Seigaku

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Branch

Lady Crysiana

Lys ap Adin

Shiraume

The stories focusing on Seigaku; also CLAMP's Eriol and Angel Sanctuary's Rafael.

Ink Burns

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

This is a work of fanfiction, produced according to the principles of transformative fair use as put forward in US copyright law, and abiding by the custom and practice of fan-produced work in Japan, where the source texts were created. No author is in any way affiliated with any of the creators of the source texts, nor with the companies who distribute their products, nor any other rights holder, and these stories were not authorized by either the creators or the producers. Ink Burns is a fan site and the material here is freely provided for the enjoyment of fellow fan-community members; there is no commercial infringement.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US license at the Ink Burns fanfiction archive (http://www.branchandroot.net/archive/).

"What's in a Name" published on 2005-09-23 17:20:21.

"Revenge" published on 2005-01-11 17:32:43.

"Sight" published on 2005-01-04 17:49:40.

"Unexpected Guests" published on 2005-09-23 20:36:24.

"Camoflage" published on 2005-01-04 21:08:44.

"On the Other Side of Town" published on 2005-01-04 21:51:07.

"Offers" published on 2005-01-04 22:01:50.

"On Playing with the Angelic Host" published on 2005-01-05 13:16:22.

"Ministers of Grace" published on 2005-01-08 15:09:10.

"Great Minds" published on 2005-01-09 16:24:12.

"Arrangements" published on 2005-01-05 16:33:29.

"Persuasion" published on 2005-01-05 17:26:06.

"Headaches" published on 2005-01-05 17:31:29.

"Green Eyed" published on 2005-01-05 17:34:55.

"Relatives" published on 2005-01-05 17:44:33.

"In the Family" published on 2005-01-10 17:53:06.

"Tickets to Zimbabwe" published on 2005-01-06 14:47:40.

"Mother Hen" published on 2005-01-12 15:57:37.

"Saintly" published on 2005-01-06 16:28:09.

"Worth" published on 2005-01-06 16:59:39.

"Post-Game" published on 2005-01-12 15:01:15.

"Teacher" published on 2005-09-23 17:48:39.

"Home Again, Home Again" published on 2005-09-24 19:33:29.

"This Time" published on 2005-01-07 19:39:45.

"Recruiting" published on 2005-01-07 19:45:52.

"Compromise" published on 2005-01-07 19:53:48.

"Hard to Get" published on 2005-01-19 19:58:04.

"The Direct Approach" published on 2005-01-07 20:05:28.

"Irony" published on 2005-01-07 20:16:07.

Attributions can be made by author's name and a link to the archive.

This ebook edition was published on September 6, 2019 by the Ink Burns fanfiction archive.

Cover illustration is "Effect of the Butterfly" by Anastasiya Markovich, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anastasiya_Markovich_Effect_of_Butterfly.jpg).

Cover design by Branch.

What's in a Name

Branch

Belial and Kanzeon have tea. Drama, I-2

Belial took another sip of hir tea and aimed a glittering smile at the being across the table. "So. We've caught up on gossip, traded fashion tips, and one has flattered your latest blend. Don't you think it's time we got around to business?"

Kanzeon lips curled up in a smile. "I still say sheer is the perfect look for you."

"One will keep it in mind," Belial promised. "You'll see it the day one sees you in a hat. A curl-brimmed felt number with peacock feathers, perhaps."

Kanzeon laughed. Belial half lidded hir eyes.

"Did you do it on purpose?"

"Do what?" Kanzeon asked, innocently, immediately continuing. "I would never interfere in the working out of a Heavenly sentence."

Belial took a demure sip. "Excellent delivery," se judged. "Good form, not over-exaggerated. But the gleam in the eyes somewhat detracts from the sincerity."

"I'll make a note of it," Kanzeon promised.

"You gave them their original names back," Belial murmured.

"Only my nephew, who has, no one could argue, been making excellent progress. Barring that lingering taste for guns." Kanzeon leaned back and crossed hir legs. "I certainly can't be responsible for what two random humans name their children. Perhaps the mothers thought the names would be efficacious against the demonic blood from the fathers." Kanzeon's smile was angelic.

Which was to say, Belial reflected, it was vicious, ruthless and hungry. Se couldn't help approving, really. "Well, one will keep an eye on them, then," se said, rising. "Since they are, after all, the children of one's own people."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Kanzeon purred.

End

Revenge

Branch

How Ryouma got so girl-clueless. Humor, I-1

Gabriel knew she probably shouldn't have done it. It wasn't becoming for one of the Great Angels to curse a human out of pure spite. But she couldn't quite help the warm glow of vengeful satisfaction as she completed the last flourish on the malediction. She'd been having a bad day. Actually, she'd been having a bad century. Heaven was in complete uproar and disarray, Sevothtarte was gaining more power every day, and Gabriel had a bad feeling that she was the White Bastard's next target.

So she really hadn't been in any mood to be forgiving when a human male had sidled up behind her and squeezed her breasts. And then stood there with a considering look, as if he were evaluating the merits of this or that loaf of bread, before declaring her "nice" and asking if she wanted to take a ride with him. The leer had made it perfectly clear that he wasn't talking about cars.

And since she had been down in Assiah covertly, she couldn't obliterate him on the spot, which only added insult to injury.

"Gabriel-sama?" Arariel leaned around the doorway, and raised her brows at the seal Gabriel had just completed. "Um. Someone due for a little divine punishment?"

"Eminently," Gabriel said, between her teeth.

Arariel took a few cautious steps into the room. "Isn't it a little unkind to take it out on an unborn, though?"

Gabriel smiled more genuinely. "He'll be fine with the boys. It's just girls that he won't have any skills at all with. The child shouldn't have a problem; it's his father that will have fifty fits." She directed her smile down at the completed curse.

Arariel put a gentle arm around her shoulders. "Feel better, now Gabriel-sama?"

Gabriel laughed.

End

Sight

Lady Crysiana

A bit of Tezuka's family background. Drama With Humor, I-2

In one of the few speeches Kunimitsu's father made that Kunimitsu's grandfather approved of, the man declared, "Everything is about connections - who you know, you notices you, and especially who you can rely on." His grandfather had declared the rest of the speech to be garbage, but that was hardly unexpected.

Tezuka had been eight at the time, and had therefore not felt that going to his mother to ask about what types of people he should know was inappropriate.

Tezuka Ayana gave her son a particularly bright smile and queried, "Why ask me rather than your father or grandfather?"

Kunimitsu looked at his mother gravely and replied, "I'll meet all their associates because I'm the only son. You have other friends." He stood and waited politely as Ayana nodded consideringly.

"Go and get your coat on," Ayana said decisively. "You can come with me on my errands and meet my friends, and some family." She shooed Kunimitsu off to get his coat.

Five hours later, Kunimitsu decided that his mother knew some very strange people. Especially the loud drunken lady who lived in the disappearing house. Though he had to admit that the toymaker with the tiny dolls was interesting, if insane, and the archeology professor seemed to be a man that even his grandfather would consider upstanding. He wasn't sure why they had visited a willow tree. His questions were mostly answered when they arrived at an apartment, where his mother knocked on the door.

"This is my younger cousin's home," she explained. "He just got back from China, so I wanted to give him a few hours to move in before saying hello." She smiled brightly as the door opened a crack, and didn't flinch when the person on the other side reacted to her presence with what could not be called a screech only for politeness's sake.

"Xiao Lang," Ayana said brightly, "It's wonderful to see you. I'm your cousin, Tezuka Ayana, remember?"

Kunimitsu noted that the boy didn't seem to be past his teens, certainly, and that the words seemed to calm him down. "You look like my oldest sister," he managed, taking in a deep breath. "...Uh, so why are you over here?"

Ayana gestured to Kunimitsu. "I wanted my son to be able to see like most of the family does. He has enough latent power for it, and he really needs to be on his guard for that sort of thing, especially now, doesn't he?"

Xiao Lang eyed Kunimitsu. "Is he...?"

"He belongs to his father's family," Ayana reassured him. "Don't worry about interference from me - I think you and that girl are adorable." She smiled brightly as this caused Xiao Lang to blush and sputter. "Can you help me?" she asked finally.

"...bring him in," the boy sighed. "I'll see what I can do."

Afterwards, Kunimitsu found that he did understand why they went to see the willow tree. He noticed many other things as well, and his mother explained, as they walked, that what Kunimitsu saw had been there already, but most people just didn't notice it. Most of her friends were people who could and did see those things, she went on.

Kunimitsu nodded, turning to catch a glimpse of a boy a year or two older than himself, who was running after a girl who had to be his sister. "That boy has wings," he commented.

"Probably an angel," Ayana said. "There have been a lot of them around, recently. No one knows why."

"An angel," Kunimitsu murmured. "I'll remember."

Unexpected Guests

Branch

How Ryouma's uncle came to be away from the temple. Drama with Humor, I-3

Temples and their priests got all kinds of visitors, some of them pretty odd. But the last thing Konzen had expected, when he opened the door to answer the bell, was for a tangle of limbs to land on and hug him while crowing "Sanzou!"

Konzen really didn't like to be touched, something his ex-wife had pointed out frequently. All told, his older brother's death and Konzen's inheriting the family temple had just been a handy excuse for the divorce. But back to the business at hand.

