Chapter Five- Prisoner

Tebo leaned back in his home office chair, his blue-green fingers pressed together as he listened to Clarence. "So, a human witch put a curse on Hiei for insulting her. Hiei is now part cat and female, the latter revealing that she is an ice apparition in addition to being a fire demon."

"Yes, Master Tebo."

Tebo bared a grin of perfect white teeth. "Excellent. I had planned to make a brief endeavor into selling Hiruseki stones but kidnapping Yukina is a risky move as Hiei would kill everyone to rescue her. I heard that he almost killed a human who had held her prisoner and until today, I had wondered why. Now, I know: They're siblings.

"Now that Hiei is female, she would make a better target than Yukina to kidnap."

"Forgive me, Master, but she is still a strong demon with fire and ice powers. How would one contain such a demon?"

Tebo laughed. "Yes; containing Hiei is a difficult matter but I have the means to contain her."

Clarence glanced up from his kneeling position to focus on Tebo's three sapphire blue eyes. "Oh, yes Master. Your eyes' special power. Very few demons can fight it."

"And Hiei will be no different. Clarence, you will go back to Human World, seize Hiei, and bring her here so I can get some Hiruseki stones from her. I look forward to seeing how much a red Hiruseki stone would be worth."

"As you command, Master." Clarence rose and left to obtain the items for a plan that had come to him when he was coming to report to Tebo.

"So, you will stay here for a little while?" Kurama asked.

Hiei nodded. "Yukina wants to take me shopping for other clothes to modify and do some sisterly bonding."

"That sounds nice."

"It does and I look forward to bonding with her."

Kurama pulled Hiei into a hug and Hiei purred at the embrace which made Kurama smile. "I like it when you purr."

"I know and I also enjoy purring."

"Good. Accepting your curse is the best thing to do." Kurama gave Hiei another kiss on the lips. The whiskers didn't really interfere with a lip kiss; only the cheeks. But Kurama knew that he would eventually manage a kiss on the cheek even with the whiskers. He then left the compound and Hiei allowed herself a soft smile. I think Kurama loves me more as a girl and a cat. Hn, not even a full day under the curse and I'm already comfortable with it. Blair was right in saying that I would come to like my curse as I really do like it now.

"Hiei?" came a gentle voice and she turned to see a demon about a head and a half taller than her and could pass for a human, however she sensed his energy. She raised an eyebrow. "Yes?" she asked slowly and with slight suspicion.

"I will apologize now but I overheard Kurama speak of you being cursed. It must anger you to be female and a cat."

"At first, yes, but as it is permanent, continuing to resent it is pointless."

"Of course, of course. But suppose it could be lifted? What then?"

"It can't be lifted," she said.

"Ah, but my boss is very skilled in magic. A mere human's curse cannot stand up to his powers."

"Your employer would want some kind of repayment an I have nothing to give him. So, I will live as I am." Hiei turned and was starting to leave when she felt herself being grabbed and a cloth was pressed to her nose and mouth. The scent of chloroform filled her nose and she felt dizzy from it before passing out.

She smelled something different under her nose and the dull ache in her head dissipated. She moaned softly and then gave a low cat growl as she recalled the attack. He is so dead.

"Wake up, my dear," came a smooth voice that was not her attacker.

Hiei opened her eyes and blinked a few times before sitting up to focus on a demon taller than her kidnapper. His skin was a blue-green color that complemented his white hair that was in a ponytail that ended at the nape of his neck. Hiei noticed his three blue eyes that held greed in them.

"Tebo," Hiei growled, recognizing him.

"Ah, you've heard of me. I am flattered."

"I know your name and that you are a modesty business demon but that's it. I know why I'm here. You want my stones."

"You are a smart one. Then you know that I will obtain some eventually so I suggest you simply cooperate and things will go smoothly for both of us. My spy, Clarence, heard your stones are red. I would settle for one right now to see how much it's worth."

"One. And if it's worthless?"

"Oh, I doubt it's worthless. It is rare and will still fetch some money. I do intend to have you stay and have you as a kind of pet as well." Tebo eyed Hiei's ears and tail.

"Forget it," Hiei hissed. "I will not be your prisoner or your pet." She attempted to bring her fire alight but nothing happened. She then tried to bring her ice to life and still nothing. "What?" she asked to herself with confusion.

"My eyes have the power to ward another's powers. You are effectively powerless, Hiei." He laughed at the shock on her face.

Hiei clenched her fists. She had left her sword in Kurama's room before traveling to the mountains but she wasn't really powerless as she did have her fists. She ran at Tebo with a battle cry and her fists were soon hammering with incredible speed.

Tebo abruptly stopped laughing and put his hands up to block all her punches with little trouble, much to Hiei's surprise. She snarled as she pressed the attack, her fists moving so fast, they were a blur to her. Damn it, how is he able to block all my punches? she silently demanded. She slammed both fists forward and Tebo caught them both and held them tightly.

"Nice try, my dear but I'm a good fighter myself." He then squeezed his hands and the pressure caused Hiei to cry out in pain and, to her shock, she felt a tear well up, escape, and transform before it hit the floor.

Tebo released her hands and she sank to her knees, alternatively flexing her fingers and massaging her joints and knuckles. Tebo went to one side of her, leaned down, and delicately plucked the gem off the floor. He held it up to the light and was awed by the black shimmer that sparkled around the gem.

"It's lovelier than I imagined," he breathed. "This will surely fetch a very good price and now would be an excellent time to find out." He headed for the door, opened it, and looked back at the cat girl who looked over her shoulder and growled, her tail twitching angrily.

"You certainly are spirited," he commented. "I usually like that in a girl. However, I would prefer it if you simply cooperate with my plans for you. Now, I'm going to see how much your stone is worth and you are going to stay here. Attend to your hands and I will return later. Don't try to escape as I will be warding the doors with water and fire talismans." He left, closing the door.

Hiei moaned as she worked on her hands. She was a prisoner to a demon who wanted her stones and be his pet. It is similar to Yukina's situation and no one knows it. But, I will escape.