Chapter Twenty-Five
Before the Storm
"How dare you defy the law of our people. You will suffer because of your foolish choice, Katani. All will suffer because of your selfishness." Tithe haunted Katani's dreams. She could see him in his body, the body he used to have. Blood fell from the wound that had caused his death and she could see her dagger piercing his chest. "You have turned on us. Your death is sealed. I can't wait to see you sister." Tithe put a hand on Katani's shoulder, it went right through. Katani herself was a ghost.
"Kurama!" she screamed.
Tithe grinned. "Your lover can't save you, he can't even save himself." Tithe stepped aside. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Kurama lay in a pool of red blood. His empty eyes stared at the ceiling.
Katani's snapped awake with a start. Everything was silent around her. For a moment she sat completely still and regained her senses. In her sleep she had turned but Kurama's hands were still around her hips. The wound stung as she turned to face him. Was he breathing? Panic gripped Katani as she watched to see if his chest rose and fell. He was still.
"Kurama?" she touched his bare chest and felt for a heartbeat. After a painfully long second she felt the gentle drumming of his heart. Katani allowed herself a moment of peace. Before she would allow herself to try and sleep again she rested her ear against his chest. She wanted to hear his heart to be sure he was alive. Her voice was barely a whisper, "Don't die. If I lose you, then I have nothing left to live for."
His arms moved from her waist to the back of her shoulders. Even though he was asleep he was comforting her. Katani could tell his mind still dreamed. How she wished she could dive into his mind instead of cowering in her own. Maybe she could, Katani had entered others while they were awake before but after all her training maybe she could enter his mind. Katani took some blood from her side wound and placed it on Kurama's chest. The blood sank into his skin in seconds. With a deep breath Katani spoke a string of complicated spells. A force tugged at her heart and she felt like she was falling into darkness.
Suddenly she was in a bright field. Red roses were scattered over the field and in the center Katani saw Kurama and what looked like herself. She smiled, he dreamed of her. Katani hid herself nearby, not sure if she could be seen or not. The dream Katani and Kurama were laughing about something. Her heart felt much more at ease. But she felt a little jealously at the dream her for being with Kurama.
Just as she was getting close enough to hear their conversation the sky went black. She heard Kurama call her name. Katani threw away all caution and stood. Tithe and another blurry figure were stealing her, the other her, right from Kurama's grip. The other her screamed in terror and called for Kurama to help her. Tithe's mocking voice filled the air.
"You are useless, Kurama. We have her and are not letting go. You couldn't save her before and you can't save her now. Her life was better before you came in. I'm sure the Swift One will have more fun with her then you did. What have you done to deserve my sister?" Tithe disappeared with the dream Katani calling for Kurama. The flowers in the field died and Kurama was looking at the ground. Katani saw his knuckles whiten. Tears fell to the ground. This was his fear, Katani realized, he feared being helpless to do anything. He couldn't really blame himself for everything that had happened to her, could he?
Katani walked through the withered roses to stand by his side. Just as she was about to speak, Tithe's voice filled the air once more. "Yoko could have saved her."
Kurama looked up and Katani gasped. His eyes were full of anger and rage. Kurama pulled a rose from his hair and tore the air to shreds.
Katani and Kurama woke at the same time from that horrible dream. Katani still heard his heartbeat; it was much faster then before. He didn't realize she was awake as well and Katani let him think that. He kissed her fingers and pulled her close. Katani could read his thoughts.
If I lose you... No, I won't. If you die I will follow. Can I protect her from him? I have already failed so many times. Now that she is with me again I won't them near. I will become whatever I have to if it means her safety. Tomorrow I'll take her to the doctor and together we will heal her wound.
Katani lifted her head and held his cheek. Kurama started at her movement. "You never failed me," she whispered before resting against him once more.
Everything was beginning to come together. In choosing Kurama over Tithe she had not only chosen love over duty, she had chosen red over gold. Now not only her brother was against her so were her own people. Preservation was critcal to their dwindling race. If she, a Royal, were to love an outsider she would be shunned. She didn't tell Kurama but Tithe's influence remained weak in her mind and it pained her physically to be near him. But as soon as he had kissed her she knew she had made the right choice. The part of her that felt lost in the mist of forgotten time had returned and merged with her present self. She felt more whole since before losing her memory. Now she knew she had loved him in the past and only wished to have the memories of their time together returned. But now that she was committed she would have to fight, most likely to the death, to keep him.
