Chapter Twenty-one
Under Attack
"Attack! We're under attack! All forces to the west side of the village! Elderly and children to the river! All armed warriors gather! We're under attack!" A voice pierced the night air. Katani woke with a start. Kurama was alert as well. Outside the night air was aglow in orange flames.
"Oh my…" Katani gasped. The village was burning. She and Kurama jumped to their feet. Katani changed with lighting speed, not caring if Kurama saw. Outside the doors children screamed for their parents, fire crackled and hissed, warriors choked on their own blood. Katani whistled for Feer as she and Kurama ran as one to the front of the building. Yusuke and the others had gathered as well, each ready for battle.
Rayson looked to them all. "Lady Botan, I beg for you to guide those without arms to the river. There they will be safe as we drive the Phoenixes back."
"Of course," Botan summoned her oar.
"Wait!" Katani rushed forward and whispered the location of her former home to her, the valley with the waterfall and secret entrance. "They will be safer there, few know of it and even fewer can find it."
"Right. Be careful you guys." Botan called all to the hawk children and the elderly to gather around her.
Rayson called after her to reassure them she was leading them correctly. Once he had given the go ahead each one followed Botan closely, flying closely to the ground.
Yusuke rubbed his arm. "Guys ready? Shoot those birds out of the sky."
"The crest of their clan is on their breastplate. Look for the fire bird, that is their mark." Katani instructed. Her wings slid from her back. Hiei mounted Feer after a nod from Katani. Yusuke rode Ama and Kuwabara alighted Rook. Ty's white wings glowed as he brought them from his freshly cut back. Kurama shifted to become Yoko Kurama. Botan was gone so now the two had no choice but to fight together, despite their cuffed wrists.
"This will be an aerial battle. Forces like these are given one order, to kill. Destroy their commander and they may back down. Destroy whoever you find. There will be no mercy for attacking the little ones in their sleep." Rayson took to the sky with bow in hand. "Fly my forces!" He called to Hawk men and women. A loud cry rose from the group as some rushed to put out fires and others flew to the sky to attack the hawks.
Hiei and Feer were among the fastest. Feer flew by Hawks and Hiei fought with a blade. Within seconds it was stained gold. Yusuke and Ama fought the forces that sought after Botan's group and Kuwabara aided him. Ty teamed with Rayson. Ty's choppy hacking was in no way as fluent as Rayson's quick draws and sharp eye. The Hawk Prince used his arrows like daggers if the opponents drew to close. He dared not risk using magic, it had little effect on his own and took much strength.
Katani looked to Yoko, who nodded in consent. As one they flew into the thick of battle. Yoko's whip caught many Phoenixes while Katani's blade, Kail, leaped and sliced as if alive in her grip. Back to back they fought, wings working to keep them aloft while dodging. In these circumstances Katani didn't care if Yoko claimed this was an "anime". She was staying in the air no matter what it took. Despite their skill the Phoenixes were still many.
Together they searched for Katani's weakness. "Slay Mithril, the traitor!" They cried. A silver winged Phoenix dove from above with a large mace. He swung wildly at Katani. She managed to block with Kail just in time. The two strained against each other, strength even.
Katani muttered a few words and her opponent was caught in a flurry of air blades. Gold blood fell like rain but she was forced to fight on.
Rayson saw her use of magic from the corner of her eye. Inspired he tried the same. To his utter amazement, his spells worked. It was as if these Phoenix held no magic.
Yoko whispered a plan to her and she nodded. In one strong swing she threw Kail. The hungry blade bit into many of the soldiers as it flew. Katani then turned and held to Yoko while folding her wings.
Yoko spun his whip wildly in every arc and circle imaginable. The thorny rope cut everywhere a Phoenix flew and dozens were slain. He stopped just in time for Katani to regain her flight and catch Kail.
After such a heavy blow both were nearing exhaustion. The Phoenixes saw their weakness and rushed in. An arrow pierced Katani's left arm and a sword sliced Yoko's leg. They fought back best they could for over an hour but the number of foes kept growing.
"Yousda fusdse ralises!" Forces rally to me!
A large flock of hawks flew to Katani and Yoko. With their new allies the Phoenixes backed off a little bit. Ty also heard her call and even though he couldn't understand a word she said, the tone in her voice told him she was in danger. He hovered beside her and swung his scythe in wide arcs.
