Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Journey Into Submission ❯ Chapter 6

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Fandom: Yu Yu Hakusho
Title: Journey Into Submission
Author: Ryukotsusei
Pairing/Characters: Kurama/Yusuke, Youko/Yusuke/Koenma, eventually Hiei/Yusuke
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Language, Lemon. Yaoi, Anal, Oral, Masturbation, Rimming, BDSM, Torture, Slavery, Tentacles, Spanking, Caning, Non-consensual sex, Angst, Major Character Death, and anything else my perverted mind can possibly come up with. You are warned.

Disclaimer: I do not hold the rights to Yu Yu Hakusho, nor do I make any money from this story.

Summary: In an attempt to acquire help from one of his most trusted friends, Yusuke gets far more than he bargained for. The line between pleasure and pain are forever blurred as he learns that pleasing his master is the only way to get what he wants.

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and stuck with me through this story. This should be the last of the graphically violent chapters for a while. We've got more torture and non-consenting sex in this installment.

Special thanks goes to Kogas Hentai Luver for taking the time to beta this chapter for me.

Chapter Six

It was difficult for Kurama to keep a polite smile on his face when he opened the door. Had it been anyone else he might well have ignored the knock that had interrupted his time for relaxation. Unfortunately Kuwabara was one of the few people who were adept at sensing energy and thus he knew there was no way of hiding the fact that he was home. As expected the tall redhead seemed to be waiting impatiently on him and Kurama had to bite back a snarl. He had other things he wanted to be doing right now, “Hello Kuwabara, to what do I owe this visit?”

“We need to talk, can I come in?” Kuwabara watched the kitsune carefully, looking for any sign that things were amiss. What had happened the day before still bothered the hell out of him. Even now he couldn't see why Kurama had stepped up between Yusuke and Keiko when he had. While he didn't understand just what had occurred inside the house, he was sure the redhead knew. It was time for answers.

“Of course,” Kurama replied easily although he was tempted to turn the man away. To do so would not only give him the appearance of being rude but perhaps even make Kuwabara suspicious. Stepping to the side he allowed the human to enter into the house before shutting the door quietly. “We should take this to the living room then,” he stated calmly and began walking deeper into the house. There was a chance that Yusuke would awaken soon and he really didn't want to have Kuwabara anywhere near the Toushin where he could possible hear him.

“That's fine,” Kuwabara replied quietly and began walking towards the living room. The silence reigning throughout the house bothered him and he couldn't exactly say why. Even though it was almost always quiet when he came over, this was different, almost eerie. Something was out of place and it took him a moment to put his finger on it. “So where's Urameshi at?”

“I'm afraid he's unavailable for the moment,” Kurama replied easily before dropping gracefully into one of the chairs. Telling the man that the Toushin was tied to a rack was clearly out of the question since there was no doubt in his mind Kuwabara would fight to free him. In that case he'd have no problem showing the human just where he stood, even if it meant ending the man's life.

“So where the hell is he?” Kuwabara lowered himself down to the couch while staring cautiously at the kitsune. The way the man was looking at him made him wary and in fact it reminded him of a rabid animal about to launch an attack. Perhaps it was just an after effect of the dream he'd had the night before but somehow he didn't think so.

“He's around somewhere I imagine,” Kurama managed with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders, “Yesterday brought serious questions into our relationship and he felt he needed time to think a few things over.” Of course that was a bit of an understatement and Yusuke had made his choice but it was an unacceptable one in Kurama's eyes. Until the Toushin came around to his way of thinking then he had no intentions of freeing him, but that little detail wasn't anything that Kuwabara had any need to know about.

For a moment Kuwabara stared at the man with a stunned expression, “What relationship?” He'd known that Yusuke had moved in with the redhead but nothing beyond that. Hell, he'd even thought that it was because the Toushin had been tired of living with his mother. This put a whole new light on things. “You mean to tell me that you two are...”

“Lovers,” Kurama supplied helpfully, a small smile crossing his face. He was well aware that Kuwabara was a bit on the homophobic side and took no small pleasure in exploiting that fact. 'Perhaps this will get him to leave sooner so I can return to Yusuke's training.'

Hearing this had Kuwabara paling even further. Now he wasn't sure what to make of his dream, he'd thought he had been losing it to see Youko raping his long time friend and rival. As much as he wanted to push the idea out of his mind, now he was forced to seriously consider the possibility. Foresight wasn't one of his stronger abilities but it was one that he didn't want to ignore either. As uncomfortable as the subject matter was, he had to push on, “For how long?”

“For nearly a year, why do you ask?” A slow smile spread across Kurama's face as he leaned forward to regard his team mate. The man's discomfort was plain for him to see and he couldn't resist the urge to play a little,”Kuwabara if I didn't know better I'd mistake this questioning for curiosity. You aren't interested in my lover, are you?”

“What? Oh hell no,” Kuwabara protested violently while holding up his hands, “I didn't even know the two of you were together like that. Besides, I've got Keiko.” The very idea of sleeping with Urameshi left him wrinkling his nose in disgust. Even the dream he'd been given had left him stunned. The mocking laughter that filled the air moments later had him scowling, “It's not funny...” Another thought had hit him then, derailing his train of thought, “So you want to tell me what it is that happened that got Botan so upset?”

For a moment Kurama said nothing and merely peered at the human through heavily lidded eyes. Eventually though he decided to give the man an answer. Sooner or later the knowledge they were together was going to get out to everyone. It was best to spread the word now. “It wasn't what she saw but what she did. Botan made the mistake of touching something that did not belong to her. You can imagine my displeasure at catching the two of them in a rather... intimate embrace.”

“Urameshi and Botan?” Kuwabara tried to imagine that one and just couldn't do it. Not that Botan wasn't a nice girl but he doubted she'd put up with the Toushin's attitude for very long. Sighing heavily he stared at the kitsune, “So that's why Botan came out missing her panties. You wanna tell me why she came running out like Hiei was chasing her with the dragon?” That had probably been bugging him the most. The ferry girl had been acting like she'd been raped or something but he couldn't see either of his friends doing that.

Kurama's expression turned dangerous as he remembered just how she'd been pressed up against his lover, “She disliked the threat that I felt was necessary to give. I refuse to share him with anyone, not even her.” In retrospect it was all that woman's fault and if he could go back in time now he would have eliminated any threat she posed before she'd had a chance to approach Yusuke. Perhaps then things would still be going as planned and he would have had more time to win Yusuke over, getting him to forget his goal of becoming Hiei's lover. Now there was no going back and he had to use force to get the Toushin to see things his way.

“You threatened her?” Kuwabara frowned disapprovingly at Kurama for that particular revelation, “I know you had to have been mad but you shouldn't do shit like that Kurama. I doubt she knew you two were involved, I know I sure as hell didn't.” This certainly explained Botan's quick departure and the guilty look Yusuke had been wearing that day. 'Hell, he was probably the one that started it. But then why would Kurama protect him from Keiko?'

