Chapter 15

The grand hall was silent as Hatorti stood in the center of the room, his eyes scanning the faces."Acheron has become a problem to the lands, taking and giving nothing back, he is destroying the land and killing it's people." said Hatori, his voice ringing clearly in the hall. The Hall was a truly beautiful place, with thronelike chairs made of cherry wood, the dais in the center of the room was circiluar and dark, an easy veiwing spot. Whispers echoed throughout the room, like a breeze in the trees. Tohru sat beside Uo, nervousness taking over her senses. She tugged on Alex'a tunic, her eyes filling with tears of fright."Why do I have to be here Alex?"asked Tohru, looking up at him with pleading eyes. Alexander gently stroked her head, smiling."There is nothing to worry about, nothing will happen to you, so do not fear."said Alex. Tohru still clung to him, looking back at the elves, her eyes on the brim of tears."Tohru of the Rai, please step forward." came Hatori's voice, as he looked at her. Tohru looked at Alex, her eyes full of fear.'Worry not mistress, I am with thee.' Alex told Tohru, urging her forward.

Tohru stood before the elfeven council, her shaking hands at her side. The elder elves looked at the girl, then at Hatori, questions lingering in their wise eyes. "This girl is Tohru of the Rai, daughter of Kyoko of the Kita, she is now Kado of Akyo, she is our only hope, we must decide, now." said Hatori, his voice firm. The council whispered back and forth amongst themselves, dismissing the small group. Tohru, Alex, Kagura, and Uo were escorted out of the Hall, left outside the huge room. Alex looked at Kagura, yawning tiredly. Kagura sat on a stone, balancing perfectly on it's rounded surface."Why are they saying those things, Alex?"asked Tohru, sinking to her knees, tears rolling down her cheeks. Alex kneeled down next to the frightened girl, pulling her into a hug. Tohru buried her head into his chest, her tears soaking his black tunic. Uo knelt down beside both of them, placing her hand on Tohru's knee. "Do you know what a Kado is, Mistress?"asked Alex, gently stroking her head. Tohru shook her head, holding onto him tighter."It's a person or people who take care of the land, who fight to free the people and land, they are bound to it, they will not age as humans do and they possess a power that no one has been able to see." explained Kagura, rubbing her hands together.

Tohru pulled her head up from Alex's chest, gripping him tightly. "Why do you say I am the Kado?"asked Tohru, confusion mixed into her dark brown eyes. Uo knelt took Tohru into her arms, casting glances at them."Kyoko was the last Kado, now she's dead, and you remain, you the sole heir to the land of Akyo."said Uo, whispering against Tohru's ear. Worry fought it's way into Tohru's eyes as they were summoned back into the Hall. Tohru sat silently, waiting and hoping she would not have to take the burden.
Hatori stood before the council once again, his silvery robes touching the hard floor."Has it been decided?"Hatori asked the council, looking at them with a quizzical eye. One young councilor stood, his stance defiant and arrogant."Why should we help the humans, thay have done nothing for us, they take from the earth and give nothing back."said the young councilor, holding his head high. Hatori looked at the councilor, rising his head higher over the boy's."They are creatures that must be led, they are not for us to judge, we help because we share our earth with them, you pompus fool, now sit down before I make you." Hatori said forcefully, watching the councilor fall back into his seat.
Alex scanned the sea of faces, watching each pull back with distaste, from Hatori's remarks."Is their anyone who refuses to help in this fight?"asked Hatori, looking over the councilors. Each remained silent, looking down as his eyes locked wtih theirs. Shigure smiled, beaming at the distraught Tohru."We will discuss this deeply tomorrow."said Hatori dismissing the council members, stepping from the dais. Ayame strode over to the group, smiling broadly.
"That went well if you ask me."said Ayame, placing his arms around Tohru's shoulders. Alex nodded, as they walked from the hall.Shigure bounced along side them, his robes fanning out around him. "Let's go have dinner, I'm starved."said Shigure, hopping to Ayame's side. Ayame nodded, pulling Tohru and the others to a giant tree that was in a poppulated area. They climbed thousands of stairs, until finally coming coming to a door, hidden by the vines that covered the tree.

A young woman stood at the door, smiling as they entered."Welcome home."said the woman, ushering them into the house. Tohru looked about the interior, her face lit with shock and awe. The house was beautiful, it's warm and welcoming chirisam beckoned her to the fire that was lit in the center of the tree. The woman led them to chairs, seating them comfortably, waiting for them to settle."May I get you anything?"asked the young woman, pulling her hair behind her pointed ear. Ayame's eyes brightened, rising his hand in the air."I would like some of that stuff, Mine."said Ayame, smiling. Mine wore a silvery velvet dress, with simple leather cuffs, her eyes sparkled of brown green, her face was pale, and her dark brown hair was pulled back into a bun. Mine looked at everyone else, asking what each wanted. Tohru sat silently, thinking of the day. She was tired, her feet hurt and she wished she could curl up into her mother's arms and sleep. But she would never be able to do that again, now would she. Mine came to Tohru's side, placing her hand on the younger girl's forehead. Mine looked at Kagura, a look of dismay on her face."You've worn the poor child out."said Mine, rushing to the kitchen. She returned moments later, holding a cup full of awful smelling stuff. Mine offered it to her, kneeling down at the girl's side. Tohru shook her head, pushing the liquid away. It had a apple green hue, seam rose from it's thick surface, and it smelt like vomit.

Mine looked at Alex, holding the cup in her hands. Alex stood picking Tohru from the chair, and following Mine down the winding halls of the house. Uo and Kagura followed close behind, never taking their eyes from their friends. Finally Mine opened a door, allowing Alex to pass, Tohru in his arms. Alex placed the exhuasted Tohru onto the bed, taking a step back from her. Kagura ushered him out, swatting his back as he left. Mine and Uo undress Tohru, pulling a green cotton gown over her head. Tohru leaned back against the pillows, her limbs becoming numb to her senses. Mine put the liquid to her lips, tilting the thick contents into Tohru's mouth. Tohru swallowed, gagging at the retched taste. Soon her eyes closed eneveloping her into a dreamless sleep, unaware of the three women who scurried about the room.