Blood Blades

Rise of the Royals

      A tap sounded on the door. Karuma opened her eyes...feeling extremely groggy. Sesshomaru was wrapped tightly around her side, starting to stir. She still felt damp...but really warm and comfortable...dammit. I do not wish to rise...I want to stay in his arms forever.
    A scent came through the door...someone must have removed the barrier sutra. She smelled Inuyasha and a currently unknown elf. She sighed. "It's Inuyasha and someone else...don't know who. It must getting late."
   He grunted an affirmative, making her smirk. "Come, love...it is time...geez, I'm nervous." And still so tired...she stifled a yawn. She could also feel her demon stirring, acutely. The Serenade may help...I hope. I'm glad Inuyasha showed up...we can Serenade together real quick before joining the others.
    Sesshomaru still didn't stir, but his head lifted to look down at her. He studied her closely. "What?" He makes me feel that he is picking me to pieces...and studying every piece. The tap sounded again...he ignored it.
    "Are you alright, sweetheart? To be honest, you have me concerned, woman. And, you are my priority over a damn knock. They can wait."
   "You want the truth or reassurance?"
    He gave her an ugly look, then sat up, coming to his knees, he straddled her hips, coming down on top of her and pinning her down...still watching her intently. "The truth, Karuma."
    She let out a drawn out sigh. "I am exhausted, on the verge of constant tears...my insides feel almost heavy. I am getting weaker...right now, I can feel the demon stirring, actively fighting me, and growing stronger...and...I don't want to fight it anymore..." she trailed off to a whisper. He wanted honesty.
    He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then lifted his head once more, giving her a soft look. "I know it is hard. I do not want you to fight it either. I feel myself weakening as well. Our mission is almost complete. We shall endure princess. Together." He leaned down to her and kissed her gently. She had to bite back her tears at his suffering that she had caused him. The tap sounded again...a little louder and more insistent. He lifted his head again.
"Are you ready, beautiful?"
"As I'll ever be, handsome." She replied, solemn. She didn't even attempt a smile...it would be a facade anyhow. He shuffled and stood, retrieving a robe and holding his hand out to her. She grasped his hand and he pulled her to her feet. After she was up, he threw the robe around her shoulders, over her wings, and tied it for her after she ran her arms through it. He pulled a robe on as well...a bright blue in color. Hers was red, and contrasted with her light coloring...but, of course, he looked amazing. After he donned the robe, he bent over the bed...a warm feeling engulfed her as he retrieved her feather from the blankets...all clean.
     "Put this in my hair...then answer the door, woman. By the sounds, they grow impatient." As if on cue, a loud pounding sounded on the door.
    "Must be Inuyasha..." she mumbled. He chuckled, handing her the feather, he turned and bent so she could reach. Plucking another hair from her head, she wove it into his hair then stepped back.
    "All set." She came around him and started for the door. He caught up in two quick strides and spun her about to face him once more. His hand came to her cheek, turning her face up to him...his thumb tracing her skin softly as his eyes searched hers.
   "Just so you are not surprised by other's reactions...look in the mirror, sweetheart." Hah?...now what? He turned and grabbed her hand, leading her to the vanity...standing beside her as she searched her appearance. Jagged and dark...standing out brightly on her pale face...her demon markings had returned, shining bright blue...like a fresh tattoo.
   "Oh shit...My time is definitely running out...but...it's strange. The rest of me hasn't altered. I wonder why..." She leaned forward and studied her hair. "Nope, still the same."
   "You are stronger, Karuma. There in lies your answer...the level of power you have achieved is astounding, princess. So, come, my Lady...let us show these pathetic elves your amazing abilities. Prove to them just how strong you really are." He reached for her shoulders, turning her away from the mirror and toward him. She looked up at him...the look of love in his eyes caught up in her heartstrings, choking her up a bit.
    He smiled softly down at her. "I am proud of you, Karuma...you are a creature that was born to stand at my side, where I can show off my precious gift. And I was born to stand beside you, to protect my precious gift." His hand came to her cheek once more as he leaned in closer. Just before his lips touched hers, he whispered sweetly, "I love you, sweetheart." Oh god...his lips pressed against hers softly...but, not long enough in her opinion. As he tried to raise his head, she wrapped her hands behind it, tangling her fingers in his hair, effectively holding him in place. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she deepened the kiss. The pounding on the door got louder.
    A muffled yell sounded through the closed door. "What the hell, you two!? Come on! It's close to midnight!!"
