Chapter Twenty-Four

Week of Fear

Kurama cut down the last Phoenix with his Rose Whip. The mission had been a success and they now knew some of the secrets behind the Phoenix power. Knowledge would be their best defense against an enemy like alleged Swift One.

He and the others trekked the miles back to the Hawk village. The going was slow because of the storm but it provided them with cover as they escaped. His wounds were deep but he managed to push him self just enough to make it to the doctor with his wounded comrades. Yet his physical pain was nothing compared to the wave of confusion and fear he had felt from Katani. He had wanted to stop in the middle of battle and race back to her. Whatever she was going through had shaken her. Rayson had felt it too, but it was less for him since none of her blood was within him. A look of fear had flickered across his face. Kurama recognized the look. He shared the look of one with a constant fear that had finally been realized. Had he known something was going to happen to her?

Kurama and two other wounded Hawks entered the doctor's building. The house was almost empty, most of the were well enough to go home. They did not have to see the horrors of war.

"I need to see her." Kurama whispered to the doctor. He didn't speak low because he felt a sense of secrecy. His tone was low because that was all he had the strength to say. "Take me to Katani." He could feel her presence here. The doctor tried to check his wounds but he pulled away from her. "Take me to Katani, please." The doctor nodded after a moment and led him to one of the smaller rooms. Katani lay asleep in one of the beds near the window. "Has she been hurt?"

"There was a wound on her side that I cannot heal but that has been with her for a while. Also her hand was covered in cuts but these too were minor lacerations and didn't require stitching. From what I can gather she is in shock. I found her in a trance like state. She claimed to see a ghost," Kurama started. Had Tithe come after her? The doctor continued. "I fear the time of trial has started for her. Things will begin to change. She should wake soon. I gave her some painkillers and she can leave with you if she chooses. Take care of her, Lord Kurama. In all honesty, I believe she is being haunted by a spirit." She bowed and left him alone.

Kurama's heart filled with pain at the sight of her. She seemed to be in a nightmare for her eyelids twitched and she was moaning slightly. He pulled a chair to her bed and held her hand. He would sit with her all day if he had to. His blood stained clothes and open wounds were nothing now. He could heal on his own.

"Yoko..." she gasped. Her fingers tightened over his hand. "Kurama..." Her bright blue eyes snapped open. The beat of her heart quickened as she saw him.

Kurama gently stroked her hand. "It is alright."

Katani's breathing slowly returned to normal. If she were going to do anything against him she couldn't let him know. If she wanted to get close to him she would need him to think she felt safe with him. But could she really deceive someone so smart? Yet looking at him now she didn't think she could kill him. Would she? Her mind was a tumble of thoughts. She would take Tithe's advice and use the week to make a decision. For now she could wait and try to judge his actions with a clear mind. "Kurama." His name rolled easily off her tongue, easier then she would have liked.

"Katani," he smiled at her.

"You're hurt," she whispered.

"No, I'll be fine. I'm worried about you. What happened? Did you see your brother? Is he after you?"

"How did you know?" Katani wondered if he had anticipated Tithe would try to stop his spell, or maybe he was just being his usual brilliant self.

"The night you lost your memories he came to me. He has been the one taking me from you."

"I know, he told me."

"...I see. What else did he say?"

Katani shook her head. "I can't talk about it right now. I just need some time."

"I understand."

Katani couldn't see his eyes. He stood up.

"No!" She held his hand tightly. "Stay, please. I don't want to be alone." Kurama looked surprised. "I need you, Kurama. Don't desert me now." It was fake, it had to be. She made herself call him back. She would do what she had to for her people. That's what she told herself.

"Never." For the first time she could remember his eyes glistened with tears. Yet his face was composed as he spoke to her. "I will never leave you." He kissed the top of her head. This was taking as much a toll on him as her. Anger filled him as he thought of the things Tithe must have said to her. He knew that damned ghost would stop at nothing to keep them apart. Yet here they were. His hope felt like a single flickering candle in the midst of a rainstorm. At any moment it could extinguish.

