Notes and Disclamiers: me no own YYH.

Oh, Tibo Rain, see I wrote more and you better be happy! It was SSSOOOOOO much longer!

Chapter 12

Suiichi was prompted to go into a crouch before her, ready to protect Autumn if the need arose.

Being stripped of her shields, she could feel a surge of protectiveness from him and turned her gaze and abilities to what was coming. She could divert anything if she had to, protecting the both of them.

"Wait," she said to Suiichi, placing a gloved hand on his shoulder. And though the touch was brief and layers still separated bare skin, she was still able to receive a single vision.

It was the silver fox again, this time seeming to slink around an old building, old as in not modern, but long passed; the architecture different. The fox had a sense of silence and stealth about him, using the shadows expertly to his advantage.—

And just as quickly as she had seen it, she pulled her mind away, mentally shaking her thought away.

Suiichi glanced over his shoulder at her, eyebrow slightly raised.

Within moments the crashing became louder, closer; individual twigs could be heard snapping. But there was also yapping within it all.

Suiichi obviously recognized it and relaxed his posture.

Three fox kits came running into sight, bounding straight to Autumn.

"Russet, Pouncer, Twitch! How did you get here so fast!" she exclaimed, bending down towards them. Open to their emotions she knew they were worried and ecstatic to see her. Pouncer kept jumping up into her arms and lap, licking at her face as the other two rubbed against her like cats, and climbing into her lap as well.

Suiichi turned around to sit facing them, surprise in his expression.

Minutes went by and Autumn calmed the kits down enough to settle next to her or in her lap. Autumn herself was a little calmer now, the foxes' presences assisting in that. But it was moments more before she met Suiichi's gaze again.

"I guess it's time you should hear the explanation for this," she said softly, using her native language.

"If you wish for me to know Autumn-san." He replied in the same tongue.

She nodded, "Suiichi-sempai, the reason why I cannot abide another's touch and why I wear these gloves," she started tugging off the said objects and set them with her bag, "is because I am a powerful clairvoyant…and empathy, which is how I knew the kits were coming." She added. She met his gaze head on, trying to gage his reaction.

Suiichi blinked, but his expression said it all. He understood what she was telling him, understood and accepted it with a completely open mind.

"I'm…glad that you felt you could tell me Autumn-san. I will not betray your well-kept secret." He said slowly.

She smiled at him, petting Pouncer behind the ears. Silence descended on them for a short while, Autumn calming and gathering meager threads of protection again, and Suiichi just sitting, watching her with an expression of complete understanding. She thought for a brief moment that he accepted a little too easily, but didn't want to walk down that branch of though. She would take it as it was; it wasn't every day she made friends that were keepers. And now she had someone, not her parents, to confide in if she wanted.

The foxes were a soothing factor to her since of well-being. They just added a layer of calm, an awareness that also brought many things into clearer, sharper focus. When she realized that, she looked down at the three, noticing something on the supernatural level of her gifted awareness. She was privy to everything the three were experiencing, and she was certain now that for the most part it was vice versa—hence why and how they knew where she was and what was happening.

Suiichi must've read something in her expression to break the silence, "Something wrong?"

She looked up at him and then glanced at the nearest pup before actually meeting his gaze. "I…These little ones are bonded to me as familiars." She said bluntly.

His eyebrows rose as he was shocked at the news. "Are you sure?" he asked, a tiny bit skeptical.

She nodded, still scratching Pouncer. Twitch was curled up against her leg and Russet sat, his tail curled around his feet, keeping his steady gaze on Suiichi as if he were an older brother protecting his baby sister from a potential suitor. It was rather amusing watching Russet keep his vigil, as well as touching.

"Yes, I'm sure. There is no other way to explain how they knew exactly where I was and that they could provide help. I may be extremely powerful and have a wide range, but if they weren't bonded with me they wouldn't have been able to find me." She explained.

He looked thoughtful and then nodded, turning his gaze down to the little ones. "So if they knew you came into some trouble, wouldn't your parents "pick up" a larger signal?" he asked thoughtfully.