"I bring orders from Rayson. The Phoenix with orange hair is the leader, he flies near the edge and should be slain as soon as possible. The two of us were assigned."
"Right!" Katani spoke to Yoko and the three flew below the forces. Most of the fires had been doused but a few large buildings still blazed. One of these was done to a single smoldering beam. As Yoko and Katani flew forward the beam creaked and fell. Yoko screamed to Katani and pulled her aside. His wings were caught beneath the beam and the cuffs holding them together snapped under the strain.
"Get out of here!" He yelled to her.
"No, I can't just leave you here." She put all her weight against the beam. If mothers could life cars to save their children surely she could move this beam. Fragile hands clamped around the charred wood and she pushed with all her strength. To her anger the wood did not even budge.
"I can't remove my wings now, you must hurry before they see you! Get away!" He cracked his whip near her. Katani stepped back.
Ty came forward and started to pull her. "Come on, he'll be fine."
Katani looked at Yoko briefly before pulling her arm out of Ty's grip. "No," she said firmly, "I couldn't leave you behind, I'm not leaving him!" Katani saw another building burning dangerously close to Yoko. Smoldering debris was falling all around.
Katani swung Kail and cut the vine like fibers holding Yoko's wings on. She pulled him to her feet best she could and both ran just before a flaming roof fell in the spot they had been standing.
"Pegasi! Aidjie hud foejid!" Pegasi, give my friend wings!
A black Pegasi with white wings flew by. Yoko caught its mane and mounted. This scene attracted some pests. Katani and Ty flew in front, cutting a path. Both were gaining a large number of scratches and bruises to add to their severe injuries. Yoko lashed his whip at those Katani and Ty hadn't killed in one swipe. Within minutes they reached the edge of the Phoenix forces. Katani searched wildly for an orange haired flier. Her wrist finally free, she darted up and down in search without having to worry about anyone else.
Finally she saw him. A large man with wings like the sun flew high above his forces, issuing commands left and right. His orange hair fell freely on his shoulders. Katani ignored the shouts of Ty and flew to him.
She swung Kail down, hitting him from behind. An underhanded move but she didn't care. He was larger and stronger then her. She needed every edge she could get. The Phoenix was fast and dodged her blow without even seeing it. In a breath he was behind her, his gleaming long sword cut at her back. Katani screamed as the blade bit bone.
She muttered the air blade spell and the bubble ensnared him. Katani frowned we he broke the magic bubble with a prick of his finger. The magic had no effect, his speed was close to that of Hiei's and the others were too far behind to do anything about it. Katani struck with her sword and the two were ensnared in a fierce duel.
"Mithril, how long it has been? My, puberty has done wonders for you."
"Honno, keep that foul tongue behind your black teeth!"
"Rumors say you're here to reclaim your position. Thought we'd stop by to give you a welcoming party."
Katani sliced at his belly, Honno barely dodged in time. "My, a feisty one, aren't we. I trained you well."
"You taught me nothing but death. I will show you true terror!"
"He is waiting, he'll have you Mithril, dead or alive. The Swift One will make you his." He grinned. "One way or another." Katani screamed and shoved Kail straight at him. The blade sliced through his skull. Brain matter and gold blood fell to the ground below. Honno's limp body hit the trees with a crash.
The Phoenixes saw their leader fall. "Retreat!" They called. "To the Swift One!"
They flew back to their loft on the other side of the island. The hawks let out a cry of victory and settled to the ground. Wings of brown, tan, yellow, black, orange, white, silver, and the rare gold were folded. Katani was one of the few who stayed aloft. These warriors seemed to be holding their breath till the last Phoenix was out of site.
"Rest now, my cousin. We have won this fight." Rayson gently pat her on the shoulder. She was greatly shaken from her first battle. Her wise cousin took her hand and led her back to the ground.
Katani looked over the scattered remains of her allies and enemies. "As far as I'm concerned, no battle is a victory unless all survive."
"Cousin, that is unrealistic. We have saved many lives. All the children and elderly made it safely to the haven with the aide of your friend. Only three homes were burned with not but storage. These can easily be rebuilt. From the looks of things I'd say we only lost ten men or so. Your companions saved many lives today. I call that a victory." Rayson watched the last enemy fade away in the night. "Rest, we must change our plan. I will gather my top men and yours for a meeting tomorrow afternoon. Our attack is on hold."
