Chapter Twenty-Seven
March of the Strong, Death of the Weak, Mercy of the Kind
Katani and the others flew on the front lines of the Hawk force. Everyone was at a standstill. Nothing moved. From far off a clap of thunder could be heard as the clouds gathered around the island. The land seemed to hold it's breath in preparation for the slaughter. No bird song or cricket chirp could be heard on this summer morning. Even the beat of wings seemed muffled in the thick air. Behind them nearly four hundred mounted warriors, men and women, were hovering. Before them, over a thousand trained assassins and agents stood on the castle walls, daring the Hawk forces near. Another clap of thunder followed shortly by a flash of lightning that illuminated the plains. Though it was not a minute past nine, the day was dark and overcast.
Rayson saw the forces before him and readied his bow. The entire army followed suite and held swords, spears, knives, shields, bows, and even guns at the ready. Guns were a rare weapon among her people. The constant need for bullets and repairs was costly from the mainland so it was only an occasional threat. However at seeing the gleaming metal Rayson shuddered. He had always favored the old ways, of magic and strength, rather then this new bred of smoke spewing barrels. The white mare beneath him kicked the air with her hooves and tossed her head. A white forelock fell down her face and her mane shifted. Rayson gave the pegasi a long stroke before facing forward again. At his right flew Katani with her group close behind. The Hawk Prince saw a strange gleam in her eyes, almost as if she was looking forward to the fight. Her hand clenched Kail with unusual pride. The corners of her lips turned up into a smirk as she felt her belt for extra knives. This was not like her. Always Katani had shied from battle and now she looked at the castle with a lust.
Her teammates seemed anxious, almost nervous at the reaction of their companion. Hiei was the only one who seemed to be ignoring her. His eyes were on the castle as well. Lord Urameshi frowned at the large number of people but said nothing. Kuwabara gulped. Never had they been in a battle of such a scale, and such large consequences. Ty rode a large bay Pegasi, hoping to make amends for his crimes. He flew near the back of the army, knowing his presence was not wanted. But at the sight of the stone castle and Katani's magnificent wings his last remaining golden blood flew through his veins. If there was a way to apologize, it would be this.
Kurama looked over at Katani. She was so changed in such a short time. Tithe's aura clung to her like a damp shirt and she seemed to be unaware of it. I will bring you back from this hell. No matter what, I will restore you.
On the castle wall a general with short green hair and radiant blue eyes stood holding a long lance in one arm and a stout shield in the other.
"Lord Ream!" A young Phoenix flew near the general and bowed.
Pulling the youngster to his feet Ream said, "We do not have the luxury of formalities child. Now tell me what you have learned."
The boy nodded. "Our forces far outnumber theirs but they have Torid as well as the prince and princess. I have also heard rumors that Hiei of the Jagan and Yoko the Thief fly with them. Also the Spirit World detective, Urameshi who defeated our best assassins rides with them."
Ream frowned. "So we are at a disadvantage then."
"But my lord," the young boy tried to please his lord. "They do not fly for the Hawk but for the princess! They fly for Mithril only and if she is gone they will surely fall back."
"Boy do you know of the Dragon of Darkness?"
"No sire."
Ream frowned. "Good, or else you may not be standing before as confident as you are now." The general cursed his luck. What was our leader thinking bringing Mithril back to this land? Her presence has brought some of the highest ranking demons and also has spirited her own troops. Never have I seen the Hawk looking more like the killers we Phoenix are now. Turning back to the child he said, "Tell his highness that we will do our best to follow through with his plans. But the chance of separating these warriors from the front lines is grim."
The boy turned pale. "Sire, I beg you. Do not send me to tell his lordship that we may fail. He will surely kill me!"
Ream took pity on the boy. He looked so much like his son had. Placing an arm on his shoulder he said, "Alright boy. Be at peace." Ream took from his pocket a note and whispered the dark magic taught by their lord. "Send this into the castle and place it before our majesty. As soon as it is delivered, leave and you will be spared."
The boy lit up. "Thank you sire!" With a quick bow he raced off just as a fork of lightning split the sky. Ream looked on his troops. Holding his spear aloft he met the Hawk Prince's gaze.
"Men, we will delay no longer! This is the day where the weak will be torn asunder! Fight with me now, for peace and justice. Fight with me now so that we may live among the world, as is our lord's promise! To me my men! Ama day!"
"AMA DAY!" The Phoenix cried.
Rayson turned to his clan. "Men and women, I ask more of you now then ever before! This is the day where we halt the slander of our people! Never again will a Gilian unnecessarily spill another's blood if we win here today! We ride not only with the aide of our long awaited Mithril but with the unbridled strength of her allies!" The flying Hawks gave a loud cheer. Rayson continued, his strong voice rang so that even the Phoenix heard him over the thunder. "Let us end the tyranny of the Swift One! We will reclaim our confused brethren and show them the straight path! Ama day, my mighty warriors, ama day!"
The two sides shouted together and as one lifted even higher into the air. Ream spread his great black wings and his men followed. Rayson dismounted his mare and flew alongside Mithril. She flew on sparkling wings of gold, dwarfing all others around her. Yusuke and Kuwabara rode on Ama and Hiei and Kurama flew on Feer.
The Phoenix warriors let loose their arrows and spears. Many fliers and Pegasi fell only to land on the sharp rocks below. Katani forced her eyes forward and worked in unison with Rayson. As he fired arrow after arrow from his endless energy supply, Katani covered him.
The long distance combat ended and the two lines clashed. In one loud clang metal and wings collided. Pegasi whinnied and warriors shouted as blade and wood beat against each other. Katani met with an older warrior who excelled in the short sword.
No words were exchanged as they swung their blades around each other. Katani blocked his slice at her throat and the force jarred her. She grit her teeth and brought her wings down hard on the man, breaking his brown ones. He fell on the castle wall.
