Saito spent the next morning examining the plane underwater, Tiffa watching on from the dock. He was disappointed that his runes didn't activate when he touched the wreck, but it wasn't unexpected. Unlike the other fighter plane, this one had been submerged underwater for years with no magical protection. So it wouldn't have been much help to him and Tiffa anyhow.
As he swam back, however, he saw that Luctiana was arguing with Ari, the third elf from before. As well as an elf he didn't recognize. The two men seemed to be trying to take Tiffa away, and Saito wouldn't have any of that. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?" He got between Tiffa and the elf, breaking his hold on her arm. The elf glared at Saito in response. "We're going to decide what's to going to happen to your two at the council," said Ari. "So just be quiet and come with us."
Ultimately, they had no choice in the matter. The two were flown to a large tower via the dragons used to get around. They were bound with ropes around their hands and Bidalsha met the group on the roof. "Listen carefully," he whispered. "If you want to be saved, then just be obedient for now." Saito nodded, not that he could do much else at that point.
"So, is this the half-elf who possesses the devil's power?" A new elf marched over to the group. He wore a green cloak and had an air of self importance. "How horrid!" He said, getting in Tiffa's face. The boy was about to react when Luctiana stopped him, "You must be careful of Lord Eshmael. He's one of the most ignorant and human hating people on the council." Great, now we're dealing with a bigot, Saito thought.
Within the large council chamber, Eshmael went on a diatribe about how horrible the humans were. There was a number of elves seated along the walls, mostly agreeing with him. "Even now, the humans are gathering those who hold the Devil's powers. This is proof that they're planning to get rid of us elves!" He yelled passionately.
"No, you're wrong! Nobody's planning that!" Saito tried to argue, but Eshmael went on as if he couldn't hear him. "In order to prevent the nightmare from 6,000 years ago," he continued. "We can only do one thing. We must kill them and prevent the 4 Users from uniting!!!" This statement sparked more agreement from the elves, although a few disputed that plan of action. But it wasn't enough to sway the speaker, who walked over to Tiffa and Saito.
"If they looked similar to us, it would be a different matter," he said. "However, they also harbor the devil's power on top of that!!" Tiffa looked to the ground, eyes starting to well up. Eshmael grabbed Tiffa by the arm and dragged her forward, "You impure girl!!" "Hey! Don't touch her!" Saito surged forwards and knocked Eshmael's arm away. He stood in front of Tiffa protectively, arms still bound.
"Listen!!!" He yelled out for all to hear. "Nobody is planning to kill you!! I had no idea you were even here until now! And there aren't even 4 users anymore! One of them is dead!!" Eshmael glared at the boy seething, "Lies and deception! This is all your kind are capable of!!!" "Ask Bidalsha!" Saito demanded, "He was there, he can tell you!"
Eshmael's eyes narrowed, and he singles out the elf amongst the council. "Is this true?" He asked suspiciously. Bidalsha nodded, "The one called Joseph, former King of Gallia. He is no longer of this world." Eshmael looks back to Saito, "Even if that were the case, it has only put off the inevitable for a time. I know how your people crave warfare!"
"I'm not even from this world!" Saito argued. "I barely understand how everything works here! The only reason the other Void Mages were brought together was to stop Joseph from seizing power!" Eshmael's eyes narrowed again, "I find it very hard to believe their motives were altruistic. Your kind bring about death and destruction, if not to your enemies, then to each other! And I refuse to see it pointed towards my people!" Several elves shouted their support and agreement.
He pointed at Tiffa, "This abomination must be kept away from the other Users! If she isn't killed, then she must be locked away so her power will never fully manifest!" Tiffa's ears lowered worryingly at the plans Eshmael had for her. She looked very scared. Saito once more stood in front of her, "You're not touching Tiffa!" The elf scoffed, "What is this devotion you have towards the half-elf? She's not one of you!"
"That doesn't matter," Saito glared. "She's my friend. And I made a promise to her that I wouldn't let anybody hurt her!" Tiffa blushed slightly at this. Eshmael was taken aback, and a few more elves began to speak in support of Saito. But he quickly recovered, "You see how brazenly this boy speaks to us? About things he doesn't understand?" "This boy has a name! It's Saito Hiraga!" Said Saito, getting in Eshmael's face. "And yeah, I'm a soldier. But I don't let that stop me from seeing the bigger picture. Like how you're using your own grudge against humans to start some kind of genocide!"
The tall elf immediately backhands Saito across the face, knocking him backwards. "Know your place, dog!!!" He roars. "You know nothing of the struggles we have faced!!" That was it, at the mention of the word "dog", everything went red for the Saito. Whirling his bound hands in a sweeping upward motion, the boy lunged forward, his fists knocking into Eshmael's chin and putting him down hard. Saito immediately pinned the elf's arms with his legs, raising his arms for another blow, "Never call me that again!!!"
But then, a knife soars through the air, slicing Saito's right arm. Ari is controlling it, and he summons the swords of other guards to surround Saito's head. "Get off of him, now," he ordered. The boy glared at him and grudgingly stood up. Eshmael scooted backwards, still on the ground. "This is exactly what I was talking about!" He exclaimed for the benefit of the other elves. "Do you understand now!? This is their way of doing things! Do you still oppose killing them!?"
After a brief pause of silence, several of the elves on the council begin to call for their deaths. Saito glared, looking around. His arm is bleeding pretty badly, but in spite of that, he still stands protective in front of Tiffa. From across the room, he notices Bidalsha and Luctiana watching them. Saito sighed, Sorry you two. I just wasn't careful...