Winter's Return... [Gin, Tsubasa; closed]

[Ilreg Douisis Ofu'ul]

[This thread takes place approximately 3 years after Gin's induction as Ha-ou. Chronologically, it places after the events that led to Ilreg's capture and imprisonment in Hell, as well as the fight in the castle of Sanada Tomo]

A harsh wind blew down the alleyway centered behind a small enclave of shops and stores in the Rokusou. Frost began to accumulate on the brick walls and road, and soon a crackle and burst of light erupted from nothingness, bringing with it the harsh arctic wind that accompanied Ilreg when he used the 'Nexus' to travel back and forth from place to place. Stepping from the nothingness, his feet planted onto the ground as icicles formed around them. Snapping his fingers once he was completely within the scope of the realm that was once the foreground of his portal, Ilreg snapped his fingers and the pathway that showed nothing but frigid greenery of a once lush area of the Draconic Realm behind him all but disappeared.

"This place still reeks of the winged cretins, there stench is truly inescapable." Ilreg said, surrounding himself with a thin haze of super cooled air. One who had been through as much as he would have learned that humility is the best course of action in matters diplomacy, as the breakdown in communication can lead to many a troubling situation. But Ilreg Douisis Of'ful was a stubborn being, and he would wear the veil humility to suit his purposes for now. Ilreg looked to the sky to see a large mechanical being in sonic flight, the screech of which causing him mild irrational, as few would have the sensory perception to pick up on such.

Walking from the alley way into the sunlight of the realm, Ilreg manifested the paper he was given by a celestial by the name of Mikage Tsubasa, a paper that would hopefully avoid him the unpleasant situation of being the intruder yet again, resulting in an unexpected skirmish from those he sought to ally himself with. Despite his distaste for either Heaven or Hell, he and Tsubasa had a mutual understanding and hatred for Fallen beings. But more than that, as Ilreg walked the streets of the Rokusou, memories flooded his mind, as this was the place he spent much of his sheltered childhood, memories of loneliness and despair that would shape the person he was today. It was all this that made him come to the conclusion that allies would be found in the places most familiar to him. "Winter has returned it seems..." Ilreg said to himself, walking back to the place he was sent to stay during his last visit, ignoring the stares and jeers of onlookers.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

It was not very often that Tsubasa concerned herself with the whereabouts of visitors, but this particular one, this Ilreg was not of their race, and therefore he was more susceptible to suspicion than usual. He was traveling through Heaven under her vouch, something that seemed to be happening too often too recently for her liking. This was why she never opted for any sort of companion; having to keep a watchful eye on anyone but yourself was too troublesome. And after the Kouma Sensou the Celestials were well aware of the capabilities of Dragons. She was sure that there would be enough of the crowds of citizens watching him, but she was not going to allow anything to become her responsibility without her actually doing her job, which she could honestly say that many of her associates were not doing until recently.

The Atrium for the visitors' building was large and ornate, and showed all of the architectural creativity that Heaven could muster into one structure at one time. Intricate cravings adorned the walls, ceilings, doors, and the floor even erupted in a large scale pattern. There were members of an orchestra taking turns playing solos to add to the calming atmosphere. One would be surprised how many visitors from other Realms Heaven actually had. It was considered an oasis as compared to the Nigenkai, as Tsubasa had always thought that it should be. Walking in was an experience if you were seeing it for the first time.

Unfortunately, Tsubasa was not just seeing it for the first time. She was seeing it for the thousandth time upon another thousandth. And so, she passed by the enormous lobby without so much as a pause, and continued down the hall to the room that her particular visitor had been assigned, abruptly rapping on the door that separated the rest of Heaven from him.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin made the seemingly exact same trip to the Rokusou, again accompanied by Tsubasa, here to see a visitor of Draconic nature, his sudden appearance causing much rabble among the commoner and citizens of the sixth. Gin understood there feelings, the lat sudden visits from strangers not boding well for Heaven, and in the case of the sixth the fallen who was brazen enough to stroll around as if he had done nothing.

Despite this person having something that verified him as a guest of Tsubasa, Gin was apprehensive and waited in the lobby unguarded to blend in with the common people of Heaven, allowing Tsubasa time alone to verify this Dragon's purpose, after which Gin would be introduced into the conversation.

