Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The day started off miserably slow. Coming back to Japan after just a few months in America at the beginning of the school year was definitely something. I missed my brother.. I missed my bed..and as luck would have, I missed the cases. The thrill of suspense was addicting. There were cases in America but they were all too high-profile and suffocating and not only that but the people surrounding the crime were slimy. But alas what can you do when you're a Kudo, the daughter of a famous actress and author/detective. I suppose it's only time before word reaches of my involvement reaches my brother. I suppose it's time to head home. I grabbed my luggage and exited the airport.

_____________

“You want me to do what.” 

“I need you to scope out a route in Ekoda.” My dearest brother casually spoke over his piping hot cup of coffee. 

“Need I remind you that your big sis just got back not even two hours ago?”  He looked agitated as if I didn't understand his grand ways of thinking. 

“Yeah, but you were planning on going over there anyway to pick up papers for school, what's the harm in stopping by afterward?” He was lucky I loved him but not nearly enough to stop me from bonking him over the head. 

“You’re good, Kaito” was not what expected to hear from the girl after her friend failed at pool. He winded up for a second shot before ultimately failing once more. My eyes glazed over the pool table from my glass. 

“Jii-chan, coffee.” A light snore came from the old man.” I’m just going to serve myself.” Both of them were just awful at pool… it was adorable. “Good.” The boy, Kaito was obviously teasing her back.

“What's that? Getting me back?” A long sip from his coffee later….

“No, I mean this coffee’s good.”

“You’re worse than me Kaito!” She wasn’t wrong that's for sure as I started into my now empty cup.

“I’m not a hustler,” One, two, three and the cue balls turned in a lovely rose.” I'm a magician.”

“Don't give me ‘magician’” Poking her cue stick into his forehead,” You've never beaten me!’

“Shut up!’

At least it was until some asshole decided he needed to be the center of attention. I was pissed at this dude.”*You* shut up” Good job bitch now you've pissed me off. I began making my way over to put myself between them and the bastard. “You've been yakkety-yakkin’ since comin’ in here! Brats shouldn't be shooting pool, to begin with!” Swinging his stick around and jabbing into Kaito is when I pulled the girl behind me.

“What?!” Kaito glared as he moved his head away from the bastard who began swinging his pool stick again.

“As far as I'm concerned there isn't a sign in here that says you have to be an adult to play.” Just as I started drilling into this bitch, the old man, Jii-chan, appeared behind the asshole, gripping his shoulder.

“I can’t have this sir. This is a place to hit balls, not a place to hit people. If you want to hit somebody, do it elsewhere.” The bastard ducked under and around Jii’s grip.

“Y-you won’t be giving me the high hat for much longer” Throwing the pool stick down in a fit,” This place is deserted with all your customers flockin’ to boss’s pool bar!” 

“What about it?”

“The boss has the Legendary Cue at his place. That's why nobody’s comin’ to your hole-in-the-wall!”

“Get lost punk!” Facing the bastard with a hard glare and Aoko peeking from behind me.

“Yeah, I’ll do that! Next time I come, it'll be to buy the place from you dirt cheap!” As if I would let that happen, I may not have got the info I wanted from the bastard today but he was bad news.

“Are you okay Young Master?” Aoko who was previously sticking her tongue out at the door the bastard left from, moved away from behind me.

“Yeah, but what was he saying about some ‘Legendary Cue’?”

The Legendary Cue is inlaid with countless diamonds and emeralds, and it’s said only a champion could wield it.” I bent down to pick up the pool stick and checked the surface for chips before handing it to Jii-chan who had just begun bending down for it. 

“Diamonds and emeralds?!”

“I know about the place that has that cue! It's a pool hall called the American in front of the train station.” My original target before I saw the slimy punk leave there and may his way over here with a bad look on his face. “I hear you have to be 18 or older and dressed up to get in.”

“Billiards should be fun to play. Age and clothes have nothing to do with it.” Jii-chan had a hard look in his eyes as he put the pool stick away. A personal topic I assume.

“Still, I’d like to get a look at an awesome cue like that.”

“I used to own it.” Oh shit, I pretended to start drinking from my glass again. Kaito made a surprised noise.

“Then why don't you have it now?”

“I played a game of pool, with that cue as the stakes.” His hand rested on the cue sticks displayed on the wall,” And I lost. This was a long time ago. Before I met your father, Young Master…”

“Back then, I used to rake it in as a pool shark.”

“A pool shark?”

“Nowadays, Pool is an enjoyable pastime for me, but back in the day, it was all about the gambling. I was a lone wolf who never lost, but some people didn’t take kindly to that. Hasura Tsujiro worked for the syndicate.”

Hmm looks like I’m still getting info for Shin-Chan after all.” He was a sharp hustler at the top of his game. We were tied but I made just one error. From that point on, Hasura had control of the game,” Jii-Chan looked solemn into the green lining of the table,” and I never got another turn.”

“But you were an expert, right, Jii-Chan? How could you have blown it like that?”

“Unbeknownst even to Hasura, the syndicate boss doctored my chalk.”

“Haa?? That’s cheating! You didn’t object?”

“A showdown is a showdown. I didn’t notice it then, and I lost. Besides, Hasura really was talented.”

“This is unacceptable.” I genuinely believe everyone in the room was shocked at Kaito when he said,” You’ve done a lot for me, so I’ll get that Legendary Cue back for you.”

I was concerned, to say the least and after a few minutes I gave my number to the girl; who I’ve finally learned is named Aoko; and Jii-Chan and asked them to call me if they needed help as I’m familiar with the American.

_______

“Mannn, Aoko is always late!”

“Oh, here she comes.” Kaito briefly looked up at Jii-chan's words,” and with a friend, it seems.” Aoko jogged lightly and a meandered my way over to them. 

“Sorry, I’m late!” I small grin on my face as I rested my hand on her shoulder.

“She was helping me.”

“What kind of outfit is that?”

“Isn't it cute?”

“You look like a middle-school student. At least... ”He tossed a blanket over Aoko. This isn't where I think it's going right?? I stopped him in his tracks.

“That's hardly something you should say to her, let me help her.” I lifted the blanket and handed the clothes to her as I help her change into something a little more appropriate.” Oh my goodness, you look lovely Aoko. As I reappeared from underneath the blanket and gave the go-ahead to Kaito.

“..You gotta wear something like this. Come on, let's go!” Rude he started walking up the steps without Aoko. I grasped her hand and gently led her up the stairs.

“Wait a minute, you're walking too fast Kaito!” A light argument occurred but it seems it was normal for them.

Jii-chan looked apologetic at the man waiting at the counter.”Fo-Four….” The bartender was skeptical at the least.

“Are you sure those two are college students?” Kaito laughed lightly and pulled Aoko into a one-arm hug.

“Yeah, we just came from study hall!”

“As if you studied, you were doing childish magic tricks the entire time.” Ahh, improv, my favorite to fuck people over with.

“They're not childish! I am a Magician!”

The bartender looked sooo thrilled to have us here,” P-please come in…” All three of them sat at the bar while I sat a few seats away.

“May I have a virgin Mojito?” He nodded and after serving Kaito his ice cream and Jii-chan's order for Aoko backed away slightly and began cleaning the wet bar.

“This is yummy!” Aoko smiled into her drink, as Jii-chan sorrowly muttered under his breath. Kaito began scoping the area from over his shoulder. The sound of cue balls hitting each other drowned out my thoughts as I began to refocus on the people I came with.

“Hey, where's that Hasura guy?” 

The bartender looked thoughtfully for a second while cleaning the glasses, “ I believe Hasura-sama is playing in the secret room.”

“Secret room?” 

“Sorry sir, but there’s a 50,000 yen charge just for being a spectator in that…”

“Three…two..” A dove was on Jii-chan's head. What a lovely place to bring a bird too. ”I’m with Weekly Magic Sunday, and we want to publish an article in next week’s issue, called “Just like a Magician! The Cool Techniques of a Brilliant Hustler.””

“It’s for an article? Then follow me.”

“Aoko, wait here.”

“You’re leaving me?!” I silently moved to Kaito’s old seat. 

“Aoko, would you like to try a sip?” And then it was just Aoko and I at the bar. I was not leaving her to be hit on by some creepy old guy. Now she was on her second Martini. Some time passed, as Aoko might have drank a little too much, at this point I could tell if she was drunk or just silly. 

“Hey! Open up!”

“Miss, I can’t do that!” And she slammed the door wide open. My new friend was quite something…

“Kaito! I’m here to cheer you on!” Her loud entry seems to not ruin per say but definitely changed the atmosphere.

“I missed!”

“A nuisance got in..” I slowly tried to pull her back to the main room but alas she is a force to be reckoned with.

Kaito smirked as the game seemed now in his favor,”the balls are fickle.”

“Why are you playing this slow crap?!” Kaito cant win with music like that! I’ll play!” Um something Kaito likes??” A women of many talents of playing drunk was not one of them.

“What the hell is that?!”

“All right, now we’re talkin'!” Kaito spun his cue stick like a baton,” seems like Lady Luck is on my side now!” Well, I was going to join over by Kaito but it seems he now has a deadly weapon by how fast he’s spinning that damn stick.

“He looks like he’s having so much fun. Do I enjoy myself like that during matches these days?”

“Would you cut the noise when it’s his turn?I can’t have him getting distracted.”

“ Billiards is a game you play for fun. And besides, as for his turn…”Kaito grasped his pool cue and looked far more serious than I’ve seen him before,” He ain’t gonna get one!” It was at this point I started tuning out the sounds and focused on his plays. Not only did his attitude change towards the game but his grip. A solid hit on the ball and then it…jumped??? I slinked through the crowd to change my angle of the table. A slight flint caught my eye. Wires, he ran piano wired along the table since he started playing. It made sense now, his magician comments. It was all a show.

Guns…there were guns underneath the table. Oh well guess Shin-Chan isn’t getting this arrest. The light shut off and a whistle was heard through the crowd. I began herding people out of the room and silently called Shin-Chan to send the police.  

And then there was a man in white under the cover of the moon. My ears had blood rushing through them and all sounds were muffled. I rushed to Aoko and dragged her and Kaito behind a pool table, snatching a pool cue and breaking it in half. I slowed my breathing until I could hear words again.

“That cue can only belong to a true champion. I’ve been protecting it for 20 years, and now I want to give it to that young man with all my heart.”

“I see. In that case I’m embarrassed for my actions. Acting outside the bounds of my advance notice would bring shame to my good name. Therefore, I shall take my leave.” 

“Farewell!” That sounded different than the rest.. I will put a pin in it for now. I need to attend to Aoko.

 “We’re  the organized crime task force!” Perfect Shinichi called them just in time.” Nobody move! You’re under arrest for gun smuggling!” 

“Will you come with us down to the station voluntarily?”

“You’re very talented.”

“Nah. I was just lucky.”

“Huh? there are two Kaito’s?” Aoko was once again being adorable.

“It seems you can use magic to manipulate luck.”

“But no matter what happens, a showdown is a showdown. I lost this time. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to play against you again sometime.”

“Sure, I’d like that.”

Hasaru gave a wink to Kaito and smiled the entire way to the cop cars. 

“Huh?” Aoko looked adorably confused. ”Where did Jii-San go?” I comforted her and explained that he must have exited with everyone one else and is mostly Likely waiting somewhere safe  for us.

______

Blue Parrot Billiard

____

“I had no idea you were a hustler young master.”

“Shut up, I told you that was just dumb luck.” Jii-Chan didn’t seem to get the hints Kaito was giving him. Kaito failed once more to hit the cue ball and it was Aokos turn again. 

“ Aoko, it looks like I have to leave soon. I'll treat you to ice cream if you make this shot.” 

“ Aww we're having so much fun.” She poured and turned to Kaito,” Boy, you suck! You’ll never beat me like this!”

“ You relied on luck with my business at stake.” I wish it was something like that but no it was cheap tricks. I sighed under my breath.

“What’s the difference? I won!”

“Look at this shot!” Three lines of thread lined the table in front of where Aoko was shooting. Oh, it looks like Jii-Chan finally got the memo! “Um…Yay!” 

“I’m a magician.”

“I win again!” Aoko looked very proud of herself. I hugged her and promised her ice cream the next time we were free.

Chapter Text

I leaned on the door frame of Shinichi's room. An arm was reaching out from under a bundle of blankets shielding him from the light. Shinichi fumbled around, probably looking for the coffee I was holding. He threw off the blankets and looked accusingly in my direction.

“Don't look at me like that. You stayed up way too late rereading Holmes, didn't you?”

“It was just one more chapter…”

“As if! You read the whole book.” His dark circles were much darker than yesterday. “Any more cases, today?”

“No…I had to follow the police cars for that one.” I sat on his bed and handed him his cold coffee.

“Gotta get ready for school, dork.” He groaned and fell back into his bed. “Oh, come on. I've already made breakfast and got out your uniform.” I pulled Shinichi out by his legs and laughed when he didn't catch himself in time.

By the time I was done with my breakfast and sipping on my fresh cup of coffee, Shinichi was meandering his way over to the coffee machine, like a moth to light.

“How’d the case in America go? You were working with Mom on that one?”

“Uh, actually Dad took over my part. Something about how children should go to school and all.”

“As if that ever stopped him before.” I nodded in return and leaned into my brother’s side.

“I missed you.”

“Missed you too, Idiot. Glad you're back home.” We sat there for a while, taking comfort in the smell of coffee, and for once no cases.

And as luck has it, I had three minutes to arrive. I dug out my phone and swiped at the map. Okay, so there's a wall connecting from the gate out front. I grasped a nearby tree branch and pulled my body up, twisting to flop my body across the ledge. I swiftly grabbed my book bag and skedaddled furiously toward the school doors. Mission accomplished.

"You're late."

Oh shit, I bowed my head to the teacher. "I'm sorry. Can you please point me in the direction of the front office?"

A stern glare was thrown my way, "Follow me."

Glancing up, I saw a student sneaking their way into a classroom. I then heard a loud smack, "BAKAITO" Several people shouted, and cheers rang throughout.

"Is that normal?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Okay then.” So chances are the student is insufferable and annoying. As I snapped back into reality, I swiftly walked to my homeroom and my favorite part of a new environment, the spotlight. I gently knocked on the door, slowly opening it. I approached the teacher and waited for their attention. After the whole class started murmuring, she turned toward me.

"Oh, you're the new student!"

"Yes ma'am, I apologize for being late."

" No worries!" she then spoke under her breath, "I'm thankful for any reason to get those two to quiet down", "But anyways, introduce yourself to the class!!"

"Hello, my name is Kudo Takara. It's lovely to meet you all" I gave the warmest smile and gave a small bow. Yeah, that's all they're getting as for the intro I'm not having any of my private info on forums for eventual criminals to use against me. As I waited nervously, the teacher spoke up and showed me my seat.

"Thank you, ma'am."

"You're a Kudo?!" The girl in front of my seat turned to face me, turning out to be Aoko from the Billiards case. "Kudo Shinichi is your brother?"

"Yes." Unfortunately. Doesn't everyone want to live in a house with a coffee demon?

"What's it like living over in Beika?" She was still very cheery and was honestly hurting my eyes with how bright she was.

"Uh, normal for me i guess? Lots of cases"

“I can't believe we're in the same class!! Do you think we can hang out after school today?”Agreeing with the lovely Aoko, a shadow appeared, Kaito's specifically.

"It's nice to finally have your full name after knowing us for almost a week." Oh, and he's pouting. I reached up and patted his shoulder.

"Well you never asked for my full name and most people get very familiar afterward." He nodded thoughtfully as if he understood my double life. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Kaito’s hands, in the beginning of performing a magic trick and a flower in my hands. I leaned into my seat and smiled. It was nice to get a flower from a genuinely nice person.

Aoko glared playfully, " You can't woo her, she's my friend." My heart warmed. This is nice.

"That's not true! Look we're getting married!" He encased my hand and sure enough, there was a paper ring there. I laughed.

"Oh my Kaito. I'm sorry it's come to this," I grasped Aoko's hand and said, "but I'm married to Aoko."

"My-my heart, oh woe is me. Gasp and dramatic death." His body slumped with his hand still holding mine.

"Oh how poor art thou Romeo. Forevermore alone and-" Giggles interrupted my monologue, Aoko had let go of my hand and was hunched over with tears in her eyes. " Aoko, dear, are you alright?” Kaito's head propped up with a ridiculous grin.

Our hands eventually slipped away from each other when Aoko was done giggling. My hand felt empty but the rose was still there with a small piece of paper tied around it. "I figured you'd want Aoko's and my number but it seems you already have hers.” He is an expressive person, as I smiled at them.” Aoko is particularly fond of cafés and the like, but I'm always ready to be in your embrace." Kaito clutched his head." Aoko what was that for!?" He cried.

" No bullying Kudo!" Aoko held her fist up high and scoffed at Kaito’s whining.

"Bu-but I wasn't" Looking wronged and hurt, Aoko just stuck her tongue out at him. 

Soon it was time to get back to classes and the day went by rather smoothly.

KAITOS POV

Our outing to get ice cream was over sooner than I realized. Takara ended up putting ice cream on both Aoko and me, catching me unaware, which was concerning. A group photo of the three of us solidified another promise to go out soon. I looked up from the ground and realized I had made my way to Aoko's. Knocking and taking off my shoes, I announced myself.

“Bakaito, it's fish tonight!" Aoko informed me, quite loudly I might add, leaning out from the kitchen entrance. "You're kidding me." Seeming satisfied with my answer, she proceeded to prepare dinner.

"Hey! Hey, tell me you're joking! " Oh god, I could start to smell that vile, slimy, monstrosity, an abomination of hell. My limbs kept moving forward. Closer and closer to the foul sea-dwelling creature. Hell itself could never prepare me for the sight of it. "I think I'm going to be sick." Bile engulfed my throat then Aoko promptly shooed me out of the kitchen. "You can keep your sickness away if that's how you're going to be about it, "She grimaced, " and speaking of keeping away. Leave Takara-chan alone. She doesn't need anybody else stressing her out she just got back from a semester in America."

"Aoko, how can you think that of me? Me? Bothering Takara-san? Absurd." I flashed an award-winning smile but as always she scoffed and turned away.

"THEN EXPLAIN THIS MORNING!!!"

Chapter Text

"Ne Aoko why is Kaito using binoculars on the rink's wall" we skated slowly together weaving in between other skaters.

"Ah, I believe he is trying to calculate KID's chances like he always does." That made me stop for a moment sliding to the rink's wall before leaning up next to Kaito.

"I could have told him KIDs chances anytime, any day. KID will be undefeated once again." Aoko puffed up and before she could respond I followed up," Hakuba is a new detective in Japan and Inspector Nakamori doesn't have the best track record when working with people our age. Inspector does better by himself." Kaito now seemed to observe the painting, completely enchanted. Aoko had a serious expression on her face.

"The culprit is you!" And she did a familiar pose that seemingly every high school detective does, one that I shall never do. Kaito was still stuck in his Kaito KID mindset if a thief jumped, pale face. " Everything has come to light."

I gave a pout." Ne Aoko~ you don't need to copy him, you could copy me." Kaito looked lost.

"What, you don't know that famous tagline? I'm talking about the famous detective that just got back from London." Aoko was all smiles but couldn't be more unenthused.

"Yeah, a little too well." I drew circles into the wall as I poured when Aoko focused her attention completely on Kaito.

He gave a shrug with his poor skating posture," What the hell do I care about that crap. Paris, London, or whatever, I'm not gonna humor you playing detective." Inaudibly, I shot back," That's not what you humored me with."

"Excuse me?! You're the one who invited us here, Kaito." He made some fighting word response back that made me tempted to trip him. And he did it to himself when his best friend skated off without him. "So this is why you said the rink's condition was bad today and clung to the wall."

"Mm seems like it Aoko. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Make him eat his words? Kaito if you say Aoko-sama, please, I'll give you a hand." Aoko was definitely feeling giddy and I could blame her because of what I said next.

"And I'll even escort you back to safety~"

"I-I'm never gonna beg you like that!" And of course, my mind jumped to conclusions I will never speak out loud, but you would beg with other ways. He uselessly floundered about for a long ten minutes as I started to get tired from holding my phone on record.

Retribution never tasted so sweet." Aoko-sama..." Aoko was too nice and helped him up all too quickly admonishing him for saying it earlier. I dragged him to the entrance, made him hold the wall, and got frustrated to the point of doing a partial princess carry just to get his ass back on land.

"KID the Phantom Thief said he'd be here at 10:00 pm on the dot! All right, synchronize your watches. Let's see, right now, it is-"

"2015 CE. February 3, Tuesday. 8:50:16.05 pm. My watch is never off more than 0.001 seconds in a year. For your information." Hakuba put his pocket watch back and turned to the flabbergasted Inspector.

"Y-You're that guy that just got back from London." Hakuba looked pleased with Nakamori's deduction.

"I'm Hakuba Saguru. Nice to meet you." But unfortunately for Hakuba, Nakamori wasn't having it.

"Get lost! This is no place for amateurs. Shoo! Shoo!" And then in a strange turn of events.

"Come now Nakamori-kun," In comes the Commissioner with me following behind." Don't be such a hard ass."

"C-Commissioner Hakuba!"

Mr. Hakuba smiled," That's my son. Unfortunately, all this media adulation has gone to his head. I'm hoping you'll show him up here so he learns just how tough a crime scene can be," he then turned towards me." But if all else fails I have Miss Kudo here to diffuse the tension."

Inspector Nakamori quickly spun to Commissioner and stuck up a salute." In that case, leave it to me, Nakamori Ginzo!" Hakuba's dad clapped and praised Nakamori. Meanwhile, Nakamori in true dad fashion slapped his hand on the hotshot teen beside me and gave him an ol' rundown.

I could see how Hakuba didn't respect Nakamori the way he should when he started quizzing Nakamori on all things KID I wasn't surprised.

"What's is the Phantom thief's gender?" Male, I could feel that much. Nakamori gave a flimsy answer before he was drowned out by Hakuba."

"How old is he?" Most likely a year older than me due to his voice.

"When was he born?" In the late 1990s.

"What's his blood type?" Haven't got a sample

"What type of women does he like?" A question I too ask.

"What kind of cologne does he wear?" Brazilian orange, and Sicilian Lime, there was of spice but that was likely from a deodorant.

"How tall is he?" At the most 185cm due to his shoes and hat.

"How much does he weigh?" Not enough to make the football team.

"What's his body type?" Athletic like he'd make the track team.

"What's his hairstyle? His hobbies? His favorite baseball team?!" Bedhead, kidnapping girls from rooftops and her bedroom. That one I couldn't say but probably local.

"I-I dunno..." I felt bad for Nakamori, Hakuba was definitely overwhelming. Hakuba squeezed past him throwing out a quick excuse me before strutting off. Now I know that Kaito kid had disappeared eight years ago before his resurgence but the fact is that that would mean KIDs could at least be 30 which doesn't bode well in the long run so the more obvious choice is that he has had a successor.

I leaned up against the window watching as the snow piled up on the cars outside. Seeing as the last policeman came back inside from his break I meandered my way to the second floor. Sometime during this Hakuba went outside and then the clock hit 10.

A pink smoke befell around Adam's smile and disappeared to reveal a note hiding the painting beneath from the police. It was effective for now, I watched as the police ran to find the phantom thief. I kept my eyes on the lone police officer as he started to work away at the painting.

"Still, I'm surprised they fell for such a simple trick."

"I know." Hakuba had made his way back to the floor I see and began his deductions." It was an extremely elementary trick." God, what are you Shinchi, again with the Holmes. "When something isn't where it's supposed to be, people assume that it's disappeared. It's a sensory trick. Not even magic shows use them these days." KID still disguised slowly rose from his spot on the floor. "You're one minute, 13.02 seconds late, KID the Phantom Thief."

