Of Cashmere and Philosophers {Gin; Closed}

[Sanada Tomo]

Sanada Tomoyo did not travel with a group or an escort her through the Path of Gates; she didn't need one, and she felt the need to prove that more so now than ever before since her back injuries had healed. She had rejoiced at the eventually gained ability of being able to stand, of being able to kick out her legs, of feeling the muscles clench and tighten and release without any pain at all. She'd been hurt before, had to sit still for longer during the day than he wanted to, but she had never had half of her part of her body physically paralyzed like that, and it was an experience that she would never repeat.

She had never, aside from exchanging blows with Balaam and Balak, fought a Dragon before toe-to-toe. She was more of a method fighter, one who used relied on strategy just a little more then strength; she was wise enough to admit that she wasn't made of the stuff that Dragonslayers were--and it was because of these two things that she both had respect for Dragons and the ones that brought them down. Her mark, although not sustained from Ilreg had been received because of him, and she would not forget that easily. He was a worthy opponent, and she could now see how their sheer power alone had made them worhy candidates for Nayanae's experiments, although her bout with the Ice Wyvern would effectively serve as a reminder as to why Dragons should not be sought after in such a way.

She was elated, even knowing that she was heading into a meeting with the most rigid of Heaven's Kings. She honestly wasn't sure what to think or what she was going to say to Kouzetsu Gin, the man who had seen fit to attempt to separate Heaven and Hell as much as possible, but she knew that she wasn't trying to get into any fights any time soon if she could help it. She'd been training a little with her legs--they still felt slightly as though they were asleep and she had to get the blood flowing again, even if physically she was already healed. It wore off more with every day, and she was sure that she would be completely normal by the end of the week.

She had actually taken the entire path there by foot and wing. She hadn't bothered cutting through the fabric of the Realms to get to the Path of Gates; she didn't want to go use it too many times. While she had traveled wildly as a younger Fallen, she had come to see her ability as a coveted gift, something that shouldn't be used unless there was no risk or it was necessary. She had traveled for a while, but the work was good for her since she had been newly on her feet again.

Preparations had been made. Last minute tweaks to the her Castle's repairs were being made, and Rakeru was being cared for by Yomi with the help of Chikara (although it was more like Yomi watching Chikara take care of Rakeru; she hated children) and she dearly hoped that this wasn't a trap of any sort. Since the attack back Ilreg the guards on each layer had been doubled and there were also habitual magical scans to detect unusual magic in the area. It was something that Yomi had suggested before, and while Tomo had always tried to find an equilibrium between Yomi's strict military strategies and Rei's dependency on magic, right now, she found herself leaning toward Yomi's tactic. She hoped that nothing would transpire while she was gone.

At the Gate, she found Two Uprights posted at the entrance to Heaven's first layer, something that she hadn't seen in quite some time. Tomo's mind flashed back to a time when the Mortal Realm was deep in natural magics as opposed to technologies, when even a human might accidentally stumble through a whole in the fabric to the Path of Gates and find the Gate waiting for them. Humans never got into Heaven uninvited, but now they could not even enjoy the view.

"You know who I am," she said, unsheathing her dark plumage for no other reason than the comfort of it, hands on her hips. Considering that she didn't want to be immediately insulted by the guards for her presumptuous nature, she added, "The Yami-ou. Here for the Ha-ou, please." She didn't like these pleasantries and fake courtesies. She would much rather mean them, genuinely like she had with the Ha-ou of old.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin had chosen his favorite linens to adorn on this fateful day. A simple combination of bright viridian, cream, and gold embroidery, finished with his favorite lavender sash about his waist. They were not his most luxurious pieces of clothing, his kingly robes left back in his palace, nor were they his most functional, his simple battle tunics and armored cloth sets left behind in favor of the same outfit he wore the day his kingship was announced. That day had been three years ago, three years of lingering fear, doubt, and bloodshed despite his sincerest efforts to make separate kingdoms of Heaven and Hell, seeking to free the Uprights from the bounds of insolence, idiocy, and tolerance for Hellions that permeated the ruling structure of Heaven prior to his reign.

Secret attacks, misleading information from untrustworthy sycophants, and a number of celestial and human contacts unaccounted for, Gin had decided that if the two nations were to come to war, and the armistice set at the conference were to be ignored solely being based of a verbal agreement, he wanted Sanada Tomoyo to fully understand the brevity of his words. There would be no peace unless it was writ in stone, too many betrayals and festering wounds long past healing still lingered in the air like incense, and though Gin personally abhorred all Fallen, he would maintain his composure out of sheer respect for her position as his chief adversary.

