Chapter Eleven

Deciphering

Katani went to the hotel lobby to wait for the others. Hiei came down first and sat beside her. Never before had she been happier to see him. He gave her an odd look, which she smiled back at, having someone who didn't like talking made the atmosphere much more relaxing. Knowing that Kurama was in the same room as she had kept Katani up nearly all night. What little sleep she had achieved was plagued with nightmares of her brother. Her head started to bob and she nearly fell asleep. Hiei watched in amusement. The movement of her head make her look like a heron hunting for fish. Down slowly, jerk up, down slowly, jerk up.

When she didn't come back up he kicked her ankle with his foot.

She jerked and looked at him. "What?"

"I don't want you falling asleep on me, stay awake."

"Sure, sorry Hiei."

"You're strangely relenting this morning. Are you sick?"

"I guess you could call it that," she rested her head on her hand and fell asleep again.

Yusuke came down next and poked Katani in the chest. She roused instantly and slapped him so hard the hotel staff came over and asked if there was a problem.

"Not anymore," she smiled.

"I was trying to wake you up!" he said.

"Top notch job there, Yusuke."

"Yeah, I've missed you too."

Kuwabara and Kurama came down together. Katani cold see her cold look reflected in Kurama's hard stare. Maybe if she could avoid him for a while this would all simmer down. Botan was the last to appear, over her shoulder she carried a bag of bulky items and a small scroll in her right hand.

He waited till everyone was present until he led them to a back room.

"Koenma has specific assignments for Katani and Kurama. I'm not sure what he was talking about but for some reason he thought you two should work together to decipher the map Hiei and I found while the rest of us go out and investigate."

"Shouldn't we all work together to finish it?" Katani pleaded. "Six heads our better then one."

"With Kuwabara's brain capacity it would take an extra member to pick up the slack." Hiei said.

"Hey!" Kuwabara shouted.

Yusuke shook his head, "Naw, the midget said just you two, the rest of us are needed to do something else."

"And what would that be, Yusuke?" Kurama asked.

The spirit detective put one hand behind his neck and laughed slowly. "Well ah… He didn't specify but I bet it's something important."

"Is this some kind of punishment?" Katani shouted at Yusuke when she saw the room.

It was filled with old sheets and broken lamps never to be used by the staff but kept just in case the need of a wire or emergency sheet arouse. They would never use any of the stuff but rich people found it hard to throw things away.

Before leaving them alone Kurama said they should all go over everything that has happened between the two teams.

Everyone took a seat and Yusuke ran through the events that happened with them. He showed them the map and explained what the people looked like. Katani nodded in affirmation, they were of the assassins that murdered her bother.

"I've contacted Koenma and he says the map is in heavily encrypted code." Botan laid the scroll she had been carrying on the table. "He said Kurama and Katani may be able to untangle it. That's why he's assigning the two of them to work on the map while the rest of use follow the trail, two more murders were committed, both in Tokyo. We leave on a train in an hour and there Kurama and Katani will begin work in one of the secured hotels we have under out control. A room has been deemed safe and away from notice, this is where you two will work while the rest of us investigate the murders."

"I want to go there too!" Katani knew her outburst was juvenile but didn't care. "These beasts killed my brother and I want to be out there doing something instead of sitting in a dark room doing paperwork!"

"Katani this is just as important-"

"No it isn't! What if another of those people show up again? I want to be there if it happens. This is my little brother we're talking about!"

"Katani!" Yusuke grabbed her by the shoulder. "We need you to do this," he looked at her seriously. "I know you want to be out there but this more important right now. Only a few people will be able to undo that map and out of all of us that means you and Kurama. If you really want to work on avenging your brother do this, otherwise you're just chasing a dead end."

"Yusuke is right, Katani." Kurama said. "This is far too personal for you right now and you are still wounded from your previous fight."

Katani was beat. She let her anger drain as reason flooded her mind. "You're right, I apologize,"

"Don't," Yusuke said and as Katani sat down he whispered into her ear, "We'll get them, I promise."

Botan gave Katani an apologetic look before continuing, "Koenma has asked that you two put your hearts into this map, for it is our only lead. Breaks can be granted when you need them and food will be brought by one of our lower agents. Once there Katani and Kurama will be given ancient texts and files that will help in the translation. Here is the paper to draw the new map on." Botan handed Kurama a manila envelope with a thin piece of enchanted parchment inside.

"And we don't have much time so try to make it quick, ok?" Yusuke reclined in a pile of sheets. Katani nodded and Botan handed Kurama the original map. Katani wasn't sure how either of them would react to being alone in a room for hours but she would have to decipher that map for her brother.

