Betrayed
When Kurama finally awoke, he found himself lying in a bed that was covered with sheets as dark as the room surrounding him. Remembering, but not feeling, the wounds he had received earlier, he sat up slowly, taking in his dimly lighted surroundings as he did. Also upon sitting up, he found that he was chained at the wrist and ankle and suddenly everything came back to him.
I should've known…I knew he didn't change. If he thinks simple chains will keep me from escaping he's got another thing coming… Kurama thought darkly, slowly bringing some of his replenished energy to help him in his escape. Letting it slowly seep into the chains he prepared to concentrate his energy and shatter the chains.
That should be enough to break these, and he says I have no tact… Kurama thought, using the energy to fracture the chains but…
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Well it seems he's awoken and is frisky as ever…Karasu thought with a smirk as he walked towards Kurama's room after hearing the former thief cry out in agony, knowing what he had tried.
"It seems a fool is still a fool no matter how many times you try to beat sense into them. Although, I guess I should've warned you about the chains… Did you honestly think that I'd be that foolish knowing who you used to be?" Karasu asked mockingly, putting emphasis on the "used".
Getting no response for his taunts, he continued, "It seems my healing powers work quite well on you…you wouldn't have been up to try that trick otherwise…"
"You wasted your energy…I would've much rather died than be kept in your care, if you can even call it that," Kurama replied coldly, trying to get as far away from Karasu as the chains allowed.
"My, you must have a fever to be talking like that, very delirious. Why don't I check to see just how bad it is?" he suggested reaching out a hand.
"Get your filthy hands away from me! I don't have one so just leave me alone," Kurama said jerking away from his out-stretched hand only to receive a shock similar, but weaker, to the one he had earlier.
"Obviously you still don't understand how these work. Whenever you yank on them or attempt to break them in any way, they send a shock to the one they're clasped on. Stop being so jumpy, you'll only hurt yourself," Karasu reprimanded, giving a slight tug on them to get Kurama's attention. "Now just let me check, the redness of you face is…unnerving," he informed, laying the back of his cool hand under Kurama's bangs to find that he did, in fact, have a fever.
"Are you just about done? You're making me feel worse," Kurama said bitterly as Karasu's hand wandered to his neck in a caressing way.
"You really do hate me don't you?"
"Obviously, why wouldn't I? You give me every reason to," Kurama replied spitefully.
"Say what you will, but you can't do anything about it. An arrogant pacifist is all you are."
"The only reason I can't is because you have me chained up!"
"You truly are hateful today; perhaps I should do something to knock you off the high horse you're accustomed to riding…" Karasu muttered just loud enough for Kurama to hear as he started to unlatch his mask.
"Why are you taking that off?" Kurama asked, fear conspicuously woven into his voice.
"From what you said in the woods, I would think what I'm about to do would be obvious," Karasu said simply with Kurama going dead white at his words. "See? I knew you were creative enough to think of something," he said with an evil grin as he pinned Kurama down. "Now don't hold back just because you don't know me very well yet, I know Yoko wouldn't."
"What the hell is that sup…" Kurama started indignantly, but was cut short when Karasu forced his mouth on to his own. For breathing's sake only, Karasu stopped a few seconds later, panting slightly as he stood back up. "I think I'm going to be sick…" Kurama mumbled squeezing his eyes shut.
"Oh it wasn't that bad," Karasu exasperated.
"Speak for yourself, that was utterly disgusting," Kurama retaliated. "And just what did you mean when you said Yoko wouldn't care if you did that or not, because I know he would've been appalled as well."
"You should know of the reputation he had in that department, being as closely connected to him as you are. In short, he was a whore. If he wanted someone, he got them, mainly because of his looks, but his status at the time was also quite appealing. Since we're on the topic of the thief lord, I have something you might want," he declared leaving Kurama in a state of anger from Karasu's assumption of rumors and confusion.
What could he have that would interest me at all? He wondered, trying to think, but nothing came to him during the time it took for Karasu to come back.
"You really have no idea do you?" he asked.
"No, I don't, so tell me already, will you?"
"While I was recovering after my near death experience I did some research on the fruit of the past life and found out something very interesting…" he said, trailing off.
"Would you stop it with the suspense and just get to the point?" Kurama ordered, his patience running thin.
"If it'll put you in a better mood… I know about the potion you took at the tournament and how it changed you into Yoko for a limited time, but I've made a better version. It won't change you back to your human form until you want it to. This is just a small dose from a much larger batch I have. Care to give it a try?" Karasu explained, taking a small vial out of his pocket that contained a purplish liquid.
"Like I'd be stupid enough to drink something you made. It could be a mind control drug for all I know," Kurama stated defensively.
"Well, it's not. Would you trust me just this one time?"
"I tried trusting you and the only place it got me was chained to a bed which is undoubtedly yours from the stench. I'm not taking it, end of story," he said turning away.
"Well after being betrayed by the ones you cared about most, I doubt you'll ever trust anyone again…"
"I wasn't betrayed, they were coming back for me, they just got…held up…"
"Yes…you keep telling yourself those lies. The truth is they left you for dead."
"SHUT UP! That's a lie! They would never do that!"
"Yes, and that explains why I found you badly wounded, completely alone and being stalked by bloodthirsty demons. They cared all right."
"It's not true… They didn't betray me, they couldn't…" Kurama whispered.
"There's no point for someone as smart as you to live in denial. It would be best to put those memories behind you and move on."
"I refuse to do that! I know they're looking for me right now, so I need to get out of here!" he shouted, trying to free himself again, but only getting shocked as he continued to pull on the chains.
"You're hurting yourself in vain you must realize, just let it go."
"NO! I won't give in! I have to get free!" he yelled, trying to stay conscious despite the pain.
"Stop this nonsense, you're killing yourself over those bastards and I refuse to stand by and let you," Karasu insisted, holding Kurama down so that he couldn't continue pulling on the chains.
"I have…to…get to them… They won't wait…forever…" Kurama whimpered between rough breaths just before passing out.
The poor fool, doing that to himself over people that left him to die… It seems this'll be harder than I first thought… he considered leaving to get something to bring Kurama's growing fever down. After placing a damp icy cloth under his bangs he laid down next to the unconscious kitsune. I wish he'd be at least a little more open-minded… Hopefully, deep down he wants to believe me, forget them and take the potion, but I won't know for sure until I earn his trust…
Could it be possible that Kurama's allies would betray him like that? Or is Karasu just trying to push them out of his life to have the kitsune to himself? You decide. Wow...I sound like one of those people that advertise movies...LOL. Please review!