Katani could feel the confusion in her heart. In times of hardship she did what she was always taught to stay calm, she shut down. Her heart was closed and she thought logically. But not even logic could help her now. Maybe Kurama was too shaken to feel it, but her brother was still here. He glared at Kurama from the window. Kurama glared back at him and purposely held Katani's hand tighter. Tithe forced his wounds to stretch and tear. Kurama cried out in pain.

"Kurama?" Katani's voice trembled. "What's wrong?" his warm blood dripped to the floor. "Stop it!" She sat up and commanded the ghost with authority she didn't know she had. "You will not harm him ever again! Vanish!"

For a moment it seemed as if her command had no effect. The room was engulfed with a fierce wind and furniture began to shake. But then it ceased. Instantly the presence vanished and the room was as it was.

"I love you." his voice was barely audible. "I will not walk away even if Casper and all his friends come at me."

Katani felt more blood pool on the sheets. She made to get up; he had to be healed soon. Despite herself she was beginning to admire him. If this was a ruse, it was a very good one.

Kurama pulled her down. "Don't."

"I have to wrap your wounds. I would heal them with my blood but..." she didn't want to say she couldn't afford to let him hear what she was thinking. It was easy to pull away from him, he was so weak. Katani ignored her own wound and pulled gauze and peroxide from the shelves. The doctor was still busy with the new arrivals and would not know how to properly heal red blooded wounds. After Kurama lay on his back she removed his shirt and mechanically dressed the wounds. It took her best efforts not to cry out seeing his torn skin. She then had him stand while she changed the sheets. In minutes a fresh bed was made. Kurama had tried to help but she pushed him away. Whatever Tithe had done to him seemed to linger. Again she lay under the covers and Kurama lay on top of them beside her. Initially she felt panic but knew she needed him to think she trusted him. This thought made her stay still.

"What if Rayson comes in and sees us like this?" Katani muttered.

"Then he can burn in hell."

Katani gasped, he never spoke so bluntly, it just wasn't like him.

"I apologize."

"No. Just hold me. Hold me and say everything will be alright."

"Everything will be alright."

Katani clung to him and listened as his breathing slowly deepened. After a while his chest rose and fell in a slow rhythm. He slept covered in wounds as she lay wide awake.

Hiei. Hiei. she reached.

What is it? he responded after a moment. Why did he always have to be in such a foul mood?

I'm at the doctors with Kurama. We're both pretty banged up. This may sound strange but will you make sure Rayson or the others don't come unless it's you or Yusuke? I know you probably have other-

Sure, I'll take care of it.

Really? That's kind of you.

Hiei's thoughts rose and fell, almost like a telepathic sigh. I can't say no after your voice has shaken like that. Don't make something of it.

Sorry, she severed their connection. Best to quit while she still had a head whenever dealing with Hiei. The rain was coming down harder then ever. Suddenly she realized she had the opportunity Tithe had been speaking of. Here she was, alone with a sleeping Kurama. He was already injured, badly. It would be easy to kill him and blame it on his already existing injuries. Almost involuntarily her hand crept to her necklace. The metal felt warm from hanging against her neck. She fingered it slowly, contemplating whether she could act or not.

Suddenly he stirred and Katani jumped. His hand slid into hers and he gave it a single squeeze. Inwardly she cursed. Now was not the time. She still had unanswered questions. She had to ask him about the journal. That was why she didn't kill him the evening. At least, that's what she told herself.

A couple days later Katani was aiding the doctor in mending the last Hawk warrior from the previous night's skirmish. The final battle was growing near, both forces agreed on the date. Yusuke and Rayson had spent many hours discussing strategy. Katani could always tell when they were done. The young Spirit Detective always came out of the conference room rubbing his forehead with a tired look in his eyes. The Hawk Princess had done her best to assure him. Often Yusuke came to her for help translating what Rayson had said. Now the battle was only a couple days away. Out of worry for the battle and as a source of distraction Katani trained harder and longer then ever before.

