A/N: This is the version edited for If you want the ahem more adult version, and are of age for your country, just go to the homepage on my profile. It's the latest lj entry.
When he walked into the main hall, Raenef almost gasped. All the times he had been here before, the place had been filled with gold and jewels, silks lining the walls and everyone in huge elaborate costumes. Raenef and Eclipse had been exceptionally conservative in their clothing last time, mostly because Eclipse had been trying to give Raenef some appearance of dignity; now, they were dressed opulently compared to everyone else. Demon Lords of all different forms wandered through the main hall, all united by their magic, and their allegiance to the Council. They had apparently chosen to show that by carrying massive swords and wearing massive armor. So many spiky things everywhere! Raenef marveled. Even Eclipse seemed a little taken aback.
They moved rapidly past the guards, and waded through the sea of metal as quickly as they could. Raenef avoided touching others as much as possible, because everyone looked so touchy. Even so, they had several collisions, once with a gaggle of lesser demons that quickly sheathed their claws when they saw Eclipse behind Raenef, and once with several demon lords, each of whom gave Raenef contemptuous glances when he bounced off of them. Raenef knew he should say something demon-lordy, but couldn't think of what to say quick enough, and just stuck his tongue out before running after Eclipse.
Finally, they were able to reach the main doors and get to their seats in the council. They sat in the second row, where the most influential and powerful demons sat. The first row was reserved for those stupid and silly enough to want a close and personal view of the action. In the second row, Eclipse explained, they were safe from any fights that might break out on the speaker's floor, but still prominently displayed. Raenef wasn't sure he wanted to be "prominent" in a room full of possibly angry demons, but just swallowed and nodded.
As they sat there, Eclipse described each of the demons filtering in, and their position on clerics. Raenef was more and more grateful for Eclipses tall presence at his back as the rows behind him filled. There were hundreds! And according to Eclipse, this was only the demon lords and the most powerful of the demons; all the thousands of weaker demons weren't allowed in. No wonder they had been able to match the clerics in the old war.
The council started with the usual announcements, introductions of all the demon lords reincarnated within the past five years (everyone looked at Raenef, who could only shift uncomfortably), and the public execution of convicted demons. Raenef was careful not to look away during the last part, because Eclipse had pointed out that would be a sign of weakness.
After that, people started to get to the point. "I've had more clerics interfering with my wolves than ever before!" said one really furry demon lord, while another just showed the burn on his arm, where holy magic had been cast at him by a bunch of clerics.
"None of these complaints so far have much power behind them," Eclipse murmured into his ear. "The support for fighting with the encroaching clerics will come when the third or second row speak up. They're the ones with real influence." Raenef looked at the faces of the people in his row. Their faces all looked blank and a little bored, but Raenef thought he might see some alarm on some of them. Meruhesae especially looked worried, while Crast, lord of monsters, looked a little eager. Scary.
The complaints went on and on and on. And each one sounded exactly the same! Luckily, every time Raenef started to doze off, Eclipse poked him awake. Raenef came fully awake when the person right behind him stood up and went into the speaker's circle. Someone from the third row was going to argue! The second row was made up exclusively of the most powerful demon lords, but the third row contained some of the more independent demons.
The man heading towards the center of the auditorium was tall and muscular, with a smooth stride and beautiful hair exactly like Eclipse's. When he turned around, Raenef could see he was incredibly handsome, if a little disturbing-looking. He creeped Raenef out a little. Looking at Eclipse, Raenef could see his face was set and his hands clenched around the arms of his chair tightly.
"Eclipse? What's wrong?"
"That... Raenef, that is Gabriel, the second-most powerful demon alive. Be very cautious of him. He has the ear of every lesser demon. Were he to call for war... the movement for conflict would gain a lot of support. And he will most probably not like you for personal reasons as well."
"What? Why?" When Eclipse only grimaced in response, Raenef had a sinking feeling in his chest. It sounded personal, and he didn't want to intrude (well, he was a little curious) but... what if it mattered? "Is this something I need to know? I don't want to invade your privacy, but I can't make a mistake either."
"Later," Eclipse managed. "On our way home."
Meanwhile, Gabriel has been talking passionately, shouting, "They are sanctimonious dirt beneath our feet! They dare to provoke us because they think we will not strike back. We should hit them now, before any more gods manifest themselves! The time for maximum slaughter is now, and I for one am done with this prattling." Shouts of support echoed throughout the hall, and Raenef was scared they were going to start charging that instant.