Kurama brought his whip down through many Phoenix. Survivors of the fight say it rained gold around him. Hiei sliced through without hesitation. Yusuke fired his gun at the corner of their wings. By clipping them he took them out of the fight without ending their lives. Kuwabara did the same.
However when the opponent was talented they were forced to take them down. More then once they had to kill to cover each other.
"Mithril! Your left!" Rayson shouted as he let an energy arrow fly over her shoulder.
Katani swung in an arc and brought her sword to meet the man's. Something in his eyes angered her. She couldn't place it, arrogance maybe. But it infuriated her. Taking one hand she grabbed his sword. The blade bit and gold blood dripped down but she only squeezed harder. Kicking him in the side, she managed to fly out of his reach only to land behind him and bring Kail down his spine.
As the body fell she saw herself for the first time. Horrified at her actions she nearly dropped Kail. I have to find a way to end this!
Muttering a spell in Gilian she created a sphere around her. Arrows bounced harmlessly off the bubble. Pumping her large wings she flew with haste to the castle wall. Landing she dissipated the bubble and let her wings fade into her back. Now that she was on the ground they would only provide a larger target for her enemies. One man blocked the way to the castle interior. He was tall, quite tall for a Gilian, and with a thin build. However what he did have was all muscle. Around him lay the bodies of many of her people.
Upon seeing her his eyes sparked. "It's the princess! What have I done to earn this honor?" His lance dripped with gold blood. "Come at me little woman."
"Bring it on!" Katani lifted Kail and charged. The man blocked her with a large shield and tried to stab her with the spear. Flipping back and spun on her hand and landed upright with Kail at the ready.
"My, impressive." Ream tosses aside his shield and spear. "For you," he drew a long blade. As it pulled free from the sheath it rang. "I will go all out."
"Katani!" Yusuke shouted from above.
"Huh?" she looked up, a big mistake. Ream charged at her and stabbed the blade through her right arm. Screaming in pain, she stabbed back. Ream jumped back to dodge and took his blade with him. Covering her wound she let Kail shrink and snap around her neck.
"Darn it Yusuke!" Katani shouted at him while keeping her eyes on Ream.
"I didn't tell you to lose your focus!" He and Kuwabara landed and dismounted beside her. Within seconds they were joined by Kurama and Hiei.
"Now that's just cruel." Ream picking up his shield once more with his free hand.
"Tell me where the Swift One is!" Katani cradled her injured arm.
"Inside. But you must get past me first." He resumed his battle stance.
Hiei disappeared in a flash of black and reappeared behind Ream. With a low grunt Ream fell, gold blood pooling around him.
"Move it," Hiei said to them.
They all looked at each other and nodded before running into the dark doorway. Behind them the oak door slammed shut and they were enveloped in darkness.
"This may not have been the best tactical decision…" Kurama said.
"Sure, now you tell us." Katani sighed.
"You okay, Katani?" Kuwabara asked. "That guy got you pretty bad."
"I'm fine," she lied. Cradling her wounded sword arm she felt the gold blood drip down. It seemed to awaken the vengeance wound and that pulsed all the more.
"You're a bad liar." Yusuke said.
"Guys…" Kuwabara's voice quivered. "The door is locked…"
"What!" Katani spun around but was greeted by only more darkness.
"They trapped us here." Kurama said. "They are separating the strongest from the main battle so that their chance of victory is great."
"We can't stay in here for the whole battle!"
Hiei frowned and snapped his fingers. A small flame appeared in the palm of his hand. Shadows of flickering orange flame danced on their faces. Studying the door he announced, "Unless you can undo this dark spell we are trapped here."
"Now I'm getting ticked." Katani ripped off Kail with her left arm. "Look out guys." The boys heeded her warning and stepped back, hitting a cold stone wall. Just as Katani was about to swing her blade the walls around and below them shook.. Katani dropped Kail in surprise and felt a twinge of pain from her arm. The pain was quickly masked by terror as the floor disappeared beneath her. Screams filled the air. Katani could hear all but Hiei as they plummeted through the darkness.
Purely by reflex Katani's white wings shot forth from her back. The wings bone struck stone and jarred it, grating on the rough surface as she continued to fall. Even though she couldn't see it, she knew gold blood was marking the sides of the shaft. To crammed to stretch her large wings, Katani was forced to sheath them. The force had slowed her descent for a moment, long enough for the boys to catch up with her. As they fell Katani could fell the wind ripping at her clothes and hair. None of them were sure how long they hung in the darkness but all at once they could fell the ground coming up to meet them.
A different sound met their ears. A rush like a whip through air cut the screams. Kurama controlled a thick web of tangled vines covering the stone floor. On the tips on these vines he implanted tiny seeds. Striking the floor the seeds dug into the cracks and sprouted, creating large bulbs shooting upwards. A thick vine wrapped around each of them and they fell into the plants. They had been falling at such a speed that not even Kurama's seeds could stop them completely. The plants were forced down and they could feel the impact of their bodies into the stone.
A heavy clang came soon after as Kail dug into the stone. So sharp was the blade's point and so high was its speed that the stone came halfway up the blade.
"Anyone else dead from that?" Yusuke asked.
"I'm fine," Katani lied. Her back stung from the fall and her right arm still throbbed.
"They planned this." Kurama said as Hiei snapped a flame into existence. The light cast an eerie glow on his stern face. "We are playing into their hands."
"You mean those bastards wanted up to fall down here?" Yusuke shouted.
"I thought they wanted Katani alive…" Kuwabara murmured.
"They do, you idiot." Hiei spat. "They knew we would live through the fall. It was obviously a ploy to weaken us."