Two hours later they were left alone in a small, poorly lit room. One table stood in the center and an old couch the color of tar was shoved against one wall. An old refrigerator was beside the couch and the size of a safe. There was no carpet on the floor but both removed their shoes just the same. The table had two chairs, both dangerously squeaky. The concrete walls created a feeling of chill and depression. The room desperately lacked a feminine touch. Katani plopped some books on the table and fell on the couch. This was not how she wanted to spend her summer break.

Kurama sat down next to her on the couch. She sat up and looked at him. She wanted to touch him and tell him she didn't love Ty, she loved him. But what would he care now? He caught her looking at him. Quickly she turned away as if the water stained floor was more interesting. His gaze was chilling.

"Shall we begin?" he rose and sat down at the table. With a groan she picked herself up from the couch and sat in one of the poorly constructed seats.

Kurama pulled the map from his pocket and laid it flat on the table. When he had removed the map another smaller piece of parchment had fluttered to the ground. Katani saw a familiar logo of a stationary company stamped in the corner. Picking it up she saw her name written on the back, but the handwriting did not seem to be Kurama's. Having spent their free time before bed practicing writing and reading the language Katani had come to know Kurama's unique and flowing script. This was much more scratched and hurried with a bit of feminine touch. A bit confused and a lot curious Katani handed the paper to Kurama asking,

"Hey, is this yours?"

"No, that's for you. I apologize for not giving it to you earlier but certain things,"

No doubt those certain things were their current standing.

"hindered it."

The tone in his voice was casual. It wasn't like him to be angry with someone, unless he was Yoko apparently, but she could tell he was tolerating her. The contents of the mysterious letter were more inviting then patching things up with him. A quick rip and the paper fell open.

It was from Ms. K, her old flute instructor! It read,

"Hello Katani. It's been a while. Come to my house on the 21st and we'll have tea and catch up. Say hi to Shuichi for me! -Ms. Minamino"

"Don't tell me, you're Shuichi?" Did his "mother" know what her son was? More disturbing did that mean her favorite instructor was a demon? "You're kidding right?"

"No, that is my human name. Kanna Minamino is my human mother."

"Funny how you never mentioned a name when you told me about your life…" Katani eyed him. But memories cause her eye to soften. "I remember you now. My last lesson with Ms. K, you were there. I was tired and Ms. K asked me to play another set of lines. I protested but you came in and said, 'Anything that is worth having requires effort' That was you a few years ago…"

"I'm afraid so." Kurama opened the text.

Katani felt his chill and fell silent. The test was like nothing she had ever seen. The owner seemed to be cautious or brilliant for dozens of languages were combined. Also the latitude and longitude lines were not present but position was determined by an ancient method of magic strength. Translation required immense focus and skill. Each worked on their own section while taking detailed notes on paper.

After two hours of complete silence Katani couldn't take it anymore. She stood up slammed her chair under the table. Kurama jolted. "I've had it! Tell me why the heck you're so ticked, Shuichi Minamino!" Kurama rose and sat on the couch calmly. His nonchalant attitude only infuriated Katani further. "Why are you doing this? Why did you almost kill my friend and why are you treating me like a stranger? I want some answers!" In her anger she stuck out and hit the solid concrete wall. The coarseness of the rock rubbed away the skin on her fist. Gold blood trickled down her hand and her bones rattled from the force, yet she found that she didn't care at all.

Kurama moved closer to her. "You wish to know? Do you really want to know why I am angry?"

Sitting on the couch, she felt the chill and suppressed emotion in his voice. Had she not known him as she did it would have seemed as if he didn't care.

The anger, hurt, confusion, loss, and fear combined in that moment. In Kurama's eyes she saw everything she wanted to have- stability, confidence, and most of all, strength. Not wanting to go on like this for another moment Katani threw all caution aside and hugged him tightly. She wrapped her good arm around his back and buried her face in his chest.

"I can't stand seeing you look at me like that, it's tearing me apart. Please stop. Please, I'm furious at you for what you did but you're my friend to and I'd be just as angry if anyone did that to you. If I lose another person I won't be able to go on. Seeing you do something so reckless to him brought back the memory of Tithe. I won't let someone else I care about be in pain! I don't care if that person is Yusuke, Hiei, Feer, Kuwabara, Ty, or you. All of you have become so important to me that if-" her voice took on new strength as she felt the truth behind her own words. "if anything happened, especially to you, I would give up."

Kurama leaned forward, still holding Katani. "Don't cry. You're so much prettier when you smile," he brushed away a tear from her check.

Katani let herself sit up, feeling sure that he was going to tell her what he was thinking. Overhead the hanging bulb flickered weakly before burning out. Fearful of the darkness Katani gasped and felt her heart begin to race. In a moment she saw a small plant that shone like neon grow from a crack in the wall.

