I don't know if it's worth mentioning, but I've changed the spelling of Kiyoshi's name from "Kyoshi" to "Kiyoshi".


I clung tightly to Akumei as I realized we were rapidly falling and slowly spread my wings to slow our descent. My eyes traveled around almost eagerly and suddenly my ears perked. Akumei laughed when he saw. "What is it?"

I looked at him, eyes wide with glee and excitement. "We're back!" I exclaimed, grinning at his surprise. "After so long, we're finally back!" I hugged him happily and let my eyes fall to the ground to try to find where Hiei and Kiyoshi were. "Th-there they are!" I nearly screamed as I found them below, staring up as if in shock.

I tucked in my wings a bit so we'd fall faster and soon we reached the ground. I spread them again to slow our descent at the last second so we wouldn't be injured, and then paused until my feet touched the ground. Immediately I launched myself upon the closest person and couldn't keep in my tears. "It's been so long!" I sobbed into his chest.

Hiei blinked at me several times, looking almost dumbstruck. After a moment, he recovered enough to begin scolding me. "How could you let yourself be sent away again so easily?"

I slowly raised my head but was actually smiling, not bothered in the least by his words. "I'm sorry…" I murmured, slowly pulling back from him.

Suddenly, Kiyoshi called out from behind me. "Hey love, where's my warm welcome?"

With something between a laugh and a cry, I leapt towards him, flinging my arms around his neck. He replied by grabbed around my waist and spinning me in a circle. "We've missed you, love!"

"I've missed you guys too." I smiled meekly as I raised my head from his chest and he set my feet back upon the ground.

My ear twitched as I caught the sound of a rustle in the tall grass that surrounded me, and I spun on my heels as I searched for the source. A small girl with pale red hair and eyes approached, cat ears and tail both drooping. "I-I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused…" she murmured quietly.

My gaze softened as it fell upon hers. "It's alright…" I murmured as I crouched in front of her and pulled her into my arms. I felt her stiffen in my grasp and slowly relax as her small arms hugged me back. Soon after, she began shaking with silent cries. "Is something wrong?" I asked, alarmed.

She shook her head and managed a smile. "Thank you…"

Kiyoshi glanced at me, head tilted. "So what are we doing now?"

I felt a small pang of longing in my chest. "I think it's about time I went back home…" I sighed. The last time my family had seen me, I was sneaking out of the house and returning to ancient Japan with Kiyoshi's help since I was very badly injured. I looked down as I felt a small tug on my shirt. It was the little cat demon.

"C-can I come with you?" she stammered hopefully.

I shook my head slowly. "No, I'm sorry…" I said regretfully, avoiding her suddenly downcast face. "Ah, I know! Akumei can watch over you!"

He looked at me in surprise. "What? I plan on sleeping for a long time."

I sighed playfully. "That's what you did during the entire trip."

We had a short staring match, when he finally looked away and raised his hand in surrender. "Fine, fine. If the girl wishes, I'll look after her."

The girl looked at me, and then Akumei before slowly nodding. "Great!" I smiled. "What is your name?"

"Mika," she murmured.

"Alright Mika, Akumei's going to take very good care of you. Right…?" I asked.

He nodded as the girl walked cautiously over to him.

I smiled again. "And I'll come check on you some," I promised.

She nodded slowly as her small fingers clutched Akumei's pants leg, and he absently set his hand upon her head in response. I suppressed a small laugh and waved to them before turning around.

"You still remember where we're going?" Hiei asked doubtfully.

I nodded, grinning broadly. "Yes, of course!" I hadn't been this happy in what felt like months, now that I was finally returning home. I was practically bouncing on my feet as I continued forward.

After a moment, Kiyoshi suddenly burst out laughing. I froze, staring at him in confusion as he walked towards me.

"What is that?" he laughed, jabbing his finger at the dark blue collar I was still wearing.

My eyes widened in shock and I felt my fists clenched. "Akumei, you idiot!" I screamed, spreading my wings and shooting towards him.

