Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu Yu Hakusho. The characters of Blair, Tebo, Clarence, and the personal jeweler are mine, though. This takes place after the series’ finale and is an AU of the story ‘Eye of the Wolf’ which is not needed to understand this story.
Chapter One- The Show
Hiei frowned at the crowds of laughing, talking humans as he and Kurama navigated their way through them. The sounds around him was a bit loud for his liking and briefly wondered how Kurama put up with it seeing as foxes have sharper hearing.
Kurama sensed Hiei behind him and guessed the fire demon wasn’t enjoying himself. That is a shame, he thought. I want Hiei to like something besides fighting, killing, and working. I had thought a traveling carnival would be fun, not to mention a good place for a date. It would seem I was incorrect.
Kurama had liked Hiei for some time. He had pegged it between their encounter with M4 and M5 and the third round against Team Masho at the Dark Tournament. Hiei was a quiet, strong fighter for most part with a temper that was also of a quiet, deadly sort…unless his sister was in trouble. Then, his temper would explode.
Yes, Hiei’s fighting skills and reserved personality were attractive to him and he worked up the nerve to tell him during the Demon World Tournament once both were out of the tournament. Hiei had listened and then admitted having similar feelings for Kurama. It was another of those rare times where Hiei showed an emotion. I wish he was a little more emotional. A little like Yukina, for example.
Hiei followed Kurama, trying not to touch too many humans. He loved his fox but there were times where he wanted to throttle him. He knew Hiei didn’t care to engage in human activities or social events, like this carnival and yet, here he was. Kurama has a knack for getting me to come with him. In truth, I came so I can spend time with him outside of his room.
Hiei admired Kurama for his fighting techniques and clever tactics for they usually caught his opponent off-guard. He wasn’t lying when he told Yusuke that he chose Kurama to be partner in order to avoid fighting him. He was sure if they had fought, Kurama would have killed him.
He had considered Kurama a friend during the Saint Beasts mission and then felt deep affection throughout the Dark Tournament. It wasn’t until the Demon World Tournament that Kurama admitted being in love with Hiei who told him the same thing. He then visited Kurama constantly and the two would spend time to work on their relationship.
“Hiei, what would you say to watching a magic show before leaving?” Kurama asked as he consulted a sign for said show with times written on it and most crossed off. “There is one more left for tonight.”
Hiei grunted. “A magic show? As in a human performing lame tricks that impress others?”
“Yes, but the human is billing herself as Witch Blair; therefore she is likely capable of performing real magic.”
“Magic isn’t real, Kurama, and witches don’t exist.”
“Regardless, I say we attend the show and then leave. I will agree to whatever you want in exchange for seeing the show.”
A slight smiled curled Hiei’s lips. “Whatever I want. All right, it’s a deal. We’ll see the show.” They headed toward a stage and were in the front row ten minutes before others started to gather. It was another ten minutes before the show began. White smoke filled the stage and a young voice said, “Welcome, everyone. Prepare to be amazed and astonished by the spellbinding magic of Witch Blair!” The smoke dissipated to reveal a twelve-year-old girl with red hair and brown eyes.
A child? Hiei thought while mentally rolling his eyes. I doubt she’s a witch or good at performing tricks. I think this Blair like to pretend she’s a witch and good at fake magic. After all, she’s just a child.
Blair launched into her show, sporting a witch’s hat and cape. She performed common tricks, occasionally using a wand to aid in the trick. Hiei watched with disinterest while Kurama watched with interest and was impressed by the tricks.
“Thank you, thank you,” she said to applause after successfully pulling off a difficult trick. “Now, for my final trick, I will require a volunteer from the audience.” Her eyes raked the crowd before pointing at Kurama. “You with the long red hair. Please come up.”
Kurama complied as Blair pulled a table to the center. “What’s your name?” she asked.
“Shuichi,” he replied.
“All right. If you could lie on the table, I will perform the classic levitation trick.”
Kurama accepted Blair’s help as he eagerly got onto the table and laid down, relaxing his body. “And now…,” he heard Blair say and then he heard gasps of amazement. He moved a couple of fingers that were not visible to the crowd and felt no table. I’m really floating, he thought as Blair moved the table and moved her wand under and over Kurama to prove there were no wires before she put the table back under Kurama and lowered him onto it. He hopped off and Blair said, “Give Shuichi a round of applause and thank you for coming.” The crowd clapped before dispersing.
Kurama smiled at Blair as Hiei came up on stage. “That was an excellent trick. You are quite strong for your age.”
“Thank you Shuichi…or do I call you Kurama?”
“Sorry?” he asked as he inwardly tensed, thinking this was an ambush.
Blair gently smiled. “I am a powerful witch and gifted in sensing demons. I research each place the carnival sets up at when I sense demons. I do this to see which demons are around and if they’re a threat, a serious threat. You and Hiei here are peaceful and I am happy to meet you.”
“You may be able to sense demons,” Hiei said, coming closer. “But I doubt your ‘powers.’”
“You’re not the only one who does. My levitation trick, however, is real.”
“I don’t think so. Witches are not real and you are a fool to think you are.”
Blair’s eyes narrowed. “I suggest you recant your opinion or I will be forced to teach you a lesson…a permanent one,” she said in a low, dangerous voice.
“No,” Hiei stated firmly.
“I warned you,” she said as she pulled out her wand and froze Hiei in one smooth motion. She looked at Kurama with regret in her eyes. “I’d rather not do this, but no one insults a witch and gets off easy for doing it. That is our code and it must be upheld.”
“I understand.” Kurama saw Hiei’s eyes widen in shock at his words. “She has a code, just as you do and to violate it invites a severe punishment.” I will still love you, no matter the punishment.
Blair tapped her wand’s tip into her left palm as she regarded the fire demon. Her research had told her that Hiei and Kurama had just become a couple. She found it sweet and had no intention of breaking them up. I know a curse that will not threaten their love and yet it will amuse me and teach Hiei to not doubt one’s powers and abilities.
She brought her wand to bear and put it to Hiei’s chest. “Again, I regret it but you must learn respect and maybe you’ll come to like it. I lay a two-part curse on you. You will be female and part cat as well. When morning comes, the curse will activate.” The tip of the wand glowed white and spread to Hiei, his body glowing white before the light faded.
Hiei smirked as he backed away, the freeze spell lifted. “Female and part cat?” he scoffed. “I fail to see how that is to teach me respect. I further doubt that you have cursed me. Kurama, I will see you in your room. We need to talk which is what I want to do as per our deal.” He zipped away from the scene.
Chapter Two- Activated
“He still does not believe,” Kurama said.
“He will,” Blair said. “When morning comes, he’ll believe.”
“May I ask why this particular curse?”
“I am aware that you love one another and I did not want to break you up. I know that Hiei has a cold and unemotional disposition. He will be more emotional as girls tend to express them more than men. Cats are known to be prone to emotional reactions and besides, cats are associated with witches and that part will be a constant remainder of the dismissal of my powers.”
Kurama nodded but was inwardly pleased. He had thought it would be nice if Hiei had less emotional control and this curse would do just that. It will be amusing but of course I will not display amusement in Hiei’s presence. “Blair, tonight was the carnival’s last night here, yes?”
“Yes. We are starting to pack up right now and finish it in the morning. We will be on the road before noon.”
