Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Lost in Darkness ❯ A Slow Death ( Chapter 3 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Kurama woke in pain, but, oddly enough, the pain wasn't as great as it should have been. Someone had healed him. He groaned involuntarily as he shifted his head. God, his head throbbed! Kurama forced open his eyes and had to blink several times before the room came into focus.
He was stretched out on a couch with his wrists bound in front of him. Kurama glanced around, slowly lifting his head for a better view. The room was empty
He stared down the cuffs binding his wrists together. He could feel them draining his energy, making him as weak as his human body appeared. Kurama sighed. There was no way to break free of the cuffs.
He pushed himself into a sitting position and stared at the metal door trapping him inside the windowless room. Where was he? Kurama swung his legs over the side of the couch and tried to stand. His first attempt failed as his head swam. He groaned and waited a few more minutes before trying again. He had to catch his breath and steady his nerves.
Kurama finally stood, breathing hard. What was going on? He didn't know what was worst; the confusion or weariness he was feeling.
"I see you're up," came a soft voice from behind Kurama.
Kurama turned and was stunned to find a familiar form standing only a few feet away. Before he had a chance to question this new development he was crushed onto the couch. He struggled weakly, his sluggish body attempting to fight off the stronger demon. He couldn't hold back the scream as teeth sank into his throat followed by a drowning darkness.
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Kurama woke a second time in pain, his throat throbbing in silent agony. He could still feel the teeth in his throat and hear the slurping of his blood as the demon drank from him. He raised a hand to his throat, realizing suddenly that his hands were free. His excitement was short lived as another realization sank in. His yoki was still bound inside him, this time by wards on each of his wrists.
Xezen, you... He broke of the bitter curse as he sat up. Kurama glared defiantly at the demon sitting across from him.
"Your taste is quite thrilling. Your blood is a mixture of sweetness and still carries a bite. The sweetness must come from that human body of yours."
"I'm going to kill you," Kurama vowed, hands closing into tight fists.
The demon laughed. He stood, his long violet hair falling around him like a cloak. Xezen stood over Kurama and reached out, catching a handful of the crimson locks.
"I like this color so much. Reminds me of your blood."
Kurama jerked free, slapping the demon's hands away. Xezen chuckled, amused. He leaned over Kurama, pressing him back.
"You belong to me now, pretty slave. I will have your blood whenever I choose. I will drain your yoki, and you will obey me, Youko Kurama," he said, making Kurama's former name into an insult.
"I obey no one!"
"You will obey me. Would you like to taste my blood, little kitsune?"
Kurama shoved at the demon, trapped between him and the couch. The demon didn't so much as budge. He caught Kurama's wrists in one hand and used the other to slash at his own throat.
"Drink. I will allow you to taste me."
"No!"
Kurama struggled frantically, knowing full well that if he drank from an Energy Feeder that he would truly be nothing but Xezen's mindless slave. How had Xezen gotten so strong in twenty years? Before he had been too weak to pose a threat to even Kurama's human form.
"You thought I would forget what you did to me? I was so furious when I learned of your death. No one had the right to take the privilege of killing you from me. But then I saw you at the tournament. It was a chance I couldn't pass up. I have been planning this for a long time," Xezen growled, trying to force Kurama's head forward.
Kurama slammed his fist into the demon's head, putting as much strength he could manage behind the blow. The demon staggered backwards.
Kurama leapt over the couch, glad that he still retained some of his natural grace. He braced himself, going into a defensive stance. He might not have his yoki but he knew he could at least use his fighting skills to protect himself. Xezen wouldn't dare use his power against Kurama's fragile human form.
"Touch me again, and I swear I won't stop fighting until I'm dead," Kurama vowed.
Xezen glared at Kurama, claws breaking free of his hands. Kurama met his glare defiantly. He was, or had at one time been, Youko Kurama, and Youko didn't back down from anything, not even death.
"You will submit to me."
"You will die, if not by my hand then by one of my friend's hand. Keep away from me."
"After I drain you I am going to kill you. You don't deserve to taste my blood."
"I'd rather be dead," Kurama retorted.
Suddenly Xezen lunged at him. Kurama leapt back but not fast enough as a claw wrapped around his throat.
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Youko froze, eyes widening as he touched a hand to his throat. Hiei turned back to look over the fox. What was wrong with him?
"You okay, fox?"
"We're getting closer. I can feel Kurama as if I were there with him. That dagger didn't separate us entirely, Hiei. There is so much I have to tell him. So much to explain."
"Like what?" Hiei asked.
"Like why we're both dying," Youko replied, ignoring Hiei's startled gaze.
"You're dying?" Hiei asked.
Youko nodded slowly, turning golden eyes on Hiei. Hiei frowned.
"Kurama is dying?" Hiei asked.
"Yes, Kurama and I are dying. He has no idea why."
"And you do?"
"I had to find out why, so I did some searching," Youko replied.
"And you found out why? Tell me, Youko."
Youko smiled sadly and answered, "We can't exist without each other. Apart we will die. We are already slowly wasting away."