"Mission accomplished." Katani spied Kail and attempted to dislodge it from the rock. The sword was held fast. Groaning from the effort, Katani pulled with all her strength. Her right arm shook in protest but she ignored it.
"Need a hand, Katani?" Yusuke offered.
"No, I can do it myself." Katani spat. The whole situation was putting her in a less then desirable mood.
Ignoring her mood, Kurama came to her side. Grabbing the hilt with one hand gave it a quick jerk. The sword lifted easily from the stone. Turning it once in Hiei's firelight to check for damage he nodded and handed it back. "Admit when you need help. That fault alone could cost you your life."
Stunned speechless, Katani merely let the sword shrink and clasp around her neck. Where did he get the nerve to say that to her? As if he had an inkling of what she was thinking. Her hand clenched into a fist.
"Well now that we all seem to be alive, let's get out of here." Yusuke looked at Katani.
Was he expecting her to lead them out? "Your guess is as good as mine Detective."
"It appears as if all the little lambs have stumbled into the lion's den." A coarse laugh filled the air.
Anger roared inside Katani like a chained dragon. She knew that laugh. "Ark!" She growled. "Where are you?"
All the boys readied themselves. Kuwabara pulled out his spirit sword, Hiei his katana, Yusuke held his finger ready, and Kurama pulled out his whip.
"I am everywhere, little princess. Why not come and greet me? I'm sure we could find some agreement so that some Hawks survive…"
"Back off! This is my fight Ark! And I'll not have you or anyone else interfering!" A light glow surrounded her. "If you know what's best for you, seer, then leave and wait for me before I get really ticked off!"
Hiei's lips turned up slightly at her passion. She was about ready to kill that cousin of hers, human or not.
The others took a slight step back. Yusuke had never seen her this angry and Kuwabara had a bit of a chill. "Is that her energy?" he whispered to Yusuke.
The spirit detective nodded. "She's been growing this whole time and now she's showing it."
Kurama was the only one who stepped forward. Placing a soft hand on her shoulder he brought her back. Katani looked at him and for the first time in days all the rage left her. He was not smiling at her. In fact he looked disappointed. It was as if he was trying to say she was stronger than this blind rage. He was right. Katani lowered her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. Foolish mistakes were made in anger. If he had shown her anything after her memory had been wiped away, it had been that. Okay, she nodded at him. I'll do this your way. Little by little, she was beginning to trust him again. Maybe it was love.
She winked at the others. "Ark, wait for me." Now her voice was cold and mimicking the collectiveness and calm she had seen in Kurama only thrice before. "I'm coming for you."
The room was silent after that.
For ten minutes they silently maneuvered through the darkness. Yusuke guided them with a single glow of energy from his thumb. The cavern was large enough for them to walk standing and the interior was dry. The only sound was the scrape of heel on stone and the occasional kick of a rock. Katani checked her mental link with Kurama.
Hey, you there?
Yes, are you alright? he asked.
No, but I doubt it matters.
What is troubling you, Katani?
She was never given the time to answer. From the darkness came a sharp spear aimed at Yusuke's neck. Just in time he sensed it and caught it between his hands. Katani's jaw dropped. He really was strong.
"Mithril, keep still and I will spare your captains life." said a deep voice. It felt as though the person was standing beside her yet it was loud enough that everyone stopped. Yusuke shouted something but the voice cut him off. "You are in our castle now." The ground below them shook and cracked. Katani the others shouted in surprise as they fell into a white light.
"Again!" Yusuke demanded of the voice.
A sharp object cold as stone pressed against Katani's cheek. She jerked herself awake and felt a strong body under her. Looking around she saw that she was the first one to regain consciousness. Kurama was below her (he had pulled her to him to protect her from the fall) and breathing softly. Her eyes shone in relief, he were okay. Why do you care? Well because I… You what? A sting reminded her of the knife pressed against her face. A hissing voice coughed,
"Which shall I deal with first? Hmm... That tall one looks to be the best for me... I shall leave the rest of you to them." With that the knife was removed and Katani unsheathed Kail to the neck of a tall man covered from head to foot in silver mail. His head was fitted with a large helm that shone in the light. A large lock of Pegasi hair hung from the back and its color matched the mail. This man, one of The Knights Swift, tucked the tiny dagger back into a sheath. In his right hand he held a large spear. The blade of the weapon seemed to be made of silver. Even the butt of the spear contained a knife if necessity called. By now the others were stirring and Hiei had a hand on his sword even before his eyes were fully opened. Yusuke was the first to his feet and demanded to know the identity of the man in mail.
He gave no name, but from behind the helm two silver eyes shone. The man was of a large build and his very presence was intimidating. Katani bit her lip. He would be only the first of several deadly foes they were to face if her assumptions were correct. As she knew it would, the force took effect and bound each of them with invisible magic. Unable to even turn her head Katani could only watch as hundreds of candles slowly ignited.
"What gives?" Yusuke yelled.
Katani's memory flashed. This was the way of her people. Battles of the strong were fought as duels, one on one. Whether the fight was to the death was determined by the victor. Since speech was the only thing she could do, she explained this to them.
The knight grinned from behind his silver helm. He pointed his spear downwards and let it stop before Kuwabara.
"If you win, I shall let your friends go and guide you to the next challenger."
"Let me guess," said Yusuke, "and if we keep winning we'll eventually make it to the boss guy."
"You've done this before, good. That saves me time explaining. Now do you accept?"
"Yeah," Kuwabara let his spirit sword grow and went to the center of the now brightly lit concrete arena. This once was a storage room but war had drained its supplies and now had been made into a battle room. Katani suspected many rooms had been changed to accommodate the Swift One's lust for red blood. The glory of this once magnificent castle had been drained and wilted so that it now stood as a shell of its former glory. If I am ever to regain my memories, I promise to restore this great castle. She could feel the cold metal of the ancient Torid necklace against her chest. Just knowing it was there seemed to strengthen the weigh her silent promise carried.
