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Bee-uty & the Beast

Kraen

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Chapter Three

Two dark figures perched precariously amidst the tree branches; hidden well from the trained eye of the estate guard. With the moon their only light, Hani and Gai quietly surveyed the scene before them. They had made excellent time that day after getting a good night's rest the night before. And now, they had arrived at their destination a few hours ahead of schedule.

"The orders state that we must enter the mansion unseen and meet at the eastern most garden where a man dressed in yellow, will greet us." Gai turned to Hani, "We let him know we are here by whistling the call of a winter finch."

Hani bit her lip lower lip, "I've seen fewer guards around the emperor's palace."

Gai nodded, "We can't let ourselves be spotted. Lord Hakanza fears there are spies amongst his ranks and it's imperative they are unaware of our presence."

"Understood. I suggest we use a transformation jutsu to get past the guards." Hani studied their environment, "I suggest we take the form of cats. It's not inconceivable to see domestic animals running around a place like this. If we're spotted, the most they'll do is shoo us off and at least in that form, we can take our time and really learn the area. What do you think, Gai?" Hani turned to her teammate and nearly fell of the branch she was balanced on.

Instead of the black, shiny hair he had before, Gai was now wearing what looked like a kinky afro-wig. On his upper lip was the cheesiest fake mustache she had ever seen. Hani's eyebrow twitched as she indicated his appearance, "Gai, the report clearly states we are not to harm anyone. If they see you in that getup, they'll die from laughter."

"This disguise has never failed me before!" said Gai in an attempt to defend himself.

"Don't be stubborn, Gai. You know if we walk up there in any human disguise we would never make it past the front gate."

"Who said anything about approaching them?"

Hani tented her brows, "You were going to wear this 'disguise' regardless?"

He was silent for a moment, not sure why she needed to ask in the first place, "Of course!"

Hani grabbed an end of the fake mustache and ripped it from his lip.

"Owie!" whimpered Gai.

"Quit goofing off!" whispered Hani harshly.

Gai pouted as he rubbed his lip gingerly.

"Transformation Jutsu," whispered Hani. In a puff of smoke, Hani reappeared as a yellow stripped tabby. She turned to Gai and squinted her purple, vertical pupil eyes.

Reluctantly, Gai brought his hands together to form a seal and he too transformed into a cat, only with black, shiny fur and large black eyes.

Hani gave him a cheshire-like-grin in approval.

Gai responded by giving her a beaming smile and stuck his paw out to give her a thumb up. Unfortunately the lack of an actual thumb while in feline form made the 'nice guy pose' less effective.

Soundlessly and cautiously, the two ran along the mansion wall; only needing to duck in cover every few yards. Once they saw the gate to the eastern garden, both made a sigh of relief. "Almost there," whispered Hani.

Three steps later, their progress was halted by the sound of a low, throaty moan. Both turned to its source and were surprised to find a rather large, white, long haired, Persian cat; his emerald eyes glowing menacingly in the moon's light.

Gai retreated slightly, "Hani, what is this big guy's problem?"

She huffed, "How the hell should I know?"

"Well, you're the one who wanted to turn into a cat in the first place!"

"So that makes me an expert?!"

Both fell deathly silent as a voice could be heard from around a turn, "Hey! I thought I heard someone!"

The two disguised ninja gave each other a quick look. "Act natural!" whispered Hani.

Gai gave her a flabbergasted look, 'Act natural? This form is hardly natural!'

While Hani went about pretending to play with a leaf, Gai did the first thing he could think that seemed natural – he decided to pick a fight. He stared the big Persian in the eye and hissed; the universal feline sign language for, "You want a piece of this?!" And apparently, yes – the Persian did in fact, want a piece of it.

Just as two guards rounded the corner, the Persian jumped down from his perch on a flower pot and went about the ritual dance of feline combat.

"Hey, check this out. Muta's in a fight!" laughed a guard.

"I could have sworn I heard voices," added the other.

Gai eyed his opponent closely and did his best to duplicate the complicated step. There was a lot of back arcing involved and hissing and the occasional swatting at the air.

Hani had to bite her tongue to keep from chastising Gai. 'What the hell is he thinking?!' she thought. 'We don't want to draw attention to ourselves!'

At some point amidst the taunts, Muta reached his anger limit and finally pounced on Gai, who was all too ready. As fur and cat cries went flying, the guards exchanged a glance. "We should probably break this up. The house staff won't appreciate being woken up by it."