Kurama sat up the next morning. Katani was gone. His heart raced in fear. She had to be okay. No one could have taken her from this room without his notice.
"Hey, Kurama. Where did you go last night?" Yusuke stood and rubbed sleep from his eyes.
"Oh... I went for a walk." Partly true. His mind began to feel for her presence. Where was she?
"With Katani?"
Kuwabara was awake now. Even Hiei turned his head in their direction. "Well..."
"Ha I knew it! Did she remember you yet?"
"Stop pestering him, Urameshi."
"Thank you Kuwabara."
"You kissed her didn't you?" Kuwabara asked.
"I don't believe it is any of your business what-"
"Yeah he did!" Yusuke shouted. "I knew it would happen! Did you get lucky?" He nudged his shoulder. Kurama's mouth fell open. "You da man!" Yusuke continued.
"Idiot, if he had would he be in the room with us?" Hiei spat.
"Wow, Kurama. I didn't think that you would-" Kuwabara blushed at the thought.
"Looks like the fox has found himself a mate. I would be careful what you say about Katani though." Hiei's eyes sparked.
"Why? We're proud of our man for grabbing a piece of that!" Yusuke said.
"Well she's standing right here." Hiei stood and poked air. The air shouted.
"Stop that!" Katani appeared in the center of the room. Her eyes fell on Yusuke. "If you think I am the kind of girl to sleep around, well then-" Kail appeared in her hand.
Yusuke paled.
Katani pressed the blade to his throat. "The next time I hear you speaking like that you will lose your hair as quick as," Kail leapt in her hand. A lock of black hair appeared in Katani's hand. "Understand?"
Yusuke nodded.
"Hey, wait a sec. What are you doing in here Katani?" Kuwabara asked.
Kurama and Katani looked at each other.
"They snuck in around ten last night." Hiei said. "Katani slept with Kurama."
"What? You saw us?"
"What? It's true?" Yusuke gasped.
"We did not have sex." Katani said. "Some things happened and Kurama wouldn't let me sleep alone." Kail became a necklace once more. Katani sat on the edge of Kurama's bed. He wrapped his fingers around hers.
"What's going on?" Yusuke asked. Katani explained what Tithe had done and said how he had wanted her to kill Kurama.
Kurama explained how they were together, and how now things were going to get more difficult then ever. "There is a wound on Katani's side that refuses to heal. I believe it is the work the Tithe and the Phoenix."
"So you two are dating?"
Kurama looked at Katani. She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
Yusuke and Kuwabara smiled. "That's great! Pay up Kuwabara!" He groaned and handed Yusuke a couple of crumpled bills. "Thanks to your hormones I am now a happy man."
Kurama stood and snatched the bills from Yusuke's hands. "Here, Katani."
"Thanks." She smiled and pocketed the cash. Yusuke's mouth dropped.
"Katani, let me see your wound." Hiei was beside her now. Katani nodded and lifted the side of her shirt a little. The cut was turning a deep bronze and the air burned it. Hiei looked at it for a second. "That is a vengeance wound. It will not begin to heal until the one who inflicted it is dead. Who did this to you?"
"I don't know. There were so many people in the battle I wasn't paying attention to who got me, I just made sure I got them."
They talked about the situation a bit more. Yusuke and Kuwabara supported Katani while Hiei was silent. After a few minutes a strategy was worked out and they left for breakfast.
As they ate Katani changed into shorts and a hawk shirt. The weather was very hot. Even Botan was abandoning her kimono for a skirt. When she came back from doing her morning rituals everyone was dressed. Katani saw Yusuke whispering something to Botan. After a moment Botan looked at her and jumped up.
"Go girl!" She came up and high-fived Katani. "I knew it would happen! Will you give me all the juicy details?"
Katani couldn't resist, she had to share her joy with someone. "Oh yeah. I'll tell you everything later." She winked.
"Hey no fair! Kurama won't tell us anything." Yusuke gave the fox a look. Kurama smiled.
"I do not want you lusting after her."
