Chapter Four- Training Plan

Yukina finished a bite of a rice ball before saying, "I like the color of your eyes, Kazuma. They're pretty."

Kuwabara smiled at her comment. "Thanks. I admit I was surprised when I saw they had changed color. Yours didn't."

"Perhaps it was because you were human," Kurama said. "When you were bitten, I believe the medallion's power that was still in Yukina spread to you and used her fox DNA to change you into a demon first and then a fox as it changes demons into an animal demon."

"Am I like you?" Kuwabara asked Yukina. "I mean, two powers?"

"You must have been real angry if you're asking that," Yukina said. "When I first walked in, there was a wind barrier swirling around you and when you faced us, it swirled faster and I saw small ice crystals sparkling in it."

"Ice and wind? That's an interesting combination."

"You could whip up a snowstorm with those powers," Yukina commented.

"He could try some of the techniques he saw at the Dark Tournament," Kurama said. "One used ice shards and a sword of ice while the other used the air to fly and a swirling barrier to deflect Yusuke's spirit gun."

"A sword of ice?" Yukina's eyes lit up at that. "I'd like to learn that and Hiei did say he would teach me to make a sword of fire."

"Let's work on illusions," Kuwabara said. "I'd like to go to school tomorrow."

Yukina and Kurama shared smiles before the latter said, "I do not think it will take long. You've always had strong energy and it has become more so due to your change. All you need to do is clearly picture what you wish to look like and will it to occur. The illusion will stay until you choose to end it."

Kuwabara promptly focused on his human appearance and felt a tingle go through him. He looked at his hands to see his claws before running a hand over his hair but found it still long and he felt his fox ears. "I guess I need more practice," he said, a little disappointed.

"Actually, you don't," Yukina said. "Your illusion's perfect. The illusion only applies to the surface appearance. You're still a fox but you look human to everyone who sees you."

Kuwabara grinned as he ended the illusion. "I can become a fox too, right?" When Kurama nodded, Kuwabara focused on this and was an orange fox with white streaks on his spine and both sides.

"Oh, Kazuma," Yukina said. "You're so cute."

"Really?"

"Really." Yukina ran a hand over the back like Hiei did and finally understood what he had felt when he stroked her. Soft, she thought. And smooth too. She scratched the chin and smiled as Kuwabara growled in pleasure.

"This is cool," Kuwabara said once he had changed back. "But I'd like to learn some attacks."

Yukina understood Kuwabara's desire to learn attacks as his energy had changed and he likely felt vulnerable without attacks he could control; his display of wind and ice had been unconscious control and Yukina knew that was just as dangerous as a loss of control. "Kurama and Hiei are going to teach me some more this weekend starting Friday after school. I could teach you about your ice powers."

"I'd like that. Maybe start with the barrier you showed me."

"Wait," Kurama said and looked at Yukina. "You made a shield of ice energy?"

Yukina nodded. "I figured that since I made one from fire, an ice one wouldn't be any trouble."

"It was impressive and was cold inside the barrier," Kuwabara said.

"You're immune to the cold now since you're an ice fox," Yukina said. "I've always been immune to the cold because of my ice apparition heritage."

"I'll come to the mountains for training and maybe stay all weekend," Kuwabara said. "I'm sure I could convince Shizuru to let me spend the weekend there."

"I'd like that." Yukina exposed her left shoulder. "Kazuma? Since you're a demon, it might be best if you reclaimed me. I mean, that's what Kurama said when I told him about us being mates."

Kuwabara smiled gently as he leaned down and pushed his fangs into the same holes he had made yesterday. He heard Yukina gasp a little and then he withdrew, feeling proud of insuring that no one would try to pursue her. And if anyone does, they'll regret it as Yukina can defend herself and so will I once I learn some attacks. Of course, I need to get Shizuru to let me spend the weekend learning them.

Shizuru was getting out the food and pans for dinner when she heard soft words and the front door opening and closing. "Kazuma?" she called, wondering if he had left also.

There were footsteps before Kuwabara said, "Yeah, sis?"

"Are you all right now?"

"I'm not angry anymore. I feel a lot better. Uh, Shizuru? Would it be all right if I spent the weekend at the compound? I want to learn to use my powers and Yukina seemed eager to teach me."

"Powers? As in two, like Yukina?"

"Yeah. Ice and wind. Apparently, I used them out of anger and not aware I was doing that which can be dangerous."

"I would agree. Of course you can go. Will you need clothes to hide your fox half?"

"Not necessary. I was taught the illusion power all fox demons can use."

"Ah. So, you'll be going to school then."

"Yup and then head for training after school Friday. Kurama will be going up too and teach me more about being a fox demon."

"Did you tell the demons at the compound about Kuwabara?" Kurama asked Yukina as he escorted her to the station.

"I did." She smiled in amusement. "They insist I tell them where I'm going and I understand their concern. I had mentioned going to see my mate and why so when he shows up Friday, none of them will treat him as if he's a potential threat."

"Hiei doesn't know you've claimed one another, does he?"

"No, but he will. He can't say anything against it as we've been engaged for a time. I know he doesn't like Kazuma partly because he was human. Now that he's a demon, that part of his dislike should disappear."

"I recall their first encounter and I know Hiei referred to him as ugly and dumb. Obviously, he was and is neither and Hiei will see that Friday."

Yukina nodded as they entered the station. She had known for years that Kuwabara and Hiei hated each other, the former because of how Hiei insulted him and thought little of him. She remembered Kuwabara telling her at the Dark Tournament that Hiei was scary and would bite off her head.

Of course, neither of us knew he was my brother. In fact, Kazuma didn't know until the day I was kidnapped and brought to that doctor. That revelation probably made him think better of Hiei. I hope Kazuma being a demon will change Hiei's opinion of him.

Kurama saw Yukina onto the train before heading back to town. He had admitted his true nature to his family several months ago and he was glad he did as it would have been hard explaining his constant trips to the compound. Especially, this one, he thought. It is lucky that they've accepted it all and still love me for who and what I am and have always been. I truly hope Hiei changes his opinion of Kuwabara.