“It doesn't matter,” Kurama intoned softly even though his gaze remained as deadly as ever, “Yusuke is mine and that's all there is to it. Now was there something else you came here for or did you just want to discuss our sex life?” As entertaining as Kuwabara was, he had better things to be doing such as tending to the man in question who had just recently awoken by the sounds of it. The muffled sounds coming from the room resolved into calls for help although they were far too faint for Kuwabara to hear them.

“That's gross man; I didn't come here to talk about that. I needed to talk to Urameshi but he isn't here. I have to say I'm disappointed in you though, you should have told the rest of us what was going on.” Kuwabara groused in spite of the dark look he was getting from the avatar. Uneasily he looked at the redhead who appeared to be ready to toss him out the door, “Kurama, I need to know something. Have you uh, been changing into Youko recently?”

The question had Kurama pausing in his thoughts of just how he was going to punish the Toushin for even thinking he could gain help by calling out. Now his attention was completely on Kuwabara again and he stared at the man critically, “No, I gave up that aspect of my life years ago. Why do you ask?” There could be any number of reasons why that question had come up but Kurama couldn't help but wonder if the psychic had seen something that he shouldn't have. If the man was the least bit suspicious it could cause problems that would be a bit messy to deal with.

It was times like this that Kuwabara wished he had Hiei's abilities to sense when someone was lying. Although he couldn't see that it was a blatant lie, his gut instinct told him that it was and he was now treading on very dangerous ground. “No reason really, it was just a dream I had,” he said carefully, feeling the need to leave while he still could. Briefly he looked at his watch, “I really should be getting back. Keiko said she had something important she wanted to tell me tonight and if I was late she was going to kill me. Well, if you see Urameshi, tell him I stopped by alright?”

“Of course,” Kurama replied politely. It was tempting to detain the man and pry the details out of him about the dream but Yusuke's pathetic cries for help were steadily increasing in volume. Soon the man now getting off of his couch would be able to hear him and he knew that should Kuwabara learn of Yusuke's plight there would be no choice but to fight and kill him.

“Alright, then I'll see you around. Hope things work out between you two,” Kuwabara said as he walked towards the front door, anxious to leave. Something damned sure wasn't right even if he wasn't sure what it was. Being unable to find out meant only one thing, it was time to contact Koenma. If nothing else the demigod would need to know that there was something seriously wrong and perhaps he would know what to do. Unfortunately, his only means of reaching the demigod personally had been taken from him when the team had disbanded, but there was one person who would be able to reach him regardless and he knew that Genkai wouldn't hesitate in helping him.

Once the front door closed Kurama closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing his power to expand. It was annoying to him to have to remain in human form just to keep up appearances when he'd much rather allow his demonic attributes to show. Now though, there was unlikely to be any further interruptions and he could proceed as he wished. A cruel smirk formed on his face as he walked towards the room that his pet was locked in. The man's faint cries had fallen silent but he wasn't angry that they'd stopped; in fact he was rather pleased by the revelation. Once more he'd be able to listen to the agony his slave was suffering, at least until his voice disappeared again.

“Poor Yusuke,” Youko chided as he opened the door to the playroom. It was no surprise when the Toushin's eyes locked on him in fear which was exactly the emotion he'd wanted to see in them. Now more than ever the man realized that he was serious and it was time to offer him a choice, accept his position or continue on with the torture. Slowly he ran his fingers against a patch of undamaged flesh, relishing in the way the muscle twitched beneath his fingertips, “Have you thought about my offer Yusuke? Are you ready to give up your foolish notions of having Hiei?”

In response Yusuke said nothing, hoping that since no one had come to his aid that Youko hadn't been able to hear him calling for help. It had been Kuwabara's rough voice that had pulled him out of the dark void which had claimed him but his hopes had quickly been crushed by hearing his friend leave. Now all he could do was wait out any additional pain that the kitsune planned to inflict, however if he could refrain from adding to it he would. Pain flared throughout his entire body with each breath he took no matter how shallow it was and, right now, he was thankful that he couldn't feel his legs at all. Yet he doubted that particular reprieve would last him for long, not if his tormentor had anything to say about it.

“Remaining silent is not an acceptable answer, my pet,” Youko said, his voice thick with disapproval. He knew exactly what the Toushin was attempting to do, not that it would do him any good. One way or another he'd have his answer, willing or not. In the meantime, it just meant that he could pick up where he'd left off earlier. His hand trailed lazily across the detective's abused flesh as he slowly worked his way up the length of the man's body. The first rope that had been wrapped around Yusuke's ankle came undone easily and with great care Youko lowered the leg back to the surface of the table. An audible groan of pain had him smiling, within moments the circulation would begin returning in force and the wounds would open anew.

Yusuke had to bite his lip to keep from crying out when feeling began to return to his leg. The position he was in was beyond uncomfortable and it looked like Youko was taking his own sweet time in releasing him. Blood began pooling in his mouth when the cuffs around his arms were jarred, causing the holy energy to flare with the contact of his seared flesh. It was just a taste of things to come and he wasn't sure how much more he could take. 'Please, just kill me and get it over with.'

A chuckle escaped Youko's chest when he noticed that Yusuke had bitten his lip clean through. Slowly he leaned down, ignoring the look of hatred directed his way and lapped at the blood trickling down the man's chin. “You know,” he said when he pulled back enough to look the Toushin in the eyes, “I'm very displeased with you. I would have thought that Kuwabara's life meant more to you than your own. Had he heard you I would have forced you to watch as I tore his heart out. I meant what I said when I told you I wouldn't let you go Yusuke and if it means the others have to die, then so be it.”

“Just... kill me,” Yusuke managed to pant out, tired of listening to the demon talk. Death was nothing new to him and it had become apparent that was the only way he was going to escape this torment. In his heart he knew that Kuwabara wasn't strong enough to fight Youko and it had been foolish of him to risk the man's life like that. No, the only one that could help him now was deep in the Makai and oblivious to what was happening.

“And allow you to escape through death? I think not,” Youko chastised the man tied to the table while he unclipped the manacles, “Sit up slowly.” During his shower only an hour earlier he'd thought about what he wanted to do next and he'd decided that it was time to use the impaler. To date he'd never gotten a chance to use the device but that was an oversight that would soon be taken care of.

As tempting as it was to just lie there, Yusuke knew that he had no choice. Reluctantly he began to pull himself upright and tried to ignore the waves of nausea that threatened to consume him. The stretching of his torn flesh had him breathing raggedly and he just knew that his injuries were only becoming worse with each movement. Only the strong hand holding him in place kept him from falling back again even though darkness threatened to overwhelm him a second time.

“Don't you dare pass out on me again,” Youko snarled and grabbed the Toushin by the hair, yanking his head back firmly. After all, what good was it to spend his time working over a slave who could not appreciate the lengths he was putting himself through? Only once he was certain that Yusuke wasn't going to lose consciousness did he relax his grip, “Stand up now.”

