InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Not A Simple Thief ❯ special delivery and old acquaintance ( Chapter 3 )

“Kagome, you're here.” Keiko said as she put the last of her mistress' belongings into place. “So how did it go? Is Sesshoumaru really the emotionless demon who he is said to be?” The demoness was more to Kagome than just a handmaiden, she was a friend. She grew up with the princess, and was one of the few whom Kagome had trusted with her secret. Countless times she had placed her life in her friend's hand. When she heard that Kagome was going to the West, she decided to accompany her mistress and friend without a second thought even when she knew how dangerous the West is compare to the safety of the northern palace.

“The meeting could have gone better,” answered Kagome as she got out of her multi-layered kimono. “The Western Lord was cold to the core, that's for sure. He didn't even bat an eye when he saw the swords we brought.” She paused for a moment as if pondering before she continued to speak. “Although, I seriously doubt that he's emotionless. In fact, I am sure he is far from it.”

“Sounds like an interesting character.” Keiko couldn't help but hide the smile with her hand. Things were never boring with her friend around. Her smile grew wider when she heard the snicker from the other side of the room. “So what are you planning now?”

Kagome turned her full attention to Keiko when she found a more comfortable attire to wear. “What makes you think that I am planning anything?”

Keiko laughed this time. “Oh Kagome, you know that I know you better than that. You would never just come all the way here just to sit and wait.”

“Indeed.” Carefully she searched the surroundings using her keen senses to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “I need to know about the current situations more before taking any actions. One thing is for sure, we can't allow the south to expand their territories any longer. There's no way for me to know how long the West can hold on. I need to know the real strength of the West, which is why I am going to pull a job tonight.”

“You are going to do it on the first night?” Keiko was thoroughly surprised. The princess was known for her patience. For her to do this on their first night here, the situation must be worse than she thought. “Would it not raise suspicions?”

“It's quite the opposite, Keiko. No one would ever think that I am the one behind the mask of the famous phantom thief when they know I have only been here for one day. They would think it is something only fools would do. I am going to use this train of thought which they will have as a diversion.”

“So what's the target? Do you need me to send a notice?”Keiko grew curious as she watched Kagome pacing back and forth. Keiko was one of the few who knew the secret behind the identity of the thief, Usagi. When the Lord of the North, Kagome's father had died, the princess had decided to take on the burden of secretly helping her brother to rule over their land. It did not matter that she was a girl. The only thing that mattered was that she was the oldest child. Souta was far too young, even with the guidance of their mother, there was no way for him to properly command all those who served under their father before. Using the name of her grandfather, she was able to secure her brother's throne and gain a few supporters. Most that worked for her thought they were working for her grandfather. Kagome had taken the name of Usagi during that period of time to gather information. Because there are few she could trust, she had become a spy in the form of a thief herself.

“Um . . . ” Kagome hesitate for a moment. “I heard there is an interesting pendent that's conveniently located in Sesshoumaru's study. I am sure he won't mind if I borrow it when I'm there reading all those scrolls he had on his desk,” her eyes flashed as she mentally went over her plans. “Yes, I will write the notice now.” Gracefully, she walked to the table which was set in the corner of her room. Picking up one of the brushes, she dipped it in ink that Keiko just prepared and began to write the notice that will be sent to Sesshoumaru .(A/N: I assumed that the ways of writing in Japan are the same as it is in China during that time period, since the Japanese writings then are mostly Chinese characters. The ink they use came in blocks. The servants usually dissolve the ink into a stone plate of some sort by adding water.) The notice itself is a challenge to the person who she will be stealing from. If she is going to steal, she might as well make it fun.

After the ink had dried, she carefully folded the delicate paper and sealed it with her special seal which took the shape of the full moon. “Deliver this after sundown, not an instant before,” Kagome said as she handed it to Keiko.

“You need not worry,” replied Keiko as she put the parchment inside the folds of her sleeves.

“I'm going to explore the castle ground myself right now. If you have time, I would like you to get familiar with the east wing. I can't go there myself, because it's the living quarters of the common soldier. My presence there would not be appropriate.”

“Just leave it to me.” With that Keiko retreated from the room quietly.

Wondering through the corridors, she made herself to be as unnoticeable as possible. She widened her eyes and opened her ears as she took in everything around her. So quiet were her footsteps that only demons with sensitive hearing would hear her moving about. She kept her chin up and walked as if she grew up there. It is so that she would not appear to be sneaking around.

Finally she made her way to the east wing. Solders moved about, minding their own business. Never in her life had Keiko seen so many demons in one place that's wearing the same uniform. It was really a sight to behold. So amazed she was, she missed the fact that two of the soldiers were coming right at her, neither was aware of her presence. Within seconds, Keiko bumped into a wall of flesh.

“Urameshi, you should watch where you are going,” said a voice beside her. Keiko's heart skipped a beat as she heard this. The little bells in her mind ringed none stop.

“You are the one that distracted me.” The one that was called “Urameshi” countered. Keiko slowly turned her gaze toward him almost afraid of whom she might see. Standing in front of her was a young man little older than herself. He was wearing the uniform for the western soldiers just like everyone else in this place. The only difference was that his clothing was made of finer materials.

“Urameshi? Yusuke Urameshi?” Keiko could barely speak. Her body was frozen with anticipation.

“Who are you? And how did you know my name?” asked a thoroughly confused Yusuke.

Without another word, tears drifted down Keiko's cheeks. Unable to help herself she threw her arms around the man in front of her.

“Oh Yusuke. It's me, Keiko.”

“Keiko?”he questioned, he then shook his head in denial. “No, you can't be her.”

“You know her?” Turning her head, Keiko was faced with an orange haired demon.

“I knew a Keiko before, but she was killed in a fire along with all of her family members. So this Keiko can't be the Keiko I knew. Plus the Keiko I knew was much more pretty.” Sadness and regret could be found in his voice.

Suddenly, a slap found its way to the side of his face. Surprised, Yusuke was knocked over. “I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult, but you better apologize.” The shy and quite girl was suddenly transformed into this fiery demoness who demanded attention.

“Never mind, she's definitely the Keiko I knew.” Yusuke could have sworn that he saw stars at that moment. Even though he could barely stay conscious, he couldn't keep the smile off his face. Finally, after all these years, fate had returned Keiko to his side. How, he wasn't sure yet, but nothing could make him happier at that moment.