"I want to help." Katani protested.
"I forbid it. You are one of the most injured. Take care of yourself. The baths will not heal your wounds, but it will clean them. Go and wash yourself and rest. I will not have my only kin die from infection."
Katani opened her mouth to protest but then she looked at Rayson. He, too, was exhausted. Cuts littered his fine garb and bags hung beneath his eyes. Even with all this, he looked incredibly beautiful. Well, as beautiful as a man can look. What she saw most was his worry. Here he was, with so many responsibilities and he was looking after her. The best thing she could do to help would be to get out of his way and follow orders.
"Yes, Rayson," she said and bowed slightly.
Ama and Rook flew next to Katani, their backs bare. Feer also glided to meet her, Hiei still with him.
"Katani, well met." Rook and Ama chimed in the ancient speech.
"May the wind bear us home," she greeted in return. To Hiei she said, "How are you?"
"Hn, this was nothing. The birds fell like crows." He smirked. "I really expected more of a fight."
"I have a theory."
"Oh?"
"I suspect these troops were acting of their own accord. Had the Swift One ordered this attack the troops would have been far stronger, and more coordinated. These Phoenixes were weak, mediocre at best, and scattered after the death of their leader."
"Yes, but their numbers were great."
"That doesn't seem to fit. From my knowledge of this place our numbers have always been few. That is why it is law that we marry of our own kind. Something about them doesn't sit well with me. It was almost as if they had been mindless drones acting through the will of a single puppet master." Hiei's gaze held on the spot where the last Phoenix had fled.
"I hope you are mistaken or else the siege will be much more difficult then expected." Hiei nodded in agreement. Katani mounted behind Hiei and folded her wings.
"How has he been flying?"
"Fine." Hiei was not one to carry on a conversation.
"He has a wound on his foreleg so don't push him."
Katani told Feer to take them to their home.
Botan arrived soon after a scout had been sent to assure her all was well. Once she steeped back into the home she glanced at Katani's wrist. "You broke it?"
She held her broken cuff in the air. It still was clamped firmly around her wrist. "I don't see Kurama on the other end, do you?"
"Haha. Darn, I'd really hoped it would have lasted longer. Oh well, nothing to be done now. It draws power only when absorbing energy and that's why it broke so easily."
"Easily? I tried for an hour to break it off. I even struck it with my sword. Don't even begin to say that it broke easily."
"Alright, fine. But here, let me take it off fully."
Katani held her wrist out for Botan. With a single word the cuff broke in half and dissolved into a light dust. Katani rubbed her wrist happily. "Thank goodness."
"Have you seen any of the boys?" Botan asked.
"No and I don't plan to. I've dealt with enough stress tonight, thanks. Hey, you want to take a bath? We're not fighting tomorrow and I'm covered in filth."
"You sure are."
"Two baths in one night. I can't believe we're making such use out of that hot spring."
"I can't believe the Prince put such a thing in there. I mean it's as if he knew we were coming."
"He did, Botan. They all did."
They slipped into the changing rooms quietly and changed quickly. Katani left her battle suit on the table so she could clean it later. This time she changed into a simple bath suit the Hawks devised. The material was light and airy, almost like a slip. Once both girls were changed they walked eagerly to the bath.
"Oooohhh, this feels great!" Botan cried as she stepped in the steamy water.
"Shh! If anyone hears us they'll come in here!" Katani cautioned.
"Why so uptight?"
"I just don't want to be bothered."
"By?"
"By anybody! I've had enough going on lately. A few hours boiling myself will be nice." Katani washed her face.
The girls soaked in the tub for a good half hour. The bath was dark and they could hear the voices of those from outside. Hawks called to each other to move debris and burn the bodies. Rayson's voice was the loudest of all.
"Bring that bandage over here. Restore the main frame with oak. Emma, I want you to take Carter to the doctor." He shouted orders at each of them, telling all where to go. From the heavy footsteps she could tell no pair of hands was being wasted. It made her feel even more guilty that she wasn't out there helping.
