The shadow of Death[Kouzetsu]

[Death]

Sa'Des rose from the shadows in the corner of Kouzetsu's office and strolled to the middle of the floor, bowing deeply before the king. Her appearance was unlikely to go unnoticed as she had arrived in an audible wisp of air as the wall seemed to meld into her form. Her long hair cascading freely about her body as she strolled in with a long katana in her hand. She held an air of haughty superiority even in the presence of Heavens king. As she rose from her bow she fell to a knee to address the king in the respectful manner she was instructed in by Death. Her clothing was barely covering her body, even though she was making an attempt at traditional styled clothes. Death told her to wear a nice kimono, her choice in wear was close, but not exactly what he had meant. She even held the blade she'd brought as a gift from Death as if it was to be used against him. By nature her demeanor seemed edgy and aggressive even as she attempted at politeness. Though, she'd failed at hat the moment she'd barged in unannounced.



"My master has sent me to offer you his condolences and speak with you in his behalf."

Her words held the honest coldness that her respectful actions tried to hide. It was clear that she respected nothing more then her master's wishes. She had been ordered to show this respect as it was Death she was representing. This would be the first king that Death or Sa'Des had been driven to see. It was Death's interest in his fellow Malikite that drove his ordering Sa'Des. She waited to be addressed before she rose just as she was instructed.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

Setting down the manuscript in his hand, Gin turned his eyes toward his unexpected visitor who stood low to the ground brandishing a sword. Soon after the woman who refered to herself as Sa'des spoke, both Orenj and Aoi burst into the room, hearing an unknown voice after Gin had asked not to be disturbed. Pointing their weapons at Sa'des, Gin interrupted the oncoming scuffle, "I have not given the order to attack, and right now both of you are trespassing upon insubordination. Return to your posts immediately, and only return when I have summoned you." Gin said sternly looking at the Orenji and Aoi. Lowering their weapons, the two guards saluted to Gin and walked out of his office, slowly closing the door behind them.

"As you can see, unannounced guests are an extreme rarity here, so please make you time and conversation here worth their while." Gin said, looking at the provocative manner of dress in which the women appeared before him in. Standing to his feet, Gin walked over to stand before Sa'des, unfliching at the weapon in her hand. "Have a proper seat when you speak, it does not bode well for hospitality on my part if you address me the time whilst on the floor." Gin said gesturing his hand toward one of two chairs in front of his desk.

"Also, i'm going to have to ask you to please place your ornament down. I will not acknowledge it as a weapon, for if it were, I would be dead. You have obviously shown your capability of sneaking past my guards undetected, and could have slew me if you wished. But since neither is the case please place the weapon on the rack on my mantle and have a seat to discuss whatever business your master has sent you here for." Gin said with a smile on his face, fearless in the face of this mystery women.

[Death]

Sa'Des had remained unflinching to the pointing weapons. She was more surprised that the man she'd been sent to see had rise from his desk. He was poise and polite, and it was interesting that he commended her for her infiltration. She hadn't really needed to say much, but it was nice that he was nice enough to offer a seat. Watching as he walked over to her she listened to his words. She didn't move until he was done with his words. He was a warrior in the fullest way, she could tell by the energy in his shadow. She didn't mean to but she just happened to have a taste of his energy when he moved near. Sa'Des was what most considered a leach, or a parasite anyway.

"I am Sa'Des, currently the emissary of the angel Death. This is a blade forged by my master for your use. As a gift it is for you to take and hopefully find it useful."

Her words softened lightly sensing that their was a slight familiarity in Gin and her master. Still her demeanor was rough as she was seldom away from her master's side. She bowed her head and presented the rather long katana to Kouzetsu. A blade of blade with a brown sheath and handle. The blade was created to take on characteristics of Sa'Des, in other words it would consume the energy of the person it cut and further empower the blade's destructive power. It was truly a swordsman's blade that was meant to work as a symbol of Death's loyalty to a worthy King.

After a moments wait in which hopefully the blade was taken Sa'Des would rise and her generous bust would tremble lightly. The full of her frame defined by the provocatively worn kimono and her porcelain skin shone sensually in the lighting of the office. It was obvious that there was possibly more then one reason Death was so fond of Sa'Des.