"Is there any thing I can offer you Gin-sama." A young female desk clerk asked the Ha-ou as he sat in a comfortable waiting chair, isolated in the corner of the atrium.

"Something to read perhaps, a parchment or document that Chronicles recent happenings." Gin said, his face nearly unreadable as the women bowed and then sped off to retrieve some form of literature for him to read.

[Ilreg Douisis Ofu'ul]

Ilreg kept his words and thoughts to himself, ignoring the not so silent murmurs of onlookers, continuing to trek forward, having scanned and set the area to memory, in events from both his childhood and recent past visits to the 6th layer heaven. Soon he could hear the clanking of something large and metallic over head, sensing a strong magical resonance from the humanoid machine construct as it landed in the streets before him.

Standing there towering over the Dragon, the machines optical sensors flashed, in an attempt to scan him, and then from a voice deep within its core, it began to speak to Ilreg, treating him as an unknown foreigner as it brandished a weapon aimed at Ilreg, many of the people seemingly used to the presence of these mechanical behemoths.



"HALT, NON CELESTIAL LIFEFORM DETECTED, VERIFY YOUR IDENTIFICATION." The machine said a in booming voice, its auditory excess unable to mask its cold and monotone speech.

Ilreg clenched his fists in annoyance, one at this path being blocked, and the other at the manner in which the machine spoke to him. Shoot an icy glance back at the creature, Ilreg procured his verification of purpose, his letter from Mikage Tsubasa, which he felt should have sufficient enough, but spoke to further remove himself from this situation. "I am here to see Tsubasa golem, ad you are hindering me from doing so. My seal denotes that I was to have access to this layer, being a guest of state, now if you are finished remove yourself from path." Ilreg said in his typical contemptuous, and snide manner, not hiding his distaste for the creature at all.

Ignoring his words, the Elementech scanned his letter, revealing its authenticity to be valid, with a flash of its optical sensors. "YOU MAY PASS." it said before blasting of the ground back into the sky, transforming into a mechanical form that resembled a streamlined bird, or one of the flying machines humans used for transport known as a jet.

Not even glancing in the direction of the now gone machine Ilreg continued his journey to the place of lodging he was instructed to reside during his last visit. Upon arriving not too long after he walked into the atrium, its lavish designs and ornaments all but ignored by Ilreg, he himself had no appreciation for art and the beauty of design and craftsmanship. Walking to the desk, Ilreg's eyes met with that of the young woman assigned to the task of greeting guests, and he sparred her no courtesy in his speech. "Where is Mikage Tsubasa located, I require her presence and consul." Ilreg said, his eyes and glance resembling the sun at high noon on a frigid December day.

"Tsubasa-sama has expected your arrival and is waiting for you near your room, number 423." the girl said, intimidated by his glance, as well a s feeling the cold air flowing from him as he quickly turned away from her, walking off into the direction of his room, leaving frost in his footsteps as she looked to the corner of the room where the Ha-ou sat, taking a momentary break from his reading to watch as the 'visitor' arrived and set off to find his quarry.

Walking away from his in a cold manner, Ilreg followed the numbering that designated the placement of the rooms in the building. As he grew closer, the familiar scent of Tsubasa's presence bean to fill his nostrils, and in no more than a moments time he was face to face with her, her powerful and commanding presence a match for his own in terms of intimidation, a look of annoyance on her face as well as she stood outside his door, rapping upon as he stood in the hall way feet away from here.

"I am here Mikage Tsubasa, back from the bowels of Hell, and I have much to say about what I have seen... and who I have slain...." Ilreg said, a cruel look of pleasure spreading across his pale face as he starred at Tsubasa.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

The words that fell from Ilreg's lips were encouraging enough to lift the annoyance at having to wait for Ilreg's arrival. Even the Dragon himself seemed to be excited by having a forum through which to release his information, despite it being an unspoken agreement between the two of them.

Tsubasa met Ilreg's eyes calmly; it amused her that the cold look on his face had undoubtedly unnerved some of the more sensitive inhabitants of the Realm. Tsubasa often received the same reaction from on-duty personnel, and it contented her to know that it would continue to happen so long as they allowed her presence to intimidate them. She was sure that Ilreg felt the same way in his own right, specifically because he was able to intimidate those on a higher plateau than himself, as far as Tsubasa was concerned.

