The crowd was moving around Kurama.
He was sure they were bothered he was standing so still.
A kid passing by craned his head up as though trying to catch a peek of what was holding the fox's attention so. But of course, the little human had no way of knowing, no way of seeing what Kurama saw.
When Hiei had slumped forward, Kurama had turned away, closing his eyes. Even now he had thought maybe it wasn't that serious. He had thought that even had the jagan not worked, Hiei would be fine.
The snow was falling again.
Light and clean it fell on Kurama's upturned face and melted cold against his skin.
It was the only way.
In his pocket, his hand curled around a small, white flower.
He had used a variation on this plant once before. Ironic. That was when he had first met Hiei. Then there had been a girl who had seen him for what he really was. She had had a crush on him. Maybe more. He had made her forget. He would make Hiei forget.
"Koenma." Kurama had said and the ruler had frowned. "After this, I ask that I no longer be a part of the spirit detective team."
"Kurama...." Koenma had stuttered. "You can't be serious!"
"Do you know another way to save him?"
"No."
"Then I am."
Kurama didn't know what Koenma would do with him after this. Yusuke was his parole, his "community service". What would be his new assignment...would there be one? He shook his head.
It didn't matter.
What came after this, he wouldn't think of. He had thought enough.
It just didn't matter.
...to be continued...