God, he is wasting time just standing there. I presume Kid has a backup plan by now because I saw the rope cut at the window earlier. KID shook out his arm," Well I got held up by the snow." He threw down a smoker and there was KID just two feet in front of the shadows I concealed myself in. He was handsome and I could more accurately investigate him. His hair was black and he wore a monocle with a clover pendant hanging from it. He's handsome, to say the least. "It seems you weren't so quick on the uptake with this trick, huh?" I slipped a note into KID's pocket, takes one to know one. Although I don't use these skills for the same reason.

"Oh, that's right. I cut your rope" KID was surprised and kept an even face. "After the magic show, did you intend to perform a circus act? Also, I set free the ad balloon that was on the roof." I could hear my heart call out for the turtles.

"Is that right?"

"You've got no escape route now." Hakuba made a slow walk to KID, and I don't think he cared to notice I was there. KID the Phantom Thief, true identity unknown, it's time for everything to come to light."

How presumptuous of you Hakuba.

"Secrets are everything to a magician." Damn it Hakuba you've made him reckless. This is why I left London. "And I won't let mine come to light that easily."

"A hang glider..." Yes Hakuba, a hang glider you know the thing you could have put together if you had researched a little more on the current trends. "Just like Batman..."

"Batman is a comic book hero. He doesn't really exist." KID leaped from the window," Excuse me."

"You fool. How are you supposed to figure out his identity now, Hakuba?"

"Did you know it's a north-by-northwest wind tonight, seven on the wind scale?"

"I'm aware."

"Not conducive to wind flights." I watched as Kaito pointed toward the police squad by the ice rink. I scaled my way down the banister and jogged around the rink just as KID split into two. I studied the two before focusing on the one falling on his ass.

"Bad at ice skating, huh doll?" Kaito whipped his head towards me as I quickly rose my hands in innocence." Don't worry doll~ I'm not here to catch you tonight that would be boring. I'd like to to check your pocket though."

He backed up against a tree facing away from the rink." This is a phone number?"

"I know doll. It's getting annoying calling the precincts to join the fun. So I'd like you to give me a head up." I kept my voice flirty and slowly backed KID up against another tree before lifting his hand. I could feel his pulse dancing, quite a cute difference from his poker face. I looked into his eyes as I gave his hand a kiss." It's up to you though doll."

"I'll see about it, Meitantei~" It was adorably cute how he kept trying to pull one over me. Still holding his hand I gave his wrist another kiss before backing away into the night.

"Hey, guys? What got everybody in a tizzy?" I sat on Kaito's desk as we waited for him to get to class.

"Apparently there's gonna be a new kid in our class." I felt a slight draft in my skirt and promptly whacked Kaito on the head." Be more creative."

"Owewwie" His lack of remorse made me feel better about the impulse to hit him. I pushed him into his seat and threw him a breakfast bar. " This is suspicious why are you giving me food instead of stealing mine?"

"Oh, class is starting, bye-bye." I hopped off his desk and tucked myself into my chair behind him.

Whispering spread across the room like wildfire when the teacher left to get the new kid. *What happened to your breath detective fresh from London?!-In the end, KID got away!" Kaito was scrolling through his phone when Aoko chastised him.

"February 4th, 2015. At 9:32.41, I transferred here from a high school in London." An obnoxious voice from the past grated against my ears.

"Th-that way of speaking...-"Kaito's mumbling was cut off.

"I'm Hakuba Saguru. Everything will come to light." *Oh my god, this dude is so annoyingggg~ It's currently blah blah blah, "I swear this dude is going to start sucking the drain cells out of me" speaking under my breath to Kaito. He made a small choking noise which he tried to play off as coughing.

"Seriously this dude." He then slightly shifted toward me, "You are going to get me in trouble."

"It's not like you wouldn't have ended up there anyway." He shut up as the class raced on how cool Hakuba was. I was thankful that he was seated towards the front with fewer things to explain to Kaito and Aoko.

The day dragged on and the school quickly moved on from Hakuba to their favorite phantom thief. Gossip of KID being on TV tonight, live of all things too. Supposedly I won't be able to rehearse with Nakamori tonight as I was there to buffer between the camera crew and the police. Perks of living in front of the silver screen.

Kaito was hunched over his phone doing his tiny gremlin laugh. "Broadcasting live, huh? I get more good luck as a robber than I deserve." His voice was inaudible as he went on.

"MORNING KAITO!" Aoko was excited beyond belief as I woke up from my slumber.

"Aoko babe, please think of the children." Aoko looked at me a bit guilty but quickly went back to being a ray of sunshine blinding my eyes.

"Hey, listen to this! Recently, I entered a contest to try to win Around the World tickets! And what do you think happened?" I gave a small smile at how cute she is.

"Yeah, I remember you talking to me on the phone 'bout that." While my voice was languid, Kaito's was less than je ne sais quoi, interested.

"Y-You won I guess."

"That's right!"

"Oh, that's great Aoko! We can go together if you want?"

"Perfect! But guess what it's a pair of tickets!" I stepped back a little because I knew she wanted her best friend to come. Knowing Nakamori he would not let Aoko go without some kind of scary dog privileges be it him; a police officer or a high school boy; ready to make fun of anybody.

Kaito seems to be less than amicable today," Your face totally gives it away, dingbat." But my lovely Aoko would not stand for this as I had my hands ready to pull on Kaito's cheeks so he'd apologize.

"Excuse me?! Talk to me like that, and I won't invite you!" Her hands slapped his desk as she got in his face.

Suddenly I could hear the devil behind me," It seems you're in a spot of trouble, my lady." My body visibly convulsed in repulsion. He then turned to me as I hunched over into myself pulling my sweater over me. "Are you alright?"

My voice turned into Ran's as I desperately tried to get him to stop noticing me, "Oh yes, just cold." He turned back to Aoko.

"I'm 180 centimeters tall. I weigh 65 kilograms. I was born on August 29, 1997. I'm a Virgo. And if you don't mind that I'm blood type A," he grasped Aokos hand as he looked into her eyes," I would like to go with you." The devil then kissed my sweet Aoko's hand and she blushed. Kaito seemed to snap out of whatever mood he was in as he looked just as suspicious of Hakuba's intentions as I.

"A man who thoughtlessly refuses an offer from a lady inst worthy of you."

Aoko turned red," B-But..."

And snarky Kaito was at it again," You couldn't even catch KID! A mediocre detective and mediocre inspector's daughter! You deserve each other." And he who I will now be petty against until Aoko forgives him starts his little goblin laugh again," kekeke."

Aoko was indignant, "What's that supposed to mean?!"

Hakuba who was tolerable for once," Apparently, he's partial to KID." Hakuba slipped his greasy arm around my angel's shoulder," Then let's do this. If I capture KID tonight," he turned to Aoko," you invite me."

Aoko seems excited at the prospect of a game and agreed. Kaito still on his angst streak," Somebody like you is going to catch the unbeatable KID the Phantom Thief?" And from an omnipotent point of view the irony began, "Unlike you, KID is a genius. It won't be an easy job. And if I do happen to lose, I'll leave the escorting Aoko-san to you."

"Sounds like fun! I don't wanna go to the concert, but you've got a deal." Kaito gave another laugh as he and Hakuba had visible lighting coming from their eyes. I just turned in on myself more and prayed for class to start again.

Unsurprisingly, Hakuba wasn't pleased with how I avoided him at school. I told Aoko's dad I wasn't able to come tonight due to a bet because Hakuba doesn't want my help in catching KID. I was fine with this. It wasn't every day I was able to record Hakuba failing to do something. Maybe he would actually learn from Inspector Nakamori and learn to relay information to those around him before the very end.

The TV flashed quietly as I sipped my drink from my cocoon on the couch. Reminding me of how I'd be moving into my apartment after we go to the concert.

"Look at all the guards here! Inspector, this is it, right? The goddess statue that KID announced he's going to steal."

"Steal it?" Mr. Nakamori laughed." There's no way he can!" Huh. Maybe he has a future on small talk shows." Not even a rat could sneak in here, let alone KID!" Never mind, a rat just panned across the screen. There goes the talk show hello podcast." Huh? A rat...Idiots catch that vermin!" The sounds lulled me to sleep knowing I could look back at the recording.

Meanwhile with KID-

Kaito's tiny screen displayed a mocking declaration of war. "Why, you...what an arrogant jackass. Watch me, you third-rate detective. No way am I letting you take Aoko and Kudo to that concert!" He slowly inched forward being careful of his hat and cape." I'll have the last laugh. Kekeke."

Kaito slowly wedged the vent open as he quietly announced," KID the Phantom Thief is here." His monocle lit up the motion sensors and he got to work. Inching his way up a stiff rope, "Bet they never figured I'd come through the basement."

FOUR MINUTES LEFT

"This is as far as you get, KID the Phantom Thief." Hakuba slammed his hand against a plate and gas descended on the two of them. The enclosed space was filling up with gas rapidly." Why don't we lower the curtain on this circus?" Kaito made a quick analysis of the gas before understanding what Hakuba wanted." In 17.58 seconds, this whole room will be filled with sleeping gas. Give it up. You lose." Hakuba didn't have a chance to fit the respirator on his face before Kaito knocked it away with his card gun.

" I don't know about that."

TEN SECONDS LEFT

Kaito and Hakuba desperately dove for the mask before the split second, using his hat and grappling gun to snatch the mask.

ZERO

Hakuba appeared from a tile in the floor, gas following. "Inspector, I caught KID the Phantom Thief."

The TV crackled quietly as my alarm woke me up. "Well done, Hakuba-kun!" I wished I was still asleep. "Hakuba-kun, how did it feel to capture KID?" I slowly rose from my stupor as "Hakuba" acted bashful and much more playful.

"Actually, it was a cinch." I laughed quietly to myself as KID still wearing his disguise held his cane toward the sky.

"What's that balloon?" KID gave a sneaky grin.

"Oh, It's just...time for me to make my getaway." The balloon lifted KID off the ground.

"Then you're!" Nakamori was quick to realize this after his radio sounded.

A flair of the dramatics that would make my mother proud," KID the Phantom Thief!" And he tore off his mask revealing the eye-catching suit underneath.

"Damn you KID!" Nakamori tried to run toward KID but was ultimately stopped by the card gun.

"I wouldn't move if I were you, Inspector."

"That's unusually menacing, coming from you."

"Tonight's job is a little personal..."

"Personal? How?"

At this point, I felt my chest cave in. Flair for the dramatics, Hakuba interrogation, the hair. Kaito was probably KID. I flirted with Kaito oh my god. Oh, fuck me. I properly flirted with Kaito, not teasing. I pushed him up against a tree and kissed his wrist. My face felt like it was burning and I quietly screamed into a pillow.

I dialed up the only person who would talk me down quietly.” Ran, I may have done something.”

The lights blared as Mr.Nakamori snored over the music next to us. "I don't think bets are a good idea." Aoko let out a large sigh.

"You're telling me." Aoko rested her head on her hand. "How boring."

Chapter Text

By the shoe lockers, we could overhear Kaito and Aoko talking. 

“Hey, Kaito, don’t you want something sweet?”

“Something sweet?”

“Yeah. For instance…” exchanging her shoes for slippers, she faced Kaito, “Chocolate.”

Kaito looked miffed, “Aoko, have you forgotten?”

“Forgotten what?” He pointed at her face and she held her hand to her chest.

“Back when I had that cavity…You laughed! So you think I’m gonna fall for it now, idiot?!” He chuckled and turned away from her.

“What are you talking about? It's February 14th. All girls bring chocolate to school today. It's the day when we give it to boys.” Heh could ‘give it’ to Kaitou Kid.” And I'm sure nobody else would give you any, so here.” Aoko had closed her eyes by now and Kaito wasn’t looking at her but rather beyond her, “I’m only giving it to you because I feel sorry for you. Besides, there’s a romantic full moon out tonight and if it snows, we’ll have a white Valentine’s Day”

As Keiko; my fellow member of the Aoko squad; and I approached Aoko we could hear the girl talking to the air again. "You think Kaito went off without her again?"

"Yeah, poor Aoko." Keiko made her move and let Aoko come back to the present.

“Uh Kaito?Huh Keiko…”

 "Kaito-kun ran off that-away with a big grin plastered on his face. You're gonna give him chocolate right?"

"It would be a bit pitiful if the only chocolate he got was from me. Ah, by the way, you two I have chocolate for you too!" Keiko and Aoko were perplexed.

"This is one of the American things you picked up on again. Please tell me it's not like the ranch and pizza thing again." I am offended. That's it, I'm showing them pineapple pizza next.

"Nooooooo it's not. I was just doing something for my new friends. Here ya go! I was a bit elaborate but I had a lot of time on my hands with Shinichi out of the house and not dragging me on cases.” I carefully brought out the tiny decadent cakes and placed them in the hands of my friends. " You think Kaito will like his? I tried to go based on what you guys normally order at the cafe but Kaito always runs off."

Keiko and Aoko gave each other an inside look before giving me encouragement and words of praise. I smiled to myself before walking ahead to the classroom.

 "How does she not realize? I think this is the nicest Kaito’s ever been."

"I couldn't even tell you. I don't think Kaito realizes it himself either. Wasn't Takara rumored to be famous in America for her skills?"

"Mm. I remember when the papers cried about her leaving the country. Must be nice to have someone to give chocolate to.” They slowly walked towards Takara who was trying but failing to get to her seat. "How awful. That girl is monopolizing all the boys. She even made the boys give any chocolate they already had, too. " Keiko opened the door to a crowd of boys focused on the new girl." Koizumi Akako, who just started a few days ago.”

“What is that?!” Aoko and Keiko watched the hoard of boys prostrating themselves over this girl.

“She acts like she’s royalty!” Aoko was entranced as Kaito walked in with his spoils.

“Look at all the loot I got! This one is from Misaki-chan. This one is from Sakara-chan. And this one is from Ayano-chan.”

She finally snapped out of it,” Kaito?”

“Hey, Aoko, why is everyone giving me chocolate today?”

“As I was saying, today is…” Kaito cut her off once more.

“Come to think of it, I never come to school on February 14th. Last year, I had a terrible cold…The year before, I was hospitalized with a broken ankle after a skating accident…” Aoko begrudgingly succumbed to her fate of incomplete sentences.

“Now I remember.”

“I always thought it was an unlucky day, never knowing what I was missin’ out on!”

I was done being nice to these boys blocking my seat. I could hear Koizumi behind me barely admonishing them. I "lightly" body-checked the boy away from my seat, but he didn't even care to notice. Either I was losing my touch or there was something seriously wrong here. I could hardly make out Keiko and Aoko from the hormone sea. Oh, there's Kaito! Holding chocolate? Ah from the girls who lost their chances to Miss Congeniality over there.

Then Romeo flew to the front of the classroom, Oh shit, there goes Kaito, stuck like he's been duck-taped in place. My previous classmates would be jealous, he's a good foot off the ground. Kaito usually waits for those kinds of tricks. Huh, he doesn’t seem to be acting this time. Akako was once again the object of my suspicions.

"If you want my chocolate, you'll have to dump all the others." 

I was appalled at her attitude. Like, I get that you want to be the only one he's thinking of, but she has given out dozen of chocolates. It doesn't seem like drugs, with no discoloring or symptoms besides the devotion. Is this one of the old ways appearing again? Well if things turn out like last time in America, it'll end soon, she won't be able to be public like this for long without suspicion. Kaito dropped from his sticky situation, before declaring he doesn't need Akako's chocolates. He threw his handkerchief in the air, disintegrating into snow-like white petals. He scooped up some before magically bringing back his handkerchief. The amount of practice he has had was cute. Cute I thought Kaito was cute. It's getting worse. This is the worst, he won't want a girlfriend while he's out being KID.

Once class started the boys finally filed into their seats, allowing Aoko to sit next to Kaito and me. " Hey, you brought chocolate too, right?" Kaito was giddy and I lost myself for a bit because I was suddenly being jostled for lunch by Kaito. I ‘reluctantly’ showed the cake I made for Kaito and he whooped of all things. I laughed before bringing out an anticavity toothpaste. I quietly slid it into his bag when his back was turned, Aoko loves to gossip about Kaito's mishaps.

Aoko was chatting about the last episode of her show as we waited for Kaito. It wasn't long before he came out asking if we had seen his ‘hankie’ as he so eloquently put it.

“No, I haven't seen your stupid ‘hankie’!” I whistled, damn she was still miffed at him for cutting her off twice this morning.

“Then let me borrow you for a sec!” Aoko whipped around.

“What do you think you’re doing!” 

I let out a sigh,” Kaito here.” I threw my handkerchief at him as he grinned.

“Sorry about that!” Aoko started chasing him down the stairs as we made out way back to the classroom.

“You’re rotten to the core!” I sighed as I looked down the staircase, Man, they fucking booked it down there. Oh well, here goes nothing , I grasped the stairway and hopped over the side. 10/10 I still got it.

I sat out on my balcony as the snow drifted down. It was unfortunate that I was still unpacking or else I would have grabbed my gear and joined the heist. Haah two heists missed, why am I missing him when I saw him today? It made me want to call Ran again to talk about a boy in my class who I didn't realize was the guy from a case I flirted with. I'm sure Sonoko has had some fun mishaps since the last time I talked to her. She would be more than thrilled that I finally have an interest in boys beyond the casual date. I sat on my floor and began setting up my investigation board. 

The following day was amusing. I haven’t played with snow for a long time, so I prepared my specialty move while Aoko kept him distracted. Kaito was blissfully unaware when I snuck up behind him and dumped snow over his head. It was rude of me to melt the snow a bit with my hands but if Shin-chan could survive some watery snow so could Kaito. And then all hell broke loose when Kaito hit Akako in the head. It was a good day.

Chapter Text

“That was too easy! Like taking candy from a baby! This is such a cinch, I could pull off the next job with both hands tied behind my back!” Kaito laughs quietly under his breath.

(Article reads: Kid the Phantom Thief appears, yet again, and steals the treasure with style! Kid the Phantom Thief dazzles police again with a daring crime)

Kaito looks intrigued at the article,” Number of kid’s female fans skyrocketing”? He grins’ the sky’s the limit !’

Aoko takes the tablet away, surprising Kaito out of his delusion. “‘Female fans skyrocketing,’ my foot!” she says while shaking the tablet side to side, “this girl is no fan of that thief!” She rapidly swipes the screen in frustration,” in fact, when it comes to the scummiest of scumbags, he’s at the head of the pack!” She shuts the tablet down in punctuation.

Kaito reaches for his tablet.” Aoko,” Come on, don’t let it get to you like that.” He twirls the device on his finger, much like a basketball,” you can’t blame kid if he gives that third-rate inspector father of yours a spanking every time. After all, he’s…one!…two!…three!” He tossed the tablet to Aoko, displaying another article denoted: “ The great thief who can’t be caught!”

She shoves the tablet down,” Yeah, right! He always either throws what he steals or secretly returns it later. He’s a criminal thrill-seeker pretending to be a good guy!” 

“To be honest Aoko, there are worse things to be.” Losing her focus in a thousand-yard stare. Takara snapped out of her rather unfortunate flash black. “He could be like that one pervert that was snatching women and killing them…I killed the mood didn’t I?” Aoko and Kaito looked nervous and patted her shoulder.

“Oh, that’s what I like about him.” Akako leans from behind Kaito, who gives her a rather pointed look. “He’s cute, like a mischievous boy.”

“That I can agree with”. Takara whistled in a low appreciation, before sticking her nose back in her book. 

Aoko gripped Akako’s shoulders,” Don’t let him put one over you! No matter how you slice it, he’s a criminal! A bad guy! 

“The best kind” Takara snickered as she sneakily showed Kaito her new book, ‘ A Thief’s treasure.’ Kaito looked mildly concerned but curiously took a peek at the page she was reading before going red.

“How can you read that at school!”

 Takara shrugged and gave a grin,” practice.”

Aoko finally stepped away from Akako,” Anyways you saw Kid’s next target on the news, didn’t you?”

“Oh. You mean the old clock tower in front of the station?”

“That’s right! That belongs to everyone in this town!”  Kaito’s tablet now shows a new article,’ Kid the Phantom thief’s next target, the clock tower, slated for relocation…the metro police enact strict security measures, seal off entrance… “ I hope they protect the clock tower,” says the owner. “ So don’t you think it’s terrible that he means to steal it?”

Akako struggles to force a response,” Y-Yes. You’re right.”

“And besides…” Aoko looks reminiscent and far away.”…that clock tower is…”

Keiko cuts in,” but I heard they’re gonna move the clock tower. Make it the symbol of some amusement park…”

“Keiko..” The girls walk toward each other.

“Everyone’s saying that as long as it’s going away, Kid might as well steal it.” 

“What’s wrong is wrong!” Poor Aoko, she obviously cares for the clock tower but life isn’t fair and never operated in black or white. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Akako whispering to Kaito, all rather severe looking. I suppose it’s not my business to be nosy when I have such a lovely book to read. Boo that jerk, Shinichi gets to fly in a helicopter today with Megure-keibu . Takara tapped her foot rather frustrated, as she struggled to focus on her book before class started. 

The radios buzzed with activity as Takara filed her nails.” This goes for the choppers in the air and all the squad cars around the clock tower! Report to me the moment you see any suspicious characters! For the guards in each block of the tower, nobody gets past you without my say-so!” Nakamori’s voice stuttered through my makeshift scanner.

So far she collected the advance notice, general stationing, including the air, the floor plans, and of course all possible areas Kid could fly from with tonight’s winds. 

“On Saturday, the night of the full moon, I shall appear at the stroke of midnight to steal the towering clock right from under your nose. -Kid the Phantom Thief “

Of course, she’s already gotten the history of the tower, the clock hands more importantly. 50 years ago, the mayor commissioned the clock hands. Inlaid with several large diamonds; it’s artistry by a famous overseas clockmaker.

 Takara was most curious about how the diamonds stayed put all those years. Taking a quick glance at their business economics was enlightening…once his son; the new mayor; took over there wasn’t much of a change in the graph but yet the mayor and his little boy toy had heavy pockets. Now, it wasn’t explicitly written in their official documents but how in the world could the mayor afford these fancy new toys he kept buying without a little work behind the scenes. She twirled her straw in her glass, pondering how these frauds were going to come to light. The contract for the amusement park had to start tomorrow or the purchase would be canceled.

The crowds chanted his name and Kaito breathed it all in, buzzing for the thrill. 28 mins left… Kaito memorized the incapacitated police officer’s info, before pulling on the second skin over his head. Jogging lightly to a group of officers by the front entrance. 

“What?! you were on patrol when you saw a suspicious guy who looked like Kid?!”

“Yes! He dropped this weird hat and ran off!”

“Th-That’s Kid’s silk hat and cape!” The older officer of the three radioed in,” This is the front entrance! One of our own has found Kid the Phantom Thief’s hat!

As Takara was climbing the stairs of a nearby rooftop, Shinichi called, “Yo! What’s up?”

“Oh not much. You remember that tour I was promised?” 

“Yes, I recall. The one happening now I assume?”

“As sharp as ever! I know you could never resist a good cat and mouse, and neither could I.”

“Shinichi…is that you in the helicopter approaching?”

“Knew you’d there! You got the floor plans?”

Takara sighed begrudgingly,” Of course I do. Who do you take me for? A neanderthal?”

“Only on Wednesdays.” 

“How'd you want it sent?”

“Oh, no need for that. Are you on that rooftop with the landing pad?

“…yes.”

“We’ll just come to pick you up!” Are you fucking kidding me? Takara sighed as she took cover away from the high winds within the staircase. “ You can come out now, you’re not exactly a paper crane.” For that, she snapped her flip phone closed and stalked towards the helipad. 

“I hope you know you owe me.”

“Yes, yes, along with the million other times you Indulge me. Come and buckle in.” Takara climbed in and purposefully stepped on Shin-chan’s foot as she sat down across from him. “You’ve met Keibu.” They exchanged pleasantries as they lifted into the air again. 