"Thank you," she said. Kurama nodded before leaning closer and placing a hand on her leg.

"He grabbed you and wouldn't let go. I saw him put his arms around you, kiss you. Then I saw you pull against him so I reacted. You defended him and then feared me. I never want you to be scared of me. I want to be the one you run to when you are afraid. Then he said he loved you." He stopped, inches from her face.

"Kurama…"

"Do you still fear me?" he said. "Can you look me in the eyes and trust me as you once did? Will you pull away," he moved a hand to her neck, "if I come closer?"

She seemed frozen. Coming closer was something she had dreamed of but never had she expected it to really happen. "No, I do not fear you, Kurama." Feeling a bit of confidence from his honesty she placed her hand over his own.

"If you are angry with me for this, I'm sorry."

Kurama leaned forward and placed his lips over hers. The touch was so foreign but wonderful at the same time. As he moved closer to her she felt herself falling back on the couch. Afraid but secure that he wouldn't hurt her she kissed him back.

When Kurama felt her go back and return his affection he only wished to prolong the moment. Wanting more of her he pressed his tongue to her lips. Katani parted them and let him search her. After a moment she fought back with her own tongue pressing into his but he was too strong for her. He took her neck and brought it closer to him, making them locked. With her hands wrapped around his back they became even closer.

Katani got lost in the moment and just enjoyed the comfort of being with a person. Together they parted for a gasp of air before Kurama traveled from her mouth to her neck where he kissed gently.

When his face fell on hers, Katani saw he was Shuichi no longer, but Yoko. He held her hands, locking his fingers with hers. Bringing her knuckle around he passionately licked the gold blood off.

In an instant Katani remembered what Hiei had said and froze. He kissed her again but she felt uneasy. The harsh way he had gripped her came into her mind. It felt as if the memory was being forced on her, as if someone had changed the channel in her mind. With the forced memory came an increase in emotion. The brutality seemed multiplied beyond her control.

"You needn't be so timid," Yoko purred. Feeling her hesitance he kissed her fiercely. His hands had started to stray beyond her comfort zone. This had gone on way too long. She pushed a hand against his chest.

"Stop," she said when her voice returned, "please stop, Yoko." Understanding came into him. This wasn't what she wanted and he wouldn't be one to force it on her if she didn't. Without looking at her Yoko shifted and leaned back. Just then the door opened and Yusuke walked in. The room was bathed in light from outside. Kurama was only halfway off of her.

"Hey guys, I've got some more files from… Well what's going on here?" he smirked evilly. "Go Kurama!"

Quickly Kurama found his feet, "Yusuke, you don't under-"

Katani jumped up and faced Yusuke before he could finish. Her fury cut him off.

Unaffected, Yusuke continued, "Whew, Katani you dirty girl…"

She glared at him and snatched the files from his hands. "I fell. Make anything more of it and you'll find your balls bitten off by a pack of rabid squirrels."

"Yes ma'm." He ran to the door and snaked his head around. "You da man, Kurama!"

Katani ran at him but he shut the door quickly.

She sat down in the chair and started work again, trying hard to forget what just happened. She heard footsteps and felt hands on her shoulders. They were human hands, Kurama's hands. He gently massaged her shoulders and worked his way to her scar. Her scar felt so good after his massage. He sat in the chair beside her and kissed her again but she recoiled.

"No," she forced herself away from him. "I can't."

He looked at her with a look of deep pain. "I'm sorry, I went too far. I should've stopped when I…"

"Became Yoko." She finished for him.

She turned away and wrapped her arms around herself. As if her embrace could erase her moment of weakness. What was happening to her? She didn't do this. She barely knew this guy and what she had seen scared her.

"You love another." He said slowly. She kept her back turned. Should she lie to him? She wanted him to hold her again but when he did Yoko flashed in her mind. She looked at her wrist, it was black and blue.

"I… I…"

Kurama stood and gently held her wrist. "Is this from…?"

She nodded.

"I see… Let's get back to work then." His iciness was gone but he spoke low and his voice carried a cold tone of business. Katani knew he had feelings for her, but only because of her blood and lust. The thought ripped at her as she sat down next to him. She weakly gripped the pen and tried to write. The small ballpoint scribbled random thoughts over the paper. A possible river here, maybe a village of some sorts here. Try as she might, the silver yokai kept flashing in her mind. Kurama seized her wrist and she felt the pain again. The hand holding the pen quivered slightly before indicating an unusual column of trees.

