Chapter 12

My hand trembled closer toward the statue, as I closed the space between us my energy pulsed more desperately. Miniature sparks of white danced across the skin on my upper arms and hands, leaving trails of what felt to be static electricity. I was shocked, since my life had gone on a haywire fantasy trip I had never once seen my own energy. Or what I assumed to be my energy. There had been times where I had imagined it in my 'mind's eye' or whatever when I had encountered Uri and Kyouji's cells and when I had been willing my energy to be hidden. This seemed completely different though. For starters, my eyes were opened. The feeling of my energy fizzling had never been this intense; it felt as if someone had covered my arms in hair removal wax, stuck on a bunch of pop rocks then drenched me with soda.

I examined the miniscule fireworks display, the white, on closer inspection was not white at all but prismatic. It shimmered slightly, flicking between bright tones of every color I could ever imagine. While staring at the oddity I realized that there was a pattern and the energy moved as one in a rhythm as if it were breathing.

Sooooooo flippin' weiiiiiiiird…I don't think I like it, akk get it off!

A warm golden glow swathed my mind with reassurance and inspiration as the statue hummed a siren's greeting. The combination had me entranced, stuck in the infinity between seconds. My hand moved forward of its own accord, I had to free her. She needed my help. No…what if she…what if she, what if she…what? It doesn't matter what she did, I need her. No, that's not right…

I shook my head feeling a bit drunk and almost tripped. She needed me, right? The glow brightened, dulling any negativity I was harboring against the mystifying Yokai. Oooooh I guess I don't care, I do need her. My thoughts slugged through my mind like they had been coated with morphine. She was so close now, I dazedly ducked under the museums velveteen rope so that I could touch the meditating beauty. I reached out through the fog, a sick feeling nested in the small of my stomach. My hand cringed back. Maybe something's wrong. The golden light burned molten searing any doubt I had away with overbearing comfort.

Hmmmm, I think I have found what it is to become comfortably numb…I had always wondered about that line… I thought dreamily while a dull smile warped itself onto my face.

My energy buzzed like an alerted hive by the time I was centimeters away from pressing my fingertips to her core. Idly I wondered if my energy might arch like lighting to reach out to her if I didn't. It seemed to want to.

A vice like grip circled around my wrist as I was reeled backwards. My daze snapped with my equilibrium as I thrashed against the force that was stopping me from freeing my new companion. "I said stop Ashe! You're not strong enough!" The words thundered through my skull in a voice that I found to be desirable yet left me with a large dose of irritation. Crash! The security rope and beams toppled to the ground with my attacker and I, the clatter of metal meeting tile wailed out a boisterous clack followed by skittering as the pole rolled along the floor.

Nooooo I was so close; I must free her! A swift elbow thrown behind me had me free and my elbow feeling like I had used it as jackhammer. Pain sprung up my arm in a rigid wave. A soft grunt could be heard from behind me if I had been paying attention. "Dammit! Why did you stop me when I was so close?" I cried out in frustration. I tried jumping to my feet but found my mobility was limited by a pair of steely arms. Uhhhhg! Who's this strong anyway, it's just obnoxious! I tried to pry the arms away while kicking and wriggling as best I could. I have to free her!

"Ashe. Stop this, you can't open that cell. Especially not here or at this moment. I don't know what happened exactly but it appears that the Yokai in that cell has you in a spell. You ca- oomph!" Another elbow found its mark hindering my captor's monolog.

"Heh, I told you not to try and stop her. I think she could have handled that one, besides it would have been beneficial to her training. Can't you see how much her energy has grown to keep up with myself and the damned rabbit?" Self-importance and dry amusement drenched the speaker's tone. Kyouji…?

"Oh, and I suppose the best option was just to let her be controlled into freeing some unknown yokai? We don't know what could happen; she may be pulled into a coma or damage her spirit. It's not natural for even a SWW to have so many new leashes this early on. Plus, Ashe is not allowed to release another cell yet, allowing her to release that here would instantly void her contract." The calm voice reasoned matter-of-factly.

Controlled? I wasn't being controlled. She needed me, I was just helping…she wasn't trying to control …was I? OMG I was totally being brain washed! I halted my futile efforts of escape. That could have been so bad! I woulda been blacking out again and broken my contract?! I don't remember the contract saying I couldn't take another ward! Gooooosh I knew I should have read that thing! I don't wanna go to prison! Omg thank you so much whoever saved me! Hmmm, now that I think of it whoever it is must be built like a tank. A warm one at that, geeze he must run at 100 degrees or something… plus that smell. Wait! I know that smell! …oh no, why me. Cringing slightly, I hardened my resolve to look down at the pale arm I was draped over. Which I probably shouldn't have because I was right my savior was none other than Kurama; the one person I didn't want to owe anything to. Greeeeat, Ashe:1 Kurama:1. I could still feel the pull from the shrine. However, my fear for my ward's and my own freedoms was dampening the call. "Uh, as much as I am grateful to you for stopping me Kurama-san would you mind unhanding me so we can get away from-", my sentence was cut short by a disgruntled man in a scholarly tweed suit.

"Just what do you think you are all doing? Step away from that artifact this instance or I will be calling security." The man stammered exasperated, righting the thick glasses that had been hanging crookedly on the brim of his nose.

Kurama straightened herself running a slender fingered hand through her hair while helping to straighten me with the other. "I am terribly sorry about the confusion sir, we truly meant no harm to the exhibit. My friend here was hit with a sudden dizzy spell. She seems to be doing much better. However, I will be taking her to sit down and retrieve some water. If you'll just excuse us." She apologized sounding a little too sincere.

The Museum employee knitted his brows then stated, "yes well as unfortunate as that sounds this is no place to be unstable see that you three don't cause another disturbance."