The young warriors had clashed with her at first but now she had risen to fight some of the most seasoned warriors, even Rayson himself. Many marveled at her skills for they grew each day. Now that she was back in her environment with the proper training methods her potential had been tapped. She studied spells and strategy in the morning and assisted the doctor in the evening. At night she fought till exhaustion took her and sleep came easily. Had her dreams not been plagued by Tithe's ghostly shadow she would not have pushed herself so hard. Every night she saw his shadow whisper to her of what needed to be done. Yoko chased her and killed her over and over in her dreams. Yet if she pushed herself, fought so hard that she nearly collapsed by the end of the day, she could sleep a deep sleep empty of dreams.

Day and night she went out of her way to avoid him. After that day spent in his arms she could not bear to look at him without being reminded of it. Over the past few days she had sparred with each member of the team, except for him, once more and even Hiei commented on her progress. You may not be such a useless woman after all. He had said. Katani had thrown a few rocks at him for that remark. Your aim is useless, however. That short jerk could really get at her sometimes. It had even helped her stress to press her blade against Yusuke's throat after an exceptionally long spar. That had made her day. What pleased her most in the midst of this hurricane was her growing relationship with her people. Most called her Katani now and she knew almost all by name. They regarded her highly for never had a Lady, or princess as they often called her, put so much into the welfare of her people. Ty seemed to be fitting in too. The Hawks were starting to accept him, even though he was a turncoat, a fire blood turned golden.

After seeing Cove, Ty discovered his transformation was limited. As the red blood in him began to take his newfound strength would slowly fade. It didn't bother him as much as Katani would have thought. "I'll get to go back to my family. I won't have to hide things from them. I saw how much trouble you went through hiding your secret. Besides, as long as I can fight in the battle with you I don't care if I'm normal in a few weeks."

Katani had smiled at his reply. He wasn't such a bad guy after all. It didn't bother him nearly as much as it used to if she spent some time with the other Hawk men. Though he made it clear he still considered Katani his girl. She tried not to pull away from him but it became increasingly difficult each day. This, and other things, made her decide to end things with him after the Great Battle. Either way she was going to end up alone. Kurama would die at her hand if she was right in her assumptions. She had already decided that much. But if he proved her wrong, if by some chance he passed her expectations he would live and she would go against her brother. Her feelings were buried under everything she had to do. So many things were more important then her feelings. The next day she would dance for the dead. Rayson had talked her into it.

He had graciously shown her the steps and played the piano while she practiced. It took some swift talking to get him to do it. Now more then ever he was telling her to stop pushing herself. But he didn't see what she heard at night when the stars failed to shine and she was all alone in a room filled with the wrath of an angry spirit.

But now was the final day for preparations and Rayson had let her into his home for one final practice.

"Move your arms more, cousin. This is not merely a dance. It is a tribute to the fallen. Your entire body must tell the story of their lives. Start over."

"There's only two hours left till bedtime! I still have to bathe and change and-"

"Start over."

Katani sighed and let her hands fall to her sides before Rayson began playing.

An hour later he released her. Back at the guest house she found only Botan sitting at the dinner table. Confused, Katani sat next to her. Things were no longer tense between them. She had done her best to make amends for her snappy attitude a couple days ago.

"Where is everyone?" she asked.

Botan slid a tuna fish sandwich on a plate over to her. "They left to make sure things at home were fine. Yusuke's telling his Mom he's not dead, Kuwabara's doing the same with his sister. Kurama is checking in with his Mother too. They said they'd be back in time for your dancing thing. I saw them take off on some horses a while ago."

"What about Hiei?" Katani said between bites.

"He's doing something, I don't know. Maybe he's up a tree again. But you know what I thought would be fun?"

Katani choked on her dinner. "No!" she shouted. "I'm not playing another one of your games."

Botan looked crestfallen. "Why would you say that? Didn't you think they were fun?"

"Fun? Is it fun when you have Yusuke grabbing your butt the next day saying, 'Why don't we finish what we started?' ? No it's not!"

Botan waved her hands in the air in surrender. "Okay, okay, no games. How about just some girl talk?"

"Girl talk?"

And so they spent the next few hours in the hot spring. Katani let the hot water ease and massage her muscles. Water had never felt so good. While Botan talked she rubbed the soles of her feet and the spot near where her wing joints were whenever she flew. The dance was taking its and she hadn't even performed yet. It would be her luck if she collapsed on stage.