“Oi, what’s goin’ on here?! I see an extra helicopter!”

By this point, the disguised Kaito had infiltrated the building just floors below inspector Nakamori. He readily rattled off the info and of course, the well-prepared Id number, effectively a stupid smart thing.

“What?! You found Kid in the building?!”

“Yes, sir?! Currently, teams C and D are in pursuit!”

“Hey, are you sure it’s the real thing?”

“Positive! After asking his name, age, and birthday, I requested his license number as advised, and caught him red-handed!” 

“License number?”

“Right. That thief is a master of disguise, so the idea is, it’s likely he can remember details the average person can’t. That’s what the boy sent from HQ as backup said.” 

‘“ Boy’ , you say?”

“I repeat! Please seal off all entrances and exits to the clock tower immediately. And keep them sealed until I give the order. This way, he’s like a rat in the trap.” The radio's underlying static was giving Takara a headache as she massaged her temples. You’d think Kaito would know how to portray the average person but yet he pulled this nonsense?! He dug his grave tonight…for his ego. There’s no chance Kaito wouldn’t have a backup plan.

The radio’s static was still quite loud from her lap as she heard the lost sight of Kaito on the third floor. Shinichi already figured out that Kaito escaped into the ventilation shafts. There were at least three other exits he could take but two weren’t viable due to a drop and close proximity to Nakamori Keibu. The only one left was on the fourth floor. 

Megure and Nakamori had begun chatting as Takara flicked through the building layout. Of course, Shinichi couldn’t keep his damn mouth shut and revealed who he was to Nakamori-Keibu. Takara quickly stole the radio and said, "He's my idiot brother, and has a terrible habit of sticking his nose in other people’s business. Speaking of which all possible ways Kid could get to the clock hands, there’s surprisingly only one. Now unfortunately I can’t jump him for you but it wouldn’t hurt doing what you do best, lying in wait. Oh, and Aoko said tomorrow night's dinner is curry right?”

“Y-yes? I thought you were watching the magic show too?” 

“Eh I was but it was all rather easy to guess. Thanks, Nakamori-Keibu. Handing you back to Megure.”

“No worries. All 28 ventilation openings in the building are now secured.”

“Th-this is Nakamura! I lost sight of the target at a ventilation shaft exit!”

“What is your current location?!” Nakamori’s voice was much clearer through Megure’s radio.

“Um, this is…the east hallway on the 4th floor! Eh?”

There was some static before Nakamura’s voice spoke again, more confident this time,” The target shed his police officer disguise and is currently escaping down the stairs! Requesting immediate backup!” Nakamori's reinforcement was disappointing, I thought he’d know by now how to pick out Kaito from the voice. It’s not like you can just get rid of all his speaking habits when he’s never used Nakamura’s voice before. 

“It’s strange, isn’t it?”

“Hm?” Megure looked back to Shin-chan.

“The place is crawling with police officers, so taking off his cop disguise is like a crab that discards its shell, roaming around the ocean floor. I can’t understand it.”

The clock rang midnight and smoke filled the air. The clock hands disappeared and both Shinichi and Takara noticed the wobbling of the clock face. “Sorry, but can you get us a little closer to the clock?”

The radio quietly buzzed next to my ear before I heard Nakamori-keibu.” It’s me! Nakamori! I found kid! Right now, he’s-“ the static spiked loudly next to her ear as she jerked it away. Grimacing, Takara looked back at the increasingly wobbling clock face as the helicopter got closer. 

“What does this mean, Kudo-kun?”

Shinichi felt confident,” He cut the light that was shining on the clock face during the smokescreen, then covered the face with a giant screen he’d prepared beforehand. Next, he projected the image of a clock face without hands from a projector on the construction scaffolding.”

“ But wouldn’t a trick like that be figured out quickly?”

“That trick is a fake.” Shinichi leaned closer to the window,” I bet he’s behind the screen right now removing the gems from the hour hand .” 

Shinichi reached towards Megure’s gun.” I’m going to borrow this for a second.” Pulling open the door, Shinichi focused on the cable holding the screen in place.

For a lack of targets lately, Shinichi shot well and hit the bottom left rope. Apparently sitting down safely wasn’t good enough for Shin-chan, he grasped the door frame as he aimed for the bottom right rope. 

“H-hey, Kudo-kun!”

“Don’t worry. I won’t hit anyone.”

“Th-that’s not the issue…”

“And now, the magic show finale! Let’s have a look at the man behind the curtain!”

Right after Shinichi shot the rope, two more shots rang out. And the fabric began falling rapidly, as Kaito made his escape within. A tree cushioned the thief’s fall.

“W-who is this guy?! He fell right into the middle of the crowd with that screen!”

Takara looked bored as she gave a small smile,” He’s the Magician under the Moonlight. He just recently resurfaced after eighteen or so years. He always returns the things he steals one way or another. He’s got quite the fan base growing.” 

“Why did you mention that? Are you one of them??!” Shin-chan looked pointedly at Takara who only leaned over and buckled her brother into his seat. “I’ve been here what, seven weeks? I don’t have enough data collected to begin sharing but I’ll let you know if anything intriguing pops up.” 

“That wasn’t what I asked,” Shinichi grumbled. 

“Don’t worry, there are plenty of other boys I could be interested in beside that one.”

The radio saved Takara just in time, and Shinichi gave a well-meaning look at her as she gloated.”Hey, Megure! Were you shootin’ at me?!”

“No, it wasn’t me…” Megure looked positively ashamed. Shinichi reinvested his focus back on the clock tower and pulled the radio towards him.

“By the way, Inspector, did he say something to you?”

“Y-yeah, he did. Something about a code.”

“A code?”

Nakamori sent over the files, and Megure mulled over the code,” It doesn’t make sense to me. You’re sure he etched those characters into the center of the clock face?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Both the Kudo siblings peeked at the screen before smirking at each other.

“In any case, it’s important evidence. We’ll just have to cancel the clock tower's scheduled move until the code is solved.”

“Ha! That’s what I was gonna do anyway!”

“Well, it worked out, right? The clock tower is safe and his crime was foiled.”

This bell has lost its luster.

“ Come to think of it, I haven’t heard his name yet. What’s the thief’s name?” Takara glared at Shinichi and lightly kicked his leg. He raised his hands in surrender,” I got it, I got it. I won’t steal your new toy.” She narrowed her eyes even more.

“You better not.”

Later, Aoko let Takara know why the clock tower was so important to her. It was very sweet, the place where she first met her best friend. A blue rose, most commonly symbolizing attaining the impossible and mystery. The cops investigated the tower and found the diamonds fake, and the city bought the clock back for a cheap price. At midnight Takara could hear the bell, a thief may be a bad man but that didn’t mean he wasn’t a good person.

Chapter Text

The old man in the wheelchair grew impatient as the police investigated the scene of the crime. "I don't have time for these investigations," he griped. "Moreover, you have no evidence!"

"Ok, ok!" says Inspector Megure. "Sir, no matter how much you complain, the deceased was one of your dinner party guests. Manager Yamasaki from the Yatsubishi Bank was killed here, could you bear with us for just a little longer?" Megure had a placating smile on his face as he waited for backup. 

"Are you implying that the murderer is still here?"

Shinichi languidly walks into the room and declares, “That’s right.”, with his hand shoved in his pocket.” The crime took place in a sealed room that was locked from the inside. The murderer entered through the balcony from an adjacent window and escaped the same way. The ground below the balcony had no traces, and based on that, this murder must have been committed by someone here.”

 "It is impossible! There must be at least an end a 10-meter gap from the window to the balcony...how can anyone jump across that?"

If the sweat on the old man's brow is anything to go by, it's taxing work.

"If one makes use of the roof's eaves...then the distance to the balcony is not more than 2 meters!" Shinichi confidently says. 

"Hmph! That's a naïve deduction!" The old man scoffs at this proclamation. "Then how could the person leave?" 

Shinichi continues explaining as if he has already solved this puzzle. “Before the murderer left the first room, he fixed an end of a rope there. When leaving the second room, he fixed the other end onto the balcony, and then climbed back.”

“In that case, how does the person untie the rope on the balcony?”

Megure mulled over this as he awaited Shinichi’s deduction, “That’s simple, Inspector Megure. That end of the rope would have a rod attached to it…and it would hold between the balcony’s posts due to the constant tension in the rope, so with a little bit of slack…it can be removed! Could you go to the balcony and check? You should find some marks on the spot where the rod was held.” Confidence lurked in every word the young detective spoke.

“But…why would Yamazaki wait in a locked room?”

“I’m afraid that the murderer told him that he had some important information, and instructed him to lock the door from the inside and wait.” A casual(ty) meetup, no doubt.

“That’s enough! You’re straying from the point! Who killed my best friend Mr.Yamazaki!?” By this point, the old man was close to frantic and looked red in the face.

“Only a person who knows the layout of the house very well could have done it…and during that time…could go anywhere he wanted, and no one would suspect him…He is…” Shinichi lifts his head, a smile hiding behind his eye as he draws the curtains of the show they’re all so eagerly waiting for.

“He is..?”

Shinichi lifts his arm with a heavyweight, his other hand never leaving his pocket, and points to the host.

“It’s YOU, Old Man!!”

“What kind of joke is this? First of all, my leg still hasn’t…” He weakly gestured to the cast on his left leg.

“There is always only one truth…” Shinichi finally loosens his stance before snatching the globe behind him and pelting it at the old man.

With less than a second to react the old man dives…”Master, your leg!?”

“Crap!”

“Your leg had already healed three months ago!” And with a big smile, Shinichi gleefully turned towards Inspector Megure. “Isn’t that so, Inspector Megure?”

“Stop acting! Your doctor has already told us everything…Also, we have uncovered everything. You and Yamazaki performed secret money transactions.” Unable to accept he was caught, the murderous bastard dashed to the open door.

“Still trying to escape?” The dislodged globe hurtled once more at the old man’s head knocking him to the ground.”

“GOAL!!”

The flashing red light glinted off the old man's cuffs as he was escorted to the back of the police car. Shinchi and Inspector Megure watched from a distance.” Oh, you’ve helped me out again, Kudo-kun! It’s like this every time, sorry about that…” A few well-intended slaps on the back nearly took Shinichi out of commission, akin to a whack-a-mole at an arcade.

“No, no…if there is any difficult case, just come and find me, The Great Detective — Kudo Shinichi!” 

The sound of birds chirping was what residents of the Kudo home usually woke up to. But this early March morning had other plans with a loud explosion coming from outside Shinichi’s window. “What was that!?” He hurriedly arose from his slumber and opened his window to see Professor Agasa lying in a pile of wreckage. Leaning out the window, Shinichi begged, '“Can’t you be a bit quieter? Professor Agasa!” With not a lick of remorse Agasa dusted himself off.

“Oh! I just wanted to wake you up! How was that? Isn’t it better than an alarm clock?” The poor sleep-deprived Shinchi sighed as Professor Agasa chattered on,” Where’s that sister of yours? I haven’t seen her much since she came back home from that big case.”

“ Listen give me a minute to get ready and do not hurt yourself further and I’ll tell you in a bit.”

“Sure sure.” Professor Agasa laughed and wiped his brow, smudging the soot further. Shinichi glared with a pointed look as if he was saying, ‘Do not move a muscle’, but you know with extra emphasis and maybe a few less-than-stellar thoughts.

Shinichi quickly got dressed and made his way down to the wreckage where Professor Agasa was still examining the remnants of his latest invention. Shinichi couldn't help but shake his head at the sight of the professor's latest gadget lying in ruins on the ground.

"Professor Agasa, what were you thinking? This is the third time this month that your experiments have caused a disturbance in the neighborhood," Shinichi said, exasperated.

The professor simply chuckled and replied, "Oh, come on, Shinichi. You know me, I can't help but tinker and experiment. Besides, what's a little noise in the morning? It's good for waking up the brain!"

Shinichi rolled his eyes and shook his head. He knew that arguing with the professor was pointless and that he would continue to do what he loved regardless of the consequences. But he also knew that the professor was a brilliant scientist and inventor and that his inventions had helped Shinichi solve many cases in the past.

"Fine, but can you at least be more careful in the future? I don't want any more of your experiments causing damage to the neighborhood," Shinichi said, trying to sound stern.

The professor nodded in agreement and smiled. "Of course, Shinichi. I'll try to keep it down from now on. But before you go,  Where is your sister again? “

“She moved closer to her new school, Ekoda High.”

“Oh! That's nice for her, I heard they have a great curriculum there.”

“This is quite a large book collection here!” Shinichi leaned over Agasa treating the cuts on his face. “Ah! Since your dad has read all of these books, it’s no surprise that he’s a world-famous mystery writer.”

“Stay still, Professor! You're almost as bad as Takara with your fidgeting.” His cotton ball stick was loaded with an antiseptic, and Professor Agasa stopped looking around enough for Shinichi to finish treating his cuts.

“Oh, sorry about that.”

‘What was that morning experiment about?”

Professor Agasa was stern as his demeanor changed,” I’ll tell you…but you can’t tell anyone else, not even your sister! This is a secret between you and me!” Pulling at the device strapped to himself and smiled,” This device is a prototype rocketpack for humans! If it works,” leaning in closer and pointing a finger as emphasis,” Traffic problems will be solved! And I’ll become rich!” Agasa gestured with his whole body as he laughed in excitement, unknowingly flipping a lever. Smoke trailed behind Professor Agasa as he smacked into a bookcase.

“But it doesn’t work…” Shinichi wished his sister was still here to reorganize the bookcase.

Takara was used to the attention her brother received, but this time it was different. Shinichi had never been in the spotlight like this before, and she couldn't help but feel a little envious. She was proud of him, of course, but a small part of her wished she could be recognized for her accomplishments too.

She shook off the feeling and focused on her schoolwork, trying to ignore the whispers and giggles around her. It was always like this when Shinichi's name was mentioned, but she couldn't help but feel annoyed by it today.

As the day dragged on, Takara found herself daydreaming about the plans she had made with her brother and his girlfriend, Ran. Normally her brother preened in the spotlight but Takara wasn't blind and some people weren't happy with some high schooler no matter how welcomed by the police he was or how smart he is. So Takara was happy that he was taking a day away from the prying eyes of the public.

Takara packed up her things when the final bell rang and headed outside. As she walked, she noticed a group of girls huddled together, their heads bent in intense discussion. She heard her brother's name mentioned and braced herself for the worst, but to her surprise, the girls were talking about sending him a love letter.

Takara smiled to herself and continued walking, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. It was nice to know that people appreciated Shinichi for more than just his looks and charm. As she made her way home, she couldn't wait to discuss the case and then spend her Saturday afternoon stalking him and Ran, away from the harsh spotlight.

Ran has been talking Takara's ear off all morning, any time between classes and there was a notification from her. By the afternoon, she was coherent enough to make a decent thought and finally rang her up. "Ran, you have got to think of your phone bill."

"I know, but I'm so nervous. I can't pick out my outfit. Oh god, what do I wear?" Ran was constantly walking back and forth she could tell that much from hearing Kogoro-ojisan’s voice fade and reappear.

"Would you like to borrow some of my clothes or go shopping? We can make an afternoon of it with Sonoko?" Her tone was patient, which was far from the normal gossipy person she was. Ran muttering came to a stop and she agreed. "Okay, I'm going to call Sonoko now and we can do whatever we need to for your date tomorrow." The grin was apparent in Takara's voice and Ran halfheartedly scolded her best friend.

" You still live at your parent’s house right?"

"Uh no actually, I moved out a little before Valentine’s. I would very much appreciate it if you came so I can bully Shin-chan to take you out on another date." Takara twirled a pen in her fingers as she glanced through some light casework to busy herself, as otherwise she was going to wear a hole in the floor from pacing.

"Oh, gracious one however can I repay you." Ran had calmed down by this point." Don't bother with bullying him into a date with me, like he'd take it that way."

Takara scoffed, "Really? How smart can he be when your feelings for him are so obvious?" 

Ran let out a small laugh. "I don't know, he can be pretty dense when it comes to these things. But, let's not worry about that now. Let's focus on finding me the perfect outfit for tomorrow."

They spent the rest of the afternoon going through her closet, Ran's, and Sonoko's trying on different clothes. Ran was hesitant at first, but with some encouragement from Sonoko and me, she started to relax and even have fun with it, putting on a little fashion show. They tried on halters, turtle necks, scoop necklines, dresses with far too many colors, and plenty of accessories until the girls found the perfect outfit that made Ran feel confident and comfortable.

"I know I haven't asked yet, but how are you? How are you really?" Ran was a very giving person, especially toward her loved ones,

The genuine feelings had Takara caught off guard. It wasn't that the people around her didn't show her love and affection but her sudden move after coming back home had left her feeling a little empty inside, homesick. That feeling had settled just underneath her sternum long ago and sometimes? Sometimes if she drifted a little too long it felt like it would choke her, dragging brittle nails against her throat, curling over her lungs, pulling, yanking, digging its claws in, dragging her underneath that sickly muck water feeling until all she could feel was a burn for air.

She knew it wasn't healthy to allow it, to give in, but by god, there were days when she just couldn't get out of bed, and those days she just sat behind her eyes, masquerading. Pretending that maybe things were okay, she knew though. That heavyweight, those icy whispers. Before she would curl up in her brother's bed, but she wasn't there anymore, she left again. Sure she could go back any time she liked, but that doubt, those whispers of the eyes around her left her doubting, She wondered if her brother felt like this from his cases. Inadequate, and disappointed, god knows she couldn't understand why people gave in to murder. Logically she knew why, but understanding and understanding that drive was driving her deeper and deeper into that cold and unfeeling hole underneath her sternum.

" Good for the most part, I miss you guys often, but sometimes I still feel like I'm an ocean away. But I'm slowly working through those feelings." She raised her gaze from the floor and caught her friends', her family, care in their subtlety, those slight movements,  and she knew. She knew they cared, deeply. Taking comfort in those little affections, their open body language, their steady heartbeats, and not once did they look away from her. 

" That just means I'll have to steal you both away more often." Sonoko's face was scrunched up playfully. She leaned back in her chair, happy as can be. Takara chuckled, before giving in to a full-body laugh. For now that doubting feeling was smothered, hidden, she wiped away the water gathering in her eyes," God, please. I haven't so much as taken a weekend off without a case happening. I have missed my little thieves hiding my casework from me."

"Why didn't you say so before!" Her friends shared a devious look, slowly creeping to Takara as the girl still had her eyes closed from how hard she was smiling. They dragged the girl from the edge of the bed and piled pillows over her before ultimately smushing her in a hug. It was a bit impromptu but that night was the deepest she had slept in a long time, curled in between Sonoko and Ran.

On the day of the Tropical Land date, Ran, Sonoko, and I were on a call discussing our plan of action. "I'll keep Shinichi away from any casework and focus on getting some cotton candy," I suggested.

However, my plan didn't go as smoothly as I hoped. Despite my best efforts, Shinichi still managed to solve three cases, including a murder. As he went on and on about his detective hero, Sherlock Holmes, I couldn't help but feel annoyed that he had ruined Ran's special day.

When Shinichi finally split off from Ran, I sat down next to her on a park bench. "Do you want me to go after him and distract him?" I offered. Ran let out a heavy sigh. "No, he's been stressed lately with the lack of cases. Just let him have it. Can you believe how he figured out that the girl was a gymnast?" As we continued to chat and gossip, little did we know that this would be the beginning of Shinichi's worst nightmare.

“Pick up. Pick up. Come on Takara, pick up!” 

The phone rang steadily as Shinichi struggled to reach the phone booth’s buttons. The air was chilled and every hair on Shinichi’s body stood up at the slightest noise. It had only been an hour or two since he had left Ran on that park bench. He felt stupid for running after them without backup, but then again he was always biting off more than he could chew. Finally, the phone picked up and static buzzed in his ear. 

“What’s up loser?”

“I need your help.”

Chapter Text

A retelling of Dracula plays out on the TV screen before Ayumi's eyes. The scene depicts a coffin drenched in moonlight, which slides open with a creak as a creature rises from its undead slumber. With a flutter of wings, it takes flight and lands on a young girl's balcony, stalking her as she sleeps. Suddenly, a voice interrupts the eerie scene, calling out, "Ayumi-chan, it's past your bedtime. Go take a bath."

As the TV continues to play the gothic romance, Ayumi teeters on the edge of her seat, captivated by the suspenseful plot.

Ayumi’s bob shook as she begged her mother for just a little more time. Her mother was resolute, and the girl pouted before walking away from the TV…

Blaring sirens sped through the late-night streets chasing after a wink in the sky. All tucked in much like the heroine of the movie, with the lights, snuffed out and only the moon to cast a glow. As quiet as a mouse if only the balcony’s door was closed a figure clad in white stood on the railing, watching for the sirens. She slowly drew back her curtains peeking out from the door, half-certain she had fallen asleep and was dreaming.

“Who are you? Mr. Dracula?”

“No. Just a simple wizard resting his tired wings after flying for so long.” He hopped down and kneeled before the young girl, giving a polite kiss on the back of her hand. And just as soon as he turned his gaze from the night sky, helicopters shined their lights on the balcony, illuminating the phantom thief. The harsh winds had Kaito shielding Ayumi as he covered his face with his cape. Once he faces the aircraft, two more lights shine on him from the street below.

“There he is! That’s him! Don’t let him escape!” He glanced down at Inspector Nakamori who was surrounded by police cars, projecting his voice to be heard 30 floors above. “Catch the Kaito Kid!”

Kaito leapt back onto the balcony railing, tipping the brim of his hat toward his adoring audience. The wind rippled through his cloak like a familiar friend as his hang glider caught the air, and carried him off into the night. The aircraft and police force disappeared. Speeding after the phantom thief, leaving an awestruck Ayumi alone under the moonlight.

TEITAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Eh? You saw Kaito Kid?”

“Are you serious Ayumi?!”

The Detective boys were fervently gathered around the girl, their knuckles were white from holding their bags in shock and the soccer ball had rolled to a stop, forgotten. Their mouths dropped at her admission, in awe much like Ayumi was the night before.

“Yeah! He’s so cool!’ Ayumi squeals, “He really is the modern-day Arsene Lupin!” Conan scoffs at this comparison but the other boys lean in even closer.

Haibara looked back over her shoulder to Conan. “So, what is the modern-day Holmes going to do?”

“Don’t be stupid! I’m going to catch him someday, obviously!” His eyes were closed as he imagined his old life before growing frustrated and kicking the soccer ball as hard as he could.

“Don’t be so sure now. Takara is quite capable.” Conan was grinning like a madman, but he could admit that his sister had a better chance than him at catching the elusive thief.

“Anybody, I know?” A young woman’s shadow loomed over the group.

Before Shinichi could ground himself, he was whisked into the air into the devil’s arms. “Ah! Takara-nee-chan!” Takara gave a tight squeeze as she affectionately rubbed her face on his head.

Shinichi grunted in annoyance as he tried to wriggle free from her embrace. "Takara-nee-chan, let me go!" he protested.

She chuckled and released him from her death hold. "Sorry, Conan-kun, I just missed you so much," she said with a grin.

“You walked us to school? It hasn't been nearly long enough to miss me.” His voice was indignant as his struggle was futile in her iron grasp.

She hummed as if she was agreeing with him. “But distance makes the heart fonder?” She laughed as she set Shinichi down and affectionally greeted the other members of the Detective boys. “So, what's this about being capable?”

Ayumi was quick to answer the older girl, “I met Kaito Kid last night! And Conan-kun says he’s going to catch him!”

“Ah, I see. Yes, he is an excellent detective. I suppose he’ll need some help though since Kaito Kid is so elusive. “

“The Detective Boys won’t let Conan catch him alone!”

“Oh thank goodness! Conan-kun needs someone to watch his back after all.”