His thoughts bounced between those of Tomoyo and their past conversation, his knowledge of the war criminal Kanjin Taiyou still being alive, and potentially allied with Hell, Ishii Shoko and his ilk still on the loose, the fate of the boy Arashi, the legitimacy of the words of the sullen Dragon Ilreg, and the status of the heir to one of the most powerful families in all of heaven, the Yamazaki-Ichizoku, Rakeru Yamazaki, the toddler prince of Hell and Tomoyo's youngest child. His walk from the portal in the first layer of Heaven gave him much time to contemplate his queries, responses, and terms with the Yami-ou, he would never utter her name now that he was King of Heaven. Much had changed since they first and last spoke, and now being at equal standing politically, he would only be as cordial as his position permitted him to be.

He was only 40 feet away as he saw her touch down, her immense raven wingspan beating the air magnificently as she began to touchdown to the ground. Her features betrayed her age, the now close to 4 millennium and counting First Ha-ou and current Yami-ou looking no older than Gin himself, and as much as he was loathe to admit, there were seldom Fae in possession of such comely features, sweet bile in the back of Gin's mouth as he would never dare as much to entertain saying it aloud, banishing the ideas as soon as they took form. As he grew closer he went to the guards at the station and acknowledged his presence as per her request, "I am here, Yami-ou. You two are officially relieved of duty till the adjourning of this meeting of kings, dismissed." Gin said with a hand on the shoulder of each guard. The two guard nodded after their initial salutations, and turned to make for their transport vehicle. Lifting off and jettisoning toward the security gate.

And it was here they stood alone, the pillars of power and arguably the most influential and powerful beings in creation, ready to converse for the good of their respective people. There was no room for back talk, and immature subordinates wouldn't tarnish this talk, Gin could only wonder what he and Tomoyo could have reached if they were the only one's present at the celestial conference, something that seemed to have taken place eons ago.

"As the head of state, it compels me to offer my condolences for the loss of your husband, comrades, and citizens. If you have something similar to say, please do so expeditiously so we may be done with these false pleasantries, the notion of casual conversation being sorely out of place here, something despite the disparaging gaps we share in belief we can both agree to." Gin said, his luxurious coal black ponytail that reached down to his lower back wafting slightly in the gentle breeze the blew through the Path of Gates. He was now standing face to face with the Yami-ou, his hands clasped behind his back in his usual stance, his shoulders loose but not slacken, his voice stern but low, and his equally black eyes and their gaze fixed on the azure pools of Sanada Tomyo's own through his ornate crystal spectacles.

[Sanada Tomo]

Tomoyo smiled brightly at Gin, bowing slightly as he approached. He looked rather springy, his brightly colored robes not much more decorative than her own; his color was much more well chosen--she had only gone with a simple powder blue, white blades of wheat-grass making a nice abstract scene. Her obi was indian red, a nice if not pastel accent. She brushed her hair out of her eyes as she listened to his words, and her corners of her mouth began to falter, turning into a small, graceful frown as he finished.

"I extend no false pleasantries," she said, her voice dainty and delicate, "and I am a fan of casual conversation to break the ice. It is not often now that I am given the chance to personally check on the health and status of Heaven, seeing as how I have been barred from visiting myself. I am very much interested in the welfare of the people, the families; just as much as I am my own. I also extend my concern to you, Jouha-ou no Zenten." She said nothing of his acknowledgment; at least he had been honest about his feelings--she would have been able to tell if he had been lying, anyway.

It seemed that things were getting off to a very slow start, and Tomoyo tried to minimize her discomfort. She was not used to meetings between Kings being of this particular air--even when she had been in the same room as Tsubarisu Hotaka, who she knew hated her, the conversation was more interesting and up beat. She remembered now, in hindsight, how he had attempted to kill her with a single blade and no enchantments or magic. It had been a foolish ploy to discourage her, and it hadn't worked in the least. She asked herself how she could imagine him doing now. "I would," she said, "like to inquire about the whereabouts for the meeting. I assumed that you would feel threatened should I have brought any servants or other entourage. I also feel that they were unnecessary for such a peaceful meeting, even if our words become more heated. Despite the general opinion of Hell, I am not a heathen and I have been able, over the years, to retain control over my functions." She tried to keep the edge off of her light voice as she spoke, but feared that she was unsuccessful. The last time that they'd spoken, however, combined with what he just said gave her a small hint that he wasn't too glad to hear from her.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"You need not worry about the welfare of the citizens of Heaven. I am there king, and beofre my crowning I have always sought to protect the nation and its people, their lives and fates my highest responsibility, my life's purpose. Malakim I am since the day of my birth, consider this if you must ponder on the status of a nation you no longer have any proper connection too. I am not Tsubasa, and you are not Yomi, our words can be trusted as we speak them plainly, if they weren't rest assured this conversation would have spoken by us with blade in hand." Gin said in a plain voice, unconcerned with how his words would be perceived, no greater truth could have been spoken in his mind, and the sooner he dismissed the Yami-ou's thoughts on Heaven and her people the better.