The next afternoon Katani raced through the only shower in the village and changed into the Dancer's Robe. The flowing garment was one of the oldest things the island offered. It was said that a whole battle had been fought over the robe and the Hawks had the original. The thing reached past Katani's knees and just floated above the floor. It was made from the lightest fabric woven of silk and Pegasi mane. The sleeves stopped at her wrist and were slightly billowed. With this simple style it emphasized the movements of her arms and hands. Around her waist and chest the fabric clung, dancers were always female. When it reached her hips the fabric spread and gave her legs room to move. The neck and shoulders were exposed but thankfully no cleavage could be seen. Katani had been worried about that and made sure of it before consenting to dance. She didn't need to be gawked at for her body; she wanted people to understand why she did this. Her long blonde hair was shining and a couple strands were curled. For earrings she wore only studs. Her neck was bare save a light spray of jasmine to soothe her nerves. The dance would be performed barefoot across a marble stage. She would even use her wings in the act. The back of the dress was open for this very purpose. Katani still had the jagged scar but hopefully no one could see that once her wings were released. No other Hawk or even Phoenix had such a scar for their transformation had been natural. Tonight she would dance and then she would test Kurama. How this evening played out would change everything.

In the mirror she saw Tithe's ghost. As much as it pained her she had taken to ignoring him if he happened to see her during the day. If she let herself talk to him and he kept pressuring her, her body could not handle it.

Rayson knocked lightly on the door. Katani sighed as Tithe's ghost vanished.

"Come in."

The Hawk Prince gasped. "You look beautiful, Mithril."

She thanked him and turned. The gown went with her, gliding through the air.

"I have something for you. A present, or apology if you will, for pushing so hard." The gentle bowman's hands reached into his pocket. "Turn around."

She obliged and watched from the mirror as he clasped a necklace around her. Katani fingered the cool metal. A single Hawk with wings outstretched was amazingly detailed in gold. "Torid, the Hawk Legend." She whispered.

"Very good. I noticed you took off Kail for this dance so I give you the most powerful weapon our people have. If in need call on him, he will protect you if I can't."

Katani hugged him. "Thank you. For everything."

"You're welcome. You know I only want what's best for you?"

"Yes. But sometimes try to understand where I'm coming from."

Rayson let her go. "I can do that. Now go, it is time." His navy blue cape seemed suspended as he left.

Katani looked in the mirror once more. I can do this, she thought. Yet despite herself she began to worry. The thought of failing or dishonoring the dead scared her. Her palms began to palpitate.

Another knock. "Come in."

It was Yusuke. He looked her up and down for a long moment. "Nice."

"I look okay?"

"Hell yeah." He held out an arm for her and she took it. "That sparrow cousin of yours asked me to escort you to the hall."

"Thanks. If you hadn't come along I probably would have stood there for another ten minutes."

"Nervous?"

"I'm so nervous I could die," her arm shook slightly. Yusuke pat it reassuringly.

"Look," he said once they reached the hall. "There are things far worse then death, believe me. You can do this, I watched you practice."

"You what?"

"Uh, I mean I have confidence in you! So see you after the dance, bye!" Yusuke sprinted off.

Katani sighed but did feel better after talking to him.

Five minutes later she stood on the cool marble stage outdoors. The sun was in front of her and sitting on the ocean. Its orange and gold light illuminated her naturally. Rayson took his seat at the piano and every voice in field quieted. Katani closed her eyes and began the dance. She was just practicing with Rayson again, and a few of her friends had come to watch. As she glided across the stage she kept herself calm with that thought. The only thing she was aware of was the hard marble and the song Rayson played. Her hands were before her, guiding her way with supple motions. The Dancer's Robe floated gracefully about her. Her two large wings were opened to their fullest and made soft fluttering sounds as she danced. It was like the sound of two silk sheets rubbing against each other. She couldn't see it, but in the light every feather shone like a link of golden mail. The music climbed and she felt the weight of the souls on her. Would she further add to the body count? A part of her felt like breaking down at the thought. In her mind she could see the hot red blood spill over the wet grass. It made her sick and to the audience she looked truly in pain for the dead. As the song reached its climax Katani muttered a spell in Gilian. Small steps of air were created in front of her, invisible to all. For the first time she opened her eyes and rose a few feet on the soft steps. Before her the whole village sat, watching in awe. Katani folded her wings about her and called the name of each fallen. To the amazement of her people she recited each Hawk and Phoenix killed in the battle. "May you all rest in peace." She finished.