Conan mumbled under his breath, “That's supposed to be you, idiot.”

Takara stared pointedly at his affectionate nickname; she messed up his hair as revenge before resting her hand on his shoulder. “All right, I believe I promised some ice cream as a treat for passing Professor Agasa’s test?” Just as Ai-chan was to speak out, they already had their treat, and the Detective boys shushed their friend.

“Can we go to the new spot by the ramen place?!” She hummed, nodding her head in agreement. The children cheered as Ai and Conan hung back walking in pace with the high-school detective.  There wasn't much talking going on between the three of them, each stuck in their own thoughts.

She reminisced over her past weekend. Kaito’s usual display of character is at the forefront of her mind.

METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT, 19th of March, Mouri Kogoro

A room much like a lecture hall is fully sat with police officers. At the front lies a projection with a desk on either side. It was a hastily put-together room, wires slipped under rubber mats and uncomfortable chairs.

Phantom Thief Kaito Kid Special Investigation Committee was already in session, preluding with a discussion of standing knowledge.

“Kaito #1412, AKA “Kaito Kid”, has struck 134 times thus far!”

“15 of those have been overseas, in 12 different countries, including America, France, and Germany.”

“152 jewels have been stolen in all! A total loss of 38,725,000,000 yen!”

To the right of the projection was Shintaro Chaki, 49 years old, and the Superintendent of Division 3.  A hulking man, with large square shoulders, a square jaw, and a thin mustache sat stiffly on his hardened face. He was slow to rise, as every pair of eyes was trained on him, “The truth is, a new warning letter arrived from Kaito Kid yesterday.”

The Committee murmured in surprise as the last high-ticket heist was a little over two weeks ago.

The lights dimmed slightly, and the screen in front flickered to life. The recent letter was crisp on the screen.

“When time moves under the light of Aries and the dawn of the Third Quarter. When a clock with no second hand inscribes the 12th letter at a tall building shining in the heavens, I shall open and take the Memories Egg.

From The Last Wizard of the Century,

Kaito Kid

“Kaito Kid?!” What once were whispers became a rolling chatter.

Another nameless body of the meeting stood, “‘The Memories Egg’ in the letter refers to an Imperial Easter Egg, a treasure of the Romanov Dynasty, found last month in the Suzuki Zaibatsu’s storehouse.” The shuffling of reports flicked through the next presenter after Superintendent Chaki reclined into his chair once more.

“The Imperial Easter Eggs are eggs made by the jeweler Fabergé as Easter presents for the Russian Empress from the Emperor. 50 were made between 1885 and 1916. Therefore, this newly discovered egg is the 51st.”

The Superintendent leaned into his mic, “The Suzuki Zaibatsu will be putting the 51st egg on display, on August 23, at the new Suzuki Modern Art Gallery in Osaka Castle Park. Now, as for the coded message…” He gave a brief look to the man waiting on the other side, “Nakamori-kun.” Nakamori stands to the left of the screen,” First,’ moves under the light of Aries’ refers to the date of being between March 21 to April 19, ‘and the dawn of Third Quarter’ further narrows this down to March 22nd and the 23rd, which the moon is just before and at waxing, the date of the crime.” Slumped in a chair in the back rows of the room is Mouri Kogoro, blearily blinking out of sleep, glancing out the corners of his eyes at the iron faces of his former coworkers all those years ago.

“Next is, “When a clock with no second hand inscribes the 12th letter,” is believed to indicate the time of the crime, but it has yet to be deciphered! Lastly is, “a tall building shining in the heavens.” This is a castle tower! It indicates that Kaito Kid will appear at Osaka Castle! In short, this letter says,

“Between the evening of March 22nd and the dawn of the 23rd, I will appear at Osaka Castle and steal the Imperial Easter Egg!”

The men listening intently are in awe, clapping with a resounding thunder. Superintendent Chaki retakes the stand, “We will be investigating in collaboration with the Osaka Police. In addition, Mr. Suzuki has personally asked for the help of the private detective, Mr. Mouri Kogoro!” He readily pointed to the man sinking into his seat. Every pair of eyes burn toward the Sleeping Detective following Chaki’s gaze and outstretched arm. He sheepishly greets the room after his…warm welcome. Laughing nervously under his breath as sweat collects on his brow. “Our objective here is to keep the Egg safe at all costs! Even if it means letting him get away, we must keep the Egg safe!”

Frustration boiled in the room. They had been mocked time and time again by the phantom thief. Inspector Nakamori did not readily accept this information, stealing the stand, and shouting into the mic. “Don’t give me that wimpy-ness! The Egg comes second!” He threw the arm not holding the mic into every word riling up the crowd. “Got it, men?! Our pride and dignity, we police must throw away that snobby sneak thief into a freezing jail cell!” That same intensity that burned Kogoro came back in full force as they cheered and hollered. Only Kogoro was still sitting, laughing nervously, I think I just accepted one hell of a job…

TRAIN STATION, Kudo Takara

I could hear the thrumming of the bullet train beneath my feet as we slowed to a stop. Shinichi was sitting next to Ran as I stood next to them. Gathering our effects, we made our way off the Shin-Osaka line. Shinichi loosely held a skateboard which was rather on-brand for him, especially since it was made by Agasa. The air had a slight chill, and the goosebumps on my arms were rather annoyingly, not going away like my body knew something exciting was going to happen. I rubbed my arms one last time as we stepped off the escalator to the receiving area.

“Ran! Takara! Over here!” Sonoko’s voice carried loud and clear over the hustle of the departing passengers, waving her arm high and hopping on her toes.

“Sonoko!” Ran was a bubble of happiness. It was nice to be a trio again, I had missed it terribly.

Sonoko linked arms with Ran and me as she smiled brightly. “Come the car is already here! Oh, you won't believe the clothes I got last weekend. They’re brand-new from that brand in France! Perfect color for the season, too!” Mr. Kogoro and Shinichi looked uninterested in our discussion as they observed the area for the car pulling in.

The car was quick to leave the Station as soon as everyone was buckled in. “Oh? A limousine, huh?!” Mr. Kogoro was rather relaxed with his arms crossed as he gave a precursory glance at the interior. Shinichi was tucked between the older man and me, observing just as much. Ran sat across from me, fiddling with her nails. Only Sonoko was uninterested in our surroundings, I suppose I was as well, but had it been a luxury car I might have been. I stared out the window focusing on the blur of the trees.

“Today is a special day, after all!” This garnered some interest.

“Special?”

Sonoko sighed wistfully, clutching her hands in prayer. “I gotta be posh if I'm meeting my beloved Kaito Kid-sama today!”

“You're so silly, Sonoko.”  I leaned forward with my hands still placed in my lap, glancing at the faces around me. Kogoro seemed to regard this statement as a silly infatuation, which was most likely true but by God if I didn't share her feelings as well. Shinichi was still gazing at Ran, as the girl giggled quietly with Sonoko.

“Oh, right! Our driver is Nishino-san, Daddy’s secretary.” The man gave a slight nod, “Nice to meet you.”

“He’s traveled all over the world, so he speaks English, French, and German fluently!”

“Wow! That’s amazing” I could hear the wheels turning in my brother's head so fast I almost saw steam come out of his ears. Probably wondering if she would be impressed with his own fluency.

It wasn’t long before we reached the Fine Arts Museum passing Osaka’s Police Headquarters along the way. Climbing out of the backseat we saw plenty of guards stationed. Each officer was only 15-20 feet away from the other. Along with that helicopters could be heard patrolling.

“They're really being cautious...” Ran said watching a helicopter loop around the building.

“I doubt even an ant could crawl through unnoticed.”

“But of course! We’re dealing with Kaito Kid-sama here! He’s-” Sonoko seemed pleased. Happy to talk about the phantom thief I had recently involved myself with.

“An elusive, ever-changing, gentleman thief. He easily breaks through tough security and safes with his magic plus he can alter his face, voice, and personality as well.” An Osaka accent came from the motorcyclist. “One thing’s for sure: That’s one heck of an enemy you've made…Kudo.”

‘Him again?” Mr. Kogoro grumbled.

“I'm sorry, have we met before?” I was confused, Shinichi had mentioned anyone being aware of his secret besides Ai and Agasa.

“No, no. This guy always calls Conan-kun, "Kudo.” Sonoko redirected her focus on the motorcyclist and what I assume is his girlfriend.

“Sheesh! Why do you always call Conan-kun “Kudo”?!” Ran was upset; this dude had a talent for poking her where it hurts. Bringing up a boyfriend she hasn't seen since he ditched her on a date two weeks ago. Granted she was unaware he was just momentarily indisposed for the foreseeable future.

The man grinned, sheepishly rubbing his head. “My bad! It’s just that his eyes remind me of Kudo’s, you see. So, I always call him that, on accident.” Shinichi’s face was displeased as he rolled his eyes, pointedly avoiding my pointed gaze screaming: You didn't tell me someone else knows!

“You’re so dumb!” I couldn't help but agree with the new girl; that guy and my brother slipping up were downright idiotic even if she wasn't aware of why. “You kept saying all morning that Kudo’s coming, Kudo’s coming. I think you should probably see a doctor.”

Sonoko was quietly whispering to Ran as I stood next to them. “Hey, is he Hattori Heiji-kun, the high school detective of the West?” Oh great. Another one, apparently one isn't enough. “He’s a real stud!” Ran laughed at Sonoko’s antics.

“Don't even try! He and Kazuha-chan grew up together! They're bickering like that now, but they’re really close!”

“Yeah, I can tell. They’re just like you and Shinichi.” Ran’s face flushed as her mouth parted from Sonoko’s teasing, “If only I had a boy I grew up with, too…”

“We’re surrounded by old married couples, Sonoko.” I lamented, dramatically leaning into her. A teasing smile pulled at my lips as I clutched onto her.

“We simply must change that! We will wear our cutest outfits when Kid comes.” That was the Sonoko I knew, taking charge and having her friend’s back.

Chapter Text

The Chairman's office was chilled like the limo, temperature controlled for the artwork if I had to guess.

A mustached older man named Shiro Suzuki greeted us, Sonoko's father. "Why, hello there, Mori-san! Thank you for coming all this way!" He rose from the couch filled with similar men, all moody and closed off. He and Mr.Kogoro shook hands.

"No, It's my pleasure."

"Thank you for coming, Ran-san and Conan-kun!" He leaned to look over towards the new addition to the group. "Say, Sonoko. Who might these two be?" She quickly introduced and explained what she had learned only minutes ago about them.

"Famous in the Kansai area? That's quite something! I'm depending on you!" Hattori-san was more than happy to help, referring to Mr.Suzuki as an older man, which set a nerve off in Mr.Kogoro.

"Hey, you! Don't call the Chairman of the Suzuki Zaibatsu "old man"!" Things were quickly soothed, and Mr.Sonoko finally noticed me leaning against the entryway of his round office. "Ah! If it isn't Miss Kudo. How have you been? I understand you've had the pleasure of seeing Kid's heists?"

"Yes, sir. They're all rather fascinating. He really knows how to pull a crowd."

"Lovely, lovely! Now, Mori-san, let me introduce you. This is Sergei Ovchinnikov-san," A hulking man with hair as gray as his demeanor." 1st Secretary of the Russian Embassy."

"Nice to meet you." Every person after him gave a pleasant introduction.

"Next to him is the fine art dealer, Inui Shouichi-san," He had a beady look in his eye, well-trained, no doubt. "Who is already asking to purchase it." The lady to his left was refined. I could only hope to be like her when I was older," She's Hoshi Seiran-san, a researcher of the Romanov Dynasty." The last man, who also seemed the most casual, said, "And this is Sagawa Ryu-san, the freelance cameraman and writer. I've hired to film and document the Egg."

"But…purchase? For what sort of price?" I wasn't fond of some man recording me, so I leaned against the wall, hoping to stay out of the camera.

"800 million." Yen? Dollars?

Kogoro was taken aback, "E-Eight hundred million?!"

"I can pay more if you'll let me have it." The older man was ruddy in excitement.

"Chairmen! The Imperial Easter Eggs originally belonged to Russia!" This must have been what they were discussing before we came in: who gets to own the Egg. "Don't sell yours to this sleazy broker! Please donate it to one of Russia's museums!" The tall Russian was pleading as he stared earnestly at Mr.Suzuki.

"Who're you calling sleazy?!"

The cameraman was pleased with the drama, "Great! That's it! Filming you people might be more fun than filming the Egg itself." His voice was slimy as he tried to incite more drama, "You're acting like you don't care, but if you're a Romanov researcher, shouldn't you desperately want the egg for yourself, too?" Perhaps she was waiting for a more appropriate time to fight her case. I bit my tongue at the words that threatened to tumble out.

She turned away from the eccentric-clothed man as if the neon green of his suit was burning her retinas as much as it was mine." Yes…But I can't compete with 800 million…"

"Yeah, huh? Two hundred million is the most I could scrounge up.

Shinichi tugged on my sleeve, and I knelt down to meet his height. He whispered," It seems like it's not only Kid who's after the Egg. They all are…" I silently agreed.

"In any case, we can save the discussion about the egg for a later day." Yes, preferably after we thwart Kid. The hopeful buyers agreed with Mr. Suzuki, and all filed out of the room. Nishino-san, Mr. Suzuki's secretary from before, came in with a ribbon-wrapped box, bowing to the guest leaving. Sawaga Ryu was taken aback, gritting his teeth at the sight of Nishino-san, something both Shinichi and I shared a look at.

"Chairman! I've brought the Egg!"

"Oh, thank you. Put it on the table, if you would."

"Yes, sir!"

"Come, everyone." Mr.Suzuki motioned for us to sit on the recently vacated couch.

"Wow! He's going to show us the Egg!" Ran excitedly spoke.

Sonoko laughed humorlessly," It's nothing that fancy on the outside. In fact, I unknowingly played with it as a toy when I was little!"

"A toy??" Ran whispered under her breath, confused.

Mr.Suzuki gently undid the blue ribbon, placing the lid of the box nearby. The Egg sat on a plush blue cushion. It was arsenic green with silver inlays in curling and sweeping designs, like a thin weeping branch or an artistic drawing of wind. The top was decorated with black gems and tin flowers. A few of the flowers on the middle of the Egg were inlaid with a brownish-pink metal or stone. "Nishino-kun, could you get us some cold drinks?"

"Yes, sir."

"I dunno, it's less exciting than I expected."

"Yeah. It's like an ostrich egg."

"It opens up, right?"

"That's right! I'm impressed you knew!" Mr.Suzuki was more than happy to show us the 'surprise' inside. It was a golden scene of tiny figures. Children peeked over their father and the couch as the mother sat next to him, looking at the book in her husband, the Emperor's hands. "Inside is a gold model of Emperor Nicholai's family." Everyone was more interested in this than the shell.

"That's really somethin'."

"This egg does something interesting, too." He held a small key in his fingers. He gently placed it inside an opening, twisting it a few times. As soon as he brought his hands away, the golden figures rose to the edge of the shell's opening. Playing music softly as the tiny Emperor turned the pages

"Whoa! This thing's cool." Hattori-san leaned forward toward the Egg.

Mr.Suzuki reached for a thin book lying on the couch to his right. "In Fabergé's old notes was the design for the inside of the Egg. This is what proved it was a legitimate egg." He opened the book to a page with the drawing of the Egg, and I could faintly make out the year 1917 from my spot across the table—one of the last years of Imperial's production.

"Is "Memories Egg" the English translation of its Russian name?"

"Yes, that's right. In Russian, it's "Vospominaniya," or "Memories."

Shinichi's childish speech was still unfamiliar to me even though I picked him up quite often from his school, "Say...How is flipping through a book a memory?"

"You idiot! The Emperor reading a book to his kids is the memory!" Mr.Kogoro was more than ready to quiet Shinichi's questioning.

Ran was quick to divert the topic," Are those jewels shining underneath the Egg's lid?"

"No, it's only glass." I itched to inspect the Egg. If it was glass, did that mean light could pass through? I did see a large portion of it on the inside of the egg lid.

"Eh?"

"Even though it's a present from the emperor to the empress?" Shinichi stared into Mr. Suzuki's eyes as if he could see into his soul with how intently his gaze was. "Doesn't that seem strange?"

"Apparently, Russia was in financial trouble when the 51st was made." That made sense as the Romanovs were abdicated from the throne. I doubt they could afford the last two eggs.

"No, the Kid's letter is what seems strange." Hattori-san frowned as he focused back on the note. "A tall building shining in the heavens." Why would Osaka Castle shine?" I could admit that the Kid Committee had rushed the translation. And I had yet to hear back about the 12th letter either.

"You dummy. The retired Emperor who built Osaka Castle built it was the foundation for all of Osaka's development! So it's like the light of Osaka!" This was true, but I couldn't help but wonder. The recent notes I had come across had often used more exact terms—the translation for the upcoming heist, for example.

"Exactly!" Superintendent Chaki had his shoulders thrown forward as he stalked to us with Mr.Nakamori close behind. "The Kid will appear in Osaka Castle's tower! No doubt about it! But.." They must have finally decoded the remaining line.

Mr. Nakamori quickly reiterated the line," 'When a clock with no second hand inscribes the 12th letter'' we just can't figure out what that means." Or not…so much for relaying on the committee.

Kazuha-san's soft voice offered a suggestion. "Could it be the 12 letters in the Japanese alphabet?" The men were surprised as they gasped. Ran and Sonoko were quickly counting with their fingers.

"The 12th letter?"

"Shi? Could it mean 4 o'clock, then?!" I was going to kill Kaito. Couldn't he have reasonable hours to have heists??! Like 10 pm? I'd even take 12. My sleep had become irrevocably fucked since meeting the boy's alter ego.

Mr. Nakamori was quick to squash the suggestion, "No, that's too simple for one of the Kid's codes." As if figuring out the date wasn't spoon-fed to us as well. I rolled my eyes at the arrogance of the adult men.

"I've figured it out, Superintendent." Mr.Kogoro had an idea. Boy, this should be good. "It's not the Japanese alphabet, but the English alphabet!" With that logic, it could be Russian as well.

"The English alphabet?!" Of course, they entertained the adult male. I gave up giving my full attention to these fools.

"The 12th letter of the English alphabet is L! In other words…" The superintendent raised his watch. "3 o'clock?!"

"Impressive, great detective! Well done!" Oh no. Mr. Suzuki has been lost to him as well. With his ego thoroughly stroked, Mr. Kogoro laughed uncontrollably.

"That's gotta be it! 3:00 a.m. is before sunrise. It matches perfectly with "Dawn of the Third Quarter !" I sighed, scooping my brother into my arms. He was still thinking, staring off into space, lost in his mind.

HOTEI SHRINE

The place was relatively empty except for our little group. Shinichi and Hattori-san were off being buddy-buddy as my best friends, Kazuha, and I pulled fortunes. "I got 'great luck'!"

"Let me see!"

"So lucky!"

"Waiting: You will reunite with the person you love."

"Could that mean Shinichi-kun?!" Technically, I never left, but I congratulated Ran nonetheless.

"Eh?"

"Oh! Good for you! Introduce him to me sometime!"

"Oh well? He's Takara's brother."

"And rather obsessed with Holmes." I cut in; it was a vital fact, after all. "He'd probably marry him if Ran wasn't here." I snickered as I looked over to Shinichi, looking rather annoyed at me. What good am I if I don't tease my sibling?!

"Now, then! The question is how we pass the time until 3:00 a.m." Sleep? Food? Methodically plan an intervention to stop a phantom thief? You know, just girly things. "For now, I guess we should eat.." I was liking this new detective more and more. Shinichi was lost in thought once more, probably dead to the world. Hattori-san stared for a moment before turning to his childhood friend. "Kazuha, show those three around, will ya?"

"What about you?"

"I'm gonna show this runt around the place." He gestured offhandedly.

"How come? Come on, let's go together!" Ran had doe eyes as she pondered over this.

"This is just how men are sometimes. Right, C-C-Conan-kun?" He laughed forcefully, pulling an arm around my tiny brother.

"Yeah!" That traitor. He and his new buddy were whispering 2 inches apart, probably scheming or arguing. They both quickly left the shrine.

"It's strange seeing those two get along…" Ran was looking rather dejected that Conan-kun was leaving.

Sonoko, on the other hand, couldn't care less. "Oh, who cares! We can have a girls' day out!" She talked with her hands, leading every word. "Let's find some hot Osaka men and have them pay for our meals!" It saddened me what I would miss out on, but alas, I cannot leave my brother to stumble into a corpse, not without me anyway. That's just boring.

"In that case, Let's check out Pick-Up Bridge!"

"Hey, listen, Kazuha. I'm not feeling too hungry right now, so I might tag along with those two to make sure they don't get into trouble." I pulled her to the side, whispering quietly.

"Might get into trouble? Please, it's a guarantee." She laughed before letting me know the general area they would be in. I waved goodbye to my girlfriends. Ran was in a better mood knowing someone else would be watching my murder magnet brother.

I jogged my way toward the departing detectives. "You're thinkin' about that 12th letter thing, aren't ya?"

"Yeah. I know what "L" is in the Russian Alphabet, but…" They were two peas in a pod, muttering, and their hands shoved into their pockets.

"The Russian alphabet?"

"The Russian "L" is the English "K."

"Hmm, clock hands can't make a "K" shape…"

"Plus, the "Last Wizard of the Century" at the end of the letter bugs me.

"He's such a snob."

"He's never called himself that before." Shinichi sighed. "Takara, if you're going to follow us, could you at least stop humming?"

"I wasn't exactly hiding Shin-chan." I huffed at my brother's indifference. "Geez, it seems like you getting short has condensed all that attitude.

“Real mature, Takara.”

"Oi, oi?! Since when did she know?"

"Since the beginning." I lagged behind them as they occasionally threw a look over their shoulder before staring into each other's eyes, nodding, and then stepping in line with me. "Are we sure you're my brother and not his?" They didn't answer.

"We're going over Kid, keep up." So loving of my brother. "Plus, the Kid's only ever gone after jewels. So why the Egg now?"

"There was the clock tower? He's kinda like Robin Hood in a sense…"

"Anyways, what fortune did you get earlier?" Seemingly done with my antics, they changed the topic.

"I haven't looked at the stupid thing yet."

"Why not? It's gonna tell you how your duel with the Kid goes, right?"

"Ugh…" I snickered as Hattori-san goaded Shinchi. "Oh? 'Some Luck', huh? That's a pretty vague fortune."

"There's no telling if you'll win or lose your duel with the Kid now."

"The one you wait for will come?"

"That sounds promising? You were able to sniff Kid out last time, too." The Clock Tower seemed so long ago. I had heard the city bought it for a cheap price after the investigation proved the diamonds fake.

"Ah? Travel: Your secret will come to light; avoid traveling." I winced at this. My brother always had relatively poor luck, but damn, let's just hope it's not Ran who finds out." Hey, now!" Judging by the look on his face, he was already considering the aftermath.

"The fortunes here are right a lot." Hattori-san was very casual when picking on my brother. I could respect that.

"What?! No way!"

"Yes, way!" Each of them bore a grin. Hattori-san was just as happy as could be while my brother grimaced.

"Ne, Takara-san. You've gone head to head with the Kid before, haven't you?"

"Uh, kinda? I wasn't there to catch him per se, and I just like the hunt. Let's see…" I touched my finger to my lip in thought. "Oh! There was that time when Commissioner Hakuba's son almost caught him? I managed to corner Kid in the end, but I think he knew I wasn't going to put him in handcuffs."

"Why wouldn't you?"

"It's no fun to end the chase there. Plus, the painting never left the frame. I've come to understand there are only a few ways he operates: he's airing out someone's dirty laundry, my favorite; second: someone else is using his name; and third: he's searching for a specific gem."

"Which gem?"

"I'm not sure. The gems he's gone after are varied; some have lore, and others have unique colorants." Both of the boys just pondered as we made our way further from the shrine.

