4. New Assignment
Tatsumi stood with unwavering authority at the head of the table in the small conference room. A scientist and an Empath occupied two of three seats.
Tucked protectively against the secretary's chest in his left arm were several manila folders. His right elbow rested on the left fist, which allowed him to knead his brow in frustration.
Widely spaced steps could be heard beyond the door getting louder until suddenly, the entrance to the conference room quickly swung open revealing a breathless man who stood hunched over with one hand on his thigh, the other against the doorframe.
Tatsumi pushed his wire frames back up against his face while he lifted his gaze to the dark haired man that scrambled frantically to the nearest seat and quickly attempted to recaptured his breath.
"I'm glad to see that you all made it." He said with a cool composer that masked his annoyance as he eyed the panting Shinigami. He had better and more cost effective tasks to perform then to wait around for a late co-worker.
"We have received a direct request from the Celestial Council." Tatsumi stated firmly with calm blue eyes.
Amethyst and gold widened with shock and it was Watari who chimed in first. "They are extremely powerful themselves, what do they need our help for?" The golden haired scientist queried with suspicion and worry to the secretary. He crossed his legs and folded his arms limply in front of his chest, and pushing his hair back as numerous yellow locks tried to escape the confines of their loosely tried orange ribbon.
Hisoka's brow furrowed slightly in concentration as he fit pieces of the conversation together to form a working definition of what he would actually be doing on this case.
Tatsumi noticed the youth in the corner masking confusion as he attempted to process the information that was flying around the room. For the boy's sake, he decided to supply an explanation.
"The Celestial Council is an assembly of the reigning princes of each angelic order, the Sarim. This Council is responsible for carrying out the will of God. They reside in Heaven for the most part, but are concerned with maintaining order in Heaven, Hell, and on Earth." Tatsumi stated in a cool manner.
"We have been asked to search for an angel named Azazel" Tatsumi informed the group as he proceeded to pass out the folders he held.
The particular folder handed to Hisoka contained information of the angel's most current corporeal appearance. Hisoka passed all the written descriptions and began sifting through many archaic drawings and prints of the angel until his gaze came to rest on one particularly immaculate portrait.
"That one was supplied by the Council itself." Tatsumi supplied simply as he noticed the image Hisoka studied intently. The youth simply nodded, not taking his eyes from the enticing picture that seemed to radiate warmth.
An image of a flawless being stared back at Hisoka from the paper he held delicately in his hands. Pristine features formed a small smile on the angel's face, which shone through to his bright sapphire eyes. Shimmering tresses flowed down and around the angel's face like an ethereal waterfall, reaching half way down his back. The Seraph's impressive wingspan was tucked modestly behind his powerful lean body. Azazel's hands lay over his chest, and white garments hung softly as gold trim accented the golden locks that fell loosely over them.
Hisoka was captivated by the enchanting purity of the picture. Azazel seemed so perfectly content. Although he was unsure why, the image of the angel created a small pang of hopelessness in the Empath's chest. A pain he felt terribly necessary to overcome.
"Why are we searching for this angel anyways? Has something happened to him?" Watari asked as he studied documents regarding the angel's standing in Heaven.
Tatsumi made a motion to respond, but was suddenly interrupted.
"He's a demon!?" Tsuzuki squawked as he stopped on a page of a document containing Azazel's history.
"Yes, Azazel is a fallen Seraph." Tatsumi replied in a monotonous tone.
"Azazel was one of several chiefs of about 200 angels that fell before the great flood as recorded in the Old Testament. It is recorded that the flood of that time was caused in part by the transgressions of these angels." Tatsumi stated, his arms now hung at his sides.
"This host of angels was sent to aid mankind." He continued unaffectedly. "However, upon seeing the women of earth, the angels sought them as wives. The offspring produced from such a union were known as the Nephilim, a race of destructive giants." He assertively affirmed while watching the boy whose attention seemed to still lie with the celestial photograph.
The occupants of the room listened quietly to the monotonous voice of their russet haired superior as he continued. "Also, these angels further condemned themselves by teaching humankind such skills as seduction, witchcraft, and warfare. Thus, Azazel fell, and is partially responsible for God's initial 'purification' of the Earth."
"Who's Semyaza? He seems to come up a lot in this file." Tsuzuki asked, unable to find a clear explanation for the presence of the other character.
"Semyaza is Azazel's angel master, he was the commanding chief of the angels that fell during this period. He is now a fallen Seraph." Tatsumi answered as he produced yet another folder. He placed it on the table effortlessly slid it in Tsuzuki's Direction.
"We have reason to suspect Azazel will attempt to release his angel master. Therefore we must find Azazel before he gets the chance to do so." Tatsumi continued, his voice a low commanding tenor.