Forced with no option other than to comply, Yusuke attempted to get to his feet but he didn't get far. As soon as he put weight on his legs they attempted to collapse under his weight and it was only the kitsune that kept him upright. The last time he'd felt pain this intense had been when Genkai had given him her spirit orb and it was an experience he'd hoped to never repeat. “I... can't,” Yusuke gasped out, fighting the urge to cry out with the pain radiating through his legs.

“Can't or won't?” Youko eyed the man critically while making sure he didn't crumple to the ground. Realization dawned on him, something he hadn't even thought of before now. The force of the caning had fractured both of the man's legs in multiple places by the looks of things, something that wouldn't have happened had the Toushin been a full demon. “Really Yusuke, couldn't you have come up with a better time to show your origins as being blatantly human,” he sneered in disgust, “your bodies are so fragile, I'd hoped that it was something your demonic heritage would overcome but I suppose I was mistaken. You will walk or I will drag you.”

True to his word, when Yusuke couldn't force his legs to cooperate the kitsune began hauling him over towards one of the pieces of furniture he'd hoped to never be trussed up on. “I won't give you what you want,” Yusuke rasped out even when his arms were jerked up over his head and secured to a bar hanging from the ceiling.

“Much better,” Youko said while eying the man critically. The bar holding the man up insured that he wouldn't fall and there was very little slack in his bond. Yusuke would be forced to maintain his own body weight for as long as possible because as soon as he became dead weight, the manacles would dig into his skin again. “Spread your legs and hold them there,” he ordered sternly. It was time to introduce his pet to the impaler.

It was slow going but eventually Yusuke managed to obey the command. His entire lower body felt as if it were on fire and there was no relief in sight. Within moments Youko had disappeared from his line of sight even though Yusuke knew he hadn't gone far. He could hear the bar on the machine being lowered in preparation for use and he could only hope that the dildo he chose wouldn't do anymore damage to his body than had already been done.

Youko calmly walked over to the cabinet after he had the impaler in position and ready to be used. He was well aware of Yusuke's fears and the man had a right to be afraid. For a moment he considered the dildo that had numerous spikes jutting out from every inch of the surface but the thought was discarded. Perhaps later on if these persuasion techniques failed, he didn't want to permanently damage his toy after all. Instead he chose another which grew progressively wider down towards the base. Even the bulbous head would be sheer torture for the Toushin to take in given how swollen his entrance was at the moment.

When the kitsune approached with the chosen toy Yusuke could only look on, his eyes widening in horror.'He can't be fucking serious!' Although he hadn't had the dubious pleasure of experiencing that up his ass he had known it'd be hell to endure from the very first time he'd laid eyes on it. The first bulge was nearly as big as his fist and it only got worse from there.

“Are you sure you do not wish to give in?” Youko said with a slow smile that never faltered, “No, I thought not. Very well.”Kneeling down he began to attach the toy to the pole he'd lowered, making sure it was secured tightly in place before slathering it with lube. “You may wish to relax Yusuke, because I'm not stopping until it's all the way in.”

The first touch of the cool lube against his flesh had Yusuke tensing despite the knowledge that it would hurt worse that way. The involuntary reaction only became worse when more pressure was applied and the toy began forcing its way into his body. “Oh gods,” he gasped, his eyes clenching tight against the pain, “It hurts. Oh gods! Stop it!”

Feeling the resistance that Yusuke was putting up, Youko increased the pressure, giving him no respite from the invasion. Eagerly he watched the torn flesh part under the onslaught, having no choice but to allow the toy entrance. But now the Toushin's harsh pants had turned to whines and grunts of pain, making Youko's ears twitch in anticipation of hearing him beg. Finally the first bulge slipped completely inside and the kitsune gave his pet only the slightest of pauses before shoving the dildo in roughly.

Yusuke's scream pierced the air, signaling just how violently he'd been violated. Any hopes that the kitsune would stop however were shattered when he felt the toy being withdrawn only to return with more force than before. Each subsequent thrust had him longing to be able to kick at the man kneeling in front of him but his legs just wouldn't obey, it was all he could do to remain standing in place.

Blood poured down the sides of the toy, spilling onto his hand but Youko didn't even bother to attempt to wipe it off. Instead he continued fucking his pet with the object, relishing the shrill screams of agony coming from the man's mouth. It was fortunate that the man's voice was so far gone otherwise the neighbors might well have heard his cries for mercy. With a final thrust he embedded the dildo to the hilt, not bothering to pause over the final bulge which easily rivaled two of his fists. His pet was now stretched beyond anything he'd ever experienced before. “You should have remained quiet Yusuke,” Youko said as he affixed the pole in place, “Had you not called out for Kuwabara I might have left you alone for the rest of the day to recover. But then again, I should have known. You always did enjoy your punishment even when you did beg me to stop.”

“You could... at least be... honest,” Yusuke breathed out raggedly in an attempt to keep from hyperventilating. With everything that he'd learned over the past several months he knew that there was no way that Youko would ever allow him to rest as he'd said. No, it was just another method that he was attempting to use to get what he wanted. One thing was for sure though, Yusuke wasn't going to allow him to have it.

“Think what you wish,” Youko said with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders, as if it didn't matter to him whether or not his words were believed, “I think I'll allow you to think for a bit before continuing. Let's see if more pain is what you truly desire Yusuke. Know that when I come back, we're going to proceed to electrocution. Imagine what it will feel like when I affix the nodes to your cock. How loudly will you scream then? Or will you even be able to?”

“Fuck you,” Yusuke snarled at the kitsune's retreating back. Whether or not the demon actually had the equipment for what he was talking about, Yusuke wasn't certain but he wasn't about to put it past him. All he could do was pray that it would all end soon. As faint of a hope as it was, he couldn't help but wonder if Koenma realized he'd gone back yet.'Even if he does though, would he even bother trying to help me?'

-Across Town-

Kuwabara walked into his sister's apartment without even bothering to knock on the door. As expected she was seated on the couch, flipped through the cable channels looking for something interesting to watch which was a bit of a relief since it saved him from having to hunt her down. “I need to borrow some cash, Shizuru,” he said, getting straight to the point.

Carefully Shizuru set the remote down instead of giving into the urge to toss it at his head, “And just why would I give you more money. Aren't you supposed to be the one hoping to start a family soon?” She knew her brother had big plans for the future although she wasn't sure just why the hell Keiko was entertaining the thoughts of getting married. The idiot hadn't even gotten a job yet so there was no way he could even think about affording a wedding.

“We don't have time for this, Shizuru, I need to get to Genkai's and I don't have enough to cover a train ticket,” Kuwabara replied tersely, staring his older sibling down. The sense of foreboding he'd felt since he'd been at Kurama's had only gotten worse and now he was more certain than ever he needed to speak to Koenma.

“Mind telling me what lit a fire under your ass first?” Shizuru reached for her purse but made no move to take out her wallet. It wasn't often that Kazuma went there anymore since he was no longer courting Yukina so something had to be up. She'd known the man for far too long and reading him was entirely too easy. There was no way she was going to be left out of the loop this time.

