Blood Blades

Council

A central fire was lit in the middle of the huge room, it's placement mapped out centuries ago to filter out the smoke through the many dampers without drawing attention. Four different groups of eleven elves circled the large fire, sitting around it. Karuma spotted Freyis with the group of other high elves. Her four representatives must've been the twelfth of each group. Twelve delegates per group...and if all goes well, I shall be at their head...no pressure or anything. Karuma took a deep breath.
    Grabbing Sesshomaru's hand tightly, she watched as the other three elves rose. Treya looked to her with a smile.
"Relax, princess. It is obvious you are nervous. We do not bite, my Lady...we shall walk over with you." Imri and Lingul came to stand beside her.
"Yes, you lead the way with your brother and us, then your companions. They are expected to attend so you can give a demonstration of your altered Serenade." Imri smiled at her as well, and took a slight bow. "And I shall join in, if you will allow. It is quite impressive and would surprise the hell out of the council. We can be misunderstood together, Karuma." Aww...dammit Imri. Karuma swallowed passed the lump in her throat. Yes...I definitely like this dark elf. Tears glistened in her eyes as she replied softly.
"Thank you, Imri...yes, please join us. If we could get all four of you to join in, it would really send a message...but it is difficult to accept even for my four. Imagine the reaction though..." Karuma made to stand as she spoke. Treya spoke right up.
"I will join, if you will have me, my Lady."
Lingul smirked... "As will I, princess. It would be Caladis that might have an issue with it. He is a high elf...tradition is really hard for the high elves to break. You could say they are the most stubborn among us...no offense, my Lady." The elf they spoke of made his way over to them. Sesshomaru rose behind her, holding tight to her hand. She turned and gave him a grateful look...then looked to her own.
"Come on guys, you heard em." They reluctantly stood, not anticipating being put on display for a bunch of elves. She knew how they felt...Himitsu came and stood beside her.
"Ready for this, sister?...I don't know about you, but I am nervous as hell." She could feel how his aura radiated. I am having trouble myself, containing my own aura behind the veil...gotta be stoic like Sesshomaru...I need a miracle.
   "Me too, brother. I hate being put on display...and royalty is always on display."
    Imri stepped forward to intercept Caladis. Karuma watched as they spoke softly, the high elf's eyes coming to hers with a look that said it all. He clearly did not want to join in her Serenade, but wanted to help her...very conflicted...if he did not join in, that said a lot...she needed him or none at all, and she knew it. Caladis looked back to Imri and reluctantly nodded with a tick to his jaw. They continued over to her together.
    "You certainly ask a lot, Karuma. But, the council will be thrown for a loop if we do Serenade with you." Caladis gave her a smile. "Smart thinking, my Lady, and I apologize for my hesitation. It's just a lot, is all. I am with you, princess." He gave her a wink and slight bow. "We shall keep it a secret until you are ready. Give us a signal when you want us to join in, alright? Make it dramatic if you can, princess...when you feel the doubt is highest among the council...then we will back you."
     Caladis...no wonder you were Father's advisor...you have a flair for the dramatic to prove a point. Perhaps I have need of an advisor for all four...
"Thank you, Caladis. That is brilliant, my friend." His cheeks actually turned pink as his eyes dropped in embarrassment.
    "You're welcome, my Lady...come, we mustn't keep them waiting."
     Right...deep breath...get ready for the plunge. I wonder if I should warn Caladis of what will happen during the Serenade or let it be a surprise? The council and surely those closest to it will all be affected, and, depending on how strong they are, will drop like flies. Her four would not however, being part of her spell, if she didn't wait too long to have them join in, that is. Speaking of which...
    "Himitsu..." she turned to her brother again. He gave her an expectant look...I hate to put him on the spot. She sighed. "I may have need of your help leading the spell brother. We need to read each other closely...like the link when hunting is the closest thing I can think to describe it. Use your demon to read the elf, and we shall mirror each other perfectly. Only we can do thus, brother...help me, please."
    He nodded, resolute, a grim look on his face. "I will give it my all, Karuma."
"We need to be on the same wavelength...our voices perfect for us to combine our powers Himitsu...both leading together without overpowering each other by taking the lead in the spell alone. I don't want to pressure you, but I cannot stress enough how important this is. Being my twin though, we are already connected. We should fit together perfectly."