We hadn't gotten very far, so he easily heard my shout. "Oh, shi-" he began, cutting off suddenly as I slammed into him, pinning him to the ground.

"Take it off, now!"

"Alright, alright!" he cried and snapped his fingers.

I blinked and slowly pulled back to my knees, allowing him to sit up as well. I tugged on the collar, but it still wouldn't budge.

Before I could attack him again, Akumei had created a barrier around himself. "The spell will wear off in twenty four hours," he said simply.

I glared at him a moment, then realized I didn't have any other choice right now. "That better be right," I growled as I got to my feet and walked back over towards Kiyoshi and Hiei. "Let's go," I muttered as I continued past them quickly.

Kiyoshi had a hand planted firmly over his mouth to try stifling his laughter, while Hiei was glaring between the shielded Akumei and me, probably trying to figure out why the hell I had on a collar.

After several more minutes and once Akumei was gone in the distance, I finally turned and stared at them both. "Ok," I began, dropping my gaze to the floor. "I only have this stupid thing because Akumei played a trick on me and made me transform into a wolf but I couldn't change back. He ran to a park, I chased after him, and someone approached saying that if his dog didn't wear a collar, she'd be taken away. So… that's why," I finished lamely, and then spun on my heel to continue towards the well. I just wanted to go home, collapse in my bed, and never move again.

On the way, I glanced over my shoulder at Kiyoshi. "Hey… what's that you're holding?"

He blinked, and then allowed a sly grin to spread across his face. "You'll just have to wait and see, love."

I frowned, but didn't press it further. I'd get it out of him eventually. Sighing, I just continued moving quickly towards the well.

After only about ten more minutes we had arrived. I quickly hopped onto one edge, extending one hand each towards Kiyoshi and Hiei. They both accepted, Hiei almost grudgingly, but I ignored it, too excited about finally returning.

"Ready?" I asked, but before waiting for a reply, I had already leapt into the well, pulling the two males with me.

Almost as soon as we'd landed, I was already back out, racing through the woods behind my house. Soon I saw it in the distance and doubled my pace, grinning broadly. Once there, I rang the doorbell, bouncing impatiently on my feet as I waited for an answer. My mom finally came and opened it and I instantly sprang at her, throwing my arms around her neck. "I'm back!" I exclaimed.

Her eyes had widened in surprise, but she slowly smiled and hugged me back. "It's been a long time," she pointed out, glancing at my wings and then skeptically at the collar. "Is everything ok?"

I nodded vigorously, ignoring all the horrible things that had happened since my last departure. "It was wonderful," I grinned. I turned to my side, slipping the camera bag from my shoulder. "I have more film to be developed! Oh wait… there's one picture left on this roll." I pulled out the camera, and then turned around. "Hiei! Kiyoshi!"

The two males looked up as they drew nearer and I snapped a quick picture, grinning as the camera buzzed, signaling the film was done. I pulled it out, and then placed it carefully into a container before handing it all to my mom. "K, now it's ready."

She laughed, shaking her head in amusement at my enthusiasm, and stepped aside to let me into the house.

"I'm home!" I yelled loudly, peeking my head around the corner. I saw my dad in his usual spot watching TV and waved at him. "Hello."

He blinked, then waved back. "Where have you been?"

"Around," I said with a shrug, then darted past and into the playroom. I had to take care to keep my wings tucked tightly against my back so I wouldn't accidentally knock any pictures from the walls as I passed.

"Anyone home?" I asked softly, peering into the room. I saw everyone grouped around the video games and no one even bothered looking up. I simply grinned and crept forward until I was right behind Zack before suddenly lurching forward and throwing my arms around the six year old. "I'm home!" I shouted.

He froze, jumping out of his skin in surprise, and then turned to look at me. "Kira!" he shouted, frowning in a mock whine.

I just hugged him gently and then grinned around at everyone else. We exchanged a quick bit of words before I was distracted by Kiyoshi. He was holding Kurri, the black kitten I'd found, in his arms as he watched me. In his hand, he held the ball of swirling smoke.

"Let's head outside for a second," he said and I quickly followed, eager to find out what the smoke did.