"Well I think we all know it's a bit too late for that!"
"Yusuke!"
Katani rubbed her forehead and went into the kitchen. A generous helping of eggs and bacon was laid out. Katani helped herself to a plate and ate in silence. After her plate was clean she went to put it in the sink. As she reached the counter her side began to burn. The pain quickly spread and she found herself clutching the stool for support. The last thing she saw was Kurama's worried face racing towards her.
Rayson paced the room anxiously. Katani still hadn't awakened. It had been over an hour after she had gone unconscious and still the doctor would not let him in. Her pack of friends sat in wooden chairs across the room. All except the turncoat had appeared. None of the red bloods seemed to notice or care that he was missing. This recent event caused a great deal of problems. All the troops had made the final preparations for battle, everyone was ready. Without Katani the mission would fail. She had to awaken soon.
The doctor came from Katani's room. She wiped the sweat from her brow. Rayson raced over to her, worry deep in his eyes.
"Will she be alright? May I see her?"
Her other friends were gathering around as well. The red head pushed his way to the front despite Rayson's obvious disapproval.
The doctor nodded. "She's awake but she can only see one at a time."
"Have you figured out the problem?" Botan asked with an edge to her voice. It was obvious she had been crying because her shirt was stained with tears. For a moment she had felt Katani's presence slip out of the world before instantly coming back. But that short moment had been enough to make her fear taking Katani to the other side. The thought had been too much and she had cried frantically.
"No. This wound will not heal by my powers. I am sorry. I wish I could do more for the princess."
Kurama made for the door. Rayson stopped him with a hand. "I'm going to see her."
"No," Kurama moved his hand aside. "I am." He walked through and slammed the door behind him.
Katani stood by the only window in the room. The head of a large gold stallion was poking through. Katani spoke softly to the horse and stroked his cheek. The slam of the door jolted her and her head snapped up. At the sight of Kurama her eyes lit up.
"You should be in bed." He scolded.
Katani smiled but resisted. "Nope, I'm not going to lay about when the battle is only a few days away. Feer is ready as well. I'm not going to let a little faint scare me."
"You are stupid."
"Thank you." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Really, I'll be fine. You worry too much. I know that if we win the battle everything will be okay."
Kurama studied her. "What is it that has you so confident?"
"This," Katani held up the necklace of Torid, the Hawk. "I had a vision after I passed out. In it I saw Torid. He said to me, 'You will bring rise to a new era. The battle will be decided by the hands of fate. Stars may fall but the moon shines forever.' I think he was telling me that even though some will die, everything will work out in the end."
"I can't stop you from fighting can I?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"Not even if I do this?" He brushed her golden hair from her shoulders and gently kissed the base of her neck. Katani shivered at the light touch. For a moment she surrendered. Her necklace jingled and she was snapped back.
"No, Kurama. I'm fighting." She pulled away. Though she knew her feelings for him were deep she was not ready to fully give into him. Feer whinnied at her, it was almost a laughing sound. "Shut up!" She snapped.
"What did he say?"
Katani blushed. "I don't remember..." Feer laughed again.
There was a loud rapping at the door. "Mithril, let me in this instant!" It was Rayson. Instinctively Kurama stood in front of Katani. She loved how he protected her even if there was nothing to fear. Though knowing Rayson he would try and pull them apart.
Katani touched Kurama's shoulder to reassure him. With a loud, clear voice like Rayson's she sang, "One moment, dear cousin. Are my friends still with you?"
"Yo, Katani! Quit making out and let us in dammit!"
"What?" Rayson yelled.
Katani ran to open the door but Kurama shook his head. Silently she nodded and went to the bed. Rayson might be less angry with her if she looked the part of a weak frail girl. Kurama took a breath and assumed his collective guise. She recognized it instantly. His face bore the seriousness of calculation. Now he was thinking ahead and planning out what to do in each circumstance. But how she knew this face she could not be sure. But it was there, on the edge of her mind.
Suddenly a flood of people rushed in. Feer whinnied at the crowd. The already small room became a lot smaller as Rayson and the others poured in. The clouds outside made the room seem much darker and the strong wind didn't help either. For a moment everyone was silent. Botan rushed to her side and hugged her tightly. Katani gasped as she hit the wound. Botan immediately recoiled and frantically apologized. Katani brushed it off as nothing and returned her attention to Rayson. He was reading her. His eyes searched hers for the truth of what was going on. She steadied herself and let her thought be read.
