Chapter Eight

Recovery

"Can we go back now?"

"Of course. Can you manage, Katani?" Her name sounded so sweet when he said it. The chime of his voice made her heart and blood race. The sword felt as if it weighed more then Feer. Thankfully the blade resumed its guise and snapped back into place around her muddy neck.

"I'll try," she stepped forward and fell over a root. Kurama caught her and held her close. At his touch she blushed. Gently he held her and walked back through the forest. She didn't try to fight his grip. Struggling would get her no where, and besides it was better then walking. Her body gave in let him carry her home. The gentle crunch of his footsteps and the soft pitter patter of the last of the storm comforted her as they neared her home.

Purposely he kept his gaze off her as he walked and thought of the things that lay ahead. As they grew closer to the house Katani drifted off into a light sleep. Just before her mind shut down she softly sang part of the song of her language. For you who are not gifted to speak such a tongue here is a translation,

If it's to protect someone precious to me,
it's OK if this body of mine is wounded
Even when struck by the fierce rain
Even when blown by cold winds
I think of that tree's strength
Dark sky that stretches out limitlessly
The sound of distant, cracking thunder.

It was such a low song that it almost went unheard. The language was so smooth that it blended in with the dark sky and swift winds. Far away Feer heard it; his ears could always hear her voice in that tongue.

He called out sharply when he saw his master exit the woods in the arms of that man. When his master made no move to notice him he grew worried. Feer rushed to the side of his master and struck out at Kurama with his gnashing teeth. Kurama ducked just enough to dodge.

With narrowed eyed he firmly said, "Himdolea." Feer laced his ears back at the outrage of this creature speaking in his master's dialect. Yet he had pronounced every symbol with clarity and Feer was bound by the power of the words.

Hiei was the only one who had stayed outside during the storm to await their return. He was not shocked in the least to hear Kurama speak the girl's language. He probably had memorized enough by now to converse in simple terms with her. He expected nothing less from the great thief. Nothing less was expected from the Bandit King. Feer quivered when Hiei placed a hand on his shoulder. Hiei felt the stallion's outrage and worry. Without a sound he alighted on his back. "Kurama, hand her to me." He would never say it but he was worried for the both of them; they looked like death.

Kurama's hold on Katani tightened. "I'll manage, thank you Hiei." He walked on.

"If you let your attachments get in the way you will never survive." Hiei urged the stallion to walk beside him. "You cannot split your focus in battle."

"My focus is clear."

"Your mind is clogged with golden blood." The words were spat from Hiei's tongue like poison.

Kurama continued to walk. Hiei's word angered him, because they were true. So focused were both of them on their own conversation that they didn't notice that Katani was awake and listening. Had they looked closer they would have seen her eyes flicker in reaction to some of the words and an occasional frown in anger. She kept her eyes closed so she could over hear their conversation further.

"She is a skilled fighter, even you have said so. She will be fine in battle with or without aide."

"You have her blood inside you. You cannot think straight. If you have any feelings for her, erase them. Humans are attachments we cannot make."

Katani felt crushed. He was right.

"What business of yours is it even if I do have feelings for her?" Kurama's calm demeanor was fading. "Have I ever said I have? What do you care if I despise her or care for her?"

"Have it your way Kurama. Just remember what happened when your love for your human mother revealed itself. Has her life not been threatened more then once? I have warned you and now I care not what you decide." A flick of thought and Hiei urged the gold stallion on towards the mansion.

Katani's heart broke. Kuwabara had told her so much about all of them that she felt she had known them for months instead of weeks. She knew what close friends Hiei and Kurama were and hearing them speak to each other like that was painful. But was what Kurama said true? Did he have feelings for her? He didn't admit them but hinted and Hiei's attitude suggested the same. How different Hiei and Kuwabara were. One felt love was necessary to be strong and the other felt it was a nail in the coffin.

Though she feared even if he did have feelings for her they were not real. They were just a side affect of her rare blood. He was the only one who had hers and the only one who spoke thus.

Tears fell down her checks, she couldn't be sure if anyone loved her. She wasn't even sure what she felt for Kurama and already it was causing strife. She clutched his shirt. "Please put me down."

Kurama stopped in his tracks. A look of realization crossed his face. After a still moment he asked, "Did you hear?"

"Please," she said firmly. He set her on her feet. Exhaustion and fatigue caused her to sway uncertainly as her feet touched the ground. Kurama reached out to steady her but she swatted his hand away. Without looking back she ran to her home, ignoring the look Hiei gave her and the greetings from Yusuke and Kuwabara. Up the stairs she ran and into her bedroom. Hastily she threw off her mud splattered clothes and filled the tub with steaming water. Anger, confusion, and guilt were all she could think of.

She scrubbed until every inch of dirt was gone. Katani felt like running, if she could just keep running she would be safe, safe from disappointment, safe from pain, safe from confusion. So distracted was she by her own jumbled emotions that she didn't notice the Tsunami warning on the radio as she put on pajamas dove into bed.