"Of course; I am so sorry to have been a bother to you," I quickly chimed in bowing to the man still amazed by Kurama's quick lying ability. With that Kurama tugged gently on my hand to get me moving out of the room leaving the man to pick up the scattered security ropes. Kyouji lazily trailed behind us. Akkk that was sooooo bad; if I thought making a fool out of myself in the Library was horrible this was close to extinction for me. Or, at least it would be if word ever got to a certain woman whom I share DNA with. I felt cool beads of sweat break out along the back of my neck at the thought of my mother.

Kurama peered down at me as I stiffened in tension, I noticed she still held my hand in her own and quickly pulled out of her grasp. Her expression shifted slightly though I couldn't place how it read. "Do not worry; I will not be trying that again. I'm not sure what came over me but I rather enjoy my freedom at the moment," I reassured her. "I'm sorry to have caused you trouble," I included, bowing slightly as was the proper thing to do. From my peripheral I saw Kyouji roll his eyes.

I felt disappointed in myself; I could have put everyone in danger. I normally had better will than that. I mean really; I have like what's gatta be the best filter ever! That takes tons of control. But nooo, I just had to give in and get all rescued by stupid Kurama. Which is just freakin' peachy! Now I owe her one plus she's still gonna pay me back for Uri's prank. Well, okay I had initiated it but it had been Uri's idea in the first place! I continued mentally pouting as Kyouji and I followed the red-haired beauty.

We passed by a few quiet museum goers as we walked; I heard obnoxious laughter that could only belong to Yusuke and knew we must be getting close to the group. We turned a corner not too far down the hall; the members of our group were chatting happily in a quite secluded corridor. Yusuke was the first to notice us.

"Geeze what took you guys so long? Ya go and hide off to make out or something?" Yusuke snorted laughing through his nose as he wagged his eyebrows.

"Yusuke!" Keiko reprimanded her eyes bulged with ire and her hand twitched.

My face burst into flames at his jest. Okay, not literally but damn my face was hot enough for it to feel like I was hovering over the flat top on a busy day at the Yukimura's. Da fuck did he just say!? Does everyone know about that stupid dream somehow?! I would never and I mean NEVER make out with Kurama! How many times do I have to say I AM NOT A LESBIAN. Gosh, I feel like I'm growing another complex or something…I'm beginning to sound like I have problems with women…which I don't. I just don't find women to be my type is all…omg what if all this makes me a homophobe. that won't happen, right?! I mean that would just be wrong, everyone deserves love and it's not like you have a say in what you find attractive… great now I'm starting to get a complex about not being homophobic…what is wrong with you brain!? Kyouji gave a soft chuckle from beside me pulling me from my rant.

"Kitten, if you blush so deeply you'll only look guiltier." Kyouji bent at the waist to purr into my ear, his words drenched in satisfaction at my discomfort. Sadist.

"I would be inclined to inform you that is not the case Yusuke-san. There was a small matter that required my attention." I noted, filtering out a few choice adjectives from the sentence.

Kurama pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a soft sigh, "It would appear there is a shrine a few exhibits down. Ashe encountered some difficulties disengaging with the youkai inside."

"Oh my, is everything alright," Yukina cooed worriedly. To which Keiko, Botan and Kuwabara looked equally apprehensive.

"Huh, I was wonderin' why your energy spiked like that Ashe. I thought Kyouji just pissed you off again with his annoying face." Uri pondered shrugging.

Kyouji bristled slightly and leveled a cold emotionless look towards Uri. I could easily imagine his ears flattening and his tail flick. Other than that, he didn't give in to Uri's baiting.

"The situation has been handled for now though it does bring a few questions to mind." Kurama began matter-of-factly, the tone I was beginning to recognize as her default vocal setting. Everyone's attention quickly shifted to her. "Mostly I wonder how the museum was able to move the shrine. It should be thoroughly anchored, also how did they managed to keep the dimension attached to the statue while moving it? Whoever put that here did it with purpose and had to have gone out of their way to find someone with dimensional abilities…hm. We should discuss this later. What time did you say you wanted to get to the festival by Keiko?" She finished with a polite smile.

"Oh I figured we could all go get ready around 3 or so," She took a moment to check the time on her phone. She paled, "Oh! We have to get a move on we are running late!"

I peered at Kurama from the corner of my eye. She had successfully redirected everyone's attention onto Keiko fluidly and it hadn't seemed manipulative but I couldn't shake the feeling of just having been played. I drifted my gaze toward Kyouji and though he did not turn to look at me he gave the slightest of nods. I guess we would just have to get our answers later then.

POV Switch

I had scored big time. Working at that damn Museum had finally paid off; the information I got today would be worth more than I had made stuck in that wretched place. Not to mention I was sure to get a promotion now. I hated living in Ningenkai but I knew it would be worth it one day, all I had to do was be patient. I sped down the streets eager to reach my destination.

It had been almost impossible for me to find someone who could move the damn cell without permanently damaging it and when I did, the fucker charged me triple his normal rate. Ohhhh, but how it had all been worth it! I chuckled deeply as I pulled my car into the parking lot of a shabby plaza. The car's tires screeched as I threw the shifter into park and quickly threw open the door.

I stepped out into the cool night air and swiftly made my way to the tobacconist entrance. I looked down and straightened my tweed suit before pulling the handle of a clear glass door. I glanced at the soft mint green sign that was hung on the door as it swung open. It held the shop's logo of a pine green hand rolled cigar white smoke curled from it forming the wispy words "Grimm's Smoke Ring"; under the Logo was "Open" in bold print the same color as the cigar. I drank in the warm smells of the shop happily; it had been too long since I had been here. They probably had forgotten me; seeing me as a failure and a waste of time but I would show them. I smugly strutted to the glass counter and rang the tiny gold bell waiting with a smirk plastered on my face.

"I'll be right with you," boomed a hearty rough voice from the storage room behind the counter. The sound of boxes being shifted reached my ears as I all but had to pinch my thigh to keep from bouncing on the balls of my feet.

"You're going to want to get out here quick I got big news for you Grimm," I responded not being able to contain my excitement.