"Good point," replied the first guard. He went over to the fray and planted a boot into Gai's rump, sending him flying towards their intended goal; the eastern gate.

Hani quickly scurried to where Gai fell, ignoring Muta's territorial threats.

"Gai, are you alright?" whispered Hani.

Gai was pumped, "Did you see that?! I scratched that fatso's eyes out!"

Hani swatted at his nose, "Will you keep it down?!" She looked over her shoulder to where the guards had been and was relieved to see they had moved on. "Come on, the gate is up ahead. Let's report in and get the first part of this mission completed."

They only had to wait a few minutes before a man, wearing a yellow jacket entered the garden.

"That must be him," whispered Gai.

"Alright, give the call," replied Hani.

Gai hid his face and twirled circles in the ground with an awkward paw, "I can't whistle."

Hani dropped her head in defeat, "Fine." She licked her furry lips and whistled a small trill.

The man looked in their direction and replied back with the same call.

Both ninja sprung from their hiding spot, jogged passed the now stunned man and through the open door, where after insuring the room was empty, released the transformation jutsu.

The man in yellow followed quickly behind and closed the door behind them. He grinned and bowed at the two, "Ninjas never cease to amaze me -- welcome."

Both Hani and Gai bowed in return. "Thank you," replied Gai. "Allow me to introduce my companion and myself – I am Maito Gai of Konohakagure and this is Hachi Hani, also of Konohakagure."

"It is nice to meet you both. I am Oda, Lord Hakanza's head servant. Thank you for coming and on such short notice. You made excellent time."

Gai gave a proud smile, "Konohan ninja take our missions very seriously."

"I am glad to hear that my master has chosen his contractors wisely." Oda pointed his hand down a hallway, "Please, follow me. He is waiting to meet you."

After a short walk they reached a set of large double doors, both Gai and Hani removed their shoes and left them by the doorway. Once they were ready, Oda opened the doors and moved aside for them to enter.

"My Lord Hakanza, I present to you, Maito Gai and Hachi Hani of Konohakagure."

Hani's immediate assessment of the room was that of excess. This new lord had money and plenty of it. This small greeting room was probably one of a half dozen in his mansion and he had spared no expense in the decorations. Gold gilded furnishings, silken lamps, multiple suits of armor on display. Even the carpet with its intricate patterns would rival those in the emperor's collection.

As they approached the dais to where Lord Hakanza waited, Hani noted that in fact, both he and Gai did have a striking resemblance. The man before them could easily be Gai's twin brother, if not a clone. The only difference being that the lord was a bit less muscular, he wore his hair slicked back and his eyebrows were meticulously tweezed.

There was no doubt about it, though. This man was definitely a feudal lord. He sat on his throne (which was actually a large mat) with an imposing aura. He was dressed in a stunning red, silken kimono, with sleeves that hung at least four feet down from the forearms. Behind him was a large jin tachi katana, probably over four feet long; its handle decorated with pearls and inlaid silver. He eyed Gai up and down multiple times on their ascent to his platform. Hani looked about the room and found that Oda, Hakanza and one other man were the only ones in the room. The third man was a stout, light-brown haired man. He had a kind face, but it betrayed signs of battle. He was dressed in a suit of armor similar to that of the house guard. Tied to his side was a beautiful katana; one that no ordinary soldier could afford, suggesting this man to be captain of the guard.

"Lord Hakanza, thank you for seeking the services of Konoha in this mission. We promise not to disappoint," said Gai as both he and Hani bowed before the master of the house.

The lord's response was the first sign of congeniality, how it ever be so humble. "I'm sure you won't. At least you had better not. Not at the rate I am paying."

Gai and Hani exchanged a glance, but made no reply.

The lord gave a subtle smile before lifting off his throne and coming down to Gai's level.

"It's uncanny how the two of us look so much alike," said Hakanza. He looked down to Gai's attire and gave the ninja a semi-look of disgust. "What is with the green underwear?"

Gai opened his mouth to reply, but the lord dismissed his comment. Hakanza's attention was now on a new target, Hani. "And this? A present from Konoha?" He gave a sinister grin as he reached a hand up to Hani's face to feel her skin with the back of his hand. "Softer than a rose petal," he said softly as he eyed her hungrily. He let his hand fall down her neck and drift slowly to her collarbone.