"I thank you for your kindness and hospitality Lord Kouzetsu. It is my first time in the office of Heaven's ruler."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Think nothing of it dear, someone of my status must poise themselves as cordial to all they meet. It is unfortunate my predecessors choose to focus their reigns on settling petty disputes, as well as laying about as our home was pillaged by infernal slime, but that is not important now. You master's gift is also much appreciated as your presence here, I do say, I am quite partial to fine craftsmanship in weaponry." Gin said, taking his seat across from Sa'des. "Now then, with the pleasantries of introductions out of the way, what business do you have to discuss? Also, inform on why you master was unable to see me for himself." Gin said, clasping his hands together as he leaned forward to face Sa'des.

[Death]

Sa'des moved at the same time as Kouzetsu and sat in one of the chairs before the kings desk and crossed her legs. She sat back and rested her hands on her lap to listen to the rest of his words. She was not very happy with being away from her master and not only that but she had the feeling that Nora, his present spirit, was making a move on her territory. the thought of her master with the secondary partner he'd picked up made Sa'Des feel a wrathful annoyance to her current mission. Though, she figured she had been sent because she was most suitable for the part anyway.

"My master wishes first wish you well and apologize for being unable to help you. He is charged with the task of transporting spirits, and the sudden strike on the second layer was not shown on his list until just a moment before the first death happened. It is the strangest thing. He is not one to overlook things, and he told me to inform you that whoever did this had no reason or motive. The assault was random, and sudden. He says that all who died showed up one second as soon to be deceased and the next as irreversible deaths."

She spoke without much in the way of enthusiasm, but still spoke with the depth of her words importance. To her, Death telling the king this was a privilege and should be respected as such. Death didn't often care to aid in celestial affairs. He wasn't doing anything to break his contract with the shijin so he was free to tell, but he never had done so before. He simply liked Kouzetsu, not to mention, this was a first for Death. Slaughters and wars always showed up before hand, they were nearly always predictable, but this time was strange. It was of interest who could be capable of not only senseless murder, but purposeless and desire-less destruction to innocent lives.

"As such the assault kept him away from other souls he needed to attend to. He is now working at top speed to catch up on what he's behind on. My master is always working, his job has no breaks. He doesn't have a life of his own. Only the honor of working for lost gods"

Her last four sentences were bitter, and not at all hidden. It was apparent that she didn't agree with his sacrifices, though she would never complain. She looked to Kouzetsu after giving her report and wondered if it had been as useful as Death had felt it was.

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Rest assured, Death efforts do not go unnoticed by my eyes lovely Sa'des, for your Master's efforts are not fruitless or futile. The service he provides his of immeasurable value, even if it is for the creators we damned so long ago, I could only expect a Malakim to honor the very task that is his charge." Gin said, smiling at Sa'des from across his desk.

"As for the slaughter in the second layer, a tragedy it was, mainly in the sheer stupidity of assailant. His random attack has throw Heaven into an uproar, one I am trying to quell before it grows any larger. This will not deter us from making progress though, for if the citizens of this realm are as strong as I believe them to be, then it is your Master's example we shall continue follow. Diligence and resolve is what we must display, only then can we rid ourselves from the chain of stagnation set upon us by our enemies." Gin said pouring himself a cup of tea. Reaching onto the the serving tray for another cup, Gin poured the silvery, steaming liquid into a cup on another saucer, "Have a drink with me if you please." Gin said handing Sa'des the sweet smelling liquid contents of the cup.

[Death]

The words of the Ha-ou made Sa'Des smile lightly. She liked the sound of complements towards her master. Even if she despised the fact that her master was so busy tending to the needs of the realms that he never tended to her. She didn't even know if it was fair to be angry with the dead, nor did she care. if it was up to her her master wouldn't have such a bothersome job. She would much rather him leave the post he'd been holding for so long.

Sa'Des looked down at the cup that had been poured for her. She'd never taking sustenance of any kind other then the energy of others. She wasn't all too sure she was allowed to drink, or if her body was unable to drink. She wasn't very clear on what a wraith could drink or eat. She was the only wraith that existed outside of the spirit realm, and so far she hadn't been presented with this... tea stuff. Though, she was sure that she would be insulting him to decline, she would rather not attempt to drink and have an adverse reaction before this man. Her master would be ill reflected in her actions if she so disgraced herself.

"My apologies, but I cannot accept. I'm unable to take such sustenance Lord Kouzetsu, so I can not drink with you as you so please."

She said with a nearly believable tone of apology. She was barely able to speak with anything other then contempt to any creature other then Death. None were worthy of equal treatment in her eyes and this man was no different. She had mild respect for him because he'd gained Death's respect. She also had to reflect her master effectively.

