Chapter Nine- Recounting

Hiei blinked open her eyes and her nose smelled ice and a scent that hinted of kin which put her at ease. She sat up like a cat and began to wash her face and tail. She heard her name spoken softly and she looked over to see a gentle face. She recognized Yukina but was still being a cat. She meowed at Yukina before going over to nuzzle Yukina's hand. She felt herself being petted and she purred happily.

Yukina couldn't believe how cat-like Hiei was being and it was disconcerting to her. This was not how her sister should act. Some purring, a few cat sounds and movements, sure, but not washing her face or moving on all fours.

"Are you hungry, Hiei?" she asked as she slid the tray over to her. Hiei looked in the bowl that held hamburger Yukina had heated up, took a taste, and then proceeded to eat, drinking some water as well. When she finished, she washed up again.

Movement caught her eye and she looked to see a pink ribbon sliding across the floor. She stalked it and then pounced. Her hands landed on a part of it and her claws latched on. She bit on the ribbon and felt it trying to get away. Her claws clutched tighter to it.

Yukina gently tugged the ribbon but Hiei had a firm grip on it. She was surprised at the claws that came out and wondered if Kurama knew about this. He probably did. I'm sure Hiei showed her claws when reacting to Yoko. Yukina tugged the ribbon and found it had been released. She stood and held up the ribbon which prompted Hiei to reach up and bat at it. Yukina giggled as she moved the ribbon to cause Hiei to chase, bat, and pounce on it. Hiei soon fell asleep, having worn herself out and having a full stomach.

Hiei stirred and moaned as she awoke from her nap. She lay there to allow the events of the last few hours to come into crystal clear focus. I've been rescued and Yukina played with me. She felt a little embarrassed at acting like a cat in front of her sister even though she couldn't help it. She rose to her feet and went in search of Yukina, seeking out her energy and found it outside along with Kurama's energy. She opened the outside door and both looked back.

Yukina was up first and hugged Hiei. "You're back to normal."

"And I hope to stay normal," she answered as Yukina released her and both sat down with Hiei between her sister and her boyfriend. "I do remember everything and understood every word spoken while on catnip and that substitute."

"Really?" Yukina asked.

"Yes. I appreciate what you gave me to eat, Yukina. Tebo only gave me tuna and milk. He wanted me as his pet in addition to providing him with stones."

"So, you were taken for your tears."

"Yes." She looked at Kurama. "I'm sorry about how I acted when you came for me."

"No apology is necessary. You were a cat and cats hate dogs which are kin to foxes and other canine family members."

Hiei put her face in her hands. "I can't believe I acted like that."

"Was it really that bad?" Yukina asked.

Hiei lifted her head and appeared thoughtful. "If I were allowed to act that way without outside influence, it wouldn't be that bad, though the way I acted is a bit embarrassing. I do like playing with feathers, jingle balls, and ribbons." She looked at Yukina as she said the last word.

"So, this Tebo used feathers and jingle balls?" she asked.

"Yes. He also used a laser pointer which I hated. It was the only one that was used before and after catnip."

"Do you like catnip?" Kurama asked.

"Yes," she answered. She looked at Kurama. "You could grow some as it is a plant."

"That is true. But you should not have it very often."

"I know. Tebo said too much is bad for cats."

"He really wanted you for a pet?" Yukina asked.

"Yes. He said it at least twice. I like the petting but I rather not be petted when on catnip. It would be best if I could be a cat on my own terms."

"I am surprised he let me rescue you without a fight save for the guards."

"I heard him say he had enough stones to sell and that I had given him much amusement for him to re-live."

"Ah. So, he's gotten enough from you to satisfy him."

Hiei nodded. "I think he will sell what he has over a long period of time and then leave that part of the market once they're gone."

"That would make sense and he knows that if he grabs you again, I will not hesitate to kill him."

"Wait," Yukina said. "Hiei, why didn't you use your powers to escape?"

"Tebo's eyes have the ability to ward another's powers. I did try to escape shortly before Yoko came. I used my strength to break the door and my claws to shred the wards on the doorframe. I was doing fine until the fire extinguishers and the taser."

"Taser?" Kurama said sharply. "You were tased?"

"I was."

Yukina flinched. "That's awful."

"Yeah. I couldn't move and that was before the second blast of the extinguisher."

There was some silence before Yukina said, "Hiei, how about we do the shopping and bonding tomorrow?"

"That would be nice but what about my cat features? I mean, the ears and tail can be concealed but what about my whiskers?"

"Your scarf," Yukina answered. "You left it in my room."

Hiei smiled. "Perfect. What kind of bonding were you thinking of?"

"I was thinking of sharing stories and I could teach you more about ice. I remember when I was a prisoner I tended to freeze the cell and create an icy barrier around me every time my captor came to see me."

"Freezing the area. I like that idea and would love to learn that."

"I could also help you in being a girl," Yukina added.

Hiei wanted to say she didn't need help with being female but reconsidered it. I need to be like a girl and should accept whatever help is being offered. Besides, this could be a type of sisterly bonding. "I would like some help," she said. The sweet smile Yukina gave her made her heart melt and it gave her a warm feeling inside.

Yukina felt good as Hiei spoke freely of her ordeal. She was familiar with Hiei being a cold fire demon but the cat girl she had become was pleasant and she looked forward to shopping and bonding with her sister. There were years to catch up on and she wanted to hear about Hiei's life, particularly the part where she got the Jagan and learned to use it.

After shopping, we'll practice ice moves. I imagine she'll learn a lot as she is already a strong demon, but I'll make sure she doesn't overdo it.