I want to tell him about myself. I wish I could spill my heart out and know what he was thinking. Katani didn't notice as her pen seemed to write of its own will. Blue ink slid from the tip and flowed into spiraling letters. I wish I didn't feel so alone. Tithe was gone and he had been an anchor. In her shock and pain she had tied herself to this group in some hope that they could ease the pain in her heart. But the pain won't fade. In my dreams he calls to me. "Sister! Sister!" he cries. All I can do is reach, but it is never enough. The pen ripped a hole in the paper. The sound tore Katani back.

"I'm going to get some fresh air." Katani tore herself away from the table and walked to the door.

"Is that all?"

Katani paused, her hand on the door handle. "Kurama, I…" her voice caught in her throat. "I'm sorry for leading you on like that. I just… It felt as if…" the soft tone of her words fell barely above a whisper. Unable to voice her feelings she let them hang. "Sorry,"

The hall she stepped into seemed like another world. Beneath her feet she felt soft plush carpet. It was the kind of carpet that parents would fight to keep their kids off. She walked down the hall and into the main lobby. Hotel receptionists smiled politely to billionaires and common folk alike as they checked into the posh resort.

The others were nowhere in sight. With a relieved sigh Katani strode into the kitchen. Koenma had given them all access passes so she needn't make a reservation at the desk. She just stepped into the bustle and paid one of the bus boys. "Ramen please," she laid a crumpled bill on the counter. At the sight of the money the young boy's smile widened. Quickly he prepared her a bowl filled with steaming noodles. "Keep the change."

Katani snatched a coke from the vending machine and made her way to the elevator. A couple guests gave her looks as she pressed the button for the roof. Taking a breath she strode into the night air. Though city air had never pleased her she was high enough up that a strong breeze brought clean air from the north. The twinkling lights of the city absorbed her as she slurped noodles on a stone bench. Cigarette buts littered the floor and she couldn't even see the stars but it was something.

The scar on her back twitched and the wings ached to be released. Feeling the breeze and being up so high whet their lust for the sky. Her hand fumbled the sword and she almost broke the seal. However one look at the security cameras in the corner stopped any flight plan she may have had. Knowing her thoughts, the scar burned sharply in protest. Her wings screamed to be free if only to taste the wind.

The pain broke her. Spending the day in a small room had weakened her mentally. Then realizing her own weakness and desperate need for people had broken what small faith she had in herself. After sliding into a roof closet she slipped Tithe's ring on. Her body and aura became masked in the darkness. Her wings, sensing her intentions, ceased their struggle and waited anxiously.

With empty coke and ramen container in the trash she felt as if she hadn't made the roof any filthier. Guilt free she released the seal on her sword. Soundlessly the blade rippled like quick silver before hardening into cold steel. The tip gently cut her shoulder scar and as always the pain made her clench her teeth. The only sound was her shoulders shifting and the wings pulling themselves free. Two large golden wings visible only to her flapped in the night air. Quickly they dried themselves and she sat on the edge of the roof.

Katani sang the song her mother had taught her. Her tone was so low and fragile, as if any higher note would make the words crack. The language rolled off her tongue as she spoke. The outside world vanished and she felt nothing but the song. The words stirred her and she felt a new connection to them. It was as if they wrapped themselves around her, protecting her.

Sister… I will never leave you…

Katani felt the voice but it bounced of her mind like a fly on a screen. Now the words were all she thought about and only when those faded did she begin to become one with the world around her.

The roof was the same. Dark, cold concrete covered every inch of space. How depressing it was.

The elevator in the corner dinged as the doors slid open. Katani turned and gasped when Kurama stepped out. Not daring to breathe, she stepped onto the roof floor and sat with her back against the wall. Thankfully the magic of the ring was strong and he stepped by without a glance.

He walked to the center of the roof and lay down on the concrete. Katani had never seen him look so loose. Every other time she had seen him he was rigid and strong with a controlled expression. His mind was a confusion of layers that were to complex for a psychic. But now he let his guard fall. Katani felt guilty because she was practically spying on him.

Well, I was here first. And I can't leave now that I've hidden myself. Her wings were still. The feathers made no noise as they were caressed by the night air.

To her great surprise he began to talk to himself. For a moment the possibility of psychosis passed her thoughts. No, he wasn't the crazy type. But now that she thought about it she had seen others do it too. People just seemed to stop and voice their thoughts aloud for no apparent reason. It scared her a little bit.

"This is ridiculous," he said. Yeah, no crap. "How can I be feeling this way? Is it only her blood that does this?" Kurama held his hand in front of his face as if he could see the golden blood in his veins. "Then why does it grow stronger each day?"

Katani's heart seemed to stop.

"Could I be in love with her?" The hand clenched into a fist. "Her face. When I clasped her wrist her face paled with fear." He grit his teeth. "I am such a fool."