    He gave her an ironic smirk, shaking his head slightly. "You make it sound both easy and difficult at the same time sister." The others gathered behind her, Sesshomaru's arm ran around hers...they started for the central fire. "Fear not, Karuma...I am here for you. I can do this, as long as I am with you. When we first Serenaded together, I felt it as well...the connection we share. I also felt Sesshomaru. I know how much you need him to accomplish the impossible. I'm actually kinda jealous that I have no one to love as you love him. You two are perfect together." Her brother spoke softly as they walked together. "Anyway sister, I am happy for you...and I think I can tap into both of your powers because you are intimately connected to him as well. I wish we had time to practice more before the big show though."
I know brother...has a kinda circus atmosphere. Gotta put on a show for a bunch of judgmental elves and try to impress them.
"Maybe just killing them all would've been easier..." she mumbled, the demon in her rearing it's ugly thoughts. Sesshomaru and Himitsu both burst out laughing, the sound echoing loudly in the quiet room, drawing attention...and a few smiles.
Caladis stepped out in front as they came to a stop by the fire, to address the council and formally introduce them...they all seem so damned up tight, at least in her opinion. Stoic, not a smile among them...at least they all looked decked out in their finest, typical elves... "Council members, may I present the heirs to Amerilis, Princess Karuma and Prince Himitsu." Imri motioned the others behind them to sit as the three elves sat close together, among them.
    Wasting no time, one of the dark elves spoke out. "You show major audacity coming here, half demon. Certainly something you would never attempt, unless you are powerful. What are you hiding? Your ragtag forces must pack some power as well. Let's just say you have me intrigued, to say the least. We need to know before you attempt to face Kanastus and his army." Imri looked to her with a grin, curious as well.
    Dammit. A logical question I suppose. So, they wish a demonstration? Let the show begin. She sighed and stepped forward, the other hounds would be smaller than her, due to the power surge from Sesshomaru, her dog form was much larger. What she didn't anticipate was Sesshomaru stepping forward with her, his eyes coming to hers and nodding as they turned red. She almost started crying on the spot as she wrapped her wings around herself. They both changed amid the gasps of the council and her four as well.
    She started speaking to the council, still in full form. 'I come with many other abilities...this form is mainly for hunting. My comrades are strong as well. Amazingly so. I came because I need your help, and I will free you. After all is said and done, you may do as you wish. I will force no one to follow me, because I have every intention to take a demon as my mate and husband. A demon would be king, and half demon queen!? I know that is a lot to accept...and will not ask that of you.' She looked at the council members in turn. 'I need you all so that I may live, we can save each other.' Her wings opened, changing her back. "I do it for all I love and protect. And that list only grows. I humbly beg your assistance."
     Freyis gave her a slight smile, then spoke next. "You may be powerful, but yet you ask us to help slay a dragon lord. Tell me why he pursues you, and why is he at the temple in the forest. Dragons have little interest in our affairs and life, so the reason must be extreme for him to pursue a half demon..."
In other words, 'what did you do?' Sesshomaru changed back beside her while she thought about a short answer. Time was running out, and that was a long story. Himitsu spoke out, taking Karuma off guard.
"What matter does it make? That beast pursues my sister, wants her dead...by any bloody means possible. They abducted those she cared for just to draw her out. I ask...what would you have done in the same situation!? I assume you would want to protect those you love...and, would take extreme measures, just to do so. Karuma is desperate to save everything she holds dear...and now...you all are dear to her as well. She wants to help you, even though your kind hunted her...I mean, really...can you not see how pure that intention is?..." Himitsu chuckled, giving the council a devilish smirk, "We possess the power to annihilate all of you...and yet, she chose peace because we need you...and it is against her morals."
Freyis' eyebrows shot up, her lip almost forming a grin before she hid it. "If I didn't know any better, I might perceive that as a threat, Prince Himitsu."
His smirk widened as his eyes met hers, a fang flashing. "Well, we were asked the extent of our power. I was only being honest...I think Inuyasha alone could take you all...those he missed, would be left to us. This is no jest. We do not even need your assistance with Kanastus. Just a scent."
    A growl left Karuma as she nodded, in full agreement with her brother. A murmur rose among the council members and those around them listening to the proceedings.