Yusuke saw Katani ignore their greetings and race up the stairs. A trail of water and mud was left behind as she flew past. Something was wrong. Why weren't Hiei or Kurama with her? Wasn't fox-boy supposed to be training her?

The prequel had settled down a bit but the calm was almost over. Within an hour the Tsunami would start. Yusuke thought his mom would worry about him but threw it aside. He was better off sticking it out in this mansion then climbing down the mountain to get home to his drunken mother.

Kuwabara's sister wasn't as… relaxed. He called his home to let her know he was safe and the phone erupted with yells. Mostly the phrase, "you idiot!' was repeated but every once in a while a swear word would get thrown in along with another insult to whatever intelligence (if any) he possessed. When he finally set the phone back on its base he breathed a sigh of relief.

The rain was a drizzle now while the sun dared to show itself from behind the black clouds. On Katani's television an anchor from the local news network was warning everyone to find shelter as soon as possible and stay there. Hiei and Kurama really should've been back by now. And what about that cow? He didn't think Katani would just leave it outside in a Tsunami.

The silence was interrupted when Botan burst through the front door, Kurama and Hiei trailed behind.

"Wow, this place is really sumptuous. Thank goodness you guys are all right. I can't believe Koenma told you to go train with a storm like this on the way!" She looked around for Katani and found the mud trail leading upstairs. Without stopping to explain she picked up the package at her feet and ran up the stairs.

"Yo," Yusuke greeted Kurama and Hiei as they came in. "What'd you do with the cow-?" he stopped. Both weren't looking at him. Hiei made a sound akin to a growl before sitting on the windowsill. Kurama's eyes were slanted and cold. He looked the same way he had after killing the game master. "Something wrong, Kurama?"

Yusuke followed him to the kitchen. The fox began pulling various ingredients from the shelves. "Hey, Kurama what's going on?"

Kurama slammed a can of vegetables on the counter. "If it's all the same to you, Yusuke, I'd rather not talk right now. I am not in the mood."

"I want some answers, damn it! First the kid goes flying in here without so much as a 'hi you people suck' and now you and Hiei look like some four year old kicked your butts so excuse me if I'm a little curious!"

Kurama remembered the hurt in Katani's eyes. How could she have reacted the way she did? Only moments before he had held her so close. What was he thinking? Obviously Hiei was right. He must stop whatever feelings were starting to grow. His reaction would mimic hers. If she forgot the whole thing happened so would he. Yet if it was just her blood, as Hiei believed, then why did his heart race when she smiled at him? Why had her touch sent his blood racing? It didn't matter now. The last thing he deserved was to be loved by someone.

"Am I interrupting something?" Katani asked in a low voice. She had just appeared from behind the corner and began to start dinner. Her wet hair and clean clothes made no mystery of where she had been.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Yusuke grabbed her wrist firmly.

Kurama glared his way and Yusuke let her go. Katani knew if she didn't do something fast things would get dangerous.

"What are you talking about? I should be the one upset. If you grab me like that again I swear-"

"What's going on, Katani? I know we haven't exactly been on good terms but how do you expect that to change if you keep yourself locked up? Kurama's ticked and I want to know why!"

"Yusuke-"

"No, Katani what happened?"

Katani's mind raced. "We were outside, I had just finished my training and I said something about demons that I shouldn't have. I'm very sorry, Kurama. I didn't realize what I had said." Katani bowed low at the waist. "Please forgive me."

"I suppose if you are truly sorry we an accept your apology, Katani." His features softened.

Yusuke looked from one to the other, not fully believing but having no choice. If neither of them were going to say it he couldn't force it out of them.

She bowed low again, keeping her eyes hidden beneath a mane of wet gold hair. "I am. Please let Hiei know I am too." Kurama nodded and left. The tension seemed to have evaporated. Katani leaned on the counter.

"Thank goodness," her eyes brimmed with tears as she removed a steak from the freezer. She wiped them away quickly and put on a smile. "Medium or well done?"

"You're a half decent liar when you put your mind to it." Yusuke grinned.

Katani set a pile of dishes and set the table. She couldn't understand why this was so hard. If something didn't change things would be awkward between them and tension would break. Seeing Kurama angry like that, he was quite imposing. Now she knew how he had earned his reputation.

Botan came in, still holding the package for Katani. "Oh there you are! I've been looking all over for you. Here, Koenma sent this for you." She slid the package across the table. "It should help you feel better. He thought you would need it after your day of training."

Katani sliced the tape with her necklace charm. Even if it was small it was till sharp. Inside was a phial filled with a black tar-like substance. It clung to the glass when she tipped it. "Umm… thank you?"

"You're supposed to drink it silly!" Botan put her hands on her hips.

Katani saw Yusuke point and laugh from behind Botan. She tipped the bottle again. The viscosity of the liquid was akin to mud. Hesitantly she removed the cork and took a swig.

"She's actually drinking it!" Botan looked shocked.

Katani spit what gunk remained in her mouth into the sink. "What?"

"I didn't really think you'd do it. I guess I owe Koenma 500 yen."