Autumn looked stunned at that notion and looked a little worried. "Yeah, they've probably rushed home so they could center themselves and search for me." She said, moving Pouncer off her lap and rising to her feet.

Suiichi also rose to his feet, keeping his attention half on the pups and half on the girl herself. He didn't want anything to happen to her, least of all while she had no protection in the sense of her supernatural abilities. He watched her as the foxes twined around her, making little mewling sounds.

"Would you like me to escort you home?" he asked.

She looked up at him and gave a little smile, "Please," she said simply.

He was the tiniest bit surprised at the suddenness of her reply, but smiled warmly nonetheless. She started to reach down for her bag, but he stopped her, "Please, I will get that. You just worry about yourself and your kits." He said.

She straightened back up, nodding and had to grab at the jacket still draped around her shoulders and paused momentarily as a vision flashed through her mind—Suiichi bore a whip made of rose thorns, using it with deadly accuracy, violence surrounding him like a thick fog. But he wasn't the only one there; there were at least two others, one short, dark hair and eyes, a blue aura around him, and the other taller, carrot orange hair and an orange aura. The area was filled with violence, pain, exertion, and…death. —

As soon as she had been sucked into it, she was pulled back out; Russet and Twitch both rubbed against her in sync, clearing her thoughts.

Luckily the redhead didn't notice her lapse. When the jacket was snuggly around her, she quickly bent and scooped Twitch into her arms. During that Suiichi swing her bag onto his shoulder. He looked at her, smiled and started to walk deeper into the trees. "If you would follow me Autumn-san." He said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

She smiled at his form and began to follow, the pups trotting along with her. With her fingers buried in Twitch's fur she was reassured with her presence as well as the other two. She could feel that they were happy to be with her, happy that she was fine. Autumn settled her nerves a little more with their ongoing influence, but she knew she would need to have a long talk with her parents to avoid any consequences of the strong vision she was forced to see.

"Suiichi-sempai," she started to say after they went a few yards. She was just behind him to the side, almost walking alongside him.

He looked over at her, avoiding stepping on the kit he assumed was Pouncer, who was a little more energetic as they continued on. "Yes?"

"How did you know to cover me so you could get me away from that alley?" she asked, curious, but a little hesitant.

He turned his head to filly look at her, barely remembering to dodge an oncoming tree. When he looked ahead once more to watch where he was leading her, he answered, "When we came to the alley and your powers took control, I noticed that it was the same thing that happened, though on a smaller scale, when I touched you the other night. I figured that you would be pulled away from the call of your off gift if you were physically away."

She nodded, knowing full well of the logic in his words, but it also sparked her curiosity even more. "You had an idea about my secret?" she inquired.

It was then that he hesitated. A few silence-filled moments passed before he opened his mouth to speak again, "Here in Jason it is not too uncommon to find people with…special gifts." He started. He knew that she was paying close attention to his every word. "And I have much knowledge on the supernatural." He said slowly.

Autumn's eyebrows shot up, surprised at this bit of information. "Really? How?" she instantly asked. She shifted Twitch in her arms to a more comfortable carrying position (the pup never making a noise in protest), also managing to keep the jacket on. Despite that the day was warm, ever since she encountered the emotions that accompanied that death she felt a little chilled and was glad of the jacket.

He looked at her again, still surprised that she was so open with him. "Apart from being well read," he smirked, "I also have a few close friends that are gifted." He replied.

"Oh." Autumn said, looking thoughtful now.

Suiichi couldn't determine how she meant her response, so he turned his attention back to the activity at hand: getting to her house. He judged the distance they had come and figured they were about halfway through the forest.

But minutes later she surprised him yet again when she asked, "May I know if they are gifts like mine?" her voice was now soft, and still hesitant as if she were afraid to voice things she otherwise wouldn't.

