you lead young Suzuhara out on the dais for the opening ceremony; I wonder if anyone else saw that crack in the Ice Machine's faultless shield? Compassion for the nervousness of a talented first-timer? Tut-tut, Jounoichi. You're slipping. That was sweet, a move worthy of myself. Though you did handle it very elegantly.

And now you face her in the final round. I know you will fight your best, as always; Shirahime is a powerful Angel and you an exceptional Deus. Still, at this stage, so are we all, and Suzuhara's Hikaru has defeated many excellent Angels. We will have to see. I will have to watch you, Sai, very closely indeed.

I'm going to be watching you, Jounoichi Sai, for a very, very long time....

"There's no need to walk behind me, Kaede. You know the way as well as I do."

I've fallen a few steps behind... it takes a little effort to catch up. "Sure."

I do not wonder if, but rather hope that, we will always be walking this way, side by side, into the future.