Katani's fist clenched. Yusuke was rolling on the ground by now. Katani rinsed her mouth out with water and thrust the glass phial back into Botan's hands. "Next time you think about making a bet on me don't tell me about it! I won't be so forgiving."

Botan smiled. "But don't you feel better now?"

"Do I feel better? You just made me drink-" she stopped. She did feel better. She was as fresh and energized as when she woke up in the morning. "Actually… I do feel better. I guess I owe you an apology."

"Not at all. You did do it, which means you trust me! I'm so glad!" Botan hugged her a little too tightly. "Oh we'll have so much to talk about! Since we're all stuck here for the night anyway we might as well get to know each other! Oh I know the greatest games too!"

"How about helping me with dinner first?" Katani wrenched herself free and handed her a few plates. Botan beamed and set to work with overwhelming enthusiasm.

"Is she always like this?" Katani whispered to Yusuke.

"Yeah, pretty much."

"What's her connection to Spirit World?"

"She's the grim reaper."

Katani froze. "She has blue hair and a pink kimono and your telling me she's the merchant of death?"

"Yep."

I am surrounded by lunatics… Oh well, at least one of them was female.

Katani continued pulling various ingredients from the shelf. Her mind was still riddled with everything going on. Botan was in the next room setting the table. Katani turned on the stove and pulled some vegetables from the fridge.

"I have to ask," Kurama appeared beside her, "What exactly are you preparing?" His gaze wandered over the leeks, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and pizza dough.

Katani kept her gaze downwards. "Food," in a quiet voice she added, "I hope."

Kurama placed a hand on hers. "Katani,"

She pulled her hand away. "Thank you Kurama, but I'm fine here."

"You do not look like it. Please, let me prepare something."

"Do what you will," she said.

Half an hour later she summoned everyone to the table. Things between Kurama and Hiei were back to normal and Hiei treated Katani same as before. Yet Kurama was oddly distant with her. I am such an idiot. No wonder he hates me. I only hope that it can become like this stupid thing never happened. When he touched my hand it felt like… like I don't know what. As if he actually was concerned. This is what my blood does to people. She took a piece of bread from the basket and passed it on to Botan who was having the time of her life thinking of all the possible games to play. Kurama heard Katani's thoughts as clearly as if she had spoken them. Instantly he softened.

She's right. She was an idiot. But then, so was I. He sought her eye and smiled kindly.

He was pleased to see her stop and return it. She breathed a sigh of relief when he took his eyes off her. Maybe he'll still stand to be around me even after I ran off. The image of her in his arms flashed in her mind. How warm and kind he was. For a moment she had felt safe despite the hell she'd been through.

"Katani!" Botan snapped her fingers in front of her face.

"Huh? Yeah?" she came back to the present.

"Where were you? I asked you twice if you wanted to play." Botan grumbled.

"Woman, if you want to keep all your appendages in the same spot you will say no." Hiei glared at her.

Hm… Hiei doesn't want to do it… It must be fun! "Of course I want to play! I think all of us should!" she grinned evilly at Hiei.

Yusuke caught on. "Yeah! Sign me up."

Kuwabara chimed in and Kurama said he'd play as well.

"Oh goodie!" Botan looked extremely pleased. For a moment Katani wondered if she had signed a contract with the devil. "So of course you'll play, Hiei!"

"Go to hell."

Katani choked on her steak. Yusuke began hitting her on the back. His hands came dangerously close to her bra strap.

"If you want to keep that hand, you'll remove it." Katani held her steak knife to the crock of his elbow.

"Not in the mood, okay we'll see just how you are once we play." Yusuke finished his biscuit and chugged the last of his soda pop. "Everyone to the living room!"

"No, the attic. It's more fun up there." Katani stood and cleared her plate. After everyone was done Botan grabbed three large cases of soda and asked where the attic was. Katani had no idea what the soda was for but did not feel like explaining that the reason she wasn't listening was because she had been thinking about Kurama. She showed her the way and the boys followed, all except for Hiei. Somehow or another she would get him up, for she had promised Yusuke that much. He reached out to shake her hand.

"You are a good person."

She shook. "From you I don't think that's a good thing…"

With them gone she turned around to find Hiei. He was gone. By peeking from behind the corner she could get a good look at him without revealing her presence. There was something small and glistening that he held in his palm. Whatever it was his attention was fixed on it. Quick as she dared she scanned the top layer of his thoughts. She got the image of a young girl with eyes red like his and turquoise hair. Yukina, he thought and she felt sibling love from him, the kind she had felt for Tithe.

In a flash his eyes were on her. So this is how I die. He held the blade to her throat. All of a sudden she recognized the name. "Yukina's your sister!" she shouted. "Does Kuwabara mufuw?" Hiei had clamped his hand over her mouth.

"You will die if you open your mouth to anyone."

I won't tell anyone. She thought to him. If you play with us.

He pressed the blade closer to her neck. A drip of golden blood dripped down her neck. "You have no idea what I am planning for you right now…" He removed his hand and sword.

"I look forward to it. Come on!" She grabbed his hand and dragged him up the stairs.