Pity swelled in Katani's chest. All this time she had been mentally accusing him of things but could he be feeling what she thought she was? Could fate really be that kind? Still, it amazed her that he continued to talk.

"I am only causing her more pain."

No,

"It may be better to sever ties."

Please, no. You're all I have.

"But I know I can't. If I could see her smile again…" he chuckled to himself. "So this is what I've become."

Katani sat confused. What did he mean?

Sighing, Kurama stood and walked back to the elevator. Only when the lighted numbers showed him on the ground floor did she relax. In one long breath she released the air she had been holding. Quickly she folded her wings and went inside the small shed to break the invisibility seal.

As the elevator traveled all the way back up and all the way back down, only after stopped half a dozen times to pick up passengers, she felt a burden lift in her chest. Maybe she could place her trust in him.

After washing her face and neck she felt refreshed and clean. A couple more hours of work and she would be through with this dreadful map.

She stopped before the ancient door to the small box room. Taking a breath, she smiled with all the cheerfulness she could manage. Walking in the room with eyes closed she cried, "Back to work then!" Right before tripped on a textbook. She fell face forward to the concrete floor. In her mind she felt the rush of air as the stone rushed to punish her for her foolishness Thankfully Kurama had already been standing and caught her before she hit.

"What in the world?"

Katani blushed and quickly stood to brush the imaginary dust off her clothes. She smiled with a hand behind her head. "Sorry about that…"

"Why would you enter a room with your eyes closed?"

"Why would you talk to yourself on a rooftop?" The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. Crap, crap, crap, crap.

Katani decided that ignorance was the best strategy. When Kurama's eyes widened in shock she merely smiled again, eyes closed, as all people do when they smile, and pat him on the shoulder. "Don't just stand there, we've got work to do!"

Kurama watched as she recovered herself and sat down. A neat tear across her shirt where her wings came from told him all he needed to know. She had either gone for a quick flight and saw him on the roof or had been up there resting. How much had she overheard? What had made her go from upset and quiet to cheerful and klutzy? Had some fresh air really done that much for her?

Katani smiled happily as Kurama sat down beside her. I can trust him.

The two went to work and attacked the map. Kurama began to transfer information from the old map to a new empty one. Katani was focusing on one character she couldn't make out. The symbol was different from the others and she couldn't find it in any of the ancient texts. It pulled at her mind, like a forgotten dream.

"Kurama?"

He looked up from his work.

"Do you recognize this?" she handed him the map and indicated to the single character on the back.

"No, I'm afraid not. It looks nothing like the others and seems to have been written by a different hand."

"That's what I was thinking…" Katani glared at the paper. Now it was a challenge. Kurama was incredibly smart and if she could figure out something he couldn't it would be fun for her. Of course she wouldn't brag or anything but still. Having a goal gave her something to work towards and she spent another hour flipping through books. She and Kurama talked little but it was an easy silence of companionship.

As the night wore on Katani's determination began to drop. It seemed hopeless. She had even left to check if there were any more books or scrolls mentioning the character. Nothing.

"It's ridiculous!" she shouted after returning.

Kurama smiled and set his pen down. "Having a hard time?"

"There is no one who can figure out this stupid word!"

He shrugged his shoulders. "If anyone can do it, you can."

Katani stopped and stared at him. For a second she thought he was messing with her but no, he was serious. His words stopped her like a concrete wall.

"Th-thanks," she managed after a moment. Katani flipped the map over and stared at the character. It was similar to American lettering but seemed flowing, almost a cursive style. I'll just stare at it until I get it. She knew what it was but just couldn't remember. Maybe if she studied parts of the serpent like lettering it would come to her.

After another hour her head began to bob up and down. Slowly her head fell forward until it nearly touched the paper. Then with a start she would jerk up, shake herself, and stare at it again only to repeat the process. Not sleeping the night before caught up with her.

Kurama saw her struggling. "Go sleep Katani. I'll keep working."

"No, I'm not leaving you to do this alone. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't carry my load?"

Kurama smiled weakly. Friends, was that all they were? He supposed it was all they could be. She wasn't necessarily afraid of him but she recoiled against Yoko and Yoko was a part of him. He was ashamed to know that he had hurt her and never wanted to do so again. If only being her friend was what she needed he would have to do it.

"Go, now," he took the pen from her. "It's late."

"I can't leave without figuring this out."

"You are accomplishing nothing. Go,"

She stood and bowed. "Yes, your majesty. But if I'm gong then you're not staying here alone."

"What, are you going to sleep on the couch?"

"Good idea." Katani plucked a blanket from the maid's cart outside before lying on the sofa.