SUZUKI MODERN ART MUSEUM

It was almost sunset at the museum. Kogoro and Suzuki sat across from each other, the Egg safely wrapped in its box between them. "A traditional Japanese restaurant?"

"Yes. We know the Kid will appear at 3:00 tomorrow morning, so what do you say until then?"

"Sounds great to me!" The gilded automatic doors slid open for Nakamori and two officers trailing behind.

"Chairman! It's time." Nakamori stiffly reported.

"Oh, yes! I appreciate your help!" Nakamori bent to pick the box from the coffee table carefully.

"Oh? Are you moving it to the exhibition room?"

"The fake will go there."

"Fake?"

"All previous times, we naively left the Kid's prey where he indicated in the warning letters, and he swiped it anyway. This time, we're making it so he doesn't know where the real one is."

"Good thinking! So, where will it be?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you! Only my two men and I know! Of course.." He pulled at both of his men's faces harshly. "I've already made sure they're not the Kid in disguise!" Kogoro, upon seeing this display, decided to test it himself…on Nakamori. Stretching and pulling at the other man's face.

"What are you…" Nakamori smacked Kogoro's hands away with his arm not holding the box.

Kogoro huffed, "There's a chance that you're the Kid, too!" He had his hands on his waist, pointedly staring at the officer.

"In that case, I better make sure you're not the Kid!" His men behind him avoided looking at the scene, staring straight at the ceiling. Nakamori pulled even harder at Kogoro's face, petty revenge. It is just the perfect example of adult men's behavior. Soon, both men quarreled and yanked at the other's face. A pigeon cooed at the half-open window above. Who needs a mask when you have already bugged the place?

Chapter Text

Night had fallen by the time we made it back, and I was starving and wanted a nap.

“My name is Kosaka Natsumi. This is my butler, Sawabe. I’d very much like to meet the chairman. ” She held a small info packet towards Nishino-san. “In regards to the imperial Easter Egg in this pamphlet.

“I’m sorry. The chairman is out at the moment. I can speak with you if you’d like.”

“The egg in this photo is different from the picture my great-grandfather left!” That got our little high-school detective's attention. Hattori-san checked the time as we passed the woman and her butler.

“Oh! That’s neat! If 3:00 a.m. is an ‘L’, right now’s a Japanese ‘he’!”

“He?” He pointed his watch towards us, displaying about 7:13.

“It’s 7:13 right now. At 7:20 will be a perfect ‘he’!” How could we be so stupid? The line was referring to the 12th letter of the warning note!

‘Hattori! The Kid didn’t mean 3:00 a.m.! He meant 7:20 p.m.!”

“Say what! Hey! Where are you going, Kudo?!”

“Osaka castle! You guard the egg!” Shinichi ran to his skateboard. Water fell onto my face as both Hattori-san and I looked at the clear night sky.

“Rain? The weather forecast said it’d be clear…” Hattori-san shoved a hand out at Shinichi. “Wait, Kudo! The “Tall building” isn't the castle tower! It’s the Tsutenkaku Tower!

Shinichi skidded in his tracks,” The Tsutenkaku?!”

“A weather forecast shines at the top of the Tsutenkaku!” Both my brother and I were surprised at this revelation. Leave it to the thief to find an absurdly high building to hang out on. We could see fireworks sprouting from Osaka Tower. Kaito Kid knew how to put on a show.

Beyond the high school detectives

At Restaurant Kakei, Kogoro and the Suzuki chairman were sipping on alcohol. “Oh, fireworks!”

“Truly a summer tradition! The oblivious detective mused.

Similarly, none the wiser were the girls at Dotonbori. They were walking on the bridge when they heard the fireworks, stopping to admire.” They’re so pretty!”

“Even Osaka’s fireworks are flashy!”

Only Kazuha was puzzled,” That’s strange. Today’s not a firework day.

From a building a few blocks down, Officers were crowded in a worn-down storage room... “Inspector! Fireworks are being launched over by Osaka Castle!” The flashing lights illuminated the dark and dusty room.

“An incredible amount, too!” Inspector Nakamori was the only one calm. Sitting at the lone round table, one leg over the other and arms crossed. He didn't even bother looking toward the window, his eyes, had they been open, would only see the box.

“Calm down. That’s not the Kid. We still have over 7 hours until the time he specified.” Only then did he cast a glance to his men, still illuminated by the fireworks shining through the window. He refocused on the box decorated only with a thin blue ribbon. “I doubt he’ll ever suspect that the egg is being hidden in a warehouse-like place such as this!” His arrogance bled through his confident gaze as he scoffed.

The front entrance of the museum, Kudo Takara

“Hattori! Which way is the Tsutenkaku?!” Shinichi urgently shouted.

“That way!” He pointed to the left of the fireworks, which flew behind the Museum. “There aren’t any fireworks over there…” His posture weakened.

“The fireworks at Osaka Castle are to take all eyes off the Tsutenkaku!” Shinichi who was once earnestly looking at Hattori-san cast his gaze to the floor in thought.” But why?! Why would he be at the Tsutenkaku?”

“Kaito Kid above all else is a performer.”

“Damn! We can't make it to the Tsutenkaku in time!”  Pounding his fist in frustration, Hattori-san burned inside at the sight of the fireworks.

Shinichi's eyes wavered, “Wait for Kid here!” He ran to the group behind us skateboard in hand. “Nishino-san! Where’s the egg right now?!”

“Inspector Nakamori apparently took it to a different location.” This news pounded in our heads like the fireworks going off loudly behind us.

“W-what?!”The world went dark. The only light in the area was cars dotting the horizon. It made the fireworks all the more beautiful against the sky, the blue-black canvas speckled with stars.

“A blackout?!” Unease settled everywhere shadows took, Dotonbori bridge, Osaka Castle, the tiny room of Restaurant Kakei, and the warehouse-like room hiding the egg. A space that would have a backup in case of a power failure. There's no doubt Inspector Nakamori wouldn't be prepared, Kaito Kid knew this as well as this growing collection of high-school detectives. Shinichi shot off like a rocket as Hattori-san yelled after him.

There were only a few places that would have backup generators. Hospitals and hotels would be the first. And Inspector Nakamori would lead him to his prey as a beacon in the night.

“Hattori-san! Can I borrow your keys?! Your Motorcycle?”

“Don't bother, I'm comin’ with you!” He dangled the keys as I took off running.

“Come on-Come on-come on!” I thanked them every time my parents had me learn about every possible motor vehicle. We were quick to catch up with my brother, weaving in between cars and people. Shouts came from the car windows, yelling about the congestion of the roads like they were red blood cells in a high-cholesterol artery.

There was a familiar white glare in the night. Kaito. Shinichi turned sharply into an alleyway before catching up to him as he met a dead end. “Hop on, Kudo!” I pulled my brother in between Hattori-san and me. “I get it! The Tsutenkaku’d be the perfect place to see where lights come on!” I almost couldn't hear Hattori-san shouting back at us, over the wind in my ears. “Which means he anticipated all this when he wrote his letter!”

My brother's head peeked from behind Hattori-san's back. “And, to keep the hiding place less conspicuous-”

“Is no one else still thinking about what that lady said about the egg not looking how it should??!” Damn them and their one-track minds.

Hattori-san picked up on where I cut my brother off. “Security would be light!” The tires screeched as we dove into more alleyways to chase Kid. “He’s gonna get it if we don’t hurry!” Hattori-san killed the bike just as Kid landed on the roof, still honing in on the egg.

“Hattori! You stay here!” Shinichi tossed him the helmet before dashing off into the stairwell.

“What?! Hey! Kudo!” I could guarantee the first thing Kaito did was gas the room. The bike barely lit the street. The window was open, and I could see the reflection of Kid. Just as he was about to climb through, box in hand, I could hear my brother’s voice yelling.  A pink smoke filled the room and crawling out the window was Kid. He leaped with his paraglider down the street. Hattori and I were still seated on the bike. A rope was tossed out the window, Shinichi peering down before repelling down the building.

“Hurry Kudo!” The tires screeched as soon as Shinichi hopped on.

“Hang gliders fly best with light headwinds!”

“Meaning he’s flying upwind, huh?!” My knuckles were white as I did my best to secure Shinichi. The cars were no longer congested as we balanced on the dotted line. The power was still cut from the buildings that ran along the road sandwiched against the water.

“He’s starting to lower his altitude!”

“Osaka Bay is up ahead! The Kid’s definitely gonna land!”

“Car! There’s a motherfucking car!!” I screeched. And we were in the air as Hattori-san tipped us to the pavement. The road ate at my jeans and jacket, and I was thankful it wasn’t ripping my skin instead. Shinichi was quick to recover as he hopped on his skateboard before even touching the ground.

“Takara! Hattori! You okay?!” He threw off his helmet as he bent over Hattori-san who was still lying on the ground. Hattori-san yanked his helmet off before yelling at my brother to leave.

‘W-What’re you doin’?! Get going!” Shinichi was taken aback as the Osaka detective shouted. “Let ‘im get away, and I’ll kick your ass!”

“Hattori…”

“This isn't the time to be sentimental, Shinichi! Get your ass moving!” I was fairly certain my arm was dislocated, clutching it to my chest. The truck driver was frantic as he hovered over us and the car next to us had stopped, opening the door.

“Call the police and an ambulance!” Shinichi had one foot on the skateboard as the driver weakly agreed. “Just hold on!” I flopped back onto the pavement.

‘Where the fuck did you learn to drive?” My voice held no venom in it. I was exhausted.

“Funny story…” I groaned before shooing the concerned driver away from me and back to Hattori.

“Any broken bones?”

“Might have bruised a few.”

“Same. The arm’s dislocated though. That’ll be fun later.” I had the driver help me pull Hattori to the side of the road before flopping down next to him. “I think I may need a new phone after this…oh nice my sim card is still intact!” The shattered screen was barely holding onto the rest of my phone.

“Ambulance and the police should be here soon.”

“Good, I can yell at Mr.Nakamori for blindly trusting Kogoro.”

“I don’t think they're awake yet. Do you know Mr.Nakamori?” He shifted to face me before raising an eyebrow.

“A bit yeah. I’m friends with his daughter and have been on a few heists with him.”

By the time the police and ambulance arrived, Shinichi had called. There was a bullet shell, Kaito’s broken monocle, an injured dove, and the egg still intact although the box had broken. I was wracked with anxiety and repeatedly ignored Shinchi’s and Hattori’s requests to sit down at the hospital. Ran, Sonoko, and Kazuha-chan were quick to gang up on me too. Now I was locked in a rather bare room, every door or window locked. Luckily they forgot to search me, or maybe they were just being nice but I needed to know if Kaito was okay. I didn’t have any proof that Kaito was Kid besides my suspensions but my gut feeling.

An hour or two later...

It wasn’t difficult to sneak out of the hospital but getting back before Shinichi had people check up on me was another. Luckily the hospital was near Kid’s disappearance. Occasionally a spotlight from the boats or helicopter would shine over where Shinichi found the egg. I started from a nearby building where the shot came from as the police were canvasing that too. I looked for anything fiber, scuff marks, and blood which I could only hope wasn’t there. It seems I’ve gotten rather attached to the phantom thief, regardless if I thought he was Kaito.

It took thirty minutes till I found anything. A scuff on the railing and then a few meters away in a nearby alley some stands of white fibers on a rusted piece of a metal ladder. Making sure to get rid of the evidence, wiping away the marks and burning the fibers with a discarded lighter. I slowly made my way up, being gentle with my arm and bruised hip. I wonder who shot at him. If he had people after him besides the police? I supposed the Kaito Kid must, if they had been stealing since before I was born.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted a hunched-over figure behind some box, no longer clad in white but rather the shadows. So far he didn't seem to notice me still peeking out the clouded window at the spotlights turning off.

“They think you're dead. Well, the Osaka police do; Mr. Nakamori is still certain you're alive.” He was quick to raise his card gun at me but didn't move from his spot. The discreet action caused an eyebrow to raise on my part. “Watch where you're pointing that, I don’t feel like getting yelled at again for injuries.” I sighed heavily before plopping down on the floor near him, facing the door. “Look, I'm not here to rat you out. Nor am I here to figure out your identity.” And offhandedly under my breath, “Not that I don’t have my suspicions.”

“And to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

“A conscience because unfortunately, I care. I like the little games you play on your heists. It doesn't weigh on my mind like some of the other things I get involved with.”

“ Do you check on all the thieves you chase or am I special?” Must not be that hurt if he's still trying to flirt. His hand never left his side and I could hear the purposely slow breaths he was taking.

“Did you bruise your ribs?”

“I suppose I can’t lie to a detective.” I laughed quietly.

“You could, I just don't think you'll get very far.” I tossed him a sheet I pilfered from the hospital room. “Cover your face. Let me check on your ribs.” While he caught the sheet, he didn't move a muscle to cover his face. “I brought some painkillers if that helps?”  He begrudgingly wrapped his head, observing it from view beside a sliver of his eyes. I scooted over to him slowly moving to lift his shirt. I held a sharp intake of breath; his side was already turning colors from the few hours since the fall.

“Well, it's not pretty. It's already turning purple.” He tried to lean against the box behind him. “Don’t lay down. I still need to see if you've broken your ribs.” He held the card gun at his side, but his knuckles were no longer white. Holding his shirt in one hand, I gently prodded the bruise listening for any crunching or feeling any movement. “You’re lucky you didn't crack any ribs; the muscle is going to be tender for a while.” I pulled the small packet of painkillers from my jacket pocket. “ The painkillers I promised.”

“Don't you have people looking for you?”

“I will….Technically, I should be locked in a hospital room, but I never could stay away from a puzzle for long.” I fiddled with the tin foil from the pills before taking the hand resting on his side. I pushed the pills into his palm before wrapping his fingers around them. His eyes were still squinting, blown out from pain and the loss of light.

“Is that what I am? How flattering.” He huffed out a laugh before wincing. I turned away so he could take the painkillers. The sheet hit the floor soundlessly as I started to shuffle through my numerous pockets. Bringing out some bobby pins, before realizing Shinichi must have pilfered my phone while I was distracted receiving treatment. At least, I still had a newly acquired lighter…

“Your dove is safe.” I deliberated on what to say. If I should ask about the shooter or maybe even the egg, I could figure those things out tomorrow when he wasn’t on edge.

“That’s good. Any particular place they're being kept?” He hummed lightly before picking the sheet back up.

“Right now with Conan but I assume I’ll be given babysitting duties soon. He has a penchant for getting into trouble.”

“I’ve noticed just like you and your brother I assume?”

“He is a lot like my brother. You should be glad he isn’t here, might have found you before me.”

“I am.” I was still facing the door when the sheet from before was tossed on my head. “You're better company anyway. I don't think he’d bring me painkillers.”  I hummed underneath the sheet as I could hear him shuffling around.

“Don’t lay down, it'll only hurt more.”

“You have no faith in me, Detective.” I didn't have a response for him. He wasn't completely wrong, but in my defense, he had already tried to lie down before. The moonlight had shifted since getting here. I slowly got to my feet not bothering to take the sheet off which barely covered my eyes. “Leaving already?”

“It’s late, and someone will be checking on me soon if they haven’t already. I won’t tell them I found you.”

“I know.”

Chapter Text

That night, despite their exhaustive search efforts, the police couldn’t tell if the Kid survived or not. And I wasn’t to tell them otherwise, less they put an injured and endangered man in handcuffs. The next day, to ascertain if the egg was undamaged, its display was canceled, and it was to be taken back to Tokyo aboard a Suzuki family ship.  It was opulent, to say the least. Gilded accents on the bow of the ship and there was a vault to protect the egg.

The cameraman followed Nishino-san with the egg, as he presented it to Mr.Suzuki. Only a few of the potential buyers were here, the men who fought each other earlier standing behind Shinichi and the once distraught lady with her butler behind her. To their right was Mr. Suzuki in the center of the couch, and Mr. Kogoro slumped beside him with his arms crossed.  Ran and Sonoko were seated in front of me as I side-eyed the camera. The lady who had a bout with the cameraman was beside me and Nishino-san stood nearby.

“My great-grandfather’s name was Kiichi. He worked as a craftsman at Fabergé’s workshop. He married a Russian woman there, and the year after the revolution, they returned to Japan, where my great-grandmother had a baby girl. But my great-grandmother died shortly after, and nine years later, my great-grandfather also passed away, at the young age of 45.” Kosaka Isumi is a 27-year-old woman who has a familial history with the egg.

“And this baby would be…?” Ever the friendly man, Mr. Suzuki, spoke as everyone else listened quietly.

“My grandmother. My grandfather and my parents died in an accident when I was five, so I was raised by my grandmother.” The butler behind her spoke up, “She passed away this past month.” Grieving then.

“I was working as a pastry chef in Paris, but I returned here to tend to her personal belongings. When I found this old drawing, I think my great-grandfather did.” She pulled a worn and tattered parchment out of her purse. “The middle is torn out, but…”

“Memories… Indeed, this is the Memories Egg. But this one has jewels on it.”

“Maybe it had jewels originally, but they got taken at some point?” Kogoro was quick to hypothesize. Shinichi hopped from the couch and leaned over the parchment.

After giving it a hard glance, “Say, could there have been two eggs, actually?” Ms.Isumi was surprised as Shinichi elaborated. “I mean, look. The contours are too different to be only one egg.” He drew an imaginary line following the curve of the egg as Ms.Isumi leaned over to see what he meant. “It was actually a bigger piece of paper with two drawn on it, but then a huge part in the middle is missing now.

“I see!” For once Mr.Kogoro wasn’t shooting down Shinichi’s explanation.

As the left side of the room peered over the paper, Shinichi was examining the egg again. I kneeled next to him as he flipped the egg over to see the bottom. There indented into the shell was a mirror. He poked at the hole and the fucking mirror fell out. I quickly caught it before it hit the ground.  I’m sure my face was comical as I glared at him. He looked over at me saw my face and avoided my pointed stare.

“Oops! It came out!”

“What are you doing?!” I open my palm to Shinichi as he kneels to look under the coffee table.

“There was a mirror in it, but it came out…” He held the mirror like a coin while he sheepishly laughed, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

“WHAT?!” At this point, Ran was quick to admonish Shinchi.

“Conan-kun!”

“No, it's okay! That mirror’s made to come out easily!” I gave a sigh of relief at Sonoko’s words. I  thought for sure that Kaito Kid’s fall had dislodged it. “I guess it was added afterward or something.” Shinichi was now fiddling with the mirror. Watching as light showed through it casting a shadow into his hand.

“Huh? There's an image of something.” Hearing his mutterings, I quickly focused on it too. Faintly I could see a projection-like shadow of a castle.

“Nishino-san! Turn off the lights!” I rubbed my ear from Shinchi’s shouting.

“Eh? O-Okay.” Mr.Kogoro was shouting at Shinichi/Conan again, yelling about who he thought he was before getting cut off by the lights turning off. Shinchi pulled out his watch from his pocket, turning the flashlight on. He bounced the light off the mirror and cast it to the wall towards the bickering old men. Everyone was shocked; even the camera had been lowered.

“H-How is there a picture?”

“It’s a magic mirror.”

“Magic mirror?” For once they weren't bickering or calling each other names.

“I’ve heard of those!” The elegant researcher interjected. “They’re from Japan and China, where people worshipped mirrors!” They went on for a few minutes. They were specially crafted; some covert Japanese Christians secretly prayed to crosses hidden within.

“Sawabe-san, it's this castle..”

“Yes. Without question, it is the Yokosuka Castle.” The lady’s butler confirmed.

“Eh? Yokosuka Castle? The one they often use for commercials and such?” Ran questioned.

“Yes. My great-grandfather was the one who built it.” So not only did she have ties to the egg but the castle it was hidden in as well. My grandfather looked after it all this time.”

“So that was a Kosaka family castle!” Sonoko excitedly spoke.

“Natsumi-san, could your great-grandfather have made the two eggs?” Mr.Kogoro who was still standing after yelling at Shinichi/Conan faced the young woman. “After the Russian Revolution, your great-grandfather and his wife returned to Japan with the two eggs he made. He likely sold many of the jewels of this second egg,” He picked up the first half of the ripped parchment. “Built a castle in Yokosuka, and hid the egg somewhere inside it. And then he left a message saying he hid it inside the castle in a magic mirror in another egg.” Both Shinichi and I were skeptical; it was much too easy of a conclusion by ruling out other options.

“Actually, I also found this old key with the drawing.” It was a large bronze ornamental key with an intricate handle, and grooves cut into the teeth.

“There’s no question that’s the key to the second egg’s hiding spot!” He had since sat down happy with his rushed deduction. I didn’t particularly have anything against the man, but it was few and far between he was actually right, coupled with the fact he spoke rudely to my brother, which wasn't earning him any points.

“A mysterious egg, encrusted with jewels…”

“If it’s found, it’d be worth over 1 billion…no, 1.5 billion!” There were times I didn't understand why Kid went after the treasure. Not that I knew his reason to begin with but some items didn't make sense, like the jewel-less egg. Perhaps he already knows something about the second?

“Mori-san. Could you accompany me to the castle when we arrive in Tokyo?” Natsumi-san was as polite with her manners as her request.

“But of course!”

“Please allow me to come, as well.”

“Me, too!”

“Yeah! Lemme get it on film!”

“I’d love to come, too!”

“Sure! We can all go together!” Bless Natsumi-san, these supposed adults couldn’t mind their manners or their greed.

PRIVATE ROOM OF MOURI'S, Kudo Takara

The dove was very sweet and docile as we checked on its bandages. I rather wish I’d had asked Kaito Kid their name, but I suppose I could when I return them home.

“Okay! We stopped the bleeding!”

“Thank you for helping me Ran, Conan. It's a bit difficult to do this alone.”

“Don’t thank me! What are best friends for? And as long as we keep the wound wrapped, it’ll fly again!”

“Really?! That’s great!” Whenever my brother flipped the switch to Conan, it was like whiplash.

“Luckily, Hattori-kun only suffered some light sprains, but do you suppose the Kid is dead?” I kept quiet, letting the dove rub its beak against my fingers. Poor itchy baby. I felt bad I couldn't return them that night to him, but I hadn't expected to find Kaito so soon. There was a light knock on the door rousing us from our thoughts. “Coming!” I couldn't see them, but I grimaced when I heard his voice.

“That’s a great expression! Thanks for the shot!” He left quickly as I side-eyed my brother. I do not like him.  Shinichi only nodded in return. Damn, there goes sibling comradery, jerk. We’re supposed to badmouth them together. I pinched him and he gave a more acceptable response.

“Hi, Ran! We came to visit!”  Nishino-san and Natsumi-san followed Sonoko through the doorway. Pleasantries were said on the way, but the little dove who was still in my lap on the couch flapped their wings just as Nishino-san walked in.

“I think I’ll pass, after all,” He covered his mouth and ran out the door. Allergies? Phobia? A disguised Kaito?

“Huh? Oh, I get it! He's embarrassed being around so many beautiful girls!” I quickly glanced at my outfit. Nope, nothing scandalous just a mid-thigh skirt and a matching sweater. It was a bit cool on the ship after all. “How cute!” Sonoko’s reasoning was much more entertaining. She grabbed Conan’s hand. “I forgot the other beautiful girl! I'll go get her!”

“Okay! Seiran-san, right?” Was that the elegant researcher lady? I should really start remembering their full name.

“Let’s go, Squirt!”

“I’m coming too?”

I was in fact correct. “So you lived in Paris since you were 20, Natsumi-san?” Sonoko had brought tea and light snacks over to the room as she walked back with Seiran-san.

“That’s right. So sometimes I use strange Japanese. Speaking of strange Japanese,” She looked deep in thought just as she had when she mentioned the old bronze key.”There’s a phrase I heard as a child and never forgot.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“You have the best minds in the room to help!” I smiled brightly at Sonoko’s curiosity. I had since placed the dove in a cushy makeshift bed giving my attention to my company.