"Mithril," Rayson needed to hear it. "Please tell me it's not true."
For courage Katani thought of her people. "What is this rumor you have heard, cousin?"
"It would appear that you have feelings extending beyond friendship for this..." he searched for a word.
The room was filled with eyes of fire. Everyone waited to hear what he would say. Hiei's glare was especially piercing, even Katani felt intimidated. If Rayson misspoke he may end up with a broken limb. Katani decided to finish for him.
"I ask that you not disrespect my friends." The only way to get through to him would be to talk in the way of the nobles. "At least extend me that respect, Rayson. I think Kurama has earned that much."
Rayson sighed. "You're right, my apologies. Maybe we should speak alone."
"The people who stand before me have saved my life more times then I can count. They have my unshakeable trust and confidence. If you have anything to say to me, say it to them as well." Katani held Botan's hand for the grim reaper looked very close to tears. Hiei came beside her, as did Yusuke and Kuwabara. Only Rayson was in front of her.
"Mithril, are you in a relationship with one of your allies?"
"How is that any of your business?"
"You are my kin! It has always been my business who you have been pledged to!"
"I am pledged to no one!" Katani raised her voice to match his. If a screaming contest was what he wanted then that was what he was going to get. "Those bonds were cut the moment I left this island!"
"You realize that this goes beyond everything you've been taught since birth. The law our society is build around the law of staying with your own. How can you do this to your people, Mithril? They all follow your example. What will happen now? Will one of them flee this place and be caught by the red blooded? Our entire society could be exposed, our way of life destroyed. Our people the subject of sick experiments and ridicule. Is that what you want?"
Katani was silent. Every word he spoke was true. All her friends were silent. None of them had realized the seriousness of Katani's decision. Not even she. And despite the tugging of her heart, her mind was beginning to regret the rash decision.
Rayson continued. "I cannot allow this. You are not in your right mind. Unless you call off this affair I am barring you from the battle."
Katani still could not speak. It was to him, to Rayson, that she had been pledged to when they were young. Did he still expect her to honor that promise?
Yusuke was growing angry. "What the hell kind of life is she supposed to have? She came back here to save your scrawny butts and you order her around like some freakin' slave! Who gives a damn who she loves? If she is barred, so am I!"
"Me too." Botan said.
The others agreed.
Rayson nodded. "So be it. Mithril you do not understand the gravity of the situation you have just created."
Katani met his gaze. "Yes, I do. Yet there are some things I can and cannot do. I'm only one person. These people in this room are what matter most to me! Tithe, my so called brother, has stabbed me in the back. He took my memories and toyed with my emotions. Could you stay sane through all that? I nearly didn't. If I hadn't met this group of freaks," the others gave her a look at this, "I would have done something stupid."
"You mean more stupid then the things you have already done?" Hiei said.
"Then what do you plan to do?" Rayson asked. "Are you ready to give everything up for this love you claim to have? Tell me, Mithril, what does your mind say? The only logical part of you, what does it say?"
Katani bit her lip. Reverting to Gilian she said, "Temios deiais frieud natame riudade. Atabay naerut ame." It says that I am making a foolish mistake. Truly this confuses me.
Kurama knew what she spoke and Rayson stood still. So maybe she would be willing to end her relationship with him. The spirit fox did not show any sign of emotion, he had thought it might come to this. Truly, Tithe might win out in the end but he wasn't about to let him have her. "I see no reason for this conversation to continue." Kurama said. "Katani needs to rest."
"Rest with you is the last thing she needs." Rayson's words stung like ice.
"Listen, buddy if you don't-"
"Yusuke, don't." Katani stopped him. "Rayson there is a way. We don't have to do this."
Rayson sighed. "There is no other way. I say these things because I love you. This is the way things must be."
"What if the people of Gilia could learn a spell to mask their blood? If we could learn a way to make our blood human we could live among others. We would not fear a finger prick or paper cut and doctor's could examine our DNA and find nothing out of the ordinary. We could disguise ourselves and abilities, use the island as a refuge and gathering place but live among the real world."
