Tezuka was taking a break and drinking some water when he noticed the angel
\n approaching. He was actually somewhat intrigued – this particular angel
\n wasn’t doing anything to hide what he was, and had a look on his face
\n that Tezuka recalled from constant dealings with Ryoma. He found himself
\n somewhat surprised when the angel settled on the bench next to him.\n<\/p>\n
\n“This is gonna be a weird question,” the angel said, “But do
\nyou believe in angels?”<\/p>\n
\nTezuka considered this question gravely, looking out towards the courts. He felt
\nrather than saw the angel turn towards him and look at his profile. “I don’t
\ndisbelieve the possibility,” Tezuka said gravely, “But I’m not
\nreligious.”<\/p>\n
\nThe angel snorted. “Right. Well, hell and heaven exist, even though it’s
\nnot like most people say. Actually, and don’t ever tell anyone this, hell
\nisn’t a bad place, with the management the way it is. But we have to keep
\nsome sort of standards, and that means that we all want the best souls, like you.”<\/p>\n
\nTezuka turned to look at the angel. “So you’re claiming to be an angel.”<\/p>\n
\nThe angel scowled. “Of course I’m an angel! What’d you think
\nI was, a demon?”<\/p>\n
\nTezuka said with perfect serenity, “I wouldn’t think that most angels
\nwould be so enthusiastic about being under Lucifer.” He watched with interest
\nas flames sparked around the angel’s head, and continued to watch as the
\nangel got up to pace back and forth. <\/p>\n
\n“I’m NOT interested in being…in being ruled by that bastard,”
\nthe angel snapped. “He has no business doing what he’s doing, and…Look,
\nthat’s not the point.” The angel brought his wings out. “See?
\nAngel.”<\/p>\n
\nTezuka nodded. “I’m Tezuka Kunimitsu. It’s a pleasure to meet
\nyou.”<\/p>\n
\n“…I’m Michael,” muttered the angel. He began to pace back
\nand forth. “I’m not one of those people who schemes and does all that
\nbehind the scenes shit,” said Michael. “So I just want to ask you
\nif I can fix your arm for you, get your team back on track…”<\/p>\n
\n“No, thank you,” said Tezuka politely. “I rely on myself.”<\/p>\n
\nMichael scowled and crossed his arms. “…fine, I can respect that.
\nWhat about the rest of your team? Making sure that they’re not hurt? You
\nknow, like that kid, with the gold eyes and the cat.”<\/p>\n
\n“Echizen is well the way he is,” said Tezuka sharply. “If you’d
\nlike to help someone else in need, Tachibana Kippei has had an injury recently.”<\/p>\n
\nMichael nodded. “Fine, I won’t make an offer about Echizen. Good luck
\non the courts.” With that, the angel strolled off. Tezuka watched him leave,
\nmaking a note to watch the other teams closely, once he returned. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Michael talks to Tezuka.