Inner Needs
CHAPTER FOUR: JEWEL'S HOLD
Kurama took a deep breath as he pushed open the door to his bed room. He expected Youko to roar to life inside of him. Instead, the fox remained silent, much to Kurama's pleasure. He walked over to his window, making sure it was unlocked for when Hiei returned. Turning slowly, he allowed his gaze to drift to the drawer that hid the gem. Just looking at it couldn't do too much damage.
The kitsune crept over to his desk and stroked the soft wood. He pulled open the drawer and was greeted by the bright pink/purple light of the jewel. Youko immediately jumped to life inside him. Pain flashed to life in his midsection, tearing him apart. He let out a cry of agony and dropped to his knees.
"No," He gasped, feeling Youko try to break the confines of his human form. "No, be still."
But Youko kept clawing deep inside of, feeling as though he was shredding Kurama's insides. He let out a tiny yelp and he dropped down on to all fours. His vision grew fuzzy as he tried desperately tried to pull in air.
The drawer, he had to shut the drawer. The gem was glowing brighter. Kurama peered up at it through his hazy eyes. Did that damn thing draw of energy? No, that didn't make sense. If it drew off energy then why did it have Youko all restless?
Kurama let out a tiny whimper and decided trying to figure things out at this moment was not the best of ideas. His body finally gave out as he collapsed in a trembling sweating mass. It was taking all his powers to keep Youko in check.
He knew now that he needed help. Pain was coursing through out his body, drawing small gasps and whimpers from the shivering kitsune.
"H-help…" He rasped out for anyone. "P-please help me…"
~*~
Hiei bounded through the trees, noticing a distinct rise in Kurama's ki. He knew it meant that something was wrong. His heart was pounding as he moved faster then normal eyes could detect. When he finally reached Kurama's window sill he stopped short, a gasp escaping him.
Kurama lay on the floor, curled up tightly in a ball on the floor. The kitsune's breathing was harsh, his whole body trembling. But what bothered Hiei most was the silver that streaked Kurama's normally red hair and the points that his ears had grown. Judging by the fox's whimpers it seemed that he was fighting a transformation.
He leapt into the room and landed lightly near his tortured friend. Raising a hand, he gently tapped Kurama's shoulder. The fox jumped, a cry escaping his lips. He opened his green to reveal the gold that now streaked through them.
"Fox." He called, his voice softer then anyone would give him credit for. "What's wrong? Why are you changing against your will?"
Kurama whimpered and raised a shaky hand towards the drawer on his desk. It was then that Hiei noticed the throbbing light coming from the ajar drawer. With quick movements he slammed it shut and carried Kurama to the opposite side of the room, laying him down on the bed. The kitsune let out a tiny cry of pain as his body was jerked roughly off the ground and deposited on the soft mattress. He curled into a tight ball, whimpering as he felt some of the pain diminish. With the drawer shut Youko calmed down a bit. But the pain was still fresh and gasped.
Hiei was now going out of his mind. Was that damn gem doing this to him? The fire demon growled deep in his throat. He had to bring that thing to that stupid girl and halfling. But he was afraid that if he went to take it out, the pain would start again and drive Kurama deeper into the pained insanity.
Kurama whimpered again and clenched at the sheets of his bed. That was it, Hiei was getting rid of that damn jewel. He rose quickly to his feet and stomped over to the desk. When he pulled the drawer open the kitsune screamed. Hiei stopped and turned to the fox. He gasped at the sight before him.
Kurama was kneeling on the bed, eyes narrowed dangerously. His ears had finally completed their morph and rested atop his head, flicking back and forth. His hair was still the normal red, but had more streaks of silver. A small fluffy tail whipped back and forth, protruding from the base of his spine.
"Don't touch it!" He hissed, in a voice that was more Youko's then his own. "I swear if you lay one finger on that gem I will kill you."
Hiei was taken aback. "Kurama." He answered, trying to keep his voice harsh. "This damn thing is hurting you, can't you see that! I'm bringing it back to its original owner so you get better."
