Hey everyone. I thought I had typed this chapter up and posted it a while ago, but apparently I didn't. Well here it is now. Hope you enjoy. Please review and tell me what you think. I thrive on reviews.


Mai


Everyone was looking at me like I had a third head. "What?" I asked earning incredulous looks.

"What do you mean what?! You just said that you'd met a dullahan as if it wasn't a big deal! If the dullahan exist does that mean all of the myths are real?" Madoka asked.

I felt another headache coming on and wasn't too happy. Her question triggered a memory, but not one I recognized from my current life, it must have been from one of my past go rounds.

I find it very strange to think about past lives.

"Crap!" I cried out before everything went black.

Groaning I opened my eyes only to shut them due to the blinding light. Slowly opening them I blinked trying to allow them to adjust. Sticking my hand up to shield my face I noticed that my hand and arm were bandaged.

What the hell? I thought as I bolted up.

A wave of dizziness swept over me and I listed to the side before a pair of hands steadied me. The hands were warm and familiar. I wasn't afraid of the person who prevented my fall because I'd recognize Naru anywhere. Smiling I looked up at him ready to thank him only to see that it wasn't Naru who caught me.

The man who currently held me was similar to Naru in height and bulk, but nothing else. Where Naru's hair was black and his eyes a dark indigo blue this man's hair was as blonde as John's and he sported hazel colored eyes. A scar adorned his face starting from his right brow and ending on the bridge of his nose.

"Careful Kayla! You don't want to move too fast. How are you feeling?" the man asked, concern written on his face.

I just blinked at him trying to figure out what to say. Remembering my bandaged hand and arm I started taking inventory of my body. I was hurting all over, but the pain was a dull throb. Both arms and legs were bandaged, my midsection was also bandaged, and I had a sneaking suspicion that my head was bandaged too. Sure, enough when I lifted my hand to my head I felt bandages there.

"Kayla are you feeling all right?" he asked one more time fear lacing his voice.

Ignoring his question, I glanced around at my surroundings. I was currently on a cot within a tent and that the man and I weren't the only ones there. Five others surrounded me. Two others were tending to three wounded people.

I must be in a medical tent. I thought as I studied the people around me.

The person to the blonde's left was a female who looked to be a good four inches taller than myself. Her hair was a blazing red that reminded me of fire that framed an oval face with eyes of amethyst. The woman was on the side of a little to thin, but she seemed to muscular. Next to her stood a man that looked to be six feet with hair as white as snow and eyes as grey as storm clouds. He was bulky with wide shoulders reminding me of a giant, but there was a gentleness about him that put me at ease. The next man was the same height as the blonde with amber eyes and amber hair. Looking at him it seemed as if fire burned within his eyes. The man had a trim build marking as a possible runner. If I thought the white-haired man was a giant then the next person was extremely tall. This man had platinum blonde hair and green eyes. Staring at him a little longer than the others made me realize that he looked a lot like Orion. Moving onto the last person revealed that he was similar in height to the blonde and amber-haired men. His hair color was white blonde with bright green eyes similar to that of a cat's. Worry marred all of their faces.

Putting my hand back to my head I started to remember who these people were. "Daichi?" I asked tentatively not wanting to call him by the wrong name.

The man smiled in response, wiping the worried look that was on his face. The others sighed in relief that I'd called the man by the right name, which had me confused. I wondered why it was imperative that I called out his name? It was then that I realized what he'd called me. Kayla. I was living out the first of my many lives.

Laughing he sat next to me and drew me into a hug burring his head into my hair before saying, "For a few minutes there I thought you didn't recognize us."

I sighed leaning into his embrace all the while inhaling his scent, I felt at peace in his arms. "What happened?" I asked.

"Huh? What do you mean what happened?" the woman with fiery red hair asked. She reminded me of a mix of Madoka and Ayako.

The man with amber hair snorted before speaking gruffly at the woman, "Really Cassandra? Give the general a break! She did take a header off of a cliff in order to win the war."

Something about what the man had said didn't sound quite right, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Not really in the mind set to dwell on it I turned my attention to Cassandra who was scowling at the man for being so gruff with her.

"Ignacio is right," the man with white hair said preventing the woman from snarking back. Turning to me he smiled and began to speak, "Two weeks ago you ended the war between all of the gods, making it so that they can't fight each other as a whole, but within their own factions. So, the Celtic gods can only fight with other Celtic gods and so forth. I wonder how many worshippers and their deities will vanish."