Then a quiet voice spoke up to his right. Meruhesae didn't even stand up, but instead said softly, "And we are not ready yet either. Have you forgotten the mass slaughter of demons and demon lords? Gabriel, use sense. Look at the demon lords; dozens have only just been reincarnated, and most of them still don't know how to use magic against a force as powerful as a god. Our 'army' is composed of children. To fight now, it would be foolish."
Raenef looked around at the reaction to her words. Meruhesae was considered the wisest of them all because her realm was the future; most likely, she was speaking now because she saw something bad come about because of Gabriel's words. That at least would counterbalance Gabriel's influence.
"Our army is composed only of children because of inadequate teachers!" Gabriel snarled. Eclipse's sharp intake of breath was Raenef's only warning before Gabriel looked straight at him, and pointed one clawed finger. "Lord Raenef is coddled by his teacher, and allowed to keep his childishness. Given the right motivation, he could be back to his former power in no time at all!"
Raenef did his best to appear imposing and unruffled. If he tried to say something he'd probably botch it pretty badly, so he just arched an eyebrow and smirked evilly. Right. Try to make the other guy look foolish, not you, just like Eclipse had said.
"Are you accusing Eclipse, terror of the war, of coddling?" Krayon's voice was amused, and drew some snickers.
Scowling, Gabriel started in on some retort, but Raenef didn't bother to listen. He was disarmed, at least for now. Thank goodness for Krayon and Meruhesae!
Slowly, the discussion wound down after that, though various demons continued talking for another couple hours or so. Surprisingly, some demons even spoke openly against fighting, probably feeling braver because of Meruhesae's stand.
Dinner was a crowded affair, with Raenef sitting next to Eclipse and some jelly-like demon, who Raenef avoided looking because it made him feel a little queasy. Across from him was another nausea-inducing sight, more because of his manners than anything else. Raenef simply sat there, mouth open, and watched a hog-like demon smearing chicken grease on his face. Erk. Looking down at his soup, Raenef was only able to manage a few spoonfuls.
Finally, it was time to leave. Their rank enabled them to be some of the first to leave, and Eclipse quickly moved them out to their carriage. When they were finally sitting by themselves, Raenef sat with a big sigh, shucking off the outer layer of his clothing and its tight uncomfortable collar. "Finally we get to go home!"
"Hm," Eclipse murmured uncomfortably.
"Hey Eclipse, how come we can't just transport out of here?"
"We're currently in a separately spiritual plane as well as a separate place," Eclipse said, adopting his best lecturing voice. "To leave, we must use the allowed transportation, which is the only way we'd be permitted past the borders."
Raenef nodded, and after another uncomfortable couple minutes of silence, prodded, "So... Gabriel?"
Eclipse sighed. "I suppose it would be best if you knew the truth. Gabriel and I fought together during the war. Together, we were a very efficient killing team."
"And?" prompted Raenef, knowing there was something more personal there.
"And we were involved." Eclipse avoided eye contact, standing and looking uncomfortably out of the window. "I would not call us lovers. We used each other for pleasure, and fought together." Eclipse paused again. "He did not take my 'desertion' well. There has been anger between us ever since."
"I see." And he did see. Eclipse was gay. He liked men. Or liked really handsome demon men anyways. Eclipse was gay!
"My Lord?"
Eclipse was gay! He liked touching men and kissing men and - "My Lord!"
Oh. Eclipse looked a little worried. About him liking men? "It's okay Eclipse! I like the fact that you're gay!" Oh, um, that sounded suggestive. Judging by Eclipse's expression, he had caught that too. Raenef laughed uncomfortably and turned to look out the window.
Eclipse only smiled softly and came and sat across from him, looking out the window. Or seemed to be. Raenef looked at Eclipse's reflection in the mirror, only to find Eclipse looking at him! They both looked back out at the scenery.
Raenef was suddenly horribly conscious of only wearing a shift. He swallowed. Think of... dust bunnies. Spring cleaning. That pig demon! Whew. Raenef let out a small gasp of relief and froze when Eclipse looked at him with widened eyes. Maybe Raenef wasn't the only one feeling this tense atmosphere.
Raenef spent the rest of the carriage ride shifting uncomfortably in various states of discomfort, states he was pretty sure Eclipse noticed with increasing discomfort of his own. Why did all his teenage hormones have to kick in right this instant?
When they reached the house, Raenef immediately transported into his room and buried himself in his sheets, groaning in embarrassment. At least he hadn't done anything right in front of Eclipse.