Konzen promptly hauled the intruder loose and threw it into the wall, where it resolved into a rather gangly, golden-eyed young man. "Don't be an idiot," he instructed. "There hasn't been a Sanzou for hundreds of years." He frowned. "And why would you be looking for one at a place like this?"

"Oh, right. So, what are you called, now?" The boy's grin hadn't dimmed at all, despite a landing that had cracked plaster.

"Echizen Konzen, the same thing I've been called all my life," Konzen said, brusquely, wondering whether he should inquire for escapees at the local mental hospitals. "Who the hell are you?"

"Again? Ah. Um." The boy scratched his head. "Well, if you don't remember, then this'll be kind of a long story." He looked up hopefully. "I don't suppose you have any food around?"

Konzen was staring and making a mental list of hospitals to call, when his daughter looked into the entryway. "Otou-sama? Do we have a visitor?"

A good question, since he still wasn't sure what this person was. Besides, now, gaping at Nanako, thunderstruck. Konzen hoped he wasn't a pervert, like Konzen's younger brother or a few of his college associates. But, no, because the boy turned, wide-eyed to ask, "You have a daughter?"

The thought drifted across Konzen's mind that maybe the boy really did know him.

He shook his head impatiently and barked, "Who are you and what do you want?"

"Well," the boy fidgeted, "like I said, it's a long story..." His stomach interrupted with a noisy growl.

Nanako put a hand over her mouth to muffle a giggle. "Why don't I get you two some tea and a snack?" she offered.

Konzen rubbed a hand over his face. "Might as well." He had a bad feeling he wasn't getting an answer until this... visitor got food.

A few hours later Konzen had a headache, and was considering the benefits of sharing it.

He pinned his visitor with a level glare. "Let me get this straight. You're an elemental spirit, and you knew me in a past life, and, because of the events of that life, you have a couple very powerful demons after you now."

"Yup!" Goku (he'd finally gotten the boy's name half way into the story) agreed, tossing another dumpling into his mouth.

Konzen frowned, rubbing his forehead. The thing was, it all sounded horribly familiar, though he had no idea why. The only memory he had that twitched at Goku's rambling recitation was a memory of someone laughing. He didn't even know if it had been a man or a woman; only that whoever it was had been really damn annoying.

"And you came here to hole up and get some rest," he finished.

"Yup!" The cheerful, absolute trust in Goku's eyes disturbed Konzen. He'd never been looked at like that in his entire life.

Not this life, anyway.

He shook his head sharply, wishing he could glare at his own thoughts. "Great. Fine. Sleep in the guest room. Tonight, at least," he added, over Goku's happy crow. Temples were supposed to have charity, his father's voice said, in his mind. Konzen mentally gave the old man the finger. Still, it would give him time to call the hospitals.

"Aah!" Konzen bolted up in bed, panting, jerked awake from the most vivid, and hideous, dreams he'd ever had.

Lately, anyway.

"Sanzou?! I mean, Konzen?!" Goku skidded into his room with a rather ornate staff in hand. Konzen's eyes nearly crossed as visions of this moment in dozens of other rooms slid through his mind. Visions that usually involved demons, too. Konzen winced and then growled as he heard that laugh again, echoing through his head.

It did make him think of something, though. "Goku, can any of the demons after you track you?" he demanded.

Goku blinked. "Um. I don't think so. Well, maybe except for that one..." he trailed off, face screwed up in thought.

"In other words, yes." Konzen threw off the covers. "That gun you said I had. Do you know where it is now?"

As Goku opened his mouth a tiny glow like a golden firefly dropped out of the ceiling. It grew to about head size and then vanished.

A handgun and a box of shells clattered onto the floor.

This time, the laughter was audible to everyone.

Konzen glared at the ceiling. He also, however, scooped up the gun. "I'm not having demons in my temple," he stated. "We're leaving tomorrow."

"Okay," Goku agreed. "I'll go get some more sleep, then. 'Night, Konzen." He trailed out, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

Konzen closed the door, flicked on the light, and sat down to write a couple letters.

"You shouldn't be alone for long, and in the meantime, send all the temple business over to Yoshimori," Konzen told his daughter. "And what is all this?" he added, frowning at the boxes and baskets strewn over the table.

"Lunch," she told him, serenely. "So you and Goku-san don't have to stop too soon."

One of Konzen's maybe-memories jabbed him, suggesting that this was a very good idea. "Fine." He sighed, aggravated. "I don't know when we'll be back, but I'll write when I can."

She smiled, and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "Don't worry, Otou-sama. And I won't either. Okay?"

He smiled in return.

As she waved him out the door, and he walked toward where Goku was head-down in the trunk of the car, exploring, Konzen reflected on how little his life seemed to have changed. The maybe-memories fit in with disturbing neatness. Those others who'd been beside him even reminded him a lot of...

He stopped dead for a long moment before common sense rescued him. No. That was ridiculous. It couldn't possibly be them.

Definitely not.

In any case, he sure as hell wasn't going to look up his college classmates to ask whether they'd been demons in a past life. He snorted at the very idea, and got into the car. "Goku! Hurry up."

Two weeks later...

Nanjirou sorted the mail, and raised a brow. A letter from Nii-san? He tore it open and read.

Dear Worthless Little Brother,

I have something to take care of that may take a while, so quit wasting your time over there and come mind the temple while I'm gone. Don't worry, Nanako will take care of the house.

Corrupt my daughter, and I'll put holes in you big enough to fit your tennis balls through.

Konzen

Nanjirou snorted. Yeah, that was Nii-san all over. As if Nanjirou were ever going to be conned into being a priest!

On the other hand...

Nanjirou tapped the envelope against his chin. They had always meant to go back some time. And Ryouma would be twelve soon, and the right age to start at Seigaku. It would be a free house, and someone to do the laundry. He strolled upstairs and stuck his head into his wife's office, caroling, "Honey? Got a letter you should see..."

End

Camoflage

Lys ap Adin

Crowley under cover. Humor, I-1

As far as cover went, it was nearly perfect. Sure, there were dangers, like the gimlet eye of the angel, who certainly suspected that something was not right, but couldn't put his finger on what that something might be. Crowley could deal with that in his sleep, and frequently did.

Dealing with his host body, on the other hand, presented certain inconveniences. Since he was only subletting, as it were, he could only lurk within his host's subconscious, rather than taking outright control, and that meant dealing with his host's little freaks and foibles.

All this meant was that he was not presently napping, but was bouncing on a tennis court, as his host fan-boyed over his buchou's latest cool new move. In the back of Jirou's head, Crowley rolled his eyes.

He was going to be very glad when the tournament season was over, and they could go back to napping their way through Jirou's adolescence.

On the Other Side of Town

Lady Crysiana

Ryouma gets an offer. Humor, I-2

Ryoma looked at the boy across from him skeptically. "Not that I think you're lying, but remind me why you're doing this again?"

"Call it sibling rivalry," Michael replied shortly. "Anyway, I can guarantee you that your captain's shoulder will be as good as if it were never hurt, once my people are done."

Ryoma raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "You remind me a lot of someone I know. I'd bet your brother would remind me of someone, too." Seeing Michael's dark look, Ryoma shrugged. "Thanks for the help, anyway. Why not just go to Tezuka-buchou?"

"Would he have agreed to let us help him?" Michael replied.

"...right. Thanks," said Ryoma.

Offers

Lady Crysiana

Michael talks to Tezuka. Drama with Humor, I-2

Tezuka was taking a break and drinking some water when he noticed the angel approaching. He was actually somewhat intrigued – this particular angel wasn’t doing anything to hide what he was, and had a look on his face that Tezuka recalled from constant dealings with Ryoma. He found himself somewhat surprised when the angel settled on the bench next to him.

“This is gonna be a weird question,” the angel said, “But do you believe in angels?”

Tezuka considered this question gravely, looking out towards the courts. He felt rather than saw the angel turn towards him and look at his profile. “I don’t disbelieve the possibility,” Tezuka said gravely, “But I’m not religious.”

The angel snorted. “Right. Well, hell and heaven exist, even though it’s not like most people say. Actually, and don’t ever tell anyone this, hell isn’t a bad place, with the management the way it is. But we have to keep some sort of standards, and that means that we all want the best souls, like you.”

Tezuka turned to look at the angel. “So you’re claiming to be an angel.”

The angel scowled. “Of course I’m an angel! What’d you think I was, a demon?”

Tezuka said with perfect serenity, “I wouldn’t think that most angels would be so enthusiastic about being under Lucifer.” He watched with interest as flames sparked around the angel’s head, and continued to watch as the angel got up to pace back and forth.

“I’m NOT interested in being…in being ruled by that bastard,” the angel snapped. “He has no business doing what he’s doing, and…Look, that’s not the point.” The angel brought his wings out. “See? Angel.”

Tezuka nodded. “I’m Tezuka Kunimitsu. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“…I’m Michael,” muttered the angel. He began to pace back and forth. “I’m not one of those people who schemes and does all that behind the scenes shit,” said Michael. “So I just want to ask you if I can fix your arm for you, get your team back on track…”

“No, thank you,” said Tezuka politely. “I rely on myself.”

Michael scowled and crossed his arms. “…fine, I can respect that. What about the rest of your team? Making sure that they’re not hurt? You know, like that kid, with the gold eyes and the cat.”