“Then, I will bid you goodbye.” He shook her hand, turned, and left the fairgrounds to return home and speak with Hiei. The fire demon was on the window sill with his usual expression.
“That girl has some nerve thinking she can curse someone,” he said once Kurama had closed his door.
“She did curse you,” Kurama insisted. “You will be a part cat girl forever once morning comes.” His voice softened as he added, “I will still love you, though.”
Hiei didn’t doubt Kurama’s last statement but did doubt the one that came before it. There was no way that Blair cursed him to be female and part cat, though he did ponder how one would be part cat. It sounds more like a cat demon, he thought and told Kurama as much.
“Yes, it does,” he agreed. “But then why phrase it the way she did?”
“Probably to make it sound worse than it really is, that is if it was real which it wasn’t.” He got up and turned to the open window. “I’m sleeping outside. Good night.” He leaped into the nearby tree and Kurama closed the window. Kurama prepared for bed and, as he laid there, he knew that Hiei would be different when both of them awoke.
Hiei felt sun on his face and a weight on his chest. It was the latter sensation that made him realize that the curse was real and he was a female cat demon now. She opened her eyes and blinked as the light did not seem brighter than usual. I guess I don’t have the eyes of a cat, she thought as she sat up. She held up her hands to see no claws. She lowered them and then looked down.
Her first thought was that she looked a lot like Yukina but then noticed that she had some muscle still. She gently trailed her fingers over her breasts that were the right size for her body’s height. She lifted her hands to feel her hair, but they ran across a pointed ears. She traced it and moved her fingers to find the other one. I have cat ears. Well, yes, that makes perfect sense.
“Hiei.”
She turned in a crouch to see Kurama, the window now open. She vaulted the distance and perched on the sill. She focused on Kurama. “Well?” she asked, her voice similar to Yukina’s .
Kurama smiled before leaning forward and giving Hiei a kiss, finding her lips to be softer than they had been. He pulled back. “You are a pretty woman; although kissing you on the cheek would be a bit tricky with your whiskers.”
“Whiskers?” she repeated.
Kurama nodded and Hiei brought her fingers to her face to feel a set of cat’s whiskers. “So, I have the ears and whiskers of a cat.”
“You also have a tail.”
“What!?” she exclaimed before craning her neck to see a black cat’s tail behind her. “Cat demons don’t have tails. The domestic ones don’t, anyway.”
“True, which means you are part cat and not a cat demon.”
Hiei went to Kurama’s mirror and stared at her cat features. “I look like a freak,” she said. “These cat features just look wrong. I can deal with being a girl, but not a cat.”
“And yet when you jumped into the window and sat on it, both were very cat-like in their motions.”
Hiei groaned as she reflected on them. “You’re right. They were. I’m even acting like a cat.”
“You better grow accustomed to your new instincts as this is a permanent curse.”
“I know, I know,” she said as she turned away from the mirror. She couldn’t bear to look at herself anymore. She then found herself in Kurama’s arms and just enjoyed the comfort she was drawing from the embrace. She felt Kurama rubbing and scratching the back of an ear and she began to purr as it felt so good…
What the hell am I doing? she demanded of herself as she wiggled out of Kurama’s arms which confused the redhead. “Hiei?” he asked, confused.
“Please don’t do that again.”
“That being the rubbing and scratching.”
“Yes. It was making me…purr.” She gave a slight shudder.
“I know and it was a sweet sound.”
“I am not sweet, she snapped. “I am still Hiei and a fire demon.”
“Are you certain you’re still a fire demon?”
“Of course I’m certain.” She lifted both hands palm up and summoned her energy. A fireball erupted in each hand. She smirked at the result.
Kurama nodded. “I see. I was just thinking that now that you’re female, perhaps your other heritage has been unlocked.”
Hiei extinguished her fire and frowned thoughtfully. When Yukina and she were born, she showed herself to be a fire demon and male while Yukina was an ice apparition and female. Her cruel toss off a cliff angered Yukina but felt her brother deserved the chance to avenge himself upon their people. Hiei, with her cold disposition, felt they were already dead as they seemed timid and incapable of love due to frozen hearts. She had no relations to them, save for her sister.
But, what if I am capable of unlocking that side of me? I would then wield two powers. No one would think I was weaker just because I’m female. She exhaled and then flung out her arms, fists clenched as she focused on what she wanted. Pale white energy glowed on her fists before two ice daggers appeared with razor-sharp edges.
“Hiei,” Kurama said in soft awe. “That is impressive for your first attempt.”
“Hn. I already have strong energy. My change in gender just granted me access to ice powers. I can use two powers.”
“Two opposing elements that can shore up the other’s weakness. Useful if you find yourself in trouble.”
“What trouble?” Hiei scoffed.
“Suppose someone kidnapped you for the reason Yukina was?”
“You believe I am now capable of producing Hiruseki stones?”
“I do and I think we should test to see if that’s true.”
Chapter Three- Explanation
“Kurama, I don’t cry.”
“Considering your upbringing, I believe that. However, I have already seen you being emotional due to the curse.”
“You would too if you were a girl.”
“Yes, I would. Now, you just need to shed one tear to see if it’ll change. Just one.”
“Fine,” she conceded. She pictured the saddest thing in her mind and felt a stinging in one eyes. She blinked at the stinging and felt a wetness slide down her cheek. She let it go down and off her face. She heard a clatter and sighed in resignation as she looked down to see a Hiruseki stone that was greatly different from the others. It was a deep red like a ruby and had a black shimmer around it.
“Hiei,” Kurama gasped as Hiei picked it up. “It’s beautiful.”
“Beautiful and rare.” She took one of Kurama’s hands, turned it palm up, and put the stone in it. “You can have it. I insist.”
“Thank you. So, now we know. You have the powers and ability of an ice apparition,” he said as he closed his hand over the gem.
“Yes, but I am not defenseless. No one is going to take me prisoner or hold me for long.”
“That is true.” Kurama knew that Hiei could indeed run into trouble, even with her powers. It would take a clever demon to trap her. I, for one, know ways to trap and hold her.
“Uh, Kurama? I just realized that I’ll need clothes that fit.”
Kurama blinked to see Hiei tightening the belt of her pants and that her shirt had come untucked due to her breasts. “Yes, of course. Yukina might have some clothes you could borrow or keep.”
“Yukina?” she repeated and her tail twitched in an uncomfortable manner.
“You’re about the same size and shopping would be somewhat difficult due to your cat features. We don’t have to tell Yukina you’re her twin as this curse was not a result of that bond.”
“Of course I don’t have to tell her. Getting clothes from her would be easier.” Hiei’s tail stilled as she relaxed.
“It would. When would you like to go?”
“Now. The sooner my clothes fit, the better.” Hiei went to the window, leaped cat-like to land in the tree and then zipped off to head for the mountains. Kurama smiled in amusement as he went to dress and leave for the same destination. Hiei is pretty as a girl and adorable as a part cat. I liked hearing her purr and would like to hear it again. I think I will as Hiei becomes comfortable with her curse.
Hiei took her time getting to the compound, knowing Kurama would travel there the human way. That was fine as she had a lot to reflect on. The first was her gender. She didn’t mind being female, though she would prefer to be male. But the curse is permanent so that is not an option. Still, my gender brings me closer to the part of myself that had been previously denied. I can use fire and ice now. I look forward to using ice at some point.
