Assemblage of Elders [Elders Only]

[Kouzetsu Gin]

[Post in the Aftermath Thread in the Nisou before this one]
[Takes place after the Caucus of Kings]

Having discussed his plan of action with the Celestial Kings of Heaven, Gin now awaited the arrival of the Elders of Heaven. Gin needed all those of influence in Heaven to be ready to stand united against the looming threats of invasion by unknown assailants, awaiting the arrival of the Elders to hear their thoughts on the situation, as well as discuss the next courses of action to be taken in light of the situation.

[Uesugi Lailis]

Having seen the damage in the Second Layer, Lailis thought that a gathering such as this was most important. He wasn't sure what the other Elders were doing, but it was an attestment to these difficult times if he was the first one to arrive. He was ready to carry out any plans that Kouzetsu might have to handle the situation. They had gained valuable information about the culprit thanks to Satori, and Lailis was glad that Kouzetsu could get him to contribute as much. Satori had been down trodden by Tsubasa very much as a late, and as a result Satori didn't really trust many of the other Elders. He didn't have a very good history with Satori, considering that they had both gone after the Hikari-ou while she had been in Heaven and he had not treated her particularly well--but he was hoping that recent events with Satori-sama would be enough to let him know he needed to get himself together in the interest of Heaven.

[Shirogane Yamashiro]

Yamashiro arrived only to find that Lailis had gotten there first. After seeing what was left of the Second Layer, he had rushed to his desk to tell the other Elohim to brace themselves for the new flux of spirits coming in soon. Extras would have to be in place so that the surge could be handled properly. It seemed that some of the other Elders had jobs to do as well, and he knew that they would be there shortly.

Yamashiro, honestly, was not worried at all. Considering Kouzetsu's character, he knew that they were in the right hands in this situation. Chiyo, perhaps, would have done an investigation, but she wouldn't have bothered to keep it up after the assailant proved difficult to find. She didn't typically hold the reigns that tightly, despite her strong feelings of justice towards those that she liked. All in all, she would have blamed it on Hell and used it as the reason to attack.

Yamashiro knew that it would have been a very easy thing for Kouzetsu to do--for him to blame things on Hell to appease the majority of the nation--but he knew that despite the option, Kouzetsu Gin actually cared about the citizens.

[Katashima Mimiko]

Mimiko was apparantly the only person willing to talk.

"Do you have any ideas on how we can find this person? There are countless people out there who wield elements and I don't know how I am going to find him. I'm going to need your help, as much as I want to do it alone, and I would prefer to not go out into the world and hunt down every person and or being that uses Chaos but I will if I have to and--and why did she have to die? She didn't do anything?!"

Mimiko wasn't crying this time, but she was very upset and fretful. Things had not gone according to plan and she didn't know why. She hadn't done anything at all to warrant anything happening to Haruhi. What had she done? Had she gotten mixed in with someone? Why hadn't she told anyone in Heaven? It didn't make any sense. She couldn't fit the pieces together. Despite being a Mortal Haruhi had been a good person and a good ruler. She had cared about her people and had been passionate about getting rid of the Hellion beings as well.

She looked at Kouzetsu, destressed, and sat, looking at him with searching eyes. Was he going to help, or just going to let this blow over...?

[Mikage Tsubasa]

Tsubasa walked in right after Tsubasa. Mimiko hadn't been feeling well, of course, and her Layer was responsible for paperwork, and so she had composed a letter to be heralded to all of the angelic households and buildings, announcing that they were all to take a moment of silence for Haruhi's death, and that Kouzetsu Gin was currently investigating this matter personally. And she, herself, as well as Mimiko were not going to stop until they found the user. However, she did not reveal any findings and mentioned that those would be announced as Kouzetsu wished for them to.

She sighed walking in, knowing that her office was bustling, and she knew that she was the last one--

wait. No. Satori. Right.