"And jus' who are ya ta be tellin Ol'Grimm how ta be runnin' his business," boomed the large man's voice. His mint green ensemble laden pot belly was the first thing I noticed as he rounded the corner. The suit itself stretched more than last I had seen him over his bulbous stomach.

"Looks like you've been doing well for yourself," I sneered. He glowered down at me unamused, I felt my Adams apple bob in an involuntary gulp.

"This had better be worth my time Kresh," he stated flatly.

"I-I assure you it is!" I stammered at the intimidation that rolled off the man dangerously. "I found exactly what the boss has been waiting for!" Grimm rose a dark brow at me and crossed his meaty arms resting them above his gut. The fabric looked offended at the pull his change in stance caused.

"Go 'head an spit it out I ain't got all day ta be dealin with ya," he rumbled.

I swallowed and continued, "I want payment upfront. A-and not money I want some artifacts."

"You'll be getting' what Ol' Grim gives ya, an happily at that, but afta' Grim gets what's his." He declared with no room for barter. I stiffened at his confidence wanting to negotiate further. However, I didn't want to test the man too far he was one of the worst people within the next three towns over to be in bad terms with. I reasoned he normally gave fair wages and he had too many connections to be someone I would willingly piss off.

I coughed to clear my throat and straightened my glasses looking up at the man I continued, "A young woman came to the museum today and was quite interested in my shrine. She was close to releasing the barrier right there in the middle of the exhibit. She didn't even care that people were around. She must be new to her power; a blank canvas if you would. I saw her energy first hand! I'm positive she possesses the abilities we have been looking for!" I stared at Grimm waiting for a response; I was sure he would have acted at least a little more surprised. A few moments later he scratched at his chin.

"I s'pose that would normally be pretty substantial news; especially commin' from ya. But I might be thinkin' I already got a lead on that one." He grumbled.

"I have proof!" I spat my mouth going dry. If someone had already given this information I was royally screwed. All the years and money I had drained into this would be meaningless. Grimm's eyes lightened a bit.

"An' what just ya got there ta be showin' Ol' Grim?" He questioned much more jovially. I quickly shoved my hand in my pocket and clenched my fingers around a small object. I smacked the USB on the glass counter quickly. The small tink it made echoed around me as I drew my hand away. Grimm looked down at and smiled.

"Well, then that'll be worth much more to ya. You should have started with'n it no doubt." He picked it up and examined it carefully.

"That contains the security footage from the museum; I tampered with their files so you're the only one who'll have a copy of that." I replied greedily. Of course, I had lied; I also had a copy backed up onto my laptop in my office.

"Well ain't that nice of ya. Let Ol' Grim go over the Video for a moment. Ya can be waitin' over there. Go an have a sit down while Grimm decides how much this is worth." His words were exactly what I wanted to hear. I wanted to get paid as soon as possible rather than coming back after he appraised the information but, something didn't feel quite right. My instincts battled with my greed for a moment.

"How about I come back tomorrow? I have a report to write tonight and it will take some time. I trust you will find the USB more than satisfying and can't wait to hear back from you. Have a nice evening Grimm." I said smiling at the man and turning to leave.

"An' you as well Kesh. Be safe," he replied. I tried not to perspire as I left the building.

Grimm's POV

The weak youkia left my shop quickly. I looked down at the USB and left it on top of the glass as I walked over to the door and locked it. I spun the sign to closed and made my way back to the display case. He'd probably been smart to leave and I was not inclined to stop him before I made some calls. I didn't work for free especially when it came to dirtier tasks. I was never too thrilled about making a mess in my shop either. I plodded back toward the counter grabbing the thumb drive as I went.

Kresh was more insignificant and annoying than anything with very little potential for growth. He had the unfortunate bad habit of spillin' his guts about anything noteworthy he had accomplished to anyone who'd listen. He couldn't have been any unluckier to have had his silly little trap work. I mused about Kresh idly as I walked into my office. I spun my black leather chair around and grunted as I lowered myself into it. Hmph, maybe its 'bout time I try and start loosin a lil' weight. I unwilling accepted. I wiggled the small black wireless mouse and the monitor lit up as my computer hummed to life. I shoved the thumb drive into the front USB port and waited for it to pop up onto the screen.

I had my suspicions of who I would see and they were confirmed as I opened the file and clicked play. I watched the scene play out patiently. The info she had paid for earlier that month seemed to have helped. I was wonderin' if all that ruckus down the way had been your doin'. I thought pleasantly as I watched the cat youkia saunter into view. What Kresh hadn't noticed or failed to mention is what powerful allies the girl seemed to have gained. The boss was sure to be pissed. I grunted a sigh as I reached for my cell that laid next to my keyboard. Picking it up I tugged the tiny charging cord free and unlocked the home screen. I tapped on my contacts list with thick fingers scrolling to find the one I needed then tapped it. My ear was met with irritating ringing as I brought the phone to my head. I hated phones. Thankfully I didn't have to wait more than three rings before the line picked up and I was encountered with a gruff baritone, "What a delight Grimm; how I do love receiving calls from you".

"Ol' Grimm's found ya what'cha been lookin' fer of the binder verity," I hinted using shop speak to code the message. The line we were using should be safe but there was no telling what could be tapped especially since Spirit World's technology research department had begun to boom. "Grimm's got a sample ready for pick up if ya wanted ta send somebody by."

"Splendid! I will have someone stop in shortly, and who do I have to thank for finding the binder for me?" The deep voice asked smoothly.

"Kresh," Was my singled worded response. The line was quite for a few seconds; not a good sign for the informant.

"Ah, well that's a surprise. What is your opinion Grimm?" He inquired.

"He'll prolly brag 'bout it next he goes out," I replied sighing.

"Yes; he does seem to have a bad habit," he mused, "well, for now give him a nice reward. I'll send someone to talk to him about keeping my cigar recipes secret. Thank you for the hard work Grimm, don't know what I'd do without you. Until next time." He said merrily before the line died.