So, at one time all mythological beings were at one time grouped as a whole?

Before anything more could be said everything faded to black. This time around when I awoke it was to pitch darkness. Giving a frustrated snort I got up and started walking. I was seriously getting sick of passing out.

It wasn't long before I got the niggling feeling that someone was standing behind me. Slowing down I turned my head slightly as if to see which way I should go but saw no one. Turning around I was met with nothing, but the darkness that I was currently stuck in.

Sighing I started walking once more. Again, it wasn't long before I got the feeling of being watched. Whirling around revealed that there wasn't anyone behind me. Growling in frustration I took off running.

It didn't matter how far I ran the presence was still there. Whatever it was it wasn't malicious. Slowing down I acted on instinct and closed my eyes searching for whatever the presence was.

There about five feet away stood a handsome man. He looked to be in his early thirties or late twenties. Standing at about seven foot he had silver hair and silver eyes. Glancing at his attire I saw that he wore a grey t-shirt accompanied with some blue wranglers and black tennis shoes.

Smiling the man opened his mouth and began speaking, "Hello, Mai. I was wondering when you'd let instinct guide you."

Blinking in surprise I replied without thinking. "Do I know you?"

The man laughed at seeing my discomfort. "Yes, you do know me and no I'm not going to say who I am. You've got to remember that on your own. Just know this I am a close friend of yours."

His answer was familiar, but I couldn't place where from. Lifting my eyebrow did nothing but cause him to laugh once more. It was frustrating as I knew him, but at the same time I didn't.

"So, can you tell me what that dream or memory was all about?" I asked hoping he'd tell me what it meant.

"You were remembering the time where you separated all of the gods into similar factions. You're the very reason myths exist."

I blinked not sure if he was accusing me of a crime or something. I couldn't focus very well my mind kept going back to Garret's comment. Even that made me pause in confusion as I wondered how I instinctively knew the white-haired man's name.

"At the time, this was the best course of action. Now the deities of this era have no knowledge of each other. They believe that they are the sole rulers of the universe and that the other gods that people worship to be nothing more than made up."

This was a lot of information to process. I knew that if one set of gods deemed the practice of worship of another god unfit then they could cause quite the stir. I couldn't tell if the man before was pleased with what I'd done or nor and for whatever reason his opinion mattered.

"Happiness is irrelevant to what needed to be done," he said with a sad smile on his face.

"Did you just read my mind?" I asked utterly shocked at the possible intrusion.

The bastard had the audacity to laugh at me. "It is true that I can read minds, but I am unable to read yours. You were created with a mind block making it impossible for the gods to read your mind. The only ones who could read your mind in a desperate situation were the other six protectors. The other six were created so that they could read your mind when the situation became dire. An example of this would be when you wee captured from time to time and they needed a way to locate you. If you're stressed then and then can a god listen to your thoughts. The other six were not created with such abilities, sure they have a stronger will than most, but they don't have that absolute block you have."

Something the man said wasn't right. I wasn't sure what it was, but it had something to do with us being guardians. He continued as if nothing was wrong.

"I didn't need to read your mind to know what you were thinking. Your face displays all of your emotions. And before you ask yes Kayla was the sane way. No matter how many times you're "reborn" you'll still be the same person just with a different name."

"So, you knew me in the past? Are you still alive? Or are you a ghost?" I asked catching onto the fact that he called me by my "supposed" past name.

"Yes, I knew you in the past and yes I'm still alive. I make sure that I reestablish myself in your life every time you have to go through remembering your past."

Whether he knew it or not he broached the subject I feared the most. The very reason I rejected the possibility of me having a previous life let alone multiple lives. How can I be the same person?

A couple of things dawned on me about what he'd said and about what Ignacio had said.

"I'm sorry to be jumping around, but something dawned on me about the memory. When Ignacio was speaking he said I took a header of a cliff. I'm pretty sure that's not how we talked back then."

"That's because your dreams will adapt to the language of the era allowing you to understand them a bit more. It's so that you don't have to do a lot of research. Do you have any other questions?"

"Yes. You said that I'm the very reason myths exist correct?"

"That is correct."

"And because I separated the gods into similar groups the gods can't communicate with anyone outside their faction."

"That is correct," he replied, eyes twinkling.

"Does that mean they can only appear to their followers?"