I trailed after him back to the front door, pausing impatiently as he fumbled with the door, his arms full. I frowned, and quickly tugged him to the side so I could open it for him. Then I held it as he swept past. He finally paused in the front yard and I stopped just behind him. He turned, suddenly grinning broadly as he handed me the smoke filled ball.

"Hold that, and do not break it," he ordered.

I nodded and obeyed without protest, watching curiously as he set Kurri down in the grass and murmured something to him. The kitten meowed softly and lay down in the grass, yawning absently.

Then Kiyoshi turned back to face me and carefully took the ball back, next nodding towards the cat. "Ready?" he asked, but before I could reply, he jerked back his hand and then threw the ball.

I jumped in alarm as a swirl of blue and silver exploded into the air around Kurri. "Wh-what are you doing?" I gasped, watching as a clear bubble appeared around the cat, locking the gas in with him.

"Don't worry, love," Kiyoshi smiled, patting my shoulder comfortingly. "He'll be perfectly fine. Now, just a few more minutes…" I watched anxiously as Kurri disappeared within the swirl of colors, lost entirely from view. After what seemed like forever, Kiyoshi finally nodded and the bubble lifted from around the cat, pulling the smoke upwards with it. It drifted high into the air, and then faded, allowing the smoke to float away in all directions.

I stared for a second, and then waited for permission from Kiyoshi before dashing forward and scooping Kurri into my arms. He blinked at me and yawned again, acting as if nothing had happened. Kiyoshi frowned and stepped up beside us, tapping Kurri's head lightly and then petting him thoughtfully.

"Hm, how odd…" he murmured to himself. "It didn't work. I guess I… have some more research to do."

"What exactly was supposed to happen?" I asked as I lifted Kurri above my head to examine him fully, but still saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Kiyoshi smirked, and then shrugged. "I guess we'll have to find out another day," he grinned.

I gave a mock pout as I watched him disappear back into the house. "Hmph, fine…" I murmured as I trailed after him. I went straight to the playroom, remembering my original first intent upon returning home. "Hey," I called to my mom. "I'm going to take a nap." She nodded and watched until I disappeared from the room.

I was halfway up the stairs when Hiei suddenly jumped in front of me. "What are we supposed to do while you're sleeping?" he muttered.

"Tell Yusuke and the others that I'm back?" I shrugged, trying to get past him.

He glared at me for a moment, but paused as he saw I wasn't intimidated. "Hn," he grunted and stepped aside. I smiled cheerfully and went past, going straight down the hall and to my room. I set Kurri down as I changed into familiar clothing, a large t-shirt and some shorts. I had a bit of trouble fitting my wings through the holes I'd made in the shirt though. Then I plopped onto my bed and crawled under the covers. I smiled as Kurri snuggled into my stomach, since I was lying on my side, and then closed my eyes. "Night Kurri," I murmured, even though it was midday, and was out within minutes.


I awoke the next morning feeling a strange pressure on my side. I frowned, and then slowly eased my eyes open. There was a boy in my bed, a teenage boy, lying right beside me, and he didn't have a shirt on. His arm was draped over my waist, his hand on my back. I tried pulling away but he tugged me closer, snuggling into me. I stared at him in shock for a second longer, and then screamed.

His blue eyes instantly opened wide and I stared into them. They seemed oddly familiar…

A moment later my door slammed open and Hiei burst in, Kiyoshi right behind him. Both of them froze as they saw the stranger in bed beside me, and that I was too shocked to speak, simply staring at him. Hiei lurched forward, grabbing the male by the back of his neck and jerking him onto the floor.

"Ow…" the boy whimpered, rubbing his head as he winced. His voice was deep and soothing, yet playful at the same time. He sat up, still rubbing his head as he got to his knees. It was then discovered that he had a black cat tail, winding its way around his waist. Upon further inspection, I found him to have two cat ears as well, blending in with his shaggy black hair. He didn't have a shirt on, but I was extremely relieved to find he was wearing pants at least. "What did I do?" he asked with a frown, as if he honestly didn't understand what he'd done wrong.

