\n“Are they allowed to do that?” the redhead wondered, after Michael
\nhad explained himself to the group of boys.<\/p>\n
\nMichael shrugged. “No rules against demons and humans making contracts,”
\nhe said. “Kind of a long tradition behind it, really.”<\/p>\n
\nThe guy he was here to visit, Tachibana, seemed as pleased by the news as anything
\nelse. “So,” he said. “Yukimura will be playing at Nationals.”
\nHe practically glowed with anticipation.<\/p>\n
\n“Yep,” Michael said. <\/p>\n
\n“And you’re here because…?” the girl asked, eyes sharp.<\/p>\n
\n“It’s hardly fair for Hell to go poking their noses into things without
\none of us investigating,” Michael said. He shrugged. “I’ve been
\ngiven to understand that Fudoumine might be interested in some help.”<\/p>\n
\n“We aren’t in the habit of looking for help outside our ranks,”
\nTachibana said, quietly. “Especially when help comes with strings attached.”<\/p>\n
\nGeez, he sounded like Tezuka. Maybe it was something in the water. “I didn’t
\nsay there were strings, did I?” Michael retorted. “As it is, I’d
\nbe doing the favor for Setsuna as much as for you.”<\/p>\n
\nThe guys relaxed somewhat. “You know Setsuna?” the tall one with the
\nbandanna asked.<\/p>\n
\n“Oh yeah. Good guy to have at your back in a fight,” Michael said,
\ngrinning. “Look, if you don’t want my help, it’s cool.”<\/p>\n
\n“Nii-san,” the girl said, quietly. “You’re still not fully
\nrecovered.” Her smile was sharp. “If Rikkai’s being helped by
\na demon, it’s only fair that you get a little help from an angel, don’t
\nyou think?”<\/p>\n
\nThat bit of logic coincided so neatly enough with his own that Michael had to
\ngrin. The boy with longish hair had something to say, too. “If we’re
\ngoing to meet Rikkai at Nationals, you’ll want to be at your full strength,”
\nhe murmured, “especially if Yukimura is going to be there…”<\/p>\n
\nThe redhead grinned. “It’s almost like poetic justice,” he said,
\n“don’t you think?”<\/p>\n
\nTachibana considered it. “It does seem appropriate,” he agreed, at
\nlength. “Very well; I accept your offer.”<\/p>\n
\nMichael grinned. “You won’t regret it,” he promised, cracking
\nhis knuckles. “I’ll make sure of that.”\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Michael’s offer to Fudoumine.