“Echizen is well the way he is,” said Tezuka sharply. “If you’d like to help someone else in need, Tachibana Kippei has had an injury recently.”

Michael nodded. “Fine, I won’t make an offer about Echizen. Good luck on the courts.” With that, the angel strolled off. Tezuka watched him leave, making a note to watch the other teams closely, once he returned.

On Playing with the Angelic Host

Lady Crysiana

Tezuka's rules about angels. Humor, I-2

Tezuka adjusted his glasses and gave Ryoma the quiet, grave look that meant that the boy had done something that was not, as it were, directly forbidden, but that Ryoma certainly should have known better, given his buchou, the world, and the heavenly host. "Echizen," said Tezuka calmly, "What have I told you about dealing with the heavenly host?"

"...don't take computer games from them." Ryoma paused. "Oh, and ask how things are going in heaven and hell, because it's always good to be informed about one's allies and opponents." Ryoma's expression was decidedly sulky. "It's not as if I asked for anything like wings."

Tezuka chose to ignore this and simply murmured, "Who was it?"

Echizen blinked. "...uh, shortish, red hair, talked like a punk..."

"Michael, then," Tezuka said. He fell silent, his brow furrowed only to the point that people who knew him very well would notice. "He came to me."

Ryoma snorted. "Stupid of him to ask you..."

Tezuka's expression cleared. "He asked about you, actually."

".....I hope, whatever it was, you said no."

"I pointed him in Tachibana's direction." Ryoma could have sworn that Tezuka's eyes were smiling behind his glasses, but he decided that he didn't want to know what had just been inflicted on the Fudoumine captain.

"So, buchou," said Ryoma brightly, brushing angelic concerns away for the moment, "You're up for a game, right?"

Ministers of Grace

Branch

Lucifer passes through Seigaku and Hatter spots Fuji. Humor, I-2

When the Lord of Hell and what had to be his strongest supporter appeared at the courts, Kunimitsu took a prompt and firm hold of Fuji's arm. Keeping one eye on his visitors, he escorted the startled Fuji over to Ooishi.

"Ooishi. Don't let Fuji near those two," he directed. With a glare to keep Echizen right where he was, as well, Kunimitsu approached the intruders.

Lucifer arched a brow. "Well. It's been a while since I met one of your bloodline. Though I do recall it was one of you who last lived long enough to notice Alexiel and I coming back around. Odd man; very strange sense of humor. Interesting theory of magic, though."

"What do you want, here?" Kunimitsu asked. It didn't do to get distracted from the point when talking to demons.

"Actually, I was looking for Michael." Lucifer eyed Kunimitsu. "I don't notice his influence. And Michael is generally about as noticeable as they come."

"He was here; I declined his offer. I suggested he visit Fudoumine."

Lucifer laughed low in his chest. "And your courts are still unsinged. Maybe he really is growing up. We'll be going, then."

"So soon?" Mad Hatter murmured.

Kunimitsu took a step to the side, putting himself squarely between Mad Hatter and Fuji. Hatter smiled at him in a disturbingly familiar way, and he narrowed his eyes forbiddingly. No demon was getting its claws into Fuji's soul.

Fuji was more than enough trouble without that.

"Are you sure you didn't take on the charge of Greed, as well as Pride?" Lucifer asked, sounding amused.

Kunimitsu relaxed as they left, relieved. At least until Fuji spoke from behind his shoulder.

"Tezuka?" He didn't have to turn around to know there was a glint in Fuji's eyes. "What was that about?"

He stifled a sigh. Dealing with demons was so much easier.

End

Great Minds

Branch

A Belial and Fuji moment. Humor, I-2

"Ah, there you are."

Shuusuke looked up to see the more flamboyant of Seigaku's recent visitors perched on a tree branch that overhung his way home. Mad Hatter, Tezuka had said this one was called. The ruffled and striped figure leaped lightly down from the tree.

"One was hoping to speak with you."

Shuusuke took a precautionary step backwards. "Is there any particular reason I should ignore a friend's warning in order to talk with you?"

"None at all," Hatter answered cheerfully. "In fact, one was rather hoping to wind your captain up a bit, by doing this."

"You have some reason to dislike Tezuka?" Shuusuke asked, cooler now.

Hatter widened his eyes. "Not particularly. One simply likes to watch people squirm."

Shuusuke smiled for real. "Ah. Well then. It's a lovely summer this year, isn't it?"

It wasn't that he discounted Tezuka's cautions, but a kindred soul was a rare find.

End

Arrangements

Lady Crysiana

Ryouma gets off on the wrong foot with Kurai. Humor, I-1

Ryoma caught the demon girl looking around after Fudoumine practice. He estimated that he’d end up running about forty laps for this, but decided that it was probably worth it. “Hey, you,” he called.

The girl blinked and looked over at him. “Who are you?”

Ryoma shoved his hands in his pockets and wandered over to her. “Echizen Ryoma. I was wondering who I could talk to about the management in heaven and hell.”

The girl drew herself up. “I’m Queen Kurai,” she said. “I can help you, if you have any questions.” Ryoma noted that she reminded him of that loud girl who seemed to head up his fanclub, in an odd way.

“Nn,” said Ryoma. “I wanted to talk to Lucifer.”

Kurai glowered at Ryoma for a long moment, her hands twitching into fists. “Sure. I’ll tell him for you.”

Persuasion

Lady Crysiana

Ryouma makes some suggestions to Lucifer. Humor, I-2

Ryoma was sitting on the porch at home when a tall man strolled into the yard and stood in front of him. He decided that the man was probably someone that he could get along with…or, rather, someone that he wished played tennis. Ryoma tugged the brim of his hat and gave the man a grin that he saved for when he was having a great amount of fun, such as playing a hard game, or teasing Tezuka-buchou. “You came,” he commented.

“It’s unusual enough that someone would request an audience, particularly in such a way that causes Kurai to arrive in my court spitting like a cat,” said the man dryly.

Ryoma gave a half-shrug. “I thought you’d be better,” he said offhandedly. “I wanted to ask if Rikkai and Fudoumine are going to hell and heaven.”

Lucifer gave Ryoma what Ryoma hoped was a thoughtful look. “Belial is planning to sign that entire group of humans, but Michael doesn’t appear to have created a binding contract with his associates.”

Ryoma nodded. “And heaven and hell…they’re at war or something?”

The moment of silence that followed that question sounded more amused than anything. “Heaven and hell are currently in the process of reorganization. There’s fighting going on, but there is not a war. There are factions that hold various areas.”

“Well,” said Ryoma slowly, “If you’re recruiting mortals…even for the far future…there are ways to keep factions that don’t like each other from war. I mean, you know that humans compete and work things out that way. Since humans are used to it, getting humans would help, too.”

Lucifer smirked. “Are you suggesting that I challenge Michael to a tennis match?”

“He might say yes, after he tried to kill you,” Ryoma pointed out. “And the look on his face would be worth it, wouldn’t it?”

Ryoma grinned as Lucifer, the lord of Hell, began to laugh.

Headaches

Lady Crysiana

Tezuka finds out what Ryouma's been up to. Humor, I-2

Tezuka Kunimitsu decided that he was having a bad day when Echizen walked up to him with that look in his eye; the one that Echizen had picked up from Fuji. Tezuka had seriously begun wondering whether he should go to his mother’s cousin...or even his mother’s old relative, for that matter. However, his recollections of his mother’s old relative included the fact that Hiiragizawa-san had a sense of humor about on a level with Fuji’s, and more than enough power to make things complicated for the rest of the world. Tezuka therefore resigned himself to dealing with Echizen now and worrying later.

“I spoke with one of them,” said Echizen obliquely. “Not about a deal, though. I wanted to see what was going on in heaven and hell,” Echizen added virtuously.

Tezuka gave him a Look, and hoped that the information Echizen gave him wouldn’t be that unnerving, this time.

Echizen shrugged. “Well, I’ve heard that there’s political instability. And there’s fighting. And even with the people who have stable groups, there’s a lot of rivalry between them. And, well, there might be temporary alliances against common enemies, but it’s still really tense.”

Tezuka crossed his arms and quirked an eyebrow at Echizen.

Echizen shifted and actually looked slightly guilty. “So I made a suggestion, since Rikkai is going to be there and maybe Fudoumine. And since they’re grabbing other human souls.” Echizen paused. “Because competition is good for getting out impulses that might turn to violence, and as long as a lot of souls would be hanging out in heaven anyway…”

“Echizen.” Tezuka pressed a hand to his face.

“He didn’t say ‘no,’” Echizen added, grinning.

Tezuka decided that he just might need to go talk to his relatives after all.

Green Eyed

Lys ap Adin

Raphael comes looking for Michael and gets a surprise. Drama with Humor, I-2

"Oh, for pity’s sake," Barbiel said, slamming the folder down on Raphael’s desk. "If you miss him that badly, go find him already!" She scowled. "I cannot stand another minute of this moping!"

Raphael blinked, and settled on a response. "I'm not moping," he said.

"Like hell you're not moping," Barbiel grumbled. She pointed at the door. "Out. And don't come back until you two have made up."

"You can't kick me out of my own office," Raphael protested.

Barbiel planted her hands on the desk and leaned over it, until they were nose-to-nose. "Watch me. Out."