I continued staring at him, then leaned forward to look over the edge of my bed. I blinked several times and then ventured to say a name. "…Kurri?" Now that I thought about it, he had the same scent as the cat.

The boy's face instantly brightened and he nodded vigorously, tail flicking happily behind him. "Yes, look at me!" he cried excitedly as he turned his hands over before his eyes. "I have thumbs!"

Kiyoshi's face lit up as well and he grinned proudly. "It worked then!" he cried. "This is what I intended to happen yesterday. It must have just had a delayed response!"

I gaped at him in shock. "Wh-what? You turned my cat into a… a demon?"

Kiyoshi nodded and then quickly added, "Well, he can change back any time he wants."

My face flushed red as I looked down at the sheets my hands were clenching. "But I… changed in front of him last night! A-and I always hold him against my chest!"

Kurri nodded smugly and got to his knees, placing his chin on his hands on the edge of my bed. His expression fell pitifully. "So you don't like me anymore?" he asked, crestfallen.

I stared at him for a moment longer and then bowed my head. How could I refuse that face? "No, I still like you…" I murmured quietly, instantly pulling back as he began rubbing his cheek against my arm. "But you can't do that!" I shouted.

He pouted again, ears drooping against his head. "Why not…?"

"Because," I replied shortly, and then rolled over and pulled my covers over my head. "I'm going back to sleep!"

I closed my eyes, ears flattened angrily against my head as I listened to Hiei and Kiyoshi leaving. But then I suddenly jerked up as a thought occurred to me. "Kiyoshi!" I barked, causing him to stop in his tracks. "If you do anything to my dogs…!"

He raised his hands defensively and began backing out of my room. "I know, love, I know…" he said uneasily, and then quickly shut the door behind him.

I heaved an exasperated sigh and slowly laid myself back down upon my bed, turning my head after a moment to face Kurri. He was still leaning partly on my bed, watching me intently. I glared at him for a long while until I finally gave up and rolled over, my back to him.

Pretty soon I'd drifted back into a daze, though was jolted out of it again as I became aware of something pressing the bed down behind me. With one quick inhale, I discovered it was Kurri and growled softly in my throat. I rolled over again to face him, an irritated expression upon my face.

He was curled up beside me again, eyes shut tightly. Though, I could tell from his breathing that he was faking sleep.

I studied him for a moment and then sighed once again. "…Just, don't do anything." I mumbled.

He peeked one eye open, and then a huge grin split across his face. "Ok!" he cried and then shut his eyes, but not before squirming up against my side.

I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to shout at him again. Despite his teenage appearance, he really was just a kitten. He didn't know any better. "Goodnight," I said after a pause, and then finally let my eyes shut again. He didn't respond, again pretending to be asleep, and eventually I drifted into slumber as well.


I awoke with a start a few hours later, and quickly glanced over to see what Kurri had done. However, the cat was still asleep and still in his more human form. My face flushed red as I noted how he'd positioned himself. His face was snuggled into my side, and his arm draped across my stomach, hugging me gently to him. I sighed and reached out, patting his head lightly until I realized what it was that had really woken me.

Hiei stood with his back to my closed door, arms crossed over his chest, and simply glaring at me.

I blinked, and very slowly eased myself up to a sitting position, gently lifting Kurri's arm and placing it by his own side. Then I turned back to face Hiei, frowning now. "What?"

He continued glaring and then dropped his gaze to the floor. "So you don't mind him sleeping with you like that now?"

"He doesn't know any better," I sighed. "He's like a little kid, but with too big a body."

Hiei shook his head. "I think he knows exactly what he's doing."

I waved a hand in the air, dismissing the comment, as I leaned forward to my knees and crawled to the foot on my bed. Peering over the end, I saw the trunk there that I had lazily piled all my clean clothes up. I had a lot of large t-shirts, so I shifted quickly through the pile until I found a plain black one. I snatched it up and tossed it towards Kurri, hitting him in the face.