The knight let the spell holding them vanish. "As long as you do not interfere," he said, "you will be allowed to breathe freely. This is the magic of this castle. Interfere and you become part of the battle, but you will be held back by forces of the unknown. Not only will you be unable to fight, your opponent will not be penalized for killing you off like a lame horse."
Katani got off Kurama, blushing as she did. Quietly she thanked him in Gilian before standing beside Hiei. Kurama, though she could not see it, was blushing as well. He could not remember ever having done so before being with her. Standing beside her, he took her hand and gave it the tiniest of squeezes. She looked up at him.
It's going to be all right.
Katani's eyes widened. He was with her. All this time she had been running straight with her eyes on only one goal. She had not even realized that just over her shoulder was a stranger supporting her every step. He must have really loved her. Of course he did you idiot. But for what reason? Your blood can infatuate many but it wanes after a few months. Is he there for real? Only my shattered memories hold the answer.
She nodded back at Kurama and let her hand stay in his. Uncertainty bit at her heels and panic rode her shoulder but now she could see who it was that kept them for taking over her. It was as fox who bit and snapped at her inner demons. He just might be worth it.
Each returned their focus to the inner arena. Kuwabara was barely holding back, waiting for the knight to make his first move. These battles would be trying and deadly. Thankfully they were used to this kind of thing (as you know they are after Maze Castle, Dark Tournament, Chapter Black, Demon World Tournament, so on and so forth).
"Kuwabara can handle it! Go get 'em!" Yusuke shouted.
"What are you, his cheerleader?" said Hiei.
"Go Kazuma Kuwabara! Fight! Fight!" Katani shouted and clapped. Hiei's eye began to twitch.
Katani forced herself to be cheerful even in the midst of this hurricane. Someone had to liven things up. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Kurama smile slightly. It was the most beautiful thing she had seen all day. Just as she was about to speak to him the knight called her name.
"Mithril!" his harsh voice was sharper than his spear.
"Yes?" she said with a sarcastic tone that hid her fear behind a mask of confidence.
"As the Chosen-"
"I'm not the Chosen!" she yelled.
"-you must referee the battle." he twirled the spear in his fingers.
Katani nodded, the sooner this was done the better. "Ready, fight!" she yelled. Turning back to the others she said, "Okay, check that off my list." Deep down she was surprised. Referring was an old custom and rarely practiced anymore, especially by the Phoenix. How did a man like him get dragged into this?
"Katani, what happens when Kuwabara loses?" Hiei asked.
"Either he will kill him or let one of us tag in. I don't remember meeting this man so I don't know how he fights. But he called on me to referee so he has some code of honor, I guess."
The knight nodded to Kuwabara before taking the fighting stance. Strong arms tossed the heavy spear as if it were a dart. Kuwabara barely dodged and ran at a now weaponless knight.
"He's got him now!" said Yusuke.
"Not yet," said Hiei.
Kurama said nothing.
The knight released two muscular brown wings from his back. Smaller then most, his wings gave him agility and the ability to turn in tight spaces. Like a bird of myth he flew above Kuwabara and dove to snatch his weapon once more. Kuwabara shouted at him that a man plays fair, on the ground. He smiled and landed. Yes, he agreed, that is how men fight. His wings disappeared into his back and he ran at Kuwabara. He rained blow after blow on the human and his spear hit him with intermittent blows. Kuwabara's red blood fell like rain on the concrete floor. Stubborn still, he summoned a wave of yellow aura that knocked Ream back a bit. Now that he was unbalanced, Kuwabara knocked the Phoenix's spear to the ground. The knight didn't seem bothered by this. The silver warrior merely resorted to kicking and punching at Kuwabara. Yusuke was shouting warnings while Kuwabara shouted for him to shut up.
"Enter his area!" Katani shouted, cupping her hands to her mouth. "He is bad with close contact, don't let him get away from you!"
The boys looked at her in surprise.
Defiant she replied, "Hey, I learned some stuff."
"I suppose you may not be the weakling I took you for." Hiei said.
Katani opened her mouth to shout at him but Kurama stopped her. "If you look hard, there was a compliment hidden in there." He said with a smile.
"Hn." Katani mocked. Hiei glared at her but she just grinned. Though things were hardly looking up for Kuwabara.
Kuwabara was growing slow and weary. Each move cost him more energy then the last. His breath came fast and short as the Phoenix danced circles around him. Kuwabara realized, probably for the first time that battle, that his life was in danger. Over his shoulder he saw Katani looking at him with concern. She looked just as Yukina had. The ice maiden's image sprang in his mind. How he wanted to see her one last time. He had to win this fight for her. After all, he had promised Yukina to help her find her brother. This thought gave him new strength and with a shout he pierced the knight through the heart with his last bit of energy.
Gold blood pooled to the ground as Ream fell to his knees. "Follow the steps, there you will find him." He said, his words sticky with blood.
Katani, ignoring the rules, rushed forth and helped the knight sit up. Without regard to her own safety she pierced her hand with his spear and covered the wound. Gold light spilled from her fingers. Inside his chest a tattered heart was slowly being knitted back together. The others couldn't believe their eyes. Katani ignored their stares and focused only on saving his life.
"Lady Mithril," he addressed her with respect for the first time.
"Silence," she whispered, "sleep now." With that she laid him on the ground softly. His wound was deep but her blood had saved him. Katani stood shakily. Yusuke helped her keep her balance.
"What was that?" he asked.
"No one should die like that." Katani struggled to catch her breath. It had taken more of her strength then she had expected. Reyson had taught her the healing spell only used by the Royal Women. And now she was feeling it's recoil. "I don't care if he's Phoenix or Hawk, or human for that matter. If I can save a life I'll do it."