   She couldn't help it...she broke the kiss, laughing. Sesshomaru chuckled as well.
   "Good to hear you laugh, elf. I haven't heard it enough as of late." He wiped her tears away on his sleeve
   "Yeah, I suppose I should let em in."
   "Mmhm." He nodded. "Scent barrier, Karuma." Right. Damn thing. She erected her barrier as Sesshomaru stepped away, then walked to the door. Looking back, he nodded at her reassuringly. She took a deep breath, and opened the door...and, what she saw upon opening that door, left her speechless. Inuyasha was standing outside the door, back to her...and talking with a very dark skinned and white haired...almost a midnight black-blue colored elf...who was facing her, his silver eyes meeting hers, he smiled at her, his white teeth standing out sharply against his dark skin. His outfit was dark as well...again, in a robe style similar to a kimono, with silver glinting like starbursts all over it...pull string, baggy looking pants that matched his top, and laced up footwear similar to moccasins. His face had soft, almost feminine lines, high cheekbones and silver eyebrows and lashes that accented his eyes nicely. His long, white hair, fell around his face...his long, pointed ears, that protruded out of his hair, bore two earrings on each earlobe, with stones of a silver-white as well. Outlines of tattoos marked his skin periodically...elven runes and geometric designs of a light silver ink, making them pop on his dark skin dramatically. Quite handsome...but...
    A drow!?...here!? Her look of surprise must have shown, because the dark elf started laughing. "The king needs his slaves, my Lady..." his voice was very soothing, comforting. "The only reason he would allow my kind to step foot in his golden realm. The drow are responsible for all the hidden tunnels that reach far below us. My kind are quite used to living underground..." his silver eyes slid to Inuyasha, his right eyebrow raising, "like moles."
    Inuyasha turned to her, his cheeks pink. Must have been something the pup had carelessly said. Upon seeing her though, his face took on a look of concern. His hand came to her cheek, gently tracing her stripe.
"Are you alright, Ruma? Your stripes are back again...and really jagged looking." Leave it to Inuyasha to accept a dark elf so easily. Outcasts band together...and she was extremely proud of him.
   "Not exactly, Inuyasha...my time is officially running out. We have to move fast, pup. Can you sing with me before we go to the others? It may help."
   "Yes. I'm here for you. I figured you would need to Serenade soon...that's why I insisted on coming to wake you." He spoke softly...sweetheart.
   "Thank you, love...you are really sweet, ya know..." she gave him a weak smile as his cheeks turned pink again. The elf behind him spoke up.
   "You mean that I shall be the first to witness your now famous altered Serenade with demons!? It would be an honor, princess!" She chuckled...out of all the elves, she had heard the drow were the most adaptable...marking them as the literal black sheep among the other elven races...and the most misunderstood. They had forward thinking and mechanical minds, engineers...she could just imagine the equipment they used to excavate the tunnels. Inuyasha moved aside so she could talk with the elf.
   "You can even join in if you want. What is your name, elf?"
   "Imri, my Lady...and it is indeed a pleasure to finally meet you." He gave her a bow as he spoke, his smile infectious...she grinned back at him. "Your father was an elf above all those assholes at the castle...he always made time to help even the lowest members of our society...to which, I am grateful. I wish to return the favor. You have need of an advisor to the elves...please, allow me to help you, princess."
She shook her head. "But you don't even know me, Imri. I could be just like Kanastus." Sesshomaru stepped up behind her, putting a possessive hand on her shoulder.
He looked toward Sesshomaru...if the elf was intimidated, he didn't show it. "I don't think so. The way your family and friends praise you, if you were to walk on water, I would not be surprised." Pfffttt! This elf...she busted out laughing.
"I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon, but it's nice to know that they all think well of me."
"It is more than them thinking well of you...it is much deeper than that. It is obvious that they all love you. I can only assume that that is a reflection of your character, princess. I find I want to help you, just to know you better, my Lady." Smooth...he is a charmer...
   "What if what I want is a friend, not an advisor, Imri? That is the quickest way to get to know me...and, I can honestly say, I feel comfortable around you. I usually trust my first gut instinct...that, and Inuyasha seems to like you, and I trust my pup." She grinned at Inuyasha as his cheeks turned pink once again.
    The elf seemed surprised by her statement. "But, it is not my place, princess."
    She chuckled. "Nor is it mine. I found out only recently that I am a royal...and that I have blood relatives. The past month or so has been one hell of a ride, Imri, and...I could use all the friends I can get. So, how about a compromise? Friend first, advisor second."
