Lost In the Emptiness of Heaven

The world was cloaked in a red haze; there was movement, fast… precise.  Someone was yelling her name, calling her, looking for her… But what did they want?  Caitlin Sohma snapped out of the dream and sat up in the bed.  It took her a moment to realize where she was.  She remembered running away, meeting the other girl, and ending up at Shigure's… that's right, she was at Shigure's.  She had found it, sort of.  And Dr. Hatori had come over to make sure she was okay.  But so much of today was fuzzy, she glanced out the window, it was dark out so she could only assume it was still today.  And then there was Kyou, he had come in to talk to her…  But when had she fallen asleep?  Probably during one of Kyou's stories, she felt a little bad for falling asleep on him, but she doubted he would hold it against her.  She stretched slightly and felt stitches pull along her back.  That's right, Dr. Hatori must have tended to ALL her injuries.  The house wasn't quite quiet, she could hear people talking and laughing downstairs, she recognized some of the voices.  Isa's first, then Kahlan's… Kahlan… when had he gotten here?  She frowned just as she heard Kyou yell something about Yuki being a damn rat and threatening to kick his ass, again.  That made her smile, the Japanese Cat tired so hard, and she felt that one day he would be rewarded for it.  She just hoped it wasn't too late.  There was a pile of clothes sitting at the bottom of the bed with a small note that read, If you are feeling better, get dressed and come down.  I'm sure everyone wants to say hello.  Kyou   

Kat took a moment to look at the clothes, they certainly weren't hers, and they didn't look like something Tohru would wear.  She paused, they were probably his; she found herself smiling again, somehow she just couldn't picture what she would look like in one of Tohru's skirts.  Slowly getting to her feet she was happily surprised that they didn't hurt too bad, she would have thought the damage would have been worse after running around the woods barefoot.  Then again, she was known for having a good healing rate. 

Sliding into the clothes, she pushed open the door and walked over to the stairs, listening in to the conversation.  Shigure and Isa were flirting again, and Yuki, Kyou, and Kahlan were muttering something about them being perverts.  She took a few careful steps down the stairs and, confident in her abilities to walk, made her way down normally.  She walked into the living room where everyone was gathered and leaned on the doorway.  Kahlan noticed her first and jumped to his feet running over and pulling her into a hug.  "Damnit Kat, you had me so worried, I'm sorry okay… I learned my lesson, it won't happen again, just please don't do that anymore."  He had his head buried in her shoulder and Isa was already walking over to the pair.  Kat rested her arms around her cousin; she knew how much he cared for her and that he never did anything he didn't think was in her best interest.  But still, it was good that he had learned where NOT to sick his nose.  She had felt a little bad about hurting him like that, not that she was going to share that opinion.

"It's all right Kal, I understand, and as long as we are on the same page. I won't run away anymore."  He let her go so Isa could hug her.

"Good to see you back amongst the conscious."  She grinned, "You didn't miss the whole party too."  Her voice held the same flare it always did.

"I didn't know there was a party going on."  Kat smiled at her closest cousin.

"Well," she paused for dramatics.  "I was just planning a girl's night out."  Kat raised an eyebrow in question.  "The next time everyone has off from school the next day Tohru and her friend Kagura are going to sleep over our house here, and Kahlan and Dani are going to stay here at Shigure's."  Kat smiled at her way ward cousin.

"Always trying to get into trouble aren't you Isa?"  The dog ruffled Kat's hair.

"You betcha kiddo."  She grabbed Kat's hand and started pulling her into the room.  Kahlan went back to his seat, but Hatori stood up.

"Actually, if it is alright I would like to have a word with Caitlin.  About her injuries, just to make sure she knows how best to take care of them."  The female Cat stared at the Dragon for a long moment before nodding.

"Of course, you are the Doctor after all.  And thank you for your help."

"Think nothing of it."  The older Souma walked into the kitchen with the blond trailing behind him.  The others watched them walk away before Haru elbowed Kyou in the ribs, catching the staring feline off guard. 

"Looks like your girlfriend is feeling better."  He smirked at the cat.

"Hey, shut up you damn cow or I'll shut you up.  She's NOT my girlfriend."  Kyou shot back, crimson eyes gleaming.

"Ah, silly kitten…"  Isa grinned.  "Me thinks thou doth protest to much."  Kyou growled.

"What the hell are you talking about you crazy Yankee?"  He clenched his fists.

"Oh Kyou, I think Isa just means that EVERYONE can see you obvious affection for young Caitlin."  Shigure added.

"And what affection is that?"  The cat muttered though clenched teeth.