"This is correct, but like all rules there are exceptions. Ghost Hunters and Demon Hunters are few who can see all of the myths. The other exception is that as long as the person believes that religion then they're able to see any myth associated with that religion. You are a rare exception as the myths can have an active role in your daily life where as most of the time myths have no inter action with people."

That made me pause and think about my life growing up. I'd never noticed how many creatures and deities that are considered myths that I'd encountered.

"I hate to cut this meeting short, but time is running out for us to chat. Mai the times are changing you and the other six guardians will be called upon to protect the universe once more. The forces of darkness are starting to gather an army. You must find the other six guardians and start your own demon hunters' society. Daichi and Ignacio's reincarnated forms are closer than you realize. This time through they are brothers and you won't have to worry about the past repeating itself as Ignacio will be meeting his soulmate through the events to come. Be careful and know that I am always watching and guiding the seven of you. Once you remember who I am all you have to do is call my name and I will be there for you. Until we meet again."

I didn't get to respond to what he'd said when once again everything went black. Bolting up I banged my forehead against something hard. Blinking I saw that I'd bashed foreheads with Naru.

"I'm really starting to get tired of this shit!" I stated after I sat all the way up. "Sorry, Naru, I didn't mean to hit you."

Luella, Gene, and Madoka busted out laughing. Naru scowled while Martin and Lin looked at me to see if I was all right. Even Naoki had made an appearance. He too looked concerned which I found puzzling.

Naoki was a demon and I was a demon hunter he should despise me on site not give these mixed signals. Unless he knew me from the past. I'm not sure which I found more disconcerting the fact that Naoki could have known me in the past or the fact that I was taking this crap rather well.

Snapping my head in his direction I stared at him. A sense of betrayal along with a sense of loss hit me robbing me of breath. I knew for a fact the Naoki wasn't the man that I'd been talking with in my dream as I didn't get a feeling of betrayal or loss with that man, no with him I felt comfort. No Naoki was someone else that I'd known from my past.

"Naoki isn't your real name is it? We met somewhere before I became a demon hunter," I said and at his nod I continued, "You betrayed me and I did something in retaliation."

He gave me a bitter smile before speaking softly, "I thought that I was doing the right thing only to find out I was wrong. In retaliation of my betrayal… you killed me."

I knew I had a look of horror on my face. I couldn't believe that I'd ever kill someone. Yeah, sure I couldn't stand betrayal, but to kill someone over it was kind of extreme.

Naoki laughed at my reaction. What is it with people laughing at me?

"You're probably thinking that, that is a little extreme, but keep in mind that back when I originally knew you that killing someone wasn't as heavily condemned if the reason for the death is a valid one. You above all were pure when it came to war. Many of us thought you a saint. You never betrayed one who you gave your loyalty to unless they betrayed you first. Had people's lives not depended on you to keep them safe you wouldn't have killed me. You used my death as a lesson to the rest of the army showing that you would not put up with betrayal and prevented it from happening again."

"If that is so then how is it that you became a demon?" Madoka asked with shining bright eyes. It seemed she was very interested in my past.

"One of the gods cursed me into this form because of my betrayal."

I bet it was the god of war.

"Can it be reversed?" Luella asked.

"Yes, it can. I do not wish to reverse it though for I am happy as I am now. It has been a long time since I've been human I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I were ever to become human once more." He smiled before continuing, "Please, don't be sad for me. I'm the only one at fault for this situation."

I sighed and said, "Very well. I wonder why all of a sudden I meeting people from my past."

Naoki blinked at me for a couple of seconds before speaking, "Mai everyone you have a connection or friendship with has been someone from your past."

With that said he vanished leaving me with a lot to think about. It was silent in the office for quite some time before Madoka spoke up breaking the silence. "So back to what we were talking about earlier. Mai is it true that all of the myths are real?"

I looked at her for a few minutes trying to decide on how to best answer her question. "Yes, but the myths can only have an active role within the lives of the people who believe in their religion. Ghost Hunters and Demon Hunters are few who can see all of the myths or as long as the person believes in that religion then they're able to see any myth associated with that religion."

They were all shocked and I couldn't blame them if they chose not to believe me. I wasn't completely sure if I believe in it myself. This whole situation was screwed up. I was wishing for things to go back to the way they used to be.

This entire time I thought I knew who I was only to find out that it was all a lie. Now I've got to find out who I truly am in order to feel whole. There was also the fact that I have a soul mate out there somewhere that has been reborn. I have no idea how I'm going to handle all of this.