"I ask you to please enter the room and await for me there, I must retrieve my escort," she said, referring to Gin without revealing his rank or position.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin sat there, continuing to both feign interest in the article he was reading, as well as listening for cues from Tsubasa to join their guest in his assigned quarters. He heard Tsubasa's neutral response to the Dragon's brash commentary on the ease of his travels to the heart of the enemy of Heaven's lair. Gin heard Tsubasa's attempt to appease the Dragon to wait a moment longer for her colleague to join, Gin smiled slightly at her cunning description without betraying his identity. Standing Gin walked over to the edge of the wall, meeting Tsubasa as she turned the corner.

"You never cease to amaze me Tsubasa, what do you think of this Dragon's colorful... 'commentary'?" Gin said, rolling the parchment in his hands, doubtful of the Dragon boasts. Gin had starred the enemy in the face, and lived to tell of this encounter despite the horrific injury he suffered. He would not take the word alone of a stranger who claimed to be an ally via loose past associations, for it would take more than claims to convince this battle hardened king of Heaven.

[Ilreg Douisis Ofu'ul]

Ilreg listened scornfully as Tsubasa's unseen comrade dismissed his claims as hearsay. "Winged idiot, he dares not spit such dissuasive tripe to my face." Ilreg said in a low voice, turning to enter the room and wait for Tsubasa. Looking around,not much had changed since the last time he entered the room, albeit the damage his magic had done had been repaired long ago. Ilreg's time spent in the Umbra had taught him the tenets of patience, something his hubris had not allowed him prior to his venture in hell.

Looking around for something on which to sat, Ilreg saw nothing pleasing and reclined to standing near a window, looking outside as he folded his arms, Ilreg waited as Tsubasa had asked him, his temperament growing more and more irritable as he saw a group of small children playing outside, many of them possessing animal like traits similar to his own when he was in his youth.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

"Winged idiot, he dares not spit such dissuasive tripe to my face." Ilreg said quietly.

This was the most insluting thing that Tsubasa had yet to hear about the current King of Heaven, and it set her blood on fire. "You will not," she snapped almost before Ilreg had finished speaking, "open your mouth and speak words like that about the King of Heaven while you are still accepting our generous hospitality."

Looking in Gin's direction, she wondered if he would have any words to counter what the Dragon had said. Tsubasa found herself clenching her wrists. She was trying very hard to still be polite, and her already think patience was running thin. She was not sure what he would say, particularly because he possessed more of many "good natured" qualities that she lacked. Would he be gentlemanly or authoritative? How Gin deciphered these things was not clear to him quite yet, and so all she could do was wait for his answer.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"An idiot he says, I wonder Tsubasa if these were the same weapons our guest used in his... recent 'campaign' against our mutual 'fallen' enemies. If so, I must he must have met with less than marginal success, I believe that Sanada must have heard better in her nigh five milineum lifespan." Gin said, looking forward, to their arrogant guest, his words spoken in a tone loud enough to be heard by the Dragon.

Walking into the room, Gin found himself a seat, unaffected by the Dragon's cold body language in demeanor. Seating himself, Gin looked toward the door for Tsubasa, and turned his attention back to the man known as Ilreg. "Was this all you came to report, I do believe my day could be better spent no listen to rabble about your futile exploits, Ilreg I believe that was your nom de guerre.

"Please, do not take my words as insulting, I am nearly skeptical to the validity of your exploits. You mean to stand here and have me and my comrade believe that you, a single being was about to do what an entire military force was unable to do, and walk away unscathed, even to the point of arrogance as you reference your conflict as nothing more than a mere skirmish." Gin said starring at Ilreg, his voice steady and calm, his gaze directed right into Ilreg's own eyes.

[Ilreg Douisis Ofu'ul]

Ilreg continued to stare at the man who so casually sat before him, his tone and speech beyond haughty, almost as if he commanded Ilreg's respect and attention, something the arrogant dragon did not care for in the least. After hearing Tsubasa's comrade address him in such a trivial manner, Ilreg let his hands fall to his side as Tsubasa entered the room.

"You address me not only as if I were some fool yammering about to seek your approval, but as someone who has not proved his words true. The only lie is the peaceful demeanor I present, the facade of contented emotions I have tried to display to you Celestials time and time again, only to be treated as some diseased outsider with a facetious tongue." Ilreg said walking over to Gin.