"Why don't we just guard this Semyaza guy, and let Azazel come to us?" Watari queried as he closed his own folder in favor of peering over Tsuzuki's shoulder to scan the documents regarding the angel master.
"Semyaza is currently trapped in a dimension between Heaven and Earth and is already guarded by angels who would be able to sense the use of magic by a fallen angel." Tatsumi answered as he bent over the table to emphasize his point, one hand on the table and the other on his hip, he continued his lecture. "Furthermore, we cannot wait around guarding an already trapped fallen angel while another one is free, roaming the Earth realm." The tall Shinigami said while standing up straight once more.
Hisoka stared hard at the portrait he still held. Something about wondering how such a beautiful creature could be corrupted made his stomach turn. It was then that he realized what was causing him such unnatural discomfort: He wanted to believe that Azazel could be helped.
The Empath grimaced in contemplation and it appeared to everyone in the room that he was his usual acerbic self.
"Why do they think we handle loose angel cases?" Tsuzuki pouted indignantly while crossing his arms across his chest in a failed attempt to appear angered.
"An angel is an intangible being; a spirit." Tatsumi regarded his collogue as his lip started to twitch at Tsuzuki's lazier then usual attitude. "And this spirit is missing. Sounds to me like this case fits your job description rather well, Tsuzuki-san." He finished in an omnipotent tone. Satisfaction tugged slightly at the corners of his mouth at the withdrawing mannerisms of the purple-eyed Shinigami.
"Yeah, but..." Tsuzuki attempted feebly.
"Besides," Tatsumi cut off what would have been a longwinded whining session from his former partner. "It is not in the best interest of our department to turn down such a prestigious client, and I have been assured that our reward will be great."
Hisoka sat dejectedly in a corner seat now watching the drama in front of him. He silently wondered why his partner was dumb enough to question the secretary's authority.
The Empath was not anticipating their new case. Although he had caught his partner with his guard down several times, it had been immediately reinforced when Tsuzuki became aware of his own inattentive actions.
Emeralds now gleamed under a knit brow as the slowly increasing emotions of his partner all but gently penetrated the Empath's mental shields. It had become rare that Hisoka could capture a glimpse of his partner's thoughts, and although it hurt to let his erratic partner in, he welcomed the pain in exchange for information.
As the feelings Tsuzuki was emitting for the sole purpose of his spat with Tatsumi began to dissipate, Hisoka felt a sudden wave of disgust, shame and betrayal before the connection was suddenly terminated by an overload of hopefulness.
'What the Hell was that?' The Empath thought as he cautiously raised his contemplative gaze to his partner.
As if he had been struck by the best idea of his life, Tsuzuki chimed back into his argument with the secretary. "But why are we getting the case? That angel could be in Hokkaido for all we know!" He emphasized his point with a clearly exaggerated expression of agony.
"You two are the only pair not currently working on a case." Tatsumi answered simply, his death glare daring Tsuzuki to continue. When he was sure he had effectively silenced the disagreeable Shinigami, Tatsumi resumed his original monologue.
Tsuzuki fell forward to the table, defeated in his efforts. His violet gaze caught his partner studying him intently from the corner he had situated himself in. Hisoka immediately destroyed the lock their eyes had created and cringed as he felt a familiar wall block him out of his partner's mind.
Reinforcing his mental shields for his partner's sake, faintly concealed hurt spread across Tsuzuki's angular features as he watched his younger partner quickly move to ignore him. He eventually gave up, offering his now apathetic attention back to Tatsumi.
"Watari will help both of you with research, but you two will do the majority of the fieldwork."
"Lastly, you will also be working with the angel placed in charge of the this case by the Celestial Council. Ingethel."
To Be Concluded...
One thing I really like about Tatsumi... He always seems to know things; very well informed fellow.
Since so many lovely people reviewed my story, I decided to work extra hard to get the newest chapters up earlier then normal. I also decided to produce two chapters again, just so no one gets too confused by the introduction of the plot. I should really get back to studying for my Exam in Greek Art History though.
Special thanks to:
Shitsumon (If it turns out the way you are expecting, were is the fun in that? However, I will definitely take your concerns into account as I write. Thank you for raising questions, it helps in the creative process to have other opinions *smile*)
Tangerine-asuka (Thank you for your input on my writing style, it is really great to know what other people think *Hugs*)
ShiniJekka (I am happy you liked that scene, I adore writing 003, when I was little I wanted to be an Ornithologist, so I love writing about 003's behavior)
Trickster Kitsune (Yeah, I prefer TokyoPop myself)
SapphireDragon (The artwork is definitely amazing, that is the original reason I got hooked on Yami no Matsuei)
Chibisanzo (very enthusiastic, I like that. I am happy you are enjoying the story)
Now I really need your help... I introduced the plot, and an original character, what do you guys think?