"Come on, I think it's cute."  Tohru said in a horrible effort to stop the arguing, since that only made the carrot-top madder.

"Yea, me too."  Momiji said smiling at Tohru.

"Hey Kyou, better not let Kagura find out.  I think she's already possessive enough."  Yuki mumbled with a smile.

"Stupid girls!"  Kyou jumped to his feet, "I don't have to listen to this."  And with that, he stalked out of the room; all the while Kahlan's angry glare followed him.  There was a moment of silence before everyone, but the blue haired cow, started laughing. 

Hatori and Caitlin chose that time to walk back out, each with a carefully placed mask over their faces.  "Did we miss something?"  The Dragon asked in his monotone voice.  Kat just looked around before sitting down next to Kahlan, who scooted protectively closer to her. 

"No, nothing at all."  Isa chimed.  "But anyway, it's getting late and I think I should get these two home."  She pointed to Kal and Kat.  "But Tohru honey, we'll see you in a few days.  I'll even come pick you up."

"Oh come on Isa, don't do that to the poor girl."  Kat smiled at her new friend.  "I'll pick you up Tohru, that way we don't have to worry about you getting to the house in one piece."

"Uh… okay.  And Kagura?" 

"She lives at the Main House right?"  The rice ball nodded.  "Well then, I owe Master Kazuma a visit, so I'll pick her up from there and then we'll come get you."  Tohru seemed to cheer up.

"Okay, that sounds like fun."  Isa stood, followed by her cousins. 

"And we will see you and Dani then as well, right Kahlan?"  Shigure smiled.

"Yea, right."  He added in a surely tone.  Isabella frowned at him, but he just ignored her and headed for the door.  The girls were almost out the door as well before Kat paused,

"I don't see Kyou around, but would you tell him I said good bye, and thank you." 

"Of course we will.  You stay safe Kat, and no more running away, or else I get to go play on roof tops."  Tohru grinned, Kat laughed.

"Deal."  She replied with a nod.  As the Americans left, Hatori stood and gathered up Haru and Momiji, and they said their goodbyes as well, leaving the house finally quiet.

"I should go do my homework.  I haven't even started it."  She smiled. "It was a wonderful evening Shigure, thank you for having everyone over."

"Oh it was no problem Tohru dear, you do so know how much I love your friends.  Such charming people."  Yuki rolled his eyes.

"Oh Miss. Honda.  If you need any help feel free to ask."  He smiled warmly.

"Of course Yuki, and thank you."  With that, she bounced up the stairs and left Yuki and Shigure staring at each other. 

"So I'm thinking about starting a bet."  The dog said casually.  "Who will kill who first?"  Yuki raised an eyebrow.

"What are you talking about you stupid dog?"

"Well I figure either Kahlan is going to kill Kyou, or Kagura is going to kill Ms. Caitlin."  He started laughing at his own joke.

"Stupid dog, I'm going to go help Tohru with her homework."  Yuki stood and walked up the stairs, leaving Shigure to laugh at himself.

Kat grinned as she took a sharp turn in Isa's black convertible.  She had realized early that morning that the bike could only hold one person, and she was supposed to be picking up two.  So Isa had kindly loaned her the car.  Her hair was tied back into a braid and she had found Isa's sunglasses in the glove box.  She was dressed in white as always, comfortable pants, a sleeveless shirt, and the white trench coat she loved to wear (when she was aloud).  According to the clock on the dash, it was only noon, which mean she had a few hours to talk to Master Kazuma before Kagura Souma got home from school.  She smiled at the thought, she genuinely liked the martial arts instructor, and she could use for some good conversation with someone… she had already promised Dani… and her father… and Kahlan… AND Isa that she would get into any fights since she was still technically "sick" from the incidents of earlier this week.  She pulled the car into the confines of the Souma Main House and turned the volume down on the CD player, which had been blaring System of a Down the whole time she was headed there.  Stepping out of the car and auto locking the door she walked up the path to Kazuma's dojo.

Upon getting to the door, she was mildly surprised to see that Kazuma had a class going on, younger children, not much older than her sisters were.  So after removing her shoes she leaned comfortably against the wall and watched.  Eventually a few of the children noticed her presence and stopped what they were doing to look at her.  Shooting a glance at their teacher and seeing him busy, the two little boys skittered over.

"Hi," Kat gave them both a small smile as she took a step back… Souma's or not… boys were still a bad thing. "Shouldn't you two be practicing?"

"Told ya so!"  The short haired boy elbowed the other in the ribs and was shot a glare in response.

"Well yea, we were just wondering if you were part of the American line that everyone was talking about."  The long haired boy replied giving her a smile.  Caitlin smiled and gave them both a bow. 