“I just came back from Kurama's and something's not right. I gotta bad feeling and it involves Urameshi, I think Kurama's going to do something to him,” Kuwabara stated uneasily, hoping that his sister wouldn't force him into revealing the details. As it was he really didn't enjoy the mental images his foresight had given him which depicted the kitsune raping their friend.'Hell I dunno if he could even overpower Urameshi but I can't take that chance.'

“Does this have something to do with what happened yesterday?” Shizuru frowned when her brother continued to fidget, “Come on bro, you're not the only sensitive one in the family and you could feel just as I did that Kurama was about two seconds away from pulling that whip out and using it on someone.” At the time, though, she'd felt that Yusuke would be able to handle whatever it was going on, but now she wasn't so certain.

“Yeah it does. Kurama pretty much bragged that he and Urameshi were lovers and then admitted to threatening Botan. Apparently he walked in on the two of them doing something inappropriate. That's why Botan ran out like she did,” Kuwabara said after a moment when it became clear that she wasn't going to let him leave without an explanation. The look on Shizuru's face told him that the knowledge shocked her just as greatly as it had him.

“And you're thinking Genkai might know what's going on?” For once Shizuru was impressed that Kazuma was actually thinking instead of rushing head first into something. His gut instincts were usually right on the mark and if the man sensed something was wrong, then she wasn't going to argue. However, she did want to know just what he had planned. If there was something horribly wrong with Kurama, would Genkai be strong enough to handle it? Somehow she wasn't so sure that she could. If Yusuke was out of commission then realistically the only one who stood a chance anymore was Hiei and who the hell knew where he was at the moment.

“If she doesn't then she might know someone who does,” Kuwabara said with a hint of impatience, “If you aren't going to believe me then you're welcome to tag along but let's at least do something!” There was no telling what might happen in the meantime and precious seconds might mean the difference between life and death. The more he thought back on it the more he realized that the situation just might come down to it.

“Alright, alright. Don't get your panties in a bunch,” she said as she pulled herself up and off the couch. There was no way she was going to let her brother go running off by himself. Knowing the man he'd head out to the temple all right but then go charging headfirst into whatever situation Yusuke had found himself in. Quickly she looked at the clock and made some quick calculations in her head, “If we hurry we can make the 11 o'clock train which will put us at the temple around one if we are lucky.”

Kuwabara breathed a sigh of relief seeing that she wasn't going to fight him on this one and nodded his head, “Yeah, yeah just try and keep up, Shizuru. If we're late it's not going to be on my account.” With that he turned and walked out the door, knowing that his sibling was hot on his heels. With luck Genkai wouldn't force a complete explanation and would just call Koenma like he needed. If anyone had any idea what the hell was going on and how to stop it, it would be the pacifier junkie.

~At Kurama's House~

The phone disconnected with a quiet click and Kurama leaned back in his chair. It was unfortunate that real life continued to get in his way but at least his job allowed him to conclude some of his responsibilities from home. Otherwise he would have been forced to return to the office which would have left Yusuke to his own devices, something he was loathe doing just yet. Leaning back in his chair he glanced at the clock and frowned, he'd spent far more time on the phone than he'd anticipated and it was now just after noon. “Time to see if Yusuke has reconsidered my offer,” he said with a slow smile before standing up and leaving the office.

The journey towards the playroom was delayed only a few minutes when he made a detour to the kitchen. Whether or not the Toushin agreed to his terms yet, he couldn't allow the man to weaken too far. His pet would still require nourishment in some form or another and it was up to him to supply it. Of course, that wasn't to mean that the food itself couldn't be used as a method of torture and he kept that firmly in mind while contemplating just what to serve his slave for lunch. Eventually he decided on a variety of fruits and began to arrange a plateful that was certain to tempt Yusuke. Slivers of melon and strawberries were arranged at the center of the platter followed by pieces of kiwi and pineapple. Only once it was finished did Kurama resume the journey towards the room where Yusuke waited for his return.

As Kurama expected, Yusuke looked up the moment he pushed the door open, “I've brought you lunch Yusuke.” Carefully he set the plate of food on a nearby table and then turned to look at his prize. The wary look thrown his direction didn't go unnoticed although he didn't comment on it at the moment. The man had to consider it strange that he'd reverted back to his human form but then again, Yusuke had no idea that he'd been busy with work while he had been absent. In between the phone and video conferences he'd had to deal with, remaining in his demonic form just wouldn't have been possible.

If there was one thing that Yusuke had learned it was that Kurama did nothing without a reason and this gift of food wasn't out of the kindness of his heart. So he said nothing and remained silent, watching the redhead. While he wasn't sure just why he was in that form, he wasn't about to believe that he'd be seeing the softer side of the kitsune that he'd once admired. Nothing remained of that man as far as he could tell, assuming that it had ever truly existed in the first place. As much as he wanted to believe that somewhere deep inside the redhead, beyond the obsession, his friend lay hidden. But the intense pain coursing through his body made it difficult to hold onto even the slightest hope that it was even possible.

Calmly Kurama regarded his prisoner, carefully taking stock of his injuries. Dried blood caked Yusuke's skin where the wounds around his wrists had reopened. “Are your legs getting tired?” he asked quietly although the question was rather pointless. It was easy to see the way the Toushin's leg muscles were cramping with the strain of holding his body upright. That was in fact the reasons for the added injuries to his wrists, at least once the pressure had been too much and Yusuke's legs had given out.

With a gentle sigh, Kurama shook his head. His pet was indeed a stubborn one but even the most hardheaded could be broken with the right persuasion. “I see you're not ready to talk yet so how about you eat instead?” Carefully he picked up a piece of melon and brought it to the Toushin's lips. Defiant brown eyes stared at him hatefully but he would not be deterred. Unless Yusuke had eaten before he'd returned, it had been nearly twenty four hours since he had anything to eat. Sooner or later hunger would win out; he just had to provoke it into making itself known. Slowly he dragged the piece of fruit across the Toushin's lower lip, smearing it with juice. “Are you worried that I've poisoned it, Yusuke? I assure you that is not the case.”

”Like I'm going to believe that,” Yusuke spat at him, not believing the kitsune for an instant. For all he knew the fruit had been tainted with some sort of pollen made to get him to agree with what Kurama was demanding. While it was only as good as his word, he wouldn't put it past the man to make some sort of binding spell where that was all it would take. As parched as his mouth was, he wouldn't accept the offering voluntarily.

“You continue to act as if you have a choice in the matter, Yusuke. But it's understandable that you would react in this fashion. Therefore I'll give you a gesture to restore your faith in the fact that I would not resort to poisoning you,” Kurama stated calmly before sliding the piece of fruit into his own mouth and began chewing slowly. It wasn't enough though to reassure the man and he knew it, so he picked up the plate and closed his eyes, picking up another piece at random before eating it as well. Once he'd finished three pieces in like fashion he opened his eyes, “Satisfied?”