Her wings opened once more. Torid, her pendant, began to glow and levitated slightly above her neck. She floated in the air for a minute until the song ended. As her toes touched the solid rock once more the field erupted in applause. Katani bowed low and let her wings slid back into her shoulders. Rayson stood and the others followed. Katani smiled, it was over. Botan was jumping up and down. Katani walked over to Rayson and hugged him.

"I can't believe I actually did it."

"You did well, cousin. Torid has chosen you."

Katani looked at him curiously. "What did you do?"

He grinned. "Forgive me."

"Rayson..." Before she could interrogate him others grabbed her by the shoulders. Katani turned and Yusuke gave her a thumbs up.

"Way to go." He smiled.

"Katani, that was incredible!" Botan hugged her tightly.

"Thanks,"

Others came over and congratulated her. A few Hawk mothers and fathers said they could feel their sons and daughters had found peace. This brought her the most joy, for that was why she had done it. Feer and Ama were the only two Pegasi permitted and both of them nearly ran Katani over with their nudges. Katani spoke with each in Gilian as the crowd slowly dispersed. The sun had set and now the stars were just beginning to show.

The only ones left were her closest friends. Ty came and spun her around a couple times before kissing her. She saw Yusuke gag from the corner of her eye.

"You were so beautiful, Kitten."

"Thank you." She moved away and made to talk with the others. Hiei simply nodded at her greeting. To her mind he said it was mediocre.

You can do better. he smirked.

She merely nodded and moved to Kuwabara and Kurama. Kuwabara embraced her tightly. Katani thought she heard something crack.

"Uh, Kuwabara-" she gasped. He dropped her.

"Sorry Katani!"

"It's alright. Thanks for coming."

"Of course! You were great. Now we can fight with the spirits on our side."

"I truly hope so." Katani walked over to Kurama. In hushed tones she spoke to him for the first time in days. "I need to see you. Meet me two miles north of this spot in exactly one hour." She didn't wait for a reply. Rayson led her back to the house where they all ate for a half hour. After that Katani silently withdrew and went to her room at the guest house. She folded the Dancer's Robe and changed into her battle gear. Torid at her neck and Kail in her palm she flew to the spot. The dance had stretched her muscles but she warmed up so the meal wouldn't throw her off. If the legends of Yoko Kurama were true she would need to be at her best. Warming up even more, she prepared herself mentally. Tithe's presence was at the edge of the field, he would be watching and ready if the need arose.

Ten minutes later Kurama stepped out of the shadows. "Katani..." He looked sullen. Up close she could see how she had hurt him. Had she let her feelings rise she would have felt pity just then. But she couldn't risk it without knowing where his heart truly lied.

"I need to do this." Kail grew in her grip. "Fight me!" She rushed at him. Kurama dodged just in time to avoid the full bite of the blade.

"Katani what are you-"

"Fight me, Kurama, at your best." Flaring her aura around her she let her true intentions be known. Tithe grinned in delight and let a hollow laugh fill the valley. Kurama shot a glare at him as the chuckle echoed through the night air. The only other sound was of Katani's flaming green aura pulsing like waves about her. The anger in her soul could be felt in those waves. He knew he had no choice but did not want to make it.

"I will not resort to using Yoko against you." Instead he nimbly dodged her strikes and tried to keep his distance.

"Do it, fight me or I'll never respect you. I think you owe me that much."

"Yes," Tithe laughed, "let us all see what the great Yoko has over my sister. Come now, fox boy, show us your strength."

Cornered, Kurama relented. His body changed and he became Yoko Kurama once more. The old body filled him with power, more than triple the strength of his human counterpart. Katani felt the strength emanating from his cold gold eyes and strong muscular body. Memories suddenly flooded her mind of when she had seen him like that. The scenes were chosen by Tithe and arranged in such a way that he was made to look evil and ruthless. Enraged Katani began shouting at him.