"Dear cousin, if such a thing existed we would have found it. What you speak of is a fairy tale."
"I believe it can be done, the Swift One has the power."
Rayson's eyes flickered. "What?"
"He can do it. How else did his assassins do so well in the real world? I believe he can use this power."
"We have spies within the system, how would we have missed such an obvious thing?"
"My theory is that he himself performs the spell without letting the person know. If we could steal that knowledge from him nothing is beyond our reach."
Rayson thought about this for a moment. If Mithril was somehow correct then this would change the way of life for every person on the island. Apparently Mithril's comrades weren't aware of her revelation. Even Kurama, who rested his filthy hand on her back seemed surprised. The Hawk Lord could not decide if it was worth it. Even if it did work and the gold blooded could mask themselves would it be fine for Katani to walk away with her love? What had he done to earn her? Rayson had already thought of a perfect mate for Katani and he was nothing like this man. But it wasn't his decision to make. He would continue to influence her but she had as much power as he, if not more from the bonds she had created with the people in such a short time. "What do you base this assumption on?"
"Instinct." Katani answered honestly.
"You have no proof, no evidence that this is a plausible spell?"
"None but my feelings. I trust them enough to gamble my life on them. You can ban me from your fight but whether you like it or not I'm not going to be in this bed for another second." Katani slid off the bed. "Now I must go, it seems this pain in my head is telling me one of my friends is in danger." Katani slipped on her shoes and climbed out the window onto Feer's waiting back. Botan slid on behind her after Katani's wave of encouragement. Through unspoken words she told Kurama to stay behind. She still was not sure of what to do.
"Mithril, this is madness."
"Maybe so, but my whole life is based on madness." Before speeding off she spoke to Kurama in Gilian. After a moment he nodded and Katani whistled to Feer. The gold stallion whinnied before spreading his great wings and soaring into the sky.
Yusuke nudged Kurama who explained her words in hushed whispers. Rayson hesitated, he could chase after her but it wasn't his style. The prince had other matters to deal with. The battalions needed to be briefed and the units trained. Then there was the legend. Torid still rested on Katani's neck. The doctor bowed slightly to Rayson as he passed. The prince nodded and left the hospital.
"Sir! My Lord!" A young hawk steward knelt before him.
"What is it, Mari?" Rayson continued walking. The hawk female fell into pace behind him. Her ginger eyes were on fire.
"My lord Rayson, there has been a breach of intelligence." Mari held her two short swords at her hips, one hand rested on them while she spoke.
"What?" his mind raced. Did one of the red blooded betray him? "Who?"
"We don't know yet but I have my best men on the job. One of the Hawks spotted an unidentified youth spilling secrets to a Phoenix agent. I have three men on the job."
"Good, then I am putting you on a new assignment."
"Name it my lord."
p
Feer skimmed over the tops of the trees as Katani felt for Ty's presence. The grim reaper sat behind her. Botan was shocked when Katani told her he'd been missing. Apparently everyone thought Ty was with someone else, doing his own thing. Katani felt bad for her friend. He had no one here and the guys left him out. Along with that she was about to dump him. But from the looks of things it didn't look like she would end up with Kurama either. Rayson was right. More right then she liked to admit. In the end his word was final and if he outright forbade it she could not see him anymore. She sighed. How much longer would Kurama put up with her? What was more, she didn't think she could keep up with it. If it came down to love or a lifetime of stress… This was going to be a long day. Feer whistled shrilly to Ama, the mare with mane and tail the color of flame, flying ahead. During their week on the island Katani had helped him remember his purebred sister and now the two were almost always together. Ama called back and spoke to Katani. The dark sky and high winds made flying difficult so they were going to continue the search on the ground. The two Pegasi landed gracefully and raced over the field, tucking their wings to their sides as they did so.
Katani and Botan called for Ty over and over but the wind kept drowning their voices out. Finally Botan decided that if they were both searching they could find him faster. A flick of her fingers and the slim oak oar appeared in her hand. Katani made a mental link with her so they could stay in touch. Being no psychic Katani could only know where she was and sense only the most powerful of emotions, but it was enough if they stayed close.