“Not until you let me go,” Yusuke stated flatly before looking away from the redhead. The fact that Kurama had eaten the fruit without preselecting pieces was telling but that still didn't mean he trusted the man as far as he could throw him in his current condition. Taking a deep breath he sighed, “What's the point in all this anyway? I know you; you don't want someone who doesn't want you so why bother?” It was unlikely that conversation would gain his freedom but it was the only distraction that he had from the pain. It was becoming harder and harder to keep from crying out and as his weight shifted down, forcing more of the dildo up his ass he could feel the hot, sticky trails of blood trickling down his thighs.

For a moment Kurama said nothing and contemplated his answer. There was no way he would admit to how much of a blow it was to his ego when Yusuke turned down the idea of staying with him, all to pursue a dream that might not even come true. But at the same time, he wasn't going to allow this opportunity to slip by him. Through guarded eyes he watched his prey, gauging the right time to pose his own question, “Tell me, Yusuke, why do you cling so hard to a dream when before even you were willing to admit that Hiei wouldn't look twice at you. What's so different now? That you know how to handle pain?”

“Why does it matter to you? Did I bruise your ego that badly when I told you that I didn't want you?” The blow that caught him across the face had him groaning in pain but that still didn't stop him from venting his frustration and pain on the demon in front of him, “The truth hurts doesn't it? You knew from the start that Hiei was the one that I wanted. Maybe it was a mistake coming to you for help but then again, I thought you were my friend.” The anger in those implacable green eyes didn't falter but Yusuke refused to be cowed. Instead he met that gaze head on, almost daring the man to contradict those words.

“And yet you still refuse to answer my question, Yusuke. Perhaps you wish to be blind to the truth which is that no matter how much training you undergo, you'll never be enough to satisfy Hiei,” Kurama replied coldly while letting his hand drop back to his side. “Even when you first approached me you knew it but clung to the false hope that you could somehow measure up. Let me let you in on a little secret, Yusuke,” Slowly he leaned in with a cold smile upon his face, “The mere fact that you started your existence as a human has damned you from the very beginning. Nothing you could do would ever interest a demon who despises the race you were born to.”

“If that's the case then what's your excuse?” Yusuke growled out, trying to ignore the perspiration that dripped down his forehead. If everything that the fox had said was true then by the same reasoning Kurama shouldn't want him either. Uncomfortably he shifted and the soft clinking of the manacles around his wrists broke the silence between them. “I think you're full of shit, Kurama. You're not going to break me, not like this.”

“Excuse? How narrow minded of you, Yusuke, but then again I shouldn't be surprised,” Kurama chided while reaching for another piece of fruit and slipping it in his mouth. He nearly smirked seeing the way Yusuke watched his every movement. Whether the man wanted to admit it or not he needed something to quench his thirst but at the moment Kurama wasn't feeling so generous. For a moment he tapped his index finger along his lips and then smiled, “Let me see if I can explain this to you, Yusuke. I'm not so blind to the qualities you possess, human or not. Over the years I've developed the ability to look past the short comings you're afflicted with. Hiei on the other hand cannot. He will not accept weakness, nor failure. Both of which you've displayed in abundance over the past twenty four hours. All the training you've undergone means nothing now. You're less than an average human now with the bindings in place and for that he would laugh at the offering you would give him. Now you're not even enough to interest him as a slave. You're worthless in his eyes and yet you still cling to the ideal he represents in your mind. I never took you for being a fool, Yusuke, but once again you are proving me wrong.”

The words stung but Yusuke was determined not to allow the kitsune to see just how much they hurt. It was glaringly obvious that he was in over his head but that was nothing new. Over the years Hiei had seen him in many jams and somehow he'd managed to come through them all without help. This time would be no different and the apparition wouldn't hold it against him, would he? Shaking his head, Yusuke growled at the redhead, “You can fuck off, Kurama. I have a right to find out for myself, not sit here and listen to your crap. You're just pissed you can't have what you want!”

“Rights?” Kurama arched an eyebrow at the shorter male, clearly amused by the heated outburst. “You think you have a right to demand anything of me? I think you need a reminder of the position you currently hold. Do you honestly think you have control over anything in your life anymore?” Slowly he circled the Toushin like a shark looking for a weakness and ran his fingertips along his abused flesh. A hiss of pain accompanied the slightest touch along Yusuke's painfully stretched entrance yet Kurama was content to linger there, teasing the torn flesh just to see how long it would take before Yusuke begged him to stop, “If you're the one in control here then remove yourself from your bonds, Yusuke. Take yourself off of the impaler and tend to your wounds if your body is your own and not just a toy for my own pleasure.”

Even though Yusuke knew it was futile he attempted to do just that and tugged at his chains, hoping against hope that they would break and give him a brief shot at freedom. If nothing else he wanted the chance to wipe that smug smile off of the redheads face. Even if his ki was bound that wouldn't stop him from thrashing the man's ass, which was something he should have done a long time ago. The struggle to get free quickly reopened the wounds which had finally closed causing more pain to flare through his body and forcing him to cry out. Spots swam before his eyes and suddenly his strength gave out, collapsing his legs from under him. “Ahhhh,” he screamed as his weight slammed his body further down on the dildo that was violating him and Yusuke was certain he felt something tear. It was so intense he no longer felt the searing pain in his wrists; instead he was consumed by the agony in his lower body.

Kurama ran his fingers through the fresh blood and brought his fingers up, smearing them across the Toushin's lips, “Do you see what I mean, Yusuke? You're too weak to even stand up. Did you know that when we left Maze Castle Hiei wanted to leave you and Kuwabara there?” The pained expression he was given wavered only slightly but Kurama knew the man was listening to him, “Even though you beat Suzaku your power wasn't enough to keep you alive and it was only by Kuwabara's generosity that you didn't pass into the afterlife that day. Hiei thought that his sacrifice was a disgusting display, a fool giving life to another fool. Had it not been for the fact that we were on probation, one of you would have perished that day because he would have refused to carry you back. What do you think his reaction would be now, seeing you like this?”

“Honestly?” Yusuke managed to gasp out while trying to stand on his own again, “I think... he'd kick your ass.” Although Hiei tended to be a callous bastard there was no denying where his loyalties lie and one thing he hated was learning he couldn't trust someone. “We're supposed to be a team... and you... you've proven that friendship... and loyalty don't mean... shit to you.” Even if it turned out that Hiei didn't want him, he wouldn't idly stand by and watch the fox torture him; of that much he was certain. He'd seen the apparition's react to an act of betrayal and it was one thing he knew that Hiei couldn't stand. This time would have been no different, if only the hybrid was here to witness it.

“I'm beginning to believe you're delusional,” Kurama commented as he walked back to his original position, “Here, eat this, I'll have no more of this nonsense.” Before Yusuke could protest he shoved a piece of melon between the man's lips. For a moment it looked as if the Toushin would spit it back out but the moment the juice hit his tongue it was swallowed eagerly, causing a small smile to cross Kurama's lips, “Would you like another?” The defiant look told him that his slave wasn't about to ask for anything so he shrugged and ignored the food for now, “Let me ask you this, Yusuke. How many times have you heard Hiei said that my humanity has made me soft, that I should return to being the demon I once was?”