"Idiot, if you continue to act so rashly you'll kill yourself." Hiei glared.
"So be it." she muttered.
"Nothing is gained by a life lost." Kurama helped her stay steady.
Katani wanted to believe him but right now nothing felt like it would yield more results then her death. "He said to go up the stairs, come on." Katani pressed her fingers in her self-afflicted wound to stop the bleeding. The knight's pulse could be felt in her body and she knew he would live.
Again she fell to the back, but this time Kurama was with her. Taking a seed from his pocket he placed it in the wound. It sealed instantly.
"Do not kill yourself needlessly. People will miss you." he said.
"Thanks." she whispered. "And I'm sorry for Tithe and I'm sorry for my memory and I'm sorry that-"
Kurama pressed a finger to her lips. "Sshh, it's fine. I forgive you."
"Really?"
"I was never angry with you, Katani." he reverted to their mental link. I only was angry with myself for not protecting you. I will wait until you remember.
But you have! You idiot, if it hadn't been for you I'd be dead right now! You give me the strength too, she blushed before saying, you give me the strength to press on. I feel more sure of that right now then anything. I'm sure I'll remember you.
Kurama smiled, Yes, I see that now. Can you see that I want that too?
Yeah, now I can. Just stop blaming yourself. If you weren't doing a good job protecting me I'd say so.
Oh really?
Yes, like right now. You should be letting me lean on you so I don't pass out on this nasty dungeon floor.
Kurama grinned before lending her his arm. For a long time they talked. The stairs seemed to go on forever. All the while Katani felt more sure that whatever she remembered would only confirm what she already knew. That she was in love with him. She felt that this talking, sharing of their thoughts and history, was something they had often done together. It felt nice between the chaos.
At last they stepped out on a ledge at the back of the castle. A narrow stretch of stone was all that separated them from the plain below. They were about seventy-five feet up with nothing to break the fall. Katani gulped. Being this high up with injured wings made her uneasy. Her long gold wings were still damaged from the fall and she gently stretched them to try and heal them faster.
An arrow whizzed past her ear and stuck between two stones. With a jump she grabbed Kail and looked to the sky. Kurama spun and held his whip in his hand. Hiei drew a long katana and Yusuke readied his spirit gun. Kuwabara nearly fell off the ledge but Yusuke managed to pull him back before his almost certain death.
"I am starting to hate this." Hiei spat as he spotted their attacker.
A small figure flew with bow in hand. A quiver of swift arrows rested across her back and long black hair covered her also black wings.
"My name is Amy! Which of you lucky boys gets to fight me?" she tossed her hair back and winked, "I promise not to kill you, much." her giggle made Katani want to take a large object and chuck it at her cocky face. However before she could take the rock in her hands the Phoenix said, "Oh, too bad. Most of you are human and the others demons. How simply awful. None of you except little miss have wings. I shall just have to pick one of you to let my little arrows fly on. Hmm..." she looked them over. "
"Hey, lay off! Chose someone who can fight back." Katani spat.
"Oh my, defensive are we? Who would have thought little Miss princess could be so brazen! I heard you believed that human was forced and gave yourself up as a sacrifice. Tell me, oh great and mighty Mithril, how did it feel to eat steel and feel the bite of the whip? Oh it doesn't matter." she waved it off as Katani glared at her. "Come at me princess, I want to kill you myself in the air just so I can watch you fall."
"Katani, take her down." Hiei said. "Her voice is starting to grate on my nerves."
"No problem." Katani whispered in Gilian and stepped off the ledge as her body hovered in mid air. A strong breeze blew and Katani could see Amy easily hold her own. This woman was strong. Katani decided to end this with one swift blow. It would cost her a lot of energy but right now she just wanted to shut her up.
"Akolian breiama demina resor!" Katani flapped her wings painfully and sent to large shockwaves directly at the woman. Too surprised to avoid it she was helpless as it tore off her two black wings
"Women are scary..."
"What was that Yusuke?" Katani thought she heard something. Turning her head she could just make out Yusuke. At seeing her hardened expression he froze.
"Nothing!"
"You bitch!" Amy screamed. She barely maintained her flight with magic. Gold blood poured from the two stumps. "Magei!" The woman called and a silver Pegasi flew seemingly from nowhere.
Katani was stunned. The wounds she had created were healing before her eyes. She had underestimated her. The Swift One must have truly wished to cut her strength.
Yusuke grimaced. "What's with Katani?" He shivered. Her eyes were like nothing he had seen. He had expected to see her baby blues burning with fire when she turned to him. Instead he was greeted with cold granite.
Kurama was solemn. "She is hardening herself."
"What?" Kuwabara asked.
"Do we have to explain everything for you?" Hiei frowned. The fight was becoming fierce now. The two girls were engaging blows. Amy fired countless arrows that Katani struggled to avoid while dealing her own weak long range magic in return. "This is her own blood she is spilling. She knows very well how many are going to die today. Instead of shedding tears she is separating herself from it. The person we see now is Katani's hardened self. This separation is a sign of weakness. She would not be able to handle it emotionally at her current level. Though she has been fighting all this time, she has grown only a stones throw closer to our strength." A smile broke at the corner of his lips. "Though this hardened version of herself is a bit tougher. She may stand a chance as that."
"However," Kurama folded his arms across his chest. "She does not have full reign of her senses. She could easily make rash decisions. The calm she normally maintains is lost in this attempt to blind herself."
"Is it really that hard for her to accept?" Yusuke asked.
Katani closed her wings about herself and fell as far as she dared. The rough plain came up sharply and she spread her wings as the rough wind filled them. The outside battle was raging closer and she had to avoid the conflicting Gilian troops. If she could kill the Pegasi it would be easy to destroy Amy. She would have no chance with her wings gone. If only she could get close enough.