Tatsumi stood with unwavering authority at the head of the table in the small conference room. A scientist and an Empath occupied two of three seats.
Tucked protectively against the secretary's chest in his left arm were several manila folders. His right elbow rested on the left fist, which allowed him to knead his brow in frustration.
Widely spaced steps could be heard beyond the door getting louder until suddenly, the entrance to the conference room quickly swung open revealing a breathless man who stood hunched over with one hand on his thigh, the other against the doorframe.
Tatsumi pushed his wire frames back up against his face while he lifted his gaze to the dark haired man that scrambled frantically to the nearest seat and quickly attempted to recaptured his breath.
"I'm glad to see that you all made it." He said with a cool composer that masked his annoyance as he eyed the panting Shinigami. He had better and more cost effective tasks to perform then to wait around for a late co-worker.
"We have received a direct request from the Celestial Council." Tatsumi stated firmly with calm blue eyes.
Amethyst and gold widened with shock and it was Watari who chimed in first. "They are extremely powerful themselves, what do they need our help for?" The golden haired scientist queried with suspicion and worry to the secretary. He crossed his legs and folded his arms limply in front of his chest, and pushing his hair back as numerous yellow locks tried to escape the confines of their loosely tried orange ribbon.
Hisoka's brow furrowed slightly in concentration as he fit pieces of the conversation together to form a working definition of what he would actually be doing on this case.
Tatsumi noticed the youth in the corner masking confusion as he attempted to process the information that was flying around the room. For the boy's sake, he decided to supply an explanation.
"The Celestial Council is an assembly of the reigning princes of each angelic order, the Sarim. This Council is responsible for carrying out the will of God. They reside in Heaven for the most part, but are concerned with maintaining order in Heaven, Hell, and on Earth." Tatsumi stated in a cool manner.
"We have been asked to search for an angel named Azazel" Tatsumi informed the group as he proceeded to pass out the folders he held.
The particular folder handed to Hisoka contained information of the angel's most current corporeal appearance. Hisoka passed all the written descriptions and began sifting through many archaic drawings and prints of the angel until his gaze came to rest on one particularly immaculate portrait.
"That one was supplied by the Council itself." Tatsumi supplied simply as he noticed the image Hisoka studied intently. The youth simply nodded, not taking his eyes from the enticing picture that seemed to radiate warmth.
An image of a flawless being stared back at Hisoka from the paper he held delicately in his hands. Pristine features formed a small smile on the angel's face, which shone through to his bright sapphire eyes. Shimmering tresses flowed down and around the angel's face like an ethereal waterfall, reaching half way down his back. The Seraph's impressive wingspan was tucked modestly behind his powerful lean body. Azazel's hands lay over his chest, and white garments hung softly as gold trim accented the golden locks that fell loosely over them.
Hisoka was captivated by the enchanting purity of the picture. Azazel seemed so perfectly content. Although he was unsure why, the image of the angel created a small pang of hopelessness in the Empath's chest. A pain he felt terribly necessary to overcome.
"Why are we searching for this angel anyways? Has something happened to him?" Watari asked as he studied documents regarding the angel's standing in Heaven.
Tatsumi made a motion to respond, but was suddenly interrupted.
"He's a demon!?" Tsuzuki squawked as he stopped on a page of a document containing Azazel's history.
"Yes, Azazel is a fallen Seraph." Tatsumi replied in a monotonous tone.
"Azazel was one of several chiefs of about 200 angels that fell before the great flood as recorded in the Old Testament. It is recorded that the flood of that time was caused in part by the transgressions of these angels." Tatsumi stated, his arms now hung at his sides.
"This host of angels was sent to aid mankind." He continued unaffectedly. "However, upon seeing the women of earth, the angels sought them as wives. The offspring produced from such a union were known as the Nephilim, a race of destructive giants." He assertively affirmed while watching the boy whose attention seemed to still lie with the celestial photograph.
The occupants of the room listened quietly to the monotonous voice of their russet haired superior as he continued. "Also, these angels further condemned themselves by teaching humankind such skills as seduction, witchcraft, and warfare. Thus, Azazel fell, and is partially responsible for God's initial 'purification' of the Earth."
"Who's Semyaza? He seems to come up a lot in this file." Tsuzuki asked, unable to find a clear explanation for the presence of the other character.
"Semyaza is Azazel's angel master, he was the commanding chief of the angels that fell during this period. He is now a fallen Seraph." Tatsumi answered as he produced yet another folder. He placed it on the table effortlessly slid it in Tsuzuki's Direction.
"We have reason to suspect Azazel will attempt to release his angel master. Therefore we must find Azazel before he gets the chance to do so." Tatsumi continued, his voice a low commanding tenor.
