The Almighty Michael

The best place to begin this one is what inspired that tattoo. Dragons are powerful creatures. They are large and feared and respected. Rather than laughing at a dragon, people tend to have the reaction of being in awe. It's just the kind of symbol someone like Michael would want.

He's short, hot tempered, and so many people thought he could be the one headed towards evil. Even his own brother wouldn't look his way. So he decided that a mark on him, one of a powerful creature that everyone stands in awe of, would be just what he needed. Then they would think of a dragon when they thought of him. Not some angel that looks like a kid and had a tendency to destroy everything around him, even when he doesn't mean to. A way of saying "Hey, look at me. I'm just as great as my brother. Right?"

So he went to the lowest levels of Heaven. It wasn't that difficult to boss around one of the angels there. This was the Angel of Fire. He even took out a couple of them just to make sure that they did what he wanted. This was something that Michael wanted so badly that he wasn't going to let some lower angels stop him. But even then he made sure that the one who did it was the best. The name of the angel didn't even matter so long as he was good.

This took place not that long after Lucifer had degraded him again. Mocked him. He felt so weak and helpless that any kind of symbol of strength would help. This was what he settled for. A mark that wasn't going to fade with time. Something permanent.

The tattoo is that of a purple dragon. Purple symbolizes royalty, nobility, transformation. Add that to a powerful dragon and he had just what he needed to help him cope with everything he faced. A dragon that was visible on his face and curved down to his neck then covered his heart. To show off to everyone that he was strong and not some weak little kid. And when all else failed, that dragon was there to protect him from the pain that welled up in his heart.

[nick / name]: Erin
[personal LJ name]: neko142001
[other characters currently played]:
Aya Fujimiya :: Weiss Kreuz :: onceaweiss
Kazuo Kiriyama :: Battle Royale :: deadliest6
Lantis :: Magic Knight Rayearth :: antipillar
Jace Lightwood :: The Mortal Instruments :: 1charmingangel
Severus Snape :: Harry Potter :: alwaystreasured
Alexis Hargreaves :: Godchild :: allinhishands
Kaito Wanijima :: Air Gear :: theshinjukucroc
[e-mail]: nekoandkitsune@gmail.com
[AIM / messenger]: neko142001

[series]: Angel Sanctuary
[character]: Archangel Michael

[character history / background]: The Archangel Michael was born many years ago as a twin to the angel Lucifer. At the time of his birth a prophecy was made that one of these twins would follow the path of Light and the other would follow the path of Darkness. As a child he was raised with people believing that he would be the one to be this child of darkness due to his more destructive ways. During that time the one he had was Lucifer and he followed him around, looked up to him. Everything about him was something he admired. All he wanted was for his brother to look his way. More than anything he loved his brother.

In an ironic twist though, it turned out that Lucifer was destined for darkness. He led a rebellion against Heaven that came down to a showdown between the two brothers. Michael was shocked that his brother would betray him like this. Right when he was about to deliver a fatal blow, an angel who had served the brothers blocked Lucifer from being injured because she loved him. In the end, everything proved to be too much. When Lucifer retreated, no one could get near the angel because he was burning to hot, convinced he'd actually lost the battle.

It was at this time that Raphael, a fellow angel of the elements, approached him. He ignored the heat and allowed himself to be burned, staying near the upset angel. In that moment he told him to tell himself that he'd won. That that was the only way that Michael would ever be able to move on. In doing so, he was able to calm down and the two continued on to have control of their parts of Heaven. Michael's area being the hunting of demons with his men loyally following him.

Years later the Messiah was born and ended up moving through Heaven and Hell. At some point Setsuna ended up in Alexiel's body, something that would come up soon. The main point before then was that there were two key figures who were trying to get the red haired angel to side with them. On the one hand there was Sevothtarte who as the one watching over Metatron and a powerful angel in the courts of angels. On the other side was the newly returned Rosiel who was trying to gain power. He wanted nothing to do with either side and finally went to Raphael who revealed they'd been trying to gain his power too. Frustrated by everything, he went down to Earth.

There he met the Messiah who was in Alexiel's body. Of course, he fought her, not caring about the entire situation because the fight was a good one. But Raphael interrupted everything because he didn't want Michael to get too close to the Messiah for reasons unknown at that time. Angered, he swore not to talk to Raphael ever again and that they were no longer friends.