Kurama watched Katani fly circles around the Phoenix. "For her, yes. You may not have noticed, Yusuke, but these people are the only family she has. Her memories of myself are gone and most of the emotions she experience while with us. Though she does not realize it, all the happiness and joy she felt were erased as well. These people are the only thing left to her that holds some value, some purpose. With each one she knowingly slaughters she feels as if she is back on the day her brother was murdered, except this time she is the assassin."
Yusuke swore, his hands clenching into fists. "I'll end that Swift One. Even if I have to snap his chicken neck myself."
Kuwabara nodded. "Come on Katani! You can do it!"
She spun free of another arrow, barely missing the magic hardened point. She looked over to the others. Kuwabara was shouting something at her but she couldn't hear it over the wind. He was screaming so loud that the others were covering their ears. Hiei began yelling something also, but it was directed at Kuwabara. Despite herself, she laughed. The hard expression faded slightly and she floated in the gale. A soft warmth tugged at her heart. Now Yusuke was yelling at her too, before holding out his arm in the rei gun position. He mouthed something to her. Bang.
Her chest warmed.
"Daydreaming, Princess?" Amy screamed and kicked her Pegasi. The mount fly forward with speed to rival Hiei's. All Katani could make out was a silver blur before Amy sat before her. "Too slow!"
A arrow pierced through her right wing. Katani was jolted back into reality as a second arrow hit painfully close to the first. Amy was about to unleash a third before Katani retaliated. Now at short range Amy had no trouble hitting in the wind. Before it had only been the grace of the storm that kept her from being impaled.
"Enough!" Katani swung Kail wildly. The blade made a noise like a silver bell as it sliced through open air. The pegasi's eyes whitened and it reared away from the sword. Amy struggled to maintain her balance but unleashed two more arrows at the same spot on Katani's wing. Four arrows were clustered together and gold blood spilled. Amy had managed to hit the muscle and bone perfectly so that Katani could no longer bend her already injured wings. The wind took her in its talons and dropped her. Katani screamed as she fell, hardening herself mentally and physically for the fall. Not yet, not yet, please let me finish this!
"Kitten!" A voice screamed from the wind. A fierce whinny joined it and Katani was caught by two strong arms.
"T-Ty!" She gasped. To her horror, his beautiful white wings were gone. Following her eyes he smiled.
"Yeah, I don't have enough gold in me to fly anymore. But with this guy I don't need to." Feer whinnied and turned his head back to study Katani. The horse snorted at the granite expression his master wore. The fear in her horse's eyes brought her back. She blinked, and forced herself to relax. The wind was getting stronger and she needed to be at her best. "Look out!" She managed to see the arrow just before it flew. Feer reared and it passed harmlessly by his powerful wings.
"The battle is tight. Good thing I came though. You alright, Kitty?"
"Y-yeah." She tore the arrows from her wing with a grimace. Two of her fingers were needed to stop the bleeding. Her right arm twitched. The muscles were nearly spent from carrying the blade for so long after the painful fall. If she didn't end this soon, she would die before reaching the end.
Amy knocked another arrow to the string. "Get out of here!" Katani shouted and leapt off Feer. "I'll be fine, beat it!" She levitated herself with a weak control over the wind. It was all she had left.
Ty nodded, he had learned his place. As he turned he shouted to Katani, "When you remember that red head, make sure you don't forget about me."
Katani managed a weak smile. "Yeah, I'll try."
"Die already!" Amy screamed and kicked her Pegasi sharply to cut the distance between them.
"Try and take me down, you of low rank and even lower class!" Her face hardened again. "I dare you to be the end of me!"
Amy hesitated. Had she pushed too far? The others had warned her of this. The wench had two levels of power, one, which was visible, and one that was reserved. If she had poked and prodded too much, that other level would be revealed and she would die.
Katani took advantage of her slow reaction. "Lokola domiar wratha dereu!" The wind that was whipping around her twisted and turned to her will. Lightning forked over the sky and a roaring clap of thunder followed. "Naru!" The wind seemed to strike down on the Pegasi and rider with the force of a hurricane. Like a child's kite they were tossed about until it threw them to the ground. Katani watched them go before releasing her hold on the wind. What had she done? Did she kill them? Straining her eyes she tried to see some movement from the heap below. Nothing. A sob tore at her throat. She had killed her. Not in self-defense but in cold blood. "If only I can cut down the Pegasi, Amy will be easy to kill then…" What was wrong with her? She shook her head hard and tried to see through the tears. She had murdered her. The storm gave her no time for self-pity. The gale began to toss her and it was all she could manage to half fly-half float to the cobbled wall of the ledge. She stretched her hand out just as her last ounce of strength gave way.
It was too little. She was a mere inch from the ledge as she began to fell. The boys yelled to her and she saw a black blur. A hand caught her wrist and held fast. Hiei held her with one hand while holding Kurama's whip in the other. In a spilt second they had managed to act. Katani smiled in relief.
"Thank you."
"Are you two alright?" Kurama called as he began to pull them up.
"Barely." Katani fell to her knees on the ledge. She was shaking.
Hiei let go of the whip. His hand bleed from where the thorns had dug in. "Know your limits next time."
"Are you ever going to cut me a break?" Katani's voice shook as she tried to toss out the comeback.
"Hey, you okay?" Yusuke asked.
She gulped and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Yeah, just help me up please." Kurama quickly helped her to her feet. He pulled her up by her hands because her wings erased any chance of him carrying her. "We're close. We need to keep going."
"When those arrows hit your wing did they take out some of your brain? You can't even stand!" Yusuke shouted.
Would it really be that bad if she died? She knew know that they would keep going and finish what she had started, so would her existence really matter? Thunder roared as the forces drew closer to the far side of the castle. "If we delay any longer we'll get caught in the crossfire. I can recover my strength later, come on." She drew in some deep breaths and managed to move with Kurama's help.