He jumped awake, eyes opening wide as he jerked up. But then he discovered it was just the shirt I'd thrown and he stared at it a moment before almost reluctantly slipping it on. I gave an approving smile and then clambered off the bed. I glanced down at my own t-shirt and shorts and decided it wasn't worth changing. Besides, I'd only slept in them, and I didn't feel like ripping holes in another shirt to make room for my wings either.

I beckoned Kurri to follow and he obediently jumped to his feet and followed me as I moved towards the door. I paused in front of Hiei, who was still leaning against it. I frowned at him, ears drooping slightly. "Will you move please?" I asked.

He glared at me and then slowly stepped aside, opening the door and waiting on the other side for me to come. "What are you going to do now?" he muttered.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," he continued irritably. "There's really no reason for you to come back to Japan, is there?"

I froze, obviously taken aback by the question. "I… guess not…" I replied softly, eyes swirling blue. "Do you guys… not want me to be there? I thought it was pretty fun hanging out with everyone. Oh! But if I'm a demon roaming free in the human world, don't you guys have to keep tabs on me?"

Hiei didn't reply, and instead just turned and continued down the hall to the stairs. I trailed after him, head bowed as I thought that over. You dummy, I thought quietly, looking up sharply as I saw him glaring at me. I-I'm sorry! I'd momentarily forgotten he was a telepath. "But please answer me!" I went on aloud. "Was I really a burden on you without realizing it? If so could you… at least apologize to everyone for me?"

He regarded me for a moment and then shook his head. "I'm not your messenger," he spat coldly, and then descended the stairs.

I stared blankly after him, completely bewildered. What are you so mad at me for? I shouted in my mind, hoping he was listening. Did I do something wrong without realizing it? Are you… are you sick of dealing with me? But if that was true, then why would he have waited so long for me to return from my latest world transporting trip?

I stood frozen in place for a moment, then bowed my head. My tail curled around my leg dejectedly as I slowly trudged after him, freezing instantly as someone grabbed me from behind.

"What's wrong?" Kurri asked quietly, speaking into my ear.

I let go the breath that had caught in my throat and set my hands on his, prying them from around my stomach. "It's nothing," I said shortly. "I'm fine." Once freeing myself from him, I proceeded down the stairs, aware that he'd followed me after a moment's pause. I hesitated for a moment just inside the front door of our house, but then decided against rushing out without warning anyone again. Instead, I went straight into the computer room and plopped down into a chair.

I got on the main computer, since my laptop was still at Yusuke's house. But at that thought, my face lit up suddenly. So, I did have a reason to return! I instantly forgot what I was planning to do and instead leapt to my feet, sniffing the air for Hiei's scent. I dashed through the house, skidding to a halt as I reached the family room. Hiei was seated on one of the couches, arms crossed over his chest. I plopped down beside him, and both of us remained completely silent for a while, until I shifted to face him.

"I do have a reason to go back!" I said suddenly. "At least for a little while. I need to get-"

"Your laptop, I know," he muttered, cutting me off.

I glared at him, hands clenching suddenly. "Why are you being such a jerk?" I cried. "I know you're mean, but you're not usually like this!" My hand darted out, latching onto his arm before he could leave. "Please, take me back. Just long enough to get my computer, ok? Then I'll leave you alone if you really want me to."

He glared at me for a second, and then slowly raised his other arm, punching in a series of numbers. Meanwhile, I turned to face Kurri, who'd been watching curiously. "Please change back into a cat," I said quietly. "It'll cause trouble if you're found like that."

He nodded obediently, jumping slightly as Hiei and me suddenly disappeared in a small flurry of wind.

We reappeared shortly after in front of Yusuke's house and I went forward and knocked on the door. Yusuke answered and I stared at him for a second before bowing my head apologetically. "I'm sorry for bothering you," I said softly. "But I need my computer…"

"Hey, don't worry about it!" he exclaimed, stepping aside to let me in.

As I entered, I saw Botan, Kuwabara, and Kurama all sitting around. They each greeted me in turn, but I only offered a timid smile before making my way past to my computer. I unhooked it and carefully placed it back into the carrying case. Then I looked around uncertainly, sniffing the air.