But this was Michael of all people so he came to visit Raphael soon after that to find Gabriel there. And inside her body was Sara, the sister of the Messiah. He didn't recognize Gabriel though which led to a comical moment with the three of them until he remembered that she was the Messiah's sister. Then he was told there was a problem on Earth. Raphael and Gabriel went down with him to find out that Uriel wanted Raphael to revive Setsuna's body. He agreed to do so and actually managed it when they were attacked by a powerful force. Together he escaped with Raphael and Gabriel only to be caught once back in Heaven.

Gabriel was handed over to Sevothtarte and Michael was ordered to the low lands to hunt demons.

[character abilities]: Michael is one of the four Archangels and specifically the Angel of Flame. He controls fire in a way no one else in Heaven can. This is best displayed in battle or when he's angry/distressed about something. A great heat will come from his body so that no one can get near him without being burned. However, he happens to be immune to fire himself, able to withstand great heat and literally walk through the fire.

It is not easy to kill him. He is very powerful and also an angel. Because of this he has lasted for many centuries. Though he looks like a child he's actually far older than that. But his powers blossomed early and stopped his growth. As an angel he also has a pair of what wings that come from his back and allow him to fly.

That said he has very strong senses and is especially attuned to the presence of his twin brother. He can sense when he is nearby. However he's only open to this as long as he is in fact willing to pay attention. This goes for his memory as well. It's actually very good and he's very observant...when he wants to be. The rest of the time is basically a crap shoot.

Of course he is also trained in a military manner and is skilled with a variety of weapons as well as hand to hand combat. His two favorite weapons happen to be a large double-edged sword or an over-sized gun. He can even include fire in these attacks. Of course he prefers to attack himself rather than send in others even if he is a very capable leader that people would want to follow. Though it should be noted that most of his plans are very destructive.

[character personality]: It is very appropriate that Michael is the Angel of Fire. He is wild and destructive just like a fire can be. He really can't be controlled either. This is an angel who does his own thing when and where he pleases. Rules aren't his cup of tea so he's as likely to break them as he is to obey them. It's childish attitude to take but his body is that of a child no matter how old he might actually be. And he really doesn't care if people don't like that about him too.

What he does care about is that you respect him. He often will announce that he's powerful and amazing when he introduces himself. With how short he is and how he looks like a child, he doesn't want to be underestimated. He is one of the four angels of the elements and expects to be treated with the respect that goes along with his station. Even if he doesn't happen to act like one should for the title that he holds. Obviously that part isn't the important thing. What is would be the fact that he hates pet names and being called short. Especially to be called short. At the very least Raphael can get away with pet names.

Another thing he loves is a good fight. He is one of the leaders of the armies of Heaven so it's where he belongs. The power of fire is also helpful here. But he doesn't just let it end there. He will go to places crawling with demons just to relieve stress. A good demon hunt is a great way to help him feel better. It's part of what makes him so useful in a war. He actually enjoys being on the battlefield slaying the demons that cross his path.

Now, it should be known that he has a very violent temper. Explosive even. When he gets set off, he will leave craters behind from the explosive fires that come from him. It can be little things that anger him too. Like calling him short or little. Or just mentioning his brother. He has actually killed people for getting him angry like that. It is never a wise idea to make him furious. His wrath burns hot and strong until he finally decides to let it go

That's not to say that he is only destructive when angry though. He has been known to destroy walls of Raphael's home just to come inside. Michael is very rash and doesn't like to consider the consequences. He is very much a leap before he thinks kind of person. What happens after the action is something he chooses to deal with later. But in the moment it really isn't that important to him. In fact, it might not be so important later either. Just a bunch of details that are sure to overwhelm him.

For the most part, he has a very simplistic way of thinking through things. A one plus one equals two kind of thing. As soon as someone starts to give him all the details or gives him a lecture then he starts to flail and his brain seemingly shuts down. It doesn't seem he can handle that much all at once. People shouldn't underestimate him though. He has a way of storing all those details away for later when he might actually need them. But in that moment, it's okay to just let them slip by. Which means that he can forget the names of people that he knows very well or just not remember them entirely even if they're like siblings to him. Basically he has convenient memory loss.

One person he never seems to forget though is Raphael. He genuinely cares about him and enjoys being around him. These two are close and Michael will often travel to the other angel's place to visit him. Even if it's really a bad time for him to be doing so. Timing really isn't that important because Michael Time is the one true time of day. Something that goes hand in hand with his impulsive nature. But it was Raphael who was the only one who could calm Michael down when he exploded after the confrontation with Lucifer. He also confides in Raphael about everything which is something that he doesn't tend to do with anyone else. Plus, it's significant to note that the blond can get him to leave places that he doesn't actually want to leave.