When they were out of earshot, which wasn't very far due to the storm, Kurama knelt by her ear. "I will not allow you to die."
Katani stopped and looked up at him. "What?"
Kurama touched her cheek. She blushed even though she knew her wings blocked the others from seeing them. "Your life is not your own any longer. You are a part of all of our lives now. Your death would cause too much sadness. I will not allow you to leave your people, the others, and myself."
Katani's heart caught in her throat. A part of her was aware that the others were getting farther ahead but she didn't care. "You don't understand." She tried to say. "I killed her. I had the chance to end the fight or kill her and I chose to go all out. She died because I was too weak to control myself. For a moment I was so scared that she would kill me and I couldn't think. I didn't… I didn't…" The words wouldn't come. Tears fell down her cheeks and she hastily went to wipe them away. Great, she was crying in front him on the ledge of a castle in the middle of a thunderstorm. Terrific.
"All deserve death, but it comes at different times. Your time is not now. For now, life is your gift. You have given bits and pieces of that gift to all those around you. Surely you cannot snatch that away from them so soon."
"Kurama….I…"
"Come," he pulled her close to him and they walked fast to catch up.
He was right. She couldn't die for them. Her life did not belong to her alone. So many others depended on her. It would be too selfish to bail. She couldn't even think to give in.
Biting her lip against the pain, she trudged on while folding her wings behind her.
Soon they caught up with the others and they turned into a hallway cut out of the stone. The wind stopped almost instantly and they could only hear the howl as it beat against the worn stone.
"The door won't budge." Yusuke said.
"Did you try just forcing your way through?"
"Duh. Not even Hiei's sword made any progress."
"Yeah," Kuwabara said, "my spirit sword just bounced off."
"That's because you're an incompetent moron." Hiei said, eyes closed.
"You couldn't open it either!"
"At least I damaged it."
It was true, a long thin slice ran across the oak door. The handle was polished brass and ornate, with carvings.
"This is Gilian. I can open it." Katani stepped away from Kurama's support and stood on shaky legs. "They want to be sure I am alive. Otherwise, you four aren't worth their trouble."
"Pleasant guy. Will he have tea waiting for us as well?" Yusuke muttered.
"Roamita," Katani whispered and covered the handle with her palm. The door clicked and swung free of its own accord.
"The Gilian word for "Enter"." Said Kurama. "Not surprising that they would be sure of their opponents."
"Either way, we're taking them down. We can make easy work of those pigeons."
"Don't underestimate them." Katani said. They began to walk down the dark corridor. Candles every few feet kept them from being shrouded in black. "Both of the last two warriors were of a low class called the Messenger. They were only to get you used to the rules. Now the real struggle begins. You three will be facing the Challenger Class. They are what Spirit World calls the A class."
"Is there a book or something that tells you all this?" asked Yusuke.
"Actually, yeah. Gilian battles are fought almost ritualistically. When blood is spilt in large numbers or a pre-agreed date has been set, like today, it is usually the strongest warriors who decide the outcome."
"Then why get tons of other people involved?"
"Because," said Katani, "every once in a while some unknown will rise from the ranks and appear like a wolf in a den of pups. Rare blood rises every so often to one of true quality. But if I had to guess you and Hiei will be tried and killed if they can. I have no doubt Kurama will be fought by another Challenger Class but they might make it a double with myself unless Rayson gets involved."
"Isn't he leading the main army?"
"Yes and no. He's following our steps as we speak. There is no way he'll leave the Swift One up to chance."
She stopped as the hall widened out into a large room. It was nearly impossible to see anything, save for a few candles showing the exit door to the next room, wherever that led.
Hiei tensed and unsheathed his sword.
"We're not alone."
Nothing could be seen except for a few inches around the flickering flames mounted on tall bronze candlesticks. The enemy could be right in front of them and they wouldn't be able to tell.
Enimies. She laughed weakly at the thought. They shared the same blood. They must truly be human, for no other race would fight themselves so pointlessly. Even then if Katani managed to fulfill the ancient prophecy that every ancient society has, would some Gilians chose to live among the humans? The bloodline might eventually wash away if such a thing was allowed to happen. Here she was fighting a war to stop this way of life. If she did that everything would be fine, the tribe would find peace and have enough money through their blood to live happily. If she did complete the prophecy and found a spell to mask golden blood some Gilians would return to the main island and maybe other parts of the world. They would fall in love with normal, red-blooded humans and eventually the bloodline would be washed over in red.
Kurama could sense Katani's mind reeling from the decisions she still had not made. Despite everything they had been through, this final battle would determine whether she chose to be with him or chose the life among her people. A part of his mind prepared for the pain if she left him. He feared this all along for she loved her people more then anything. If they asked her to stay and be their leader while abandoning all red bloods she might do it.
"Quit hiding in the dark! Come out and fight already!" Yusuke yelled.
Hiei merely gazed into darkness.
For a moment nothing stirred. Katani felt Kurama's eyes harden as a piece of metal clanged against stone.
"Whissssh of you two will fight against ussssss?" said a sly voice.
Katani tensed, a strong wave of energy washed over each of them. This was no ordinary Phoenix.
"I'll tell you if you quit hiding like a dog and face us!" Yusuke had gone into his cocky-battle-yelling-mode. There was no stopping him now.
"That'ssssss not why we're here. You ssssshall feel the edge of my blade filthy human and demon ssssssscum."
"Yusuke, watch yourself. You and Hiei are dealing with a chimera." Kurama said.
"A what now?"
"A chimera. A creature formed from black magic that is a combination of two beasts. In this case, a Gilian and a serpent. I suggest you tread cautiously and avoid corners."