She leaped from one rooftop to another and felt the air ruffle the fur of her tail and tickle her ears which made her frown. She hated this part of the curse. Why did she have to be part cat as well? Kurama might know the answer. He did take his time coming back after I was cursed. He might have talked to Blair. I’ll ask him when I next see him.
“Yes, I did talk to her,” he admitted as they ascended the stairs. “She admitted to knowing of our relationship and did not want to ruin it. She knew of your cold, unfeeling disposition and that is why you’re a girl. The cat part is because of their association with witches, are prone to being emotional, and your features would be a constant remainder of your dismissal of her powers.”
“She wants to punish me by making me an emotional person,” she huffed.
“It does seem that way,” Kurama agreed. “And maybe you should go along with it.”
“What!?” Hiei exclaimed, a cat’s yowl sounding in the word. “Why would you say that?”
“Well,” he said slowly. “This is a permanent curse. It would be a losing battle to resist a curse that will not lift. You have already exhibited cat moves and sounds and it would be best not to fight it. As for the female part…”
“I should go along with my impulses and express my feelings,” Hiei cut in.
“Yes.”
“I suppose I could do that. I’m not sure about the cat part.”
“You can’t fight it, Hiei. Besides…I liked it when you purred.”
“You did say it was a sweet sound and…it was an involuntary reflex to what you were doing.”
“It was? Interesting.”
Hiei’s ears twitched and turned. “Hmm…fascinating. I can hear better with these ears. It makes sense as animals tend to have sharper senses than humans and some demons.”
“I can vouch for that. What about your nose? Is it sensitive?”
Hiei sniffed a few times and shook her head. “No. I have the whiskers of a cat but not the sense of smell.”
“And not the eyesight either.”
“It’s just as well. I don’t need to deal with a sharper nose or eyes.” She looked behind her in annoyance. “I wish I could lose the tail.”
“A tail can be useful at times,” Kurama said. “I can speak from experience.”
“But yours is not long like mine is.”
“Perhaps you can wrap it around a leg so that it doesn’t get in your way.”
Hiei paused to work that out before finding that wrapping it around her lower leg worked best as her knees did need to bend so she could walk. Now I don’t have to worry about tripping over it, she thought.
Kurama discreetly admired Hiei as they resumed their trek. It was easy to overlook Hiei’s gender due to her cat features but now Kurama pushed past that to focus on the gender. Hiei had always been slender even when he trained though he did gain a muscular build. The body’s frame had always been slender but it was more so as a girl due to the curved waist and hips. She still had firm muscles along her arms and legs from what he could tell.
Her hair hadn’t changed but her eyes were wider and a softer red. Her facial features were delicate and the shape of her face was curved. Her chest was only slightly bigger than Yukina’s. Kurama personally thought Hiei was like a darker version of Yukina save for the ears, whiskers, and tail.
I said I would still love her and I mean it. I will not let her be abused if I can help it.
Chapter Four- Relation
As the pair passed the gates, they noticed other demons moving about the area either tending to the grounds or training with one another. Some nodded to Kurama but stared at Hiei with admiration as they didn’t seem to recognize her. Hiei ignored the stares as they went into the house.
They found Yukina in her room where she had been meditating. She smiled at Kurama as she rose to her feet. “Kurama, hi and…Mr. Hiei? Is that you?” Yukina blinked in surprise at Hiei’s appearance.
Hiei nodded and Kurama spoke up. “We attended a magic show last night with a real witch who was a pre-teen girl. I assisted her with the levitation act which was real magic. I was really floating. After the show, I complimented her on it and she revealed that she had the gift to sense demons in addition to having powerful magic.
“Hiei dismissed her claim of being a witch and the girl, Blair, warned her to retract that opinion or she would cast a permanent curse. Hiei obviously refused and Blair cast a two-part curse. When morning came, Hiei became female and part cat. We came here to ask if Hiei could borrow some clothes.”
“Oh, yes, she can. I’m sure I have some that will fit and she can keep them.” Yukina went over to Hiei and her eyes looked her up and down, noticing the whiskers and the ears. She started to reach up but paused. “May I feel your ears?” she asked.
Hiei nodded and Yukina put her hand behind one. She felt the fur before she began to scratch it. Hiei closed her eyes in pleasure and then began to purr again. She did not stop the sound as she knew it was pointless; after all, she would be this way forever.
Yukina smiled as Hiei began to purr. It was a little surprising when she first heard it but then she loved the sound of it. That’s a sweet purr she has, Yukina thought. She stopped scratching but the purr continued. “Kurama,” she said. “Please leave so I can help Hiei with clothes.”
“All right,” Kurama said and left as Hiei opened her eyes, the purr stopping.
“I think I have some black clothes you can have,” Yukina said as she opened her closet. “I also have some shirts in colors I think you’ll like.” She stepped back to let Hiei look before going to a dresser for undergarments and socks.
“Will you be able to put holes in my pants for my tail?” she asked.
Yukina looked back to finally notice the tail wrapped around a leg. “I think so. I can use what you’re wearing as a guide.”
“Good.” She turned to see Yukina with an unusual smirk; one that was similar to her own. “Yukina?” she asked.
“Hiei, I’ve been waiting for you to tell me, but I guess you won’t so I’ll do it. I know you’re my twin. Don’t deny it. Our similarities right now are too much to be a coincidence.”
“How long did you suspect it?” Hiei finally asked after a short period of silence.
“When you left for Demon World and I asked you to use my stone to find my brother.”
“You knew and didn’t tell me?”
“I…I wanted to let you tell me when you were ready. I find it curious that you could face down dangerous, lethal demons without fear but you were afraid to tell me that you’re my twin.”
Hiei flinched a little from Yukina’s somewhat sharp tone. “You’re right. I was afraid. I didn’t think you needed to know. I thought I was not the sibling you deserved. I’m…I’m sorry.” She felt a lump in her throat and swallowed it.
Yukina heard the regret in Hiei’s voice and saw the ears droop. Her face softened as she went over and hugged her. “I forgive you,” she said.
“Thank you.”
“So, Hiei. Can you still use fire?”
“Yes and ice as well now.”
“Of course. You are female now and have access to your ice apparition side. Can you…you know?” Yukina drew a finger from her eye and down a cheek.
“Yes. I shed one just to see if I could and I gave it to Kurama to keep. It’s different from yours and the others. It’s a deep ruby red with a black shimmer.”
“Oh,” Yukina breathed at the mental image. “That would make it rare. Anyone, human or demon, would pay richly for them.”
“Well, they won’t get any as I don’t cry.”
“And not many know you’re female and half ice apparition now.”
“Or part cat,” Hiei added.
“Yes, but why a cat?”
“I learned that cats are associated with witches and this would be a remainder f my dismissal of her powers.”
“And now?”
“She is a witch and a powerful one for her age. Her kind have a code of their own and insulting one results in a permanent curse which would…would…” Hiei trailed off, having run out of words and steam.
“Humble the person and teach him or her a lesson?” Yukina suggested.
“Uh…yeah, that’s it.”
“Okay. Now, about those clothes…”
Kurama stepped away from the door and headed outside. Yukina had managed to get Hiei to see that she sort of deserved to be cursed. Hiei understood the importance of an honor code and not violating it lest it resulted in some kind of consequence one could not live with.