Kurama watched her and silently thanked her for it. Somehow she knew that he wanted her to be here. That was why he didn't argue with her and continued writing. He heard her breathing deepen and knew she slept. After another hour he looked over expecting to see her sleeping peacefully but she shivered. He stole another blanket from the maid cart that had been slowly making its way down the hall. Gently he draped it across her.

"Kurama…" she muttered in her sleep.

He smiled. I wonder what she is dreaming about. His smile faded when her face changed into a frown.

"Stop…" her voice sounded like a child. "Please don't,"

Behind her smile and confidence she felt afraid. She just didn't show it. If others knew how she felt she would be a burden. No one deserved to be saddled with that.

Katani stirred and sat up. Her face was flushed and her heart beat fast. Kurama was sitting on the ground beside her. She couldn't see his face for he was not looking at her. The dream flashed in her mind and she shook it away.

"Are you done working?" she asked timidly.

"For the night I suppose. You can leave for your room if you like. I'm going to stay here and work when I wake."

"I don't want to leave." When Kurama gave her a surprised look she added, "Unless you would not like it. I just…" she blushed as her mind forced her mouth to speak. "Want to stay with you."

"What did you dream?"

"That's not important. I thought maybe since you told me so much about yourself you'd want to hear about me."

Kurama looked at her. Sincerity sparkled in her blue eyes. How could she want to spend time with him after a dream like that? Her mind was fighting the irrationality of her fears. Maybe if he didn't push her it would be alright. Could he be lucky enough that she would care for him?

Katani watched him. He was thinking about something and she blushed. "I'm sorry. That's stupid. I should have never suggested-"

"No," Kurama said. "Stay here. I'll be right back."

She watched him go. He was probably going to steal from the cart again. Maybe they should just drag the whole thing in. It sure would save time. Katani's neck and face felt clammy from her dream. In the corner rested a small sink and she went over to wash up. The water was ice cold from being pulled up from a well. The chill refreshed her and cleared her head. Kurama wanted to talk with her. Her heart fluttered. Maybe he didn't want her just for her blood. Even if he did, she was getting to spend time with him. She would get to talk with someone openly. Suddenly nervous she busied herself by straightening a stack of books. Kurama stepped back in carrying blankets, a lot of blankets.

"Are you going to work again?"

"No, just straightening up."

He began to arrange some blankets on the floor. She would have argued with him to take the sofa but she knew he wouldn't do it. How could he be such a gentleman?

"You smiled tonight." Kurama said. "I'm glad."

"It's easy to smile with you around." Katani helped him with the sheets. Kurama's cheeks reddened slightly. "What do you want to know?"

He sat on top of the blankets with his back against the sofa. She did the same. "Will you tell me what you dreampt?"

"I'm sorry but I can't. I don't remember it." Katani looked at her shoes. "I know you were there and so were Ty and my brother. The only other thing I see is a large bird crying to the sky. I know there's more but I can't see it. It agitates me really. I always try to remember my dreams and this one feels like I saw it through someone else's eyes.

"But you didn't hurt me. I know that's what you're thinking."

Kurama nodded. "I'm sorry about before. That wasn't-"

"Stop apologizing. I know I'll remember why I saw a phoenix in the-" Katani stopped. Jumping up she raced to the table and stared at the map. Kurama rushed over and asked what was wrong. "Fire and bird. When you combine those two characters from my language it creates this symbol. I didn't recognize it because the two were overlapped and there is no such word in my language. Put together the two mean Phoenix!"

At her words the map glowed a light gold. It hovered above her palms and radiated a warm energy. Words were put in her mouth and she said, "Reviudi mokidma Phoenix!" The map shook and the light vanished. The dark speech disappeared and each character was replaced with the elegant flow of her tongue. "That's…" Katani stared in disbelief at the flowing script. "my language." Never before had she seen her speech in different handwriting. It looked so elegant and beautiful. Yet the makers of this map had killed her brother. "No," her feet were no longer a part of her and she fell onto the ground.

"Katani," Kurama knelt beside her. He didn't know what to say. What was there to tell her?

She needed someone to comfort her. Kurama's blood felt her golden blood shake with loneliness. After a moment he rested a hand on her shoulder. Almost involuntarily she shuddered and he quickly took his hand away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean too-"

"No," Katani shook her head. "I can't believe it." She seemed to be ignoring his apology and talking almost to herself. "There must be a group of these people. Everyone with golden blood can't be like this. If my people are killers…" she clenched her fists and held them over her heart. "Then I want nothing to do with them!"

"Do not stereotype them so readily." Kurama said. "Wait until we know. I think you need to get some rest and not worry about all this right now."

"Yeah," she nodded. Carefully she tucked the map inside her clothes. Grabbing her pack from the corner she took a thick comb to her long hair. Kurama flipped off the light and a small nightlight came on. Katani placed the brush back inside and saw Kurama take his place on the floor.