Another person that he doesn't seem to ever forget is Lucifer. This is his twin brother and the very mention of him can cause him to become furious. Amongst those in Heaven it is common knowledge that he hates his brother. What isn't so known is that he loves him in a way that is actually painful. Like any sibling, he just wants his brother to look his way and to acknowledge him. What's more is that he's still hurt that his brother would actually betray him like that. The moment that happened, his entire world shattered. Only Raphael coming to him brought him out of it entirely. A good thing too because Lucifer makes him feel small and inadequate. Angry because he's convinced that he can't beat him.

He has been described as pure and unchanging by Raphael. This is something that people actually admire about him. He will do his own thing because it's what he feels he should do. Rules are not something he pays attention to unless it suits him. This wild and impulsive way is indeed very childlike. He will often do them then come in with a smile on his face. He even loves to come and tease Raphael. No one would ever suspect that he's one of the most powerful angels in all of Heaven because he doesn't act with the maturity such a station would call for.

He swears and yells and complains. Michael destroys things without a second thought then smiles and expects love. Perhaps he even demands it because he wasn't given it when he was younger. He's not likely to admit to wanting love though. That's too much to ask. Especially in a place where one is forbidden to love another. Still, it's clear that he doesn't let anyone be the boss of him.

Michael isn't selfish even if he can act that way at times. Later in the manga he states that he will go help save Gabriel because she's like a sister to him. The other three angels of the elements hold a special place in his heart because they're different from the other angels and have always been treated as such. Even if the only one that he likes is Raphael, he still respects and cares for them all. He knows that he's different and it can be a lonely existence. Something he doesn't do well with.

He surrounds himself with followers so he won't be alone. It's not just about the admiration even if he does actually enjoy that. What he craves is the chance to have people there to be with him. It could be why he constantly goes to visit Raphael as well. Companionship. Someone to talk to. Though he does only want to be around the people he likes and trusts. That much is pretty clear.

One more thing that should be noted about Michael is that he says exactly what he's thinking. He doesn't hold back on any of it. If he doesn't like you then he will tell you that. If he has no idea who the person is then he will say that too. Anything that comes to mind is more than likely going to pass through those lips of his. There are certain things he doesn't like and he clearly doesn't seem to have the tact to keep them to himself. So he will inform Raphael that he's a pervert or tell Rosiel that he never liked him or call Gabriel a this when he didn't know who she was. It's only when he's distressed and upset about something that he will shut off completely. So far it seems that only Raphael can bring him out of this state.

Michael is a powerful angel who has a seemingly simplistic personality. Really it is in a way. He's impulsive and rash with a violent temper. However, he cares about others and does things his own way. It doesn't matter if others don't approve because his way is the way that he knows and trusts. Perhaps the only person who truly understands him is his precious friend Raphael who he visits often for just about anything he can think of.

[point in timeline you're picking your character from]: Chapter 63 - Michael is sent off to be far away from everything

[journal post]:

[There's a very loud crashing sound that is sort of like a bunch of trees being torn apart. After a time there's silence before some heavy footsteps can be heard followed by the rustle of fabric. It's not long before the video function turns on and there's Michael's face looking completely unimpressed.]

Alright. What kind of bastard thought they could relocate me? If ya pulled this crap on me then I'm going to smash your face in, Sevothtarte.

[He has a look around for a second. Behind him one can see a giant crater that is probably supposed to be a part of the forests.]

Hey, Raphael, ya perverted bastard! Where are you? I'm coming to see you so you better give me some coordinates. Or I can just fly around until I find you then blast you for not telling me.

[He suddenly grins as he stands there proudly, like he just had a brilliant idea.]

Alright you people, I am the great and most wonderful Michael, the Archangel of Fire! I demand you tell me right now where that pervy doctor is! This is my official first order to the lot of you!

[third person / log sample]:

Many years ago two brothers were born. One was charismatic and dark, the other youthful and wild. They could not have been more different from each other. Still, the more youthful one chose to follow his brother everywhere in the hopes that he would look his way. That brother of his was everything in his world. Everything until the day that he betrayed him as well as all of Heaven in one fatal rebellion that shook the very foundations of all that people knew.

How could he have betrayed him like that? Left him and fought against him?