They hadn’t intended to tell Yukina that Hiei was related to her and it turns out that she had figured it out herself at least a year before the Demon World Tournament. Her tone had been a bit sharp when speaking of how Hiei could kill with no hesitation but could not tell Yukina the truth. Hiei admitted that she had been afraid to tell her and that she was sorry. Yukina forgave her and asked how much of an ice apparition she had become.
I would say half ice apparition as she can use fire attacks, still has her Jagan, and is part cat. She is expressing emotions which is what the curse intended to do. She’s admitted fear and expressed regret in not being honest with Yukina.
Unknown to all three, a demon had been eavesdropping at another door to the room. He worked for a powerful demon who had given him time off and he chose to spend it in Human World at the compound where demons could visit or live. He, like the others, had noticed Kurama and the part cat girl with him. He was curious about the girl and decided to spy on the pair. Spying for his boss was his job and he did it well.
So, he listened at the door, his sharp ears picking up every word and was astonished as well as excited with what he heard.
So, Hiei is half-ice apparition. She has the gender, powers, and Hiruseki stones of one. She still has fire powers and a curse has made her part cat in addition to being female. Surely Master Tebo would be interested in this bit of information. The demon, Clarence, left the building and went to the isolated hill where he used a charm to open a portal to Demon World, eager to tell his master what he had learned.
Chapter Five- Prisoner
Tebo leaned back in his home office chair, his blue-green fingers pressed together as he listened to Clarence. “So, a human witch put a curse on Hiei for insulting her. Hiei is now part cat and female, the latter revealing that she is an ice apparition in addition to being a fire demon.”
“Yes, Master Tebo.”
Tebo bared a grin of perfect white teeth. “Excellent. I had planned to make a brief endeavor into selling Hiruseki stones but kidnapping Yukina is a risky move as Hiei would kill everyone to rescue her. I heard that he almost killed a human who had held her prisoner and until today, I had wondered why. Now, I know: They’re siblings.
“Now that Hiei is female, she would make a better target than Yukina to kidnap.”
“Forgive me, Master, but she is still a strong demon with fire and ice powers. How would one contain such a demon?”
Tebo laughed. “Yes; containing Hiei is a difficult matter but I have the means to contain her.”
Clarence glanced up from his kneeling position to focus on Tebo’s three sapphire blue eyes. “Oh, yes Master. Your eyes’ special power. Very few demons can fight it.”
“And Hiei will be no different. Clarence, you will go back to Human World, seize Hiei, and bring her here so I can get some Hiruseki stones from her. I look forward to seeing how much a red Hiruseki stone would be worth.”
“As you command, Master.” Clarence rose and left to obtain the items for a plan that had come to him when he was coming to report to Tebo.
&&&&
“So, you will stay here for a little while?” Kurama asked.
Hiei nodded. “Yukina wants to take me shopping for other clothes to modify and do some sisterly bonding.”
“That sounds nice.”
“It does and I look forward to bonding with her.”
Kurama pulled Hiei into a hug and Hiei purred at the embrace which made Kurama smile. “I like it when you purr.”
“I know and I also enjoy purring.”
“Good. Accepting your curse is the best thing to do.” Kurama gave Hiei another kiss on the lips. The whiskers didn’t really interfere with a lip kiss; only the cheeks. But Kurama knew that he would eventually manage a kiss on the cheek even with the whiskers. He then left the compound and Hiei allowed herself a soft smile. I think Kurama loves me more as a girl and a cat. Hn, not even a full day under the curse and I’m already comfortable with it. Blair was right in saying that I would come to like my curse as I really do like it now.
“Hiei?” came a gentle voice and she turned to see a demon about a head and a half taller than her and could pass for a human, however she sensed his energy. She raised an eyebrow. “Yes?” she asked slowly and with slight suspicion.
“I will apologize now but I overheard Kurama speak of you being cursed. It must anger you to be female and a cat.”
“At first, yes, but as it is permanent, continuing to resent it is pointless.”
“Of course, of course. But suppose it could be lifted? What then?”
“It can’t be lifted,” she said.
“Ah, but my boss is very skilled in magic. A mere human’s curse cannot stand up to his powers.”
“Your employer would want some kind of repayment an I have nothing to give him. So, I will live as I am.” Hiei turned and was starting to leave when she felt herself being grabbed and a cloth was pressed to her nose and mouth. The scent of chloroform filled her nose and she felt dizzy from it before passing out.
She smelled something different under her nose and the dull ache in her head dissipated. She moaned softly and then gave a low cat growl as she recalled the attack. He is so dead.
“Wake up, my dear,” came a smooth voice that was not her attacker.
Hiei opened her eyes and blinked a few times before sitting up to focus on a demon taller than her kidnapper. His skin was a blue-green color that complemented his white hair that was in a ponytail that ended at the nape of his neck. Hiei noticed his three blue eyes that held greed in them.
“Tebo,” Hiei growled, recognizing him.
“Ah, you’ve heard of me. I am flattered.”
“I know your name and that you are a modesty business demon but that’s it. I know why I’m here. You want my stones.”
“You are a smart one. Then you know that I will obtain some eventually so I suggest you simply cooperate and things will go smoothly for both of us. My spy, Clarence, heard your stones are red. I would settle for one right now to see how much it’s worth.”
“One. And if it’s worthless?”
“Oh, I doubt it’s worthless. It is rare and will still fetch some money. I do intend to have you stay and have you as a kind of pet as well.” Tebo eyed Hiei’s ears and tail.
“Forget it,” Hiei hissed. “I will not be your prisoner or your pet.” She attempted to bring her fire alight but nothing happened. She then tried to bring her ice to life and still nothing. “What?” she asked to herself with confusion.
“My eyes have the power to ward another’s powers. You are effectively powerless, Hiei.” He laughed at the shock on her face.
Hiei clenched her fists. She had left her sword in Kurama’s room before traveling to the mountains but she wasn’t really powerless as she did have her fists. She ran at Tebo with a battle cry and her fists were soon hammering with incredible speed.
Tebo abruptly stopped laughing and put his hands up to block all her punches with little trouble, much to Hiei’s surprise. She snarled as she pressed the attack, her fists moving so fast, they were a blur to her. Damn it, how is he able to block all my punches? she silently demanded. She slammed both fists forward and Tebo caught them both and held them tightly.
“Nice try, my dear but I’m a good fighter myself.” He then squeezed his hands and the pressure caused Hiei to cry out in pain and, to her shock, she felt a tear well up, escape, and transform before it hit the floor.
Tebo released her hands and she sank to her knees, alternatively flexing her fingers and massaging her joints and knuckles. Tebo went to one side of her, leaned down, and delicately plucked the gem off the floor. He held it up to the light and was awed by the black shimmer that sparkled around the gem.
“It’s lovelier than I imagined,” he breathed. “This will surely fetch a very good price and now would be an excellent time to find out.” He headed for the door, opened it, and looked back at the cat girl who looked over her shoulder and growled, her tail twitching angrily.
“You certainly are spirited,” he commented. “I usually like that in a girl. However, I would prefer it if you simply cooperate with my plans for you. Now, I’m going to see how much your stone is worth and you are going to stay here. Attend to your hands and I will return later. Don’t try to escape as I will be warding the doors with water and fire talismans.” He left, closing the door.
Hiei moaned as she worked on her hands. She was a prisoner to a demon who wanted her stones and be his pet. It is similar to Yukina’s situation and no one knows it. But, I will escape.