"You seem to be taking this all rather well," Luella said giving me a motherly smile.

I smiled before replying, "To be honest Mrs. Davis…"

"Luella, dear, or mother if you'd prefer."

"Err…right. To be honest Luella I don't think it's fully hit me yet."

"That is quite understandable. Is there any way to defeat the death coach or the dullahan?" Martin asked.

"No there isn't. The death coach must return from where he came from with at least one soul. It's the dullahan's job to ensure that one is on board whether it is by choice or by force. I doubt the hauntings are caused by the dullahan though. More than likely the person who made that carving did a spell and bound a soul to the house and somehow prevented the dullahan from seeing it. Not able to find the soul it was sent out to get he would have picked up another in able to return home. He is to busy to bother with a single soul."

That made everyone pause and I know Naru was planning on what they were going to be doing next. Looking at Naru I could see that he was contemplating on something. "Mai could you please come with us?" he asked nicely.

I was surprised by how the fact that his voice bordered on pleading. Never in the entire time I'd worked for him had I ever heard him close to pleading. Naru had to be desperate to have me on this case. The only thing that I couldn't figure out was why.

"I guess I could. When are you planning on going to the house?"

"I told the owners the earliest we could be out there being Monday."

That gave me four days to speak with my boss. It might be difficult to get the time off this close, but it would be amazing to work with the gang again. I'd have to see what I could do.

"I'll let you know if I can make it on Monday by Friday afternoon. If not give me the address and I'll swing by after work to help out. Does this work for you?"

Naru hesitated before nodding. I don't think he was truly okay with it, but he knew how stubborn I could be and that if he truly wanted my help he had no choice.

Getting up I said my goodbyes and headed out the door. Half way down the block I ran into Victor Geller and with the smile he gave me I began to suspect that he wasn't who he said he was. There was something familiar about him. His smile reminded me of a fox's and it was then that it hit me. I knew who this was, at least I did in the past.

"Zian Lucian the fennec fox. Is your last name really Geller?" I asked knowing that I should have looked him up after our first meeting.

He flinched back surprised at my bluntness before smiling once more and falling in step with me. "No, it isn't. I wasn't sure if you'd look me up or not so I had to hide as much as possible. I did keep the first name as it was. This go through I'm Victor Kearn. And before you ask yes, the story I told you yesterday wasn't the full truth, but since you still didn't know who you were/are I couldn't say anything and risk you remembering. We've all been around you at one point or another and each time you've come close to recognizing us."

I had to smile at what he said. I knew that I was unpredictable on a regular basis and it seemed that I was like that in the past. What had me frowning was why they couldn't allow me to remember them or myself. Something was going on and I needed to find out.

We headed towards the same shop that we'd gone to yesterday which made me smile. He glanced at me with an odd look. So, I said, "We were just here yesterday. Is this going to be our regular meeting place?"

He gave me a sheepish smile as he held the door open. Entering after me he guided me towards the same seats as the other day.

Once we placed our orders I turned to Victor and said, "Spill."

Smiling Victor began to talk. "As I said before the story I gave you wasn't fully accurate. I was actually sent here to kill Stephen and to find you. The corrupt members of the council said that if it was possible to kill you then do so. I don't think they realize that I'm not one of their lackies yet. I was planning on making it look like Stephen was dead and having him stay here."

This news had me more worried about what was going on and what needed to be done to fix it. I was wondering how many people were truly corrupt and how many were salvageable. Was it even possible to pull people from the Headquarters?

"This is worrisome. I'll see if Naru can get Stephen to come along with us if you get Orion and the others to meet us at this address," I said handing him the piece of paper with the address of the house we'd be going to on Monday then added, "We need to come up with a plan. Bring them on Monday."

"Sure, I can do that. The only people that we're missing are Daichi and Ignacio."

I hesitated before saying, "Daichi and Ignacio have been reborn. I'm not sure who they are now, but I do know that they've been reborn as brothers and are close."

Victor blinked at me and I wasn't sure if he was astonished or didn't believe me. It was a couple of minutes before he said anything.

"How do you know this?"

"I'm remembering bits and pieces of my past. I also had a dream/vision of both of them."

All he said was "Ah" before we lapsed into silence as our orders arrived. I gave Naru a quick call and talked with him about getting Stephen to come. After finishing the phone call I enjoyed the rest of my time talking with Victor.