Characters: The Reikai Tantei
Prompt: Do You Think You're What They Say You Are ("Jesus Christ, Superstar")
Summary: thug and diplomat, killer and healer, thief and detective, delinquent and chef; all of these, and yet none.
What They Say
Kuwabara Kazuma was called ugly, stupid, and useless. An eyesore who only knew how to fight and couldn't even do that well. He was the first of his friends to be married, to a lovely woman who loved his chivalry and kind heart. He became a diplomat between humans, demons, and everything in between. His friendship with three powerful demons helped pave the way for human-demon relations. To this day, his descendents are known around the world for their intelligent and competent work in the murky grays of inter-world affairs.
Jaganshi no Hiei was called heartless, sadistic, and a loner. A monster that got his kicks torturing people in front of their loved ones, needing and wanting no one. These days, he lives a simple life in the makai as a healer, not advertising his services but turning away none who seek him out. His jagan helps him pinpoint problems in people's anatomy so that he can fix what is wrong. He keeps in touch with his old comrades and goes to the human realm once a year to check on the descendents of those no longer alive. His house never contains just him.
Youko Kurama, known in ningenkai as Minamino Shuuichi, was called thief, coldhearted, and uncaring. He would take whatever caught his eye, regardless of sentimental value or the necessity of his victims. His chosen profession is a private investigator, returning what is taken from those who would once have been his prey. His most treasured possession is no longer a stolen trinket but rather a heart given freely. The demon who once harshly punished any who thought to take from him now lives with one who stole his heart. He now cares for all, even those who would be his enemies when they are misguided.
Urameshi Yuusuke was called a delinquent, a punk, and a good-for-nothing. A piece of trash who would never amount to anything and would drag anyone good down with him. He is the one who came up with the current ruling system in makai, a system that has not only opened communication with ningenkai, but has also helped turn around many demons, making them all the better for their experiences in the Makai Tournament. He has a job that he works steady hours at, keeping his noodle stand going. He keeps track of all of his descendents, calling them on their birthdays and scaring off potential boyfriends and girlfriends. He always makes time for his friends, even if it's just to listen or threaten to beat up whoever upset them.
One day, a history professor will stand in front of their class and tell them of the Reikai Tantei, the Spirit World Detectives. The professor will talk about Kuwabara Kazuma, a diplomat with a heart of gold. They will speak of Jaganshi no Hiei, who wielded the jagan to heal. They will describe Youko Kurama, the demon version of Robin Hood. They will linger on Urameshi Yuusuke, the leader, a family man who owned a noodle stand.
And anyone old enough to remember the Reikai Tantei will listen with an ironic little smile, recalling the eccentricities that are glossed over, the personality clashes that are forgotten, the truth that is buried. Because really, they'd probably prefer to be remembered as all of what they were: thug and diplomat, killer and healer, thief and detective, delinquent and chef.