Chapter Six- Cat Behavior
Tebo’s personal jeweler looked over the stone with a jeweler’s eyepiece and gently feeling it for any imperfections. Tebo sat in a chair opposite him, fingers pressed together once again.
The jeweler took his eyepiece off, put it away, put the stone in a cloth, and began to polish it. “Sir, I have never seen a red Hiruseki stone before today as they are rare, almost considered a myth. Obviously, they exist as we have one right here. Now, we know that a normal one is worth a good deal. A red one, in my professional opinion, could easily be worth a thousand or two thousand more.”
Tebo’s eyes widened. “That much?” he gasped.
“Yes, sir. If you wish, I will do my best to ensure that those sold look their best to sell for top dollar.”
“Done and you’ll start with that one.”
“I am honored, sir. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now, I am going to see how much of a cat Hiei is.” He bared a grin of amusement as he went to Clarence to have him shop in Human World for cat supplies while he sat in his bedchambers and wrote a list of possible things to test on Hiei.
Hiei had been dozing in a sitting position when she heard the door opening. She opened her eyes to see Tebo and Clarence enter, each carrying a bag. She could hear bells jingling from one bag. Clarence closed and locked the door as Tebo set the bags on his desk before facing Hiei, arms folded.
“I put your stone on the market and it sold extremely well; better than I expected. You are very valuable to me now and will stay with me.
“I now want to see how much of a cat you are. I know you’re capable of cat sounds like hissing, growling, and snarling. But, are there other sounds? Purring, perhaps?”
Hiei said nothing, merely glared at him.
“Very well,” Tebo said. “I’m sure I will learn the answer to that in due time.” He turned to a bag, dug through it, and turned back around with something in a fist. Hiei rose and scowled at her captor. Then, something caught her eye and she looked down.
A red dot was on the floor and moving about in a random fashion; up the carpet, down the carpet, moving fast and then slow before going at normal speed. The random movement of the dot entranced her as she followed it with her eyes before she crouched down and stalked the dot that was holding still now. Her tail swished back and forth. The dot began to move away and Hiei went after it. She put her hands out to trap the dot and Tebo released the button of the laser pointed so that it looked as if she had caught it. Hiei growled in satisfaction as she lifted a hand to look closer at her catch. Tebo pressed the button and moved the dot quickly away from Hiei. She raced after it and ‘trapped’ it again. She then came back to her senses and stood up before turning her back on the laser. “That was not funny,” she snapped.
“It was interesting to you, though. So, a laser pointer will be one of your toys.”
Hiei whirled around to face him. “Go ahead, but I won’t fall for that anymore or for any other toy you try to use.”
“Oh, I think I have a way to make you play,” Tebo countered. He pulled out a zippered bag, opened it, and passed it under Hiei’s nose.
A scent went up her nose, making it tickle. Tebo passed it under her nose again and she inhaled deeply as it went by. “What…is that? It smells…good,” she said.
“A plant that cats like to eat called catnip.”
“So, it’s a type of food?”
“More of a treat. Would you like to try some?”
“Yes, I would.” Hiei suspected a trap but was curious to find out how catnip tasted.
Tebo poured a little into one of Hiei’s hands. “Only a little bit as too much is not good for felines, even a part cat like you.”
“A little is fine as I just want a taste.” She sniffed the catnip and some went up her nose before she licked a little up to taste it. She licked her lips as she processed the taste before she ate the rest.
A mix of euphoria and a feeling of relaxation rushed through her and a goofy grin came to her face. She crouched down and began to rube her face on the desk and a loud purr was heard. She felt relaxed and happy. She loved how she felt and was grateful that Tebo offered the catnip to her.
“Hiei,” Tebo said in a singsong tone and she turned to see a feather waving back and forth. Her tail whipped crazily behind her as she batted at the feather. She growled playfully as she swatted at the feather and Tebo saw claws pop out of her fingertips. Retractable claws, he thought. Interesting and appropriate. Hiei batted the feather out of Tebo’s hand and then attacked it, batting the feather so that it floated through the air. Her hands moved quickly to send the feather flying and her claws then shredded the feather when it landed.
Tebo laughed at Hiei’s antics as he tossed some bell balls. She is amusing under the influence of catnip. Some cats aren’t affected by catnip, but Hiei clearly is.
Twenty minutes later, Hiei lay on the floor panting hard from her activities. She still had a smile on her face and soft purrs were heard. Tebo went to one knee beside her and, as he scratched behind an ear, he asked, “Hiei, would you shed a tear for me? A thanks for the treat I gave you?”
“Yes,” she whispered, a purr in her voice. Her eyes grew bright and soon a tear fell and changed. Tebo smiled as he collected it. He then rubbed Hiei’s ear and said, “Thank you, my dear. Now, why don’t you get some sleep? I’ll have some food and drink ready when you awaken.”
Hiei sighed as she passed out from her catnip high as the two demons left. Tebo smirked as he admired the stone and elected to keep it for himself. “Well, that was very entertaining.”
“She was quite relaxed,” said Clarence. “The catnip made her act more like a cat.” He snorted a laugh. “She was funny.”
“Yes. Did you notice that she has retractable claws? It really makes her look like a cat.”
“I did notice. I also noticed that she willingly shed a tear for you when you asked.”
“She did. She is an easygoing person when on catnip. Of course, we won’t give it to her all the time or even a lot of it. After all, she is part cat and too much catnip is not good for cats.”
“That is what the store employee said when I asked about it,” Clarence said.
“Sleeping it off will return her to her suborn self but hopefully not before her food.”
“What will you give her, Master?”
“Tuna fish and milk.” Tebo smirked and Clarence laughed. “I won’t put both in bowls and I will provide utensils for the tuna. I hope some nip is still in her system after her nap so she exhibits more cat behavior while she eats.”
Tebo entered the kitchen alone to seek out the tuna and then the utensils, bowl, cup, and milk. She smiled as he gathered everything. He had made the right choice in kidnapping Hiei. She will stay with me as she belongs to me now.
Chapter Seven- Escape Attempt
Hiei yawned as she sat up before she began to wash her face like a cat. She felt refreshed from her nap and still felt good from the nip as there was still some in her system.
I had a lot of fun playing with those toys. I wouldn’t mind doing that again…once I’ve had some food. She put a hand to her stomach as it growled.
The door opened and she looked to see Tebo with a tray that bore food and drink. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“I am,” she admitted. Tebo put the tray down and Hiei saw a bowl of tuna and a glass of milk. She did not hesitate to seize the bowl and a fork and eat her food. The tuna was not cat food; it was real tuna. She ate hungrily before she grabbed the glass. She brough it to her mouth and began lapping it up instead of just drinking it.
Tebo was pleased. Clearly, there was still some nip left to prompt her to drink like a cat. If I’m lucky, I might be able to persuade her to be like a cat more often and she’ll give me stones to sell. Others will pay me handsomely to own at least one red Hiruseki.
Hiei then froze with her tongue poking out a little between her lips. She blinked as the nip wore off completely. She pulled in her tongue, finished the milk, and put the glass down to glare at Tebo. “That was a dirty trick you played on me with that nip,” she said.
“Not really as some cats aren’t affected by nip. Most are and you are one of them. Tell me: Do you remember what you did?”
“Yes and I can’t believe I did all that.” She looked at a hand. “I remember having claws.”
“Retractable ones as they’re not there right now.”
Hiei inwardly moaned. Great. Now I have claws like a cat. I’m also affected by catnip and I play under its influence.