“Barushe niku katta be ka?”

“Eh?”

“I think it means, “Did Barougier buy meat?” But I don’t know whose name that could be.”

“Huh? Natsumi-san, your eyes are…”

“Yup! They're gray! Same as my mother and grandmother!” Are you seriously only noticing this now? I suppose you were more focused on the egg but still?!? “I think we got it from my great-grandmother!”

“Now that you mention it, your eyes are gray too, Seiran-san!”

“So they are! Do Chinese people have gray eyes, too?” Hmm, gray eyes are caused by a lack of melanin, aren't they?  Sonoko practically leaned over Ran to ask Seiran-san.

“Say, “Seiran” is written as “blue orchid,” right? My name means “orchid, too!”

“Seiran is the Japanese reading. It’s really “Chinran.”

“Chinran?”

“Sei is Chin, ran is ran. Hoshi is Pusu, so its Pusu Chinran.”

“So Ran is pronounced Ran in Chinese, too?”

“That’s right. “Mori” would be “Maori.” Maybe you should do Kudo. I kept this to myself lest I incur my brother's wrath.

“So my name would be Maori Ran! I like how cute that sounds!” It was nice how Ms.Seiran indulged Ran especially since we were still in high school and she was an accomplished historian.

“Oh, oh! How about me?!”

“Suzuki Sonoko would be “Lingmu Yuanzi.”

“L-Lingmu Yuanzi…”  Natsumi-san was quick to save Sonoko from dwelling on her name any longer.

“Say, I think we may be about the same age, Seiran-san.”

“Yes. I’m 27.”

“I knew it! What month?!” She intertwined her hands as she eagerly awaited her response.

“May. May 5th.”

“Eh?! I’m May 3rd! We’re only two days apart!” If this was a soap opera, they would be half-sisters.

“Oh, then you’re both one day apart from me!”  Goddamn it Shinichi! Wrong fucking thing to say you absent-minded fool!

“Ha-ha! It’s so funny you mention that Conan-kun! That the same day as my brother and I!”

Finally, he realized his fuck up and laughed nervously nodding at my words. I could see Ran in the corner of my eyes shaking her head. Good. I can’t have her putting the dots together knowing she’d be furious at us and want to involve more people. The black organization was dangerous in the time since Shinichi’s “disappearance” he had run into them multiple times, each just as dangerous.

TAKARA'S GUEST ROOM

I wonder if Kaito is on this ship…I suppose the egg is still his prey as he hadn’t successfully stolen it. Maybe it was both of the eggs. I moved the basket onto the side of my bed, letting the dove walk around as I put together a meal for them. They were very sweet and smart. It made sense considering who their “father” was, a very charming thief who was always a step ahead. I set the small dish on my bed just observing the dove. “Kyuu-san?” They cooed but returned to the food.

“Hato?”

“Arsane Lupin?”

“Robin Hood?”

“Bonnie?” “Clyde?”

I sighed. I turned off all but my bedside lamp before lying near my new roommate. “Fuck it. For now, you’re Kyuu.” Kyuu-san was done eating and rather cutely slept in their temporary bed.  It was only 6:47 pm, I suppose I could read until dinner was served. I was only a few chapters in when I heard yelling in the hallway. Placing the worn cloth cover book on the side of the bed, I peeked my head out.

“-is dead in his room!” Could I blame Shinichi for being a murder magnet? I suppose I was too though. I slipped into my shoes, grabbed a jacket, and booked it after Nishino-san and the Moris’, Shinichi was long gone already.

It was a churning sight. Albit one I was used to but I didn't like seeing them with blood seeping into the floor. White feathers were covering the scene, from the torn pillow on his bed. A broken flowerpot and plenty of papers sprawled next to the body…to Sawaga-san. Even if I didn't like him, I didn't want this death for anyone. I could see the cavity of what was his eye, the shattered bone and blood dripping from it. Whoever did this made eye contact with the victim.

“Sawaga-san…”

“He was shot in the right eye.” Just like Kaito…

“Hey, you! Butt out, kid!” Mr.Kogoro tossed Shinichi and his mutterings to the door.

“Are you okay?”

“He’s a tough kid. He’ll be okay Ran.” I placed my hand on her shoulder.

“His cheeks are just starting to stiffen. It’s been less than 30 minutes.” While he didn't have gloves on he was careful only to touch him minimally. “His ring pendant is gone!” I was itching to check the headcount of everyone on the boat. Were all the lifeboats still here? “Chairman Suzuki! This was a murder! Contact the police!”

“R-Right!”

Chapter Text

I had expected them to come by boat but instead, it was a helicopter, Mr. Suzuki and Kogoro were welcoming.

Inspector Megure, Assistant Inspector Shiratori, and Officer Takagi. The latter two I wasn't as familiar with. Normally I prefer to address whoever was in charge, less hassle that way. I don't know if it was just antsy to find Kid, but the officer had a Band-Aid where Kaito was shot at. His right temple… I quickly shoved the thought down, Focus on the murder, Takara.

“The victim was Sagawa Ryu-san, age 32. A freelance filmographer.”

“Inspector! This was a murder robbery! The killer stole a ring!”

“A ring?”

“Yes! It originally belonged to Maria, the third daughter of Nicholai II! Sawaga-san had it on a pendant he wore against his neck!” I saw Shinichi use their distraction to walk into the room.

“If it was about the ring, the person could’ve just taken the pendant. But it’s weird... Not only is the room in shambles but even the pillow’s been but open!”

“Are you scampering around again?!”

“Inspector Megure! This was on the floor!” The officer held a blue and silver metal pen.

“A pen, huh? M. Nishino?”

“Inspector? I would check the camera as soon as you can. He tended to always have it filming. The last I recall I saw him was earlier while the sun was up. He knocked, filmed Ran’s reaction, and left just as quickly.”

“Thank you, Takara-chan. It's good to have another set of eyes around.”

The majority of us were later seated in the dining room. I wish it had been for dinner, but it seems I will have to grab something later. They had the people involved with the egg seated around one table while they questioned Nishino-san, who was standing near another table. The Suzuki family and Ran were on the couch next to my brother, looking over from the partition. All by mysellffff…

“This is definitely your pen, correct, Nishino-san?”

“Y-Yes. But what was it doing in Sawaga-san’s room?” They’re hoping you can answer that.

“You’re the one who found his body, yes?”

“That’s right. Dinner was ready, so I went to get him.” Dinner was ready…Would it be ill-mannered to grab a plate after a murder?

“Did you enter the room then?”

“No.” Hmm, it seems we're missing Officer Takagi…Wonder what he’s investigating. Hopefully the boats.

“Then why was your pen in his room if you hadn’t done inside?” All three of the men were ganging up on him. He was rather forthcoming though.

“I don’t know.”

“Then, what were you doing at around 7:30?”

“Let’s see…I was in my room, taking a shower at about 7:10, and I took a short break after that. I haven't got to use the fancy bath yet... I crossed my arms and leaned into the chair's cushions hoping it'd swallow me whole. I'd love to be back in my room with my new best bud Kyuu-san, but no they had to gather everyyyyone here. I’m so fucking tired and hungry.

“Inspector Megure!” Oh, look the missing officer. “We’ve found that all the victim’s videotapes are gone from his room.” Lovely.

“What?!”

“I get it!” Oh god, that's another dumb deduction from Mr. Kogoro. “That’s why the room was ransacked! Hold it, Conan! Quit running around!”

“It's okay, Dad. I’ll get him.” I quickly popped up from my chair after them. Shinichi going anywhere that fast is surely a boredom killer.  I meandered behind Ran listening for any rapid footsteps. Just as she turned the corner to a hallway a hand tapped Ran’s shoulder. I stayed put for once.

“Ran-san, the killer could be wandering around with a gun.” I could borrow a gun from the police like my brother did for the clock tower, but I don't think they'll be happy. Maybe I could ask for a temporary loan? “Please return to the others.”

“B-But Conan-kun is…”

“I’ll bring him back myself. Go on, now.”

“Umm…”

“Please, let me handle it.” Ran reluctantly walked back towards the dining hall. I gave her a small nod from my hiding place, promising her I’d keep Conan safe, not that she needed to ask.

Not long after Mr. Shiratori left the hall, Conan ran out from the call room. He rapidly looked around before glaring at every shadow. This time I followed him into the room holing myself in the booth with him.

“Takara?!”

“Two heads are better than one.”

“Don't quote idioms to me. It’s creepy.”

“Rude. So, what are you calling Agasa for?”

“Kid’s shooter and now Sawaga’s murderer.” I hummed as we quietly discussed our thoughts, whether the perp was one of the group or someone who came on the boat later if someone was framing Nishino-san. All those normal sibling activities.

“I got it, Shinichi! I checked the ICPO’s criminal database and a criminal with unknown age and gender popped up! He’s known as the Scorpion!” Shinichi had turned the volume up so we could both listen to Agasa’s findings.

“How ominous…”

We quickly made our way to Nishino-san’s room where the police surely were. ‘Inspector! I found it! It was under Nishino-san’s bed!” Officer Takagi popped up from the corner of the room, sandwiched between the wall and the bed.

“That’s impossible!” Improbable…

“It seems we have conclusive evidence now.” Inspector Megure’s words only incited a desperate man.

“Please, wait! I didn’t do it, Inspector!” He pulled on Megure’s lapels begging him to listen. It was then that Shinichi slipped in the doorway, dipping under Kogoro who was pulling the men apart.

“If you’re not the killer, then why did you have the ring?!”

“I don't know, either!”

“Conan!” Mr. Kogoro swung at my brother, missing and flopping face-first onto the bed. It seems Shinichi still kept those skills from soccer.

“Say. Are you allergic to feathers, Nishino-san?” That explains why he was avoiding me all day.

“Eh? Yes, that’s right…Then you can’t be the killer!” Kogoro who was closing in to throttle Conan was shocked. Shiratori, whom I avoided meeting eyes with merely glanced at me before leisurely walking over to the tiny detective.

“Go on. Continue.” An adult encouraging my tiny brother???

“O-Okay?” He gave a side-eye to me as if to confirm he was thinking the same. “After all, Sagawa-san’s room was filled with feathers! The killer even cut up the feather pillow! Someone allergic to feathers wouldn’t have done that!”

“Are you really allergic to feathers?”

“He wouldn’t even come within ten steps of me. It’s that bad.” A look of confusion before I elaborated. “I’ve been taking care of a dove since the 22nd.” They didn't look convinced, and we made our way back to the boring dining hall. Mr. Suzuki vouched for Nishino-san. Conan brought up the Rice hull pillow the secretary used, and Sonoko recalled Nishino-san booking it from my new roommate. I side-eyed Inspector Megure who looked a little apologetic for not trusting my words then and there.

“So, who’s the killer, then?”

‘Inspector, have you heard of the Scorpion?”

“Ha-ha Conan now is not the time for bug facts…” I’m seriously thinking my brother lost a screw when he shrunk.

“No! It’s a bad guy who goes to lots of different countries and always shoots people’s right eyes and kills them to get a Romanov Dynasty treasure!” I give up.

“Oh! Now that you mention it, there was someone like that on the international wanted list.” Megure seemed to conclude as he spoke. “Eh?! Does that mean our killer here…”

“I believe it’s this Scorpion; he probably shot at the Kid, too.” Act like a child! You're supposed to be a child!! I pulled at my hair, sinking back into my chair once more.

“Come again?!” Are Shinichi and I abnormal or is everyone else just a pile of bricks???

‘Kid’s monocle was cracked, right? The Scorpion shot at the Kid, trying to steal the egg from him.

“And how do you know about the Scorpion?!” Mr. Kogoro leaned down to get eye-level with Shinichi.

There it is…

“No, I, uhm…”

“Dr. Agasa told him. Isn’t that right, Conan-kun?” Shiratori-san was getting on my nerves. Was he aware I was hiding in the hallway? Did he hear my conversation with Shinichi? I was vague but not purposely so.

“Y-Yeah.” Am I just a background character?? Not a word about me?

“But if the Scorpion is the killer, why’d he steal Sagawa’s ring and hide it in Nishino-san’s room?” Mr. Kogoro was as helpful as (n)ever.

“Ne, you and Sagawa-san knew each other, right?” The former was slightly confused by this question.

“Sagawa-san was shocked when he saw you at the gallery yesterday!”

“Really?”

“You traveled all over the world, right? You must’ve met him somewhere, then!” Nishino-san thought back for a moment before he gave a loud exclamation.

“You knew Sagawa-san?!” Megure questioned.

“Yes! It happened when I was touring Asia three years ago! He was filming a little girl whose house burnt down in a civil war. He refused to stop when I told him to, so I punched him unthinkingly!” I thought you were a quiet glasses kind of man… suppose you’d have to have a backbone to be a secretary of a Suzuki.

“So, Sagawa-san must’ve held a grudge against you, then!”

“I got it! Nishino-san! You’re the Scorpion!” Don’t yell at Kogoro; this is Shinichi’s case. Don’t yell...Don’t yell…Don’t yell…

“Mori-kun, the feather thing already proved it wasn’t him.” Bless you, Inspector Megure.

“Oh. Right.” Be embarrassed, I have no sympathy for you.

“But you really lucked out, Nishino-san.”

“Eh?”

“After all, had the Scorpion not killed Sagawa-san, you would’ve been framed as the ring thief!” Shinichi, you are a devil child, implicating others with a bright, cheery voice. Mr. Kogoro thought for a moment before yelling out.

“That’s it! Just like the two eggs, there are two overlapping incidents here!” Oh good, the nudge worked. Kogoro had his fist clenched as if he was rallying.

“Two incidents?” Shinichi looked as pleased as I felt. It was boring holding their hand to the correct answer.

“In the first incident, Sagawa-san tried to frame Nishino-san! In order to frame Nishino-san as the ring thief, Sagawa-san showed the ring off to everyone. Then, while Nishino-san was showering, he snuck into his room and rid his own ring under the bed. And then he took the pen. All to make Nishino-san look like the thief. However, that’s when the second incident took place. Sagawa-san was shot to death by the Scorpion, The Scorpion was most likely after the ring and a tape that revealed his identity somehow. But the ring hanging from his neck was gone, so Scorpion ransacked the room in search of it.”

“Wow, old man! That’s amazing logic!”

“For me, this is child’s play!” It’s really not…I wonder when I can get back to Kyuu-san.

“Which means the Scorpion is still lurking on this ship somewhere?!”

“About that…an emergency life raft is missing.” Now you tell us Shiratori-san?!

“What?!”

“So, the Scorpion escaped in that?!” I’m not so sure he’d leave without the ring…

“I put out an emergency APB, but I believe finding him may be difficult.”

“Slipped right through out fingers…”

There was some talk about feeling relieved that Scorpion was gone across the room. If anything, it made me more antsy. Here I could predict and avoid large open spaces. But if they’re gone. When would they strike next?

“But there’s still a chance the Scorpion will appear at the Kosaka family castle for the other egg.” This subtle fact was a surprise to Natsumi-san. “No, he may be headed there already. Inspector Megure, as soon as we arrive in Toyoko tomorrow, I’d like to go to the castle with Natsumi-san and the others.”

“Understood. Do that.” Just as Kogoro was telling Shinichi, no small children were allowed, Shiratori-san requested Conan. Citing his perspective was useful. Sounded like a load of bull but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

PRIVATE ROOMS, Kudo Takara

“Kyuu-san, I’m back~.” They cooed at my return. “If your dad doesn't pick you up soon, I’m adopting you.” Was I slightly crazy for talking to a bird…maybe. But Kyuu-san was adorable. So far, their favorite spot to hang out was on my collarbone, reclining, standing, or reading a book.

I let them step up onto my hand, showing them all the high places and things birds wouldn't usually notice.  Honestly, they are my favorite bird. Not once did they jump onto a curtain or a counter until I gave them the ‘okay it was safe’.  It was getting late around 10-11 pm so I finally turned off the lamp after getting Kyuu-san and I ready for bed.

Chapter Text

It was now the 24th, I was lucky spring break started today. Mondays were the worst. The cab ride over to the castle was lonely, although I did have Kyuu-san. Both the taxi Ran was in, and the car Shiratori-san was driving were full. Every once in a while, Shinichi would send me a text.

-Maria also had gray eyes like Natsumi-san and Seiran-san.

- Mkay don't die

Honestly, if Shinichi had asked nicely, I would have let him ride with me, but now, he was stuck with Kogoro. He’d complain, and I’d ignore him. The view outside the cab was lovely. Seaside town, with winding roads up hills, and it was covered in lush greenery. The castle sat upon a rocky mountaintop, overlooking the town and the sea.  It had green spires and lots of tall windows. It was encased by a stone brick wall that matched the framing of the white castle.

My ass was numb by the time we got there. I threw on my extra fluffy cardigan and escorted Kyuu-san to my collarbone. They nudged into my hair and were seemingly content staying there.  Shiratori-san was spouting out facts about the German-style castle when I walked over to them. I thought they were Russian…Maybe they hired German contractors.

“Yo! Conan!” I snickered at Shinichi’s ghostly face. His little entourage had caught up to him.  Professor Agasa exchanged greetings with Ran and Kogoro. I occupied the children with Kyuu-san, showing but not allowing them to touch. Wouldn't be good for either of the parties' immune systems. Agasa passed some black-lined glasses to Shinichi, upgraded no doubt. I wish I could get fancy toys…but I was neither a thief nor a shrunken detective.

“This is just like a fairytale!”

“The treasure must be hidden inside!”

“I wonder how many boxed eel lunches it could buy!” Genta-kun you are my favorite for the next five minutes. I smiled internally at the children’s daydreams.

“Listen, you! You’re absolutely not allowed inside!”

“Yes!”

“We know!”

Kogoro you're fighting a losing battle. The last member of the potential egg purchasers arrived carrying a full backpack. “You can never be too prepared.” Uh-huh. I’m sure he’ll split off to search for the egg in no time. They all will.

The entry room was wide and spacious; the walls were decorated with statues in alcoves. Mr. Kogoro had the door locked behind us, leaving the poor dejected children. Warm flooring and green peeking from behind the wood paneling lined the way to the Room of Knights. Similar to the entry wall each armor stand had its alcove. Up the stairs was the Noble Women’s Room, filled with paintings and vases of flowers. The Emperor’s Room was a mix of both Paintings and statues, but the aesthetics fell into a glorified war. Our last to arrive was also the first to leave.

Shouts came from the Noble Women’s room. From an old man specifically. By the time we arrived, Inui Shouichi was cowering on the floor underneath some dangling daggers.

“What in the world?”

“This is a security device Kiichi-sama built 80 years ago.” This Kiichi-san had a fantastic sense of humor. An arm trapped in the safe and daggers dropping from the ceiling. Color me impressed. “There are many more such traps planted through the castle, so please be careful.” Do I get to see more of them?! Perhaps if I ask Mr. Sawabe, he’ll show me them.

“In short, trying to beat everyone to it is forbidden, Inui-san.” Yeah, you tell ‘em Shiratori-san. He shuffled through the old man’s gear before throwing him a red flashlight. “A flashlight should be the only tool you need.”  I poked at the saws and crowbar spilling out of the bag before helping Shiratori-san, who didn't object, mind you, pack them away.

“Say. Does this castle have a basement?”

“No.” Surprising, though maybe the terrain wasn't suited.

“Then where on the first floor is the great-grandfather’s room?”

“Oh, that would be his office.”

The same overarching theme of green wood-lined walls with warm wood flooring. In the center was a desk with a leather couch. The bookshelf which I thought was dust lined was faded from use, and time still I could see how cared for this house was.

“Please come in. Photographs of Kiichi-sama and daily scenes from the time are on display here.” Nice! My favorite activity, snooping.

“Say, Natsumi-san. Where are the pictures of your great-grandmother?”

“Actually, there aren’t any. So, I don’t know what she looked like.” Strange either they were destroyed, hidden, or he didn't like his wife…which the latter sounds silly because he moved to Japan with her.

‘Hey! Isn’t this man Rasputin?!”

“Yes. That’s definitely him. The signature even says, ‘G. Rasputin.” Ran asked her father about Rasputin, who he wasn’t very familiar with but the other adults in the room were more than willing to impart knowledge. The Mad Monk, who won favor with the imperial family, ruined them. He ruled for a bit but was killed by a relative of the emperor. Found in a river, their skull caved in, and most interesting one of his eyes had been crushed.

“Inui-san, the other egg is more important than Rasputin right now.” Kogoro lit up a cigarette which I turned up my nose at. Indoors really?

“Even so, how are we supposed to find it in this huge house?”

“Old man let me have that!” Shinichi grabbed the lit cigarette from the man before crouching in front of the fireplace. “There’s wind coming from below! There’s a secret basement under here!” Fuck yeah! I dropped beside him, looking for any sort of indent whilst watching the smoke wave with the wind. Kyuu-san was still with me, so I made sure to lean far away from the smoke.

“And, given that Kiichi-san loved making contraptions, “He snuffed out the cig in the ashtray Ran offered. “There’s gotta be a switch somewhere!” There it was a small chip on a strip of wood hugging the baseboards.

Shinichi’s small hands pulled away the floorboard revealing a Russian alphabet keypad. I whistled at this. Boy did this guy love his games, but so did I. After some deliberating Sergei-san was asked to use the keypad.

“It's gotta be “Memories”! “Vospominaniya!”, Of course, Kogoro was first to suggest. I wonder what would happen if we got it wrong. I folded my arms as I eyed the keypad, no visible signs of erosion due to oil on the numerals, which was unfortunate.

“Then try “Kiichi Kosaka!” Inui-san…. who uses their name as a passcode? Again, nothing happened.

“Or perhaps we could ask Miss Natsumi?” I asked. This was her family’s home after all.

“Natsumi-san, are there any words that were passed down to you?”  Sergei-san questioned but seemed to agree that Natsumi-san would know best.

“No. Nothing.”

“Miss Natsumi, what of the phrase you couldn't make sense of as a child?”

“Barushe niku katta be ka?” Shinichi, I thought we were using them like puppets?? Wearing them down like a river with stones?  Natsumi-san was confused at the unintentional double attack. “That phrase you mentioned might actually be Russian!” I furrowed my brows as I stepped back from the keypad, obviously, there were too many fingers in this pie and me asking questions or investigating wasn’t going to work out smoothly. There was however the matter with KID which I could muse over.

“Natsumi-san, ‘Barushe..’ what?” Sergei-san was hovering over the keypad again.

“...niku katta be ka?” Sergei-san echoed her, trying to make sense.

“The spaces in the words might be different!”

“Baru sheni kukatta bekka…Barusheni…”

“Could it be “Volshebnick Consta Veka?” Seiran-san for the win!

“Yes! Volshebnick Consta Veka!”

“What does that mean?!” I wish Shinichi and I had learned Russian…God am I going to end up picking up an introductory book when I get back home?

In English, “The Last Wizard of the Century.” In Japanese…” I could hear my heartbeat in my ears…Kaito most definitely knows, and now he will be another target for the Scorpion. Oh, it's just a funny little gimmick at the end of his notice, my ass! The police have got to do more research; this time, I’m doing my own too! Can't rely on them for jack shit nothing! Kaito did not once refer to himself as a wizard, only a magician. No there was one time…when he dropped by Ayumi-chan’s apartment.

“The notice…” At my whisper and Ran’s reminder, Kogoro finally put it together.

“That’s right! Talk about a big coincidence!” Coincidences don't happen with Kaito Kid. Sergei-san inputted the code, and there was a horrible sound of metal-on-metal grinding away on my eardrums. I hovered my hands over Kyuu-san’s head hoping to drown out the assaulting noise.