Well Kresh at least you'll taste success before the end. I thought morbidly as I put my phone back on the charger.

Ashe's POV

We had split off into smaller groups after we left the museum. Kieko, Botan, Yukina and I had all left to find a small shop where you could rent Kimonos for the festival. I hadn't been too thrilled; I hated dressing up and this was the second time this month I had been forced to. The first had been when I visited my parents earlier in the week sans Kurama. I figured I might as well get it out of the way while I still held my own freedom. Despairingly it had meant I wasted half my day grooming myself and selecting proper "lady like" attire then shopped to find a suitable house gift, a basket of handpicked fruit from an orchard, before going to face my doom.

Dinner with my parents hadn't been to horrible, honestly it was one of my better visits. My mother had tried to set me up on an Omai because apparently, I was getting too old and was in danger of becoming a spinster. Amazingly, I had weaseled my way out of it using the excuse that I would like to complete collage first. After a minor politely spoken battle of wit and will with calculated insulting jabs thrown my way I had gotten her to agree that if I had not found an apt candidate by the time I graduated I would do as she wished and go to as many Omai she deemed necessary. She had thoroughly gone over the qualities I was to look for, as if she hadn't beaten them into me since I was five. I spent most of my time hiding from her by visiting with my father whose company I much preferred.

He truly was a hardworking honest man; I had had to sit in his office with him to visit because he was closing in on a deadline for a contract. He'd been writing a proposal to buy out another paper company; and though I had only half his attention I was happy chatting with him. He's American and this surprised me to no end seeing how traditional my mother was. I often thought of how my mother met him and what had led her to marry a Gaijin. My father had told me a little of their story but when asked, my mother would never speak a word of it. So, when I found myself thinking of the subject my over romanticized imagination created a story for them that grew as I did. My invented romantic epic had let me feel a little closer to my mother and gave her some slack while being raised under her strict regime. Though on my most angst-y teen days it often made me think of her as some evil hypocrite over lord. The night had gone smoothly and I'd gotten home in one piece; thank the heavens.

But for the second time this week I was doomed to get "dolled-up". After everyone had chosen their Kimonos, Kieko and Botan teamed up to pick one out for myself then we'd gone to Keiko's to do our hair, nails and makeup. Though I had thought I would hate the experience, spending girl time with them had been quite pleasant. We chatted about unimportant things and boys plus it felt good to just be silly and goof off without Kyouji and Uri's constant bickering. What the boys were up to was beyond me and I had been miffed that Kurama had gotten to go with them. I'd found myself wondering if Kurama was a cross dresser or was gender confused and that was why no one said anything to her; plus, I'd only seen her in male clothing. I decided not to bring it up though, in case it was a taboo subject. The last thing I wanted was to be rude to my new friends.

We had all taken turns sitting down in Keiko's white swivel chair that rested in front of her matching European styled antique vanity. The vanity itself was gorgeous and had apparently been a graduation gift for Keiko from Kuwabara's sister Shizuru or at least that's what Keiko said when I had commented on it. In turn we had combined our efforts in doing the makeup, nails and hair of the girl whose turn it was to be sitting in the "hot seat". Once finished we would turn them around for their grand reveal. As it turned out Botan does wonders on nails and decals, and both her and Keiko were great makeup artist. Though, they were amazed and gushed over my proficiency. I had told them my mother had taught me but didn't go into detail of her crazy methods and perfectionism. She had even made me take several classes throughout my junior high years. Though I was good with makeup and decent at hair my mind had been blown by how quick and precise Yukina's small fingers had been at crafting miraculously intricate and elegant up-dos. After a few trails we found that I was the only one decent enough at traditional hair styling to fix Yukina's hair for her; we almost had her work on her own hair because she was just that good but we hadn't wanted to ruin her pamper time. In the end, she wound up with a simple yet elegant bun that elongated her graceful neck allowing her bangs to frame her face appealingly.

After hours of giggling and fussing we finished and donned our Kimonos. I wasn't used to feeling plain but I had to admit looking at the other woman in the room I had felt a little boring. My soft black to espresso brown hair had nothing on Botan's cheerful sky blue or Yukina's cool minty green. I'd been shallowly glad that Keiko also had brown hair though hers was a very pretty shade that reminded me of hazelnut shells.

Botan's Kimono matched her personality to a T; it was the same valentines pink as her eyes and had large light blue bubbles spotted across the fabric tied together with a bright blue Obi of the same shade as the Kimono's bubble pattern. Her hair was styled high on the crown of her head adorned with pink and blue ornaments.

Yukina wore a classy light jade Kimono with red plum blossoms that swept across the piece artistically. It was tied with a simple red Obi and her hair was decorated with a comb created to look like plum blossoms nesting on a fragile branch. The blossoms themselves were carved from deep red crystal.

The Kimono Keiko wore was the most stylish and trendy; it was deep red that bled into burnished gold tactfully with a modern floral pattern of black and metallic grey that shone like steel which contrasted boldly against the background coloring. Her Obi was the same grey with a raised geometric design. A gold and silver comb shaped into what looked like a phoenix pinned her hair back near the base of her head.

My Kimono ranged pleasantly from white to frosty white blue with large peonies spattered purposefully along the silky material. The blossoms themselves were in different stages of bloom and ranged in color from white, cerulean blue, and navy blue. My obi was a dark midnight blue patterned with white branches and song birds. Large silk peonies were pinned tactfully around my bun keeping my hair in place.

"Well, hot damn! Just look at us! We're apt to give people heart attacks with just our looks girls!" Botan merrily chirped bouncing with excitement. Her face held so much pride and admiration it made me happy just looking at her. Keiko, Yukina and I giggled at Botan's bubbliness then Yukina frowned a little looking mildly perplexed.

"They won't, though right? I mean some humans do have very fragile hearts," she broke off thinking to herself. I couldn't help but gulp down a laugh when Botan stammered an unintelligible "uh" sound.