Discretion seemed the better part of valor at this point, so he went, and had to admit he was glad for the excuse to go find out what had been keeping Michael out of his hair lately. Not that he had been moping over not having his offices blown up on a regular basis, of course. Where did the woman come up with her ideas? But it wasn't a bad idea to look in on the angel of fire and see what he was up to.

"Not here?" Well, judging from the progress the work crews were making on Michael's palace, it was obvious that Camael wasn't lying, and that Michael hadn't been around for some time. "Where is he?"

Camael seemed as puzzled by Michael's absence as Raphael was, but distinctly grateful for the chance to get some much-needed structural work taken care of. He shrugged. "We think he's been spending his time in Assiah. Shall I let him know you've been looking for him?"

"No need," Raphael said. "I'm sure I'll bump into him sooner or later."

Considering that there were no active wars on at the moment, and no prophecies coming due, there was an insane amount of divine and diabolic activity happening in Assiah, more than could logically be accounted for by the Messiah's presence. Raphael wrinkled his nose and avoided Kanagawa Prefecture entirely—it stank of Belial, and he had no desire to tangle with that one—and settled for tracking Michael's movements across Tokyo.

He very nearly bypassed the first school, figuring it for a fluke, until the boy with glasses looked directly at him, sighed, and inquired, "We're not interested, but thank you anyway." He eyed Raphael. "You might try Hyoutei."

So, not a fluke after all. Raphael studied the boy, who was obviously a seer of some sort—well, the old bloodlines still ran true, sometimes. "I'm not here on business," he said. "I'm looking for an associate."

"I sent Michael to Fudoumine," the boy said promptly. "If you're looking for Lucifer, he was looking for Michael."

Raphael willed his blood not to drain from his face (Tokyo, after all, hadn't gone up in flames yet, so he still had time). "Thank you," he said, and hurried off.

The tennis courts at Fudoumine were tranquil—much more so than he had expected—and when he landed next to Michael with a thump, Raphael wasn't sure whether to be relieved or annoyed by the absence of any cataclysms.

"Raphael." Michael eyed him. "What lit a fire under your ass?"

Raphael shook his wings out, irritably, and furled them away. "Nothing," he said, looking around. "So this is where you've been."

"Yup," Michael said, looking embarrassed.

"Yo, Michael, who's this one?" one of the humans called out.

"Just a guy I work with," Michael said, lazily, waving them back to their game. "Nothing to worry about."

"Ah, so Lucifer has been here after all," Raphael murmured. "And the place is still standing?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

Raphael turned to see a young human female watching them. "Mika-chan isn't known for his restraint," he murmured, "and Lucifer has a way of bringing out the worst in him."

"Does he?" She cocked her head. "Michael-kun, are you going to introduce me?"

"You don't wanna know this guy," Michael warned her. She gave him a look. "Fine, fine. This is Raphael, angel of wind and all-around pervert. Raphael, Tachibana Ann."

"A pleasure to meet you," he said, bowing over her hand.

"...Right." Ann didn't seem particularly impressed. "What brings you to Fudoumine, Raphael-san?"

"Curiosity," he said, and looked back to Michael. "Care to explain to me why you're supporting a junior high tennis team?"

Michael opened his mouth, and then closed it. Raphael raised an eyebrow, waiting, and Ann looked back and forth between them, openly curious. Finally Michael lifted his chin and glared at Raphael. "'Cause these guys are cool," he said. "I like them." His expression dared Raphael to say something about it.

Raphael held his peace, out of consideration for the humans present, and pursued a slightly different subject. "Yes, but... tennis?"

Michael shrugged. "Hatter started it, with Rikkai. Seemed like a good idea to counter her."

The logic behind that was purest Michael: Belial was Lucifer's creature, so anything se did was at least tacitly approved by the Lord of Hell. Therefore, countering Belial was really countering Lucifer. "You really are a simple creature," Raphael sighed.

"Never claimed to be anything but," Michael said, calmly. He looked past Raphael, to the tennis courts. "They're looking good today," he observed.

"They are," Ann agreed, sounding pleased. "Demons or not, we're going to give Rikkai hell at Nationals."

And as neatly as that, he had been dismissed. Raphael sniffed, but Michael ignored him in favor of a discussion of a training regimen, and eventually he gave up and left.

"I said we weren't interested." Tezuka looked at Raphael over the rims of his glasses, and it wasn't quite a glare, but it was close.

"I know you did," Raphael said, calmly, "but consider this: Your shoulder, while recovered, is still vulnerable, and in conjunction with the fact that all of your closest rivals now have angelic or demonic support of various kinds, Seishun Gakuen is at a considerable disadvantage. You can try to do this on your own, but there comes a point where pride must give way to practicalities."

"Tezuka, your shoulder—" Oishi began.

"My shoulder is fine," Tezuka snapped.

"It is not." Raphael crossed his arms. "Trust me, I should know. I am Heaven's most renowned physician."

Fuji opened his eyes. "Tezuka." They locked eyes. "None of us will think any less of you for accepting his aid."

Tezuka's mouth thinned to an angry slash, but Echizen spoke before he could. "Buchou. You didn't have a problem sending an angel to Tachibana," he said. "And I know you're looking forward to meeting Yukimura. Why is what's okay for them wrong for you?" He paused for a beat, to let that soak in. "Besides, they deserve to meet you at your best."

Tezuka sucked in a breath, but when he let it out, his mouth had softened. "Well done, Echizen," he murmured. The boy grinned, and adjusted his cap. Tezuka looked back to Raphael, who had observed this byplay with interest. "We accept your offer," he said, slowly, "but only for as much aid as is strictly necessary." His team let out its collective breath in relief, and Tezuka swept his gaze over them. "Back to practice, all of you."

They grinned at him and dispersed, Momoshiro lifting Echizen's cap in order to ruffle his hair as they went.

"I have to admit," Raphael said, after they had gone, "I didn't think you would accept my offer."

Tezuka was quiet for a long moment before replying. "I would rather not have," he said, finally. "But... to be able to play, all-out, against Yukimura, and Tachibana, and Atobe, without lingering fears..." His smile was quick, gone as quickly as it had come. "It is very compelling."

"So I see," Raphael said. He reached out, probing Tezuka's shoulder, and made a face. "If you had gone ahead without me, you would have ruined this. It's just as well that I came back here."

Tezuka snorted. "I had wondered about that. You seem more Hyoutei's type."

"Quite possibly I am, but I detest Sakaki Tarou and his artistic pretensions," Raphael explained, sending a bit of power through the joint. "There."

Tezuka rotated his shoulder. "Ah. Better. Thank you." He picked up his racquet, ready to head to practice, but stopped. "Raphael-san. A question?" Raphael inclined his head. "Why are your people getting involved?"

"I can't speak for the demons, but as far as the angels..." Raphael shrugged. "Would you believe me if I told you it goes back to sibling rivalry?"

"I might, but that still doesn't explain your presence," Tezuka murmured.

Raphael smiled, and gave the most honest reason he was willing own up to having. "I'm trying to piss Mika-chan off."

Tezuka raised an eyebrow, but let the matter drop, and moved off to join his teammates at practice.

Raphael laced his hands behind his head and contemplated the summer sky. It was, he decided, a beautiful day.

Relatives

Lady Crysiana

Tezuka talks to relatives about his problems. Drama, Humor, I-2

Tezuka looked around the mansion he’d been ushered into, a sinking feeling in his stomach indicating that this was a horribly bad idea and he should just go home. He wondered where his better judgment had gone, and decided that it had probably left in disgust the moment he spoke with an angel. He noted the rather prominent chair at the other end of the room, which was made all the more notable for the fact that the tea table a few feet away from it had a motif of peach and cherry blossoms.

“Nakuru calls it the Throne of Evil,” an amused voice informed him from the shadows. “I would move it out of the room, but everyone’s terribly fond of it, especially little Nadeshiko.” There was a pause. “I had no idea I had another cute relative in Tokyo.”

Tezuka’s expression didn’t change. “I was under the impression that you kept track of the Li family and where they went.”

A man emerged from the shadows. Tezuka quirked an eyebrow at the man’s apron, which had a pink heart on it, and his blue head kerchief. The man smiled brightly at Tezuka. “Well, I kept track of Ayana until I was sure she was happily married, but I couldn’t possibly track all of the children that married out of the Li family through the years, now can I?”

“I suppose not,” said Tezuka stiffly. “I apologize for my rudeness. I’m Tezuka Kunimitsu. It’s an honor to meet you, ancestor.”

“Pfft. You make me feel old. I’m Hiiragizawa Eriol, though you’re free to call me ‘uncle’ if you like.” Something about Eriol’s purely friendly smile made Tezuka uneasy. He wasn’t sure precisely why he wanted to have a wall at his back at the moment, but he forced himself to ignore the urge and go on.

“…Uncle,” Tezuka began. He was mystified when Eriol snickered, but Eriol waved at him to go on. “I don’t want to take up much of your time…”

“Oh, but you must stay for tea,” Eriol said firmly. “Indulge a poor old man like myself and sit,” Eriol said, waving to the table. “I already made enough for both of us, and if Nakuru and Spinel stop being so eerily quiet, I’m sure they’ll enjoy the tea too.”

As if on cue, there was a crash from upstairs, accompanied by a series of thuds. Eriol walked over to poke his head out the door. “Is everyone alright?” he called.