"The whereabouts, why I could imagine they would take place no where else but here, in the most neutral of settings. As mandating in my inaugural address, all Fallen, no matter rank nor status, are forbade from entering my kingdom lest they face scorn, and imprisonment, that would include yourself most of all. As far as another setting, I have not now, nor shall I ever entertain the idea of stepping foot into Hell unless it is to take your head Yami-ou, something this proposed meeting is to in fact defer for as long as possible." Gin said, a small grin on his face, one speaking of both seriousness in his words, and the other connotation a jibe, the only thing close to an ice breaker he would extend to Sanada Tomoyo. He then brought his hands forth, and upturning one, he gestured to the expansive surroundings of the Heimenkai.

"Look around you, there is no more neutral ground than the one you see before you, and frankly I had no intention of facilitating this meeting between you and I anywhere else. But let it go unsaid that I am totally immune to your suggestions, your position indeed grants that much of my consideration. Where Yami-ou, where in all of the expanse of creation would you like to confer with me, other than this place. We are alone here, no simpering subordinates cluttering the air with their noise and cowardly threats. Here we stand alone, before the closed eyes of our makers, in the center of everywhere, I could think of nowhere else worth going to." Gin said, starring into Tomo's eyes, the words velvety as they flowed from his lips.

[Sanada Tomo]

"I am not Tsubasa, and you are not Yomi," Gin had said, and for a moment, Tomoyo had thought that they'd made some progress as far their relationship was concerned. But the Yami-ou immediately sensed that she was lying to herself and she dismissed the idea. Gin was a hard man, the kind shaped by the tragedies that he had seen and the ones that had befallen his life in the worst ways possible. Looking at him, his set jaw and his seemingly impenetrable countenance Tomoyo almost considered herself lucky. Was this the sort of woman she would have become, had she remained embittered to the entirety of Heaven for Casting Her Down? She hated to think of it. On the flip side of the coin, however, none of the rulers of Heaven so far had seen the things that Gin had seen or experienced the same things that he had, and at least Tomoyo could be assured that they were being ruled by a very practical King.

Be that as it may, Tomo was not pleased when the issue of the location of their discussion was first brought up and then stated as taking place here, in the Path of Gates. Anyone was welcome here, and it was precisely because of the fact that they were in the most neutral area that made it the most dangerous. While there were no direct threats to them, there was also no security. Tomoyo knew that first hand, from her younger years with Ren, making the mistake of believing that the Path of Gates was true neutrality.

"There is no security here," she said, echoing her thoughts. "Any being can make their way here without any consequence. What if a Human, a Youkai or a Fae, even a Dragon--" she added, thinking of Ilreg, "--were to overhear our conversation, amongst the other types of creatures with access to this world? They cannot be held liable in this place simply because of its neutrality, and I have no preference for anyone being who could possibly use any information they learn here for their benefit as opposed to the glories of Heaven or Hell. We are not allowed to pursue intruders here, and so before we continue, I require that we either develop a contingency plan in case our words or overheard, or that we move to a slightly less neutral location that others do not have direct access to, like the Mortal Realm or Mythical. I would use my magic here to help this cause, but you shall have to forgive me when I say that your past display of distrust for me has led me to believe that you would rather I keep my magic to myself. I have no intentions of walking away from this meeting, however, I am not comfortable discussing information with you that could potentially put my nation in danger. I care for them just as much as I do your own people, or as much as you care for them, and in addition I would prefer if we could get this meeting without a single drop of blood, figuratively or literally. Surely you can understand my concern."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"As if you or I would have any reason to fear anything or anyone save for ourselves here, but given the sensitivity of what were are to discuss here, I concur to your point to find a more suitable location." Gin said, bringing his hands to the front of his body now, clasping them together. "The Mythical realm or the Mortal realm, neither place is suitable to our individual pallets, given the nature of recent events, but a place must be decided." Gin finished his thoughts verbally, taking a moment to weigh the options presented.

His travels to the Mythical Realm in the past had proven fruitless in finding a way to mend his injuries, but other than that, he faced no immediate danger in venturing to the land of the Dragons. The Mortal Realm on the other hand posed a different sort of danger. Gin was well aware the many of his enemies were still present here, and given his temperament, he would have no problem following up on the leads his men came to in their dealings with Oracle, but personal pride and ambition would come second to rational and responsibility.

Tomoyo on the other hand had loss much at the hands of a Dragon recently, that Dragon being the snide and arrogant Ilreg, who came to him seeking a handout from Tsubasa, unaware of the change in power in Heaven, he broke off their alliance with much brash and immaturity, looking to Gin himself for help in a desperate and most pathetic manner. But his ramblings gave Gin the precious insight he needed as to the nature of Sanada's strength. He considered that if he made light of this she would put up a argument of traveling there, in stark comparison to going to the Mortal Realm, which was full of her allies.