"Satori asks that you give him a bit more time. He is of weak physical constitution, and he would like a few extra moments to prepare..."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin eyes focuses on Lailis as he entered the conference room. "Uesugi-sama, glad to see you arrived, and punctual no doubt." Gin said as he remained seated, watching the elder take his place at the long table. Soon to follow was Yamashiro, and Gin nodded in acknowledgment as Yamashiro entered the room followed by Mimiko and Tsubasa.

"I am happy to find you in a more serious manner Katashima-sama, and yes I do believe I have devised a more effective strategic in locating our culprit. Combing through the expanse of creation for every vagabond and miscreant that wields Chaos is too ineffective, so please have a seat so we may begin the meeting." Gin said to Mimiko. Turning his attention toward Tsubasa, Gin listened as she informed him of Satori's current tardiness, which Gin was not prepared to hear. Sighing in moderate contempt and annoyance at Tsubasa's comments, Gin solemnly looked at the elders, "We shall began the meeting without him, I will not tolerate such weakness when Heaven needs all its mightiest at there strongest.

"The first order of business will be to decide what is to be done about the current state of our three king less realms, do any of you have suggestions on this matter. Please take into consideration the factor that we may want to hold of appointing a king to the Second until the investigation is concluded. I do not want that process to be hindered in any way." Gin said. awaiting a response from the assembled.

[Shirogane Yamashiro]

Yamashiro was the first to answer. "Logically, we should take into account all of those who have good rapport with Heaven as a whole; those who have served us well in the past. You cannot possibly object to this, Choubatsu-sama, as you are from the very same ilk. Why not hire those like you? Those who have experience and resolve?"

And at that, Yamashiro fell silent--there was no need for any more to be said.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

Tsubasa spoke up, not afraid of the rejection of Yamashiro's idea. Her voice was stern and steady, as she took this matter seriously. "I agree with Yamashiro. We have tried to give new up and coming leaders a chance and they have done nothing but make things worse or not improve anything at all. We need those that we know. Those that we can trust. Those with a good reputation. There are plenty of candidates all around us. The question is: shall we risk elevating those who we are familiar with in spite of the possibility of the masses seeing it as nepotism? Or shall we simply look for those with high reputation, such as yourself, Kouzetsu?"

She wondered how the Ha-ou was going to answer the question, considering that he was classified in that group of those with good reputation whom the Elders did not know personally.

[Katashima Mimiko]

Mimiko's face was as stone, her expression from earlier slowly churning inside her, soon to become rage.

"I think that's s wonderful idea, Tsubasa-sama. It's an issue that we need to decide on. I think that under Kouzetsu-sama's leadership, Kings will not be questioned at this point. Tohru, Chiyo, and those ruling from Hell were the ones who chose the former Kings. I think that knowing that Kouzetsu is working with us something that will reassure the people and give him some credibility in the masses knowing that he's not going to go about things the same way. On that note, though, we must watch everyone. And make sure that they don't ruin our credibility."

[Uesugi Lailis]

Lailis sighed. "I'd suggest Mizuki," he said lazily, bored already with the conversation of the meeting. He glanced over at Tsubasa, knowing that she knew the girl personally. "She has the vibrant hatred for Hellion beings that we need, and yet she is very obedient because of that anger. She believes that we have the best plan for ridding ourselves of the Demons; she has faith in our cause. She is teachable; moldable--she will do whatever is needed of her. And because Tsubasa is the closest to her, she can keep an eye on what she's doing and such." Looking at Kouzetsu, he smiled wicked. "And it also seems that she's taken a shine to you, you old woman charmer. I hear you have the affections of a certain Fae ambassador as well...the servants are indeed talking..."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin listened as the elders spoke, and he drank their words, taking in their opinons. "Yes, I agree, we must look from within our own from now on, they days of supplementation and non Celestial Uprights as kings are over with. I am afraid one such as myself may be hard to come by as easily Yamashiro and Tsubasa, but we shall indeed look into this matter.