“You were very easygoing while under catnip. I asked for you to shed a tear and you did. I might have my employees work on developing a catnip substitute to make you compliant with my desires.”
Hiei leaped to her feet. “Oh, no,” she said. “I’m not letting you control me anymore. I’m leaving.” She raced for the door and launched a series of punches that succeeded in breaking the door. Her claws came out and they effortlessly shredded the wards on either side of the doorframe.
“Hiei!” Tebo shouted as the cat girl sped from the room and through the halls to find the exit. Once outside, I will find a way back to Human World, Yukina, and Kurama. She smiled a little at the thought.
She then yowled as a blast from a fire extinguisher hit her and then a surge of electricity went through her courtesy of a taser. She crumpled to the ground, unable to control her limbs. Another blast from the extinguisher rendered her unconscious, her last thoughts on her sister and her boyfriend.
“Hello?” Kurama said as he answered the phone.
“Kurama,” came Yukina’s voice. “Is Hiei there?”
“No. I thought she was staying for clothes shopping and bonding with you.”
“She was, but I looked all over the house and she’s not here. I had some others check the forest and the beach and they didn’t find her. Oh, Kurama, I’m afraid she’s been kidnapped!”
“Hang on, I’ll be there soon.” Kurama hung up, went to the roof, changed to Yoko, and took off for the mountains, determined to find some clue of what happened to his girlfriend. I will learn who took her and he or she will pay.
Hiei moaned and then mewed in pain as she awoke. She felt weak from the extinguisher and the presence of a lot more wards than before. She weakly opened her eyes to see a barred cell door with wards all over it. She slowly sat up and surveyed her surroundings. She was in a cell, not unlike the one she had glimpsed when she went to rescue Yukina. She went to the window, mindful of the wards, and looked out. She was in an underground cell as the window was at ground level.
She backed away with a grunt and settled on the floor, equidistant from the door and the window so she didn’t feel so weak from the wards. She didn’t think she would be affected by water and fire talismans but such was the case.
She heard footsteps and lifted her head to see Tebo looking annoyed at her. “I thought you would attempt to escape, but I had hoped I was wrong.”
“You weren’t wrong,” she said, wincing as how weak she sounded.
“Clearly. I thought fire extinguishers would work as would the tasers. I decided to imprison you with all these wards as well as my special power. I will do whatever it takes to make you cry.”
And his true nature comes out, Hiei thought. Now he will torture me…eventually.
That was when a massive amount of electricity surged through her. She screamed her pain and felt tears slid down her cheeks as she had been unprepared for the torture to come immediately. The electricity ceased and Hiei laid on the floor, gasping and panting as armed guards came in and aimed tasers at her while Tebo collected the stones and left, the guards following him.
Hiei gave a cat growl as she sat up, despite her trembling arms. She had been shocked from a massive charge and she had cried from it. I cannot let that happen again. I know that Yukina was able to cut off her emotions so she wouldn’t cry. I should be able to do the same. She settled herself into a meditative pose and focused on her emotions. She pictured them forming a ball and then freezing into a ball of hard ice and then a solid barrier of ice surrounding it. I feel nothing. I will feel no pain. I will not cry.
Tebo admired the number of stones as his jeweler examined and polished them. All of them were beautiful and perfect. He was pleased with how many he got from shocking Hiei but knew he needed to mix up his tactics in order to keep Hiei off-balance. No doubt she is cutting off her emotions to avoid crying. Well, I have another way to make her cry. She doesn’t know it, but a catnip substitute has been created and more quickly than I had anticipated. I only need to put a little in her food as it is more potent than the actual plant. It will last a lot longer as well. She will act like a cat again and give me as many stones as I want. I can even tell her to not cut off her emotions if I want. He smirked at the thought.
Yukina was relieved when she saw Yoko but also felt bad for those who took Hiei as Yoko would act with lethal force to free his girlfriend. She saw him sniff the air and then move off to her left. She came down the stairs and followed the silver fox until he stopped and breathed deeply. “Chloroform,” he said.
“Sorry?” she asked.
“Chloroform,” he repeated. “A chemical that can render one unconscious if a rag of it is pressed to one’s nose and mouth. It also causes a headache when one wakes up. Someone used chloroform to take Hiei. I also smell the scent of the kidnapper. Stay here, Yukina. I’ll find her and bring her back.”
“Okay. Good luck.” Yukina watched Yoko race after the scent of the kidnapper; he also smelled Hiei’s unique scent: Ash, ice, and cat. I’ll find you, Hiei, he thought as he reached the trail’s end and opened a portal to Demon World. It might take a little time, but I will find you.
Chapter Eight- Rescued
Yoko emerged from the portal, found the scent again, and headed after it. He had to stop a few times due to demons who refused to let him pass without a fight. He engaged them but made it quick. He left his opponents alive as he continued on his way to save Hiei. He had to stop when night fell and he sat in a cave, a fire lit as he stared out into the night until he fell asleep after setting some plants to protect him.
Hiei awoke and stretched before resuming her meditation. She felt calm due to her meditation. They can shock me all they want, but I will not react. I am a rock. The sound of footsteps drew her attention and she opened her eyes before turning her head to see Tebo with a tray and an escort of four guards.
Tebo looked at the soft red eyes that had a flat stare. No emotion; as I suspected. “I imagine meditation is hungry work.”
“Yes,” she said neutrally as Tebo put the tray down beside her and backed up. She saw it was tuna and milk again. “You do realize that I can eat other foods and drink more than milk,” she said.
“I do, but I see you as my pet so I will feed you as I see fit.”
Hiei did not answer as she turned to her tray. She was hungry and she would need the energy to keep her meditation going. She took a long drink of milk before starting on her tuna. She saw a look of triumph in Tebo’s eyes and felt curious about it; a curiosity that came from her cat half. She finished her breakfast and that happy, relaxed feeling from yesterday washed over her again, although it felt a lot stronger. No! Not again, she thought before she went under the substitute’s influence.
Tebo was pleased as Hiei’s flat stare faded and the eyes looked cat-like this time. He had been told that this substitute would bring all of Hiei’s cat behaviors out and he was eager to see them in action. “Hiei,” he said.
The cat girl looked at him, meowed, got to her hands and knees, walked over to him, and rubbed against his legs, purring. He smiled as he leaned down and stroked her hair. “That’s a good girl,” he praised. Hiei meowed again and then stretched herself up to bat at the feather Tebo had pulled out and held up. Her claws were out again and it sliced through the feather. “Easy, girl,” he said and her claws retracted so she simply batted and swatted at the feather. She gave it a hard swat that knocked it from Tebo’s fingers. She pounced on it and batted it to flip it into the air where she leaped up and attacked it.
Her antics amused Tebo and the guards as they laughed. Hiei ignored them as she was intent on her toy. She was aware of that she was doing and how she was acting but she was feeling so happy and playful that she did not want to heed her demon side. Tebo wants me to relax and have fun and that is what he’ll get. A glowing red dot caught her attention and she got into a stalking position, her tail whipping back and forth. She then sprang after it, chasing it around the cell to the delight of the demons.
Hiei played for ten minutes and stopped to lick her hands and wash her face. She brought her tail around to lick it clean too. A guard put down a bowl of milk and Hiei gratefully lapped some up. She resumed playing when a couple of jingle balls were sent rolling across the floor.