He would not be a fool to assume a trap lay in wait fore him, after all of Heaven's past betrayals, Sanada could have finally taken the initiative to finally attack the serpent at its head, a move he could respect. In the case of his death or disappearance his seconds were given specific commands on how to carry on in his absence, an alert would be sent upon his death indicating a counterstrike aimed at the 5th, 6th, and 7th layers of Hell, emphasizing on destroying Hell's military infrastructure. But he feared nothing, especially the idea of a trap led by the Yami-ou, for he believed himself to be comprised of sterner stuff.

"Whatever location that will put your fears of espionage at rest and further along this conversation would be best. It will be up to you to provide transportation for the both of us, safe transportation to a place you don't feel as naked and insecure. I find it interesting that of all the things there are for you to feel skittish about, being spied on is one, as if their were anywhere within the audible range for any of the lower races I already don't have saturated with Law magic. Their isn't a whisper i couldn't hear, a shuffle I couldn't detect, even your own shadow is as loud as a creaking door to my perceptions, please get us going so we can be done with this." Gin said rubbing his wrists and hand, his voice possessing a slight irritation. He felt no more comfortable here than she, but he knew knew what was said today would outweigh where it was said.

[Sanada Tomo]

Despite her concerned, Gin had made a substantial argument. The two of them together probably could probably detect any disturbances around and take the appropriate measures; to be quite honest, she was still rather frazzled at Ilreg's intrusion to her Realm, and having not expected any interference from the Dragons she was on edge about who else could possibly be a part of Ilreg's operation and what that could mean.

She took a short breath to calm herself, forming her own shadow into a stylish chair for her to sit in. " When you put it that way," she said, "I suppose it would be better to stay here. Regardless of where we go, I assume that loyalty is in question at all times. There would never be a location that would make the both of us feel completely safe." That was a bit of a lie on part; she definitely felt safe, regardless of Gin's feelings about herself or Hell in general--she had genuinely been concerned about the issue of security for their shared words. But if Gin wasn't making a fuss over it she supposed that she should "go with the flow," as the human idiom said. "Since I have been the difficult guest, so to speak, I will allow you to take the floor first. I am aware that there are many concerns that we both have regarding our respective Realms, and I'm sure that we've both heard some whispers in the dark about one another's business. Please speak plainly, openly, about your main concerns for Heaven, I shall do the same for Hell, and then we shall take our common points as well as those of special interest and propose a compromise of some sort." She had done this many times before over the years, and Hell's main concerns were usually the same. However, with Ilreg as an aggressor it was important now that she figure out what the matter was with Dragons. She did not want another repeat of the Kouma Sensou; on the other hand, there was the issue of Arashi, as well. He was an outlaw in Hell as well as in Heaven, and he would indeed need Gin's help if she was going to capture him.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"As if I would speak in any other fashion whilst I addressed you. I have no concerns for Heaven other than these items. My policy on Fallen being restricted from entering any of the 7 Layers and their Cities of my Nation still stand. The attacks from would be enemies are a thorn to my side as much as they are your own, but I shall leave those for the final portion of our conversation as per your request. There is also the issue of Heaven's allies, the Fae, and the distressing news I've received in correspondence with Na'ame concerning your unauthorized presence in their realm. She informs me that you are potentially strengthening the Elven dissenters in the city of Exile, something I cannot allow. Any infringement upon Na'ame or her subjects in the future will be seen as an act of aggression towards Heaven, and speaking for Na'ame she concurs our sentiment."

"It would benefit you more to not sulk and sneak around in the realms of others, lest you are willing to suffer the same trespasses, more so than recently." Gin said, remaining standing as he looked into Tomoyo's eyes as he spoke. He made sure to not stress any one point in his rant, not wanting to sound desperate or fearful of the Yami-ou but the exact opposite, strong and assured of what he was willing to do. "Na'ame is fortunate to have an ally with experience in this field, and I seek this to end with as much bloodshed avoided as possible. They Elves, whom before remained exclusively neutral, have taken a side now, and as such, their presence in her realm borders on both trespass and insolence, but I feel I've addressed that topic enough."

"There is matter of a change in government I have been preparing to propose to the elders, but before I do, you shall be privy first. Consider it a grace, but I assume that informing you of this would minimize the meddling you would to to find out more from a secondary or tertiary source so here is. I am seeking to abolish the King system in Heaven, at least for now, and make myself Shin Jou Ha-ou, the Emperor of the Seven Capital cities of the Tenjoukai. There are so many things I have yet to implement due to the reliance on bureaucracy to approve and supervise, obstacles I'm seeking to abolish and remove from preventing implementation of my policies. Those removed from office will be assigned other tasks to further this radical change from the norm, and the elders will have to take a more active role than before, their... counsel has done naught be leave me more encumbered and burdened sad to say. By absorbing the duties of the 3 kings left to me, I shall dole out responsibility and tasks to those best suited toward performing them, as well as the assignment of new ones." Gin said, stopping to catch his breath, finishing the actual start of what was poised to be a long day of prattle with the Yami-ou.