"As for credibility, few have shown such devotion to Upright issues as Mizuki. She seems to be dealing with the disposal of her former betrothed quite responsibly and it is very admirable, her emotions not being the cause of any further scandal. With time and proper training she would make a fine King indeed, but this will be weighed against plans that I currently have in motion. As for the murmurs of said unrequited effection, let me make it clear that the relationship is strickly clean and out of goodwill for the sake of politics Uesugi-sama. Thank you for your input Lalis and Mimiko." Gin said as he removed his glasses to clean them on a silken handkerchief from his robes pocket.

"Now, I am currently in the process of ensuring a communication network in between realms, to prevent further disaster from going unchecked in the future. As for the Kingless Realms, I am currently in the process of screening several Potential uprights whom after screening, I'll have the arrangements made for you to review them and give me your input. These screenings will show who among the select few will be the most readily integrated into any plan of action we seek. With the exception of Kingship for the sake of maintaining political ties, all further Kingships will be Upright, and of various races.

"Polls recently taken have shown that the Heavenly host has responded well to one such as myself, an angel from a lower choir standing, being elected to a position is a sign of times changing, as well as a clear sign that Heaven is not only becoming unified, but much more diverse in fair in the make up of its rulers. I must concur with this and say the remaining Kingsmanship should be fulfilled by the lower class, either Mercrium or otherwise." Gin said, awaiting responses from the group.

[Hanajima Satori]

Satori had spent quite a few moments in stasis after looking at Haruhi's castle through the Spirit Realm. It was very physically taxing. He had left a message with Tsubasa about his tardiness to the meeting, for he knew that he was going to be late, but he would rather show up looking strong than faint in the middle of the meeting, especially with the warning that Kouzetsu had given him earlier.

Entering the meeting room, he found that Kouzetsu was at the end of a speech--at least he wasn't interrupting anyone--and all of the other Elders listening raptly.

Bowing deeply, his hair flowing over his shoulders and touching the floor, he said, "I assume that Tsubasa delivered my message effectively, Ha-ou-sama. Please excuse my absence from the first portion of the meeting. I was feeling faint, and I needed to recuperate from using my powers. Please forgive me," he finished, taking a seat apart from the other Elder so as not to interrupt the exchange of ideas that he assumed was taking place. "If I may be even more intrusive, may I request the current subject of debate?"

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Hiding his annoyance at the intrusion of the meeting, Gin placed the feeling to back as Satori entered the room. Listening to Satori's announcement, his voice did indeed sound as if he were recovering, and given his constitution gin accepted this as normal behavior. "No need for forgiveness Satori, Tsubasa informed me of your impending tardiness, you are fine." Gin said nodding to Satori as he took a seat. Honoring Satroi's request, Gin informed Satori on the current subject.

"Well, it seems the topic at hand is discussing the filling of the vacant Kingsmanships of the 1st, 2nd, and 6th layers respectively, as well as reinstituting old policies of selecting Uprights of the respective layers as rulers, if possible. We are aiming for diversity among the Kings, as we are trying to find a solution to integrate as many choirs as possible back into the workings of Heaven." Gin said to Satori, turning his attention back to the other elders, having felt he gave Satori enough to be abreast on the conversation.

"I have something else for you all to consider. We have not been able locate all those loyal to Sanada and her ilk from within the remnants of the previous regimes, amongst the most notorious of Uprights. Is there anyone any of you can think of that resemble Ren in both attitude and actions. By this I mean, do any of you suspect any predominate Uprights of being 'fallen'. Anyone at all? Remember in order to make sure our realm maintains stability, we must purge all dissenters and possible spies and Hellion sympathizers. Ren was among the most popular, but I do not believe he was the only one." Gin asked awaiting an answer from the assembled.

[Mikage Tsubasa]

Tsubasa decided to think her answer over carefully. She did not want her biases over many of the individuals that resided in Heaven cause the Choubatsu-ou to think that she was a paranoid bat who would accuse any or everyone. However, there were quite a number of people on her list, although many of them had already been dealt with by time and karma--two of the fastest working forms of retribution, she thought.

