-Warnings: This is a Hiei/Kurama fiction.-

-This story will be bloody and graphic.-

-This is an AU Supernatural fic that involves many creatures of folklore.-

-Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of the perspective characters from the show. All other characters that appear in the story, however, are my own.

-Summary: A vampire boy is rescued by three supernatural hunters from a torturous existence in an old carnival. However it is not simply out of the goodness of their hearts. The boy holds great secrets to Vampire evolution in his blood, and an evil warlord will not rest until he has that secret, even if he must drain the boy of every last drop of his blood.-

– Revised 06/29/13 –

Blood Lust

Chapter Two: Bloody Escapes

"Well then, Hiei the Vampire, we are here to set you free."

The words continued to swirl through his fogged mind, bouncing off all the shadowed corners like a beam of light trying to chase away the dark that had so long controlled his thoughts. There was no way that he had actually heard them, or more so that they were true. No one wanted to save him, they wished to pay to gawk at his pain. Still the sound of those handful of syllables left something inside him quaking with relief. A tight feeling rose up in his throat, but it wasn't the overwhelming thirst that he had become use to. This choked off his breath and left him wheezing, like fingers were bearing down on the soft flesh of his throat. An itching burn filled his eyes as something unknown to him blurred his vision.

Hiei almost snarled as he pulled back, tearing his hand out of the grasp that Kurama still held on it. His stubby fangs were bared like an animal ready to attack. That anger was starting to fill him and filter through his mind, pushing out the relief like an unwanted guest. Trusting someone, anyone, was a bad idea and he knew that from personal experience. It did not matter to him that the brief moments he had looked into those vibrant green eyes were the only times he could remember honestly feeling safe. It would end the same way that it always did for him. Those around him would leave, abandon him like the monster he was. Not even his own family had wanted him, his own mother. It was how he had gained the title he hated more than 'Ebony Boy'.

It was how he had become known as 'The Forbidden Child'.

"Go away." He finally rasped, rolling over in the thick furs and presenting his back to the trio that stood outside his cage like angels that were too good to be true. "I cannot take anymore games. Just leave me alone to die without any extra torment."

Kurama pulled back at the boy's husky words, feeling the sharp stab of guilt plunge its way through his chest for more then one reason. The first was that as Hiei rolled over he exposed his back to them and the points of his vertebra stuck out like small sails waving through the alabaster flesh. The severity of his starvation was a jolting thing and it felt almost as though he'd been slapped across the face. How could anyone do this to a boy, to any other living creature? Death should be quick, merciful and for a reason. Torture was simply a game of strength, one person's way to show another how utterly powerless they were. It was a bitter sport.

The other was the complete emptiness of soul when the boy spoke. His words were weighted horribly with distrust. Even though Kurama's words had been sincere, Hiei refused to put any belief into them. He would rather die half crazed by hunger then blindly put his faith in anyone else. It lead to horrible thoughts about just what kind of life the little vampire had lead up to that point. There was only one thing that was for certain. Kurama was not about to leave this place and leave Hiei to waste away insane from hunger and pain.

With a short huff he turned and stalked over to the door of the cart, leaving both Yusuke and Kuwabara to blink at his strange behavior. Their red haired friend was never one to take such a direct course of action. It seemed, however, that the dismissive attitude of the short vampire had managed to do what no other person or creature ever had. Push Kurama's buttons. Wrapping his fingers around the bars of the door, he tugged swiftly and with more strength then any human should posses. The hinges of the door groaned their protest at the force before buckling and releasing their rusty hold. Wood splintered as the door broke away, simply discarded behind him as though it were nothing more then a curtain that had gotten in the red head's way.

Hiei was now sitting bolt upright in the center of the enclosed area, ruby orbs open wide in a mix of shock and fear. He had figured these three were simply more humans wishing to profit off his 'showman ship' or worse, humans that wished to barter his freedom in exchange for him turning them. However when Kurama had ripped the door clean out off its frame he was beginning to think he was about to get into something much more complicated then either scenario he had come up with on his own.

"Wh-what are you doing?" He snapped in a weak voice. For a moment he feared the man would simply lunge at him as the tall form began to crawl into his cage. "Stay away from me! I have nothing you want!"