"3 layers remain without kings, a dozen Elders grow idle with tedium, an old, powerful and influential family makes demands to me of their proposed heir in your possession and promises nothing but loyalty, but to whom I ask, and there have been 2 attacks while I'm am preoccupied with each and every detail of Heaven, the Fae, and the Mortal Realm. I am quite tired of micromanaging these things, and a more direct approach is in order. when my labors are completed, the government can return to the way it was before, at the request of the people and those who have done their duty, but for now, I must take the reigns of this beast into my hands so that I may tame her."

[Sanada Tomo]

Sanada carefully listened to each of the Ha-ou's concerned--outraged at some claims and accepting of others. She also wondered what sort of calamity had occurred to Heaven for there to be a lack of Elders; recent counts tallied them upward near hundreds, excluding her old comrades. However, she also had experience in this particular aspect of speaking and she attempts at friendly conversation had been denied. She pursed her lips in a bit of a disappointed line but otherwise made sure her features did not betray her. When he was finished she did not reply with personal comments or refute his--that was useless here, especially with a Ha-ou talented with Law. Too logical. Her response was comprised of statements.

"The Elven territory is neutral, as it has been before I was born," was her first statement. "No sides have been taken. Na'ame is misinformed. Whether or not that point needs to be discussed will be left to you." He had gone on for quite some time in a grandiose fashion, whining like a child about the responsibility of a Realm as thought he had expected it to be easy. She almost wanted to laugh, but her face did not change. She did not say anything about his desire to change the governmental structure in Heaven. But she did think it was foolish. The Shijin had put that system in place for a reason; but she supposed that the Great General Gin knew better than the Gods; knew better than the forces that had shaped the universe. Knowing this blasphemous fool he had not known the Gods; he probably did not even hold them in reverence.

"To move on to Hell," she said, her speech no longer quite as concise, "I too face the issue of a lack of Kingship," she said, but mentioned nothing more on this subject and finished, "but that is the least of my concerns. I am aware of the attack on Heaven and am pursuing the treacherous fool responsible. I was delivered news of his identity as well as the incident itself in the same moment." Her eyes were cool as steel as she continued, "he is one of our ilk, although abandoned and raised in the Mortal Realm. His name is Mishiranu Arashi. Or it will have been once I get my hands on him. He is one that I will execute myself...assuming that you do not have the luck in catching him first. I have not seen the damage done in Heaven, but I imagine it would be worth cursing the boy's bloodline if he were allowed to breed." She clicked her tongue in annoyance, and fidgeted a bit in her seat. "I have attempted looking up information for your benefit for this meeting, but not very much of it is useful aside from the fact that he is a Chaos user. He does not even know how to control what little magic he has. After doing some digging in the Mortal Realm, which I'm sure that you could do as easily as I, there have been two incidents connected to him--which I know mostly from scouting for magical residue. My daughter was kind enough to find the information for me, disgusted as she was for his utter disrespect for his people and their kin in Heaven. There are also bounties for his head, although that is of no interest to you, I'm sure.

"The next issue occurred while I was making an effort to find this information. I was attacked, a few months ago, by a Dragon whose name was Ilreg. He known for his white hair, Ice magic and lack of manners, to put it mildly. Assuming that we have both had, at once point or another, access to the same information in the Archives of Heaven, you should know that Dragons usually do not violently engage other species, and therefore I am not sure as to what sort of unrest is growing in the wings of the Mythical Realm or whether or not it concerns you or I--while it is not something that I plan to look into at the moment, I want to get to it eventually; Dragons are just much a part of the balance of the universe as you or I, and as a higher power the Dragons having problems indicates that the other Realms may be greeted with effects from that issue or issues soon. This is not a subject to remain neutral about.

"There is also the issue of the rogue Shoko, to which there is no end of explanations for his treacheries," she sighed. Those were the most prominent issues concerning Hell. Of course, there was the unspoken issue of relieving the treaty in general, but she knew that there was no leeway for that at the moment.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Really now the Queen and ruling elemental spirit of a realm comprised of the very magic she has dominion over is mistaken over both your trespass and the discretion breeding behind her back, this I find extremely hard to believe. But it goes to beg the question, how would you enter without a Fae escort if your are not in dealing with the Elves, and if you did indeed enter, how did she miss your presence." Gin mentioned in a rather rhetorical manner, as if he knew the Yami-ou would scoff at his line of questioning, as honest as it were, it did deffer from the main focus of their meeting. Tomoyo proceeded onto the next subject, mutual enemies of both Heaven and Hell, the vagabond Arashi who inflicted upon Gin the first great humiliation of his kingship, the sacking of the Second Layer shortly after his coronation, and as such, Tomoyo sparred no expense as to the details of what she knew about his magic, and conjecture as to where current whereabouts may be.