Yusuke eyed the kitsune, trying to guess what his game was. Surely he couldn't be saying this was the way that Hiei wanted him to act. He wouldn't believe that, no matter how much Kurama tried to rationalize. Finally he sighed and gave in, “Do you have a point or do you just like to run your mouth to hear yourself since no one else wants to listen?”

“I'm trying to make you see reason,” Kurama stated gently before sliding another piece of fruit into Yusuke's mouth, “I've told you that the persona you befriended was nothing more than a mask, a facade to help me adapt more readily in the Ningenkai. What I am now is how I was as Youko, the very same demon that Hiei wished I would return to. So tell me why, if this is the way he wanted me to be, would he attack me for doing something that is commonly accepted in the Makai?” One way or another he was going to ensure that Yusuke understood exactly what he was saying. Whether or not Hiei would truly accept the Toushin as he was didn't matter, he refused to let the man go. Once he got Yusuke's agreement to remain with him, there was no way that Hiei would attempt to interfere, even if he learned of what transpired between them.

“This is Hiei we're talking about here. He might be a bit fucked in the head but you take the damned cake,” Yusuke spat, unable to believe that Kurama was attempting to say that Hiei would condone his actions. “Fuck, if he was fine with this sort of shit then why did he take offense over Byakko's death? You're grasping at straws here, Kurama; he doesn't get off on this sort of sick shit. That pleasure's reserved strictly for you.”

“You know, your persistence in your beliefs was always one thing that I admired about you, Yusuke, but there is such a thing as taking it too far,” Kurama said before walking over towards the far corner of the room, “Very well, we shall continue with our play then.”

Uneasily Yusuke watched the man, unsure of what he was going to do next but when the redhead turned around he nearly swore. Now he knew just what Kurama was planning and the thought was a daunting one. In his hands was a steel cock cage which was little more than a steel pipe, welded onto a single handcuff and bent at a downwards angle which was meant to keep any erections at bay.'Fat chance of me getting hard over this one. I don't think I want to know why he's bringing it out now.' The mention of electrocution was fresh in his mind and the thought made him cringe. While the kitsune hadn't used that method of torture on him before he'd always spoken almost wistfully about the possibilities.

“I trust I don't have to tell you what I plan to do with you next,” Kurama stated with amusement while going to his knees in front of the Toushin. First he slipped the sleeve over Yusuke's cock, making sure it was snugly in place before closing the cuff tightly around the base of his cock and balls. Immediately the head began to darken in color with the restricted blood flow but he wasn't concerned about any possible damage. It would be removed long before his toy could gain any permanent disfigurement or loss of function.

The clicking of the lock sliding into place had Yusuke glaring at the top of Kurama's head, “That's fucking attached you know!” He'd been placed in similar restraints before but the kitsune had never secured them so tightly. The only thing he could be thankful for was that he'd likely be numb by the time Kurama got around to sending any jolts of electricity through him. Still, the thought combined with the pain he was enduring was more than enough to make him nauseous and he didn't even try to stop his stomach from heaving up the little he'd just eaten.

Deftly Kurama moved out of the way before the contents of Yusuke's stomach managed to cover him and balefully he glared at the Toushin, “You missed.” Somehow he doubted that the move had been entirely accidental and he wasn't going to allow it to go unpunished either. Without another word he grabbed the TENS unit and began setting it up for use. The nodes went on quickly, two placed on the sensitive skin of the Toushin's balls and two placed directly on the steel of the cock cage. Kurama gave Yusuke an almost sympathetic smile but it quickly vanished upon seeing the fear in his pet's eyes and was replaced with an almost feral look, “Shall we begin?”

Having been the unfortunate victim of static electricity a time or two Yusuke knew he was in for hell when the kitsune reached for the knob but nothing could have prepared him for the pain that exploded through his groin. All thoughts of possibly being numbed to the pain flew out the door with the first pulse and he couldn't help but scream as his back arched, trying to get away from the instrument of his torture. Nothing else mattered except for escape and his body bucked wildly in its efforts to get free. As suddenly as the pain had come though, it vanished with the flick of a switch, leaving him panting harshly in a desperate effort to catch his breath.

“I'm disappointed in you, Yusuke, that wasn't even close to full power and already you scream like you're dying. Where's the determination you were showing earlier?” The taunt had little effect but Kurama was content with that for the moment. Eagerly he took in Yusuke's condition, noticing how every muscle trembled with strain and fresh blood flowed, coating his pale skin. Even his chest heaved with exertion but Kurama wasn't content to let him get away with just one taste of the power he wielded, “Unfortunately for you I rather like the way you sound when you scream for me. By all means, get as loud as you want because in here no one will ever hear you.”

A flick of the switch sent electricity through Yusuke's body a second time and Kurama watched, fascinated with the way the Toushin's muscles flexed and bulged with each second that passed. Only now, the former Detective was attempting to remain silent despite the agony he was being put through. “Playing stubborn are we? Very well,” Kurama said with amusement and turned the dial up higher, increasing the intensity of the shock treatment. It was a wonder the man hadn't completely upset his balance with the way he was flailing about. More than once he would have toppled over completely had it not been for the chains holding him in place. Each jerk of his legs however ripped the dildo further from his body before driving it harshly back in. It was a sight he'd never seen before and now he regretted not having indulged in this sort of play with Yusuke sooner.

For Yusuke, he was no longer sure of his surroundings, he just knew that he was in hell. Time had no meaning beyond the pulses of energy being sent through his body. His vision narrowed down until he was only able to see Kurama and the nearly drugged look in his eyes. It was almost as if the man was feeding off of his pain and that merely fueled his anger yet he was powerless to do anything more than struggle against his bonds. Truly the kitsune had done his job well at restraining him, leaving him helpless against the onslaught of pain that continued to plague his body.

Switching the power off for the moment, Kurama took a step forward and gently cupped Yusuke's cheek. There was no denying that the Toushin was out of it now and was barely conscious of his surroundings. Was it time to quit? Kurama had to give it serious thought as he slowly caressed the smaller man's chest. Perhaps it was time to tend to Yusuke's wounds but only if he was finally willing to concede. “Yusuke,” he called gently, hoping to bring the man back from the edge of unconsciousness, “Yusuke, it's time for you to make a decision. Will you give yourself to me completely?”

The sound of his name being called caused Yusuke to blink but his eyes refused to focus. The ringing in his ears made it hard to distinguish what was being said and all he wanted to do was give in to the sweet oblivion that unconsciousness offered. Shadows hovered around his vision, reminding him greatly of the demon he desired. “Hiei,” he whispered softly, wishing that the apparition was close enough to hear him but it was a hopeless thought. After all, why would that particular demon be there for him now? Maybe Kurama was right and Hiei wouldn't want him as he was but he still wouldn't cave to the kitsune's wishes. Death would find him long before that happened and perhaps he would have a chance in another lifetime.