"Actually yes, I am, my name is Caitlin Sohma.  And you are?" 

"I'm Hakuro Souma."  The short haired boy bowed.  The other followed suit.

"And I'm Koji Souma." 

"It's a pleasure to meet you both."  She knelt down, as she would if she was dealing with Mary and Regene.  "So do you like Master Kazuma?"

"Oh yea." "He's the greatest."  The both said in unison.

"I would certainly hope so," came a familiar adult voice.  All three sets of eyes turned up to the Sensei.

"Good afternoon Master Kazuma."  Kat said with a grin as she stood again. 

"And to you Kat."  He replied with an equally friendly greeting, and then turned his attention to her two admirers.  "You two get back to your practice, after all class IS almost over." 

"Yes Sensei."  The replied together and walked back out onto the dojo floor after giving Kat a wave goodbye and an "it was nice meeting you."

"So how are you feeling?  I heard from Hatori that you ran away earlier this week.  He said that you were pretty badly hurt."  Kazuma and Kat walked to the edge of the dojo where he could still watch his students but they could also speak privately.  The cat shrugged and smiled.

"I'm good I guess, I have a knack for healing quickly… and besides it was only a cold."  Kazuma raised an eyebrow and gave her a suspicious look.

"Only a cold… well then, it's good to hear that you are well."  This time it was Kat's turn to give him the look of suspicion.  The two just stared at each other for a moment before she finally gave in a sighed.

"So how much did Dr. Hatori tell you?"  Sounding defeated.  The older Souma folded his hands.

"Enough… but then again, I pick up on things pretty quickly."  He smiled.  He received a small smile at that.

"So I've heard… then again, I've heard lots about you."  Kazuma feigned surprise.

"Who… me?  And who would talk about me?"   Kat laughed.

"I think you already know the answer to that… after all you do pick up on things quickly." He laughed.

"To true… Kyou really is the closets thing I have ever had to a son.  He's a good man really, and I am proud to know him."

"Yea… he pretty much says the same thing about you… only he gets this cute little smile when ever he talks about you." Kat grinned and shook her head, just thinking about that smile made the color rise in her cheeks. 

"I'm glad to see that you two are getting along."  He quieted for a moment.  "Listen Kat… you know that if you ever need to talk about anything I'll listen, right?"  She looked up at him and seemed to ponder that statement.

"I know… and I know I can trust you too… But you've already helped one Cat, and this one can take care of herself."  There was no rudeness to the statement, just simple fact to the blond.  Kazuma nodded and moved back out to the class where he ended the lesson.  After Kat said hello to most of the other students the room finally cleared.

"Would you care to practice some katas?"  Kazuma smiled. 

"Sure, I'd love to."  Kat slipped out of the trench coat, moved onto the floor, and began to learn from a new teacher.

"I swear I'm gonna kick that orange haired ass of his."  Kahlan crossed his arms and glared out the window of the car that Daniel had borrowed.

"Woah, calm yourself Kal."  Dani glanced over at his cousin.  "What on earth has you so riled up about going over to Shigure's house?  And why are you so pissed off at Kyou?"

"Don't you ever pay attention to anything Dani?"  The cow shot a glare at him.

"Apparently not, so why don't you fill me in."  Dani never was one for the dramatics.

"Don't you see the way he looks at Kat?"  Kal's voice was surely.  Dani sighed.

"Kahlan, they have met what… twice?  I hardly think that is any basis for judgment.  Besides… from what I can tell… and I am fairly good at telling these things.  Kyou seems to have his eyes set on Miss. Honda.  So I do not think you need to worry too much about it.  Besides… we'll be leaving after New Years and then you will be free to futilely pursue my sister's heart."  Kahlan mumbled something under his breath that Dani could thankfully pretend he didn't hear, and the rat went back to driving… this was definitely going to be an interesting night.

"I'm so exited, this is going to be soooo much fun."  Tohru had been nearly hyperactive all day, even at school.  She was really looking forward to spending time with the American members of the Sohma family.

"I am very glad you are looking forward to this evening Miss Honda."  Yuki smiled as they entered the house.

"Yea, at least one of us is."  Kyou muttered.  "I'm going to do my homework."  Kyou stalked up the stairs, he on the other hand, had not seemed quite as exited as the riceball.

"I hope Kyou's okay."  Tohru frowned.

"Don't worry about that stupid cat Miss Honda.  I think he's just mad that he has to deal with people.  You know Kyou; if we're lucky he'll just stay up on the roof sulking the whole time."  Yuki's reply was apparently not what Tohru had hoped to hear, but it was all that could be expected.  The cat and the rat were just NOT trying to get along.  "But I certainly wish that you have a good time."  He smiled at her and she beamed at him in return.

