"Would you mind coming with us now? We've already told the Council that we had more information, and they already have everything set up." Uncle Bartholomew said, slight excitement in his voice. Usually when the Human Royal Council of Elders was involved in situations like this, the proceedings would be broadcasted live, that way the rest of the country would know what was happening.
"Now? But we were supposed to be leaving in a few hours." I said, uncertain. At this moment, mom and dad came in as well.
"It's okay, honey. We already called the school and told them that a family emergency came up, so you boys wouldn't be there tomorrow. They already said that was okay and that they'd tell your teachers." Mom said as she stood beside me. "Just know that we will support you no matter what happens inside of the Council Chambers."
"Your mom's right, Andrew. No matter what happens today, we are extremely proud of you and will always stay by your side." Dad added with a look of pride on his face.
"Alright. If that's the case, then lead the way. We better not keep the Human Royal Council waiting." I said, slipping my shirt on. Following my Aunt and Uncle to the Council Chambers, I saw Lady Esmeralda already waiting. Considering that she had a vision about the Hunter's Association, it only made sense that she would be asked to testify in front of the Council as well. My Uncle opened the doors and told us to sit in the chairs while he walked to the podium. The Chamber room was large with a long table, the podium, and about ten chairs. Seven old people sat behind the table with their backs straight and hands clasped in front of them. Three video cameras were already set up with technicians behind them. Uncle Bartholomew stood at the podium, waiting for the Elders to begin.
Once the man in the middle gave a hand signal, all of the cameras were turned on and we were officially live. "My name is Elder Henry and I would like to say thank you to everyone watching this. As you may know, the Royal Family has been trying to eradicate the terrorist organization called the Hunter's Association for the past 8 years. In the past, there hadn't been enough evidence to deem them a threat to society. However, we were told that there's new information. After hearing this information, we will make a decision. King Bartholomew, please present your case." Elder Henry said in a slightly monotone voice.
"Esteemed members of the Council and citizens of Picantia, new information about the Hunter's Association, or the HA, has come to my attention. Yes, we've been trying to eradicate this terrorist organization for eight years. We've given reports about the number of deaths that they were responsible for, and signs that they've made seeking support for their 'fight against the abominations known as Shifter'. Regardless of what we brought to this Council, we were still ignored. However, this time we have an esteemed Oracle from the Blackstone Pack as well as a surviving victim. Lady Esmeralda, can you please step forward and tell everyone about your vision?" My Uncle said, authority radiating from his voice with each word. Esmeralda stood up and gracefully walked to the podium as my Uncle sat beside my Aunt.
"Hang on. Why are you even here? How does this situation concern you?" The male Elder to the right of Elder Henry, asked in a raspy voice. His expression held contempt and ridicule.
"I am here, Elder Percy, because I had a vision regarding the Hunter's Association. King Bartholomew had already announced this fact. And as a fellow human, I suggest that you get rid of your discriminatory attitude. After all, Council members are supposed to be impartial." Esmeralda said in a smooth voice, easily holding her ground against the Elder. "Or is your reaction because of the fact that you have personal ties to the HA? If I'm not mistaken, isn't your entire family a part of the Association?" At this, Esmeralda held an innocent expression, but her voice was as hard as steel. Elder Percy's face drained of color in an instant and, before he could even speak, he was being led away by armed guards.
"I would like to apologize for Percy's behavior. We don't know how he managed to pass the requirements needed to join the Council. Please proceed with your vision, Lady Esmeralda." Elder Henry said.
"Of course, Elder Henry. If you didn't know this already, then I will tell you now. About five to six years ago, the Hunter's Association formed an alliance with Blood Witches. They are evil Witches that have no feelings for any living being. As long as they have access to blood, they do not care who or what they kill." Here, Esmeralda paused and took a sip of water from a bottle on the podium.
"You said that this alliance was formed about six years ago? Why are we just now hearing about it?!" The male Elder on the left of Elder Henry asked, shock prominent on his face and in his voice.
"Because, Elder Harvey, Percy was in charge of receiving requests for a meeting at that time." Elder Henry explained. Turning back to Esmeralda, he motioned for her to continue.
"In my vision, the Hunter's Association formed another alliance. This time, it's with rogue vampires. My vision was filled with screams and the metallic smell of blood. The streets that I saw were running red with the blood that was being spilt." Esmeralda paused again, giving everyone time to process what she had just said.
"Did this already happen, or will it happen soon?" The first female to Elder Henry's right asked. You can tell that she was trying not to show her fear.
"Excellent question, Elder Rosa. The alliance has already been formed, but everything else hasn't happened yet. If the HA can be destroyed in time, then we can avoid the catastrophe that will happen." Esmeralda said solemnly. The seriousness of this situation has been revealed, and the Elders seem willing to listen.
"Percy kept convincing us that this situation wasn't this serious. As Council members, we were blinded by trust for a fellow comrade. We were so stupid." Elder Rosa said, frowning deeply.
"It's human nature to try and see the best in others. You shouldn't hate yourself for being human. Learn from this and grow as a person." Esmeralda said in her smooth voice. She then turned and walked back to her seat. My Uncle once again stood in front of the podium.
"Thank you for talking, Lady Esmeralda. As you heard, this situation is more serious than anyone thought. Now, I would like to call up the last testimonial. This young man has survived multiple encounters with the Hunter's Association despite only being 14 years old. Andrew Arcanum Umbra Slate, would you please come up?" My Uncle's authoritative voice filled the room. I stood up on shaky legs and made my way to the simple wooden stand as my Uncle sat back down beside my Aunt.