"Then our information is congruent. I deduced with the aid of others as to both the boys magical nature and his name, he had the audacity to show up again, this time in the Sixth, for morbid curiosity or brazen disregard for his own life, I could not say. If you must know, I considered his presence an earlier attack by you for a moment, something I neglected to share with even my closest advisers. But it did not surmount to a tangible argument, why would you attack the second of all places, also, the notion of sending a messenger or assassin as sloppy as the boy is laughable, and I wouldn't even consider that level of idiocy for someone such as yourself, despite everything else that makes me question your judgment. Any ideas of linking your name to this I have snuffed out vehemently, but alas, a king's will lives on in their subject, or as many would believe, you bear responsibility for his actions until his is brought to justice."

"You mentioned the name Ilreg, an Ice Dragon he is, and from what he began conferring to Tsubasa about was an apparent battle in your realm, one he no doubt lost but survived, despite his braggadocios and outlandishly disrespectful nature. His information was important to me, a help approximation of your strength at the moment, but in no way was he sent by or for me, this folly onto your doorstep was of his own accord. You know what I say to be true, as the principal Radiance of Falsehoods, I will waste no more time convincing you of such. Instead I will tell you this, yes his information was vital, but I have it now, and personally I see no more use for a creature of such bestial disposition remaining in my employ, whether it be currently or potentially, so what ever harm comes to him shall be ignored." Gin mentioned with a sort of nonchalance. He knew Ilreg's type, and looked naught to sully his hands or reputation with his type, the Dragon proving himself to be the absolute opposite of useful, liking him moreso to a violent and petulant Oracle, although his courage or recklessness was not want for admiration from the Ha-ou to some degree.

"Your suspicions about the disruptions in other realms may have merit, but the Mortal, Spiritual, Fae, and True Celestial are under my jurisdiction, the Mythical Realm governs itself, and if you are so perturbed I would investigate this hypothesis for myself. Of course I wouldn't be opposed as to convening with you on this matter as far going, but my responsibilities take precedence to wild guesses and suspicion."

"Let me make it clear, I would try you for all the crimes you committed if I ever got the chance, and judge you accordingly for them all, but this misgiving as to your part I cannot bear. I will not hate things you yourself for acts you have not taken part in, my judgment would be as flawed as the accusations against the accused and I am not my predecessors. Which is why I propose a joint venture between us, covert operation to bring these animals to justice. I am aware of your difficulty in tracking down the Rebels, who have taken refuge in the mortal realm, doing what they please off radar, acting as if a Kingdom of contempt didn't proverbially rest above their heads and below their feet. This must come to an end, so I propose we unite for this to destroy our mutual enemies." Gin said, stepping closer to Tomoyo, standing to her side, clearing his throat before he began again.

"With that said, the Dragon mentioned another name in his rant, that of Kanjin Taiyou. I stress that Ilreg is of no consequence to me, and Shoko and Arashi are mutually to be disposed of, but this man..." Gin paused for a second, to gather his words more accordingly, "... I was informed he participated in the battle, on your behalf no doubt. There was an incident in the mortal realm, concerning the boy Arashi, who escaped much to my chagrin, an incident in which I made use of information from a now designated, less than reliable source in which both humans were killed and members of my own personal guard were gravely injured, all of which fall at his feet. He is a criminal, one that must be brought to justice for his crimes, and you will help me find that justice Yami-ou. If you wish to solicit my aid in finding these wretches, you must turn over to me his whereabouts, no will not suffice as an answer.' Gin said in a cold tone, his eyes pierced the endless horizon of the path of gates as he waited for Tomoyo's response.

Just saying the name of Kanjin Taiyou made the folded wings upon his back burn, his soul feeling the cold chill of both shame and murderous fury, nothing that his stone face would betray, but his voice unfortunately was not so deceptive. "As aggravating as it would be to embark on this alone, I am fully prepared to do so, but with that said, there would be no real way for me to know that you weren't manipulatively complacent in allowing Arashi and the Rebels to move about as they pleased, leaving me to correct these mistakes. Please care to prove me wrong in this sentiment with your cooperation, cooperation on all fronts and issues."

[Sanada Tomo]

Gin's rebuttal was sharp and clean, just like a knife thrust into a back. However, unlike that particular action, Tomoyo did not believe that he was capable of it. In any case, she was a Balseraphim, a choir higher than his own and if he had been lying about what he believed she would have known it. Of course, she personally knew about the Elves and their policies, and she thought it very odd that Gin was not knowledgeable about it at all. She knew for a fact that there were still Elves in Heaven from older days strife with war and battles, some even there just because they did not favor the neutrality of their race. However, she could not control what was and wasn't told to him, and he would have to come to see the truth on his own. She had pointed out his folly and it was her job to do the rest, considering that he was unmoving on issues concerning Heaven and Hell's relationship and not willing to yield her any ground.

"I entered easily because I know where the Elven Kingdom is. Heaven and Hell are barred by Gates; The Dream Realm doesn't have them and your output point is determined by mostly by desire. I have dreams. It's not hard to think about arriving where I want in the Dream World. We were not always at odds, you know. I will admit that I was attempting to cloak myself, but that was for my own safety. I cannot manipulate Dream magic any further than the Realm allows, and it took all of my power to sustain me there for the time that I was, let alone fighting anyone had I been discovered. I would prefer not to end up a dream-wraith, thank you."