The floorboards pulled away from each other and withdrew into the baseboards. Years of dust and grime crawled over our feet. Gross…

“I didn’t know about this!” Yeah, I bet, Mr. Butler. This smells like what Michael Jackson was talking about. I heaved at the rancid funk wafting from the steps below.

“That is foul...” It took way too much effort not to puke for a measly three words. A hand pressed to my lips and under my nose, as I tried to block out the stench and fermented mildew wafting in the air.

“Well done, boy!” What are you Indiana Jones’s father? Can’t tell if I tolerated Inui-san or not. At least Shinichi was pleased with himself.

The spiraling steps were lined with water, seeping out from the cracks in the stone. Shiratori-san went first with a flashlight, then Kogoro with his lighter, Ran and Conan with his fancy watch. It seems that all the light we had, wait, do I still have that lighter? I did. It shall stay safe in my pocket lest I get lost from the group in a freak accident.  Ah, it seems Inui-san still did have that flashlight. Yup, the lighter stays in the pocket. I wish Kyuu-san could have stayed above ground, but the car was no place for an injured bird, who was healing quite well! We turned into a hallway with you guessed it more steps!

“Still, Natsumi-san…” Hmm, I guess Sergei-san is still hung up on the passcode.

“Yes?” The woman looked up from the floor and its water-eroded divots to meet the gaze of the man.

“Why was the password, “The Last Wizard of the Century?”

“I think my great-grandfather might have been called that. When he was 16, he exhibited a wind-up doll at the 1900 Paris Expo, and went to Russia after that.”

“I see. 1900 truly was the end of the century” Mr. Kogoro turned his head to glance behind at them. We passed through another arch or was it a doorway? The terrain wasn’t as polished, the stone bricks changing for a rocky path and walls. “It still keeps going. This place is really far down…” What were they hiding down here to have such a long descent? This place might as well be the center of the earth with how far we are.

I could hear some rocks fall and echo down the cavern, seeing Shinichi stop in place. “What is it?”

“I heard a faint noise!”

“The Scorpion?!”

“I’ll check it out!”

“Conan-kun!” Maybe I should pretend to be more worried…he is supposed to be a child. I pulled my lip between my teeth as I sighed inwardly.

“Oh-no. Conan-kun.” A bit dry and lackluster but no one seemed to question. Yay. Great success. Ran started to run after him, but Shiratori-san stopped her. Holding a hand in front of her as he planted himself between the group and the direction my brother took off in.

“I’ll go! Mori-san, please stay here with the others.” I gave a glance to see if anyone was noticing me before slipping into the shadows behind them. It was dark, and the only whisper of light was from Kogoro’s lighter (not a great source), and Inui-san’s flashlight pointed back toward from whence we came. It's not like I was the main focal part of the group; they wouldn’t notice.

“You guys?!” Oh good, it’s the children…the children currently in a castle with an internationally wanted killer?! This is in fact not good…

“Conan-kun!”  I tapped Shiratori-san’s shoulder who jumped ready to hit me with his flashlight. Scaredy cat, what was this his first run-in with an internationally wanted murderer?

“You’re supposed to be with the group.” He whispered harshly, his eyes narrowing as he met my nonchalant gaze.

“Yeah.” I wasn’t going to deny it. “Looks like there’s another entry/exit.” He nodded, twisting his lips as he glanced in that direction. How stoic…I miss Kaito and his humor. Shiratori-san took the lead once more as we met up with the main group who were still huddled together as we left them.

After we reintegrated with the group, the children took it upon themselves to sing. Background music for what would be a horrendous slasher film. “The thing that can attain your love in this world!?” The children perhaps weren’t cut out to sing professionally, like my unfortunate dear brother. “The mystery begins to unravel!? You still don’t suspect a thing?!”

 Well, if the Scorpion was here, we’re sitting ducks. “A dead-end!” There hadn’t been any small passageways I missed, right? No, this wall was an arch, embossed with metal birds. A column on each side lined with 5 rows of 2.  A large double-headed eagle with a crown and a red heart on top of a row of 5 in the center as well. The sun was depicted behind the eagle as well. An insignia?

“Did we take a wrong turn somewhere?” Hmm, brasiers and columns how nice. A detailed entryway. Kind of like cemeteries. Looks like we’re in the right spot just without a key perhaps.

“That can’t be. There was only one passageway.”

“Wow! Look at all those birds!” Child one…

“Huh? That’s strange!” Child two….

“The big bird has two heads!” Child three pointing out details. Adorable little detectives even if they have no spatial awareness or forethought.

“Shiratori-san! Try putting a narrow beam of light on that crown!” Like the magic mirror.

“O-Okay.” Don't get all shy now; you've been taking orders from my ankle-biter brother this whole weekend. I rolled my eyes as I waited for him to abide by Shinichi’s wishes. The gems in the crown almost glowed at the Shiratori-san flashlight.

“It shined! What the…” Yay, another entryway! I hovered my cupped hands around Kyuu-san’s head again at the rumbling noise. Poor Kyuu-san they were just about to fall asleep too.

“Everyone get back!” What is it with Shinichi and standing on hidden stairways? This one did sink into the floor this time and not into the wall, so he has that going for him. I made a face at my brother as he smiled a bit guilty at me for his lack of forethought.

“An entrance! Now I see…There’s a photometer in this crown.” The ground split even more making way for stairs to where Shinichi had taken his rudimentary elevator. Everyone was at least a little impressed, making noises of surprise and agreement. The arched entrance was much larger. I suppose we would have to walk fairly far down for a room this size to stay hidden.  There were more alcoves with statues and spouts that filled ponds next to a staircase. All lead up to an altar with angels and a larger statue in the middle. Man, I wonder how bad the settling is after all these years…

“It’s like we’re inside an egg…”  Shinichi was peering over at a thigh-height pillar. His nose peeked over the stone pedestal as he inspected the crevice. There was a small divot in the center, almost fancy egg size… I perked up ready to see what Natsumi’s ancestor had cooked up in this rather impressive cavern.

Kogoro lit the almost-dead candles that I failed to see in the dark. And what I thought was an altar resembled more of a coffin…

Chapter Text

“It appears to be a coffin.”

“It’s Western in design but made of paulownia. That’s a huge lock, though…” I was tempted to “help” Kogoro with it. Would it be suspicious of me to pick the lock? Nah, the police like me.

“Natsumi-san! That key!”

“Oh, right!” She dug into her purse before pulling out the ornate bronze key. “So, this is what it opens…”

“May I open it?”

I think there’s a dead body, but I think that’s just me. Everyone else is on Treasure mind. I’m still worrying about Kyuu-san’s absentee father! I gave Kyuu-san a pet to soothe my raging thoughts.

“Y-Yes.” Kogoro struggled to lift the lid, but with all that grime wafting off it, I wasn’t going within 5 feet.

“It’s pretty heavy… One corpse…and the egg. It’s as if the person’s holding the egg while asleep.”

“I hate being right...” My words were a whisper as I craned my neck to peek into the coffin. The dead body didn’t bother me too much once the smell died down. Interestingly enough, this egg was red and had a different base. More vase-like and not a claw foot tub.

“Natsumi-san, is this your great-grandfather?”

“No. I think it might be my great-grandmother. My great-grandfather has a lone grave in Yokosuka which I always thought was strange. It’s possible that she couldn’t be buried in the ancestral plot because she was Russian.”

“Natsumi-san, I know this is hardly the time, but may I see the egg?” Hmm one Russian man, one researcher lady, but no old man… Why no old man???

“Yes.” She handed the egg to him.

“There’s a small hole in the bottom. It’s empty inside?! That can’t be!” Nesting doll?

“What does this mean?!” Need the other eggie… I glanced back at the entry way debating if it was worth walking back up the eroded stairs to make a call to Chairman Suzuki.

“Is that a matryoshka?” What movie was she watching this time to learn that??? “I have one at home! My dad’s friend bought us one as a souvenir from Russia!” Oh well same thing. Nesting doll, Matryoshka. There was some muttering from them. I bet Kogoro didn’t know what it meant. I should really work on my petty thoughts…

“Yes, it could be possible! Have a look! It appears the notches inside are meant to keep the inner egg in place.”

“Damn! If only we had that egg, we could find out!”

“We do have the egg.” Well, that was creepy. “I thought this might happen, so I borrowed it from Chairman Suzuki.” Shiratori-san either you have the worst or best timing possible. Seriously the only person to rival you was Kaito and the stupid detectives I surround myself with. He is oddly suspicious.

“Hey, now. You didn’t borrow it without telling him, did you?!” He is a man of the law, Kogoro???

“O-oh, come now. You know I would never do that…” The nervous expression seems off-putting on the Assistant Inspector. For once I was on the same train of thought as Kogoro. The fidgety behavior and lack of professionalism I was used to from the police officers had me rethinking our entire time. Megure did make an offhand comment to me earlier after the inspection that Shiratori was meant to be on vacation until later. Damn, sneaky thieves.

“Let’s test this out, then.”

“It fits perfectly!”  Despite the celebration, my eyes chilled on Shiratori in suspicion.

“In other words, Kiichi-san didn’t make two separate eggs; he made the two eggs as one.” The smaller green egg fitted snugly in the other.

“These are some incredible diamonds!”

“No, I don’t think they’re diamonds. I think they might be ordinary glass.” Like the inside of the first egg? I backtracked to the pedestal. Light. Egg. Light. Egg. Kiichi-san is obsessed with the light trick.

“Sergei-san! Let me see the egg!” Shinichi ran up the steps to the coffin a hand reaching eagerly towards the egg.

“Not more of your…” Ever grumpy to Shinichi no matter the form, he started his tirade of grumbling. The older man’s hand reached towards Shinichi to grab his collar which caused me to step forward.

“Hold on, Mori-san!” Shiratori held Kogoro in place, “Can I help somehow?”

Shinichi grasped the egg that was almost as big as his face, “Bring your light!” The two of them jogged to the pedestal. I wonder what picture the egg will show this time. “Narrow the beam and put it on the pedestal!”

“Understood.”

“Sergei-san, Seiran-san! Put out the candles!” And there was darkness crawling over our feet; the candles snuffed out with a thin trail of smoke rising. The singular beam of light from the pedestal hardly lit up anything but the nearest faces. The artificial glow ruined the atmospheric vision I initially had of the cavern.

“What’s this all about?”

“Just watch.” The egg was placed on the pedestal, and there was a blackout, like on the 22nd before a red glow emitted from the egg.  The first egg’s shell ebbed away and then the second leaving the golden figures shining like a sun. The light glimmer of a shell was the only indicator that the egg hadn’t disappeared completely and was only candled to reveal the figure inside.

“I can see inside the eggs!”

“The imperial family figure is rising without any winding-up!”

“There’s a photometer inside the Egg.” The page inside turned slowly. Light shot through under the figures, bouncing off from the figures to the ring of glass gems, back and forth until all that was left was up. The largest glass gem on the very top of the red egg reflected beams of light from every faceted surface it had.

“W-What the…”     “T-These are…”  “...photographs of Emperor Nicholai and his family!”

It was an album. Hidden in the depth of this old castle, to protect their treasure.

“I see! The figures inside the egg weren’t looking at an ordinary book!”

“So that’s why it’s the “Memories Egg…” I can’t believe they let Sonoko play with this as a child.

“Had the imperial family survived to receive this, never would they have been given a greater present!”

“Your great-grandfather truly was the last wizard of the century!”

“I think my great-grandmother would be delighted to hear that.” Where was the Scorpion in all this and Inui-san still isn't here…An inking of trepidation crawled under my skin, my feet sliding back towards the entryway silently.

“Say, Natsumi-san. Isn’t that your great-grandfather in that photograph? That one with two people sitting in a chair.”

“It is! That must be my great-grandmother with him, then! My great-grandmother…I finally get to see what she looks like…” Grey eyes…

“This must be the only photograph taken in Japan. Kiichi-sama must’ve added it in afterward.” Is it just me or does her great-grandmother look uncanny to one of Nicholai’s daughters? Eh, I’ll just let Shinichi point it out; a lot nicer from a kid anyway.

The room grew dark again, and the eggs’ mechanisms ended the projections. “It seems this egg is Kiichi’s…no, Japan’s…treasured legacy.” Is Sergei-san withdrawing from purchasing the egg? “Russia hereby forfeits the ownership rights of both eggs. It appears they are worth their most in your hands.” Sergei-san presented the egg back to Natsumi-san as Shinichi grabbed the flashlight from the hole in the pedestal.

“Thank you. But the inner egg belongs to Chairman Suzuki…”

“I’ll speak with Chairman Suzuki myself! I’m sure he’ll understand!” That was an awfully nice thing for Kogoro to do. Almost makes up for tossing my brother around.  There was a red light crawling up Kogoro-san’s chest, “In any case, all has ended well!”

“Move Mr. Kogoro!!” “That’s! Look out!” Shinichi threw his flashlight at Kogoro just as went to tackle him. A silenced shot rang through the area barely missing Mr. Kogoro.

“What’s the big idea?!”

“We’re being shot at! Fucking move!”

“Don’t pick it up, Ran!” No, No, No! Not Ran! I’m not close enough to reach her! “Ran!” Shinichi tackled Ran to the side just in time. “Everyone get down!”

The children cried, and I could hear Natsumi-san yell as she fell. The egg rolled away from her.

“Dammit! You're not getting away!” Shinichi pounded after the footsteps.

“Mori-san you take care of things here!” Shiratori-san shone the flashlight at Kogoro who was still sitting on the ground. Kyuu-san was still alright, a little ruffed but alright.

Alright, we have Ran, Mr. Kogoro, Natsumi-san, the children, Sergei-san, who else? I could feel my head pounding. Did I hit my head? No blood, just have to stay awake till I can check more thoroughly. Was that a grenade? Nope, I'm not staying here even to do a headcount. Going after Shinichi, I’m not losing him.

The good news, the headache wasn’t quite so bad after running back up 50 feet. It wasn’t long till I caught up with Shiratori-san who was looking to get around the boulders blocking the entrance. “Still got those tools Shiratori-san?” He threw me a crowbar, and I got to work dislodging the rock enough to pull them away with my hands. My hands were taut as I lodged the crowbar between the rocks.

“We’re missing Seiran-san.” It took us way too long to get a partial hole. Grimacing as I yanked with my body weight against the barrier blocking my brother from me.

“I know. We should try to get out the way the children came in.”

“I’m going ahead.”

“I’ll make sure everyone gets out then. Don’t get shot again.” He didn’t reply, but I knew. I knew who he was…

Kogoro jogged over to me with our remaining group, which confirmed that Seiran-san was the murderer. Shiratori-san was long gone, slipping through the hole like a magician.

“W-what’s this?! The path’s sealed!”

“Does that mean we can’t get out?!”

“Follow me!” Ai-chan projected over Genta’s, panicking. Kogoro tried questioning, but Ai-chan wasn’t having any of it, “Just do what I say!”

“Lead the way, Ai-chan!” I grabbed the leftover tools, and it wasn’t long before we made it to the ledge the children slipped down from. Apparently, they went down because of a trapdoor opening up beneath them separating them from Professor Agasa. When we made it there was a rope ladder waiting for us, with Professor Agasa yelling for the children to climb up.

“O-Oh no! The castle is on fire!”

I whipped my head towards the castle peeking through the mountainside rocks. Not a speck of it wasn’t covered with fire. I backed away to the perimeter castle wall as far away as I could. Kyuu-san had tucked their head under my chin trying to wriggle away from the heat. With the fire starting to crawl over the garden wall we made a mad dash for the cars. The smoke was war too thick for me to attempt to crawl inside and I had no access to any body of water to snuff the flames creeping through the doorway.

“Conan-kun…” It didn’t feel like night anymore... Too bright, too warm. Please be safe, please be safe. The children were yelling for Conan and not my brother, which made my throat choke up. I felt like there were ants beneath my skin, eating away every piece of me.

“What? Quit yelling.” This bastard. He was just chilling by the cars. As if he wasn’t just fighting off against an international murderer. “Detective Shiratori took this egg back from the Scorpion.”

“Shiratori did?! What happened to the Scorpion, then?!”

“He arrested the Scorpion, Seiran-san, and took her away in his car.” Shinichi started walking to us. So, it was another draw…Kudo vs. Kid.

“What?!” How was he a police officer once upon a time? Let alone working as a detective for them.

“Seiran-san was the Scorpion?!” It seems like it’s an affliction all the adults around me have.

“Here! He told me to give it to you, Natsumi-san!” She thanked my brother who was still covered head to toe with soot. Once the fire trucks arrived, the castle was quickly snuffed out. Damaged but the basement was still safe. Natsumi-san was still happy, so I guess that’s all that matters right now.

“So, the Kid never showed up at all…”

“Do you think maybe he really is dead?” Ayumi’s voice was small, and she had tears in her eyes. It was a lot for a child to go through. My hands itched to bring my brother in my arms, but he was swallowed in a hug by Ran. I wasn’t his sister here.

“No, he’s alive.”

TAKARA'S APARTMENT

Kyuu-san was all better when it came time to change their bandages when I got back to my apartment. I was happy for them, but it had been nice having company. To not be alone. I could feel tears starting as I forced them down. We were sitting on my bed with only the bedside lamp on again. It’s getting late. I should go to bed.

“Do you think I could bring them home?” Just as Kyuu-san fell asleep too.

I paused mid-pet. ‘Yeah, sure. Just lemme wake them up…Kyuu-san.” They perked up from their pet-induced nap. The figure that was sitting on my windowsill stepped over to me. “I’ve been just calling them Kyuu-san. Am I going to get an actual invitation next time?”

He leaned on my desk before nodding. A small whistle later and Kyuu-san flew over to him.

“Will I see them again?” I had tried not to look too interested, but I was getting attached to the bird.

“Not for a while. They deserve a break.” Kyuu-san was snuggling under his chin as he pet them. At least he’s no longer an absentee father.

“Y-yeah I understand.” No crying. Nope. You’re emotional, but you do not cry. “How’s your ribs?”

“Much better. Thanks for not ratting me out, detective.”

“It was a tough call. Turn in a disguised thief or have one competent companion besides Conan.” I pretended to think it over as he checked over Kyuu-san.  “You suspected something would be happening on the ship?”

“I wasn’t really sure of it, but I bugged the ship’s phone line anyway.”

“So, you're aware of Shinichi?” More of his doves flew in and collected on his shoulder, with Kyuu-san perched on what I assume is his collarbone.

“Not my business. Although I am curious about something else, you're not going to ask about the egg?”

“The Last Wizard of the Century made it clear you knew who Natsumi-san was.” He was covered in his doves. Like some Avant Garv runway shows.

“I have one piece of advice. There are some mysteries in the world best left alone.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. This mystery is better left as such.” It went unsaid, but he wasn’t only referring to Natsumi-san’s history, but as to why he helped Shinichi and I. “Thanks for the help.”

“Painkillers are getting expensive these days.” He clicked his tongue at this.

“Oh, I know, such a shame.” I fiddled with my nails as he inched closer to the window. Returning the halfhearted words of his with a nonchalance of my own.

“The only shame there is -- is not being able to stay for longer, my dear Detective.” He wasn’t wearing his white suit this time.

“Taking the door or the window?” I drawled out pulling my thin blanket around my shoulders as the window let in the chill of the night.

“It’s like you don’t know me at all, Detective!” He pretended to be offended as he fell out of the window.

“So dramatic…and you totally stole the egg from Chairman Suzuki.” I rolled my eyes amused; the anxiety I felt prior was momentarily quelled. I rose to close the window behind him, brushing away a stray feather. That night I watched the moonlight drifting through the sheer curtains as sleep finally drew me in close.

Chapter Text

The rain dribbled down her orange umbrella and the frosted window display in front of her. The pink and billowy dress Ran was looking at was forgotten as she turned to look at her friend. “What? Kaitou 1412?”

“Right! That hoary thief that many young girls these days are falling for.” Sonoko exclaimed, her hands intertwined as she swooned. Her umbrella twirling in her loose grasp, splattering rain on her boots.

“Hoary?” Ran mused brows ticked as she struggled to recall a dramatic white-clad gentleman thief she made no notion of remembering in the wake of Conan’s smoke inhalation and motorcycle accident the week prior.

“You're the daughter of a detective, and you still don't know?” Sonoko’s mouth parted, slightly dumbfounded. She shook her head at the notion, wondering who could forget the charming and mysterious thief who resided in her mind.

“Excuse me, but that doesn't make me a crime fan.” Ran lightly grumbled, a hand on her hip as she rolled her eyes. She turned away from Sonoko, splashing rain on the display window in tangent.

“But please, please, please!” Sonoko jogged to catch up to Ran, who was pointedly focused on walking away to the next window display. She interlocked her arm around Ran’s as she sweetly pleaded.

“And so, you want my dad to catch Mr. Thief?” Ran sighed as they stopped at the intersection. The flashing red light bounced off the puddles of rain.

“Exactly!” Sonoko smiled brightly, twirling her umbrella as she spun to face Ran. “You know that Beika Museum is currently collecting all the famous jewels from around the world for an exhibit, right? And my dad has summited our family treasure, Black Star, the pearl; that brings fortune. I want your dad to protect it from 1412’s reach.”

“But why, my dad, when you can just level it to the police?” If Takara were there, she would have held back a grimace at Ran’s words. After their last few fiascos with Kaitou Kid, it was hard-pressed for the girl to place faith in them.

“No way. If the police catch him, they’ll just take him away.” Sonoko pouted before perking up again, “But if your dad catches him, we might get to see his face.”

“Face?” Ran didn't seem interested in this mysterious figure, but that was probably because she was hung up on a particular high school detective.

Sonoko beamed as she nodded her head, her bob shaking lightly. Her hands were clutched together again, swooning, “Of course! Don't you want to know what he looks like?” She waved a hand as she excitedly spoke, “1412 is an infamous thief the whole world is talking about, after all. He must be really handsome! Like Harrison Ford or Jean Reno or…”

“You got things so easy, Sonoko.” Ran sighed inwardly as she shook her head. The flash of the street signals glinted off the shine in her eyes as she turned to look back over her shoulder at her friend. “Sonoko, let's go; the light’s green.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Sonoko rested her hand on her umbrella again, stepping onto the rain-slicked crosswalk. “A face like Brad Pitt’s would be nice, too.” She sighed wistfully. Ran only laughed in response; a messy head of hair caught her eye as she passed the opposing group of pedestrians. “Shinichi!” Her voice broke as she dropped her umbrella in shock. But the figure didn't turn back or respond.

“Watch out!” Sonoko yanked back the frozen Ran. “The light’s red.” Sonoko frowned sadly as Ran looked heartbroken.

“But…I just saw Shinichi…!” Sonoko blanched at Ran’s admission> Cars sped across the road, cutting off the short-lived hope that sprouted in Ran’s heart. “He was just here…”

“Maybe it was just someone who looked like him,” Sonoko spoke softly, raising her umbrella to cover the forlorn girl.

MOURI DETECTIVE AGENCY

“What?!” Shinichi’s squeaky voice balked at Ran’s words. “You saw Shinichi-niichan in Shibuya?!” He held back a scoff as he muttered under his breath, “No way.” The shrunken detective's sweat dropped as Ran frowned and grumbled directly at him.

“I'm serious, I did!” She quickly turned to lean over the sofa towards her father, “But he didn't say one word to me! Isn't that rude?” Shinichi grimaced, inwardly freaking out a bit that some doubleganger was walking around and leading his Ran on.

Kogoro rested his head on his hand as he nursed a beer, “Hey...He probably got tired of you. Just forget about that mystery freak.”

“I guess so. He was walking with another girl." Ran slumped, curling into the side of the sofa.

Shinichi hurriedly shook his head, “It must've been someone else! Don’t worry about it.” Ran narrowed her eyes, unimpressed, “Huh? What?”

“Anyway, back to the topic.” Kogoro set down his nearly empty beer as he landed forward on his desk, “Is it true that they want me to catch that Kaitou…something?”