For an hour they searched and found nothing. Katani was beginning to grow anxious. If Tithe had taken him she would never forgive herself. Each minute the sky was growing darker. On this forsaken island the weather was either calm or rough. There was no middle ground in the middle of the Sea of Japan.
Katani decided to search the Phoenix front lines for him. It was a bleak option but the only one left. Feer pushed himself to make it through the dense forest and brush. Small patches of sweat were forming along his withers and shoulders. The gold stallion emptied his reserves and leapt the small break of earth to reach the battlegrounds. For a moment he stood still. The pegasi's only movement his heavy panting as he regained himself.
With a dismount Katani examined the field. To both her relief and chagrin it was empty. With a hand on Feer's shoulder she asked him to walk. If his muscles seized after such a work he could go into colic. As they walked the fields Katani could see the barren patches of ground where a powerful magic spell or great force had ruined the soil. Had this been a time of peace, Rayson would sing to the plants and bring them back. He did the same for local crops and foliage. That was the first thing Katani saw him doing on her return to the island. But for now she just had to walk by the lifeless earth. Large rocks littered the field to provide cover and ammo if necessary. Katani shivered from the sudden cold and wrapped her wings around her body for warmth.
Using her mind and mouth she called for Ty. His blood was quickly fading to red but maybe there was still enough so she could sense him. To make the calling stronger she pricked her finger. A drop of gold blood was whipped away by the wind. Using advanced magic Katani allowed a part of her to be carried with the droplet. The wind lifted her and she saw the whole field. For a moment something caught her attention. Near the other end of the field two Phoenix were carrying something between them. It looked as though they were headed to the Phoenix castle. The thing moved and groaned. Katani's voice caught in her throat. Ty.
She knew Feer was spent. The horse was still breathing hard though he tried to hide it. Kindly she thanked him for his work and let the wind lift her outstretched wings into the air. Feer whinnied sharply and tried to follow but halted as his master commanded he stay safe. The stallion pawed the ground and snorted nervously. Something was amiss.
As she flew nearer she reached Botan's consciousness and sent her an image of her location. The brimming girl would be along in a few minutes, hopefully to help. Katani whispered Kail into existence and landed in front of the Phoenix. It was Ty they were carrying. He looked unconscious but he was still breathing.
"Return that man," Katani held Kail overhead while making sure her voice carried the Royals tone of strength and regality.
The men dropped Ty behind them as if he were no more then a spare pack. The taller one nudged his partner. "Lookie here, it seems the Swift One's most desired possession has wandered into our hands. Let's take her back with us."
Katani readied herself but the younger held his partner back. "No way man. She's a princess; don't you remember the fight a couple days ago? She'll kill us. We should just give her the boy and go back home."
"Return him and I will spare your pathetic lives." Inside she felt her body twist at the thought of killing them. Praying they make the right choice, she kept her blade raised and narrowed her eyes.
The two considered it for a moment. Katani watched as the taller of the two seemed to look ready to surrender but then charged at her with lightning speed. She turned slightly and as he passed her, brought Kail down in one swift swoop. Using the flat side of her blade she struck him hard on the neck. He fell hard to the ground and did not get up.
"Will you charge me as well?" Katani held the sword high. Something inside her stirred and she felt that if he resisted, she would take his life.
"No, I ask for your mercy, Lady Mithril," he dropped his weapon and bowed.
"Go, before I change my mind." Katani watched him closely as he ran off. Just as he was almost out of sight a silver streak dove from the sky and collided with the Phoenix. A moment later a Hawk girl approached her. Two short blades were dripping in golden blood. She had killed him. "What did you do that for? He was retreating!" Katani's heart sank low for the young Phoenix.
"Never let an enemy escape. You should know that Lady Mithril." Seeing the still Phoenix on the ground she asked, "He dead?"
No. "Yes, I made off with him myself. He charged and I retaliated."
Mari looked at the body for a moment, it did not move. Content, she cleaned her swords and sheathed them once more. "You may call me Mari. Is that the one named Ty?"
"Yes,"
"Good, he's wanted for questioning." The girl whistled and a silver mare trotted to her side. "I'll take him from here, mi'lady."
Katani stepped between her and Ty. "I'm sorry but he's coming with me. I won't let anyone else take him."