Hiei scooted back away from Kurama's lurking frame, for a moment forgetting where he was. He was reminded fiercely when his bare back hit the silver plating of one of the walls. The pain was instant, his pale skin burning at the contact. He arched forward lips parting with an rushed breath of agony, too tired to even scream at this point. His frame hunched forward as the blood leaked from the large patch of skin that was now missing from his left shoulder blade. The tiny rivers of crimson leaked forward as he pressed his forehead against the ground. They curled around the base of his neck and dripped off his collar bone. Funny, the only blood he ever saw anymore was his own and it did nothing to satisfy his needs.

"Stubborn." Kurama muttered, now leaning over him as he reached forward and tried to ease an arm around Hiei's waist. The silver plated cage would explain how any mortal had been able to keep a vampire prisoner. His intention had been to show the boy they meant to rescue him, not abuse him further and had only lead to more pain. Getting a firm hold, the red head began to ease back, dragging the trembling vampire with him. "We are not here to hurt you, so just relax. We mean to take you away from this wretched place."

Hiei shuddered against the pain as he tried to fight his way out of the strong arm that held him. Both his eyes were still shut tightly and confusion swept through him as Kurama's word reached a part of his mind not yet lost. Every fiber that made up his core wanted to believe those words, wanted to grab hold of them and never let go. The very idea of having his own life back was like cold water against the burn that had been his constant torment.

Slowly he allowed both crimson orbs to open, peering around him with trepidation. He was outside the cage yet he was not chained. The two men, Yusuke and Kuwabara stood before him, both wearing a silly smile as though their teammate had just brought home a puppy rather then a blood drinking monster. This thought made him scowl and he began to struggle in the hold Kurama had on him, a low growl leaving his lips.

"Put me down!" He barked. "I'm fully capable of walking on my own!"

Yusuke let out a low whistle, coffee eyes glimmering with amusement at the fire in the little vampire's voice. Had one not witnessed the horrendous show earlier, nor seen the obvious signs of starvation it would be hard to believe the boy hadn't the strength to swing a punch much less take on three healthy individuals. A snicker escaped him as he planted both hands on his hips and leaned forward, a wide grin stretching his features in an almost comical manner. Or at least it would be if the expression did not annoy Hiei immensely.

"You know, you're kinda rude for someone who just got his pasty ass saved." The chocolate haired man said, pointing a finger towards Hiei's nose close enough to cause the vampire to blink and cross his eyes in an attempt to focus on the fingertip.

"Yea!" Kuwabara grunted, arms crossed over his chest. His rough features held no hint of amusement at the situation and Hiei decided in that moment one thing. He disliked this man. "The least you could do is say thank you or something, shorty!"

Hiei blinked again at the terminology used by the tallest man standing there. Had these two buffoons actually thought to tease him? Never in his life had he met someone who knew what he was that had the calm mind to crack jokes near him, let alone at his expense. The very fact that it had now happened left him awash with conflicting emotions. A part of him wanted to grow angrier, to spew back threats and warn them just what he would do to both them and their families should they not watch their tongue.

However the other half of him reached out like a broken child, begging for more of what he could only assume was the sort of thing that happened in a friendship. He wanted to wrap his thin limbs around the words and bury his face in them, breath their scent in deep so that when his life returned its self to the normal tracks he would never forget what such a thing was like. That when he finally found the end to an immortal's existence he could cross over that line with ability to say that yes, at least once, he had had a friend.

His thoughts were broken though as Kurama seemed to be the only one intent on keeping control of the situation. With gentle movements, he placed Hiei on his feet and bent over to examine the new injury the boy had given himself. The short vampire jumped with a short hiss as the red head poked at the raw skin surrounding the gaping void of flesh from his back. He jerked away from the touch and nearly stumbled, tired and under used muscles almost giving way from lack of practice. Such a thing as wondering about an injury on a vampire was foolish. It would not be fatal and would not be able to be healed by conventional means. The only thing for it was the consumption of blood.

"That looks bad." Kurama tutted, standing up straight as the boy pulled away. It was obvious that he did not want to be touched or have someone so close, invading the small shell of space he had built up around himself to keep a distance from others. "When we get to the cabin we will have to find you an animal to feed on. I'm afraid we cannot condone you drinking from humans."

"Hn." Hiei grunted as he turned himself away from the trio, crossing his thin arms over his chest. It would have been simple to tell them that such a thing was fine, that he did not need human blood nor have the strong lusts for it like others of his kind did. The same as he could have easily told them the other things that made him different from those of his race. Yet he was not sure he could trust the group of yet, so it was better to push secretly to get more out of them. "And just why is that? Human blood will help me recover my strength much quicker."