“I DIDN’T DO IT SUPPI DID!”

Eriol sighed faintly. “I suppose I’ll find out later,” he said, waving at Tezuka to sit down, again.

Tezuka hesitantly moved to take a seat and Eriol poured the tea. Upon trying one of the scones, he remarked, “This is very good. Where did you get it?”

“Oh, I like to cook,” Eriol said offhandedly. He shrugged at Tezuka’s mystified look. “If I couldn’t make proper scones myself, I’d have to give back my English heritage, and that would be very difficult at this point. But you said you have a problem,” he added, just as Tezuka took another bite of the scone.

Tezuka attempted not to give Eriol a dark look, and succeeded only from a life of training. It took Tezuka a few minutes to finish the piece of scone, and he said, “I’ve been visited by members of the heavenly host. And people from hell. Currently, the archangel Raphael has healed my shoulder…”

“I noticed that you’d been touched by an angel,” Eriol remarked into his teacup. Tezuka decided that he never, ever wanted Eriol to meet Fuji. He knew that inflection, and given that Fuji might have already spoken with that demon, Tezuka did not need any more headaches.

“…Yes. Michael offered, but I refused. Lucifer and the Mad Hatter have also visited.” Tezuka looked down at his teacup. “I’m concerned for the well-being of my team…”

“You’re looking at the Nationals, aren’t you?” At Tezuka’s glance, Eriol added, “I’m psychic. Also, your mother sends me regular letters.” Tezuka scowled at Eriol, whose smile only brightened. “Got to keep up on the children who are close by, wot?”

Tezuka knew better than to point out that Eriol had said the opposite earlier and forged on. “I just wanted your assurance that, in the interests of looking after your family, you would be willing to help me if any of mine trapped themselves in a mistake.”

Eriol nodded. “Of course. I’m always willing to help out family. I’ll have to meet your team, now, to make sure there isn’t undue influence already…”

Tezuka twitched, and nearly did so again when he realized that Eriol’s smile didn’t have to change to look cheerfully evil. “I’m sure that Raphael…”

Eriol took a sip of tea. “Yes, yes, he’s very good at what he does, but I should see my nephew’s friends, and besides, the last time I saw a good game of tennis was at Wimbledon.”

“Thank you,” Tezuka managed. “…though,” he added, suddenly thoughtful, “I might need your help in making a fair balance.”

Eriol set down his cup as his smile shifted to one of polite interest. “Oh? Keeping the balance in what way?”

“It would require too much participation, really,” Tezuka added. He shook his head. “I’d hate to impose on you, since I know that they have a minor angel taking care of them already…” Tezuka kept his gaze firmly on his teacup.

“Do tell,” Eriol urged, sitting back and steepling his fingers. “You’ve intrigued me.”

“Hyoutei seems to be the only school in serious contention in the Nationals without special backing,” Tezuka explained. “They have an angel, but not one on the level of the others, and I’d be disappointed if they were put at a disadvantage by no fault of their own.”

Eriol looked thoughtful. “I have been looking for something to do with my free time.” When the smile returned, Tezuka found himself wondering if he felt sorrier for Hyoutei or for the other teams. “I’ll help you out. Now, let’s finish our tea, and then I’ll go meet your lovely boys.”

It was at that point that Tezuka began to wonder who had manipulated whom. He pushed the thought aside, deciding that in this case, he really didn’t want to know.

In the Family

Branch

Belial introduces the Fujis to the Mudous. Drama with Humor, I-3

Notes: Contains consensual sibling incest.

"Aniki, couldn't you have gotten Saeki-san to practice with you?" Yuuta asked.

The complaint was for form's sake, and his brother's smile said that he knew it perfectly well. Still. Their... reconciliation... was new enough that Yuuta would have preferred some time away from potential irritants and interruptions.

"Ah, Fuji-kun, what marvelous timing you have. One was hoping to introduce you."

Interruptions like that. Yuuta sighed, resigned, and then had to take a second look at the person who had hailed his brother. He didn't think he'd ever seen anyone dressed quite that flamboyantly outside a festival. Or, possibly, a circus. He was busy enough looking at the top hat that it took him a few moments to notice that his brother had paused beside the strange person, and was now standing on Yuuta's other side.

Between him and the strangers. Yuuta took a closer look.

There were, in fact, three of them. The other two looked far more normal. A young man and woman, both blond and looking alike enough they had to be related. So what was it about them that was making Aniki tense up?

"Friends of yours, Hatter-san?" his brother asked the oddly dressed one.

"One rather doubts it," the Hatter person answered, serenely. "Fuji-kun, this is Mudou Setsuna, erstwhile Messiah, and Sara, his..."

"Girlfriend," Setsuna put in, very firmly.

"Of course," Hatter murmured, "and this is Fuji Shuusuke, and his brother, Yuuta I believe it was?"

"Yes." Aniki's smile was starting to sharpen.

So, Yuuta tallied up in his own mind, this person who seemed to know his brother, and who his brother seemed a little wary of, wanted to introduce them to a couple who looked remarkably like relatives. He swallowed hard and tried to keep breathing.

"Aniki," he managed, "who is this?" And, more importantly, what did he know?

His brother stepped a little closer to him. "This is Mad Hatter. He's a demon."

Yuuta turned his head to look at his brother, who appeared to be serious. "A demon?" he repeated, just on the off chance he'd actually misheard.

"Quite," Hatter agreed. And a pair of black wings unfolded behind him.

Yuuta stared. "Aniki," he said, very calmly, "what did you put in my juice this morning?"

"One does assure you, it wasn't your brother," Hatter assured him, waving one wing.

"A demon," Aniki reiterated, "who isn't going to be having anything to do with you, Yuuta. Is he?" Hatter was now on the receiving end of a very dangerous look.

He didn't seem concerned.

"Ah, siblings," Hatter sighed. "They're so precious." He fanned his wings. "And entertaining. Why don't the four of you have a nice little chat, then? One is sure it will be good for all of you."

And then he sank out of sight into his own shadow. Yuuta stared at the sidewalk and reminded himself that it wasn't healthy to hyperventilate.

"So," Setsuna sighed, running a hand through his hair, "you've met Hatter before?"

"He can be entertaining company," Aniki observed.

Setsuna blinked at him for a moment before he burst out laughing. "I'll stop worrying, then!"

Sara swatted his shoulder. "Setsuna, cut it out. Maybe Fuji-san didn't know what he was getting into." She gave them a bright, sympathetic smile, and Yuuta relaxed in spite of himself. It might be nice to talk with her sometime, actually. If he was reading the situation right, she might understand a few things.

"You think?" Setsuna asked, raising a skeptical brow. "I bet he did. He'd probably get along with Hatter's boss, too." The thought seemed to amuse him.

Sara planted her hands on her hips. "Enough of that! You said you'd wait until we were both reborn to start playing politics with everyone again."

"Right, right," Setsuna raised his hands, placatingly. "Anyway, I think we'll probably see you at Nationals, Fuji."

"Really?" Aniki sounded only mildly curious, and Yuuta sighed. Some day, he'd figure out how his brother did it.

Setsuna grinned. "I'm a friend of Tachibana's."

"Small world," Aniki commented in an amiable tone.

"Gettin' smaller every day," Setsuna answered ruefully over his shoulder as his... sister?... towed him off with great determination.

"Are you sure we can't have a nice, calm day inside?" Yuuta asked, looking straight ahead, just in case any other weirdness was strolling by.

His brother laughed, softly. "That might be a good idea after all. Come on, let's head home."

End

Tickets to Zimbabwe

Lady Crysiana

Eriol visits Seigaku, much to Tezuka's dismay. Humor, I-1

Tezuka could have predicted that Eriol would walk right up to Fuji. He also could have predicted the sweet smile that would grace Eriol’s face when said meeting occurred. He had not, however, predicted that Fuji would smile and greet Eriol as if the man were an old friend. Eriol didn’t turn around to look at Tezuka as he explained, “One recognizes one’s own nature in others. It’s what allows one to survive in the world, Mitsu-chan.”

As the rest of the boys had already drifted over to see who the interloper was, Tezuka was quite aware that they were all giving him nervous or questioning looks at the nickname. Tezuka crossed his arms. “This is my uncle, Hiiragizawa Eriol. He insisted that he meet all of you.”

Echizen walked right up to Eriol and eyed him openly. Eriol returned the look with a sweet smile so reminiscent of Fuji’s that Momo and Kaidou both backed up hurriedly. Echizen, seemingly undisturbed by this, nodded decisively and said, “Echizen Ryoma. It’s nice to meet you.” With that, he headed off towards the courts, leaving most of the group staring after him.

Eriol frowned slightly as he watched Echizen’s back, then began snickering quietly. By the time Fuji managed to give him a questioning look, he schooled his expression back to a polite smile. “Oh,” responded to Fuji’s look, “Someone in his family knew an angel, that’s all.” Eriol refused to say more on the subject, even when Tezuka asked, later.

Tezuka didn’t actively begin to worry until Eriol pulled Oishi away from the group and sat him down on a bench. Everyone else had returned to normal practice, on threat of laps, so Tezuka couldn’t watch what was going on between his relative and his friend. It was only when he noticed the odd looks Oishi was giving him upon his return to the courts that Tezuka decided that he never wanted to know.

