A piercing alarm sounded throughout the spirit world office. Red lights flashing as the grating noise blared across speakers in Koenma's study. The room was dyed in the synthetic red color of the lights, an unnatural hue washing over the room. George came flying in adorned in his leopard print loincloth, his eyes flashing as he frantically rushed over to the little ruler. The ogre's blue arms flying all over the place when he took in his boss' ashen face.
"Koenma, sir!" he cried, in his fluctuating yet rough voice. "What's going on?!" Koenma stared blankly at a report that had appeared in his hands just milliseconds before the first note of the alarm struck the air. His small hands clutched at the thin material, creases immediately appearing under his harsh grip. Koenma's large, doe eyes shot up to look at George before returning like a moth to a flame to regard the contents of the page before him.
"Ogre," gulped the pint sized Koenma his shaking body and wide eyes nearly paralyzing his companion, "bring me Botan immediately. We need to reunite the Reikai Tantei, immediately." George hastily ran off to summon Botan, Koenma watched him run off for the briefest of seconds before he turned his head downwards to once again read over the words that littered the paper before him. The lines of the characters seem to shift and mock him as the picture in the top left corner distorted itself in warning. The red light making the bland expression appear demonic and evil in nature.
'Why now?'
Thick spices permeated the air as the sizzle of meat on the griddle sang its way into the ears of those nearby. The midday sun beat itself down upon the occupants of a narrow street, modern asphalt and metal structures clashing against greenery and stone from an age gone by. Such was life in Tokyo, the juxtaposition of old and new turning into a common sight for its residents yet still remaining strangely beautiful. A man with soft features and flamingos red hair sat at a table in front of a fairly small establishment. His shocking hair contrasting nicely against his navy blue and yellow plaid button up shirt, light jeans, and auburn colored shoes. Kurama couldn't help but let his sight be drawn in to the wild haired woman feverishly slicing away at bright vegetables and thick meat, an earthen colored sauce stirred in a pan littered with fresh shrimp. Orders were barked out of a dusky mouth before a younger cook took over the pan, the woman expertly transporting the paper thin meat to a new station.
"That her?" Kurama's striking emerald eyes flicked up to regard the brash man brusquely questioning him. Yusuke Urameshi plopped into a metal seat across from Kurama, Kuwabara wasn't far behind him, large frame drawing several eyes to their strange group; their built bodies immediately sinking against their chosen chairs. Yusuke was wearing his ever iconic red bomber jacket and jeans combo, Kuwabara was wearing his navy denim jacket and light, acid washed jeans. Kurama confirmed Yusuke's query with a near silent nod, a hum of affirmation breaking the air between the three men. "She doesn't look blind to me."
"That's because she has the place memorized, Urameshi," Kuwabara deigned to answer. Kurama huffed a laugh at Yusuke's glare towards Kuwabara, stifling the mirth on his face when Yusuke turned his irate spirit towards the fox demon.
"Kuwabara is right you know," he voiced, eyes crinkling at the corners. "She knows exactly where everything is, and all of her associates know to stay out of her way when she's moving." Yusuke let out a disinterested grunt as his eyes roved around the small establishment, unlike the Yukimura Diner, the small but active restaurant was partially outside, glass windows open wide to let in breeze with a portion cut off for its customers to dine surrounded by beautiful foliage. Instead of responding to Kurama, Yusuke continued to look around himself, flipping his head back and forth.
"Where's Hiei?" Kuwabara asked, an eyebrow raised. "Koenma said he wanted us all to be here for this."
"If you were actually aware of the world around you," a sarcastic voice spoke out from behind Yusuke and Kuwabara, "you would realize I'm right here. I see you're still the same oaf you've always been." The former spirit detective let out a hearty laugh when he turned to see Hiei walking towards them with Botan in tow, red eyes were narrowed in annoyance while Botan was very shifty. Hiei fortunately decided to forego his black cloak and instead wore a long light blue jacket over his black number tied at the waist in a beautiful crimson belt, while Botan drew eyes in with her bubblegum blue hair she too was dressed in modern street style: a black and orange bomber with high waisted blue jeans. The two newcomers both pulled up seats at the table which was steadily growing more crowded.