"What is wrong with you?" On the defensive now she used Kail like a shield and blocked oncoming attacks from Yoko's powerful arms. Still, she was pleased to see him fighting back even though his skill level clearly surpassed hers. When Yoko did not answer she began to chant a Gilian spell Rayson had taught her. "Iliamr wresta aionai." The ground began to tremble around Yoko but already she felt him countering her attack.

He also chanted and a large blue column of energy shot around him like a geyser. The rocks that littered the field became rubble. Trees were stripped of their leaves and grass flattened from his power. From his silver hair he pulled a shining rose. This he threw at Katani. The flower pierced her shoulder and roots began to grow from it. Katani pulled the rose out and threw it to the ground as the roots began to spread. With a small spark she set the roots on fire. They fell harmlessly to the ground in curling ashes. Katani kept her wings inside her back. Exposing them would only create a bigger target. Instead she fought close up, letting Kail come alive in her hands. With her new power she managed to inflict some serious wounds on him. Every slash seemed to convince him that she was serious.

He finally brought forth his rose whip, but an upgraded version of his human form's. Instead of just one he had many. The green whip was wrapped around his arm and the many tendrils shot at her with skilled precision. Katani dodged them with grace and remembered Rayson's lessons. After a quick spell she let the whips wrap around Kail. Now she released her wings and flew, Yoko still holding the whips. Up she flew till the island was a dot. Here she would make the final move. She cut the whips and retracted her wings. Both of them were plummeting to the earth. Katani brought Kail down on him, blow after blow. Yoko defended but he was bleeding heavily now. When he saw an opening he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. He broke her sword wrist with a painful crack. Katani screamed and Kail became merely a pendant clasped round her neck.

Now they both opened their wings at the last second and landed somewhat roughly on their feet. Yoko summoned a sick looking tree and it began to encircle Katani. The wood was covered in spikes and they pierced her flesh like ravenous dogs. Focusing her energy she copied Yoko's attack and created a tornado of energy around her. The tree withered and died. But now Yoko was on the offensive. He sliced at her with silver claws and managed to weaken her. Katani ran through a dozen possible strategies, not one would work against him. Breathing heavily, she flipped away and skidded to a stop across the field. He was too strong. Katani fingered the pendant Rayson gave her. Using Torid in such a way would be sacrilege, but the temptation was within her. She had to beat him no matter what if only to prove it to herself that he was nothing.

"Have you finally come to your senses?" Yoko growled.

"No," she snapped her wrist back in place. The joints cracked painfully as the gold blood rushed to heal the break. Yoko raised a brow, he was impressed. "I will not let it end like this. You are nothing to me and I will prove it by ending you." She charged at him but he flipped out of reach. Finally she used her air blade spell on him. This was one thing he could not dodge. The blades caused him to bleed again. His arms and legs were covered in hot red blood. She waited till the bubble vanished and launched a fresh rain of blows. Again Yoko grabbed her wrist, but this time instead of breaking it he flung Kail aside and pinned her to the ground. Katani resorted to flailing madly about to escape his grasp but it was no use. He was far stronger and far heavier then she. No matter what she tried he still held her firmly to the ground.

Both were breathing heavily. Yoko's hot red blood dripped on Katani. She glared hard at him. The silver fox kept her arms pinned to the grass.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Yoko caught his breath.

"I could have killed you," she whispered.

"What?"

"I could have killed you." her voice rose. "That day when I saw Tithe again he told me to kill you! And since then you have given me no reason not to."

"You are lying. I can feel it from you. If nothing was stopping you from killing me why haven't you done it yet?"

"I will!" Katani screamed and tried again to break free. Tithe urged her on and gave her new strength. Flipping from under him she sat on his chest, now holding him to the ground. From the folds of her armor she pulled a glinting silver dagger and pressed it to his throat. All the while he let her. "I'll kill you if only to save my people."

"Then do it." Yoko urged. "Kill me if it will end your misery. If you truly believe that I am the source of your pain, of the ache you feel at night when the lights are dim, then spill more of my blood and end it." As he spoke he slowly changed from Yoko to his human form, Kurama. "Kill me."