    His head cocked as he looked at her. "You are just like your father. It would be an honor to call you my friend. Even among the misfits here there is mistrust of my race...Caladis, Freyis, and Lingul are exceptions, but even then, there are major gaps in misunderstanding."
   Karuma nodded. "You can sit in the same room with someone and still be worlds apart. I know exactly how you feel, Imri."
   The elf's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, exactly. But, perhaps with your coming...maybe you could help change that?"
   "I can only try, my friend, it is hard to eliminate prejudice completely when it is taught from day one. I, fortunately, had different teachers. The elves are extremely wise, but so very ignorant in so many ways. I will find it difficult myself, to fit in among them...I do not fit molds. I could never be everything they wish, and I must express that matter in a few minutes. I am far from perfect, but better then the hand they have been dealt, that's for sure. So, we will help each other, Imri...and hopefully, between the two of us...we can be misunderstood together, eh?"
This time the elf laughed. "That sounds wonderful, my Lady. I understand why your companions care about you so much. You are as a fresh breeze that stirs the stagnant air, princess." Again... smooth elf. She heard Sesshomaru growl low beside her. I suppose the elf's words could be misconstrued. She reached up and grabbed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly, giving it a squeeze.
    Karuma felt a surge as if a shadow passed over her. Shit...her fingers went to her temples as she squeezed her eyes shut, hanging her head and trembling, a sweat forming across her skin. Now...have to Serenade, now!
She sank to the floor in the doorway...her sight hazing to red. Sesshomaru sank down beside her and pulled her into his embrace. "Call forth the Serenade, Karuma...quickly." He growled out. She focused her energy on the Serenade. A few spheres rose up around them. Inuyasha came down in front of her, grabbing her shaking hands in his own, calming her a bit...enough to focus on the music. The flute seemed to work best to tame her demon...mesmerizing electric guitar and drums joined in. She swayed and started humming with the music, her boys humming along with her. Ahh yes...
The elf's voice joined in...she had wondered if she could weave elven voices into her spell, and now she had her answer. Imri's voice amplified the power surge she controlled, splashing forth like a tidal wave. Yes! This insane plan might just work! Just gotta convince the rest of the elves that it will.
    Her glowing blue eyes opened to Inuyasha's concerned look. She gave his hands a squeeze and nodded reassuringly to him with a smile. He nodded back, releasing her hands and sitting back. She caught Imri's look of disbelief from where he knelt beside Inuyasha when the pup sat back. Just wait until he hears everyone join in if he is surprised now.
Opening her mouth, she let the song burst forth, rising from the depths of her being. She released all her current tensions into the sad and poignant melody of her voice...her boys following her lead. She watched the elf to gauge his reaction. A wide smile split across his features as he still hummed softly, listening to her and watching her closely. He gave her a nod of approval after gauging her power, and joined in. Damn...
His voice was like magic, pouring out...a true elfsong. She had never actually heard an pure elf Serenade...and found herself anticipating more elves joining in. It felt almost euphoric to lead his voice...and it seemed she knew him better, the magic of the elves, connecting through the Serenade...was a touch of souls through song. There was no better way for elves to bound...and she felt it acutely, as did Imri.
His eyes met hers with a nod, scooting closer, he bowed his head to her as he sang...and from within the folds of his clothing, he presented a crown. Whoa! Whoa!...Hold on a minute!! Like a record screeching to a halt, the Serenade abruptly came to a stop as she stared at Imri. You have got to be kidding me!!
His head still bowed, he spoke. "I was told to present you with this, my Lady...it was your mother's...and very fitting to wear to an elf council, if you ask me. Your brother wears your father's crown...and he was just as hesitant as you, princess. Please accept it, at least for your mother, if nothing else. We have kept it safe all this time, for you, my Lady." My...mother's? It glowed in the soft orb light...a simple and unadorned crown. Many facets of what looked like crushed diamond sparkled across its golden surface, both sides wrapped around to form a half diamond shape that would land in the middle over the forehead. Wow!...Quite gorgeous in it's simplicity. Karuma wasn't big on flamboyancy...the crown actually suited her taste.
     As she stared at the crown in hesitation, Sesshomaru bent down to her ear. "I really think you should accept it, princess. Remember Caladis mentioned that titles were important here...it may help your cause, Karuma." She sighed. What choice do I have? Fine. For Mother...