Hearing the apparition's name falling from Yusuke's lips had Kurama's eyes narrowing in anger. 'Even now he calls for him! It's completely unacceptable and I will not tolerate it.' The gentle hands quickly hardened, capturing Yusuke's chin and forcing it up. “You test my patience human,” he snarled towards the man who was staring at him with unseeing eyes, “Hiei cannot help you nor would he even if he was here. You belong to me now! Accept it or so help me I'll kill you here and now to put an end to your foolish dreams.”

Yusuke took a shuddering breath and closed his eyes, content in the knowledge that he could accept death once again. A rough shaking forced him to open them again but there was nothing but shadows and darkness. Faint movement caught his eye though and for the briefest of moments he could see Hiei's face, looking at him with a mixture of regret and pity. “I'm sorry it wasn't enough, Hiei. Next time it'll be enough, I'll be enough.”

“You would court death a third time just for the sake of someone who wouldn't look twice at you?” The question was pointless since the answer was staring him in the face. Knowing that there was no other answer, Kurama calmly set about removing the dildo from Yusuke's ass. Blood stained his fingers but it was ignored for the moment and instead he concentrated on easing it out of the tortured flesh surrounding it. Carelessly he tossed it over to a corner and then unshackled the Toushin's ankles from the impaler. It was time to give his pet the freedom that he sought, even if the mere thought of letting the man go rankled him.

It was finally the feel of the manacles being released that had Yusuke aware enough to realize that he was being freed and now a slight smile played upon Hiei's lips. His doing? Yusuke could only pray that it was so as he fell to his knees. His hand trembled as he reached forward, hoping to touch the apparition but the demon continued to elude him. “I understand,” he whispered to the phantom when his hand closed around thin air, “Death holds no meaning, Hiei, one day I'll come to you. Just you... wait and see.”

Kurama watched dispassionately as Yusuke fell to the floor. Even now, at the edge of insanity there was no breaking the man. His hands went to his clothing and began to remove the garments slowly, dropping them to the ground without a second thought. Rage smoldered deep within him yet he refused to lose control of his movements. It was only when he knelt down and forced Yusuke to lie on his back that he allowed that anger to be heard in his voice, “Death is the only way the two of you will ever be together, Yusuke. If I cannot have you then no one will but I'll be damned if he's the one you think of as you take your last breath.”

Settling in between Yusuke's legs he ruthlessly yanked them up over his shoulders, leaving the Toushin wide open for penetration. He didn't bother with the lube this time as he positioned himself against the man's abused flesh. With a grunt he slammed his cock into that waiting warmth, expecting Yusuke to cry out in pain when he did so but sound he was waiting for never came. “I don't think so,” he snarled and allowed his youki to spike, forcing himself into his demonic form while he still impaled the smaller male. That was enough to gain Yusuke's attention and it earned him a grunt of pain, “That's more like it. Know who is fucking you for the last time, Yusuke.”

Leaning forward, Youko forced the man's knees against his chest and began driving into him viciously. Blood coated his cock and balls, causing them to slap wetly against Yusuke's body with each demanding thrust he gave him. Deeper and deeper he worked his way into that delicious warmth, taking pleasure in the way the Toushin's muscles attempted to constrict around him. Clarity was beginning to work its way onto Yusuke's face, causing Youko to smile. Perhaps now Yusuke would beg him to stop, offering him anything he wanted but it was far too late for that now. Angrily he wrapped his fingers around the man's slender throat and then squeezed hard, cutting off his pet's ability to breathe.

It took only seconds for survival instinct to kick in and Yusuke began struggling beneath the kitsune's greater weight. Frantically he clutched at the clawed hands that were wrapped around his neck in a desperate attempt to pry them off. As he stared up into those cold, golden eyes Yusuke knew that he was looking death in the face. There was neither a trace of mercy in Youko's expression nor any hint of remorse as he drove into his body forcibly. It was all Yusuke could do not to pass out under the assault for he knew the moment that he succumbed it was over. Even so, his formidable strength and willpower was no match for the demon's and he began to falter, darkness clouding his vision once again. Rallying his strength one final time he managed to break the hold the kitsune had on him long enough to scream, desperately hoping to reach the only one who could possible save him now. “Hiei!”

~In The Reikai~

“Koenma sir, shouldn't you be looking for Yusuke right now?” Botan looked over the man's shoulder, wondering if her boss had lost his mind. Neither one of them had been expecting Genkai to call to tell them that Yusuke was in trouble. What bothered her was that Koenma didn't seem to be surprised to hear that the Toushin was in over his head. In fact, she'd almost expected him to demand that she tell him exactly what had happened that day at Kurama's house but he hadn't. Just what was going on that she didn't know about?

Angrily Koenma continued to punch keys on the keypad, searching for any trace of Hiei's energy. “We haven't the time to check on Yusuke,” he snapped at the girl looming over his shoulder. He should have known that something was wrong when Yusuke hadn't come back. More than once he'd done a scan for the man's energy and couldn't find it. Foolishly he believed that he might have ventured into the Makai to seek Hiei out. Obviously he'd been wrong and now Yusuke was paying the price.

“What do you mean we don't have time?” Botan's shriek of indignation filled the air, how could they not have the time. Angrily she stormed to the front of the desk and slammed her hands down on the surface, causing Koenma to look up at her in irritation. Although she was still upset that Yusuke hadn't stood up for her that day in the bathroom she wasn't about to stand by while there was a chance Kurama was hurting him.

“Exactly what I said, Botan, now sit down and shut up,” Koenma snarled before turning his attention back to the computer, “The only one who can help him now is Hiei and I've got to find him before we can even tell him what's going on. Neither one of us is a match for Kurama so unless you have a better suggestion, be quiet.” He could only pray that the apparition would take in interest in helping the man out. After all, everything that Yusuke had gone through to this point was for him. If Hiei wasn't willing to help then he wasn't sure if anything could be done to save Yusuke. Either way though, he had to try.

That was enough to make Botan fall silent but she still wasn't one to remain idle. Worry continued to plague at her thoughts until she snatched up the remote and turned to the large monitor that Koenma used to keep an eye over the Ningenkai. It wasn't hard get a fix on Kurama's house although it did take a few moments for a picture to appear. “Oh my God,” Botan whispered, staring transfixed at the horror scene playing out before her very eyes. It was like something straight out of a movie and now more than ever she was certain that the kitsune was killing him. An ordinary mortal would have long ago gone into shock and perished with the wounds that Yusuke had received.

Koenma ignored her whispered words in favor of continuing his search for any sign that would lead to Hiei's location. They could be anywhere along the border as far as he knew and sitting around wasting time wasn't going to help them find the apparition any sooner. However a strangled sound of pain forced him to look up and the sight that he saw filled him with rage. He'd always known that Kurama was a cruel bastard but what he was doing went above and beyond what even he thought the kitsune to be capable of. “Dammit where are you Hiei,” he growled, turning his attention back to the monitors.