   "You say that with such confidence and conviction, that I almost believe you. If such is the case, why then do you need our assistance with that dragon? Can you not destroy him yourself and leave us to our misery?" One of the wood elves spoke out, a skeptical look upon his face.
    "His power level far exceeds our own, and possessing an army threw a wrench into my plans. If not for his army, I could've taken him off guard, sucking him into my Serenade. I need his blood to eliminate him, the Serenade is how I shall retrieve it. So now, the altered plan...is to take them all down at once and in secret...with your help, that is." Karuma waited, watching their mouths drop...the murmur rose to a dull roar around them, slowly and in ever climbing degrees. She anticipated what the next question would be, after the excitement settled. And, almost knew from whom it would come. Her eyes watched him closely as he turned to her, mouth agape.
    He was in such a state of shock that he addressed her by name in front of the council, which made her chuckle inwardly. "How, Karuma!? How do you take down a dragon lord and his forces with the Serenade!?" Caladis exclaimed, voicing the thoughts of every elf there. The time is now, thank you, Caladis.
   Smiling at the elf and giving him a nod, "It is much easier to just show you, Caladis, if the council will allow. I promise, none shall be harmed."
   "How can you make that promise, half demon?" The dark elf called out again. Hmm...which one do I send in?
   "I will place one of my own among you, out of my spell, if you wish."
   "Our choice?...that demon standing beside you seems highly important to you." Karuma visibly stiffened.
   "I need him to help me keep my calm for the spell..." Inuyasha...I don't want to give up his voice, but he is the next logical choice. She looked toward the pup, who was already nodding at her, climbing to his feet.
   "I'll do it. She raised me, after all..." he smirked at her, "I gotta be somewhat special to her, right?" Oh, Inuyasha...Karuma swallowed passed the lump forming in her throat. Yes, really special indeed...
   The dark elf nodded. "That is acceptable. We will allow it."
   The mixed elves finally spoke up. "We agree to those terms as well. Impress us, princess, we have agreed already to follow you. You have us, my Lady...but the final word must be unanimous, I'm afraid." The elf said with a smile and slight bow of his head. She looked over to Treya, who smiled softly at her as well with a nod of her head. Karuma bowed her own head in return.
   "Thank you, good elves...that really means a lot." A slight crack slipped out in her voice, her emotions getting the better of her. One single tear fell as her veil dissolved for a split second...and it was enough. The tear turned blue and hit the ground as her aura exposed...a pulsating blue wave expanded, gaining speed as it went in a circle to ripple out and engulf her own and the entire council. A warm feeling embraced them all...and they felt her power acutely at the same time. The entire council fell into a stunned silence as the wave washed over them.
Holy shit!!! Did I really just do that!? Tears are not blood!! So how the hell did my Soul Solution expose!?
   "Karuma..." Sesshomaru spoke softly beside her, his arms reaching around her. "Sweetheart, are you alright?"
   "I think so...I mean, I am a bit taken aback...but, I feel fine." She spoke softly back to him, trying to sound reassuring, but inwardly feeling a little scared. Her demon was getting much stronger. She felt his eyes assessing her, knowing that she hid something from him. She knew he would bring it up again later...dammit.
"Princess...what in the Holy Mother's name, was that!?" Caladis again, was in utter shock. "Your aura just now...you have a happy sense of sadness...and...phenomenal strength. How is this even possible if you are half demon?" The elf then looked toward Sesshomaru, a dawning look of understanding crossed his features. She smiled brightly at Caladis.
   "Love is a very powerful thing, Cal. It transcends time."
    The murmur rose around them once more. Freyis spoke above the din. "We shall make our final decision, after the Serenade. So, calm down, everyone!" She spoke with authority...and the others listened. "The floor is yours, princess."
    Inuyasha smirked at her, then went and sat among the council. Karuma sighed. "Get comfortable, Caladis. I will start in a sec."
    The high elf was still dumbfounded as he made his way over to where the other three representatives sat. She heard Imri chuckle at poor Caladis' expression. The dark elf gave her a nod and grin. Well, he approves anyhow...and finds humor in the shocked atmosphere. Figures...
    Karuma spoke to Himitsu and Sesshomaru. "Ready, loves?...I know my heart is racing. I have never Serenaded for so many. And never thought I ever would. I am extremely nervous."