Seeing him lying there filled her with warmth. Do I dare? He is the only one I can share my feelings with. Right now the thought of knowing where she came from excited her but she knew if these people killed Tithe she could never live with them.

She climbed into the makeshift sleeping bag from the blankets and laid her head on the arm. Kurama's eyes were closed and she could see his chest rise and fall in the darkness. Quietly she spoke in her tongue. "I'm scared," she said, "that those I came from are evil. But at the same time I have to know who they are and why they did what they did. I'm worried about putting this on all of you. It's funny, but I've become attached to you all. Even Hiei I would miss. I…" she searched for the words in her tongue, "would miss you most of all". He had not stirred since she began so she felt the courage to continue. The words came easily now. "You really seemed to care about me. For that I am so grateful. My blood has always confused me and I've never felt normal emotions before. With the four of you I feel genuine happiness and love. It's nice, being able to smile after my only brother's death. It's because of you that I can smile. So if someday I have to be separated from the three of you, I won't forget. As corny as it sounds, there's a special place in my heart for you guys. I'm not asking you to carry my burden, but I'm thankful that you've made it so much easier to bear." All this she spoke in her language. Feeling a great weight lifted her spirit could rest. The couch was low to the ground so she slid her hand over the side and let her fingertips brush Kurama's hand. Hesitantly he reached up and intertwined his fingers with hers. Katani tightened her hold to let him know it was okay. A single tear rolled down her cheek and splashed against his wrist.

The last thing she felt before drifting off to sleep was the warmth of his hand with hers.

A small filly ran through a field of hibiscus flowers. The flowers were every shade of the rainbow from the darkest red to the lightest violet. The filly kicked and plunged from the joy of being free. She stopped to drink from a crystal stream that gave the flowers all the sustenance they needed. Across the stream a white fox drank. The two creatures looked at each other for a long moment until the filly darted away. The fox leapt over the stream and ran to chase the filly. The two dashed and darted left and right in their little game of tag. The fox came closer to the filly with each stride. The young filly wasn't ready to give up just yet. She squeezed between two sharp rocks that created jagged lines down her sides. The filly nickered tauntingly at the fox. She created wings from the cuts in her sides and fly into the sky. She zipped around the fox, knowing he could not join her. The fox hissed at the filly, something was terribly wrong. The filly laughed at him for his seriousness. She kept flying above him. A black serpent fired a dark arrow from atop one of the rocks. The arrow struck the filly through the neck and she fell like ribbon to the ground.

Kurama woke silently. The dream disturbed him greatly for it was clearly prophetic. He moved slightly and noticed he and Katani still held each other's hand. A smile flit across his face and he carefully undid her fingers and placed her hand next to her body. She was sleeping peacefully with a slight smile on her face. Kurama could only guess at what she was dreaming. He gently stroked her cheek and stopped when she moved. She stirred slightly and opened her eyes. Kurama's hand was still on her cheek and he quickly moved it away.

She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "What time is it?"

Kurama blushed slightly and moved to the table. "Around five thirty. We should prepare for the day. We have finished the easy part."

"Easy? You call what we did easy? Come on, give me a little credit here."

"You're right. I apologize."

"You should, and I forgive you." Katani sat beside him at the table. She took the map from her clothes and laid it across the table. "Time for your next lesson." She spent the next half hour showing him what each written character meant. Together they learned the exact location of the island by the latitude and longitude.

Katani looked more closely at the map. "This is no standard map," she said after they had figured out the island's location. "Topography, dimensions of their base, and pretty detailed notes on how to get there. It's almost as though they want us to find them. Do you think they set things up so the map would fall into our hands?"

Kurama looked surprisingly at her. "You read my mind. Yes, I think that is precisely what they did. I talked with Yusuke yesterday and he said the demon came looking for him. Also the ogre demon dissolved instantly while the female demon they found the map on did not. They chose to show themselves to us and that is the only reason we have this map."

"They're messing with us. Do you think the map is a fake? Do they want us to try and go there just so they can kill us?"

"No, there are much easier ways us killing us then this. They want us to come. Though for what reason I have not yet figured out."

"Well don't worry about it. No one knows everything. Not even the great Yoko Kurama." Katani waved her hands in the air in a gesture of bowing.

"Far from it," Kurama began to collect all the books and scrolls. "Far from it."

If this group was after her and Kurama was right, then why were they going through this much trouble? They were taking their time. Hiding themselves then completely exposing four members of their tribe just to give them this map was the definition of heartless. It seemed they didn't care if their members were slaughtered or victims. But the map was written in her tongue. Could the people they sent have been ignorant hired hands? It made sense if her people were truly as scarce as she feared. It had taken careful timing to perform all of this. Yet Kurama was right, there were plenty of opportunities to kill them. They killed Tithe very easily but to what end was still a mystery.