Her eyes gliding over to Yamashiro as she spoke, Tsubasa said, "We all have history with Sanada. It will be almost impossible amongst the ranks of Heaven to find an older angel who has not once thought that Sanada had our will in mind when she ruled. It will be just as hard to find an older angel who has not had any contact with her at all. I ask you to please keep that in mind when you hear our answers." A pause. "That being said, I would like to bring to attention of our Choubatsu-ou one of our own: Shirogane Setsuna."

[Uesugi Lailis]

Lailis raised an eyebrow as Tsubasa spoke. It was glaringly obvious to him, at least, that this was a different Tsubasa than the one who had been present at the Celestial Conference with the Hellion beings. This Tsubasa was calm, collected, and was asking the Ha-ou to take things into consideration--things that at one time would have been labeled as an "excuse" by Tsubasa herself. It was very hard to listen to her speak in this fashion and believe that it was the same person.

What's changed so much? Lailis thought. However, after hearing her question, he turned to Yamashiro to see his expression. It was a well known fact that Setsuna had always been loyal to Chiyo. And Chiyo's regime, back when it was in place, involved interaction with Sanada Tomoyo. Setsuna had been known to meetwith her on occasion, even, especially when those abominable kids had been born. He had no choice but to agree to her allegations, however. Setsuna had been acting very...strange of late. There had been the wedding of Tsubarisu and Hotaka, where she had allowed herself to be held at knife point by some stranger that Lailis didn't recognize...then there was the matter of her being married to that Xanthus. She had gotten married before she had adopted her child, if Lailis's memory was correct. Why would she unite herself in marriage with someone that she wasn't going to have a child with? That wasn't considered a "logical" decision as far as Elohim went.

Lailis's eyes, just for a moment, shifted to Yamashiro as well, not sure what he was going to say about Tsubasa attacking his sister. Lailis wasn't going to support Tsubasa's motion, however, even though there was reason to be suspicious. Setsuna had not let them down in more than three thousand years. She may have had a personal agenda that was a bit strange for her race, but that didn't change the standing that she already had. Out of all of the original kings of Heaven, those that Lailis had competed with for thrones, she was the only one left who had not caved under the pressure of responsibility, died, or done something foolhardy to get themselves tossed out. He admired her for that.

[Shirogane Yamashiro]

Yamashiro's face remained emotionless as Tsubasa brought up his younger sister. He decided to say nothing, waiting for the Choubatsu-ou to ask for the reasons why she was being held under suspicion. It was logical to wait until the charges had been made before he defended her. To do anything else would cast her in the light of guilt, anyway. There were some strange things about his sister that even Yamashiro could not deny, and this was not the first time that her loyalty had been brought into question. However, on the other hand, Setsuna was an asset to Heaven, and he was sure at this time Kouzetsu would not be interested in starting his Kingship with a line up of completely new or young Kings, unless he decided to instate the Elders themselves. Setsuna was very loyal, although she had been reprimanded more than once by the Elders, even, while the previous Ha-ou weren't even bothering to monitor Setsuna's behavior.

Sitting quietly, he waited for Kouzetsu's reply.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Strange as it sounds, but there was a time where Setsuna's fence startling was awkward to me as well, but her service and tested three millenia in Heaven's service have elevated my doubts to her allegiance. Be assured, I am watching her as closely as I am watching any of you, but like you my Elders, she gives me no reason to suspect her. I have been fooled and left scarred by those just as close who don't possess many of her traits, and I believe that, especially now, betrayal is not an option for any upright." Gin said to Tsubasa, while addressing the other elders.

"I don't know of your personal histories with Sanada, and I will not pry, for it is not my place to do such, but remember, those memories no matter how fond, are in the past, and war seems to be in our present. I only know of Sanada in two ways, and how 'she' has affected me personally. Passively she was the leader of the uprising army of deviants that murdered my comrades and besieged my nation.