"I have come to you with information that I assume would have been of value to you and your kind in this petulant war you wage, because we have a common enemy in the fallen. But if I am to be treated as such, the wind shall carry me and all I have to say, that is if are only going to sit there to goad me, as if you were the person I came to see." Ilreg said to Gin in an angry and mutually annoyed voice, sharply turning his eyes to Tsubasa. "Tsubasa, you expressed to me the desire to purge these fiends and their worthless existence from all of Creation, a desire I shared with you in our last meeting."

"But if you have become so docile, that you would have this... guest of your rattle what alliance we had, tell me to my face if I am to leave." Ilreg said, standing in Tsubasa's face, his frigid breath and even colder aura spilling into her personal space. Ilreg rarely expressed sincerity outside of his desire to take a life, but today his eyes read of actual truth when he starred into Tsubasa, his face stone and cold as he looked to see if the Tsubasa that threatened his life as if he nothing in there first meeting was even the person whom he dealt with today.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

Tsubasa clenched her fist, the only way that she could think of to express her anger physically without destroying the hotel and the personnel within. She was more than outraged. She was not only insulted but infuriated. How could any single organism have the audacity to speak to any King of Heaven, let alone Gin. While Tsubasa couldn't stand the feeling of regret, she had to say that she indeed regretted allowing him access even to only the sixth layer.

"Perhaps you are treated like an outsider because of your atrocious manners. You yourself said that your peaceful demeanor is a lie--that in itself is the problem. You are here under my graces, and I will just as easily revoke them and send you to the Mortal Realm. This is not my guest here so much as I am his, and I warn you again to watch your words. I am loathe to dissolve our alliance, but I am not willing to accept such behavior, either. No exceptions. I have no problem escorting your out of Heaven myself if necessary."

She could feel the room growing colder around her, but she was not intimidated at all by his tandrum.

[Ilreg Douisis Ofu'ul]

Words couldn't describe the betrayal that Ilreg felt as Tsubasa addressed him, the one Celestial that he would place any stock in had betrayed him like all the others, except she surpassed them in shock to him in one aspect, he demeanor was a complete reversal of the bloodthirsty arrogance and bravado that she showed in their first meeting. Turning to look at the man who remain seated, it became all to clear to Ilreg what triggered Tsubasa's change in attitude, this man who sat and addressed Ilreg as if he were a liar. Yet again Ilreg was in his own mind betrayed for another man, and as Tsubasa continued her verbal assault to him, all he could here were the words of his own mother.

Ilreg calmed himself, and as he looked back at Tsubasa, his golden eyes flashed with the most intense hatred. His gaze beamed at Tsubasa, his face deadened now to any emotion except anger. Taking a breath so deep, his exhale chilled the collar of Tsubasa's attire.

"I have met many Celestials, and I have loathed every single one of your putrid kind, but you Mikage Tsubasa, you are the absolute worst of the entire lot! Never have a dealt with such cowardly slime, to think, your whole attitude changes whilst in the presence of this man, your keeper I suppose. Is he the reason you have become a quagmire of fear, this man who speak, and remains seated in my presence. I have fought Sanada Tomo and lived, as well as a host of her kings in the same altercation and I live, can either of you say the same? Answer me Tsubasa, you loathsome whore? Even while I had Uesegi Yomi's decrepit throat on my blade, she did not yield, and you have not even drawn a weapon, and you have not even begun to fight and you surrender." Ilreg said with much hate in his voice as he addressed Tsubasa.

"I alone am left to deal with all of these issues. I alone see the fallacies and dangers. But that does not change that Heaven need all the reliable and respectful help that it can gather. I am lucky to be able to name you as both...for now." Ilreg spat Tsubasa's words back at her, trembling with rage, desperately trying to maintain his composure as his magic caused frost to creep up the walls of the room, Ilreg drawing blood from his clenched fist as he stepped closer to Tsubasa's face.