She wondered if her blood could have any purpose. Spirit World had determined that her blood was almost one hundred percent gold. All they knew was that if dried if became gold dust. She could have told them that. Her gold blood was where she got her money. Maybe she should tell them that you can gather it and make a solid gold bar. Probably not. Tithe had been the same. The young boy always bragged that his wounds healed almost instantly. It was much easier for him to hide his blood then for her.

As she scribbled over the parchment with her ballpoint pen she remembered her brother. For some reason it felt as if a part of him still needed her. Sometimes at night she felt his presence with her. He wasn't there to scare her and his presence was always something warm that she looked forward to. It felt more like he was supervising her. Making sure she was getting things done.

It felt like she hadn't been doing such a good job lately. However now she had solved a large gap and knew where to find her people. At that moment she decided that whether Spirit World allowed it or not she would go to that island. Her strength had returned and while she did not have the power to defeat any of her new friends, she could certainly out fly them.

She picked the map up quickly, too quickly. The paper cut her finger and a small droplet of blood dripped on the map. The map glowed a dark black before disintegrating in thin air. Katani stared for a moment in disbelief.

"Did the map just…?"

"Yes," Kurama said. "Well that puts a damper on things. What did you do?"

It surprised her that he wasn't angrier with her. Then again she had never seen his human side angry at much of anything.

"I got a paper cut and some blood dripped on the map. Well at least we know where the island is." Somehow his complete acceptance of her mishap made her fell worse then if he had shouted at her. "I'm so sorry, Kurama."

"Well it can't be helped. We got all the information out of it we could. Come on, let's get changed and meet with the others."

As they walked out of the research room and into real hotel rooms Katani's head began to bob up and down. She didn't get much sleep last night because of a dream that bothered her. But every time she woke Kurama was lying on the floor, his hand holding hers. It was very odd at first but the more she felt him the more she liked it until she dreaded his absence.

Kurama nodded to Katani before heading into his own room. He couldn't read her thoughts anymore. He only felt strong emotions like anger, sadness, or joy. After unlocking the map he had felt from her a great sadness, but only hours before he had felt something completely different. When he kissed her his whole body felt a flame. She too seemed to long for his touch, at least for that moment. But when he changed to his past self she instantly withdrew. During the night she had fought whatever feelings she had against him and began to open up. Had Yusuke not come in he might have had more time with her. He hated that scrawny human then.

Hearing her demand Yusuke's silence was painful. She was ashamed of her actions of being with him. Had she felt so alone that anyone would have been fine? But even the simple touch of his hand in hers made him long for her. Just to be near her was something he wanted. With her he could do things he couldn't before. She made his heart race and words flounder. It hurt to know she didn't feel the same.

His temper had flared when he saw her kiss Ty. He touched her the way he wanted to. How he wanted to kill him then and there for laying a hand on her. But she wasn't his to protect. He would be with her any way he could. The speech she had spoken did not go unheard. Though a new student to the language he grasped much. It eased his heart to hear her speak so honestly. I will never stop caring for you. He thought as he stepped into the shower.

Katani felt something in her mind. She was just about to take a bath when she felt it. It was a cord of thought that felt hot and powerful. The thought was so strong that she snapped her head up. Nothing was different. For the next hour she bathed, dressed, and prepared herself for the difficult task ahead.

Just as she was putting her blow-dried hair into a long braid there was a soft knock at her door.

"Come in." Katani called as she threw her newly stocked pack over her shoulder. Botan peeked her head in from behind the door. When she saw the coast was clear she stepped in.

"Are you guys finished?"

"Yes, we finished last night." Katani explained how they had deciphered the map only to loose it to her golden blood. "But we know exactly where it is," she added and gave Botan the location.

"Excellent! It's off the coast? That's odd. How are you planning on getting there?"

"We'll fly," Katani said. "I can carry myself and so can Kurama. Feer would have no trouble supporting Hiei and Kuwabara so long as you take Yusuke."

"That's a long way, can you handle it?" Botan looked doubtful.

Katani flared. "Yeah I can handle it! I flew from Tokyo to Osaka, I think I can fly over a little water."

"Okay, okay I have faith. Anyway the boys are upstairs. Hiei is getting cranky and Kuwabara wants to do something. Yusuke keeps smiling for some reason."

Katani dropped a book she was carrying. "He must have a fetish for clean sheets."

"I guess so… Well anyway let's go!" Botan grabbed Katani's hand and pulled her out in the hallway where Kurama stood waiting.