Ran huffed at her father, her hands placed firmly on her hips as she stood. “Kaitou 1412.”

“What’s with that 1412?” Kogoro mulled, which only made Shinichi turn away as he laughed inwardly without humor.

“Nobody seems to know its origin. Sonoko says he’s an infamous thief who steals art and gems all over the world. 1412 was the secret number that the FBI, the CIA, or Interpol gave him. That information was leaked to the media, and I heard that’s how he got his name.” Her hands gestured with her speech, mimicking Sonoko’s actions when Ran had asked about it herself. Meanwhile, Shinichi had an incredulous and disbelieving look on his face, doubting the origins of the numerals. “But apparently, he’s got another nickname in Japan.”

Kogoro snorted,” It's probably just some play on the words.” He took another swig of his beer. His face was ruddy, and his eyes unfocused. “Something like the Talented Thief.” It is a play on words, with One sounding like Talented and four sharing the same character sound as thief. “Shifu is Thief in English.” He mused, lighthearted, and inhibited from the alcohol he so favored.

Ran shook her head, rubbing at her temple, “I'm pretty sure it wasn't something as old-fashioned as that.”

Kogoro slumped at being called old-fashioned by his daughter inadvertently, and Shinichi only yawned at the boring thought of thieves. ‘I'm going to bed.” He announced, trudging away slowly until he heard one last line from Ran.

“Oh yeah, I have a copy of the strange note from Kaitou 1412 that was delivered to Sonoko’s place.” She recalled pulling out a folded note from her pocket.

“A strange note?” Kogoro looked up from his beer, somewhat curious.

‘We can’t figure out what it means. It's in code or something.” Shinichi head whipped back towards Ran, handing her father the note, pausing as Kogoro read out the message.

“April fool. When the moon divides two people, under the name of Black Star, pushed by the waves, I will arrive. Kaitou… The rest is torn off.”

“That can’t be helped. When Sonoko’s dad saw it, he got mad and tore it apart. We had to piece it back together.”

“Anyhow, it is indeed a strange note. The only thing I get is the ‘April fool” part, which means the thief will come on April 1st, but…huh?” Kogoro scrunched his face as the shrunken detectives wormed his way half into Kogoro’s lap at the promise of puzzles and mystery. “Hey, weren't you going to sleep?” Kogoro tried to pull the note away, but Shinichi latched on like a parasite.

“Let me see…” Shinichi nearly whined as he stubbornly held on. He had a focused and scrunched face as he deliberated over the note.

“Conan-kun?’ But the antics of the detective were commonplace, and she nearly shrugged and sat back on the sofa.

BEIKA MUSEUM, 31st of March, 1:42 PM, Takara Kudo

The helicopters whirled in the air as the rest of the police force mobilized and prepared for the heist: industrialized spotlights, armor plates, and officers with visor helmets strapping their gear.

“Amazing. It looks like the entire Tokyo Police Department is here.” Kogoro faced the window, a hand in his pocket as he surveyed the officers below.

Ran cradled her arms as she looked over her shoulder to see what entranced her father. “He really is an international thief, isn't he?” Shinichi only yawned as he clutched the note, no doubt losing sleep over this puzzle. I patted his head a bit condescendingly, as my brother wasn't often stumped.

“Oh, Detective Mouri. Thank you very much for coming and accepting my daughter’s selfish request. I know it hasn't been long since he last met.” Sonoko’s father's arms widened in welcome as he approached. He shook Mr. Kogoro’s free hand as Sonoko approached Ran. “A famous detective like yourself could take on a hundred enemies. I am confident in your skills, Detective Mouri.” The chairman smiled politely. It was apparent he was trying to coax Mr. Kogoro into being more willing to take on the elusive thief, much like he ran his business, I assume.

Mr. Kogoro chuckled lightly as his ego was stroked, “He is but a common thief. I can easily snare him with my trap.” Hook, line, and sinker. The chairman joined the laughing, which only caused Kogoro to fall into his usual debilitating fit of laughter. Shinichi and I could only shake our heads; pretty words for someone who couldn't even decipher the note.

“Oh, Miss Kudo, you're here! How lovely it is to see you again.” I returned the polite smile, shaking Sonoko’s father's hand. “Sonoko has been over the moon that you've offered your help in this matter. I am in much the same opinion considering your father and brother’s work. He’s releasing a new book soon, isn't he?”

I nodded and silently cursed the men in black, forever shrinking my brother because I felt ants crawling up my skin from this placating small talk. “Yes, he is. My mother and he are currently on tour promoting it. It is said to be record-breaking through preorders alone. “

‘Oh, how lovely!” He patted my shoulder as he led our group towards the pride and joy of the Suzuki family, or at least one of many. The large and inky pearl rested on a red velvet cushion. Making the intricate silver of the necklace shine. The silver was a crest moon shape, and the pearl was fixtured in the middle by a rod extending from the edge of the scoop necklace.

“So, this is the world’s biggest black pearl, Black Star.” Kogoro leaned over the rope barricade at the small display, his hands firmly shoved in his pockets. Ran was holding the relatively short Shinichi up in her arms. God, I forget how strong she is…

“Yes. Ever since my grandfather acquired it, the Suzuki family has prospered. You might call it the Suzuki family’s good-luck charm.” Ran set Shinichi down as I stood by Sonoko, who had her hands laced behind her back, looking like the heiress she was.

“Still, isn't this going a little overboard?” I rolled my eyes at Kogoro’s skepticism. Not if you consider the worth of the pearl. The stampede of officers echoed through the museum as they jogged by to their stations.

“Since we couldn't decipher the note, the police are enforcing security starting tonight.” The chairman chuckled with a raised brow. Embarrassed…All that power and one note stumps an entire force and the famous detectives you brought on. “We don't know how, when, or where Kaitou 1412 will strike.”

A man shouting in the corner drew our attention: Superintendent Chaki of Criminal Investigation Squad 2; I discerned, “What?! I’m telling you! It's the river, the river! Place more officers along the riverside, got it?” He made a large sweeping motion with his arm. Large gestures, voice, and stature. How telling. “Kaitou 1412 will arrive by the Teimudu River that runs by this museum.” He worked on the last note as well, I recalled.

The chairman approached the man, leaning forward as he spoke. “Have you deciphered the note?” No, I’m sure he feels the need to be correct since last week's fiasco.

“Yes. The line, ‘Pushed by the waves,’ means he’s going to drift down the Teimudu River.” Doubtful since a river is not an ocean, and waves are hardly paired with anything but oceans, radios, and lights. “Teimudu River is the only place with waves around here, after all.” Mr. Kogoro burst out with laughter, cackling at the superintendent's words. “Ah, you're Mouri, formally of Criminal Investigation Squad 1!”

Mr. Kogoro leisurely approached the man, “You are rather naïve, Superintendent.” He straightened his shoulders, no longer slouching as he practically slapped him in the face with his words. “Do you not understand?’ My face turned sour at this, rolling my eyes as I met Sonoko’s and Ran’s gaze with a mouth of the word ‘men,’ both of which nodded with my sentiment.

“’ Waves’ means the ocean. The ocean is Ookii (large, vast). And the ‘star’ means pop stars! In other words, he is referring to the big star, Okino Youko, who will be performing at Beika City Hall tomorrow.” I scoffed inwardly as I shook my head. It seems Mr. Kogoro’s infatuations with the singer have clouded his view. ‘Furthermore, she always ends her live performances with the song “Moon Lady.” Therefore, ‘When the moon divides two people’ means Kaitou 1412 will come from the Beika City Hall tomorrow night at round nine when the concert ends.” The river is East, the city hall North.

“Y-you may have something there.” The superintendent mused, running a hand over his jaw while Mr. Kogoro had a self-satisfied expression. Both Shinichi and I gave each other a look of disbelief.

“He lives up to his name.” Sonoko’s father was also nodding his head as he opened his palms in a welcoming gesture.

“All right!” Superintendent Chaki raised his voice and arm, pointing to the group of officers behind him, “Order teams C through E to the Beika City Hall area.” The officers responded dutifully and quickly dispersed.

Shinichi called out at this display, likely unable to bear the weight of consciousness of following Mr. Kogoro’s foolhardy deduction, “Hey!” But lowered his gaze after no words came out. The only ideas I had were radios and lights, both of which I needed to cross-reference against the topography before spouting anything.

“Hey, what happened to that guy who transferred here last month?”

One of the suited officers surveying the room spoke up, “Oh if you mean the Inspector, he and his subordinates went somewhere else this morning.” Inspector? Aoko’s father? The superintendent's thin mustache twitched, a frown curling on his face before huffing.

“What? At a critical time like this?” S.I Chaki turned, stepping away from our group and the officer calling out after him that it was already two o’clock, trailing in his footsteps at a proposed lunch break.

“What about you guys, Ran? Takara?” Sonoko’s hands were intertwined together as her posture relaxed.

“We ate before we got here.” Ran smiled, a tilt of her head as Sonoko waved it off, matching the smile. Shinichi’s posture straightened as his gaze darted back and forth at the mention of eating. And he booked it…

“Conan-kun, where are you going?” Ran’s voice was soft and curious, trailing after him as he fiddled with his watch in front of the large ceiling-to-floor windows. “What are you doing, Conan-kun?”

“I'm trying to determine direction with my watch.” He muttered in that childish voice that was only exasperated in his attempt to distance himself from his true identity. Ran echoed the word direction curiously. ‘First, you point the hour hand towards the sun. Because Japan is in the southern hemisphere. South is between the hour hand and the number 12 on the clock face.” Yeah, I think I'm just going to use a compass. He quickly caught his matured speech tendencies, dumbing down his abilities, “O-of course, I’m just testing something Shinichi-niichan taught me.

“Idiot brother-of-mine,” I muttered under my breath, glancing at the tiny compass dangling from my phone and giving a precursory glance at the surrounding area. I sighed as I knew Shinichi was going to text me later tonight about where to meet him. The note was so kind to say April Fools, after all, and Kaitou Kid is ever so punctual. Goodbye, full eight hours of sleep…

TAKARA’S APARTMENT, 10:30 pm

I stretched in my seat, sighing as my back lightly cracked from the stiffness. Before me was a rather bare corkboard with anything related to the organization that shrunk my brother.

“A fuck load of Jack nothing,” I grumbled, frustrated, pressing a pillow to my face but giving up on screaming. I sighed as I lifted my face once more. Two strings. One to tropical land and the other to a drug known as APTX 4869. What was supposed to kill Shinichi turned him ten years younger. It would be a miracle by all accounts if you could ignore the side effects of an organization that probably held Japan and foreign officials in their palms.

We need more information. Someone on the inside. It’s hard to believe that an organization like that hasn’t slipped up before if a sixteen-year-old detective snuck up on them. Reckless to make an exchange like that. Full contact in a public place plus conversation.

What were they thinking…. Not that I had much faith in humanity to begin with, but a whole criminal organization wearing trench coats and acting suspicious as hell when there had been police scurrying around after Shinichi solved that rollercoaster murder.

Okay, recount, Shinichi one-up himself on annoying Ran to death. Nearly flirting with the gymnast in front of him and watching their other friends sandwich him and Ran on the ride. He felt liquid on his face and noticed that the murderer had horizontal tears and their necklace was gone after finding evidence of a hook and wire being used with pearls still attached. After solving the murder, the two men behind the gymnast murderer were quick to leave the scene. Their closed-off manner and lack of empathy, along with their black trench coats and lack of identifying facial features, sunglasses, and hats.

Reckless as ever, Shinichi follows without backup and leaves Ran behind with a broken shoelace. He witnessed a blackmail transaction against a company executive and was knocked out by the lankier man in black. He’s knocked out with a pipe and fed an untested poison.

This is all so informative on who this organization is. What’s their goal? How far does this corruption run? It’s likely they have offshore operations and such. This is going to take time. I can only hope that Shinichi can hold on.

Surely, the drug won’t finish the job…right? I spun in my chair, shaking my head as I stumbled to the kitchen and stared at the dim lights bouncing off the kitchen window. My hands curled around the counter, knuckles white as I forced out the breath I had been holding. He’s going to be okay. I will make sure of it. I need to tell Mama and Dad that connections are required. Resources. I tried to swallow the sinking feeling in my throat, but all that greeted me was a desert and a limp, thick, and heavy tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth.

With trembling hands, I poured a glass of water and chugged until the headache building in my temples was finally soothed. I blindly grasped for my keys, coat, and phone tucked away in my pocket, along with a few handy knickknacks I had picked up from my family’s tendency to find dead bodies or people inclined to play God.

 I patted my pockets before grabbing an extra helmet from my entryway closet; gotta protect the brain.

MOURI DETECTIVE AGENCY, March 31, 11:04 PM

Shinichi peeked around the cracked door to Ran’s room. The sliver of light shining over her bedspread and her sleeping figure. He quietly shut the door, taking slow steps down the stairs before pausing at the entrance to the agency below the apartment. He shuffled inside, ringing Professor Agasa. His sitting form on the desk was reminiscent of the confidence he exuded he had while he was a high schooler, a perverse look in his eyes.

“Hello, Agasa here.”

“Hey, Professor.” Shinichi’s voice was devoid of the childish tone he usually held.

“Oh, Shinichi.” Shinichi quickly uttered a request, and at Professor Agasa’s blank inquiry, he reiterated his demand slowly. “You want me to look up information on Kaitou 1412?”

“Please, Professor. He should be in my dad’s crime files.” Shinichi sat perched on the agency’s desk, legs crossed as he leaned over the copy of the note. Only the moonlight cast through the frosted windows illuminated the form of a shrunken high school detective.

“But what are you going to do with that?” Professor Agasa switched which hand held the phone as he pushed his chair over towards his computer.

“I’m going to go meet him now, so I want some background info.”

“Meet him? You know where he is?” Professor Agasa’s voice rose as he leaned forward, his brows furrowed at the admission.

“Yeah, I have an idea where he might be.” Shinichi’s voice was curled in a slightly devious tone that, if Takara heard, would’ve groaned at because it surely meant her brother was up to no good.

“Then why didn’t you tell the police?” Professor Agasa scolded, well aware of Shinichi’s habit of running off after murders, thieves, and who-done-its.

“I’ve got the sudden urge to meet him in person. Can’t let Takara and Dad be the only ones to have conversations with this strange retro-thief who’s crazy enough to announce his moves. I’m feeling a little left out.” He surely would've been twirling it if there had been a cord to the agency phone.

STREET OUTSIDE MOURI DETECTIVE AGENCY, Takara Kudo

I waited under the blinking streetlight for Shinichi to step outside of the Agency, my bike thrumming under me in the shadows. The glint of his glasses was the first thing I saw. His steps hurried as he took the child-sized helmet from my patient hands and jumped on behind me. “Nice to see your face too.” I drawled, shaking my head lightly as he threw his arms around me.

“The two people in ‘When the moon divides two people’ must be a satellite and the sun, and ‘the moon divides’ refers to the eclipse created when the moon gets in between the two,” Shinichi shouted over the wind whipping over our helmets as my bike weaved through the streets., clearly forgetting there was an intercom system. “He should be arriving between 12:30 and 4:30 when the BS broadcast is down.” I nodded, seeing the connection between the satellite station B.S. and the pearl.

“If the ‘waves’ in ‘pushed by the waves’ means electromagnetic waves, then he should be coming from the direction of the B.S broadcast signals.”

“That’s better than my guess. I was thinking of radios and some myths about the earth and the sky.” I muttered; riddles weren't my favorite as they needed extraneous information.

“B.S. broadcast signals are sent Southwest, 42.4 degrees above sea level. Head to Haido City Hotel.”

My hand curled around the throttle to rev the bike a little in acknowledgment. “Got it,” My murmurs sharp through the helmet’s intercom system.

“It's the only place within view of Beika Museum and fits the M.O.” I killed my bike when I skid into the Hotel's underground parking, narrowly missing the wall. Shinichi tossed his helmet on the bike as we hurriedly got off the bike. It took us 20 minutes to get here. Already 12:13… I heard the distant screech of a car behind me but ignored it in favor of dashing after Shinichi, who left me in the dust.

He jogged through the nearly silent hotel littered with undercover officers, Nakamori’s men I gathered. Shinichi hit the elevator’s door button and hurriedly closed the door prematurely after me. The rooftop access had two posts with a banner. “Employees Only.” I grimaced and jumped over it as Shinichi ducked under. Taking two steps at a time up the stairs and throwing open the door.

The wind was harsh at this elevation, and there was hardly a place to hide. All but empty besides a few low-rise vents and the water tank to the left of us. Shinichi scouted out the rooftop, stopping a foot away from the edge in the direction of the helicopters lighting up the museum with spotlights. My brother kneeled with a soda can and a bottle rocket. The lack of lighting would prevent Kaitou from identifying my brother as Conan from our run-in last week. I stepped into the shadow of the water tank. I prayed I wouldn't have to interfere if my brother was more reckless than usual and threw himself off the roof, which wouldn't be the first time.

The minutes ticked by as Shinichi kept his back turned to me. 12:28… His watch beeping had him pulling out a phone. “Hello, Professor.” It wasn't hard to put together what he was calling about, Kaitou Kid. First appearing in Paris eighteen years ago, involved with the Phantom Lady, and disappeared eight years ago, presumed dead. His resurgence has been centered on Japan, and considering that 18 years is a long time for any intense spat with law enforcement, I was certain that Kaitou Kid was a mantle passed down. I did suspect Kaitou Kid was Kaito, but I was at a standstill with a lack of proof. There were more concerning things than a habitual nightlife of evading the law in my life, speaking of which, my brother was still receiving info from Professor Agasa.

K-I-D, or 1412. a nickname popularized by the media after Dad misread the notepad. The sound of rustling pulled me from my musings. I scrunched myself further into the shadows as Shinichi turned to look up at the roof of the covered stairway. Shinichi would later recount the meeting with poetic elegance,’ Without disturbing the stillness of the night, he landed silently in front of my eyes, along with that fearless smirk that said he had foreseen everything.’

Shinichi’s phone buzzed, Professor Agasa’s voice muffled from the wind and distance before my brother killed the call prematurely. He shut the phone and slipped his hands into the pocket with a calculated look. Kaitou floated down from the elevated roof with leisurely confidence. His steps echoed over the tile while Shinichi turned his nose up at the sight of a white silk hat and cape. “Yo, kid.” His lips still curled in his signature smirk, “What are you doing at a place like this?” He bent at the waist as he leaned over Shinichi and his soda can bottle rocket.

A warm light emitted from Shinichi’s hand, a lighter held under the string of the rocket—the tell-tale whistle of a firework shot above us and burst in the grace of the stars. The light crackling and the fading blend of colors cascaded over Kaitou’s white outfit. “Fireworks,” Shinichi replied childishly. “Ah, look, there's a helicopter.” The glint behind Shinichi’s fake glasses made me smile. ‘It looks like they've seen us.” His hand dropped from pointing out the approaching helicopter.

Kaitou huffed in amusement, a matching smirk on his lips. “Kid, you're not an ordinary brat.” His hands were still loosely curled in his pockets as he nodded at the sight.

‘I’m Edogawa Conan, a detective.” Shinichi turned as he dropped his falsetto, a smirk of confidence that looked foolhardy on most children but was apt on him.

“Oh?’ Kaitou uttered a sound of light surprise and approval.

At Kaitou’s lack of a reaction, Shinichi raised his chin to meet the monocled thief, “Shouldn't you be worried, Kaitou Kid-san?” The clover swayed lightly in the wind as Kaitou tilted his head. “If you don't run fast, the helicopters will get here.” Shinichi raised his hand to point at the helicopter, steadily making their way over.

Kaitou hummed lightly, a hand on his chin while Shinichi fiddled with his watch behind his back. Just as Shinichi was waiting for Kaitou to turn his back and run, the thief pulled out a radio and tuned into the police’s frequency. Coughing lightly before raising the radio to speak, a finger pressed to the transmission. “This is Chaki. I have sighted Kaitou Kid on the rooftop of the Haido City Hotel.” His voice pitched lower to match the superintendent, which Shinichi balked, staring at the ballsy move of Kaitou Kid. “Attention all vehicles patrolling the Haido District and all helicopters flying above Beika city: Go to the scene swiftly and stop Kaitou Kid.” There was a shout over the radio from the real Superintendent, ‘Wait! That’s not me! It’s one of his tricks! All choppers and vehicles return to your positions!’

But his warnings fell on deaf ears, muffled by the sound of sirens and heavy winds. ‘This is Chopper #1 at Haido City Hall rooftop. Kid-like character in sight, over.’

But Kaitou’s actions wouldn't stop there, now in the voice of Aoko’s father, “No, it was I, Nakamori. To all officers on patrol inside Haido City Hotel: KID is on the rooftop. Al men coverage on the roof. Take him down!” All without the use of any special devices, Kaitou Kid mimicry left Shinichi at a loss. The choppers crowded the air above us, nearly exposing my hiding place with their spotlights. His cape billowing on the window as he gestured to the audience he created, “Are you satisfied now, little detective?”

The door slammed open to reveal Inspector Nakamori with a gun pointed toward the thief that eluded him at every turn. “Freeze, KID!”

Kaitou lazily turned to meet the Inspector's iron gaze. “My, my, if it isn't Inspector Nakamori. You sure move fast.” he drawled, straightening his posture, but his hands were still slumped in his pockets.

“Hmph. What are you saying? You knew I had deciphered your message and had been waiting here for you all day.” Mr. Nakamori scoffed, “I predicted you would fly here using your hang glider, so I've checked all the guests in the hotel and tightened the security at the entrances. Who would have thought you’d fly here from Touto Tower?” An array of seven to ten officers spread from behind the inspector, all ready to catch Kaitou. “But in any case, give up on that pearl already. You have nowhere to run!”

“Tonight is just a practice drill. I have no intention of stealing it.” I frowned slightly at this. I understood his reasoning, but the waste of police resources made my stomach churn after seeing so many crime scenes. I hoped to God that whatever he was behind was more significant than a heist.

“What?”

“Oh, I’m sure I made it clear at the top of the note.” His hand curled in a fist with his thumb facing the sky; his theatrical cape pulled taut into a hang glider. “I said, ‘April fool.’ In other words, ‘a joke’.”

I stepped out of the shadows as Nakamori rallied his men to catch Kid. A tiny flask dropping from Kaitou Kid’s sleeve blinded us with a flash of light; I pressed my forearm to my eyes as I squeezed my eyes shut.

“Kid, did you know?” Of course, he wouldn't leave without the last word. “A thief is a creative artist who takes his prey in style, but a detective is nothing more than a critic who follows our footsteps.” I huffed at this, making a mental note to corner Kid at a later date about his words. The flash faded, and confetti and a thick cloud of smoke were all that was left of Kaitou. Gone was the eye-catching thief playing the police like fools and a show.

“G-g-gone! He has disappeared!” I watched the sky for any flickering stars, but the spotlights had me squinting my eyes from the glare bouncing into my eyes. “Hey, helicopters, use your radar and track him!” But a small response had Mr. Nakamori kicking his leg. “So, he slipped away again.” It was improbable, but it was unlikely for someone to vanish that easily. Something I wouldn't put past Kid. A note fluttered in front of me, pulling me to my knees as I scanned the short text and the signature KID calling card. The pink rose taped to the corner softened the complicated expression on my face.

“On April 19th, aboard the Queen’s Elizabeth,

which embarks from Yokohama Harbor,

I will arrive to steal the real Black Star.

Kaito KID.”

 I read it out to the audience itching to tear it from my hands and curse the thief. My own hands trailed over the delicate rose. I wondered if it was a purposeful choice as it usually was in his actions. Gentle admiration, ‘I like you.’ I let out a dry laugh at the notion; surely it was to mock his persistent audience. I stood and handed the note over to an officer as the rest tried to soothe the raging Nakamori, who was outwitted again.