After practice, Eriol appeared to have magically vanished, because Tezuka refused to believe that Eriol was hiding up in the tree that Echizen habitually napped underneath. When Echizen walked up to pat Tezuka comfortingly on the back, Tezuka was unnerved enough to mutter something under his breath.

“What did he say?” he heard Fuji ask Echizen as they went to change.

“I’m not sure. Something about plane tickets to Zimbabwe.”

“Ah.”

Mother Hen

Branch

Ooishi gets a taste of his own medicine. Humor, I-1

"Ooishi-kun!"

Shuichirou looked around, surprised. Raphael didn't often have much to say during practice. Well, not to the team. He seemed to find a good deal to say to Ryuuzaki-sensei, and whatever it was made her laugh quite a lot. Shuichirou hadn't asked.

Now, however, Raphael was beckoning to him.

"Come here a moment, Ooishi-kun."

"Me?" They had all seen enough to be just a touch wary of Raphael's whims.

Ice blue eyes narrowed. "Yes, you." Raphael snorted. "What is it with you warrior types that you never want to actually talk to a physician before it's a crisis? Come here," pointing to the space in front of him, "and let me look at your wrist. You've been favoring it all day."

Shuichirou cast a reflexive glance at Tezuka. Tezuka looked back, very pointedly not wearing an expression of smug satisfaction. Shuichirou sighed.

"Coming."

End

Saintly

Lys ap Adin

Raphael earns the gratitude of Seigaku. Humor, I-1

Just being an angel didn't qualify Raphael as a particularly nice person. In fact, he'd be the first to admit that he wasn't even a particularly good person. He was a philanderer—all right, a recently reformed philanderer—and vain, self-centered, and arrogant to boot. It wasn't his style to go out of his way for anyone or anything without some sort of compensation in the offing.

But as far as the Seigaku Regulars were concerned, Raphael was a saint, despite his many flaws.

It wasn't because he'd healed Tezuka's shoulder, or Oishi's wrist, or assured Momo that, indeed, his ankle was just fine so-stop-pestering-me-damn-it. It wasn't because he'd given Inui advice about training schedules, or that he could make a homework migraine vanish with a glance.

It was what he didn't do that qualified him for canonization in their eyes.

Horio waved his banner. I've had laryngitis for weeks! it read. Do something!

Raphael ignored him, and indeed, peace reigned upon the Seigaku tennis courts.

Worth

Lys ap Adin

Tezuka sets up ranking blocks. Angst, I-4

"Headache, Tezuka-kun?" Raphael asked, leaning against one of the empty desks.

Kunimitsu took his hand from his forehead. "I'm fine," he said, and that was true, but not likely to deter Raphael's bored curiosity.

"And here I thought there wasn't the homework assignment invented that you couldn't master," the angel said.

"It's not homework," Kunimitsu said, and because today was not a good day, he simply slid the stack of papers towards Raphael, who picked them up after a moment.

"Lovely penmanship," Raphael noted, which was a reminder Kunimitsu didn't particularly need to write out a clean copy for Ryuuzaki-sensei. He handed the papers back. "What is it?"

Heartbreak, he wanted to say. Disappointment. Exclusion. The last time I have to decide who stays and who goes—until the next time I have to decide. "The assignments for the ranking matches."

Kunimitsu took out a fresh sheet of paper and began transcribing the names again, this time without the cross-outs and scribbling. "Hardly seems worth a headache," Raphael said, examining his nails.

Kunimitsu put his pen down. "Raphael-san." When the angel was looking at him, Kunimitsu spoke carefully. "There are only eight slots for Regulars."

"And a slot for the captain, of course," Raphael said.

"No. Including the captain." Kunimitsu began writing again, filling in the names for the A Block. His name. Fuji's. Arai's. Yoshimura's. Kuwahara's.

"I see. Perhaps worth the headache after all." Raphael at least had the decency to sound respectful of a difficult decision. "Still. It seems odd to eliminate one of your best players purely for the sake of numbers."

"Are you suggesting I make an exception?" B Block: Oishi. Kawamura. Ikeda. Nishi. Mikami. Fushimi.

"Of course not," Raphael said. "It's not like you would listen."

"It would be easy," Kunimitsu said. "Seigaku gives its captains the power to make these decisions. I could do it." C Block: Kikumaru. Inui. Nagayama. Saeki. Hiratsuka. Nakahama.

"But you won't." He could feel Raphael eyeing him. "Why not?"

"Seigaku's strength lies in the monthly ranking matches." D Block: Echizen. Momoshiro. Kaidoh. Ninose. Kashiwa. Ogawa. "While I am captain, no one who wears that jersey will ever need to wonder whether he earned the right to wear the jersey."

"I've heard," Raphael murmured, "that before this year, freshmen weren't allowed to compete for a position on the Regulars."

"That's true," Kunimitsu said, evenly. "Before this year, they were not." Raphael's eyebrows drifted up. "Before this year, there wasn't a freshman skilled enough to be worth ranking against his sempai."

"There wasn't?" Raphael smirked. "Sumire-chan tells me stories, you know."

"Ryuuzaki-sensei has been a coach for years. I'm sure she knows many stories," he said.

"Indeed she does." Raphael stood. "A good leader, Tezuka-kun, knows when to break his rules, and when to follow them." He paused, probably waiting to be asked whether he thought Kunimitsu was a good leader. When Kunimitsu didn't ask, Raphael sighed, expression wry. "You're one of the good ones," he said. "For what it's worth."

Kunimitsu inclined his head. "For what it's worth," he said, "thank you." He stood as well, and went to deliver the paperwork for the ranking matches to Ryuuzaki-sensei.

Post-Game

Branch

Michael taunts Belial about winning and Lucifer gets involved. Drama, I-3

"Hah!" Michael took his opportunity, as the teams filtered past each other on the way out of the stadium, to taunt Mad Hatter. "Told you we'd kick your asses."

Ryouma stopped to watch, Fuji-senpai and his brother pausing beside him.

Hatter looked Michael up and down with a glint in his eye. "Technically, in fact, you have not."

"Hiding behind technicalities, now, huh?" Michael was obviously enjoying himself a great deal. Tachibana-san was rubbing his forehead, though his small smile said he wasn't as exasperated as he tried to sound.

"Michael-kun..."

"What?" Michael grinned. "It's true."

Hatter flexed fingers that were suddenly full of... playing cards? Ryouma frowned, puzzled. Yukimura-san, though, made a fast snatch for Hatter's wrist. Hatter gave him a deeply disappointed look.

Yukimura-san shook his head. "I'm pleased with the performance of my team, Hatter-san. If the results don't entirely satisfy us, then we'll have to make sure they come out differently next time. It's well."

Hatter sighed, and the cards vanished. Ryouma was really starting to wonder how he did that.

Michael's brows were nearly in his hair. "Never thought I'd see the day you had two masters, Hatter."

One corner of Hatter's mouth lifted in something that was not a smile, and he turned slowly back to face Michael.

"I wouldn't borrow too heavily on reflected glory if I were you, Michael," Lucifer said from behind the smirking angel.

Michael whirled with a snarl. "You looking for another fight right now?!"

Lucifer lifted a brow, the curl of his mouth far more amused than Hatter's had been. "If you like. Little brother." Four black wings swept open behind him.

Ryouma sighed. This would have been the perfect opportunity for Lucifer to take his advice. Oh, well.

Michael tensed up even more, and his wings unfolded, too. Fire licked around him.

"How... tense. Brothers, hm?" Fuji-senpai stirred beside him, looking speculatively at the two. His step forward, however, was checked by Yuuta's very tight grip on his arm.

"Aniki, you're not allowed to get yourself killed before I beat you at tennis," Yuuta stated, not taking his eyes off Lucifer and Michael. "So don't suggest what you're about to suggest, okay?"

"You have to admit, it works," Fuji-senpai said, reasonably. But also quietly.

It looked like they had noticed anyway. Lucifer looked from Fuji-senpai and Yuuta back to Michael, and laughed softly.

Michael's jaw dropped. "You... what... what the fuck?!"

"Hm." Lucifer took a long step towards him and cupped the side of Michael's face with one hand.

Michael vanished in a skyward flash of wings and sputtered swearing. Lucifer calmly folded his wings back in.

"Excellent suggestion," he murmured, glancing sidelong at Fuji-senpai. "I can see why you like this one, butterfly."

Hatter smirked, leaning against Yukimura-san, and Fuji-senpai looked like he was considering whether to take that as a compliment or not. Tachibana-san, on the other hand, had his arms crossed and was looking disapproving.

"That was unnecessary, Lucifer-san," he said, quietly.

Lucifer tilted his head, examining Fudoumine's captain. "Perhaps. But if he truly wanted to fight me again, he could have done it by now." He turned and walked away, merging into the crowd just as a blond man and woman fought their way out of it to congratulate Tachibana.

Ryouma shook his head, sparing a moment to be glad Seigaku's angel didn't have as many Issues as the rest of them. Maybe he should add some psychologists to The Plan.

End

Teacher

Branch

Yukimura meets his new magic teacher and said teacher's housemate. Humor, I-1

"So, tell me about these people."

It wasn't really that Seiichi didn't trust Belial. He did. He just also had a lively respect for his demon's sense of humor.

"They're the children of two of one's people. They became friends in college, one believes, when they met up and started comparing backgrounds." Belial supplied, rather airily. "Don't mind the one who smirks all the time. He's the son of an incubus; he can't help it."

