That night Kurama went for a walk alone.

At least, it started as a walk. He did walk to the park and stood beneath the leafless trees and watched the stillness around him. Then, he vanished.

Or, he seemed to vanish.

He had started to run and jumped into the trees, feet ghosting the balance between paper-thin branches. Tree to tree he went until he reached the end of the park and took a running jump onto the low roof of a shrine.

There he let himself stop and lay down on the apex of the temple. He looked up at the sky.

He closed his eyes and listened to the city for a moment. It was loud and all around. He heard a baby crying close-by and a mother begin to sing. He heard traffic slow as a light turned from green to yellow. He opened his eyes and willed the sounds away.

He had kissed Tohru.

He could still feel that mouth against his own, uncertain and eager as the kiss deepened.

Then it was over and Tohru was staring at him with eyes too wide.

A hand flew to his mouth and he had said, "Minamino...?"

He fled then.

Kurama didn't try to stop him and didn't call after him.

It had been a mistake.

Kurama made very few mistakes.

"Kurama? Are you alright?" Kurama started at the voice and sat up.

"Botan?" Kurama said.

The ferry girl smiled then, the worried expression gone just like that. "Hi-iiii, Kurama. Long time no see."

Botan floated a foot to the side of Kurama, perched perfectly on her oar, her blue hair blew in the late wind. Against her pale face it was like clouds against the moon.

"Indeed." Kurama said and smiled. "Can I ask what is the occassion?"

"Oh. Of course!" Botan said. Her smile had slipped and she had been starting to look at Kurama with that concerned look again. Now, she pointed at him. "Koenma wants to see you."

"Koenma? Why?"

Botan shrugged. "He didn't tell me...but..." She leaned in closer. "Have you seen Hiei lately, Kurama?"

The answer was immediate. "No."

"No one has. He delivered a tape to Yusuke the other day and then...." She shrugged again.

"He has gone after Yukina."

Botan blinked. She hadn't been told Kurama knew about Hiei's sister. "Yes. I think Koenma fears what he will do when he finds her. And her captors."

"Of course." Kurama said. "I'll go at once."

"Good!" Botan said as Kurama stood. "I'll go back and tell Koenma you're on your way."

Kurama nodded and stood. He was walking away when Botan called. "Kurama. Are you not feeling well?" Kurama turned and Botan quickly stammered. "Of course...I'm sure you are! Fit as a fiddle! It's just that..." Her voice trailed off.

Kurama smiled at her concern. "Thank you, Botan, but I am fine." His smiled grew slightly and then he turned and started to walk again. Botan heard him laugh softly. "In fact I just visited the doctor this morning."

Botan watched him go. Something was wrong. Perhaps she shouldn't have sent him to Koenma, but she had no choice, did she?

"Kurama..." she whispered and the wind echoed, Kurama...

...to be continued...