"Listen here short stack—" Kuwabara began his voice rising from anger only to be interrupted by a light voice filled with amusement.
"Kuwabara, I thought I heard your stupid voice." Standing not even five feet from their table was the fairly tall head chef, wild curls twining their way over her head like a mane of thorns. A lopsided grin lighted her face, high cheekbones accentuated by the contour of her merry emotions. The woman was in a white, short sleeve button up, revealing her sharp collarbones against the soft start of her cleavage; and wide legged, high-waisted jean shorts. Sun kissed skin contrasted beautifully against the light colors that fell upon her powerful body, sharp muscles surrounded by rounded curves. Her face was warm and kind yet also held the bite of an intelligence far used to being underestimated, strikingly sharp high cheekbones accompanied by lush and round lips, a widow's peak framed her forehead and her chin ended in a lovely oval. Her eyes were hidden by deep black, gold rimmed aviators that only seemed to compliment her visage even further. "Long time no speak. Are Yukina and Keiko here?"
Kuwabara flailed for a second, not expecting the masterclass chef to have not only heard but walk over to him. "Uh no, Rei! Not today!" he cried out, causing Rei to cock her head in mild confusion, her eyebrows drawing together. The rough voice of the man sounded both embarrassed and nervous, a snort from next to Kuwabara hit her senses. "I'm just here with a few of my... friends!" Realization struck her with raised eyebrows and her lips soundlessly shaping and "o" before a sly grin stretched across her face.
"Oh," she chuckled to herself with a devilishly low tone, "so I take it your boyfriend Urameshi is finally here, huh? You gonna propose to him?" Kuwabara squeaked indignantly causing Rei to chuckle throatily; her blithely mood joined in by Kurama's soft chuckles, Hiei's short yet deep tones, Botan's muffled giggles, and Yusuke's bellyaching guffaws. "I wish I could have seen your face." The corners of her closed eyes crinkled up in amusement, before she shifted her head marginally to the left. "I'm guessing by the four extra laughs you really did bring friends with you. If they eat even half as much as you I might go out of business for the rest of the week!" Rei laughed good naturedly before extending her hand forward, scars littering the tawny skin. "Rei Yamamoto, head chef and owner of Kankaku." Kurama reached to shake it first while introducing himself, surprise alighting his features when he noticed the soft texture despite the scars marring the skin. Everyone shook her hand with politeness, surprisingly enough including Hiei, until it was Yusuke's turn to shake.
"Ah so you're the fabled Urameshi, huh?" she commented with a light tone. "I've heard a lot about you from the big guy here." She sniffed for a second, pouting slightly as her brows drew together. "Shame on you for making Keiko wait so long."
"Now wait just a second," Yusuke started defensively, "I told her I'd be back in three years. It's not my fault she's impatient." Rei chuckled to herself, it seemed that the blind chef was filled with friendly banter and humor.
"I'm teasing you, hun," she replied waving her hand lightly in the air. "I know somewhere deep down you're a decent guy, hard not to be when you hang around a big lug like Kuwabara." The aforementioned man let out a bashful chuckle, blush dusting his prominent cheekbones.
"Aw jeez," he murmured, "you really know how to make a guy feel appreciated. I never know if you're insulting or complimenting me."
"That's for me to know and you to find out!" she offered playfully, giggling yet again when she heard Kuwabara release a squawk. "Let's start with drinks. I'm guessing the usual for you Kuwabara?"
"We'll all have the same drink," he replied, he looked around at the strange group of companions before him. "And get us Yukina's usual order." Rei let out a hum of intrigue before turning around and letting him know that she got it. The tanned woman expertly moved around tables, the layout long since memorized, patrons leaving the aisles clear out of respect for the the young owner. The members of Reikai Tantei briefly watched her go before turning their attention to the only actual human in the group.
"How often do you come here, Kuwabara?" Botan asked incredulously. "You have a normal drink order? Yukina has a normal food order?"
Yusuke laughed. "My guess is: this is the only place that brings themselves low enough to welcome someone like Kuwabara."
"I regularly find myself surprised that the oaf is even allowed to walk the streets," Hiei commented.
Kuwabara frowned and glared at the three offenders, "Say what you want, you'll be eating your words soon enough."