It was not entirely a lie, but he was still shocked by the reaction. All three men stiffened, eyes narrowing on him. He was slammed once again with the idea that the three would lash into him. It would not be a surprise. Mortals did not often take to those of his race and even the slightest off balance to the scale would send him from friend to enemy.

"Because a vampire's bite only creates more vampires." The red head answered simply. "And the last thing we need is to make more."

Hiei stood silent for a few moments, features completely void of any expression. The boy refused to let the others see how much those words actually stung. Of course they would not want to make more of his kind, he was a monster. These words more or less confirmed his notion that once they were away from the carnival grounds he would be tossed out on his own. No one wanted an abomination like him around. He opened his mouth to utter a scathing retort when another voice called out from the dark.

"Hey! What are you three doing?" It was the voice of the ring leader. Hiei tensed, scolding himself for the moment of fear that trickled through him. "Get away from him! That boy belongs to me!"

Yusuke hissed a curse, one hand moving towards one of the pistols at his waist. The plan had been to simply grab the boy and leave quickly, but they had not expected such resistance. It was only logical that the noise had drawn attention. Damn it, they had not wanted to have to fight their way out and with the vampire injured things would become more complicated. From this point on they would have to tread carefully unless they wanted to summon a beast that would be nearly impossible to control.

"I think its time we got out of here." He snarled over his shoulder, knowing that if they ran for it they could easily outrun the greedy man in blue.

Kurama and Kuwabara nodded slowly, starting to back up towards the thick line of trees that were behind them. The red head reached out, wrapping his slender fingers around Hiei's uninjured shoulder to start to steer him back with them. There was no need to fight when they did not have to. It seemed however that the brash man was not about to let such a thing happen. One grubby hand slipped into his jacket, coming back out with a pistol.

The first shot missed them all with a wide birth, the man's aim seemingly as good as his morals. Still the group flinched downwards in instinct. There was no way they would be able to run with Hiei like this. The vampire's weak body and fresh injury would only slow them down. So Kurama stepped forward, wrapping an arm around the boy's waist and hoisting him backwards into a tight grip. Hiei's mouth opened with a short squeak of protest at being simply carted off like a rag doll.

Another shot rang out through the night, a boom that went off like a starting pistol. The noise seemed to trigger the next string of events, pushing chaos forward. As the second shot raised a plume of dust near their feet, Kurama lost his hold on Hiei, dropping the boy back to his own feet while Kuwabara stopped and turned. The ring of steel shattered the night as he jumped towards the ring leader, sword gliding effortlessly from the sheath. The sharp tip arched through the dark towards the ring leader's arm.

"Kuwabara, no!" Kurama suddenly bellowed out. It was too late though.

The sword cut through the ring leader's arm, severing the hand at the wrist. The appendage dropped with a thud to the ground, pistol still grasped tightly in unmoving hold. A howl of shock and agony left the man as he flailed the stump about. Blood spattered about like a crimson rain, spurting in thick globs. The trio of men ducked down to avoid the gory shower. Hiei, however, did not. His ruby orbs were opened wide at the sight of his tormentor finally being the one in pain. That was until a gush of blood splattered across his pale face.

The vampire stiffened, eyes growing wide as the scent of blood fully assaulted him. The burn rose in his throat, hunger crawling its way up like a ravaging beast. The muscles contracted, narrowing his esophagus and restricting the air flow. Both his hands rose, thin fingers curling into the ebony tresses at the side of his head, tugging gently as he tried to fight back the hammering of his heart. None of it was doing any good though. Hiei's lips still parted, breath rasping over them as his normally small fangs began to elongate, stretching out to nearly half an inch in length. The tips glistened in the moonlight like sharpened daggers made and ready to tear into flesh and spill blood.

Blood. Hiei could smell the blood and his malnourished and injured body was slipping into the feral instincts of a monstrous predator. Rational thought was fleeing, a demanding mantra pouring its self through his mind and body and nearly taking over his consciousness. Feed. Feed. Feed. He tugged at his bangs once more, a predatory cry pouring from his lips as he gave in, succumbed to the greater needs of his body. Sharp almond shaped eyes now seemed to glow like embers as they focused on the source of the alluring scent.