“Hurry, Koenma, I don't know how much more of this Yusuke can take,” Botan said, hoping that her boss would locate the apparition quickly. When the Toushin gave into his nausea she flinched but it wasn't due to the fact that the man became ill. No, it was the streaks of blood that she could see coming up with it. Whether Kurama realized it or not, Yusuke was bleeding internally and he wasn't doing a damned thing to help him.

“I know,” Koenma said, wrenching his attention away from the screen. Desperately he tried to block out the sounds of pain coming from the monitor and concentrate on the sensors. When it finally locked onto the apparition's position though he didn't bother giving a sigh of relief, there wasn't time for that. “Got him,” he yelled, causing Botan to jump in startlement but he didn't really care. Moving as quickly as he could he began to open a portal to the Makai.'Fuck protocol, this is important. If Mukuro wants to bitch about me showing up in her fortress she can do it later, after we've saved Yusuke.'

A flash of light had Botan shielding her eyes but only for a moment. As soon as the gateway was opened she was hot on Koenma's heels. When he cast a surprised look in her direction she scowled at him, “You're not leaving me behind! If Hiei refuses to come you're going to need help dragging him back here.” Of course the thought of the two of them being able to make the apparition do anything that he didn't want was ludicrous but that was beside the point. She'd do whatever she had to in order to get the man's cooperation.

The flare of power had Hiei snapping his head around in surprise although a scowl quickly formed on his face seeing just who it was that had barged into his bedroom, “What the hell do you two want?” The way they'd both come running in indicated that something was terribly wrong but it was likely something that he couldn't give a rat's ass about anyway. When he'd left the Ningenkai for good he'd told Koenma never to contact him again and it was more than a little annoying knowing that the man couldn't even manage to do that much.

“We don't have time to explain, Hiei, just come with us. You'll see as soon as we reach the Reikai,” Koenma said, sliding to a stop and having Botan nearly slam into his back. He was hoping that the man wouldn't demand an in depth explanation that they just didn't have time for but the stubborn look on the apparition's face didn't give him much hope.

“Whatever it is, I'm not interested. You can leave now,” Hiei said and turned away from the two of them. Time was running short and he'd only returned to change his clothes since he had refused to resume patrolling with his pants half torn off. Now that he was ready to work again he had to be leaving before Mukuro came up and demanded to know what the hell was taking him so long. It irritated him that he'd been interrupted by these two in the first place. He could only imagine what the hell this so called problem was. An S class demon rampaging through the Ningenkai? Not exactly an impossibility since the border was huge and things could easily slip through in spite of the patrol. 'Hn, that's what they have Yusuke for though. They don't need me and I damned sure don't give a shit about saving some humans that mean nothing to me. Leave that to the others, I want no part of it.'

“Don't be foolish, Hiei, Yusuke needs your help and we don't have time to sit here and spell it out for you,” Koenma snapped, frustrated that the demon wouldn't come willingly. It looked as if they were going to have to sit down and spell it out for the unwilling or drag his ass through the portal by force. Both of which were daunting prospects and Yusuke could be dead by the time they succeeded.

“Then get Kurama to help him, you don't need me to clean up whatever mess it is that you've thrown him into,” Hiei replied curtly and snatched up his cloak. As tempting as it was to go and see Yusuke again, he wouldn't. There was no place in the Toushin's life for him and he'd come to accept that a long time ago. Let him stay with that silly human female if that's what he wanted, he wouldn't even attempt to change his mind. Giving Koenma a cold look, Hiei shouldered past him and the ferry girl, “I have duties to attend to. I'm positive you're smart enough to find your own way out.”

“How can you just walk away like that, Hiei? Kurama is killing him,” Botan screamed, finally giving into her anger and letting it flow freely. Tears streamed down her cheeks but she didn't even make an attempt to wipe them away. Instead she glared at the apparition's back, willing him to turn around, “You're the only one who can stop him now or don't you care?”

Those words stopped Hiei cold and he slowly turned to face them again, “Kurama is killing Yusuke? Don't be foolish, the fox doesn't have it in him to do such a thing.” Even as he spoke the words, the expressions on Koenma and Botan's faces gave him pause, “Just what the hell is going on over there?” It had to be an exaggeration; Kurama didn't have the power levels necessary to take on a demon of Yusuke's caliber. It would take dirty tactics, something the kitsune was known for but that still wouldn't explain why he was doing it. There had to be some sort of misunderstanding going on here and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

“If you don't believe me, step through the portal, Hiei. You'll get a front row seat to what Kurama's doing to him,” Botan stated flatly and clenched her fists, waiting to see if he would take the bait and go through the gateway. The sounds of Yusuke's cries of pain still echoed through her mind and it was all she could do not to break down completely. She should have known, especially after what Kurama had done to her but there was no going back to fix things.

“Fine,” Hiei said, needing to see this for himself. If this was some sort of trick to gain his cooperation in some desperate scheme Koenma had come up with to save the world then he was going to return the favor by gutting the both of them. With determination he stalked through the portal, allowing the blue light to engulf him while Koenma and Botan hurried to follow. The disorientating feeling of traversing worlds passed quickly and within moments his feet were on solid ground again. Immediately his gaze trained on the monitor and his eyes widened in surprise, “What the hell happened to him?”

“Kurama's what happened to him, Hiei,” Koenma stated angrily while watching the monitor. At least now they had the man's attention even if it looked like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. It had to be quite a shock to see Yusuke in that position and he could feel the waves of rage beginning to consume the apparition as he continued to watch the screen.

Botan brought a hand to her mouth as she watched Kurama removing Yusuke from the impaler, “He's not... he's not dead. Is he?” The Toushin's body looked so broken, dangling limply from the manacles around his wrists. If they were too late she'd never forgive herself or Hiei for being so distrusting.

“No, make me a portal now, Koenma,” Hiei snapped, allowing his anger loose. He had no idea what had prompted this but the sight of Yusuke collapsing to the floor sickened him. The gashes and bruising that littered the former Detective's body were ghastly, leaving Hiei to wonder just how the hell the redhead had managed to subdue him in order to leave such marks. Yet it didn't stop there for it was becoming obvious what the kitsune intended to do next by removing his clothing as he was. Clearly Kurama had lost his mind but that in itself wouldn't excuse what had been done. The kitsune would pay, one way or another for the pain that Yusuke had been put through.

While Koenma moved to make the requested portal Botan could only watch the screen in horror. “How can he be so cruel?”The question went unanswered but then she really hadn't been expecting an answer. Never again would she look at the kitsune in the same way and she was likely to have nightmares for weeks to come. 'Poor Yusuke, I hope he doesn't remember any of this later on.' Somehow though she doubted he would be so lucky, especially when the kitsune began to speak to him. When Youko began thrusting into him she couldn't watch anymore, she felt ill just knowing what was happening.

The shrill scream that echoed through the speakers froze each of them in place but the blinding light of the new portal had Hiei moving quickly. The fact that Yusuke had screamed his name had stunned him but there wasn't time to think about that, not right now. Before he'd even passed completely through the gateway he had his sword out and ready to remove the kitsune's head from his shoulders. One way or another, someone was going to die.