"And if you betray me in any way, shape, or form, I will kill you myself. One step out of line and I will have your head rolling on my desk and draining blood onto the floor. Do we have an understanding?" Ilreg said to her, no longer hiding his anger in his voice as he addressed Tsubasa. "Well, if you are going to do something, do it now, while you draw breath, you weak bitch." Ilreg said, as he smirked, finishing his words sharply as the cold wind that was his breath beat down upon Tsubasa's face, turning his back to her to.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin watched intently as Ilreg spoke to Tsubasa, repeating words that sounded as if she had spoken them herself, paying close attention to just how angry the Dragon had become at the revelation that Heaven no longer required his assistance. It was then that Gin began to notice his hands growing cold from the unnatural drop in temperature in the room, hearing the paint chip as ice began to creep up the corners of the wall, and a thin layer of frost forming on her glasses, cleaning his glasses as Ilreg took a moment to look at him, turning back to address Tsubasa in the most dis respective of manner.

Standing up in a non threating manner, Gin stood behind Ilreg, and began to orient his hand inside his robes to reach for a concealed weapon if need be. "I do believe you have made your point. If insults are all you have left to discuss, then you should depart from here." Gin said in a authoritative tone. Gin had not had the time to adequately asses the validity of his claim by talking with the Yami-ou, something he would soon correct.

If what the Dragon he said to be true, than he was too dangerous to not be cautious around, and judging from the conviction in his voice and rather garish manner in bring the names of those he had fought with, Gin sensed their was some truth to is claim. More than anything, if he would be successful in provoking Tsubasa to act rashly, Gin would have no choice in helping her to dispel him at any cost.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

Tsubasa listened as the Dragon before her continued to whine like a child about how he hated Celestials. Tsubasa noticed a layer of frost growing on her collar, but she stared ahead into Ilreg's eyes as he continued to speak. She fed off of his anger, and every word that he spoke added to the spread of Tsubasa's smile throughout the Dragon's speech. He thought that her attitude was changing. That she was leaving their alliance for information and for the extermination of the Fallen Ones. Was he really so insecure that a change in approach would rattle him this much? Perhaps this poor Dragon didn't have anyone else to rely on for help.

But Tsubasa was patient, and waited for him to finish speaking before making her reply. Gin stated his opinion, which was very much of the basis that if Ilreg was not going to hold up his end and actually divulge information, he would be allowed to leave The King had moved behind Ilreg, and Tsubasa felt the makings of a fight in the air. However, Tsubasa still felt as strongly about her goal as ever, and she did not wish to end an alliance so violently simply because someone was insecure.

It made her angry. She wanted to kill him. But she would not. Despite her feelings towards this fellow's lack of conduct, Tsubasa was reminded of herself by him, and if he could learn to behave he could make a proper ally. Heaven would accept all that were at their disposal, and she would not ruin this just because of her own emotions. She was in control of them now, and trusted Gin enough to make the right decisions for Heaven as far as this was concerned.

"I see now," Tsubasa said, still smiling, "that you are nought but a child when compared to the great and wise beings that typically populate your race. That being said, I am still willing to work with you. I must inform you, though, that I will not tolerate such speech in the future if you wish this alliance to continue. In all honesty, your boasting means nothing. I have fought the Kings and their armies and lived. So has Gin. And we fought they while they were at their best, and we were in ours. We fought them when the low-lives such as Tsubarisu Kojiro and Kawahira Ayaka were replaced with Ohtori Jin and Ishii Shoko. We fought them when the grounds were equal. Sanada? Nothing more than an empty shell. Why else would she have gone mad and exterminated Chiyo? You fought husks of what the Hellion Army used to be. Yomi? You had her throat on your blade? I had her guts on the floor. I fought Yomi at her best, in her first body, and I killed her. I spilled her insides on Sanada's front lawn.

"I have not surrendered anything. Heaven has many priorities, and yours will have to wait until ours are satisfied. Even if you can stand up to a few Kings of Hell, could you fight all of Heaven and survive? I think not. You will have to wait, impatient child, until we are ready to take the steps to accomplished the goal that I discussed with you earlier. You are not in command here; you need to learn your place. I am willing to compromise but you are not even worth a piece of my nation. I will not sacrifice it for you, and considering your more noble heritage, you should not be willing to do such a thing, either. The fact of the matter is that you require us as an entity to help you. Despite your pride, you will have to start viewing things they way that they actually are rather than what you wish them to be, or you will be the one ruin this alliance."

She decided to completely ignore the recitation of her own words. She had meant what she had promised him about his betrayal, and repeating it back to her would not change the fact that she had been serious.