"No, don't worry about that. Botan was being silly. No one would have a heart attack from something so simple", Keiko reassured the small woman then as an afterthought tacked on, "unless it was an old wrinkly version of Yusuke." We all laughed lightly at Yusuke being done in by the sight of beautiful women. Which I had thought had been little morbid but admittedly painted a hilarious and probably accurate picture.

"That's it ladies this calls for a celebratory drink!" Botan proclaimed smiling mischievously. "Stay right here I'll be back in a jiffy!"

She quickly bounced out of the room and ever so gracefully ran down the stairs (read: not graceful at all. She was rather quite loud and sounded like a sumo wrestler fighting off Godzilla as she made her way through Keiko's house.)

"Um, did she go into the restaurant just now?" I asked quizzically.

"I'm afraid so," Keiko responded warily.

"Oh my, what do you think she could be doing down there," asked Yukina.

"And why can we still hear her? She has got to only weigh like 120 pounds she's not big enough to make that much sound…" I murmured. Ooops! Didn't mean ta say that aloud, that may have been a tad rude. Oh geeze, they're gonna think imma mega bitch. My anxiety died down when Yukina and Keiko both laughed at the comment.

"At this point I'm not sure I really want to know," Keiko said in mock mortification.

"Bingo!" We heard Botan exclaim as she shut the door at the bottom of the stairs that separated Keiko's apartment from the restaurant. She had then pounced up the stairs and down the small hall before swinging open the front door. We watched her expectantly. A wide cat like grin stretched across her face.

"Botan, just what are you up to?" Kieko asked sounding like a worried mother.

"Oh, nothing just thought we should take the time to celebrate our youth and good looks is all!" She beamed as she pulled a bottle of sake and four cups from behind her back.

"We are already running late though; the boys have probably been waiting on us for," Keiko took a second to look at the wall where a decorative clock hung, "30 minutes now." She finished with mild exasperation.

"No worries, no worries. It's a woman's duty to show up fashionably late," Botan reassured, waving her hand in the air seeming to physically swat away Keiko's concern. "Besides it's a small bottle there is only enough for one glass each, won't take long at all!" She then stuffed the cups into our hands before anyone else could argue and began to pour. Yukina and I looked over to Keiko who gave a sheepish smile and shrugged.

"To us and having a great night! Kanpai!" Botan cheered bumping her glass against ours then shot her drink. Guess one drink won't hurt anything; when in Rome. I thought then downed the glass along with the other girls. I didn't have anything against drinking and normally drank a beer or two at the end of each of my shifts but being drunk in public would be uncordial so I normally didn't drink more than a few outside my apartment.

We put the cups away and headed out to meet up with everyone at the festival. The sun had mostly set and by the time we arrived the sky was darkening with bits of gold and pink peeking over the edge of the horizon. Paper lanterns had been lit and the booths were alight with strings of lights and lanterns. Sounds of folk music filled the air dancing with the aromas of hot food. We walked together keeping up a cheery conversation and though the sake had not been enough to dull any of our actions I could tell the mix between the inflated self-confidence girls get when they know they look good and the liquid courage made us walk more proudly. We wandered for a good five minutes before finding the spot Keiko said we were supposed to meet up at.

"I can't believe them, they are supposed to be here by now. And I thought we were late." Keiko snipped, "That jerk better not stand me up again."

"I'm sure they must be around here somewhere," Yukina said comfortingly.

"Yeah you know them they'll turn up soon. Boys will be boys after all," Botan added on in a sing-song titter as she twirled her index finger in the air.

Out of the corner of my eye a slight movement caught my attention, when I looked toward the distraction I noticed it was Yusuke clad in a deep green Yukata. He put a finger to his lips giving me the universal "hush" sign as he snuck up behind Keiko and the other two girls. Part of me wanted to warn my friend buuuut most of me wanted to see what he was going to do. I nodded to him very slightly and was rewarded with a cheesy grin and a "thumbs up".

"Hey there pretty lady; got a boyfriend I should be worried about?" Yusuke asked in a mock lecherous voice gracing Keiko's bottom with a loud smack.

"Yusuke, you JERK!" Keiko screamed and spun using her momentum to produce a super slap that I was sure broke the sound barrier. It was an impressive display of power and reaction time to say the least. Damn…remind me never to piss her off. I thought cringing slightly.

"Ouch! Damn Keiko I was only joking you didn't hafta go that far!" Yusuke griped as Yukina covered her mouth with her finger tips eyes widening.

"Well you deserved it!" Keiko huffed.

"That's not how you treat a lady!" Botan scolded.

"What lady," Yusuke snorted dramatically putting his hand above his brow peering around like a sailor desperately searching for land. Keiko and Botan both looked ready to verbally berate him when out from some nearby bushes Kuwabara popped up.

"Hhahaha, I told you that was a bad idea Urameshi!" Kuwabara laughed doubling over, "She totally got ya good! I would never treat my dear Yukina like that!" He continued his eyes going all doe like when he mentioned Yukina's name.

"Yes, it did seem poorly planned. You should have guessed the outcome by now." Uhgggg Kurama, I mentally seethed then turned around to look at where she had come from. Why da fuck is she wearing a males Yukata?! I felt my eyes widen at the socially inappropriate figure taking in her black and grey clothed form. I had to consciously keep my mouth from hanging open. And why the hell is Uri following her around?! Uri had opted to wear the Yukata I had met him in with the addition of his cream-colored beanie which was an odd combination that made my mind scream with frustration. Okay remember, no matter what mother would say being gender confused is a real thing and it is now socially acceptable…breath…okay, just breath we are not stuck in the past…but wearing a dammed knit cap with a yukata is not! Couldn't you just wear street clothes you idoit! And where in the hell is Kyouji?! I looked to my left and right trying to spot the cat but he was nowhere in sight then looked back at Uri straining to maintain a polite demeanor. When his eyes met my mine, he stiffened slightly and gulped. Damn, I musta used the wrong expression.

