Chapter Five- True Curse

Kuwabara gave Kurama a message for him and Hiei to meet him in the park after school. He met up with his friend at the entrance the following afternoon and he led the way to where Hiei waited.

"All right," Kurama said as they sat at an isolated picnic table. "Why have you called this meeting?"

"I was speaking to Yukina yesterday and she confessed that she lied about the reason why she was kidnapped."

"Why did she lie?" Hiei asked

"She didn't want to frighten us. She told me that the doctor was given demon energy which gave him the power to use magical demon artifacts due to his horns and tail. It was a medallion that can change a demon into an animal demon. She showed me that it left an imprint in her skin." Kuwabara demonstrated this by drawing a circle in the same place Yukina had on himself.

Kurama who had carefully listened, then paled before saying, "Kuwabara, I am so sorry."

"Huh? Sorry?"

"I am familiar with the object you described. The one cursed by it carries its magic within him or her and it activates when that person comes into contact with the first animal demon they meet."

"She touched you when she found us and that's why she's becoming a fox demon. Kurama, you don't need to be sorry."

"I feel I do. Fox demons can be unusually aggressive and are known to attack without provocation or reason. Also, as Yukina has a dual heritage, she will be a fox with ice and fire powers which could drive her insane and make her dangerous."

"Dangerous? What do you mean?" Kuwabara asked, alarmed.

"I do not know but it would become apparent once she has completely transformed."

"She has a tail that has two colors and her hair is the same way."

"Two colors?" Hiei asked. "Why…? Of course. A visual indication of her heritage. I'm guessing red is the second color."

"Yeah. She also admitted to killing two demons who threatened to find and kill me simply because of our engagement."

"She had already exhibited the aggression of protecting one's mate," Kurama said. "Her personality may continue to alter as she gets closer to the final changes."

"Claws and ears," Kuwabara said. He was frightened of what he had seen and just heard. His Yukina was becoming a fox who could be driven mad by her two powers which were opposing elements. Also, she could be dangerous and unusually aggressive as fox demons tended to be and liable to attack for no reason. Yukina was right to lie. But, I'll stay by her. I love her, after all.

Hiei was thoughtful as the group digested all that was shared. It was a fair amount to think about and consider. A jumble of emotions tumbled around in his head and he closed his eyes so he could sort it out.

His first inclination was to go after the one who had cursed Yukina and kill him. It angered him that someone would prey upon the weak and he would do what he could to right that wrong. When it came to Yukina, he tended to simply kill the one responsible. It made perfect sense to him as it guaranteed her or she couldn't go after Yukina again.

His desire to kill the doctor was followed by frustration. Demons were not allowed to kill humans as per Lord Enki's command. Hiei, when he was Yusuke's teammate, was expressly forbidden from killing humans as he would have been severely punished for it. He almost did once, but didn't at Yukina's request. Naturally he heeded to it.

The thing with the doctor was that he had some demon DNA in him thanks to his additions and yet he was still mostly human and beyond his reach. Furthermore, entering his home carried a risk. After all, he still had the medallion which no doubt still had some power in it and he could use it on Hiei, thereby putting him in the same situation as Yukina. Sending Kuwabara was also risky as he was human and could end up like the other humans that had been experimented on, so that left Kurama who was the perfect choice. He was human and demon as well as an animal demon.

Hiei didn't blame Kurama for activating the curse. Hiei could have chosen fox demon himself, given the choice. Foxes were part of the canine family, but were omnivores as opposed to wolves. Regardless, foxes were predators that were known for their aggressive, savage nature. He was having trouble picturing Yukina as a vicious demon. It was just unimaginable.

"Should we try to locate that doctor?" Kuwabara asked. "Get that medallion and see if there's counter curse?"

"There is no counter and I would advise against seeking him out, Kuwabara. The same goes for you, Hiei."

"Of course," Hiei said.

Kuwabara frowned at Kurama's advice but understood it. Odds were that he would end up caught and used as an experiment like those other humans; as for Hiei he could up cursed like Yukina. Speaking of which…

"Should we tell her what you told us, Kurama?"

"We should. I suggest we wait until Friday after school."

Kuwabara nodded. "Yeah, I've got a test on Friday and need to study for it."

Kurama looked at Hiei. "However, if you wish to tell her before Friday…"

"No. I can wait." Hiei was honest about waiting as he was thinking of telling Yukina about being her brother. He hadn't really decided on when but Friday was as good a day as any. I just need to figure out how to phrase it and explain why I've kept silent all this time. Hopefully, she will not be angry at my silence.

Yukina growled low as she went about the kitchen. Her odd feelings had gotten stronger, especially anger and aggression. She knew her anger was a result of the curse, but she wished she knew why she felt angry.

She gave an annoyed growl as she scratched behind an ear. Her ears had been burning and itching on and off today and she knew these were signs that they were in the process of becoming fox ears. I just wish they didn't burn and itch! Yukina thought angrily as she rubbed the ears. She brought her hand around to look at her nails. They had started growing longer and had developed sharp tips. She flexed both hands and smiled at the effect. Not fully grown yet but looking impressive nonetheless.

She put the food on the table and then headed outside to announce that dinner was ready. She watched the demons file in, some of them glancing at her as they passed. She knew that her transformation was a bit unnerving but she didn't care what they thought. I'm capable of freezing them solid if they annoy me. I can also feel the fire in me growing. Her eyes glittered at the thought of controlling two elements as she joined the others at the table.

Those gathered would discreetly glance at Yukina or each other. She had revealed two days ago, Tuesday, that she had been cursed when she was kidnapped and that she was becoming a fox demon. She told them as she had a fully grown tail and her hair had some red streaks. They had grown concerned when she seemed aggressive and angry yesterday instead of her sweet self.

They recalled the fact that if things did get out of their or her control, they were to call Kuwabara for help. They weren't too concerned yet. Yes, Yukina was acting different but surely those feelings would subside as she grew accustomed to her full fox demon form…at least they hoped so.