"I have orders from Lord Rayson to bring him in and guard you." Eyes the color of ginger sparked. Clearly the girl had more backbone then she anticipated.
Katani could tell from her straight posture and finely toned body that this was a person of importance, used to getting her way. "I do not care. If your superiors have problems with it I will take full responsibility. But this is a close friend of mine. I apologize for the confusion." Katani willed Feer to her. The gold stallion snorted anxiously at the presence of strangers. "I will be taking him back to the village, follow if you want." Katani hoisted Ty on Feer and sat beside him for support.
"I must, my orders are absolute." Mari mounted the silver mare.
Katani's temper rose. Who did Rayson think he was, sending people to guard her like she was some tyro? And what did Ty do that requires questioning? Interrogation was one of the Hawk's lesser-known gifts. They had a habit for getting anything out of anyone, given enough time. Twenty minutes was usually enough to break even the toughest tyrant. Using her legs Katani told Feer to pick his own pace. Still weary from the run he made a light trot over the many rocks and ditches.
Botan arrived a moment later. Seeing Ty brought her spirits up. Though by now the wind had picked up and she was forced to land. Katani still felt bad about the Phoenix boy. That Mari would slay him as he ran was a sign of her character. No wonder Rayson chose her for such a mission. The wind was at their backs as they made the slow journey home. Each was silent, neither trusting the other. Botan could see Katani's emotions, she never was very good at hiding them, and sensed the hawk girl had angered her.
The field turned to forest, and the forest to the village. Katani rode straight to the guest house, ignoring Mari's shouts. She settled Feer in the stable and with Botan's help carried the still unconscious Ty into the living room. Mari followed them with her arms arrogantly stuck to her hips. Despite her obvious disapproval of the situation she held her tongue. Though she didn't need to speak. Her sharp stare made her feelings perfectly clear. Katani had half a mind to strike her just to get that look off her face.
The house was empty. Everyone seemed to be getting ready for the battle. Katani fetched the last of the mare's milk and forced Ty to drink it. A moment later his eyelids fluttered and opened.
"Hey, Kitten."
Katani smiled and held his hand. "Hey," she cleaned his face with a warm rag.
"If I had known getting kidnapped would get you to be my nurse I would have done it long ago."
"Shut up, I was worried you know. Do that again and I'll kill you." With that threat she thrust a bottle of water in his hands. "Drink it, now."
Obediently he chugged every drop of the spring water. Katani checked his vitals and ordered him to stay in bed for at least another ten minutes while she called for a professional. Botan volunteered to stay with him as Mari insisted he be taken in. As a precaution Katani told Botan should Mari even move towards Ty to call for her. Botan's pink eyes shone with resolve.
"Yes ma'm!" she saluted as Katani went to her room.
To make her threat solid she gave Mari one last glare over her shoulder. The Hawk soldier took two fingers and, crossing them, placed them on her shoulder. Then she pointed them directly at Ty.
Katani's eyes widened in realization for it was the gesture of a traitor.
Shrugging it off as a misunderstanding, she continued out the door. Over an hour she checked and rechecked everything. Her battle gear was polished and clean, Kail sharp, provisions stored, and every other obscure thing she could use to keep her mind busy. Outside the rain had started after an hour of howling threats. There goes my chance at taking a bath, she thought.
Katani.
Hiei's message bounced off the barrier in her mind.
She recognized his thread and let him in. What is it?
Come to your cousin's house. Bring Ty with you.
What's going on Katani thought she felt something in his thread, anger or impatience.
Just do it he shut her out.
Katani and Ty walked through the rain to the last house in the village. Botan followed close behind. According to her, Mari had left half an hour ago to report back to Rayson. Great, she thought, she's probably told him what a disrespectful little wench I am.
They rushed into the room and slammed the door shut behind them. Katani shivered from the cold and brushed water off her arms. Ty ran his fingers through his hair hastily and water sprayed everywhere.
"She's arrived." Rayson stepped out from a screen. "Come, cousin. We are making the final preparations." He held out a hand to her. Katani took it, maybe he was trying to say he was sorry. They stepped into a brightly lit room. Yusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara, Mari and Kurama sat in a circle. Katani broke from Rayson's hand and sat down by Kurama out of habit. As soon as she completed the action she regretted it. Breaking off with him would be harder then she thought. He kept his gaze on Rayson but carefully wrapped his fingers around hers and gave them a quick squeeze. Katani saw her cousin frown but he held his tongue. Ty sat beside Katani and placed his hand on her back.
