I'll b*tch about it, because IMO a male Angel has more... I dunno, impact, than a female would. Seems to me that the classic image of a Biblical angel, as envisioned by the general public, is a radiantly beautiful (dare I say metrosexual), curly-haired blonde guy with wings.
That's Angel. Picture this, it's an opening scene I cooked up for X3, using Marvels as a jumping-off point...
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It's the dark of night on a quiet summer evening in Anytown USA. An angry, gun-toting, torch-bearing mob is roaming the streets; they're out for blood. Average men and women, cops, lawyers, homemakers, children and teens, even a priest is among them. The cops have got scenting dogs in their midst, on the trail of something... or someone. Suddenly a woman screams out; the mob turns as one, and runs down to a nearby alleyway. They've cornered their quarry - a little mutant girl. She's maybe 12 years old, but undeniably a mutant, as evidenced by her freakishly enormous eyes and skull-like face. She's frightened, crying... the mob advances, tenatively at first - they're as scared as she is - but then more confidently, screaming obscenities at her. Suddenly the little girl lashes out, reacting out of terror; an energy wave knocks back the first few advancing men. Shocked and scared, the mob hesitates... then one of them throws a rock, striking the little girl on her head and knocking her down. Confident again, the crowd advances, as the mutant girl first struggles to rise, then covers her face as the first blow rains down...
But that first blow never comes. She uncovers her face, and looks to see the mob has retreated to the alley's entryway. They're staring in awe and fear at something behind her. She turns her gaze away from the mob and sees... an Angel. A light from down the alley shines through his wings, wreathing his body in a haunting, heavenly glow. His golden hair shines in the light, and wreathes his head in halo effect. With one smooth, fluid motion, he reaches down and scoops up the awestruck mutant girl, who instinctively clutches to her savior. The mob begins to advance, but one stern look from the creature standing before them freezes them in their tracks. A rush of wind sweeps the alley, as the Angel unfurls his wings and effortlessly launches himself into the air, carrying the little mutant girl away from her would-be killers, who now watch as the miracle that landed in their midst flies away into the night.
Soaring through the night sky, the little mutant girl looks down at the ground far below, then up at her savior. Noticing her gaze, the Angel turns his piercing blue eyes from the horizon to stare at his passenger. In a hushed voice, she asks, "Are... are you bringing me to God? To heaven?" Her savior then beams at her, a broad and warm smile, before turning and wheeling through the air, giving the little mutant girl the ride of her life. As dawn breaks, they reach their destination - the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. As light as a feather, Angel lands upon the ground and sets the little girl down. A pair of figures await them nearby.
"Hello Maggie," Xavier says to the little girl. The little mutant girl clutches to Angel's leg tightly, scared once more. From behind Xavier steps Rogue, who comes forward and extends her hand to Maggie. Maggie looks up to her Angel, who nods down at her and motions towards Rogue. Maggie takes Rogue's gloved hand, and the two walk together into the mansion, leaving Angel and Xavier together at the entrance.
Xavier is first to speak, "Good work, Warren," he says.
"We were lucky this time, Professor. This one... was close," Angel replies.
Xavier pauses. "Yes... yes, it was."
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Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand you get the general idea.
See, for that kind of thing to work, I think Angel's gotta be a guy.
