Chapter Seven

I awoke to find my mate sleeping peacefully beside me. It was morning, and judging by the amount of sunlight in the room, it would soon be afternoon. The gauntlets and cuffs had been removed from the room. I wasn't alarmed at their disappearance. In fact I was quite relieved. Koemna had probably squirreled them away in that vault his father so prizes. He wouldn't have to worry about Kurama and I coming to steal them.

I carefully got out of bed, intending to put some distance between me and my mate. I was certain that the pain that had been plaguing me would begin again soon and I did not want Kurama worrying and fussing over me. Besides, I wasn't ready to tell him yet. I wasn't sure if he would still want me if he knew. Having only known my usually male body, would he even find my female form attractive, or would he eventually stray, needing more than I could give?

I felt a gentle touch upon my cheek. I shied away from it, forgetting for the moment that my mate was there. I turned to face him. "Fox, how do you feel?" I asked. "Weak, but otherwise alright," he answered. I leaned toward him and pressed my lips to his in a gentle kiss. I felt Kurama smile against my lips before returning the loving kiss. I pulled away and watched as Kurama stretched. He winced at his undoubtedly sore muscles. "I think I could use a good soaking," he murmured as he slowly got out of bed. I quickly got out of bed to help him if he needed it. To my relief he was able to walk without my help. He moved slower, and lacked some of his usual grace, but I was confident that he would soon be at his former strength.

I gathered some clothing for him and bathing necessities before following him into the bathroom. The tub was already filling with warm water. I set everything up then helped Kurama undress. I turned off the water and then helped him into the tub. I decided to wash his hair first. Kurama leaned into my touch and closed his eyes as I worked some shampoo into his long silver hair, creating a rich lather. He made soft murmurs of pleasure as I worked, clearly enjoying it. I washed his hair thoroughly and carefully removing the few tangles that did appear with my fingers. I was glad I'd taken the time to take care of his hair while he was unconscious, otherwise it would have been a tangled mess.

Kurama leaned his head back and opened his eyes once I had finished. "Aren't you going to join me?" he asked softly. Though I wanted to, I was hesitant to do so. I wasn't sure if my transformation was complete. I could feel the pain starting to return and I did not want Kurama worrying and trying to figure out what was the matter with me. "Next time Fox," I responded. "As tempted as I am to join you, I don't think you're in any condition for what would undoubtedly follow," I added. Kurama looked disappointed but did not press the matter.

Once Kurama was clean I helped him out of the tub and dried him with my energy. We returned to the bedroom and I helped him dress. As soon as my mate was dressed I went in search of Botan. The pain was growing stronger. She had relieved it once before. I hoped she could do so again. It didn't take me long to find her.

"Hiei, has Kurama awakened yet?" she asked. "I nodded. "I need to get him something to eat," I said. I winced as the pain increased yet again. "and you're in pain again," she noted. "Here, take a sip of this," she said as she reached into her pink kimono and retrieved a bottle of blue liquid. "Here, take a sip of this. It should ease your pain," she said as she handed me the small vial. I took it and did as I was told. "Thank you," I said. Botan's eyes widened and she looked clearly surprised. She smiled nevertheless. "You're welcome Hiei. Now, let's get that man of yours fed shall we," she responded.

Botan and I brought back a feast to the room Kurama and I now shared. Koemna soon arrived and the three of them quickly began to strike up a conversation. I headed into the bathroom to change out of my nightclothes. A moment after I had shut the door behind me, the pain flared up again, even worse than before. I sank to my knees trying desperately not to cry out. Somehow I succeeded. The pain left just as quickly as it had come, leaving me gasping for air on the bathroom floor. Once I got my bearings again I stood and undressed, hoping that the pain wouldn't return.

My eyes widened as I saw my reflection. The transformation was complete. I was no longer male. I studied my reflection once I had gotten over my shock. My figure was sleeker, more hourglass shaped and I was definitely curved in all the right places. I raised an eyebrow. There was no question this body could turn a few heads. I just hoped my mate would find this new form attractive. He was the only one that counted in my opinion. I only needed to find the courage to show him.

I showered then dressed in clothing that was not as form fitting as my usual style. It hid my new body well. I was glad of that. I only wanted Kurama and Botan to know and I wanted to tell Kurama myself. I decided I wanted to tell him that very night when we would be alone. I made up my mind as I exited the bathroom and rejoined the others who were feasting on breakfast that I would not hide this from my mate. I just had to figure out how to tell him.

The day passed quickly and before I knew it Kurama was gathering his nightclothes to get ready for bed. I still had no idea how I was going to tell him what had happened to me. "Hiei, you seem rather preoccupied today love. Is something wrong?" he asked. "No, I've just been thinking." I answered. "About what?" he asked as he sat beside me on the bed. "Would you have fallen in love with me if I were female?" I asked. Kurama raised an eyebrow. "You know I don't have a preference when it comes to gender," he responded. "You're saying it wouldn't have made a bit of difference either way?" I challenged. "That depends. Would it have changed who you are?" he asked. "I didn't fall in love with you just because you happen to be a very sexy male. I just came to love you the more I got to know you," he said. I nodded. "Why do you ask?" he inquired.