Katani took a clean cloth and ran it over her hand cuts and scrapes. One wound looked quite serious. Just above the right side of her hip a Phoenix had managed to hit her with a javelin. The wound was still bleeding and she knew it would be best to find a doctor but she didn't feel like getting out of the warm water. Besides, it was almost three in the morning and much more injured then her were in need. To improvise she applied a waterproof adhesive the Hawks had devised. Botan gasped at the wound but Katani just smiled softly and Botan said nothing more.
In half an hour the noise died down and everyone seemed to go back to sleep. The only change was that Hawks took turns watching the area from the sky. Katani knew this because she heard Rayson order David and Edward to take the first shift. She promised herself she would visit the brothers before the battle to see how they were.
"I think I'll go to bed. Will you be okay, Katani?"
"Yeah, hey great job today Botan. You saved many lives, you have my personal gratitude."
Botan beamed, Katani could read her expression even in the darkness. "Thanks, Katani. That means a lot to me. I haven't been useful in battle that often…"
"I'm sure if we gave you something like a sword or-"
"Can I have a bat?"
"A bat?"
Botan shrugged her shoulders. "I have experience."
"Alright. Tomorrow I will equip you with the best bat on the island."
"Whoot!" Botan shouted.
Katani hushed her and Botan apologized hastily before bowing and leaving the bath.
Completely alone, Katani gazed up at the night sky. The stars shone with a radiance she had never seen at home. It looked as if someone had spilled diamonds over a black velvet sheet. The moon was just starting to hide itself, for the full moon had been tomorrow. The moon's startling light reminded her of Yoko Kurama's silver hair. It had flowed like quicksilver as they fought side by side, back to back really. From all her fears she had expected him to be terrifying, but he was just the opposite. His fighting style was more rugged and quick yet it did not lack all the grace of Kurama's. Though his attitude was by far hastier and easily aggravated. Katani remembered how he had lashed the whip at her in getting her to back off. True, he was trying to help her in a way, but Kurama would have looked her square in the eyes.
"Go." Was all he would have said, and she would have done it too. How do I know all this? I can't remember all the things we were but I can predict his movements and actions. She resolved that there was no denying some history existed. Whether that had been love or friendship she was not sure. Whether she wanted it again she was not sure. Whether she was sure of anything she was not sure. Sure, that may not make sense, but to her it sure did.
Katani let herself slide under the water. At its deepest point the bath was five feet. Here she let herself drift. Only the barest amount of oxygen was kept in her lungs so she would sink to the bottom. The water felt too hot to open her eyes so she just laid there in the darkness. Surrounded by heat and warmth she ran the last days events her mind. So many things had happened all at once. Meeting Rayson, having her mind cleansed, spending time with Kurama, watching a match with Yusuke, being stuck to Kurama, and fighting a battle with the Phoenixes had all happened in the course of twenty-four hours. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. She thought.
Then her mind carried her to Kurama's kiss after his fight with Ty. It wasn't like him to be so bold. Had his fight with Ty caused him to be more aggressive? She had to admit, thinking about that moment sent a shiver through her body even in the near boiling water. Just as she was comparing the two boys she heard a foot hit the water, and then a second. Someone else was coming in.
Katani froze and waited, hoping no one could see here. In this darkness it was unlikely. At it's deepest the pool was eight feet and grew shallower at the sides. But some one with Hiei or Kuwabara's senses could sense her a mile away. "You give off energy like a bonfire. One cannot help but see your light, even if they're in another dimension." Hiei had told her once. She had tried to learn to control how much energy she emitted, like Yusuke, but had failed miserably. The only thing she could mentally hide was her mind, and even that could be penetrated.
The water was still. Maybe it was Botan again, or Ty. Katani couldn't wait any longer. Slowly, she floated to the top, as far away from the sound as she could, and let only her eyes show. With luck the other person wouldn't even notice her in the less then appropriate bath suit she was wearing.
She saw a young man with blonde hair and hazel eyes relaxing in the shallow end of the bath. Katani let out bubble of air in relief, only Ty. His new Hawk ears picked up the sound and he turned. Katani gasped, swallowing bath water in the process. No hiding it now as she choked and gagged. Ty started laughing at her embarrassment at being caught.
"Not as slick as you thought?" He teased.
"Oh, bite me." She splashed him.
Ty growled slightly. "How hard and where?"
"You sicko!" Katani splashed harder.
"Quiet, you'll wake the others." He whispered.
