A New Hand

Chapter 1

Dealing out the Cards

My butt was getting sore from sitting to long on the worn-out cushion the chair had. I had my elbow resting on the table, my head resting on my palm while my fingers were holding my hair from my face; I tapped the eraser end of my pencil on the table with my other hand. I stared down at the two books placed in front of me, while my tutor tried to explain how to solve the equations while using his own pencil to point, the only expression I could manage: pure confusion.

"~and then you check your answers," he said as he leaned back in his chair. "Where you able to understand that explanation, at least?" he asked. He had been sitting with me for the past hour and a half trying to help me, poor guy didn't know what he was in for when he agreed, "Or did I lose you some where again?"

I leaned back in my chair, dragged my fingers through my hair and then finally looked at him, giving him an apologetic smile. "I got lost," I said. I saw his expression deflate a bit, "sorry." I said.

He leaned forward again resting his elbows on the table, "Tell me where you got lost and we'll pick up from there." He pushed up his glasses while looking at me, he sighed, "It was at the beginning, wasn't it?"

I gave him a more genuine smile, "Not exactly, I kind of followed," I said. I leaned forward with my back straight, "I got the part where you add, but, I'm still stuck on the part where the triangle comes in," I said, using my pencil to point. Kaitou sat straighter and leaned forward to see what I was pointing at. "It's doesn't make sense to me…"

"I can see how that would confuse you, it is difficult to understand," he said. Kaitou spoke in slow, precise words as he explained the problem from when I had gotten stuck. Every so often he paused so that I could write and comprehend what he was saying. After a while he moved on to other problems for more examples, ones for me to try. He allowed me to work on them mostly on my own but when I hesitated, he told me how to do the next step.

By the last problem I was able to work on my own. I leaned back, from hovering over my notebook, and looked up at him, "784?" I asked. Kaitou took my notebook to examine my work, he placed it back down where it was a moment later, "Good job, Hanasoka, you even checked your work." He smiled a little at me, "You're beginning to catch on." I smiled, "I'm going to reward myself with some coffee. You want one?" I asked as I stood from my seat. When I received a nod, I knelt down and dug in my bag for my wallet.

With my wallet in hand, I stood line at the counter. There were only a few people ahead of me so I doubt that it would take long. Now that I was paying attention to my surroundings, I smell of ground coffee beans and fresh baked goods over took me. The little café wasn't very busy due to the time of day it now was, it was also oddly quiet besides the coffee grinder behind the counter. The atmosphere was comfortable in its French like feel; I could see when Kaitou picked here to study it was calming.

I pulled on my jean skirt to make sure it didn't rise higher than I would have liked it to as I waited, I fixed my under shirt but pulling up a little at the top then fixed my sleeves over my over shirt while I was at it. I have never been one to fuss too much over my appearance but I still try to look decent while being out. I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear as it was my turn to place in my order.

I gave the man a warm smile as I ordered the coffee for Kaitou and I, I didn't know what he drank since I didn't ask so I just got him the same thing I like, plus a cookie for me. I pulled a few bills from my worn-leather wallet to pay and tossed the rest of the change into the tip jar.

I was handed my cookie in a brown paper holder, I stepped to the side as I waited for the coffee's to be made. A few minutes later I was handed the two drinks over the pastry counter, I looked over the barista's at the clock. It was already well past 6, well past how long Kaitou said he would help me -no wonder the windows have become so dark. The cups warmed my slightly cold fingers I walked back to the table.

I bit my lower lip as I approached; the table I had occupied now had a new man occupying the seat I was in while speaking with Kaitou.

I placed the paper cups onto the table, getting the men's attention, while I stacked my books and placed them into my book-bag. "Leaving?" Kaitou asked, using his middle and forefinger to push up his glasses, he took the coffee I placed in front of him and took a careful sip from it. "Yeah, it's getting late; I shouldn't keep you any longer." I said

"I apologize, I didn't know you were on a date, Kaitou," he said quickly as he hopped up from the chair, "If I would have known that, we I would have come at a later time."

"It's not a date," I heard Kaitou said as I pulled on my white Pea coat and fastened its silver buttons. I slung my book bag over my shoulder as I got a good look at the man. He was taller than I was who appeared older than both Kaitou and I, with warm brown hair that he obviously took care of with matching wide-set honey colored eyes. I looked away from him and back at Kaitou, "Thanks for your help today, I appreciate it. I'll see you in class tomorrow." I gave the older man a polite smile and nod of m head as I scooped up my coffee and my treat and I headed out the door, I wrapped my long scarf around my neck as I hit entered in the winter air.