    They both nodded in agreement, being a bundle of nerves themselves. She could feel all their auras on edge as a matter of fact, which didn't help to calm her any. The sooner they started, the better...if only to calm her own. Squeezing Sesshomaru's arms a little, he released her reluctantly. Turning and sitting in the middle of her loved ones, she waited as Himitsu sat beside her.
"Karuma?" Sesshomaru looked down at her with a question in his eyes.
Nodding up at him, she whispered softly, not caring how weak the action made her look. "I need you...please..." without hesitation, he wrapped around her, his fur even fluffing up a little around her, protecting her. Leaning forward a bit, she reached out to Himitsu sitting beside her, tapping his arm. He slid over a little closer and grasped her hand tightly on top of his knee.
Flute...yes. Help me a little, Taisho, old friend...slow and soft trumpet and saxophone, and mesmerizing electric guitar...and, of course, violin. Nodding to herself at the combo in her head, spheres slowly started to rise all around them. Just wait until they hear these instruments...she chuckled inwardly.
    The flute led, flowing slowly across the spheres...it's cry, eerie and sad, on a slightly higher note, the violin joined in, flowing around the flute. The trumpet and saxophone sounded together...then, the electric guitar. The elves' mouths around her slowly dropped...never had they heard music such as this, and their surprise showed. A smooth, jazzy sound...seeming perfect for the occasion, flowed around them.
Himitsu whispered beside her, "Impressive, sister..." his voice held a note of awe. She smiled, feeling herself start to sway with the music, her eyes closing...yes...this is nice...she gave Himitsu's hand a gentle squeeze, then started to hum...her brother and Sesshomaru a step behind...and it was the gentle calm she needed. The rest actually timed themselves as they joined in, one by one...the deep bass of Ah-Un sounded awesome, and surprised many elves. The power behind their voices washed over her in ever increasing waves, it was almost overwhelming, even with Sesshomaru helping her... then Himitsu found the sweet spot, the place beside her in the spell, and filled it...reading her well and mirroring her voice perfectly...yes, brother, that's it! Himitsu started leading the spell along with her...and sounded incredible! The missing piece in her spell.
Karuma felt Sesshomaru stiffen behind her, looking over at her brother. He acutely felt the change in her spell due to Himitsu, and nodded in approval. It felt sooo much easier now! She felt good, not overtaxed at all. Awesome!...time to take this up a notch. Opening her now glowing eyes, she smirked at the awestruck council and gave a come on motion to the elves joining her spell. Hesitantly, they joined in, humming along as well. The power shifted...holy shit!! I cannot wait to add more elves!
The look upon the council's faces though! She almost started laughing in the middle of the Serenade. Dammit!...keep it together... a tickle still lingering in her belly, she squeezed Himitsu's hand again, they both started singing together, still mirroring in perfect harmony. Sesshomaru joined, followed by the rest...and it is amazing!! My god!!...a shiver raced through her...the feeling euphoric...Inuyasha was nodding, falling under fast...along with the elves sitting closet, and slowly spreading out...too slowly... ...a pulse ran through the spell...a heartbeat...the connection with Himitsu added a boost to the power simply by her own impatience...ya know, being on a time limit and all...
The pulse waved outward, snuffing the fire in it's wake and knocking every elf around them, council and audience, to the floor, in a deep slumber. Shock resounded in the echo of silence as she lost her grip on the spell. Every. Elf. Dropped. In almost a sonic blast! Her mouth hung open in disbelief.
"Holy shit, Karuma! Did that really just happen!?" Himitsu was in utter shock as well, his grip on her hand almost painful. The power blast was draining on them both. They both trembled from shock and a bit of lingering weakness.
Into the silence and dim lighting, she heard Imri start to laugh softly. "Incredible..." he mumbled...and laughed harder as soft snores rose into the air around them.
"You knocked em all out!!" Kieru exclaimed...and then everyone tried to talk at once. Karuma released Himitsu's hand and shrunk back into Sesshomaru in sensory overload, whimpering softly. That was a lot! God...I need a minute to think...
Sesshomaru felt her reaction, and had one of his own. A rumbling growl left him as his eyes turned red, baring his fangs as he directed a wordless command to back the fuck off to everyone...thank you, love. I need to unwind how the hell all this is possible...