He quickly glanced at her, giving her a reassuring smile, "Yes, you may and I will answer." He said. He watched as a tension that hadn't been there before slip from her body; she must have been afraid that he would refuse to tell her. "I must regret to say that I have yet to meet another clairvoyant/empath such as yourself. Thus far I have met just a couple of clairvoyants, but none come close to your strength of power. Nor have I met an empath, someone close to it, but you're the first true empath I have met." He said.

"So what exactly can they do?" she inquired, giving a small frown.

He paused, trying to figure out exactly how to tell her in simple enough terms. How to explain that his comrades use a different kind of energy than Autumn; how they used different aspects of their very being.

Then he figured something out and hoped for the best.

"Their powers are…energy manipulation. I don't know how else to explain it." He gave a small helpless shrug.

She blinked, taking that bit in, trying to puzzle through it. It took a few moments of thought before her expression smoothed out and she nodded. "I think I understand. The way they use it is like forming your own physical energy into something with form, something like an aura right? And with that the actual strength can fluctuate with the will power and emotional state the wielder is in." she said slowly, her thoughts tumbling out on her tongue. She met his gaze and watched relief fill his expression as well as feel a wave of it roll off his body. Though she was sensitive to his emotions at the moment, she knew that he was trying to help her by trying to keep them locked down, and she was extremely grateful for his insight.

Then he raised an eyebrow at her, voicelessly inquiring how she came to know what she just spoke.

She gave him a smug smile and said, "You're not the only one who's well read."

He smiled in return, nodding. Then he looked at their surroundings before saying, "I'm assuming we're forgoing on our trip to the den?"

She nodded, "If it's okay with you. I do not particularly care to have any more visions just now and I'm sure going to the den will spark a few." She said.

He nodded his agreement, "Perhaps in a few days." He suggested.

"Yes. That would be better." She responded and then said, "Oh, I may not go to school tomorrow. Not with my shields totally ripped away. It takes too much effort to build them back up and takes a while too."

"I assumed as much. I was already contemplating speaking with Silvati-sensei if I may deliver your work in the future." He said casually.

Autumn was a little surprised at that. "Oh really? Why ever for?" she asked, feeling heat begin to seep into her cheeks. She kept her gaze on what was in front of her, hoping that he didn't notice.

Suiichi glanced at her before turning his gaze away, smiling. He suspected her feelings for him and knew that he returned them; not that they would be admitting it anytime soon of course.

"It is just that Silvati-sensei seems preoccupied recently and seeing as I was present to see your latest "attack" I assumed that you would wish to avoid large groups of people for a day or so." He tried for a light tone.

But it didn't fool her. Despite the telltale flush in her cheeks, she glanced up at him, reading in between the lines of his words. He liked her, she realized. She had suspected this, but until now didn't see enough proof; she had it now though.

In response she nodded, "You assumed correctly, and I must ell you that Silvati-sensei knows of my abilities." She added, her voice going softer.

He looked over at her, "I figured she would."

They arrived at Autumn's house in good time, finding that, just as she predicted, her parents both home. She led Suiichi to the door and just before entering half turned to him.

"Please, can you stay for awhile? I'm sure my parents would wish to meet you."

He nodded, still carrying her bag. "My mother does not expect me until later." Was his reply.

She smiled, happy that he would remain and then entered her home, calling out in English, "Momma? Papa? I'm home!"

She and Suiichi slipped out of their shoes, as was custom with the Japanese and closed the door behind them. Autumn had Suiichi set her bag down just as she released Twitch from her arms to join her brothers.

"Autumn!" two voices exclaimed as footsteps could be heard rushing in their direction.

Autumn and Suiichi exchanged glances as she gently nudged the kits out of the direct pathway to her. They all moved in good time, seconds later her parents came in, her mother pulling her into a tight embrace. Unfortunately Autumn was subject to her mother's emotions that weren't behind blocks. –Relief at seeing her daughter was the strongest; her worry beginning to fade. But concern was still with her in force. —

Todd pulled his wife back, saying, "Dear, she has no…" then stopped, seeing Suiichi. His own expression of relief and concern smoothed out into impassiveness.

At his immediate silence Nali looked up at her husband and then followed his gaze to see the redhead standing somewhat behind Autumn.