"Five ginger beers on the house for Mister Kuwabara and co!" a young, happy voice announced. A young girl who looked to be no older than seventeen laid down five bottles of the drink accompanied with glasses filled halfway up with ice. She had long black hair tied back in a ponytail and a splatter of vitiligo across her face and hands.
"Hey Kimiko!" Kuwabara looked to the girl with his wide smile, Kimiko replied in turn. Tucking a dark strand of hair behind her bicolored ear. "I'm glad to see that you're still working here. Is Rei treating you right?"
"Have you ever heard any of us complain?" Kimiko replied lightly. "It's thanks to Rei's generous salary that I've been able to apply to school in America!"
"Wow, America huh?" the large man sat back to regard the young girl whom he happily called a friend. "That sure is far away, you certain you're ready for it?" She simply nodded with a determined look in her eyes, she was about to say before another waiter called her over.
"Aw shoot, rush is coming up soon," the teen muttered lowly to herself. "Wish I could stay and chat Mister Kuwabara but I have to go! Time's ticking when you start a shift." A beat of silence hung over the group once again as the all stared at the redhead with a pompadour.
"Damn Kuwabara," Yusuke called out, "do you spend all your time here?"
"No, that's not it Urameshi!" Kuwabara defended. "I used to work here is all, it wasn't far from school and Rei had just opened the place. She gives me special treatment whenever I drop by, says I'm paying back my paycheck every time I stop by."
"Well we've seen how much you eat, Kuwabara," Kurama said twisting open the bottle of soda. "I think that might be a well deserved observation."
"What is this, pick on Kuwabara day?! I've had enough of your mean jibes!"
"Big word from a big fool, perhaps your intelligence has improved."
"What was that, shrimp?!"
"Now now, boys. Settle down."
The group traded friendly banter and jibes, rowdy conversation every once in a while drawing the attention of other patrons around them. In the middle of a conversation lull Hiei turned to Kurama. His Jagan eye glowed faintly underneath the thick wrapping he placed over his third eye, Kurama continued to watch the cooks hard at work when he felt the intrusion into his mind by Hiei's demonic energy. Kurama briefly glanced towards the Koorime out of acknowledgement and waited for his friend to speak.
'Don't try and hide it fox,' he began, 'I know you sensed it too. This Rei has energy that isn't like an average human.'
'Yes,' Kurama affirmed. 'But it isn't spirit energy, nor is it demonic. It felt less like an energy and more like a hint, a warning if you will.'
'That's too poetic,' Hiei growled back in disgust. 'It doesn't matter what it is, it's a threat. She's hiding something in plain sight. Someone like that can't be trusted.'
'That may be,' Kurama acceded. 'But Kuwabara has known Rei for quite some time now. I see no reason to warn the others.'
Hiei grunted in Kurama's mind. 'The day I trust that oaf and his feelings will be the day he finally beats me.'
The fire demon shortly removed himself from Kurama's thoughts, the presence of foreign demonic energy retreating in a violent rush. Kurama sighed to himself in resignation but he could not deny that Hiei's caution came from awareness and reservation, something that can be asset when the rest of them are too trusting. He was swiftly swept back into conversation when Yusuke sputtered around his soda, not expecting the strong ginger flavor that was iconic of the sharp drink.
True to Kimiko's word, the traffic in and out of the restaurant picked up. Kimiko had to dump her position of waitress in order to start taking up her secondary role of hostess. Before the afternoon rush Rei would venture out every once in a while to talk with customers here and there, many of them being well acquainted with the warm woman. However, as it picked up speed Rei spent more time in the back chopping, slicing and tasting.
Their food arrived just seconds before a group of fifteen businessmen bustled in, all receiving a take out order from the staff who were prepared for them. The horde of suits were in and out in under five minutes, the threshold immediately filling up with college students and small families. The group collectively looked down at the wide dishes placed before them by a waiter, only to gaze a beautiful entree. A curry bun designed in the shape of a flakey, rectangular turnover, with a side of seasoned mixed vegetables on top of rice. The plate was more colorful than a rainbow, the rice a vibrant yellow and the vegetables roasted to perfection only to be topped with a thing layer of a bean based tomato sauce. Kuwabara looked at his friends smugly as they all stared in wonder at the enticing food before them.