"If my companion is skeptical about your words, you will prove him wrong with your evidence, not idle pratter meant to insult the both of us. You are not so holy that your words are to be believed by default. If we are going to have to go through a conversation much like this one every time someone's opinion differs from yours, then you can leave this place and take your winter with you. This is not my choice to make. It is time for you to make yours."

Tsubasa hoped that her reply was suitable for Gin's sake. She did not know what he was getting at, but she had noticed a certain inconsistency with his speech, and by replacating it she was doing his bidding. She supposed that this fight was somewhat important to Heaven, but knowing Sanada from having both worked with and fought against, Tsubasa did not think that such a fight would be part of a plan of some sort. She would set her mind to figuring this out later, the cause for the fight in which Ilreg was involved.

[Ilreg Douisis Ofu'ul]

The manner in which Tsubasa chose to adress the sharp tounged and arrogant Dragon infuriate him to no end. Ilreg was accustomed to being the dealer of such ferocious verbal assualts, but never the victim, as Tsubasa continued to demoralize him with every word. She refered to him as a child, and informed him that despite his hubirs about his conquests against Sanada and her people, he had indeed fought those who were not up to par at all, or well beyond their priome, even going so far as to smear his previous comment about Yomi by informing him that she was indeed the one that enbded her life.

As Tsubasa continued, Ilreg trembled with fury, and he could hear the footsteps of the man whom injected himself into what should have been a private meeting slowly approaching behind him. When Tsubasa finished, Ilreg had been outdone at his own game, Tsubasa having rendered his now petty comments to ribbons in a manner that even Ilreg himself had to begrudgingly respect. Ignoring the words of the man to his rear, Ilreg slowed down his breathing, and starred at Tsubasa in silence for several seconds, before the ice that crept up the walls in and around the room immediately stopped and shattered, falling to the floor like so much glass.

"You... You dare insult me like this?! You stand there and smile, looking content as if you have won some great contest. You words ring as if you, the great and powerful Tsubasa stood alone at the doorstep of the Yami-ou, battle hardened with weapon in hand, you blood soaked uniform clinging to your putrid body. But we both know this not to be true don't we, you with your personal Legion of winged idiots flying into one another, fighting your inane struggle for dominance, you and your desire to rule Heaven under you weak fist. As young as I may be, I am not too naive to know when assistance is required." Ilreg said begrudgingly, the sour taste of discontent filling his mouth.

"Regardless of my disgust for you as of now, I still require your aid. For now, I will sate my desire to rip you to pieces and feast on your carcass within my own mind, and share with you what I have seen. My excursion into Hell was one of reconnaissance, for my own people have a stake in seeing Hell brought to its knees and I was charged with the task of finding out as much as I could while I was there. Sanada has nothing but incompetence amongst her ranks, as I could not met in any civil manner with anyone that served her, all my confrontations with her kings met with violence and my discovery that many of the sections of Hell have no ruler. Her Kings are weal, and I was able to crush them with little to no opposition, but constant battle among other injuries I sustained put me in the position of being captured by a creature or familiar who powers seemed limitless.

"This abomination had imprisoned me within the confides of Sanada's dungeon within her main strong hold in the 7th layer of Hell, and it was there I met her after regaining consciousness. She had nothing of any importance to say, and gawked at me as if I were some spectacle, some beast to be amused by. Needless to say, my imprisonment proved to be a fatal error, and after much struggle I managed to escape my bounds, only to be forced to fight the entire assemblage of her kings, her personal familiar that resonate Darkness as well as the Yami-ou herself, and two other beings who helped to bind me, their scent familiar to that of Fae and Celestial." Ilreg said, divulging his secrets to Tsubasa, her speech having bested his own bravado.

"But among those peons there was one person who had not served under the Yami-ou, and while I did battle with her, his insistence on destroying her caused us to come into conflict, his thirst for her blood nearly destroying the rest of her pathetic host. Does the name Taiyou mean anything to you Tsubasa, or does your decrepit and disease-ridden senile mind lack the ability to recall names and faces." Ilreg said in disgust, his mind now ablaze with the face of the powerful Taiyou, someone he had grown to hate with much intensity after their initial confrantation.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin was trying to interpret Tsubasa's threats as well as the Dragon's demeanor as they trade verbal blows. He was pleased at efficiently Tsubasa handled the Dragon's supposed vicious character assassination, as well as dispersing her own brand of insults, which were mixed with an certain amount of persuasion to address the supposed alliance she made with this Dragon some time ago. Gin the removed his hand from his robes as the Dragon angrily submitted to her request, listening to his words, which carried some degree legitimacy.