Hani could feel her mind start to drift to its safe haven; a place in the back of her head where she can retreat to protect herself from the mental anguish she experienced from her 'special' duties. She turned her head and closed her eyes. She felt ashamed and wanted to pull away, but she knew it wasn't her place to speak against a lord – women don't do such things and if she did, it would be considered enormously disrespectful and could potentially cost the mission.

As the lord's hand traveled further down her chest, Hani could sense hostile intentions to her side. With her eyes still closed, she subtly grabbed Gai's tense wrist; he relaxed only slightly.

"Lord Hakanza, this is my teammate -- an expert in espionage and disguise. She will be a crucial member in the success of the mission." Gai spoke with as much control as he could. Hani was his colleague and Hakanza's behavior was highly inappropriate. If this lord hadn't hired them for a mission, Gai would have sent him through the nearest wall.

Gai was raised to be a gentleman and seeing another man behave so blatantly disrespectful, infuriated him greatly. Even though most women Gai knew could defend themselves, he still believed they should be cherished and respected for the unique gifts they possessed.

The lord hesitated before removing his offending hand from Hani. He turned to Gai, "Such a waste." He returned to his dais, "My trip will be a long one, and the company of a beautiful woman would help pass the time."

Hani gave Gai's wrist a grateful squeeze before releasing her grip.

"My Lord, perhaps now would be a good time to go over the specifics," added Oda who was attempting to change the subject.

Hakanza waved him off, "Very well. I will be away, undergoing negotiations indefinitely. However, I estimate my leave to be approximately three weeks." He indicated Oda, "You've met Oda, my head servant and house overseer. If you have any questions on how to better impersonate me, he would be the man to ask. Otherwise, leave all responsibilities in maintaining the manor to him."

Gai nodded in understanding.

"And this," added Hakanza. "Is captain of the house guard, Nagano Makoto. You will coordinate with him in the security of the household and village."

Both Gai and Makoto gave each other a nod in greeting.

"I'm sure you spotted the village on your way to the mansion. The village headman is named, Yuuto Saburo. I do not count him among my trusted circle and that is why he is not present." Hakanza took a slow drink of his tea, "Saburo will deal with any village concerns, but if he approaches you with any issues, both Oda and Makoto will advise you on the appropriate actions."

Gai nodded again in understanding. "Lord Hakanza, what security risks are to be expected?"

Hakanza turned and exchanged a glance with the captain. Makoto's voice was firm and clear, "War profiteers have been known to hire ronin and rogue ninja in an attempt to assassinate Lord Hakanza. The ronin will come and challenge my lord to a duel to the death and the ninja will attempt to infiltrate the mansion."

"My army," added Hakanza. "Is stationed in barracks thirty miles north of here. They are between the war and my home. I do not fear an attack by one of my war enemies while I am away. The impending winter weather has put a lull in the war's combat."

Gai inhaled a long breath as he absorbed all of the information. "When do you plan to leave?"

Hakanza gently placed his cup on the side table and rose gracefully, "Tonight."

Both ninja exchanged a glance; it would be sooner than they had figured.

Gai scratched the back of his head, "That doesn't leave us much time to prepare."

"Nonsense," added Hakanza. "You are Konoha ninja, I'm sure you can handle it."

Both Hani and Gai bowed. "Hai," replied Gai.

"Now, if you will excuse me; I have a war to stop," chimed Hakanza as he excused himself from the room.

As Hakanza and Makoto left the room, Oda turned to the ninja, "If you will please follow me, I will show you to your new quarters and prepare you for your new roles."

Oda led the two down a series of halls and past numerous rooms. Hani had to take a moment every now and then to try to gain her bearings. This mansion was huge, no doubt about it and it seemed Oda was leading them through a haphazardish maze. Some hallways seemed to lead to nowhere and some rooms looked as if they were setup to look identical. "Oda, why is this place built so awkward?" asked Hani.

"My Lord feels it increases his security if someone was to infiltrate the mansion."

Gai turned to Hani and they shared a knowing glance. A building with this architecture would make it difficult for any ninja to penetrate the hold and not get lost.

"I suppose I don't notice it much anymore," chuckled Oda.

"How long have you worked here?" asked Gai.

"For eight years. I worked for the previous lord of this house."