Kurama tried to reach out and snag the boy once more, now regretting having released his hold. It was too late though. The starved creature had given into the blood lust, the survival instincts that all creatures had. His body was ravaged and because of its weakness, the mind and soul were weakened as well. The red head's fingers only grasped at air, the small frame already gone.

Hiei had leaped forward in a blur, showing more speed then the others thought his weak body would have left. It was his hunger that fueled him now, and like a starved dog scenting steak he bore down on the shrieking ring leader. His lithe form bowled him over, knocking both of them to the ground in a tangled mass of limbs and grunts. The vampire had the upper hand however, pinning his gasping tormentor to the dirt. His lips peeled back, exposing the fangs as his mouth dropped open with a low growl.

It was then that he dove down in a fluid motion, burying his sharp teeth into the man's neck. The ring leader let out a gurgling cry. His blood burst forth soaking over the ground and filling Hiei's mouth. It was like a warm sweetness, luring the boy deeper into his primitive desires as he eagerly gulped down the liquid. The regenerative feeling began to wash through him and he could almost feel his strength returning quickly. He moaned against the man's throat as the burn on his back began to heal.

A sudden hand grabbed his shoulder and he tried to tug him away from his prey. Hiei turned around in a sharp jerk, a warning snarl pouring from his lips as he bared his fangs. No one was going to get between him and his meal. No, he had waited for so long to feed like this and that burn was finally gone, the hunger fading. It felt far too amazing to have even a fraction of his strength back. Another growl was rumbling out of his throat when a sharp sting suddenly blasted across his face. His head snapped to the side as he blinked gently. The glow in the ruby orbs began to fade as he turned back to see who had slapped him.

"Have your senses returned?" Kurama stood over him, green orbs blazing. Hiei raised a hand, rubbing at his throbbing cheek as he still tried to make sense of what was going on. "I do not want to have to kill you."

Hiei looked down to see the body of the man in blue at his knees. His face was frozen in a mask of fear, skin almost a pure shade of white now that his body's blood had been drained. The side of his neck was torn open from the viciousness in which Hiei had attacked him. The short vampire nearly choked on the bile that rose up in his throat, staggering back away from the shell of a human. He couldn't have. He couldn't have just killed that man. For so long he had survived without taking human life, without becoming a monster that would be hunted. Yet he had lost control and acted like a beast. As much as he hated this man, had wished him dead, he had not wanted it to be like this.

The short vampire gagged, coughing as fresh blood rose up in the back of his throat. Blood stained his chin and dripped down, plopping against the dirt in fat globs. His head was swimming from too much at once, from the rush of the strong and pure blood of a human now filtering through his veins to the disgust at succumbing to his feral nature. Glassy crimson orbs turned towards Kurama once more, a choking sound leaving him as his mind began to shut down, craving the darkness of its own unconsciousness to the scene that lay before him.

"I am a monster." He whispered before his eyes rolled back in his head and the small frame collapsed into a bloody, dirty heap at the red head's feet.

Kurama could only release a sad sigh at the sight. He had to admit it was unusual to see a vampire react in such a way to feeding on humans. Most were blood thirsty creatures that could shred human throats from sun down till sun up with no remorse. No, it was more often the opposite. Most took great pleasure in the hunt and the meal. Just another thing that made this little black haired boy so oddly different.

Kneeling down, he scooped the limp and trembling body into his arms curling it against his chest. His eyes looked over Hiei's face, the boyish features pinched into a distressed grimace even in sleep. This was going to be difficult, more difficult then any of the small group had imagined. Still for some unknown reason he felt a gentle smile tug at his lips as he looked at Hiei's features. This boy, he was a strange one alright.

Still keeping the sleeping vampire close to his chest, he turned back to look towards Yusuke and Kuwabara. He tried to ignore the pale look of disgust that they wore like a mask. It was an expression he could understand easily. Watching a vampire feed was always an unsettling sight. They ripped and tore at flesh, gorging themselves on the warm blood that was meant to keep others alive. There was no time for the gawking now though.

"Kuwabara, tend to the problem here." He called out, now starting to move towards them. "Yusuke and I will go ahead to the cabin and get settled in. I think when he wakes up it will be time to explain the full story of what is going on."

The other two nodded, grim faced. None of them wanted to admit it, but from this point on, things were only going to start to get more difficult.