"Thanks for that little pearl of wisdom…" said Yusuke.
"Whatsssss keeping you? Come play, or I ssssshall dine on the pressssioussss princesssss before my masssssssster getsssssss the chance." The chimera slapped the stone with its blade and for a moment a shower of sparks filled the air. Katani gasped, a tall Gilian soldier was covered in black scales. His wings resembled a bat's, leathery and without feathers. From his mouth two great fangs protruded. His weapon, a sword, also resembled a fang.
"Lets go Hiei."
"Hn."
The two stepped into the darkness. Katani could see nothing but only pray they would be all right. Her worry must have been obvious for Hiei said,
Do not think little of us, we're not as stupid to be killed by some slithering coward.
What they did not know was that if the soldier survived the pain and madness that came with the dark magic he was probably the best of the best. Only bodies already strong to begin with could withstand the molecular bond of fusion. To remain alive both hearts needed to mold and beat as one. This took immense strength and will, which was why such magic was often called the Devil's Door. For if you somehow managed to survive you were granted great strength but always stood on the brink of death.
In the darkness Katani felt scared and safe at the same time. As she heard the sound of fists and clang of swords her worry grew. Yusuke yelled and the chimera hissed as great leathery wings spread to snuff out the candles.
"Come on guys…" Katani whispered, "don't die on me."
Kurama placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry Katani, Urameshi won't be done in by some creation and Hiei's too short to die." Kuwabara said.
"I don't even see how that would-"
"Just try and restore your strength." Kurama insisted.
She nodded. He was right, as always. Kneeling on the cold stone, she let her tattered gold wings wrap around her. A few feathers fell and hit the stone, emitting a soft glow. Kuwabara picked on up, it pulsed in his hands as if alive.
Katani began breathing slowly and deeply. Her mind focused on the beating of her heart and the warmth of her wings. They wrapped tighter around her and the feathers began to glow.
"Dang." Kuwabara said.
"She is regenerating." Kurama said. "Her body is slowing itself and absorbing energy from the air around her."
"You sure know a lot about Hawk healing, Kurama."
"I studied as we stayed here. If we allow our energy to flow around us, it will greatly aid her healing." Kurama eased his body and allowed energy to hover around him in small waves.
"Uh, right." Kuwabara did the same, listening to the fight as he did. It was impossible to tell who had the edge or even who the other was. "I can't see anything. Who's winning?"
"Listen, Kuwabara. Our ears will serve us better then our eyes for this."
He did. But all he could hear was a sword and feet. The chimera hissed every few minutes but that was all. Wait! There! He could hear a fist hit flesh. And then again. Someone's blade pierced flesh. Next he heard the unmistakable sound of Yusuke's sprit gun charging up.
"Spirit Gun!"
The chimera screamed as it became illuminated in the blue light. With his hands over his ears he could block out most of the screech. Hiei had stabbed it through one heart while Yusuke delivered the final blow with his Spirit Gun.
Hiei wiped the dark gold blood from his sword while Yusuke flexed his arm. "One down." He said. "Hey, what's she doing?" He pointed the glowing cocoon of gold feathers.
"Healing." Kurama said. "Her body is recovering strength."
"That's handy."
"In many ways, yes. But it is rarely done because the quick recovery drains part of her soul."
"You mean she'll die sooner?" Yusuke said.
"I am afraid so."
"Hn." Hiei scoffed. "If she wasn't doing it she'd be dead anyway."
The gold feathers shone once more before dimming. The wings unfurled and Katani stood on strong legs. Her wings were flawless once more and she effortlessly pulled them back into her body.
Yusuke winked at her. "One down."
"Yeah, one down." Katani managed a smile though it was lost in the darkness. "Come, we're in the storage hall I think. There's one more room till the Throne Hall."
"How do you know?" Ty asked.
Katani didn't bother answering him. "Everyone hold on to me and we'll-Yusuke!" she screamed when he grabbed her chest.
"What? I'm just trying too-"
"Yusuke if you touch her like that again I will take you into the darkness and let you feel the crack of my whip."
"Urameshi, where's your code of honor?"
"I can't believe you would stoop to such a thing, detective."
"Geez, settle down. Can't a guy cop a feel? I guess not." He said when he heard a growl, Katani's no doubt.
She sighed and released her gold wings. With such a wingspan she was able to touch the backs of each of them. "We're going to be in the dark for a while now and don't you try making any light, this area is rigged with traps."
"Great, if I didn't know any better I'd think they didn't want us to visit." said Yusuke.
"Any flicker of light not associated with battle will set off arrows, pits, and guns." Katani stopped. "Now here's an intersection," she felt to be sure, "and if I remember correctly we go to the left and then the right."
"Go for it," said Yusuke.
Katani led them on silently for a little while. It reminded her of the tunnel they had first gone through to enter the castle. I hope the troops are faring well,
Kurama was having thoughts of his own. Up ahead would be a challenger waiting for him. No doubt it was one of the toughest the Swift One had to offer. They had to have been fools to not hear about his interest in Katani. He wouldn't be surprised if they would purposely hurt or kill him to make Katani easier to handle.
"Hiei," he said in a low whisper. They walked on the edge of Katani's wings so she could not hear them. "There is a large chance I will not survive this next battle." Hiei looked up. "If that happens, I need you to make sure Katani does not watch. Better yet have her not look at all. She will most likely become upset and put her own life in danger."
"She is stupid like that."
"I ask that you make it so she cannot see what is going on, at least temporarily."
"You're afraid she'll interfere and only get herself killed?"
"Yes,"
Hiei scoffed. "I told you falling in love with her would only make you weak. Fine, I'll distract her. Watch your back, Kurama. If you make me comfort her after your death, I'll reach into hell and pull you back myself."
"Thank you, Hiei."