“Boss,” one guard said softly so as to not startle the cat girl. “This is funny, seeing her act like this.”
“I was told the substitute is more potent than regular catnip and it would bring all her cat behaviors out. She will also listen to anything I tell her. Watch. Hiei!” The cat looked at him and he said, “Cry for me.” Her eyes went bright and four tears fell and changed.
The guards gasped in awe at the pretty gems and then jumped as the security alarm went off. They paused, torn between staying with Tebo or dealing with the intruder. Tebo waved them off. “Deal with the intruder. I’ll be fine.” He turned his attention back to a playing Hiei as the guards headed upstairs. “Well, girl, if that is someone coming to rescue you, they will or will not succeed. If it’s the former, I will allow your release rather than die. You’ve provided me with enough stones to sell and much amusement to look back fondly at.”
There was a cry of pain and Tebo turned to see a familiar silver fox in the cell’s door. A whip was in his hand and a flat cold stare was aimed at him.
“Yoko,” Tebo said calmly as he stepped away from Hiei. “Go ahead and take your friend home.”
Yoko felt momentary surprise at the easy surrender but chose not to dwell on it or let his surprise show. He strode over to Hiei who was curiously on her hands and knees. “Let’s go, Hiei,” he said, reaching for her.
Hiei flattened her ears, arched her back, and hissed, swiping one of her clawed hands at Yoko who pulled back before whirling around to face Tebo. “What did you do to her?” he demanded.
“I gave her a rather potent catnip substitute. It brought out all her cat behaviors and will wear off in a few hours. I think she’s reacting to your demon form as foxes are kin to dogs.”
Yoko looked at Hiei who was now growling and spitting, her claws still out. “Retractable claws,” he murmured.
“Indeed,” Tebo said. “I’ll just head upstairs and leave you with trying to get Hiei to leave with you.” The demon beat a quick retreat.
Yoko contemplated the situation before a solution came to him. He pulled out a seed from his hair and poured some energy into it. A flower broke through the shell, its petal closed together. He crouched and slowly approached Hiei, his hand held out. Hiei still had her ears flat and was growling but the flower also peaked her curiosity. She sniffed the flower and Yoko willed it to open. It did so and a gas issued from it and into Hiei’s face. Her eyes blinked sleepily and she yawned before she collapsed fast asleep and softly purring.
Yoko discarded his sleeping flower, scooped up Hiei, and left the manor. No one stopped his departure as they were either dead or badly injured. He sped across the landscape, reached where he had entered Demon World and opened the portal to take them back to Human World.
He emerged and raced for the house, meeting Yukina as he headed for a guest room and laid the still sleeping cat on the floor before resuming his human form.
Yukina stood beside Kurama with a look of relief. “She’s okay.”
“Yes and no. She’s physically all right but her captor gave her a catnip substitute that brought out all her cat behaviors. She reacted negatively to me in my demon form and I had to use a sleeping flower to get her home. She’ll wake up soon and I should not be nearby as she’ll likely smell my fox scent. It will be a few hours before the substitute wears off.”
“Okay. I’ll keep an eye on her and talk to her once she’s back to normal.” Yukina watched Kurama leave and then went to her room for some old ribbons. She surmised that Hiei might want to play when she awoke. She then went to get some food and drink for Hiei though not cat related. She was probably given food cats like and milk to drink. Well, I won’t give her milk but I will put the food and drink in bowls.
I can’t believe her captor would do this to her. I thought she was kidnapped for her tears but maybe I was wrong. Well, when the substitute wears off, I will talk to her and learn the whole story.
Chapter Nine- Recounting
Hiei blinked open her eyes and her nose smelled ice and a scent that hinted of kin which put her at ease. She sat up like a cat and began to wash her face and tail. She heard her name spoken softly and she looked over to see a gentle face. She recognized Yukina but was still being a cat. She meowed at Yukina before going over to nuzzle Yukina’s hand. She felt herself being petted and she purred happily.
Yukina couldn’t believe how cat-like Hiei was being and it was disconcerting to her. This was not how her sister should act. Some purring, a few cat sounds and movements, sure, but not washing her face or moving on all fours.
“Are you hungry, Hiei?” she asked as she slid the tray over to her. Hiei looked in the bowl that held hamburger Yukina had heated up, took a taste, and then proceeded to eat, drinking some water as well. When she finished, she washed up again.
Movement caught her eye and she looked to see a pink ribbon sliding across the floor. She stalked it and then pounced. Her hands landed on a part of it and her claws latched on. She bit on the ribbon and felt it trying to get away. Her claws clutched tighter to it.
Yukina gently tugged the ribbon but Hiei had a firm grip on it. She was surprised at the claws that came out and wondered if Kurama knew about this. He probably did. I’m sure Hiei showed her claws when reacting to Yoko. Yukina tugged the ribbon and found it had been released. She stood and held up the ribbon which prompted Hiei to reach up and bat at it. Yukina giggled as she moved the ribbon to cause Hiei to chase, bat, and pounce on it. Hiei soon fell asleep, having worn herself out and having a full stomach.
Hiei stirred and moaned as she awoke from her nap. She lay there to allow the events of the last few hours to come into crystal clear focus. I’ve been rescued and Yukina played with me. She felt a little embarrassed at acting like a cat in front of her sister even though she couldn’t help it. She rose to her feet and went in search of Yukina, seeking out her energy and found it outside along with Kurama’s energy. She opened the outside door and both looked back.
Yukina was up first and hugged Hiei. “You’re back to normal.”
“And I hope to stay normal,” she answered as Yukina released her and both sat down with Hiei between her sister and her boyfriend. “I do remember everything and understood every word spoken while on catnip and that substitute.”
“Really?” Yukina asked.
“Yes. I appreciate what you gave me to eat, Yukina. Tebo only gave me tuna and milk. He wanted me as his pet in addition to providing him with stones.”
“So, you were taken for your tears.”
“Yes.” She looked at Kurama. “I’m sorry about how I acted when you came for me.”
“No apology is necessary. You were a cat and cats hate dogs which are kin to foxes and other canine family members.”
Hiei put her face in her hands. “I can’t believe I acted like that.”
“Was it really that bad?” Yukina asked.
Hiei lifted her head and appeared thoughtful. “If I were allowed to act that way without outside influence, it wouldn’t be that bad, though the way I acted is a bit embarrassing. I do like playing with feathers, jingle balls, and ribbons.” She looked at Yukina as she said the last word.
“So, this Tebo used feathers and jingle balls?” she asked.
“Yes. He also used a laser pointer which I hated. It was the only one that was used before and after catnip.”
“Do you like catnip?” Kurama asked.
“Yes,” she answered. She looked at Kurama. “You could grow some as it is a plant.”
“That is true. But you should not have it very often.”
“I know. Tebo said too much is bad for cats.”
“He really wanted you for a pet?” Yukina asked.
“Yes. He said it at least twice. I like the petting but I rather not be petted when on catnip. It would be best if I could be a cat on my own terms.”
“I am surprised he let me rescue you without a fight save for the guards.”
“I heard him say he had enough stones to sell and that I had given him much amusement for him to re-live.”
“Ah. So, he’s gotten enough from you to satisfy him.”
Hiei nodded. “I think he will sell what he has over a long period of time and then leave that part of the market once they’re gone.”
“That would make sense and he knows that if he grabs you again, I will not hesitate to kill him.”