"Right, sorry." Katani swam so she was sitting next to him. Now that she was exposed she might as well try and make something off it.
Ty slid his hand into hers. "I've missed you, Kitty. I never get to see you anymore."
"I'm sorry. I've missed you too." And she did. He was the only link to her partially normal life now and she didn't want to let that go.
"Have you thought things through? Are you going to leave me for that red headed queer?"
"Ty… Be nice." She simmered inwardly at the insult, and she couldn't understand exactly why. "I still don't know much now. It's hard to make a decision when you don't have all the information."
"Well then the sooner you get your memory back the better." He looked straight at her. "I don't want to lose you, I love you. And I know if I don't find the right words to show just how much you mean to me, I'll lose you. Then where will that leave me?" He lifted her hand and kissed it softly, still holding his eyes on her.
"Ty…"
"I'll do anything to prove how much you mean to me Kitten. Anything. I will scale Mt. Fuji or swim all the way to China to show you how I feel. Just give me a chance before ending what we have."
Do we have anything at all? "Alright. I have something that you can do."
"Anything."
"Don't say that so quickly. You might not be so willing after I say it."
"I don't care. I will go through anything to keep you."
"Then I want you to apologize to Kurama, and be civil with him, and allow the two of us to spend time together without going all macho."
Ty looked as if a bus had hit him. "What?"
"I didn't think so." She pulled her hand away. It was silent for a moment. It was as if he was balancing it all in his mind.
"I'll do it."
Now it was Katani's turn to be stunned.
"The next time I see him I will apologize for my behavior. Would that truly make you happy?"
"He means a lot to me. I'm not saying you don't, but he's been there for me for a lot. Not just today, I can tell he's cared about me for a while."
"Its because he's in love with you!"
"I know, but I feel we were friends for a while before hand. Don't ask me how I know. I just feel it. Like hearing the melody of a song from when you were a child but not being able to name it."
"Well I've been in love with you from the moment I saw you."
"Liar! That was years ago! I was wearing dirty jeans, a stained white t-shirt, and my hair looked like a crow's nest. The only reason Jonathon even hired me was because I had a beautiful colt he was hoping I'd eventually sell and I knew a thing or two about horses."
"You did look scraggly. But there was a swan hidden beneath all of that. Look how you've developed." Katani realized what he meant and hid herself in deeper water. "But still, you remember? I thought I was the only one who still knew that day."
"Ty, with your looks and charm you could have anyone you want-"
"Thank you." He grinned.
"but why do you insist on chasing me?"
"I don't want anyone, Kitten. I want you." He ran a hand through her damp hair. Katani was caught in his eyes. What kind of girl would she have been if that speech didn't stir her a little? "And wow, do you look hot wet."
"See, Ty, just when I was beginning to think how romantic you are you go and say something like that."
"I can't help but observe." His hand slid to the small of her back. Katani expected him to kiss her and she tensed herself. Instead he just pulled her forward and wrapped his other arm around her as well. "I love you." He hugged her tightly. "Stay strong, Kitty. Cry no more."
"I won't."
He released her. "Promise?"
"I swear it." He stood and walked to the edge of the bath. "Sleep well, Kitty."
"Remember your promise too!"
"I will." He waved goodbye and disappeared behind the sliding screen.
Katani thought about getting out. The sun would rise in a couple hours and she should get some sleep. But the water was so soothing she dare not. On a whim, she left the bath only for a moment to retrieve the mare's milk from he room. A quick sip of that and she could stay up another day.
Re-energized, and starting to shiver, Katani let herself slip back into the bath. Her eyes closed and she sighed softly.
"Lovely water, is it not?" A deep voice purred.
"Holy sh-!" She felt her heart beat wildly against her rib cage. Her eyes snapped open and Yoko Kurama sat against the opposite wall, grinning at her. "Don't… do… that… again… ever!" She took a few deep breaths. "I hate it when people sneak up on me!"
"It was you who snuck up on me."
"I was here first! I just left to get something."
He chuckled. "Alright then, I apologize for scaring you."
"As well you should. Apology accepted." She folded her arms across her chest and stared defiantly at him. Thankfully the barriers in her mind were still up. Hopefully they were enough to keep their blood connection weak.
"You fought well today, Katani."