I took a careful sip of my now slightly more cooled coffee as I headed off in the direction of home. I lived alone in a small studio style apartment that was a close walking distance to the university Kaitou and I attend. In turn, it wasn't a far walk from this café either which is good.

I took a bite from my cookie as I walked down the sidewalk. The people around me seemed rushed as they hurried past me in all directions; most of the faces were covered with scarves or popped collars. I smiled to myself as I continued on my path to home, content in my slow pace. I enjoyed the cold very much, I liked the snow and the gloomy way the clouds blocked out the sun during the day or how black it got at night. During my short trek home I enjoyed my coffee and cookie as my last meal of the day, it reminded me of the time I spent with my father in Europe. I was always told I looked like him, though I couldn't see it –I always thought I looked more like my mother. I downed my cooled coffee in a few large gulps then tossed the cup into the trash as I walked past one then used my fingers to break off small pieces of the cookie to eat.

It was a decent 20 minutes before I hopped up the four flights of stairs to my apartment. My fingers had become numb and stuff which made it difficult to get my keys from my pocket and unlock the door, but I did it. I tossed my bag to the floor, pulled off my boots and shut the door as I entered. The small room was only a little warmer than outside, just comfortable for me. I twisted the scarf from around my neck and hung it then hung my jacket up on the same hook behind the door. I flicked on the lights as I passed the small kitchenette so I could see. I was more than content with my tiny space; my mother did a good job in making most of the area.

'Nice to be home, now, time for a nice hot shower' I thought as I stretched my arms above my head upon entering my bathroom for a shower.

"I am sorry to interrupt you, Kaitou," Koenma said honestly. He brought his attention from the door back to the younger male, who simply shrugged back. Koenma sat back down hesitantly and coughed nervously into his closed fist. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" he asked in a meager attempt for a conversation.

"It has," was his reply. "You look well," Kaitou acknowledged with a nod of his head. He once again pushed up his glasses, "Tell me, Koenma, why are you here after so long? Surly this isn't just a social visit." He watched as Koenma nodded whilst rubbing the back of his neck.

"Just as smart as I remember," he complimented, "You're right, I do have a purpose in being here, in tracking you down." Koenma sat with his back strait while his arms and legs were crossed, "I would like to offer you a proposition."

"Let me guess, the world is in danger again?" Kaitou asked, his tone a mixture of boredom and worry.

Koenma held his hands up for a moment, "Not as of yet, fortunately." Kaitou nodded once, Koenma continued, "Though plenty reason to believe that the peace isn't going to hold much longer. Lately, have you noticed anything odd around these parts?" he asked, picking Kaitou's brain to see if he still was aware.

Kaitou nodded, "There's been a dramatic spike in suicides along with demon insects." He leaned back and mirrored Koenma's posture, "I am going to assume this is part of it, correct?"

"Correct indeed," He said as he took a deep breath, "because of the increase of suicides in the area, we have been doing our research which points at a person of interest."

Kaitou stayed quiet for a long minute after Koenma finished his sentence, "How do I fit into this?" he asked slowly.

Koemna looked the black-haired man directly in the eye, "I'm going offer you a little test, I would like you to look into this person of interest." Before Kaitou could protest, Koenma spoke again, "I am well aware with your territory ability of Taboo, It is why I believe you would be the best option." He explained. "You will be able to effectively apprehend him at a safe distance, and with your intellect you'll easily be able to choose an effective Taboo word," he added.

"I promised Genkai that I would not use my powers anymore, I do apologize, Koenma, but you will have to find someone else suited for this task," Kaitou said as he stood and began to put on his coat that hung on the back of his chair.

"I am also familiar with that promise, but Genkai is an understanding person so I am sure she will not punish you for this," Koenma said calmly. "I am offering you a chance to fill the Spirit Detective position, Kaito, so please consider the options," he said, his voice hovered between normal and pleading. "With this threat still being at a minor state, it will allow us both a chance to see how you'll fair. This can be a onetime thing if has to be, but I would like you to consider the possibility."

Kaitou froze in his spot for a moment as he listened to the older man, finished putting on his jacket then looked back at him, "I almost forgot that Yusuke was fired," he said, "But what about Kuwabara? Or Kurama? Surly one of them would be willing to assist you."