If anything, Gin's attention to detail impressed her, even though it maybe have been annoying on her end. She felt as though with his knack of noticing odd things, he would most likely weed any traitors or suspicious Angels from Heaven; she would wait and see whether or not he continued to remain under Tsubasa's spell. Of course, she didn't know whether or not Tsubasa was still in any position of power, but the girl had a way of sticking to the border of the shadows and light. She was too patriotic. The kind that began wars over a follicle of hair being in the wrong place.

Gin responded to her information about Arashi. It appeared that he'd put some information together on his own; what they both had for the same. The Ha-ou detailed that he'd thought earlier on that it had been an attack by her, but he continued to explain without giving her a chance to interject and defend herself, and although she immediately opened her mouth to object she closed it, quieted more by his voice than her own self-control. All the same she was blamed for his actions and Tomoyo, now with a chance to finally say something, uttered, "I wouldn't do anything like that to Heaven," she was being emotional despite resolving not to be; she was breaking her own rules for this meeting, but Gin seemed to not realize what sort of connection she had to these people. Things had been awkward between her pioneered home and her actual home for some time, but that didn't change the love that she had for it in her heart. She was seen as a vagabond and an outlaw, someone who sought to destroy that from which she was made. It didn't make any sense to her, especially when the Elders and in Heaven knew that she wasn't originally guilty for her Fall in the first place!

But then Gin spoke of Ilreg, and her blood began to boil a bit. She had been injured for an extended period of time because of him, and she was still having difficulty in deducing exactly why he acting in the fashion that he did. It bothered her. The Dragons were out of her jurisdiction, as they mentioned before, and she had no right to inquire about their inner workings, but it became personal once she --and her son--had been attacked. But Gin continued on in his long-winded form and Tomo's thoughts were distracted by other points that were made, namely the fact that he supposedly reigned over the Spiritual and Mortal Realms.

"The Mortal Realm is no more your home than it is mine," she said, trying not to appear disgruntled as she sat in chair, lips pursed. "Heaven helps the Realm run as an task given by the Shijin, but there is nothing that grants you Lordship there. They have their own leaders and hierarchy, and we're not to interfere in major development there. I may be a Fallen to you, but I am a Celestial first. I was there when the tasks were given. I personally spoke to Suzaku, Byakko, Seiryuu, Genbu, Kouryuu. They existed and breathed, and they gave us our order no matter how unrelated you view me to them now. And by the same token the Spiritual Realm is not yours. It has its own guardians there as well. Celsus Principium is only an emissary. Even without your mistake, though, I think I'll take you up on your offer for investigation.

There was much more to be said. He actually proposed working together to "destroy mutual enemies." He was offering something Tomoyo hadn't seen from Heaven in a short while, and she really appreciated that. Unfortunately, they were still nowhere near the cooperation that she wanted, but knowing that Gin was trying to be at least fair in some respects with his judgments. There was still a lot left to be desired, but it was progress, and the Yami-ou would have to accept it regardless of her own opinion. Gin was not one to be forced, she knew from the Conference, and she couldn't afford to mess up what was already in motion.

Tai was brought up in this conversation, and it was made clear exactly how much Ilreg had relayed to Tomoyo. She couldn't sever ties with him considering that he not only spared her life, but also gave her a lead on Shoko and in addition to that helped her to subdue Ilreg. "I know the man that you're talking about," Tomo said with ease, "the one with the fire, and you are much mistaken. He visited my castle before, and almost killed my daughter. He came back for me. I was actually of the opinion that he and Ilreg were working together to assassinate me, one of Ice and one of Fire. It wasn't until the end of the fight that I discovered different, through their bickering over claim of my predicted deceased corpse. Taiyou is no longer in my Realm, and considering the injuries that he previously inflicted on me I'm not looking forward to seeing him again any time soon." She left that alone, and she sat to wait for what else Gin had to say. Things had just started and she was already ready for them to be over--it was obvious that Heaven and Hell's relations weren't going to get any better, and she felt that something as disappointing as this--despite her expectations--could have been done via written correspondence.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Your admittance to your trespass laden with you desire for anonymity doth bid nothing for myself Yami-ou, but perhaps this is one of the many wrongs you can set right by formally requesting entry into Dream Realm and making amends to Na'ame herself. I mean, that is what I would do if I wronged another sovereign, but we cannot all be expected to handle things as honorably. It is true, we all do dream, which is why even I shudder to think what an army of Fae unleashing night terrors on an unsuspecting populace would do in retaliation for boundaries breached in another excursion. They can seem so real to the afflicted, and sometimes they cannot be broken, terrible when you think about it... There are many things I could personally image worse than being a dream wraith, like the suffering of my people for one." Gin said to Tomoyo, as if he were warning her of actions to be taken if that were to happen again.