"Thanks, but I don't need you to tell me that." Her mind screamed: CAUTION. Fear was strong in her but she felt Ark's old influence on the scattered bits of memory and shrugged them away.
"My aren't we testy. Sleep would be good for you." Yoko's slanted gold eyes shone like two small suns in the darkness. He truly resembled a fox with his big pointy ears. Katani tried to keep her eyes averted from his bare chest and strong arms.
"I was about to say how nice it is to see you but I guess I'm not the only one who forgets."
"I did not forget the time we spent together today. How could I?" He swam forward and pulled her over to him. "You smell lovely." He buried his face in her hair.
Katani felt her body tingle as his warm breath hit her shoulders. She must keep her defense up. "And you don't." She teased. Yoko was still covered in ash and gold blood from the battle.
"I did come here to bathe." He splashed her before diving under the water. Katani held back a screech and searched the black water for a shadow or ripple, anything to give her a hint of his presence. The water was perfectly still. Katani moved to the edge, the water up to her chest, and tried to stay still as well.
The calm was shattered when she felt someone pull at calves. Katani yelped as Yoko pulled her beneath the water. She slid to the bottom and was forced to open her eyes. Far be it if Yoko should sneak up on her once again. It was her turn to play. On her belly she swam near the bottom. Yoko was in the deepest part of the bath, washing the grime from his hair and body. Katani swam quietly behind him and on impulse, placed her lips his shoulder. Yoko spun around and seized her. The fabric of her garment floated gently in the bath.
Katani saw where his gaze was and quickly placed a hand over his eyes. Yoko grinned and placed his over hers as well before kissing her. He didn't need to see her for that. Katani pulled back. Whether or not they had a history she didn't know. But she didn't want him to so boldly touch her like that. Pushing away she swam to the surface and opposite side of the pool.
"You are so cruel." Yoko said when he resurfaced.
Katani put her hands over her chest and giggled. "Some people like a little tease."
"I'd rather have you in my arms then playing games, Katani."
"You have to earn it first."
"Evil woman, what have I ever done to earn such harsh treatment?" Yoko swam behind her and placed her in his lap. Katani felt his sharp nails as he rested his hands on her shoulders. Gently he massaged her with strong hands. Katani relaxed at his touch. The cramps she had developed from the battle vanished instantly under his touch. "Have I earned a kiss from you?"
"What do you think this is? You can't just rub my shoulders or sweet-talk me. I'm not in love with you, remember?"
"That hurt."
"Sorry, I'm not there."
"But you want to be. I see the same look in your eyes that I have. You want me as much as I want you. Your mind just needs a few seconds to catch up to your heart,"
"Ooooo, mister man thinks he's got me all figured out."
"Then pull away." He kissed her again.
Just to spite him she did but stayed in his lap. "I have too many questions." She said.
"Well then let us play a game."
"I thought you didn't like to play."
"Obviously you're more stubborn then I thought so I'll have to seduce you first."
"Wow, I can see what a deep and meaningful relationship we had."
"What is any relationship without passion? To know another better then you know yourself; that is true love. You knew me once, and I will make it so again."
"How so?"
"You say you're full of questions, ask me. For every question you ask I will ask one ask well. If you cannot or will not answer you owe me a kiss."
"Sounds an awful lot like some drinking game in a cheap bar."
"Where do you think I got the idea, my Katani?"
"I'm not-"
"Yes, I know that. You belong to no one. Will you play or not, Katani?"
"Of course. My first question is this: Do you love me as much as your other side, or less?"
"I love you. There is your answer. My current body is still me, just in a different form. I love you, with all that I am."
He was so charming and very hot. Katani moved to sit across from him now. "Fine, your go."
"Do you prefer this body, or my other?"
"What?"
"Which form is more appealing to you? Is that easier to understand?"
"What does that have to do with getting to know me?"
"It's my turn now. Answer the question."
"I refuse."
"That is an answer in itself." Yoko pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. His hand wandered to her shoulder and slid down. Katani pulled away before he could go any further. "That was mean."
"You said kiss! Not feel up!"
"You're sense of direction is horrible. I was feeling down, not up. If you like, I can show you the difference."
Katani ignored him and continued, determined to answer each question he threw at her from now on. "Have you ever been in love before?"