Several key facts were brought to life, and Gin absorbed the words as they exited the Dragons mouth. It would appear as if Hell had fallen on hard times, and was not the pillar of strength it once was during Heaven's occupation and subjugation. Many of it's realms were unguarded, and Sanada no longer possessed the caliber of force she once had if one person was able to do battle and return in relatively the same condition Gin last saw them in. But of all the things that this Dragon had said, one name struck a chord with the Ha-ou in particular, Taiyou, a name the Dragon said with much disgust, as Gin also felt a cord of loathing fill his being. Gin was now resigned to supporting Tsubasa from afar, unwilling to enter the parade of insults that Ilreg and Tsubasa traded with one another, hoping the name of her former servant would complell her to ask why was there a mutiny within Sanada's army, and how he could go about finishing an opponent who was long since gone but not forgotten.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

Tsubasa watched as Ilreg's ice crept up the wall and shattered, a very pretty piece of emotion manifested that meant absolutely nothing. Despite the way that he chose to coat the words following his display, he surrendered his position to her, and from the Elder's point of view, the Dragon did not have a choice in the first place.

"Keep in mind that you have admitted that you require our assistance, Ilreg. In the future, I expect you to at least respect our ways if you do not agree with them." That was a matter that had to be settled first. This encounter, if anything, had confirmed that Ilreg was hasty and did many things without thinking about the consequences, relying on his own personal ability to bail him out of situations that he cannot overpower. It would come in handy some day--perhaps he would make a sacrifice if he didn't learn his own limits, but his cockiness was a quality that she abhorred and admired at the same time.

Then...he began to spout more of what she did not want to hear.

He recited the journey that he had made into Hell, and as the details of his excursion began to unfold, Tsubasa's eyes seemed to lose the light of expectation that they had held while she was speaking to him. When he was done, she turned stoutly to Gin, with a small bow, and said, "I am requesting permission to report upon the Dragon's recount while reconciling with the information I already have about Heaven."

She continued without waiting for permission in this case; it was necessary. She had more seniority than Gin, and he--as well as Ilreg--needed to know what was useful and what was not.

"As of the the date on which the temporary treaty between Heaven and Hell was called, it was known that the Layer of Hell were governed by beings only the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Levels. This is consistent with Ilreg's account. As of our alliance with the Fae Queen Na'ame, we have been told that there was a visit to the Elven city of Exile that had previously gone undetected. When questioned, the Elves specifically noted that those who had spoken with Sanada were gone. As far as the other details among Ilreg's account of his journey, that would be refering to Sanada's personal magics, as I have encountered them myself in my past life. As for...Taiyou," she remembered the name clearly, as she did with others who had betrayed her. "He is a Fallen one, of those who originally defected with Sanada Tomoyo." Although Tsubasa kept her face clear, she could very clearly remember the time at which she had cast Tomoyo out. Heaven had been a much better place. Flawed, perhaps, but much better than things were at the present. "Report concluded."

[Ilreg Douisis Ofu'ul]

To Ilreg's amazement, after Tsubasa's tone of superiority dictated to Ilreg his reliance on Heaven to see Hell fall, she immediately deferred to the man behind him in completely subordinate form, revealing to Ilreg that he was in fact her superior, which by extension, made him Ilreg's superior as well, a notion that did not sit well with him. As Tsubasa finished speaking Ilreg could not help to notice that Tsubasa had referred to Taiyou as if he were just another fallen, a statement that previous expire had proven to Ilreg to be the farthest matter from the truth.

"I now realize the error of my ways, I attempted to do business with a runner of errands, a person who spoke haphazardly about their importance to sate their self inflated ego, a mistake I shall seek to rectify. I no longer have business to discuss with you Tsubasa, and henceforth I shall direct my attentions and queries to the man behind me, a pauper has no business answering for a prince, as a maid has no more business discussing the master of the estates business." Ilreg said as he sharply turned his back to Tsubasa, now facing Gin.