Gin took her ageism laden rebuttal with zeal, impressed that she actually had the gall to address him in such a manner. He expected as much, but for her to diminish him so, like so many other higher Celestials he had encountered, despite his title and beliefs, well, that was something not even he would fight to take away from her. "I am aware of your past Yami-ou, and the station that you abandoned for a life of no responsibility and debauchery. The mortal Realm and the fate of it's people eventually fall at my feet during periods of duress, I honestly cannot say I expect you or your legions to run to its rescue of ensure that it runs accordingly. You say you were there when the orders were handed out, tell me what the Magnificent Five would say of your perversion of the cosmic unity they sought to see preserved. Hell is a blight on the workings of the cosmos, but that is a gripe I will have to swallow for now, as you are correct in the notion that our mutual assurance in the capture of the deviants is of the utmost priority." Gin said, casually finishing with a smile as he turned his head to gaze of in the horizon, "And it is nice to see that you have claws of a sorts, I was beginning to think everything I knew of you to be facetious, now I comfortably live with most of my knowledge being true."

Hearing Tomoyo address Taiyou did not relieve him though, her words and commentary on the Celestial didn't match up with what he would have supposed, and as far as her uncertainty to his whereabouts, he had not the Choirical standing or ability to discern whether or not she was lying. "All the more reason we should be mutually involved in bringing Taioyu, and the others to the justice that awaits them. Because we cannot afford to be paired up directly, nor everywhere at one, we must exercise a the most reasonable tactics in power economy, heading our own respective groups, alongside an auxiliary third to track them all down and strike at one. I suggest each group shall be headed by myself, you, and a pair consisting of our own trusted seconds, along with an equal group of my men and your own filling the ranks of the search teams. You may choose either Arashi or Shoko as your prey, but I cannot trust you to hunt Taiyou, even accompanied by my own men. I shall personally see to it that that traitorous beast is put out of its pathetic existence, my own information placing him at several disturbances in the Nigenkai, something I must say must have evaded your own, as if it had, you would have addressed it earlier." Gin said, turning back to Tomoyo. "Do you find my offer to be reasonable, if not express your qualms so we bring this unpleasantness to an end." Gin said as plain as day, gathering this was as abrasive for her as he was making it, still continuing to grin mildly as he starred at her, sitting there presumably fuming, given her recent outburst.

[Sanada Tomo]

So Kouzetsu Gin was being high and mighty now? Dispensing advice? Tomoyo was not as interested in applying his personal policies to her life as she was interested in what he would do--she liked to know her potential allies and enemies, but she wasn't the same as them, and they did not make the same decisions.

"Your counsel is duly noted," Tomoyo said. But she would weigh her options. If Gin's plan was to go to war with Hell, it wouldn't matter how many apologies or acknowledgments she made, would it?

After that, he moved to question her existence, something that she had hazarded several times before and was no longer moved against. It was the argument that Tsubasa had made, and it apparently had not changed much since the first time that she used it. She was not going to waste her time trying to explain her philosophies to Gin, because it was obvious that he was grounded in his beliefs and he would not change anytime soon. She could have explained that she was not against the existence of Heaven but merely in favor of the existence of Hell. It was too simple for more complex minds to comprehend; everything had to be about betrayal and conquering. He could play the fool's game if he wanted--she was not going to engage him.

When Gin finally made his way back to the topic of conversation, he resumed about Taiyou. He may have suspected that she was lying, but the fact was that despite her unwillingness to help him find Tai, she had not a clue of where he was. If the man was found and apprehended, fine; he was aware that he was on his own at this point. Tomoyo did feel a debt to the Celestial, however, and if it was possible to aid him without being detected, she knew that she would do it in a heartbeat. "Well," she said, swinging her legs in her conjured chair in a way reminiscent of a child. "as long as you're making the decisions around here I suppose I've no choice but to comply, right?" Her impatience was beginning to show, and she drummed her right fingers on her left leg as she leaned forward. However, his information presented an inconsistency. "...my informants have not be focused on Tai. His attempt on my life was ignored at the expense of possibly finding Ilreg. Despite his murderous intent, I could have defended myself against him--especially with my other Kings present--but a Dragon puts my life at forfeit if a mistake is made. Would you not do the same?" She didn't wait for him to answer the question, smiling as sweetly as possible, her speech slowing down and becoming more calm. "I've no more qualms. I agree to your terms, but I cannot assemble a team that quickly. I have interests of my own to take care of in the Nigenkai. We will meet again after I am finished and we will snuff Shoko and Arashi out then. Until that time, I imagine that you wouldn't suffer from having teams of yours search for their locations. Mine will be doing the same." She stood, the chair's color fading to black before unraveling into shadow, it's form compromising as it dematerialized into Tomoyo's own shadow. "We should do this again," she said. "Next time with tea. Tea is always more relaxing. It wouldn't hurt for you to try something."