"Actively, I only spoke to Sanada at that sham of a conference, and I saw all I needed to see. I saw an emotional wreck, a being drowning in sea of incompetent sycophants, her yes men silently around the table like dogs, speaking only when signaled by there master. She only spoke because I am lead to believe she is a heart alone, the weariness on her face in the presence of Heaven, no matter how unorganized, was a sign that something else in her grasp, was no longer under her control. Her mock marriage, her waning and traitorous allies, the loss of her greatest tool in Chiyo. She fears the war, not because she would lose, with all our improvements and fortifications, we could now fight to a stand still and lose in the long run. She fears the war because she cannot she what would lie after.

"Sanada Tomo fears having to come back to heaven to answer for her transgressions. I have seen it before, that acquisition of power to protect yourself from those you have wronged from exacting any revenge, it is common for anarchists. I hope I have been able to draw you attention away from one of our own, at least until their actions prove my words contrary. Is there anyone else that arouses your suspicions.?" Gin asked the Elders.

[Hanajima Satori]

Satori felt like he was between the Wraths of Suzaku and Byakko. He was glad that Kouzetsu had said nothing about Setsuna other than that her loyalty seemed pure and true. That was always a good thing when a King was viewed as innocent; it was typically a rare occurrence, especially as far as Tsubasa was concerned. Setsuna was one of the few Kings who had cared enough to attempt to even bring Chiyo back from the dead in an effort to resolve the issues in Heaven. As much as Satori hated to admit it, Tohru had not done much for Heaven's state of affairs, and if anything made them worse. Satori believed honestly that even a Human with good intentions would never understand their society enough to aid them correctly. Even a Lord of Havoc.

However, there was another thing still pressing on his mind. The Elder now regretting his lack of use of his racial power when he had visited Oracle. As much as Satori had wanted to believe in the Malakim--if Oracle could even be called one--he could not. There was something about his demeanor that just seemed...untrustworthy to Satori, even without the usage of his abilities.

"I know of someone who cannot be trusted completely," he spoke up calmly. Honestly, he hated doing this. He would much rather give Oracle a chance to prove himself. But this was his home, his kingdom at stake. An entire kingdom was not worth more than one Angel as far as this instance went.

With new resolve, Satori continued more strongly, "His name is Oracle. Some of you may remember him as a fairytale--the Zaihou? I went to see him, to pick his brain about information required for our records. I cannot tell if his loyalty lies with us. He has left his home since and i assume that he has traveled to the Mortal Realm. I humbly request that his Highest Highness to speak to him. I have warned him of the results of any treachery if he continues with his dual sided actions, and as an Elder there is nothing more for me to do but that."

Satori honestly didn't know what sort of response he would get from the Ha-ou, considering how he reacted to Tsubasa's accusation about Setsuna.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Gin listened to Satori as he went on speaking of someone even Gin himself had not heard of, at least to the point that merited recognition in his opinion. "Oracle... hmm... it seems this name escapes me at the moment. You say you went to his residence to attain information, and from this encounter he has left you of all people with the feeling of being untrustworthy. As for this... 'Zaihou' alias you speak of, I am as unfamiliar with it as I am with him." Gin said leaning closer toward Satori's direction.

"Apparently there seems to be an 'Upright', and with this Oracle's standing at the moment I use that term very loosely, whose supposed 'dual standing' is of reasonable question, as well as his departure to the mortal realm for reasons I am left to believe are his own. I cannot abide this, not with the current state of things, and his unregistered 'trips' and your testimony have brought this matter to my attention Satori, thank you. now if there is nothing else to discuss my Elders, I would seek to adjourn this meeting and return to my duties, and see that you all do he same as well." Gin said, his speech long but necessary, emphasizing certain points. Looking to the Elders, he would wait to see if there were other comment, before he dismissed the group.

[Hanajima Satori]

Satori felt instant gratification at the small amount of praise that he received from his King. However, he wanted to end the meeting on that note, and Satori was glad that things had turned for the better, even if he had been tardy to the meeting in the first place.

Seeing that Kouzetsu was dismissing the meeting, Satori gathered himself and readied to leave after Kouzetsu.