"Autumn, who is this? Please introduce us." Nali said, most of her emotions now masked. She and Todd both were tempted to psychically probe the boy's mind, but restrained themselves; they were in a country with other psychics and they never knew who else could be one. They didn't want to be caught probing.

Autumn looked at Suiichi and smirked, then looked at her parents again. "Momma, Papa, this is Suiichi Minamino. Suiichi-sempai, these are my parents. And would you please put a light shield over me? I need to rebuild all of mine, but right now I can't." she said.

Her parents were shocked into speechlessness, but each automatically set up a shield around her. She breathed a sigh of relief and noticed that Suiichi was still silent.

"He knows Momma. He broke me out of what had held me so firmly; that ripped away my shields. I've told him what I am." She said, her voice steady.

Suiichi glanced at the sixteen-year-old and then at her parents, not sure if he should say anything; this was such an awkward moment.

Nali and Todd blinked and looked at each other before looking at the teenagers again.

"How can we trust him?" Todd asked, his gaze narrowed at the redhead.

"Papa!" Autumn exclaimed.

But it was Suiichi who replied, "Sir, I have close friends who are also…gifted just as your daughter is. I am also known to the psychic Genkai. I can be trusted with this." He said slowly and calmly.

Todd blinked and then bowed his head. Nali on the other hand perked up at his last words. "Genkai you said?" she asked.

Suiichi nodded, "Yes ma'am. Do you also know her?"

Autumn just stared as her mother shook her head, "No. But we wish to get in touch with her." She said.

"Why?" Autumn asked curiously, with a touch of suspicion as well.

Nali looked at her daughter, not answering for a moment. Todd was the one who spoke up, "Your mother has noticed a bond forming between you and the…"

"The kits? The bond of familiars?" Autumn supplied. Her parents just mutely nodded. "I have found the blond between us and it is acknowledged now. That was the reason why the kits managed to find me." She said, "But why would you bother an infamous psychic about familiar?" she inquired.

Her parents exchanged looks again, but it was Suiichi who spoke up.

"If I may? I know the answer, or at least I assume I do." He said. They nodded to him before he watched as Autumn turned to him. "Autumn-san, they want to speak with Genkai because having a single familiar can increase one's abilities. But you, with being as powerful as you told me you are, have bonded to three." He said.

Autumn nodded as he explained and then it seemed as if a light turned on in her expression. "So they're going to be increasing my powers even more?" she asked. They all nodded. "Then that means I will need further training." She came to a conclusion.

Her parents nodded, finally starting to relax. With them relaxing, Autumn herself was able to be relieved of tension. Their reaction to Suiichi was only a little surprising, but it had gone well.

She looked down as the kits twined around her legs and had to smile.

Nali smiled at her daughter and then looked at Autumn's crush. She gave him a warm smile when he met her gaze and realized that he had feelings for Autumn as well. This was looking up, she thought with a private smile.

"Suiichi, when you spoke of Genkai, do you know how I may get a hold of her?" Nali asked.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Carden, but the moment Genkai is unattainable. She went on an extended trip and is not due back for another two weeks." He replied regrettably.

"Oh," Nali looked down at that news. But before anything else could be said she perked up again and asked him, "Would you like to stay for dinner?"

Autumn was shocked, as well as her father, but no more or less than Suiichi, though he didn't quite show the extent of his surprise in his expression.

"If I am not imposing." He said slowly.

Nali smiled brightly, "Of course not. Well I'll just head back to the kitchen. Come along Todd, let's leave them to talk." She said. Todd caught an odd look on his wife's face and realized that she was attempting her hand at matchmaking. As Nali turned and started going to her destination Todd took one more look at the young man next to his daughter. He almost stopped short when he realized that both had feelings for one another. It was evident that they did, even thought not to each other, or if it was, they would not reveal it.

"Todd? Are you coming yet?" Nali's voice floated back.

Todd turned to follow in his wife's wake. His last thought as he entered the kitchen was that dinner would be interesting that night to say the least.

TBC