"Kuwabara no longer wishes to be a Spirit Detective; he has focused himself on school, thanks to his sister, so it is only fair to oblige his wishes. Kurama also wishes to leave his past behind him, he wants to focus the remainder of his human life on being normal and take care of his mother and family," Koenma said calmly. "I have asked enough of them already; it is about time that I leave them be and not have to bother them until it is their time to see me." Koenma watched as Kaitou allowed this information to register.

"What information do you have on said person of interest?" he asked.

Koenma had a small smile spread across his lips as he pulled out a manila file from inside of his coat, "I have it typed up and ready of you." He said. "If you do well, you will have the offer of being a Spirit Detective, you know." He said as he stood. "You have already proven yourself an ally to me and the Spirit world, so naturally you would be the first choice."

"We will have to see about that. Don't count you're chickens before they hatch, Koenma," He said as he wrapped his scarf around his neck as he tucked the file into his bag and left the café. His breath was visible, even with the sun long gone, in the crisp air; he pulled a piece of his scarf to cover his nose and mouth to protect them from the biting cold on his trek home.

The next morning I had arrived before the set time for the class to start. I walked down one of the few flights of shallow steps to my preferred seat. The room was mostly void of people, with the exception of a few littered here and there, because most wondered in just before the professor did. I slid into the seat after dropping my bag to the floor, I unbuttoned my coat and allowed it to hang over the back of the seat; I stuffed my scarf into the pocket of my coat. I sat leaned a bit back in the seat with my legs crossed as I used my cell phone for entertainment until the class started.

It wasn't long, maybe a few minutes or so, my attention was turned form the dry and meager entertainment my phone held to the thud and shuffling to my side. In the seat next to mine Kaitou had dropped his bag and then carefully hung his coat on the back of the seat before sitting. I found it odd for him to sit much further back than his usual seat that was only two or three rows from the front. "Good morning, Kaitou," I said slowly as I watched him pull a small cloth from his pocket and use it to clean his glasses.

"Morning, Hanasoka," he answered, his voice was tired and low.

With his glasses momentarily off his face I could clearly see the forming dark circles under his eyes. I lowered my phone from my view for a moment, "Are you alright, Kaitou? Did you not sleep well?" I asked, my motherly nature slipping out as I spoke.

He looked at me almost in surprise but instantly recovered and shook his head, "Oh, no, not really. Just a bit of insomnia is all," he said. He pulled his notebook from his bag along with a pencil. He slammed the notebook with a rather unnecessary force that made me jump.

I raised an eye brow as I copied his action to pull my notebook from my own bag. I sat back up placing my notebook on the desk with much less force than the classmate had. When I looked forward a strange and abnormally large insect was just centimeters from my face, its wings flittered quickly that they were almost unseen but oddly enough I couldn't hear it. I forced myself to muffle as shriek as my hand swiped at it. I felt that I hit it and the insect hit a desk a few down from my own having the insect disappear a moment later. With a frown I leaned out of my seat to look at the desk the insect had hit better, confirming that it was no longer there, I seat back right in my seat.

"So you see them too, then?" Kaitou asked, he had watched my little freak out from the moment I almost shrieked.

I looked at him quickly, "You mean not everyone can see them?" I asked. I frowned more, "Is that why you slammed your notebook?" I got a nod as an answer.

"Fortunately, yes," he said. "If those insects were visible to everyone, panic would break loose."

With the frown still obvious on my features, I spun around in my seat to see at least a few dozen of the insects floating around the room. My breath quickened as I sat right in my seat, being afraid of bugs doesn't help when you're surrounded by them.

"Calm down, they will not harm you," Kaitou said matter-of-factly as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose while keeping his focus on the front of the room. "They are not a threat that I know of yet."

I calmed down a bit at his words, then it hit me, "As of yet? You mean these things would really hurt me?" I asked in a harsh whisper.

Kaitou gave me a bored expression, "I don't know yet," was all he said as he looked forward again. He pulled a book from his bag, without looking down at what he was doing, and began to read. He made it clear he didn't want to talk to me anymore with that action.

With a broken sigh I slid down in my seat a little and tried to ignore the insects I now knew existed. 'Stupid bugs... You couldn't have chosen a worse time to make me see you, mid-terms are literally around the corner and it is bad enough with being behind in math! Now I have to try and focus when you stupid little things are floating around! Just great...'

Note: I hope you all like this idea, I though it was pretty unique so I wanted to try my hand at it.

Kaitou is not my own character, he is Yu Kaitou from thc Black Chapter Saga of the series. I think it is time to have some of the back up -less focused on- characters to have their turn in the lime light.

Hanasoka is my oc incase you couldn't figure it out. :)