"Rei makes good food," he said simply before picking up the curry filled pastry. It was a light and fluffy as a cloud, he ripped a corner of it open only to reveal it's rich center. It was filled with tender meat, sliced thinly so as to not break apart its golden shell. It was filled with lamb and aromatic spices, an earthy thick scent of cumin and oregano immediately permeating the air, a sharp tint of lemon struck behind it as if the scent were battling the larger scents. Expertly Kuwabara took the corner he ripped off in order to dab at the green-brown curry's thick sauce.
"I take back everything I said," Yusuke gaped, slack jawed, "I don't think I'm ever gonna leave. If this food is even half as good as it smells I think I might marry her."
"I think Keiko will find that change of heart very interesting," Botan teased.
Yusuke fumbled before he conspicuously changed the subject. "Ha ha, wow! Is anyone else hungry? Because I'm suddenly famished!"
"Very smooth, Yusuke," Kurama lightly sassed with amiable amusement. "I too wonder what Keiko would say."
"Aww c'mon Kurama not you too," Yusuke groaned.
"Ha ha! You reap what you sow, Urameshi!" Kuwabara laughed loudly whilst pointing at Yusuke, reveling in his mock betrayal. Yusuke threateningly pointed his forefinger at his taller friend, the threat of his spirit gun going unvoiced.
"If we weren't in public Kuwabara, I swear I'd beat you to a pulp!"
"Oh my," clucked Botan, "trouble in paradise if you ask me."
"Then its a good thing no one's asking!" Yusuke venomously roared at her.
"Careful there Yusuke," Botan tutted, wagging her finger condescendingly, "your Mazoku is showing it's teeth." Yusuke growled at her, eyebrows furrowed with mock fury and Botan squealed, her body drawing away from him out of fear. Kurama laughed once more only to face more of Yusuke's frustration.
Hiei was the only one who wasn't an active participant in their playful conversation, the fire demon instead steadily eating the food before him. Although he wouldn't admit it, the dish the human concocted was well spiced with turns of tangy spikes at every turn. He was more reserved with the yellow rice, but after having seen Kurama spoon at it without hesitation he followed along as well. Botan and Kurama were both delicate in their consumption of the curry turnover at roasted vegetables, Kuwabara ate with gusto, while Yusuke essentially inhaled what was before him. Trying to pick at other plates and only succeeding once with Kuwabara and thrice with Botan. By the time they had finished, the restaurant's traffic had died down considerably, most of the lunch break patrons coming for takeout or quick snacks.
Rei emerged once again from her kitchen sanctuary, after the Reikai Tantei paid their fee, and carefully picked her way over to their table. The woman pulled over a seat for herself, effortlessly blocking an easy way out while keeping her motions smooth and casual. Crossing her right ankle over her left knee, she leaned back in the chair keeping her posture open and casual. A thick black eyebrow was raised as she quirked her lips to the side.
"I'm assuming that you lot aren't just here for a cute little hang out session," she mused.
"What makes you so sure about that?" Yusuke retorted with defiance layering his voices. Rei cocked her head to regard him, muscles twitching almost imperceptibly underneath her soft cheeks.
She considered his query for the barest of seconds before deciding to answer. "Kuwabara's order. He didn't ask about the dessert of the day." Kuwabara stiffened as the rest of the table minus Rei focused their sharp gazes upon him.
"Nice going Kuwabara," Yusuke grumbled.
"The oaf has done it again," Hiei grunted.
Rei snapped her head in Hiei's direction before pulling down her shades. Large, defiant eyes glared at him. They were unseeing, the direction ever so slightly off its target but the message was clear in her narrowed eyes and curled lips, in the flex of her muscles she promised death. "I'd watch my words if I were you," she sneered, "insolence is a trait not allowed in my establishment." Hiei's jagan eye glowed as he pushed it forward in order to invade her mindscape. The S-Class energy was entered a space only to find it devoid and barren, a smirk lighted her face. "I think the more you search for my thoughts the less you'll find, Hiei." Surprise ripples through the group as Rei's smirk widened.
"Now then, Spirit Detectives. What do you want."