“Wait,” Yukina said. “Hiei, why didn’t you use your powers to escape?”
“Tebo’s eyes have the ability to ward another’s powers. I did try to escape shortly before Yoko came. I used my strength to break the door and my claws to shred the wards on the doorframe. I was doing fine until the fire extinguishers and the taser.”
“Taser?” Kurama said sharply. “You were tased?”
“I was.”
Yukina flinched. “That’s awful.”
“Yeah. I couldn’t move and that was before the second blast of the extinguisher.”
There was some silence before Yukina said, “Hiei, how about we do the shopping and bonding tomorrow?”
“That would be nice but what about my cat features? I mean, the ears and tail can be concealed but what about my whiskers?”
“Your scarf,” Yukina answered. “You left it in my room.”
Hiei smiled. “Perfect. What kind of bonding were you thinking of?”
“I was thinking of sharing stories and I could teach you more about ice. I remember when I was a prisoner I tended to freeze the cell and create an icy barrier around me every time my captor came to see me.”
“Freezing the area. I like that idea and would love to learn that.”
“I could also help you in being a girl,” Yukina added.
Hiei wanted to say she didn’t need help with being female but reconsidered it. I need to be like a girl and should accept whatever help is being offered. Besides, this could be a type of sisterly bonding. “I would like some help,” she said. The sweet smile Yukina gave her made her heart melt and it gave her a warm feeling inside.
Yukina felt good as Hiei spoke freely of her ordeal. She was familiar with Hiei being a cold fire demon but the cat girl she had become was pleasant and she looked forward to shopping and bonding with her sister. There were years to catch up on and she wanted to hear about Hiei’s life, particularly the part where she got the Jagan and learned to use it.
After shopping, we’ll practice ice moves. I imagine she’ll learn a lot as she is already a strong demon, but I’ll make sure she doesn’t overdo it.
Chapter Ten- Sisters
The next day, Hiei and Yukina traveled into town, the former wearing a pair of black jeans with the tail tucked inside, a long-sleeved black shirt to conceal her bandages, her scarf concealing the lower half of her face, and a black beret on her head to hide the ears. Some people gave her curious looks but she was unconcerned. She didn’t care about humans but had no desire to expose her unusual appearance to strangers.
“Let’s start with where I bought those clothes you’re wearing,” Yukina said, nodding at Hiei’s clothes.
“Good idea,” she answered. She followed Yukina into the store and enjoyed choosing clothes and trying them on. There were smiles and laughs as they shopped and Hiei embraced the wash of emotions that came over her. It actually felt great to express emotions and was grateful that Blair cursed her, only she didn’t see it as a curse anymore. It felt more like a gift and one she had come to like.
“That was fun,” Yukina commented as they headed up the stairs.
“It was. Is that a girl thing?”
“Sort of. Most girls love to shop but some don’t.”
“I see. So, what else do you like to do?”
“Well, gardening, talking to friends, and having tea with those I love.”
“I don’t know about gardening. I don’t mind talking and I do like having tea with you when I visit, only I won’t be visiting. I’ll live with you as I may not be welcome in Demon World as I am. The demons that live with us are a rather accepting group.”
“They know it’s you and what you’re still capable of so they accept and respect you.”
Hiei lowered her scarf and took off the hat to scratch behind her ears due to an itch. She kept her tail tucked so Yukina could modify it. “We can leave some of the pants as they are,” she suggested. “I…wouldn’t mind going into town now and then.”
“And seeing Kurama, your boyfriend?” Yukina asked slyly.
“Wha-?” Hiei gasped. “Was it…that obvious?”
“No, but when you said you gave Kurama your first stone instead of keeping it…well, giving someone you love a jewel is a very thoughtful gift.”
“Okay. Yeah, he’s my boyfriend. We admitted love to each other once both of us were knocked out of the Demon World Tournament.”
“That’s rather recent.”
“I felt attraction for him back during the Dark Tournament and Kurama confessed first.”
“You didn’t confess first as you only felt attraction.”
“No. I was afraid to tell him because he might not have felt the same way. I did not want to face rejection. I’m not really in touch with my emotions or expressing them.”
“You are now and it’s nice to hear you opening up to me.”
“It feels good to open up to you too.”
“Would you like to learn the freezing technique still?” she asked later as they put away Hiei’s clothes and shoes in her official bedroom.
“Yes, I do. I’ve already made ice daggers the day the curse activated.”
“Ice daggers?” Yukina asked with interest. “I’d like to learn that.”
“I’d be happy to teach you though I don’t think it’ll be hard.”
Yukina giggled. “Honestly, it’s not really teaching. We both have access to our energy and powers.”
Hiei smirked and laughed. “You have a point. So, let’s practice.” She switched her pants to one with a tail hole before both headed out to practice.
Hiei felt the temperature around her drop and ice developing on the ground under her feet and around them. She opened her eyes to reveal them glowing white and the air got colder. A domed barrier of a light blue color flared into existence around her and she inwardly nodded in approval. She looked at Yukina who was gathering energy in her palms. She frowned in concentration as ice formed in her hand and grew into knife thin crystals. They became thicker and became long daggers with razor-thin edges. She looked at both crystals and a smile appeared at her success and she shared this smile with Hiei.
A deep gasp sounded and both looked to see Kuwabara at the gate, arms wrapped around himself and he was shivering. Hiei dispelled her technique and the temperature returned to normal. Yukina dissipated her ice and approached the human. “Kazuma,” she said with a smile.
“Yukina,” he said with clear affection.
Hiei silently watched the interaction. She never liked Kuwabara, hated him really. She had heard from Kurama that the tall teen was dedicated to his studies, fought less, and was admired by the girls in his school. It was a different Kuwabara she was seeing now and found that she wouldn’t mind if Kuwabara dated or even married Yukina.
Kuwabara then noticed Hiei and Hiei could tell that he recognized her despite the gender and cat features. Considering that my eye color and hair hasn’t changed, I guess I easy to recognize in any event. “Hiei!? What the heck happened to you? I mean, how did it happen?”
“Kurama and I saw a magic show at a carnival that was performed by a pre-teen girl who was a real witch. I doubted her powers and that she was a witch. I refused to retract my claims when she warned me to do so. She then permanently cursed me to be female and part cat. The idea was for me to be emotional and to respect her powers. It worked.”
“Wow. A real witch,” he said, impressed.
“And powerful as is evident by my appearance.”
Kuwabara took another look and was struck by how similar she was to Yukina, gender-wise. The same red eyes, the same slender frames, and the same delicate facial features. “Man. You two could almost be twins.”
The girls exchanged looks and Hiei nodded at her. Yukina said, “Kazuma, Hiei is my twin. I figured it out when I asked her to find my brother in Demon World. I wanted to hear Hiei admit the truth but that didn’t happen. So when Kurama and Hiei came a couple of days ago for clothes for Hiei, I confronted her and she admitted she was afraid to tell me.”
“Oh,” he said in understanding. He then looked at Hiei’s ears, whiskers, and tail before he said, “You look cool as a cat, Hiei.”
Hiei smirked. “That’s because you have a cat, right?”
“Well, yeah.”
“That’s okay and if you want to feel the ears, go ahead.” Hiei began to purr as Kuwabara scratched and stroked the ears. Being a girl and a cat is not so bad. I really enjoy it, to be honest. She sighed and purred louder, feeling completely at peace with herself.