"Oh I know I will, Isa said that she would be cooking some American meals and she is going to teach me and everything.  Ooooo this is going to be so much fun."  She squealed.  "I should go get packed.  Miss. Kat should be here to pick me up soon with Kagura."  And with that, she raced up the stairs.  Thinking about what she had said Yuki frowned, he remembered what Shigure had said early that week and he certainly hoped that Kagura and Kat would get along. 

"Oh look at our little Tohru."  Shigure's voice echoed from the door of his room.  "She looks so cute when she's happy like that."  Yuki glared at the Dog.

"She's not OUR little Tohru… and why is it then when ever you say things like that you sound like a pedophile?"  Shigure grinned.

"Why, I have no idea Yuki.  Anyway is there anywhere you would like to order dinner from tonight.  Since I doubt Kyou will cook anything… and Tohru won't be here… I think it may be safer if neither one of us touched the stove.  Oh… dear sweet Tohru… what will we do without her."

"Pervert."  Yuki muttered before heading up the stairs.

Kagura and Kat had gotten off to a pretty good start.  They had both put their first meeting aside and decided to start over.  Conversation was light for the beginning part of the drive, until Kat asked about how she and Kyou had met.  Well Kagura had actively talked for the rest of the ride and it had kind of gone down hill from there.  In fact, by the time they reached Shigure's house there was one very hyper Boar and one very confused Cat.  The feline stopped the car and got out, Kagura had already walked over to the door and knocked.  It was Yuki who answered.

"Hello Kagura, here to pick up Miss Honda?"  He stepped aside so she could enter.

"That's right.  And where is my dearest Kyou?"  She walked into the house and looked around.

"That Tohru's ride?"  The orange haired boy asked as he walked down the steps.  Yuki never got to answer him because Kagura acted first.

"KYOU!"  She yelled as she pounced on him with a huge smile.  "Oh my sweet Kyou I have missed you so much it has been so long since we have seen each other."  As Kyou tried to escape, Yuki got the opportunity to laugh at his rival.  Kagura however, remained latched onto him, even through the cat's muttered protests.  As long as they didn't break the house everything would be okay.

"How cute."  Muttered Caitlin as she walked into the house.  Yuki glanced over at her and wondered if she always wore that emotionless face.  But the female cat of the Zodiac wasn't looking at Yuki, actually her eyes were fixed on Kagura and Kyou, and the rat began to wonder if Shigure was right.  Kagura had her arms wrapped so tightly around the cat's neck that he was gasping, but it was the normal show… well for the Souma family at least.

"Excuse me Kagura?"  Kat spoke in a voice that was almost too calm; but somehow it got the boar's attention… and Kyou's for that matter, who had just realized her presence.  "Did it ever occur to you that it may be hard for him to be a good boyfriend if you strangle him?"  Kagura blinked.

"She is not—"  Kyou started but got choked in a hug.

"Oh Kyou, it's okay, he doesn't mind."  Kagura finished for him.  Caitlin blinked once and look at Kyou, but the intensity of her eyes were too much for the boy to deal with… this time it was he who lost their staring contest.  The blond cat shrugged and turned.

"I'll go warm up the car, when Tohru comes down you two can meet me out there."

"Okay."  Kagura shouted cheerfully as she went back to squeezing the life out of Kyou. 

Yuki glanced back at the pair before walking outside.  The blond was moving amps into the trunk to make room in the backseat of the black convertible.

"You know…"  Yuki paused, he wasn't sure why he even felt the need to say it, but never the less here he was standing outside in the cold watching the white trench coat blow with the wind.  "You know… Kyou and Kagura… they aren't really dating… it's kind of a one way relationship.  One way on Kagura's part that is."  She wasn't looking at him, actually she was just staring into the trunk.  After a brief pause she slammed it shut and turned to Yuki with a smile, the kind of smile Hatori gave people.

"Why would I care… what you all do in your free time is up to you after all.  Keep in mind rat-boy as soon as the holidays are over I'm going home."  Yuki nodded slowly.

"Right."  Then he turned on his heels and walked back into the house, closing the door behind him thinking to himself as he went, stupid cats

A few moments later the door opened and the two girls came out both shouting their goodbyes to everyone and whishing them a fun night.  Kat loaded Tohru's stuff into the trunk and luckily, for everyone sake, Kagura offered the riceball the front seat.  As the car pulled away, Kat glanced in the rearview to see an orange haired figure climb onto the roof and watch them leave.