Seiichi eyed Belial. "And the other one?"

"You'll like him," Belial predicted with confidence. "He's an excellent strategist, under all that cheery smiling. And he has... extensive experience as a teacher."

"I see," Seiichi murmured. There was obviously more to the story, but it looked like he'd have to find it out on his own.

When the apartment door opened to Belial's brisk rap, however, Seiichi had to admit that Belial had told him the most pertinent details.

The smiling man who answered the door seemed harmless enough, until they entered the livingroom and the other occupant noticed them. Or, more precisely, noticed Seiichi and rose with a suddenly brilliant grin. "Tenpou, you should have told me she'd be gorgeous," he chastised his friend, taking a long stride toward Seiichi.

Seiichi gave him a look fit to freeze liquid nitrogen solid. "What did you say?"

The man who'd introduced himself as Tenpou, still smiling, deftly caught his housemate by the collar and hauled him back out of Seiichi's reach. "He, Kenren. I'd think you, of all people, could tell the difference." He examined Seiichi, and the frost creeping uncontrollably over over the windows, and gestured discreetly.

Seiichi started as he abruptly felt... warmer.

"I can see why Hatter-sama wants someone to teach you about magic," Tenpou noted, thoughtfully, gently shoving a pouting Kenren back toward the couch.

Seiichi looked at Tenpou with a sharper eye. "I assure you, I'm very interested," he murmured.

Tenpou's smile gained an edge.

End

Home Again, Home Again

Branch

Konzen gets home and he and Ryouma finally meet. Humor with Drama, I-2

Ryouma was fairly used to uproars around the house every now and then, especially when Nanako found his dad's latest stash of magazines or one of his noisier senpai stopped by for a game.

This, however, sounded a little different.

He ambled down the stairs to find a scowling blond man standing in the entry way, and a younger man dragging in the door under a pile of bags.

"Nii-san," his dad called, wandering in, followed by Nanako with a pleased cry of "Otou-sama!"

Ok, so this was his uncle. Ryouma came the rest of the way down the stairs, and stood at the bottom while his uncle accepted Nanako's welcome home and traded sneers with his dad. This could be interesting; he'd heard stories about Konzen-jisan

"Worthless as ever, I see," his uncle pronounced, looking Oyaji up and down.

"Bad tempered as ever, likewise," was the return. Then his dad eyed the other young man. "You hired a porter?"

"Goku-san," Nanako supplied, smiling. "Here, let me help with those. I'm afraid we're down to the smallest room, for you," she said, as they passed Ryouma and headed down the hall. "Or should I spread a futon in Otou-sama's room?"

"Or did you hire a something else?" Oyaji added, leering.

Ryouma's uncle fetched his dad a quick swat across the back of the head. "Don't be an idiot."

"Sheesh, you really haven't changed," Oyaji complained, rubbing his head. His eye lit on Ryouma, who had to supress the urge to take to his heels. That was the bright-idea look. "That's right, you haven't met your nephew yet!"

Ryouma wondered why his uncle twitched at the word 'nephew'. And then he wondered how this person could be related to his dad, as he was practically pinned to the wall with a long, level stare. The stare ended when his uncle smacked his dad a good deal harder than before.

"Are you completely blind?" Ji-san barked. "The curse is bad enough, but that..." he squinted at Ryouma again. "Did you sign anything?" he demanded.

Ryouma blinked. "You're not one of them, too, are you?"

His uncle closed his eyes as if in pain, right hand flexing just a bit ominously. "No, I'm not," he said, flatly.

"Ah." Ryouma couldn't help noticing that there seemed to be a gun tucked away at Ji-san's waist. On the same side as that hand. "I'll go get my copy and show you," he suggested, and slipped up the stairs without waiting for an answer.

When he came back down his uncle was settled at the table contemplating a cup of tea while the other one... Goku?... chattered at him. Ryouma was reminded a little of how Atobe-san was with Jirou-san, at least when Jirou-san was awake. "Here," he offered, spreading out the scroll. "It isn't exactly a deal with anyone in particular; just saying that I'll be there in return for my own realm."

"Your own realm? Oh, hey, cool!" Goku chipped in, leaning over Ji-san's shoulder. Ji-san shoved him off, absently, scanning the contract. At last he leaned back, and pulled out a cigarette.

"All right," he declared, after a long drag. "Maybe I'm not completely embarassed to admit you're related to me."

"That's nice," Ryouma agreed. "Now, what was that about a curse?"

Ji-san smiled a rather scary smile around the cigarette. "Not sure who did it, but I bet I can tell you why..."

End

This Time

Branch

Tezuka gets to high school and meets his rather unsettling new senpai. Humor, I-2

"So." Fuji hitched his bag up on his shoulder as he strolled along beside Kunimitsu. "What do you think of this rumor about the new players?"

Kunimitsu stifled a wince as the every student in hearing started murmuring. He disliked gossip just about as much as Fuji enjoyed it. Still, he supposed it could be worse.

At least there weren't any supernatural beings hanging around this year.

"I heard they played soccer in middle school..."

"I heard they got kicked out of the game, and that's why they switched over to tennis for high school!"

"But they can't be any good, if they just started."

"If they're third years now," Fuji put in, "they have at least that much experience."

"Yes, but..." Ooishi frowned. "I've heard that their play has been... well, rather strange."

"This is their second straight year as Regulars." Kikumaru shrugged. "Seems like they make a good team."

"Yes, but this thing they have with Yamabuki—" Ooishi broke off as they all rounded the last corner and saw the courts.

What he saw was a wheel, Kunimitsu thought. Not in shape but in movement—in focus. Everyone and everything centered on the tall blond who had to be the captain. Everything moved around him. Kunimitsu frowned; it wasn't a very... Seigaku arrangement. Well, he could tolerate it for a year if he had to, he supposed. The practice seemed to be running smoothly enough.

Though... the burly player with the odd grayish hair, off to one side, was going to cost the school a new ball machine if his returns kept hitting it. The casing was badly dented already. Well, he told himself, hanging onto some optimism, it meant they had an excellent power player in the club.

"Curious combination that pair on the end has," Fuji murmured.

Ooishi looked rather troubled, himself, watching the two players. "You'd almost think they hated each other."

Kunimitsu had to agree. He had an irresistible impression that both players were constantly on the edge of grabbing a handful of the other's long hair and yanking. The opposing pair, twins by the look of them, had far more harmony in their formation.

"Tight play, though," Fuji observed. As the red-haired player served he added more softly, "And a... rather small waist, too."

Kunimitsu raised a brow at Fuji.

"No, it's nothing." Fuji had a tiny smile, though.

"Ah!" Kikumaru exclaimed, pointing. "Look! He's even more chibi than Ochibi!"

Then he sidled around behind Ooishi as the "chibi" in question turned to give him the flattest, coldest, oldest look Kunimitsu had ever seen on a human face.

Throughout this, the captain had seemed to take no notice of the new first-years' arrival, but now he called everyone in. Kunimitsu drew a discreet breath of relief and settled down, as they lined up, to listen to the first day speech. There were no surprises, which relaxed him more.

Until the end.

"Yamabuki has been working, too. But this year it won't do them any good. This year, we'll take Seishaku and his people down." The captain's blue eyes took on a rather unsettling gleam. "This time, we'll have them."

The Regular players snapped back, in clearly accustomed unison, "Yes, Gi-buchou!"

Kunimitsu was starting to have a very bad feeling about this.

In a Heaven, in a Book...

Suzaku stood with his hands on his hips, glaring at his brother. "Was that really necessary? I finally thought I'd found a way to make all of them happy, and now this!"

"It wasn't my idea." Seiryuu examined his nails. "Talk to my ex-seishi."

Suzaku growled and stalked off across the planes to see what he could do about this trouble in the way of the souls he'd put so much effort into getting reincarnated properly. At least, he thought, no one but a mortal would be interfering with him this time...

End

Recruiting

Lady Crysiana

Ryouma makes Moonlily an offer. Humor, I-1

Echizen Ryouma fully admitted that he was a simple person with simple wants and simple ways of getting them. This was probably the reason why he’d ended up meeting with what he was told was one of the more stable Grigori, and why he was just going to read the proposal to her and send her off with a copy. Ryouma smiled slightly at Moonlily and began to read.

“To whom it may concern. Echizen Ryouma proposes for those Grigori who feel an interest that they claim their own place in the emerging realm of heaven/hell. Echizen Ryouma has been assured by the Lord of Hell (hereafter referred to as “Lucifer”) and one of the Great Angels (hereafter referred to as “Raphael”) that a neutral realm in the midst of the current political chaos could be quite useful, and because of this support, he feels confident enough to extend an offer to those previously referred to (ie, the Grigori.) Echizen acknowledges that his place could not be solidified until his death, but in the interests of protecting those Grigori who are of a mind to avoid being relegated to uncomfortable positions in heaven or hell, he chooses to establish his domain before he can properly oversee it. If any Grigori finds a place in the current administration untenable, that Grigori is invited to live in the future area to be called Sampras. Echizen offers a place both to those Grigori who wish to continue domestic service and those who wish to branch out on their own, provided that they are prepared to work in community with others. Any Grigori accepting the offer also accepts that he or she lives under the conditions of Echizen Ryouma’s contract with heaven and agrees to a pact of nonviolence towards all parties in heaven, hell, and Assiah. Should there be no interest in such a contract, this offer will extend to non-Grigori on a case-by-case basis. Sincerely, Echizen Ryouma.”