I locked my eyes upon his. "Did you know that some fire apparitions have the ability to change genders for a short while?" I asked him. Kurama nodded. "They return to their rightful shape when the full moon reaches it zenith," he replied. He then raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to tell me that you're one of these?" he asked. I nodded. "No wonder you were so preoccupied. You didn't know how to tell me," he commented. "How long have you known?" he asked. "Botan discovered it yesterday," I answered. Kurama was silent for a moment, then he caressed my cheek with his hand gently. "You know this doesn't change how I feel about you right?" he asked. I smiled softly. "I was hoping you'd say that," I replied. He smiled back. "Good, now show me," he said.

I blinked at him in shock. "You don't have to if you're shy," he murmured. I scowled at him. "I'm not shy. I was just surprised that you wanted to see me naked so soon after I told you," I responded. "What can I say? I'm curious," he replied. His smile became seductive as he leaned closer. He captured my lips in a heated kiss. I responded immediately. "Inari, I missed you my love, my darkfire baby, my samurai," he murmured huskily. "Every moment I was trapped in Makoto's vines I ached to be by your side again," he continued as he kissed my lips again. . "I hungered for the taste of your lips, the feel of your body, the sound of your voice, the sight of your face, your scent…." He whispered between kisses. I smiled at him. "I missed you too Fox," I confessed.

I stood and stepped a few steps away from the bed. I undid the buttons of the shirt first and then unbuckled the belt around my waist. I undid my pants and let them fall to the floor as I simultaneously removed the shirt. Kurama stared wide eyed as I stepped out of my discarded clothing, completely bare. He stood and walked toward me, stopping at an arm's length away. He circled me, his eyes roaming all over my body. He smiled as he leaned in to kiss me. "You're beautiful Love," he murmured. "absolutely breathtakingly beautiful," I stretched upward to kiss him and he leaned down toward me, meeting me half way. Our lips met and the desire within me was ignited. I kissed him hungrily as I undid the knot of his tunic. I wanted my mate badly and I intended to have him.

I stepped closer forcing him to move back toward the bed. I undid his pants next, guiding him ever closer to the bed as his pants slid to the floor and he stepped out of them. The back of his legs came in contact with the bed and he broke the kiss.

"Hiei stop, we can't," he said, his breath coming in fast pants. "Why not?" I demanded. "You could get pregnant in this state and I have nothing that might prevent that," he responded. I slid my arm around his waist and fingered the silky hair of his tail. "You don't want children?" I asked. "I do, but we can't raise a child in that tiny house of ours and it would be impossible for us to fix up our new home before the baby is born if you get pregnant now," he answered. "We can hire workers to finish the new house in time Fox, we can afford it easily enough," I suggested. "We could even buy one of the estates of one of the minor lords, they're always building someplace bigger and better to move into," I added. "This might be our only chance Fox, I don't want to pass it up,"

Kurama nodded. "Then let us not waste any more time on words," he murmured then climbed onto the bed. He made himself comfortable and lay there in a seductive pose, waiting for me to join him. I didn't make him wait. I climbed onto the bed and straddled his waist, pressing my body close to his as I made my way toward his lips. I kissed him long and hard, trying to relay the passion and love I felt at that moment in that one kiss. He returned the kiss with much fervor making me moan as his hands began exploring my body. I leaned into his touch, loving every moment as I began my own exploration of his well formed god like body.

We made love slowly, both of us wanting to remember this perfectly when the moment had passed. Our bodies moved in sync flawlessly as we danced the timeless dance of nature. Our moans and pleasured mummers filled the air as we pleasured each other, fueling our desire for one another. All too soon it reached its crescendo and came to an end.

I collapsed on top of my mate, resting my head upon his broad chest as the final waves of pleasure washed over me. Kurama put his arms around me as the vines growing on the wall outside the window grew into the room and pulled the bedcovers over us. Within moments, we were both asleep, sated and contented to be with one another again at last.

I was awakened in the morning light by a soft kiss upon my lips and gentle nibble upon my ear. I opened my eyes and my first sight was the smiling face of my handsome mate. Kurama smiled down at me and kissed me once again. "Ohayo," he greeted. "Good morning Fox," I responded. "Shall we take our bath now and get going?" Kurama asked as he lazily caressed my leg with his tail. "Actually, I'm quite content lying here with you," I murmured. He leaned toward me and nibbled at my neck. "Come on Love, we're both sticky and sweaty from last night and in need of a bath," he implored. I sighed, not really wanting to leave the comfort of my mate's arms, but his gentle nibbling at my neck was an unspoken promise of more than just a hot bath. I defiantly did not want to pass that up.

I climbed out of bed with Kurama. He smiled at me as he looked me over. "Looks like we'll have to try again next time for a child," he commented. I looked down. I was once again male. "Yes, we will," I agreed. "Do you still want to hire workers to finish our new house?" he asked. "Yes, after being here I'm ready to live in a larger place," I answered. "You know, Koemna still owes us a wedding gift and he does seem to have an endless supply of ogres, perhaps he can be of help," Kurama said. I smirked. "I love the way your mind works," I murmured. He smiled devilishly and kissed me. "Let's bathe and go see Koemna about borrowing a few of his ogres," he said. I murmured my agreement and followed him into the bathroom. I looked forward to leaving Koemna's vast palace and returning home with my mate. I also looked forward to moving into our new home when it was finished and hoped that someday Kurama and I would have a family together.

AN: There is an epilouge to go, but it's up to you to determine what happens. I've decided to let you the readers determine if Kurama and Hiei become parents in this series. Go to my site and cast your vote. The poll will end in a week.