    She reached a shaky hand out and grasped the crown, wondering how her mother had looked dressed all regal like and wearing this...and thinking about how much she wouldn't look like her wearing it. What right do I have to accept something so heavy!?
    Imri lifted his head, she seemed to be staring with unseeing eyes at the crown, absently running a fingertip across it's surface. "It is a heavy burden you bear. Just a word of advice, princess... Never show the other elves your uncertainty. They will see it as a weakness and be less apt to join your cause. You must present yourself with confidence and a head held high. You are the heir to Amerilis and should carry yourself with pride in your stride, with no second guessing. Being half demon, they all already have their doubts about you... so you must prove yourself and show no weakness...and, it will not be easy."
Her eyes rolled. "Geez, thanks for the pep talk, Imri..." she mumbled, shaking her head in frustration. Probably would've been easier to rally the Hell Hounds than these damned elves...
"He is only trying to help, Ruma." Inuyasha actually spoke in the elf's defense!? Wow. He does like Imri...
She chuckled softly. "I don't know what you did, Imri, to gain Inuyasha's respect, but well done."
The elf smiled brightly. "We argued about demon power versus elven power...and it got pretty heated. He raised some good points...as did I, if I do say so myself. I don't know who won, to tell the truth. We actually had to be split up before it came to blows." Geez...no wonder why Inuyasha likes him. They are similar in stubbornness. Koga must like the elf as well. The similarities between the three was uncanny. It seemed that Imri was going to fit right in. Maybe I do need the elf's help...If not for myself, but for those I care for.
    Coming out of her thoughts, she spoke once more. "Well, obviously, I have to get ready. I suppose I can't go to the council in this hideous red robe. Give us a few moments, boys, while Sesshomaru and I dress. We won't be long." They both stood and she grabbed Sesshomaru's hand, disappearing behind the heavy door again.
    Imri wanted his many questions answered, but only asked Inuyasha the one that concerned him most. "Tell me, Inuyasha, what ails the princess that she has a need to Serenade? What in the holy mother's name caused that change in her? I have learned over the centuries that half demons have problems with controlling their demon side...if the others had seen her fighting her demon thusly...I hate to think of the consequences."
    Inuyasha sighed, trying to think of a tactful and non-crude way to explain...and coming up blank. "Dog demons..." he hesitated.
"Yes? Dog demons what, boy?"
"Karuma's mother...did she act strangely before getting...ahem... pregnant?"
Surprise washed across the elf's features. "I do not know as they hid their relationship well. It was taboo for both species to become involved thusly. The elves had a tenuous agreement at best with the hounds to not accost one another as they were right on the border of the forest where the high elves' temple resides. The king allowed them to stay so long as they protected the forest."
Well, that explains a lot. "You should tell Karuma that...I am sure she would love to know how her parents met. She knows little to nothing about them, Imri." The elf nodded.
"That still doesn't answer my question, half demon."
"Yeah, yeah...I'm getting to it." He shook his head at Imri, thinking of no tactful why, he just spit it out. "Karuma is gonna go into heat soon, taking my brother as mate. Her demon will rise to fight him for proof of worthiness...and this is dangerous for everyone around her. Even if she were full demon, she would be powerless to stop it. The instinct to breed after the battle with Sesshomaru overrides all else...for both of them, including fighting that dragon that pursues her. The stripes on her face are not a good sign either. It means the demon is winning. That's what she meant when she said she is running out of time. The Serenade helps to calm her demon, but won't hold it off forever...because her demon grows stronger."
    Imri's eyes were wide, taking it all in. "Shit..."
    "Uh huh. I'm surprised she has held it off this long, to be honest. She is weakening, elf...and I know she is scared. She doesn't want to hurt anyone when everything goes down, but she needs help. Which is a double edged sword to Karuma. For one...she needs help to destroy that dragon. Everyone that gets involved in her cause are in danger because and for her, which is totally against her morals. For two..." he sighed, "She went into heat once before, being exposed to my brother for a long period of time caused it...and she slaughtered many. Obviously, she doesn't want this to happen again...and there is way more at stake this time. Karuma wanted to fight alone, involving no one...but that would surely spell her death. She is not strong enough to do this alone...but she doesn't do it for herself. She is fighting for all she protects. And when accepting help from others, the more she has to protect. There in lies her true strength, Imri... the more she protects, the more powerful she becomes...and the stronger her demon gets though as well...making it harder for her to control."