"NO!" Kurama screamed clutching his head tightly and pulling at his red and silver hair. "Just shut the drawer and leave it! Just leave it!"
Hiei sighed in defeat and quickly slammed the drawer shut. Kurama collapsed against the bed, groaning in pain. His fox ears were pressed flat back against his head, sweat dampening his brow. Hiei immediately felt sorry for his actions. He'd have to wait for him to fall asleep before he could remove the dangerous jewel. With a heavy sigh, he made his way back over to the shivering kitsune. He lowered himself to the bed beside his partner and only friend.
"I'm sorry fox." He sighed in defeat. "I didn't know it would effect you like that. I promise not to touch that cursed thing again."
Kurama cracked his soft green eyes open and gave Hiei a weak smile. The fire demon noticed the kitsune's canines were lengthening and sharpening into fangs. With most of the pain ebbing away, Kurama pushed himself gently up into a sitting position.
"Don't worry yourself about it Hiei." He murmured, wincing slightly. He turned his green eyes on the drawer and shuddered despite his flushed appearance. "I wish I could let you take it, I want you to take it. But Youko won't let it happen. For some reason he wants it."
Hiei sighed and turned his attention to the fact that Kurama was still stuck in between transformations. His silvery tail swished back and forth. The silver in his hair had faded, leaving it red once more. But his ears remained flat against his ears in pain. Hiei reached out with a tentative hand, gently stroking the silver fur that coated his large ears. What happened next was completely unexpected. He figured Youko would bust out and throttle him, instead Kurama tilted his head to the side and purred lightly. The fire demon jerked back with a startled gasp.
Kurama glanced at him and cocked his head to the side like a puppy. His emerald eyes flashed with a question but before he could voice it another pain rippled through him. He choked on a cry of pain and curled up on the bed. Hiei's mouth dropped open. He had no idea what to do. He leaned over Kurama, a distressed expression on his face. He fumbled a bit, wondering what to do with the panting kitsune.
"Kurama?" He asked in a worried voice. "W-what's wrong?"
Kurama gasped, his tail wrapping tightly around his waist. His eyes flickered open and turned to look at Hiei through a pained haze.
"K-knock me out." He whimpered.
Hiei jerked back looking at the fox with an unbelieving gaze. Had Kurama just asked him to do what he thought he did?
"W-what?" The fire demon stuttered.
"Please Hiei!" Kurama cried out, voice tight with pain. "Just do it! The pain will stop! Please!!"
Hiei finally gave in after hearing the pitiful desperation in the kitsune's voice. He slowly drew his katana and held the base near Kurama's temple. Closing his eyes, Hiei pulled back slightly before bringing the butt of his sword hard against the fox's head with a sickening crack. Kurama gave a slight gasp before his eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped against his pillows.
Hiei sighed and gently pulled the covers over Kurama's unconscious body. His eyes drifted over to the drawer. Right then would be a perfect time to grab the jewel and run. Rising to his feet he edged over and pulled the drawer open. The Shikon Jewel shard pulsed with a faint light. The fire demon reached down to grab it, but just as his fingers touched the pink surface, Kurama growled deeply in his sleep. Hiei dropped the gem, shock registering in him quickly. He gently shut the drawer before settling himself on Kurama's windowsill. Hopefully come morning the kitsune would be back to normal, because if not, there would be a lot of explaining to do.
Ahh, crappy chapter I know. And no Inu Yasha. But I wanted to show exactly what the jewel is doing to Kurama and how hard it's going to be for Hiei to get rid of it. And remember, Inu Yasha and Kagome are going after it the next day. So the next chapter ought to be amusing.
But on another note, I'm opening a Kurama, Hiei, and Inu Yasha web site and I'm looking for stories and fan art of any of those three (Yaoi is accepted!!!). If you have any that you think is worthy, please e-mail me, thank you!!
And please review!!!