"Uri, where is Kyouji?" I inquired lightly.

"Uh, I dunno why don'tcha ask him it's not like I'm his keeper or nothin'", he responded tentatively with false bravado. He took a small step back hiding himself behind Kurama slightly. Traitorous coward. The level of difficulty it took to keep a straight face amplified with his off handed behavior and I could feel a bead of sweet starting to bloom near my temple from strain. Ohhh-hohoho, you're so dead when we get home.

"He was just with us, shouldn't be too far. I believe he said he went to look for a charm to help your training." Kurama offered calming Uri's discomfort.

"Yeah Ashe, geeze don't worry so much. You're gonna get wrinkles by the time your 28." Uri so helpfully chimed in. I hope you know you're dead now. I'll write "Here lies Uri the rabbit who couldn't keep his big mouth shut" on your tombstone. Then start up classes on the importance of good manners and show small children your grave as an example of why they should think before they speak. I'll tell them how you were brutally mauled to death and go into very specific gory details about how you were ripped limb from limb for crossing the wrong person. You'll be like a Grimm fairytale by the time I'm done with you! I mentally wrung my hands together laughing maniacally like an insane villain.

"Yo, earth to Ashe," Uri said as he waved a hand in front of my face. "You spaced again."

"Oh sorry, how rude of me. I was thinking of something pleasant." I cheerily responded giving him a meaningful smile to which he shuddered. "Well, if it's not too impolite I think I will go and track him down. I would hate for him to cause a disturbance." I said smiling graciously at the others.

"Yeah that's prolly a good idea," Kuwabara replied laughing slightly rubbing the back of his neck. "Besides I wanted to show Yukina the temple and teach her more about the festivals here in Ningenkai!" He finished excitedly. Yukina smiled up at him looking excited at the prospect of adding to her human cultural knowledge.

"Oh man, that sounds fun! We'll go too!" Uri exclaimed bouncing toward the pair snatching up Botan's arm as he went. Botan blushed lightly and let out a tiny surprised gasp but didn't complain at Uri's antics. I wasn't too sure if he really wanted to go or if he just wanted to get away from my wrath for the moment but I didn't think he could get into too much trouble with them so I didn't mind as they all started to head off chatting merrily. I did glance at Kurama suspiciously though, she had better be going off with Yusuke and Keiko.

"Welp hate ta do this ta ya, but Imma steal Keiko away for a date!" Yusuke proclaimed like a knight in shining armor wielding the word date like it was Excalibur. All meant as peacocking for Keiko's benefit I'm sure. "There's a stand I wanted to take ya to. They're sellin' ramen with weird ingredients; thought we could go check it out and maybe do some researchin' for the diner." He said beaming down at Keiko.

"That sounds wonderful Yusuke!" Keiko gushed clapping her hands together completely forgetting her earlier irritation with the man child. "I guess we will see you two around in a little bit, good luck finding Kyouji." Keiko said smiling as she wrapped her arm around the one Yusuke was holding out to her; not willing to let the idea of a rare unscheduled date go to waste. They then proceeded to abandon me with Kurama not giving a single care to my torture. Evil, all of you are so evil! How could you betray me like that my Queen! At least take her with you! Come baccccck… I elected to sneak a peak at Kurama from the corner of my eye.

"Well, I hope you have a great time! I really should get going though, no telling what Kyouji may be up to." I peeped happily then turned on my heel to try for an escape.

"If it's not too forward I'd like to accompany you. An extra set of eyes could be helpful and it would be rude for me to let you wander on your own Ashe-chan." She said in a radiant politeness even my mother would have been proud of. "Besides I may be able to teach you how to spot and track energy signatures. Since you are already connected and familiar with his energy, it'll make for perfect practice. We shouldn't let such a great opportunity for possible training go to waste." She finished with a well-polished smile aimed at me. The smile though seemingly perfect gave me the slightest creepy vibe and felt mischievous. She's playing me like a fuckin' fiddle. I dead-panned in the safety of my imagination as I returned her smile stiffly.

"I'm sure you didn't want to waste your time here tracking down lost cats; I couldn't possibly impose on you like that," I offered hopping she would take the hint.

"Really, it's no bother at all. I would be glad to assist you." She replied kindly.

"You're too kind; thank you." I'd been unable to combat her persistence without being rude so I tried to not choke on my words as they crawled up my throat like clinging leeches. "Where should we start?"

"Have you ever seen either Uri or Kyouji's energies before? Or maybe felt them?" She pondered absently moving her hand up to rub beneath her chin.

"Yes, when I broke their cells I could clearly see it. Sometimes when they get a little too riled up I can feel it too and even see it a little though never as clear as when I first 'met' them." I stated relaxing slightly. Now that I was stuck with her I might as well play nice or I'd ruin my whole evening.

"Good! And I will assume you have sensed other energies as well. Like my own for instance?" she questioned. I nodded then began to speak.

"I felt yours a couple times and when I focus I still can. Also, the others in the group too though I think other than Kyouji and Uri, Hiei-sama's was the um…brightest?" I murmered absentmindedly.

"Yes, well I think he intended to scare you at the time. He can be a little tense." Kurama said chuckling.

"Well, it worked." I shuddered. Then snickered when my mind automatically connected the word little to Hiei's stature. Kurama rose a neat brow but didn't question my odd reaction. Uhhhhg, why do even her eyebrows have to be beautiful…she's so damn attractive I hurts my brain. Uh, attractive in the sense that she is a good-looking person not physically attractive to me specifically…I tried to console myself. But I mean damn look at her! Why?! It's not even fair that one person gets to be so shiny! She cleared her throat a little to get my attention. People were going to start to think I had developmental issues if they had to keep reminding me to pay attention. Oh, gosh they're gonna try and get me a social worker if I can't focus. I stressed inwardly then looked back up to Kurama.

"When you do that, your expressions change rapidly as if you were talking to someone." Kurama said with an amused smile.