"Why don't we just guard this Semyaza guy, and let Azazel come to us?" Watari queried as he closed his own folder in favor of peering over Tsuzuki's shoulder to scan the documents regarding the angel master.
"Semyaza is currently trapped in a dimension between Heaven and Earth and is already guarded by angels who would be able to sense the use of magic by a fallen angel." Tatsumi answered as he bent over the table to emphasize his point, one hand on the table and the other on his hip, he continued his lecture. "Furthermore, we cannot wait around guarding an already trapped fallen angel while another one is free, roaming the Earth realm." The tall Shinigami said while standing up straight once more.
Hisoka stared hard at the portrait he still held. Something about wondering how such a beautiful creature could be corrupted made his stomach turn. It was then that he realized what was causing him such unnatural discomfort: He wanted to believe that Azazel could be helped.
The Empath grimaced in contemplation and it appeared to everyone in the room that he was his usual acerbic self.
"Why do they think we handle loose angel cases?" Tsuzuki pouted indignantly while crossing his arms across his chest in a failed attempt to appear angered.
"An angel is an intangible being; a spirit." Tatsumi regarded his collogue as his lip started to twitch at Tsuzuki's lazier then usual attitude. "And this spirit is missing. Sounds to me like this case fits your job description rather well, Tsuzuki-san." He finished in an omnipotent tone. Satisfaction tugged slightly at the corners of his mouth at the withdrawing mannerisms of the purple-eyed Shinigami.
"Yeah, but..." Tsuzuki attempted feebly.
"Besides," Tatsumi cut off what would have been a longwinded whining session from his former partner. "It is not in the best interest of our department to turn down such a prestigious client, and I have been assured that our reward will be great."
Hisoka sat dejectedly in a corner seat now watching the drama in front of him. He silently wondered why his partner was dumb enough to question the secretary's authority.
The Empath was not anticipating their new case. Although he had caught his partner with his guard down several times, it had been immediately reinforced when Tsuzuki became aware of his own inattentive actions.
Emeralds now gleamed under a knit brow as the slowly increasing emotions of his partner all but gently penetrated the Empath's mental shields. It had become rare that Hisoka could capture a glimpse of his partner's thoughts, and although it hurt to let his erratic partner in, he welcomed the pain in exchange for information.
As the feelings Tsuzuki was emitting for the sole purpose of his spat with Tatsumi began to dissipate, Hisoka felt a sudden wave of disgust, shame and betrayal before the connection was suddenly terminated by an overload of hopefulness.
'What the Hell was that?' The Empath thought as he cautiously raised his contemplative gaze to his partner.
As if he had been struck by the best idea of his life, Tsuzuki chimed back into his argument with the secretary. "But why are we getting the case? That angel could be in Hokkaido for all we know!" He emphasized his point with a clearly exaggerated expression of agony.
"You two are the only pair not currently working on a case." Tatsumi answered simply, his death glare daring Tsuzuki to continue. When he was sure he had effectively silenced the disagreeable Shinigami, Tatsumi resumed his original monologue.
Tsuzuki fell forward to the table, defeated in his efforts. His violet gaze caught his partner studying him intently from the corner he had situated himself in. Hisoka immediately destroyed the lock their eyes had created and cringed as he felt a familiar wall block him out of his partner's mind.
Reinforcing his mental shields for his partner's sake, faintly concealed hurt spread across Tsuzuki's angular features as he watched his younger partner quickly move to ignore him. He eventually gave up, offering his now apathetic attention back to Tatsumi.
"Watari will help both of you with research, but you two will do the majority of the fieldwork."
"Lastly, you will also be working with the angel placed in charge of the this case by the Celestial Council. Ingethel."
To Be Concluded...
One thing I really like about Tatsumi... He always seems to know things; very well informed fellow.
Since so many lovely people reviewed my story, I decided to work extra hard to get the newest chapters up earlier then normal. I also decided to produce two chapters again, just so no one gets too confused by the introduction of the plot. I should really get back to studying for my Exam in Greek Art History though.
Special thanks to:
Shitsumon (If it turns out the way you are expecting, were is the fun in that? However, I will definitely take your concerns into account as I write. Thank you for raising questions, it helps in the creative process to have other opinions *smile*)
Tangerine-asuka (Thank you for your input on my writing style, it is really great to know what other people think *Hugs*)
ShiniJekka (I am happy you liked that scene, I adore writing 003, when I was little I wanted to be an Ornithologist, so I love writing about 003's behavior)
Trickster Kitsune (Yeah, I prefer TokyoPop myself)
SapphireDragon (The artwork is definitely amazing, that is the original reason I got hooked on Yami no Matsuei)
Chibisanzo (very enthusiastic, I like that. I am happy you are enjoying the story)
Now I really need your help... I introduced the plot, and an original character, what do you guys think?