Tithe now floated beside her and smiled at his sister. "It is better then I thought, for he offers himself to you. Do it sister, kill him now."

Katani pressed the blade against his neck. But for some reason her hand trembled and she found it hard to see where she was placing the dagger. Tears clouded her eyes and she felt them wash down her cheeks.

Tithe began to grow anxious. "Do it, now Katani."

"Katani," Kurama placed his hand over hers. "Why do you hesitate?"

The dagger shook violently as her body trembled. For some reason she could not drive the blade into him.

"Katani! Kill him!" Tithe screamed.

Lifting the blade high Katani summoned all her courage and thrust the dagger down. With a scream she plunged it into the soft earth. "I can't. I can't do it."

"What?" Tithe simmered. "Then I'll finish it for you!" The ghost grasped the dagger firmly and moved to Kurama.

"No!" Katani shoved him hard. The dagger slipped and was forced into his ghostly body where his heart would have been. "I can't kill him." Her voice trembled as she realized what she had done. "If he had put me under a spell he has done well for I am deceived so entirely that it has been all I can do not to think about him!"

"You filthy traitorous scum." Tithe spat. "I do not believe what I am hearing. I will make it so that you are brought back to your senses even if I have to kill you myself!"

Kurama, covered in his own blood and weak from the fight, stepped forward. "You will not lay a single finger on her so long as I still have breath." He pulled a spiked seed from his hair. "Stay for only a moment longer and I will make your pitiful existence on this earth so horrifying that even the deepest devils in all of hell will have pity on you."

For a moment Tithe actually looked afraid. He looked quickly from Kurama to the quickly fading Katani. She had not been able to carry out the task. It was just as well, they had planned for this. They could still work things in their favor, all was not lost. If she fell in love with him again so be it. It would just be all the more painful for Kurama when she was ripped away. He only wished his sister was not so blinded that she could see the filthy act she was committing. All he had to do now was lay the final ropes in a net to securely ensnare her to him. If swimming against the tide failed, go with it.

"Oh well. Sister, know that I am still watching you. If you need me, call." He would have liked to say more but the man was so threatening that he felt it best to leave while he still had his head.

Finally the field was quiet. Katani looked up to see Kurama's state. He looked angry, and he rarely got angry. In face she could not remember ever seeing him more furious, though that wasn't saying much.

Kurama pinned her back to the ground and stared into her eyes. "Do you realize what it's like to watch someone you love go through this? Everyday I see you, walking with the Hawks, working on your skills and I hate that brother of yours even more. You should be with me and that filthy human should never touch you! First you avoid me, then you try to kill me, then you save me?" his voice shook with anger but suddenly became calm. Katani all the while remained still. She knew this was coming. Somehow she knew what his reaction would be and was ready for it. She would have to admit to him why she had not killed him. Though her readiness did not prepare her for what he said next. "Chose, right now. If you love me then say it. Say you will be with me even if your people shun you. Say that even if I have cursed you, plan on killing you and every last one of your race, say that you love me. Don't say it unless you truly mean it. I will never let you go otherwise."

Katani held back the tears. "Kurama... I-I want to be with you! All this time I've been keeping busy, avoiding you because seeing you and feeling the pain of confusion was too much. I know now that my brother has been causing it and though I don't know why I understand what he was keeping from me. I love you. I don't remember loving you before but it doesn't matter because I love you now. I don't care if I can never return here again if it means you'll still love me."

Kurama wouldn't let her continue. His hands released her wrists and enveloped her. He kissed her softly and held her close despite their open wounds. Katani wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him desperately.

"I love you, Katani. Let your brother try and take this memory away from you." he kissed her harder. Katani encouraged him and enjoyed the feel of his body pressed against hers. They seemed to melt into one as they embraced. Katani pressed her tongue against his lips. He pushed back and his tongue explored her mouth. His hands ran from her hair down to her back and he gently rubbed the weak spot of her spine. Katani broke the kiss for a moment as she remembered something. "What is it?" Kurama waited for her.