"Do what?" I replied pretending nothing had happened. I keep my face straight, I know I do! I have lots of practice; you're just trying to pick on me! You enjoy it, don't you? Yeah, I bet you like feeling all high and mighty miss superiority complex!

"When you draw into yourself like that," She mused. I opened my mouth to retort but she continued before I could do so, cutting me off. "When you feel energies how do you differentiate between them? Colors, images, feelings, or maybe even scents? These are few of the more common gauges to someone coming into their spiritual awareness. If you read energies differently don't hold back it may complicate your training."

"Huh? Scents, really?" That had thrown me for a loop I don't know why but the idea of smelling someone's energy weirded me out slightly and the odd bit of information vaporized my irritation with the woman.

"Yes, though that trait is more often found in animal youkia. I was curious to see if your wards affected how your sprit energy and awareness function. From what I can tell your Kyouji relies on it heavily." She said chuckling at my bewilderment.

"Huh, I never would have guessed. How did you know anyway?" I asked unexpectedly curious.

"The way he breathes mostly," She stated casually, "if you pay close attention it looks as if he tastes the air every so often. It's a weakness you should coach him out of. Scenting energy is a very strong approach and rarer. Most opponents don't expect it, however by now he should have developed a fallback skill to evaluating his enemies."

"If it works why learn more than one way," I asked ignorantly. The answer came to me as soon as I spat the question out but it was too late to take it back. Fate, it seemed, doomed me to look dumb in front of Kurama forever.

"On the battle field an edge like surprise is huge. If you can trick your attacker or pray into thinking you are weaker than you are it could easily turn the odds in your favor. To put it simply, if you have more tools in your box you can still get the job done if your hammer breaks." She informed. Stupid know it all.

"I see your point, it sounds like a hassle but worth it. I'll talk to Kyouji about it later. I guess when I sense them it's mostly colors and emotions, if I had to put it into words." I conceded.

"Wonderful; now what is Kyouji's energy like to you?" She asked smiling. Oh, god. How does she even hold a smile for so long?

"Hmm, blood red and misunderstood egotism…" I supplied dryly.

"Sounds accurate, I get a similar reading." She said chuckling. "Normally I would ask you to meditate and expand your energy focusing on those feelings. You may have to if you were to search for anyone else but I think this will be more direct. I'm not positive but from what I have gathered about wardens you should be able to search within yourself and find a piece of you of the same color and feeling."

"What?!" I started then remembered my manners, "I'm sorry, I mean how?"

"Try closing your eyes; it may help. Then focus on what you felt when you sensed his energy previously." She offered.

I listened to her advice; it seemed like she knew what she was doing and it added up with everything I had encountered on my own. It didn't take long to find the place inside myself that had been awoken since the night I had released Uri. A small grove where two solid trees had rooted themselves into my heart. I passed over Uri's joyful Iron Oak and focused on the reserved Redwood. From there I followed the branches throughout myself feeling how his energy flowed within me along the gnarled limbs; they didn't seem to go anywhere specifically but just bled into me like veins. The odd thought that branches did indeed look like veins struck me but following them didn't seem to be doing anything so I circled back to the tree's trunk. I inspected it for a while then slowly noticed there was a string much like Kyoiji's thread that flowed from it and out of me. I followed it curiously the red line ebbed and flowed like a wave and lead to a pool of the red energy formed into a humanoid figure. It's him! I was surprised to find I could put a distance to it and even further shocked by how close it was.

In my excitement, I quickly went back and searched Uri's tree this time it was so obvious I didn't know how I could have missed it before. I found I could easily see where both were in the same instance with very little effort. I was perplexed at how I could have missed this. Now that I had found this ability it was like breathing but I couldn't understand why I wasn't breathing before. This is too weird. I opened my eyes to see if I could still feel them and sure enough I could tell their precise locations like I could tell you the whereabouts of my left arm. They were connected to me just as thoroughly if not more. I looked up at Kurama with confused excitement.

"I know where they are!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, I suspected that wouldn't take long." She said, "Shall we?"

"Wait how long did it take?" I asked.

"Only a few minutes." She replied walking towards Kyouji's location.

"Oh, it felt like forever. I'm a little tired too, now that I think of it." I whispered mildly mystified.

"That should wear off soon. You only used a little energy though I think you are not accustomed to using your own. You normally use your ward's from what I've seen." She explained as I tailed behind her.

"I guess I never noticed before." I stated mostly to myself.

"You've never really had to," she countered.

Then something horrifying had dawned on me. Kurama was right and she had been annoyingly accurate for the last 15 minutes or so. She showed me how to use my own ability and one that was so freakin' obvious I had been an ignoramus for ignoring, she spotted and informed me of one of my ward's weaknesses that needed to be dealt with, she taught me some lessons on one-upping your opponents when it came to awareness, she had bested me in yet another battle of courteous willpower and to top it all off she looked better in a flippin' males Yukata than I did all fancied up in my Kimono with three other girl's help. OMG, who the fuck is this woman?! And why is she trying to destroy what little self-confidence I have! Get out of my life already. What is the score now even? Like, what? Ashe:1 Kurama: 500?! Okay more like 6, but still she has got to be cheating somehow. And just how does she know exactly where Kyouji is anyway? I thought the point of all this was for me to learn to track him so we could find him. I mentally made the 'angry cat' face. No, she knew before. How could I forget; she stalked me for like… forever. Uhhhhhg, I don't know if I can take any more of this. I started to give up any hope at besting her one day or maybe resigning myself to just look for small victories but couldn't accept defeat just yet. This was just going to have to take some time and I was going to have to learn patience.

Not long after we walked down a lengthy stretch of vendors and games we came to a booth made up to be a makeshift bar. Kyouji had found himself a place to perch regally atop a stool with two young attractive women swathed on each of his arms like expensive draperies. He was pointedly ignoring them but buying their drinks; presumably to keep them as his accessories as they bathed him in compliments and fought to gain his attention.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes as one poured him a drink from a bottle of sake. I quickly decided I was going to need one of those if I were going to survive the night and a festival is a special occasion I reasoned with myself coming up with good excuses to indulge.