Botan stepped forward. "Is something wrong, sweetie?"

I frowned, and slowly nodded. "I don't know where Hiei went. I think he's mad at me…"

"That pipsqueak's always mad," Kuwabara muttered.

I smiled faintly and shrugged. "Well, I don't have a way to get home now…"

"Not to worry!" Botan exclaimed cheerfully as she grabbed up my hand. "Let's go!"

"But, is everything fine?" Kurama asked uncertainly, noting how drooping my ears were and that my eyes were a deep, sad blue.

I smiled, but it was obviously forced. "It's fine. Please don't worry about it. I might not see you guys in a while though, because I think summer vacation is almost over so I have to go back to school."

"You're not quitting?" Yusuke frowned.

"No, she's not!" Botan cried. "And you're not either! Come on, dear. Let's get away from this bad influence."

"What?" Yusuke shouted, but was answered by a blast of wind to the face.

We reappeared in front of my house again and I smiled weakly at Botan once more. "Thank you very much," I sighed, squealing in alarm as I was nearly knocked over by someone crashing into me. I looked down with wide eyes to find Kurri had once again thrown his arms around me.

"Where did you go?" he wailed.

I frowned and pried his arms from around me. "It doesn't matter," I snapped.

Botan watched in confusion until I realized and explained to her.

"Kiyoshi used some weird gas to change Kurri into this," I muttered, pointing towards Kurri.

"Your cat?" Botan blinked, and then clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. "Well!" she cried, clapping her hands together. "I think Hiei's probably jealous! Look how clingy he is!" Then she switched subjects before I could protest. She dug a hand into her pocket and slipped out two watches. They were each silver with a blue face, though they had some extra buttons on the side. One was smaller and for females, and the other larger for males. She grabbed my hand and strapped the girl's one onto my wrist and then tapped one of the extra buttons.

I blinked, waiting for something to happen. When I felt nothing, I raised my head to look at Botan, only to find her watching me with a satisfied expression. "…what did it do?" I asked uncertainly.

She grinned broadly. "Well, now you can't see your ears, tail, or wings!" she said. "But you have to be careful, because people will still be able to feel them. Oh, and since they can't see your wings, people will clearly be able to see the holes in your shirt you've torn for them. The markings on your face are hidden too, and so are your claws. If you press this button right here," she continued, tapping another of the buttons. "Then it makes the illusion that you're wearing shoes! Since I know you're supposed to wear them for a lot of things, but you can't stand them."

I stared down at my feet, eyes widening as I saw a pair of tennis shoes upon them. Only, I couldn't feel them at all! I stared from them to Botan, and then let a smile spread across my face. "This is wonderful!" I cried. "Now I can blend in and not feel so weird this year at school!"

She laughed and pointed out the last feature of the watch, a hidden dial that I hadn't noticed at first. "If you spin this, it changes the type of shoes you're wearing. In case, you know, you want to play sports or dress up!"

My eyes changed back to their regular happy green as I grinned at her. "Thank you so much! But, um, why are there two?"

"Well, in case you wanted to go somewhere with Kiyoshi and not have to worry about people staring at his horns and tail," Botan said with a wink. She set the second watch in my hand and then backed up a step. "Oh, and they're both waterproof," she nodded. "I'll see you later! Good luck with school this year. We might come and check up on you! And don't worry about Hiei. I'm sure he'll come to his senses."

I nodded slowly and then waved until she disappeared in a flurry of wind. I turned back to face Kurri, who'd stood behind me staring in awe at the watch, and patted him on the head. I was obviously in much higher spirits all of the sudden. I stared upwards for a moment, just watching the star strewn sky, before heading back inside the house. Kurri followed quickly on my heals as I returned to the computer room and hooked up my laptop. Then I logged onto myOtaku and made a quick update to my website, just to let everyone know I was still alive. I checked the date as well, sighing as I saw school started in just a couple days. Still, it was a huge relief to know I could enter my junior year looking like a regular human. Maybe I could avoid some awkward explanations.