Ikigai (Hiei x OC)

TRUTH

Hiei sat with his arms and legs crossed, still flush with anger over his failed attempt to put an end to this idiotic waste of time. Their team of seven battled in a ludicrous game with a ridiculous child, miles beneath the facility he'd broken into hours ago. Another ruse, a distraction put in place to keep them from interrupting the tunnel to the Kekkai barrier.

Much had made itself known from his interrogation of the doctor's mind, and more still upon Koenma and Genkai's arrival not long after. Someone, or something, had snatched the oaf amidst the ensuing chaos, though Hiei seemed to be the only one who didn't care.

Airi brandished her worry like a shield between them, cleverly avoiding his every attempt to convince her that she had jumped to the wrong conclusion. He tried to give her space, and even bit his tongue when Yusuke noticed her ferocious shaking and draped his checkered shirt across her shoulders. She needed comfort. And if it could not be him, he was glad she could get it elsewhere.

From his position on the ground, he was finally able to examine her. Her energy, which had once been a kaleidoscope of clashing colors, had turned a dull grey. Even the night she'd run from him, leaving him standing like a fool in the middle of the forest, there had been life in her. But now... she'd given up. There was nothing left.

His fingertips ached with the yearning to touch her, to wipe the tears she so deftly hid, to lift her chin and watch her lips slowly part into a reluctant smile. How had it gone so wrong? At which turn had he unknowingly cast himself down a road that could not be traveled back?

Her head turned, and he averted his gaze, feigning interest in the nonsensical façade unfolding in front of him. She lingered far too long, but by the time he realized he may have an opening, it had ended.

A drop of sweat gliding down Kurama's face distracted him from his own hopeless game. What could possibly make the fox perspire? Hiei could smell the confidence exuding from him; Kurama knew that he would win this next challenge.

The sooner the better. He was ready to fight.

Yusuke noted this abnormal display of nerves as well, though he chose to investigate.

"What's going on with you?"

"This boy has bound himself to the rules of the game – we are not the only ones who must follow along. At the end, if the 'heroes' are victorious, the Goblin King will perish."

"So... he's gonna die if we win?"

His response, a slow and severe nod.

"Sensui's just using this kid as a pawn? I could tell he was a dick, but this is next level."

Kurama stepped forward, accepting the call with an unsteadiness Hiei scowled at. This could not possibly be the first child to fall to the Spirit Fox, though by the looks of it, he may be the last. Airi was noticeably disengaged, considering her previous reactions to children being placed in fatal situations.

It was as if she was... broken. He found it inconceivable that this state could have been caused by him. He did not matter that much. Not to anyone.

Bored by the fox's overly dramatic display of torment, he let his head fall back against the wall. As his eyes closed, he was visited by an unpleasant thought. If their roles were reversed, if he was to be responsible for the death of this meaningless boy, he would find no joy in the victory. It was not... usual, for his brain to consider the experiences of others. What is happening to me?

Kurama won, and the boy's soul left his body. The Territory around them dissolved, leaving him in a small heap of rumpled clothing, casually laid to rest on the damp earth. A shift occurred in Kurama's demeanor, clouding him with a surprising darkness that pervaded their group. Their silent leader, the one with all the answers, was beginning to unravel.