"Would you like a drink Kurama I think I may have one." I asked civilly though I didn't necessarily want to share a drink with her I could think of worse things we could be stuck doing.

"Allow me," she responded then walked up to the bar and ordered us a bottle to split. She poured both our glasses to my chagrin as we took our seats. I had decided to ignore Kyouji until he was ready to come back to reality.

Kyouji shifted slightly in his seat and from my peripheral I could see him peering at me curiously as I took the drink Kurama offered, thanked her and took a sip. "You aren't really going to ignore me like that now are you kitten?" Kyouji huffed indignantly to which I looked further away from him after noticing the daggers of glares his decorations threw my way.

"So, how is business going for you Kurama?" I asked.

Kurama looked amused as she answered, "Lately business has been going quite well. It was a little rocky at first but luckily, I booked a rather large wedding during my first year of opening. The bride had attended high school with me and has been spreading my shop's name since even before the event. Now, I've had to hire two shop workers just to keep up with incoming orders. Word of mouth is truly the best advertisement."

"Oh," I replied surprised by the answer. "That's good. Do you plan on expanding if things continue to go well?" my question had been a little prying but she answered anyway.

"Perhaps, but I sometimes have a difficult time committing to a regular schedule. It may be more beneficial for me to stick with the one shop or maybe even start up a landscaping branch where a can book around any unplanned events." She responded.

"Now Kitten, don't make me punish you again. It's rude to ignore people when they are speaking to you. Especially when I went out of my way to find you a present." Kyouji said haughtily as he pulled a charm from his robe and reached over several stools to dangle it in front of my nose like bait on a hook. I worried for the safety of the tip of my ear at his comment and cringed slightly. Kurama shot Kyouji an indiscernible look as the sound of complaints from his companions rose through the night air.

"Wait do you know her? And you got her a gift? You didn't get us anything, I thought we were having fun." Came a high pitched feminine whine.

"Yeah don't mind her, she doesn't look that important. Plus there is still lots to do. My place isn't too far from here and I stocked up on drinks just the other night." The other girl added sultrily.

"Now, now ladies. Jealousy is unbecoming. We were having fun, now we are not. Why don't you two run along and play somewhere else." Kyouji chided. After much fussing and accusations thrown my way the two other women had left though more peacefully after Kyouji offered them a bit of cash to 'go play with'. Where he gotten the money, I wasn't too sure but if he had swiped my card I was going to be pissed.

Kyouji slid three stools down to sit next to me waiting for my attention, after another drink and more pleading on his part I felt generous enough to let him into the conversation and took the charm from the tips of his offering fingers. We finished the bottle as he explain that the charm was one of the only ones that were authentic at the festival and it would help me to find strength and determination. After, we went to look at some of the other stands and enjoy the festivities. We ended up trying several different varieties of food-on-a-stick and even played the catch a fish with an impossible piece of paper game. Which I sucked at by the way. Even Kurama broke a paddle which made me beyond happy until she got it on the second try. Kyouji, of course got it on the first but he gave his fish over to me saying it was too small to eat. Not long after that we met up with the rest of the group and found a great spot to watch the fireworks from.

By the time, we were finished and headed home everyone was exhausted. Kyouji, Uri and I caught a ride with Kuwabara in his Carola. Kurama ended up tagging along; apparently, her house was near my own. Which in hindsight made sense seeing as I did keep running into her at Sunflower Cafe. Though part of me wanted to believe it was some evil scheme the world was concocting against me.

On the car ride, I must have fallen asleep because I remembered sitting down and buckling my seat belt then next thing I knew Kyouji was shaking me awake gently. I got up once Kyouji offered to carry me up the stairs because frankly I liked my feet on the ground, where they belonged, unless it was a dire circumstance. Though being too tired and lazy to walk up the stairs almost felt like enough of a calamity, it just didn't make the cut. So, I dragged myself up to my apartment one step at a time then unlocked the door. Uri pushed his way past me as soon as it was opened yelling something like 'Hurryupigattapiss'; Kyouji was quick to follow. Okay, rude. Do I look like a doormat? I turned noticing Kurama coming up the steps caring several bags. Just leave me alone already…

"Here let me take those," I offered, "I guess Uri went a little crazy shopping with Botan."

"Really, it's no problem at all. I just didn't want him to forget them in the trunk." She said handing them off.

"Thank you, you didn't have to go through all the trouble. Have a good night, and be safe on your ride home." I spoke sleepily as I took the bags and turned to head in for the night.

"Ashe," I turned to look toward the sound of her soft voice, surprised by the lack of an honorary. "You look very nice tonight." Her face was soft though serious but her eyes were predatorily playful. Akin to how a cat looks when they toy with their prey before letting it crawl off into a corner to die in shame, not even bothering to honor its death by eating it.

My heart slammed into my stomach and rocketed up to the back of my throat, my hearing was lost to the sound of my blood rushing behind my ear drums as I peered into those all too dangerous eyes. I stared at her as if she were some foreign animal I could have never comprehended existing. My jaw dropped open and heat flooded my face as my brain malfunctioned and my body took over. Before I knew it, I heard the door loudly bang shut. My mind took a few moments to catch up to my actions as I realized that I had just slammed the door in her gorgeous face. My heart continued to try to choke me, its' hammering so loud I almost missed the chuckle I heard from the other side of the door.

What the hell?!

A/N: Sorry I went on such a long hiatus; I know you all have been patiently waiting for an update. I still plan on finishing this story; I almost let it die but felt too guilty. I cannot promise super regular updates but I will write in what down time I can gain. (be careful if you ever decide to go into being a salaried manager lol).

A special thanks is much need to SakiHanajima1! She really helped to push me and never gave up hope on Ashe's incomplete adventure.

I will try to release a new chapter at the very least once a month. Thanks again for your patients.