She could feel Kurama's anger and gently laid Ty's hand in his own lap. When he gave her a questioning look she merely shook her head. Ty frowned, and glared at Kurama.
You have a penchant for causing trouble. Hiei muttered.
I So I've heard. What is- she was interrupted by Rayson's booming voice.
"It has fallen to me that someone has been leaking information to the Phoenix. My vassal, Mari, has revealed that one of you have betrayed us."
Katani tensed, knowing full well who it was and what would be expected of her. Rayson went on for another moment about punishment and confession. Katani knew he would most likely interrogate each once of them. Ty and Botan would not live through it.
"I take full responsibility for the transgressions of any of my companions." Katani stood and placed a hand over her heart. "I brought them here, I am at fault. Give me the punishment in their stead."
Rayson looked at her for a moment. "Mithril, do you realize the sheer volume this conviction and its confession entails?"
"Yes, my lord Rayson."
"Then I have no choice. Mari, take Mithril to the holding room." Rayson looked away. He knew what horrors she would have to go through but not even he could stop it. If a leader chose to take the sin for his or her team, they did so. Sacrifice was one of the oldest and most respected laws in Galia and it was not something entered into lightly. Maybe Mithril would make it through fine, everyone knew her now and he would be hard pressed to find someone who would punish her to the full extent of the law, especially once they knew she had sacrificed herself.
"Where are you taking her?" the disgusting fox spoke.
"You can't do this, Katani." Yusuke stood and wrenched her from Mari's grip."
"Lord Urameshi, you will take your seat or I will have you forcefully removed from this room."
"You want to try it?" Yusuke's knuckles cracked.
"That's right!" Kuwabara stood. "You're not letting her take the blame!"
"Yusuke, Kuwabara, please. Please sit down." Katani let Mari wrap silver ropes around her wrists. "This is one of the oldest laws among us. No one can interfere with the sacrifice unless the guilty party comes forward."
"All right then!" Yusuke grabbed Ty's shirt by the collar. "Spill it, pretty boy! Tell them that you've been sharing secrets with the other side!"
"What makes you think it was me?" The look on Ty's face was conviction enough, but unless he confessed there was no stopping the sacrifice.
A thin vine slithered about Ty's neck. Kurama's green eyes flashed. "No other has been out of sight for so long as you. Last night you never returned to the guesthouse. Absences like that cannot be ignored."
"Ty, don't say anything!" Katani shouted. "I can go through this, they'll kill you! I know you did it but unless you say anything they won't do anything to you. Listen to me," she forced Ty to look directly into her eyes. "I'm sure you would not betray me unless your hand was forced. The conviction process in very painful, you would die. I'll survive if I go through with it. Rayson knows that and so do my people."
"Katani... I..." Guilt flooded his face at her words.
"Next time come to one of us." Her words were kind and soft. "No matter what they have on you, I'll always help you out of it."
Kurama was filled with anger, but kept his infamous composure. What was wrong with her? Willingly giving herself up for torture to save a traitor's life? It wouldn't be a great loss if Ty died anyway. His gold blood was almost gone and after that he would just be a burden. "Katani, don't do this." His voice was firm.
"I have to."
"Lord Rayson," Kurama asked. The prince turned. "Is it possible for another to be put in Katani's place?"
"No, Kurama!" Katani turned to Mari. "Get me out of here, now." Mari, all too happy to obey, nodded and roughly guided her out of the room.
Kurama, Yusuke, and Kuwabara made to follow but Rayson blocked the door. "I cannot allow you to interfere in the sacrifice. I suggest you let her be done with it. The ones conducting the sentencing will harvest pity for their princess, she will be treated with mercy. Had any other of you been convicted, guilty or not, your lives would not have been spared. She knew this. Respect her wishes and gift to you."
"This is crap!" Yusuke yelled. Like an ally cat he darted to Ty and punched him. "Go to hell! What in the world is wrong with you?"
He didn't say a word, nothing could explain what he had done.