Since the prologue was so short I figured I might as well put up the first chapter today, too. I plan on putting chapter 2 up tomorrow if I get a chance to get on the computer. Same goes for this chapter as for the prologue and for any chapter to come: I will never force reviews (say I need so many reviews before I will update) but feedback on how I am doing would be nice, so I am asking you to review out of the kindness of your hearts (I'm guessing Hiei isn't reading this). Enjoy!
Chapter 1: A New Mission
Koenma was so engrossed in his research when the four boys arrived that it took Yusuke screaming at the top of his lungs to bring the Reikai ruler's attention from the three manila folders on his desk to the four boys in front of him.
"Oh, good. You're here."
"Koenma, this better be good," Yusuke complained, "Keiko's gonna kill me for ditching her."
"This is very good," Koenma replied as a screen came down in front of the boys, "Pay attention closely, this is your next mission."
The lights dimmed and a fax appeared on the screen.
"This message came in moments ago. Apparently a famous thief has recently come out of hiding and we have managed to intercept some of the details on the job," Koenma informed the team.
"Who is it, Koenma-sir?" Kurama asked, always the one to get straight to the point.
"Ah, yes," Koenma replied. He pointed a laser pointer in a corner of the fax, "Do you see that small signature there?"
"I only see a dot," Kuwabara replied.
"The signature is almost microscopic," Koenma assured the boy.
"If we magnify it several times, however…" he trailed off as the screen zoomed in on the miniscule scribble.
"Kuraiko," Kurama exclaimed in surprise.
In a corner, Hiei's gaze snapped to the screen and then to Koenma.
"Exactly," Koenma affirmed.
"But why would Kuraiko come back after so long?" Kurama pondered aloud.
"We don't know, but this information is good. You will be capturing Kuraiko at his next target, Kichiniki Manor. You leave in half an hour," Koenma informed, "Until then, remain on the premises."
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Kurama looked into the dense branches of the tree he knew Hiei was in.
The hiyoukai was tense, it was clearly visible. What about this case could leave him so shaken?
Kurama watched the small fire demon clench his right hand tightly before releasing and staring at it in deep thought. The kitsune's eyebrows knitted in confusion. What was going on?
He turned around with an aggravated sigh and walked back to the castle to rejoin Yusuke and Kuwabara who were plastering Koenma with questions. The two humans could still be considered new to Reikai and Makai and most things were too old for them to know about. Kuraiko was one of them.
The famous Makai thief was a mystery. Nothing was known about him. Or her. It was rumored that this demon thief was a female, although most, including Kurama, doubted it. A woman could not possess the skill and power needed for some of Kuraiko's more infamous jobs; it just was not possible when most male demons would have been killed in lesser conditions.
Unless she was one of the ancient races. But that was highly unlikely. The Ancients had separated themselves from the rest of Makai a long time ago. They lived in the Northern Lands. Mukuro ruled the West; Raizen, the East; Yomi, the South (is that right?).
Kuraiko had been famous, even during the peak of Youko Kurama's career; before Kuronue had died. The two had been in constant competition for jobs until Youko had lost his partner. One failed job could shred a thief's career as Youko found out. He lost all but his most loyal clientele to the mysterious thief.
When he was old enough to protect himself in the Makai, Kurama had kept informed on the happenings in the Demon World underbelly, especially when he began searching for odd jobs to help take care of his ailing mother. It was how he and Hiei had met Goku and it was how he had learned of Kuraiko's unexplained disappearance.
No one knew or understood why the successful thief would leave at that time; at the time of his prime. He just told the last client to spread the world: "Kuraiko is no longer for hire." The Makai had been shocked; a legend had just hung up its cape. The idea was inconceivable, but it was the cold, hard truth.
A half an hour after Koenma dismissed them, two fired-up humans, a confused kitsune, and an extremely agitated hiyoukai congregated in Koenma's office.
"Bring Kuraiko back alive," Koenma gave his final orders, "Reikai court will find the proper punishment for this criminal's offenses."
As the four tantei walked through the portal to the Makai, a grin appeared on the young prince's face. Imagine the recognition his father would give him for capturing such a thorn in Reikai's side.