Yoko sighed. "Before you there were various affairs,-" Oh, great. "but they had no depth to them. No, I have never been in love before this. Have you ever dreamed about me and if so what was the dream?"
"That's two questions."
"So you refuse?"
"No." Katani could see she would have to be careful playing with this fox. "Yes, I've dreamed about you, both sides of you. The dream I remember most clearly had your human form." Katani looked at the black water. "I was falling, from a cliff or something like that. You caught me and set me safely on the ground. Before the dream faded you muttered something in the ancient tongue, I can't remember what."
"I see."
"Alright, is your human form, because I don't think there's the slimmest chance that your other form is, a virgin?"
"Unfortunately yes, but that could change at any time." He blinked at her.
"You are such a pervert when you're like this!"
"Not really, a pervert would not care who he's with. I see only you."
"I know you are Kurama, only he could take something like that and make it romantic."
"It is a curse, really. Have you ever wished to run and never look back?"
Katani blinked in surprise, that question actually had depth to it. "Yes." She didn't bother to explain. "Do you want to spend the night with me?"
"No."
"Huh?"
"I do not want to take you like this. When I am with you, I want it to be because you remember and feel how I feel. I've had enough meaningless experiences to know. Yet, it would be hard to say no."
Katani wasn't sure whether she believed him or not.
"Are you going to fall in love with me again?" Kurama folded his arms behind his head.
Katani tried to speak but no words came out. If she were truly honest with herself she would say something was happening inside her right now. Whether that feeling was love she could not be sure.
"Another refusal?"
Katani leaned on Yoko kissed his neck slowly, making her way to his lips. She felt his skin shiver slightly and that pleased her. Just as he was about to reach for her, she pulled away. How fun he was to tease. "Your human side, when were you born?"
"July 29. Why do you tease me?"
"Because it's fun. If I told you I would be happier with Ty then you, what would you say?"
A fire lit in Yoko's eyes. "I would refuse to let you go. I know what you really want, it is not a stable boy or some gold blood, it's me. Will you let me hold you?"
Katani thought for a moment. He was strong and rough but at the same time the way he held her was so gentle. "Yes." She answered and let him pull her in. The warmth of his touch made the bath feel lukewarm. "What is your fondest memory?"
"That honor belongs to my other side. It was when you and I spent time deciphering the map to this Island. You and I were so close to one another. I cherish that." He ran a hand over her neck. "And you?"
Katani thought. "Finding my people. Knowing I wasn't the only one in the world like this." She rested her head on his chest. "Also spending time with my friends is dear to me. I am longing to lie down, even though I am not tired a soft bed would feel so nice."
"Yes, I agree. Dawn is not far off. The others will be asleep by now, even your pigeon cousin."
"Hey, be nice. Well I'm getting out. This was fun, we won't be doing it again for a while." Katani stood and exited the bath. Yoko watched her.
"I love your attire. The way the fabric clings to you is pleasant." He left the water and stood beside her, handing her a towel. "You should be more modest."
"Oh, am I in trouble?"
"Yes, here's your punishment." Yoko kissed her hard and ran a hand over her chest and lower back. Katani didn't fight him. When he stopped a minute later she blushed. "Maybe your memories aren't as buried as you thought. Remember the feel of my body against yours, for it is real. Come on, I'm tucking you in."
"What am I, five?"
"No, I just want to spend every second I can with you."
Katani changed behind a screen door into cotton pajamas and a very heavy robe that covered every inch of her before allowing Yoko to walk her to her futon in the girls room. Botan slept in the corner, not making a sound. Katani slid under the covers and Yoko vanished before her eyes. The red haired, soft spoken Kurama showed himself once more.
"I apologize for my boldness." He blushed at once.
"I do too. But you are very sexy." The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.
Kurama smiled, it was the smile same Yoko had. "As are you. Goodnight, Katani."
"Goodnight, Kurama. Wait," She grabbed his shirt as he was standing. Kurama knelt back down.
"Yes?"
Katani pulled him to her and kissed him more passionately then she had kissed Ty or Yoko. After a long moment she broke away. "Don't let me forget that." She whispered in his ear.
He looked happier then she had seen him that day. "I will not. Sleep soundly." His hand lingered on hers. As he rose he still held her hand. Both wrists bore slight marks from the handcuffs that had bound them together. As he pulled away they both held, until his fingertips slipped from her hand.