"I cannot speak for the Fae or the Elves, outside of one isolated event with a particular idiot named Rosey, which is separate from my excursion into Hell. Sanada did not perish by my hand, and unfortunately I can only assume she still breaths. These altercations have happened sometime ago, and I am not aware as to how you Celestials keep track of events and time. Taiyou, I can only presume lives as well, but prior to my departure, he had the intentions to murder Sanada himself, this all I have to say." Ilreg said bitterly, awaiting a response from Gin.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin reminded silent while Ilreg spoke, turning to face the Ha-ou, after informing Tsubasa that he would no longer refer to her in matters of state, his tone and demeanor changed after Tsubasa had deferred authority to him in making her report. Satisfied with her response, Gin smiled in approval to Tsubasa, approving of her report, now waiting for Ilreg to finish his speech before he addressed the dragon. After Ilreg had finished speaking, Gin push his glasses higher on to his face as his eyes met Ilreg's own, the Ha-ou now ready to address the situation.

"Your report is satisfactory Tsubasa, all facts from Ilreg's report that lie within the confides of our mutual knowledge will be taken in consideration with the upcoming meeting I have with the Yami-ou. As far as the rest of your speech Ilreg, Sanada remaining alive is something that I never doubted, even at the height of your claims you could not have defeated her, and as far the man you battled, his name is Kanjin Taiyou, is while he is not as powerful as Sanada Tomo, he too would have been far beyond the scope of your abilities. Do not take my words as harsh or inconsiderate to your experience, for I speak from the scope of having battled Taiyou, on that ended in a tactical retreat that saved the lives of my men in the field. I have also considered in many a tactical scenario that Sanada cannot be defeated in a one on one confrontation, she is far too powerful, based off of past campaigns and. But the information that you have presented is of substantial value, as is your position of informant, something I seek to make permanent." Gin said, waving his hand over the place where Ilreg had concealed his notice from Tsubasa.

"The insignia on you letter has been upgrade to that of a higher clearance, based on your preference to answer to me, the Ha-ou and Supreme King of Heaven, Tsubasa's superior Kouzetsu Gin. Any and all information you have shall be brought to me henceforth, but be mindful of your callous tongue and sullen demeanor, for neither I nor Tsubasa have been amused of your immature antics. Despite your low opinion of her, Tsubasa has proven herself to be an outstanding citizen of this nation, and you will continue to work with her in the future, for she will be present at all our meetings unless specified. Needles to say, I when not make threats, and I will not goad you into a contest of petty insults, the results of your non compliance or betrayal should be self explanatory. Do I make myself clear Ilreg." Gin said in an authoritative tone, not darting his eyes for a second as he addressed the Dragon.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

Tsubasa clenched her fists at Ilreg's last statement. She, Tsubasa, compared to a slave, a maid, or an indentured servant. She bit her lip to keep herself from saying anything. It was not so much the insult that offended her but the implication that she was not needed in this transaction in general.

She took a deep breath to calm herself. I am through with you as well, Ilreg. Tsubasa had done countless things in the name of Heaven. At one point, she had been second in command! That was more prestige, purpose and worth than Ilreg would collect in his entire lifetime, Dragon or not. He was working with Heaven now, and soon would come the day where he would need her expertise. She was one of the oldest Angels in Heaven who had seen repeated combat against Tomoyo and all matters involving her. She had been in Heaven from the beginning! She had seen the Gods! Talked to them! Were trained by them! And Ilreg had the never to compare her to a maid? She could rule Heaven if she wanted to. And she would run it efficiently, had she the chance.

She began to open her mouth to say something, but Gin spoke first. She supposed that was a good thing; she knew that she had been about to speak without thinking, and doing something rash after making all of this progress with the Dragon would have ruined it all. It would have been unforgivable. Tsubasa nodded as she and her report were acknowledged by Gin, and the Ha-ou verbally reprimanded Ilreg for his harsh verbose toward Tsubasa.

But Tsubasa, reassured by Gin's words, no longer cared about Ilreg's words. He was like the rest. Ignorant. Arrogant. And after failing to acknowledge her usefulness, Tsubasa considered all ties between them severed. "Now that you are under Gin's rule, I would like my letter of permission back." She said it in the most calm tone that she could muster, actually summoning a small smile to present to Gin.