"Happy Birthday," she placed his hand over her chest. He blushed a deep red. Katani smiled, "I give you my heart." Kurama could feel the fast beat of it.

"I couldn't have asked for a better gift." he finally managed to say. He moved his hand slightly but it touched one of Katani's deep wounds. She gasped.

"Ouch..." The wound had re-opened.

"Oh, I'm sorry." he gently kissed the wound on her lower neck. "You need to see the doctor. I did a lot of damage it seems." Something in his smirk had Katani on the defensive.

"Hey, I hurt you too!" he still was bleeding as well. They sat up reluctantly. Katani hugged him tightly. "I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you and forget everything else."

"Yes, that would be nice." he held her close to him. "Why is it that whenever we are close something gets in the way?" he sounded annoyed.

"Because I'm evil that way." Katani held him tighter. Kurama gasped for air but didn't complain. She needed someone to cling to for now she was against even her own brother.

"Come on," They stood as one and held each other for another moment. Katani felt extremely lightheaded and relied on Kurama to find the way back.

"We'll have to fight." Katani said. "Everyone will be against us. Tithe, Rayson, and even my people will disapprove, to put it lightly."

"I will fight the whole world for you. Nothing worth having comes easily." He guided her to the back entrance of the guest house. Katani wrapped her fingers in his and together they entered. Thankfully everyone was asleep. They seemed to have agreed silently that they did not want the doctor taking care of them. Surely she would ask for the reason they were so injured and Rayson would be alerted. That was the last thing either of them wanted.

Katani and Kurama walked back to the bath, dripping blood as they went. Katani muttered a soft spell and the blood followed them as if it ran downhill. At the baths both changed separately into swimsuits. Katani was the first one in and rapidly washed all the blood from her wounds. All except the wound on her side were nearly healed. Quietly she washed her hair and didn't notice when Kurama came in. The weight of her decision was upon her. There was no going back.

Kurama put a hand on her shoulder. He could feel her distress. Yet he wanted to express his boundless joy at being with her again. He could feel her joy but at the same time she was scared. What amazed him was when he held her she felt that feeling no more. I will protect you, he thought, and be with you always.

"He's here." Katani whispered. Tithe was glaring from one of the rocks.

"Let him see." Kurama held her to him and kissed her. Katani brought her hands round his neck and pulled him closer. She could feel Tithe's wrath but there was no turning back.

Ten minutes later both red and gold blooded wounds were clean. They had changed into their bed clothes. At the door to Katani's room they stopped. Katani hugged him. "Sorry for all of this. Thank you for staying by my side this whole time. It couldn't have been easy with me beating the crap out of you and all."

"True, you are strong. However I am not leaving you alone."

"What, why?"

"Tithe is just waiting to try and steal your thoughts. I will not let him do so."

"That has to be the worst pick up line I've ever heard." Katani smirked. "I'm sorry but didn't he manage to do it when I was over at your house?"

"I have learned since then. Do you believe I have been idle these last few weeks while you trained? Stay with me and I'll ensure that you are not harmed."

"Um… well I uh…"

"Nothing aside from sleep will occur, I promise you."

She wasn't so sure but felt she needed to trust him. But there was one way to make sure he wouldn't try anything. Just because she was falling in love with him didn't mean her values took a back seat. Katani took his hand and walked to the boy's room door. Kurama shook his head, he didn't want to take her in there.

But she was already opening the door. Kurama couldn't stop her or he would wake the others. Like a ghost she slid across the floor to the only empty bed. Kurama sighed and followed after her. She was more stubborn than Yusuke.

Katani slept closest to the wall and when Kurama wrapped his hand around her waist and rested his chin in her neck she felt that she had made the right choice. Never had she felt more loved or cared for from anyone. He pulled the covers up and hid her from view. Katani turned around so she was facing him. Their foreheads pressed together.

"Hey?"

Kurama asked her what she needed with his eyes.

"You're pretty stubborn too."

He smiled. "To have you, I have to be." His voice was barely above a whisper.

Katani felt something had been forgotten. Almost by instinct she muttered in Gilian, "You are my dearest."

Kurama's eyes lit up. He had his Katani back.