Furry
In which a transformation lesson has some unexpected side effects.
-F-
"So, how is this gonna work? I don't suppose it's something that can be done first try, is it?"
"Nope! Not at all." Yoruichi replied cheerfully. She took his folded robes, having made him change into a yukata for her lesson.
"Well, let's get started anyway. You talked me into this after all."
"Alright. So, most think that shape shifting is an ability that only I have. That is not the case. Each of the noble houses has the ability to transform into a certain species of animal. The Shihouin can turn into felines, from huge wildcats to inconspicuous domestic species. The Kuchiki used to be birds, but they have long since stopped using and passing down this ability. Same for the other noble clans. The Shiba's animal is canines, and again, your animal can be a wild or domestic variety. You won't be able to know until you change for the first time.
"Now, on to actually achieving the transformation. Think of it like your Zanpakuto. It has its own unique energy, but it still has traces of your energy because it is a part of you. You can draw on that power to use it, and in turn access your Zanpakuto's abilities."
"Uh, okay. I think I know what you're talking about actually. I've felt something besides Zangetsu every once in a while. It's presence is just barely noticeable, but it's definitely there."
"Good. Now, just focus on it, let it fill you. If you start to change, don't lose focus and don't stop. Fur is usually the first thing to change, so don't be surprised."
"Gotcha." Ichigo locked on to the strange energy and started to pull. It wasn't as easy as he had expected, and he had to sit and close his eyes to fully concentrate. After a few minutes he felt his skin prickling, but he took Yoruichi's warning and dismissed the sensation. The thing that startled him was when his bone structure suddenly shifted, creating an extremely unpleasant sensation. His eyes snapped open, focus lost, and he stared at what used to be his body.
Orangish red fur now covered him, and his hands had turned into padded paws with hard nails. Attempting to stand he immediately fell, the structure of his legs and feet having changed to doglike limbs and paws. But he wasn't completely dog yet, because he managed to rise and stand like a human. Yoruichi stood in front of him with a small mirror, and he took in the large, furry ears and wolfish muzzle. Something bushy stuck out the bottom of his yukata, and he realized he now had a tail.
"Wha? Uh- eh?!" Ichigo's voice was deep and rough as he struggled to speak with his new form.
"I told you not to stop the transformation!" Though her words were scolding, Yoruichi was clearly trying not to laugh at him. No, scratch that. She was definitely laughing at him now.
"I look like a furry!" The words were spoken unwittingly from the flustered half-formed canine, and he regretted the words the moment he processed them. Yoruichi was getting way to much enjoyment out of this, and he desperately wanted to make her stop.
Grabbing hold of the animal energy once more he let it rush over him, finishing the transformation. He now stood as a massive wolf, russet fur with rust colored highlights. Yoruichi herself suddenly changed, black cat sitting in front of an angry wolf. She licked her paw and pointedly looked away, dismissive of his presence. Ichigo, unused to the animalistic instincts, found himself lunging after the cat. She lept on top of a nearby boulder as his foot twisted in his clothing and he smashed to the ground.
"Ha, newborn pup is no match for me! Try again when you've grown up some, puppy!"
'Just wait demon cat, you just wait.'