"And as the shadow of Death I can say we are pleased with the honor of your kind words. We are happy to be a role model for the denizens of heaven. Indeed, it has been too long since heaven knew it's true strength and honor. Too long has the glory of this glorious place been tainted by boy lovers and traitors. So much so that we have been gone from the layers without wishing return. We hope to see a new light under your charge Lord Kouzetsu. Please guide our dream of a glorious heaven into fruition."

In the words she spoke for her master she spoke with a righteous passion that was noticeable to be separate from her own words. Apparently the honor of her master's words fell from her in that way. She so loved her master that all that he wished for she felt should be granted. She had fed from his energy for so long that she had found him to be connected to her. She depended on it, and as such was now feeling a bit of withdrawal. She had not taken enough to hold her over for too long, so she was not going to last very much longer away from him.

"Though, I myself would much rather he find a new charge. His work can be handled by Anubis if he were to devote himself to a more worthy cause. As one of the very first of his kind I know his relative closeness to the race. If only he could be closer to those he considers family, I know he would be happy as well as honored. It is a dull existence to manage those foolish souls. It is truly bothersome to deal with dead mortals."

She spoke without thinking that her words may be a bit adverse and disrespectful and bowed her head lightly. She knew her place was not here, she was speaking against her masters work, and even if he would have liked a different post, she was not to speak on such a thing without his voicing his want.

"I speak out of place. Forgive me. I just wish that he could be granted a place more suitable a good man. He was given that job to keep him chained. It was an unfair charge that he took even though he didn't want it. He honors the contract though, as the loyal man that he is he would never go against an agreement he accepted until it is broken."

[Kouzetsu Gin]

"Understood, my apologies from my presumptions." Gin said to Sa'Des in reference to his offering of tea. Sipping the steamy blend from its pristine container, Gin set the cup back on its saucer. Gin listened as Sa'Des spoke, taking in ever word, devouring her speech as he did so many others when they spoke to him. Gin was never one to pry, but often times he felt most disagreements where caused by an incorrect interpretation of what one party said to the other, so naturally he used his Affinity for Law to aid his listening.

As Sa'Des continued to speak, Gin could here a small bit of distress in her words. Loyal to her master in the most devote and sincere way could not have prevented Gin from perceiving her annoyance for her master's designated duites. Gin could agree to this, but was not in the position to delegate tasks to one such as Anubis, and as he was still in the process of repairing Heaven, damaging a relationship of that caliber was not worth the happiness a a fellow Malakim, let alone his subservient sprite.

"Don't fear Sa'des, I harbor no ill toward your words for they are indeed true. Death's charge had been designated to him by his creators, our creators, and as such he has carryed out this task for eons. But despite his or your dislike of it, you must realize something my dear Sa'Des, he is in fact his job.

"By his very nature he is a Malakim, a Celestial that resonates honor. By continuing to fulfill this agreement as Death, he has become his work, and thereby the source of his own honor, and for me to cause the cessation of this would be to strip him of his said honor. I cannot be responsible for such desecration, as I expect you have come to believe the same." Gin said as he looked across his desk at Sa'Des. "He is what he was created to be, and he has accepted this, Sa'Des if you truly care for your master you should learn to endear him more, based off this very conversation. Was that all you came to speak to me about?" Gin asked, sipping his tea after unrolling another parchment on his desk.

[Death]

Sa'Des could do little but listen and understand her foolishness. He was right and she had known this from the moment the contract was signed and Death lost the name he was made with. Her acceptance was something this matter may never be given but her tolerance was assured. Sa'Des could rarely survive the day away from her master, defying his will and his obligation was out of the question. She fell into a slight wave of shame from her weakness, it was something she had not meant to do. Her actions reflected her master, it was not his way to question his duty, and Sa'Des had smeared his name with her last words. It was likely she would receive punishment from her master for her mistakes, but she had at least tried to free him.

"I am sorry Lord Kouzetsu, I have embarrassed myself enough for this day. I have stated my master's words as well as my own. Forgive my intrusion."

She rose in a slightly somber way with her face void of anything but the cold contempt haunting her mind. Her clothes hung from her voluptuous frame as she bowed and and stepping backward. Once she was nearer to the door then to hi desk she smiled lightly.

"I will excuse myself, my master again sends his regards. I'm sure he will come to see you himself soon enough. I apologize for my words, and thank you for your advice."

The wraith bowed again and her shape seemed to hollow. Her body losing physical form and reverting to the spiritual mass that is her wraith energy. Her body seemed a projection of light and it melted to the floor and lost it's traceable energy. With that the female was gone and on her way to the side of her master once more.