"What happened to him?" asked Hani.

"He passed of old age, but not before rewarding his esteemed general, my lord Hakanza, with his title of lordship."

"When was this?" asked Gai.

"Less than two years ago."

The rest of their trip was made in relative silence. It wasn't till they had reached the west wing when Oda finally stopped and regarded the guests. "This is my lord's quarters," he said as he slid the shōji doors open. On the other side was a beautiful miniature garden. In the center was a small koi pond and fountain. The area above was open to the night sky and the moon's light glistened magically over the pond's water.

Oda lead the two to the center of the garden, "There are six rooms that can be accessed directly from this courtyard. My lord's room," Oda pointed to the first set of doors on the left. He then pointed to the first set of doors on the right, "This room is often used by my lord's lady guests. The next set of doors on both sides lead to personal baths that can also be accessed from both bedrooms. The two far rooms are the study and the library."

"Forgive me for interrupting Oda," added Gai. "But isn't this open courtyard a bit of a security risk?"

"Actually, if you stand over here," said Oda. "You will see an intricate screen of chakra wires covering the opening."

Sure enough, if you turned your head just so, you could see the threads he indicated.

"Impressive," added Hani.

"Now, if you will excuse me. I have matters to attend to before the night is over. I will greet you Mr. Gai -- I mean, my lord, first thing in the morning. You will find appropriate attire in your room." He turned to Hani, "The same for you madam."

Gai nodded, "Thank you, Oda."

"Of course. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

As Oda closed the door to the master's quarters, Gai turned to Hani. "I suggest we survey the area before we bed down for the night. Lord Hakanza may be satisfied with the security of this place, but he is no ninja."

Hani nodded, "I agree."

After spending the next few hours going over the area with a fine toothed comb, the two had found four hidden passageways. One that connected the two baths (probably so Hakanza could peep on his lady guest or meet up for a late night rendezvous). The second one was in the library and it appeared to lead to a safe house a good distance outside the property. The third was in the study and it lead to an underground safe. The fourth was in Hakanza's room and it lead to a small door behind a throne in what looked like the official great room.

The windows seemed to be the biggest security risk, but even those were in view of the ever vigilante house guard. Upon opening one, they found it to be connected by a very well hidden string that appeared to ring a bell in Hakanza's room. After searching all the other windows, they found them to be similarly booby trapped.

Gai whistled, "I don't know when I've seen a more fortified structure."

"I agree. You would almost think Hakanza fears for his life."

"He has either been attacked multiple times, or had a very close call."

"It would appear so," chuckled Hani.

Gai clasped his hands together, "Well, I think we should probably turn in – we'll have an early start in the morning."

"Hai." Hani grinned, "You'll need your rest. In the morning you will be lord and master of all this."

Gai swallowed the lump in his throat, "I don't need to be reminded." He gave a half smile, "Night, Hani."

"Night, Gai."

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Hani looked about her new room; it was larger than most apartments in Konoha. Where some would find the space grand, Hani felt is to be cold and uninviting. At least the bed, a fine down mattress, was warm and comfortable. She took off her backpack and leaned it against her bed and then opened the closet. It was empty, save for numerous hangers. She extracted from her bag a beautifully panted scroll and let it fall open over the bed. She took one of the sticks from her hair, the one with a little green leaf at the end and used its hidden blade to make a small cut on her thumb. She pinched at her new wound to let the blood flow freely and then dragged it along the scroll, leaving a long red streak.

She placed both hands over the scroll, "Summoning Jutsu." In a puff of smoke, the entire bed was covered in extravagant kimonos, jewelry and decorations. The rest of her night was spent silently putting her things away. It was well into the morning before she let sleep take her.

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Gai too looked about his room. It was easily twice the size of his apartment in Konoha. He walked over to the closet and opened it to find numerous articles of clothing. 'Good,' he thought. 'I was beginning to fear I wouldn't have any robes to wear.'

He walked over to the bed and tested it. "This is far too soft for my tastes," he sighed. "I'd sleep on the floor if I didn't fear the servants would get suspicious."

Gai removed his green suit and headband, and then stuffed them behind one of the drawers of the dresser. He adjusted his bindings that held his healing ribs and then dressed into a pair of dark green pajamas. He walked to his bed and turned down the blankets. It was going to take a long time before he would be able to get any real rest in this place.

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Thank you for reading!