Moonlily blinked at Ryouma, then smiled. “It’s a nice letter. I’ll show it to the others and we’ll talk about it.”

Ryouma nodded, smiling slightly. “I hope you decide to help. I do want to make a neutral place where people can be comfortable in heaven.”

Moonlily nodded and left with the letter as footsteps sounded behind Ryouma. Ryouma didn’t bother to turn. “You didn’t mention that it also guarantees you an established base and a staff if they take it up,” Raphael said.

“They’ll figure it out themselves,” Ryouma said dismissively. “And besides, I will need a staff, and the ones who will be staff will be the ones who choose to be anyway.”

“Your generosity is stunning,” Raphael said dryly.

“Thanks,” said Ryouma absently.

Compromise

Shiraume

Karupin has some issues with Ryouma's new realm. Humor, I-1

Echizen Ryoma had two loves in his life. (Actually, he had three, though he would never admit it, at least not until the said third love stopped playing so damned hard to get.) Anyone from the Seishun Senior High tennis club could tell you the first one: tennis. Any of them could also tell you the second: his cat. So no one said anything when Karupin started to tag along on some of their practice days.

It was one of those days, and everyone was changing in the clubhouse. Fuji was asking how Echizen's afterlife recruitment plan was going.

"Fine. I think the mansion's tennis courts will be finished ahead of the schedule. I'm thinking about adding another tennis center in the south." Echizen sounded satisfied, and Fuji nodded.

"Are you adding any gardens to Sampras?" Fuji asked, and Karupin suddenly tensed, letting out a low hiss. A few seconds ticked by, and Karupin remained tense.

"Your cat doesn't look very happy," Fuji observed mildly.

"He's been doing that a lot lately," Ryoma replied, irritated.

"Are you going to take him with you to Sampras when - " Fuji started, only to be stopped by a sharp hiss. Fuji closed his mouth, stared at the cat for few moments, then continued. "As I was saying, when you go to Sampras - "

Karupin screeched shrilly, every hair raised on his arched back. Fuji's lips twitched briefly.

"I think I know what's wrong with your cat."

"What?" Ryoma sounded exasperated, as he carefully stroked Karupin's back, trying to calm him down. It didn't seem to be working.

"Echizen, I think your cat's angry because you didn't name your place after him."

"Huh?" Ryoma turned to look at Fuji, a dumbfounded expression on his face.

"He does that every time you mention 'Sampras,'" Fuji said cheerfully as Karupin hissed sharply. "See?"

Ryoma turned his attention back to Karupin, who looked ready to bite off his hand, and considered something briefly.

"How about a compromise?" Ryoma asked. Karupin twitched his tail skeptically. Ryoma leaned closer to the cat, and started to talk.

Land of Sampras, many years later

"Welcome to Karupin Mansion, sir," the Grigori at the door said. The man nodded. In his arms, a spotted Himalayan mewed smugly.

Hard to Get

Branch

Ryouma is still chasing Tezuka. Humor with Drama, I-2

Kunimitsu picked up the next in his stack of birthday cards, and smiled faintly. This one was bound to be amusing.

Dear Buchou,

Happy 40th. Heard you passed the Park Ranger certification; congratulations. Hope bears don't eat you.

On that subject, finally got Sengoku to sign on, and Lucifer says mountains no problem to add. Are you sure you won't come?

Cheers, Echizen

Kunimitsu chuckled softly.

"Is that one from Echizen?" Uriel asked from the couch, sipping his tea.

"His annual campaign speech, yes," Kunimitsu answered. "Do you happen to know how he secured Sengoku for the afterlife?"

"If that's the redhead," Uriel sighed, "Echizen seems to have maneuvered him and Raphael into proximity at the last Australian Open. They had quite the lively chat, from what I hear. Raphael came back smirking so hard Barbiel made him sleep on the couch on general principles." He shook his head. "For such a straightforward person, Echizen can be very cunning."

Kunimitsu pulled over a sheet of writing paper. "Echizen has a very good sense of people, once he's had a chance to judge them on the court."

Uriel leaned back. "These people are still your friends. Are you sure it wouldn't be better to join him, rather than going through me?"

"If Echizen doesn't have goals to meet, challenges to overcome, it won't be good for him," Kunimitsu returned, absently, as he wrote.

Echizen,

Thank you for your good wishes.

Mountains are a fine addition; they'll make a valuable training location. I'm sure the domain will do well, with you thinking so far ahead.

Tezuka

"Besides," he added, folding the paper, "I enjoy your company, and you can use my help more than Echizen. In the end, I expect he'll be pleased that I'm next door, as it were, and not interfering with him."

"And it isn't, after all, as if you won't be visiting," Uriel suggested, smiling.

Kunimitsu sipped his own tea, quite calmly. "Of course."

End

The Direct Approach

Lady Crysiana

Ryouma finally catches Tezuka. Humor, I-3

“Welcome to Sampras, sir. May I take your bag?”

Tezuka stared at the smiling Grigori for a long moment. It had been disconcerting enough to become used to Uriel’s home and the rather eccentric idea that Uriel seemed to feel was “organization.” He hadn’t just been making excuses when he told Lily that he couldn’t come to Echizen’s “Hi, I’m Dead Too” party, as the man had called it. Tezuka tried to avoid the thought that he’d been making excuses at all, but a lifetime of honesty with himself made that difficult. “I can handle my bag, thank you,” Tezuka said, nodding to the angel. “I was hoping to see Echizen.”

The Grigori nodded. “He’s been expecting you. You have your own rooms next to his, connected with a door, of course. I’ll show you the way.”

Tezuka followed the Grigori automatically. Though part of his mind urged him to contemplate the Grigori’s words, he opted to look at the décor, instead. He reflected that it was probably lucky that the twelve-year-old Echizen hadn’t been able to decorate it himself, because he certainly wouldn’t have done something tasteful in cream and jade. It did, however, make Tezuka recall Atobe’s remark that after a while the colors made one feel as if one was fading out of existence.

“We’re here, sir,” the Grigori said, interrupting Tezuka’s thoughts. “Mr. Ryouma said to tell you that he’s hoping you enjoy him and your stay.”

Tezuka gave the Grigori the look he gave Fuji when Fuji had spent too much time with Belial and it was showing. “Could you repeat that please?”

“Of course. Mr. Ryouma said you’d ask. Mr. Ryouma said to tell you that he’s hoping you enjoy the rooms and being in him.”

Tezuka shook his head. “Being…”

“Being with him.” Tezuka was suddenly reminded of Eriol and Eriol’s innocent smile as he watched the Grigori’s polite expression. The Grigori opened the door for Tezuka. “He’s waiting for you inside, sir.”

Tezuka headed in, dumping his bag by the door. A quick inspection of most of the suite revealed that it was more apartment than anything. However, Echizen was not in evidence in the kitchenette, or the living room, or what appeared to be the office. Tezuka sighed and opened the door to the bedroom. “Echizen…”

Echizen gave Tezuka a sharp look from where he lounged on the bed. “I’ve finally decided to be direct about it.”

“…ah. I doubt I’ll be able to resist, then,” said Tezuka mildly.

“You’d better not,” Echizen muttered, rising and crossing the room swiftly to come to Tezuka’s side.

“Did you learn that pose from Atobe?” Tezuka inquired.

Ryouma glowered at Tezuka and prevented any further comment by efficiently stopping the other man’s mouth.

Irony

Lady Crysiana

Ryouma takes a vacation. Humor, I-1

Ryouma nodded politely to the group that had gathered at his request. Several hundred years was enough to let someone get used to the same faces and personalities, he’d found, and so he knew almost every one of the assembled very, very well. Especially since he’d played tennis with them for several hundred years. He tugged at his cap, a habit that even death hadn’t been able to banish, and sighed. “I told you that I have an announcement to make,” he said. “It’s this. I’m leaving.”

Ryouma noted that understanding was more or less instantaneous on some faces, less so on others, especially Fuji’s and Tezuka’s. He held a hand up at the startled exclamations and explained, “The last direct descendant of any of us died yesterday. Yes, I’ve been keeping track,” he said, to a questioning look from Inui. He went on, “The world would probably be fine even if I didn’t go back into the cycle of reincarnation, but after some time here, I want to make sure that things stay safe.”

Ryouma wasn’t surprised that it was Momoshirou who stepped forward. “You were the one who dragged half of us here,” Momo snapped.

His answer to that was a lazy smirk. “Which is why I know you’ll take care of Sampras for me. I’m trusting all of you with it.” More seriously, he added, “I’m doing this, Momo-san. I’m just telling you because I didn’t want you to be upset because I disappeared.”

“You’re insane,” said Kirihara flatly.

Ryouma snorted. “I rule a region in a place that’s not heaven or hell that’s called ‘Sampras.’ Of course I’m insane. I’m also saying goodbye, until I get back.” He paused thoughtfully. “I’m hoping that my ambition will be something like politics this time.”

That, as he had expected it to, made several of the hardier souls laugh. “Try to be a benign ruler,” Fuji told him serenely.

“I’ll be good,” Ryouma promised. “At least I’ll try.”