Michael stared down onto the valley beneath him as he allowed these dark thoughts to haunt him. He'd been sent here to patrol after coming back to Heaven with Gabriel and Raphael. Down in that area Uriel had made up, he'd witnessed the revival of the Messiah's body. Some Messiah he was though. Letting himself get killed so easily. How was anyone supposed to lead the masses if they just let themselves get killed like that?

Even he'd lived through the fight with his brother though he'd been so sure that he lost. Today he still wasn't sure if he'd actually won that fight. Lucifer was far stronger than him, had been the golden boy for everyone in Heaven. Until that day he turned his back on everything to fight against God.

Grinding his teeth together, Michael smashed his fist into a nearby boulder. That bastard. How could he do that to him? Betray him like that? Didn't he realize how much he loved him more than anything he'd ever known? He couldn't comprehend to that day why his brother would do something like that. It made no sense and no one had been able to bring him out of that darkness. No one except for Raphael.

That blond perverted doctor was probably his closest friend. Sometimes probably his only friend. But he liked him. At least that man didn't treat him like he was dangerous. The idiot would even go so far as to walk into the fire to be there for him. Who else would be stupid enough to pull something like that besides Raphael? There was a reason why he liked him and that was probably it. That willingness to do something so stupid just for the likes of him.

Smirking, he let his hand fall before jumping off the cliff he was on to go to the valley below. He landed easily and smoothly, rising to his feet with his hands in his pockets. Probably the worst thing about Raphael was just his annoying thing about women. Michael couldn't comprehend why he would want to go and sleep with all those women when they weren't worth that. Not even that Gabriel who apparently was the latest one he was hung up about.

It was amazing how quickly the smile faded just at that thought. What was so great about her anyway? When she was Gabriel then she was annoying about how peaceful and loving she was. When she was Gabriel mixed with a dose of Messiah's sister then she talked a lot with a bunch of words that made no sense at all. There wasn't anything worth wanting there. She wasn't even cute. Then again, girls in general weren't cute and they smelled terrible with all that perfume stuff they wore. Why Raphael would like them really was beyond him.

Bringing out his sword, he turned around quickly and chopped the head off a monster that had been trying to sneak up behind him. The head rolled to him and he planted his foot on top that while he watched the body fall. That grin was back.

He hated that Sevothtarte bastard for ordering him out here away from everyone but at least he could fight things out here. It helped to keep his frustrations down. Michael wasn't interested in watching Heaven fall apart anyway. All those rules about how to deal with things and the trial for Gabriel. No, he refused to believe that any of that actually mattered to him. As long as he had these hunts then he was fine. That little voice in his head that had him wondering where the hell the Messiah was to save his sister was just the breeze.

It didn't work.

Growling, Michael kicked a rock. "Damn it! I thought he was supposed to love her or something like that!"

Gabriel was like a sister to him even if he didn't like her. He didn't actually want anything to happen to her. And Raphael was looking useless for some reason too. He'd just allowed them to take her. It pissed him off that he could see all of this was going on and he couldn't fix it because damn it he was supposed to stay here. How stupid was that? So much for this Messiah who was supposed to do something about all of this. He wasn't even here.

He glared at the ground before he put his sword back in the sheath. In that moment, he turned around and found himself in a forest. Michael's anger faded into confusion as he blinked, looking around to figure out where he was. There were no forests in the lower levels. There hadn't been for centuries. He knew that well since he often hunted in those places. Which brought him to one conclusion.

Someone thought they could just kidnap him.

Instantly the anger was back and the temperature in the area began to rise as his wings came out. They flared out as he stomped his foot to the ground. "That low-life bastard. I'll kill him. I'll kill Sevothtarte."

A burst of power exploded from him to leave a crater behind. Some trees were still on fire but Michael wasn't paying attention to that. He'd just noticed that here was something in his pocket. A communication device apparently. Well at least he had that. Because the first thing he was going to do was call Raphael so he could go to him and complain. He didn't care what kind of orders he had.

Actually, scratch that. He really, really, really wanted to disobey these orders just to piss off the head angel. It would serve him right for pulling a stunt like this on him. Besides, he had to go and make sure that the jerk hadn't pulled this crap on Raphael too. Everyone else could go manage on their own but his friend probably needed a kick in the ass. Or two. Especially if there were women here.

Climbing up out of the hole he'd made, he planted his foot on a fallen tree and prepared to call out. "Alright. Let's see if I can get Raphael to come out like he's supposed to."