    "That is good to know." Caladis came through the doorway followed by his sister. Lingul must've stayed with Ah-Un. "Sorry to eavesdrop, Inuyasha, but you were speaking of important matters that we should have knowledge of before we take on Kanastus and that dragon. But do not fret, I still have every intention to help her in whatever way I can. I couldn't call myself Amerilis' friend if I did not."
"Thank you, Caladis. She needs all the help she can get."
"For now, we will say nothing to the others...except Lingul that is. Know this, Inuyasha, the elves you have direct dealings with were all former leaders of their own, including Imri standing there beside you. Confide in us first if an issue arises and we will do our best to hightail it away from her...Alright?"
Inuyasha had a hard time trusting anyone...his eyes met Imri's. The elf nodded with a reassuring grin. "Yeah, okay."
The door opened once more beside them. Karuma and Sesshomaru stepped through, all dressed and armed for battle. The crown was in her hand still. Her eyes came up and saw the other two elves, stopping her short.
Caladis spoke first, smiling at her softly and making note of her dark, jagged stripes. "I had hoped to see that crown upon your head, Milady. I wish to make a bold statement and dramatic entrance when you and your brother arrive together to the council wearing those crowns. It would definitely stir the elves to witness that. The current unrest would rise up, I assure you. The elves have been restless and are more than ready for a change."
She gave Caladis a concerned look. "Where is my brother? I wish to speak to him before the council." I hope he is okay, because I find all of this damned difficult.
"Out here, sister." Himitsu's voice came from outside the room on the bridge. His voice sounded heavy and almost sad.
"Can I have a few minutes to talk to him please?"
"Of course, princess."
Karuma grabbed Sesshomaru's hand and walked outside to her brother. He knelt leaning on the wall with his head down, their father's crown held in his hands and staring at it. Jeweled green leaves wrapped in silver vine bearing thorns formed the crown, an emblem in the center with what must be the royal family crest was a nice touch. The crown was beautiful...but looked heavy indeed within Himitsu's grasp. He looked up at her with a lost look. Yup...definitely feelin' that.
Upon seeing her though, his face took on a different look. Her demon markings did match his, even if they were jagged looking, and he had yet to see them.
"Are you alright?"
"Are you alright?" They both said to each other at once. She came down beside him, Sesshomaru right behind her. She sighed deeply.
"No, I am not, brother. My time draws near...we move tonight. For me to liberate these elves, I must eliminate the threat of Kanastus. I will not let him pursue me again and he is sure to if I take his slaves. His ass is mine...now you, brother..." her free hand touched his arm, making him notice the crown in the other, "Are you okay, Himitsu?"
"Hell no! This is so frigging hard, sister! I don't know how you stand the pressure without breaking, Karuma. You are so incredibly strong...and I...am not." The crown slipped from her fingers to land beside them with a clang. She threw her arms around him, trembling.
"I never wanted this, brother. I am no leader...the pressure is unreal. But then I think of the many reasons why I must continue. This is more than you or me, Himitsu. We are needed now." She sat back up as Sesshomaru reached around her to retrieve the crown. She looked up at him.
"Princess, I think you should wear this now. It is where it belongs, Karuma." Her eyebrows shot up...dammit, why does he always have to be right!? She nodded to him in defeated acceptance.
"Lean forward, my Lady." She leaned in closer and Sesshomaru placed the crown on her head...and, of course, it was a perfect fit...dammit. Himitsu looked at her with an ironic smirk.
"It definitely suits you well, sister. Sesshomaru is correct. You are beautiful, princess."
"Your turn, brother. If I can do this, so can you. I need you with me, Himitsu, so I do not face this alone." His face changed, her words striking a chord...for the first time, he could truly be there for her.
Without hesitation, he placed the crown on his head. "For you, sister." Tears filled her eyes...dammit, he is sweet. She wrapped her arms around him once more, crying into his shoulder. He hugged her back this time.
"Thank you, Himitsu. I love you, brother."
His arms tightened. "I love you too, Karuma. Now get it together, sister. We have work to do."
She leaned up again with a sniffle. Himitsu wiped her tears away with a soft smile. "We are ready, guys!" She said loud enough for those inside to hear, then made to stand once more, Sesshomaru close behind her. "Come, brother." Himitsu hopped to his feet.
Caladis was the first to come out. Upon seeing the crowns on their heads, he stopped short, then...all three elves bowed to them deeply. "By your command, princess."
"To the council, Caladis."
He lifted his head with a grin. "Aye, Milady."