Authors Note: Yup, you read it well, there is no mistake in this one. It's "Authors note" because I am only a co-author of this story. The other author, Shadow-chan and me want to give the answers for few questions. See, in that last chapter with Kaitou Kid in manga? Yeah that one about Phantom Lady. There was a strong suggestion that she can have something in common with Kuroba Chikage... But what if the real Phantom Lady wasn't Kaito's mother but Aoko's? What if her death wasn't an accident at all? Just the same as Touichi's wasn't.

And here is an answer. Or the prologue to the answer. We both wrote some parts here, but it was Shadow-chan who corrected it, and I want to thank her for that! :D

Okay, so here it is... Tell us what do you think?

The Return Of Phantom Lady

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Prologue

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Nakamouri Rei, wife of Nakamouri Ginzou and mother of Nakamouri Aoko. She was killed by a robber who had demanded her purse...

That's what everyone was told anyway. There was never any real proof. And anyone who really paid attention would have noticed Phantom Lady's disappearance after her death. Hidden away in a falsely labelled book, her diary lied in wait for the next time it would be opened.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

21st of March – the first day of astronomical spring. My seventeenth birthday.

Oh great... I can't believe grandpa chose my seventeenth birthday to tell me the true story about the "accident" when my parents died.

Now I completely understand why did he taught me all those "Tricks". Honestly, I really didn't see any purpose with having the ability to steal. I mean, stealing is bad. At least that's what Nakamori-sempai is always saying. And I believe him..

It's just... He hasn't really explained to me why stealing is OK for the "rich man" when he practically "stole" it from someone else. Even I think it's unfair, and I was taught the fine art of thievery long before I met Nakamori-sempai.

But no matter what, I won't stand for my parents dying just because they wanted to hide their Greatest Fraud Ever! Oh will they be sorry when I use the skills Grandpa has taught me against them...

(...)

13th of April – my first heist.

I did it!

I went and stole something! For now it's just a painting. I wanted to try and see if I would make it. And I did. It was too easy. Who knows, maybe next time I will try to steal Ryoma's goods.

Grandpa is helping me with research now. I don't remember if he had ever gone to the library as often before as he does now.

(...)

7th of September – many heists later...

Ha, thanks to grandpa and his help, Everyone's thinking that I am much older. No matter which disguise I'm using, the strong make up makes me to look at least at 25.

Well. At least Tou-kun is saying that, and I believe him.

Yeah, I know I shouldn't tell him about the whole Phantom Lady thing. Isn't that nickname so cool?^^

Oh he just... sorta... Discovered it by himself. I've always told him not to sneak in my room, but no, he had to do that while I was changing in one of my disguises. That baka...! I could be naked!

Anyway... Tou-kun knows. He is smart enough that he could put two to two together. And he heard the rumours about Phantom Lady before. I mean, who didn't...?

He was a bit mad at me that I didn't tell him. He put all that friendship thing into our fight... A-hem... Conversation. So I thought it would be better to tell him the rest of the story. Tou-kun can be really scary when he's sulking. Besides he promised to help me...

Grandpa wouldn't be happy if he knew that Tou-kun knows my secret.

(...)

25th of January – Finally a date!

Nakamori-sempai asked me on a date!

Wait, that doesn't look impressive enough.

NAKAMORI-SEMPAI ASKED ME ON A DATE!

Tou-kun is laughing at me because of it. He said that if we ever get married, it would be hard for me to sneak out of his policeman eyes. He's teasing me only because he knows that Nakamori-sempai will go to a Police School thing. He has already passed the preliminary exams...

I can admit that it's not good news if we consider the whole Phantom Lady thing, but please, we haven't even gone to that date yet. It's not like we'll get married.

(...)

14th of Feburary – The best Valentines Ever!

First. I've stole the Ryoma sake cup, letter to his wife and the pistol.

Bad news – Tou-kun found out that all of them are fake...

But it doesn't matter because Ginzou-sempai kissed me today.

It was Amazing!

I... I can't describe it. In one moment I felt that nothing else was important. Only this boy next to me. And he tasted like the chocolate I gave him. It makes me happy that he noticed it was home-made.

I can't stop smiling!

Tou-kun visited me for a while with a proposition. I will have to think about it later.

But hey, I could pay him back for all the teasing. He was holding chocolate. From Taka-chan... He was blushing madly... but he didn't deny that he liked her! Even if he did, I still knew. I caught him staring at her few times...

I think they will be very cute couple. Besides Tou-kun really needs a girl who is as patient as Taka-chan.

(...)

20th of March – Boyfriend who will be a policeman.

It's settled then.

Ginzou will really become a police officer. I wasn't brave enough to tell him about Phantom Lady. But I can say, that all these heists aren't so much fun anymore.

I think I'll agree for Tou-chan's proposition to train him. I mean, he really needs some practice with disguises. Last time he tried to disguise himself as a Batman, and he finished up looking like the Zorro. If he really wants to start with that "White Thief" thing (I was telling him, that he reads too much Arsene Lupin books), he can't be that pathetic.

I've stolen already eleven things of Ryoma's inventory. They are all fake.

I don't know why everything is so difficult now.

I can't find my parents' killers.

I can't find that much fun from doing heists as before.

I can't deal with a fact that my boyfriend will be a police officer, and that he hates my other identity.

But well. At least I was able to make him quit smoking. It was easy. I told him that I wouldn't kiss him anymore, because he tasted bitter.

And he really kisses good...

(...)

11th of June – Oh Kami!

He proposed to me!

Today.

We're planning the wedding during Christmass.

(...)

8th of August – White Thief

Crap. Another one Ryoma's treasures were fake.

Heists aren't fun at all now.

I hate lying to Ginzou. He doesn't deserve that.

I plan my last heist in next month. I don't care if it will be the right one treasure or if I'll find any information about my parents' death. I don't care at all. I love Ginzou and I'll do anything for him. Even if it means that I have to give up Phantom Lady fun. He's worth it!

Well... Tou-chan is better with his training for being White Thief. Well it's his choice.

(...)

13th of September – Last Heist!

I don't believe! They were shooting at me!

Damn!

It was my last heist, that's for sure.

They barely missed me, and I don't want risk like that anymore. I might not be as luck next time!

I also warned Tou-chan, but he's stubborn. I have to say that he's improved. He's really determined about that thing. I think there's more in White Thief's Job then he wants to tell me, but it's okay. Maybe someday he will trust me enough to share it with me...

Well... Grandpa accepts my decision. He also doesn't like to see me perforated like a Swiss Cheese. Besides he also thinks that it's unfair to my future husband.

I think he knows that Tou-chan will take that job for me though.

And I bet that Taka-chan will hate me if she knows. It's not like her husband has to, but still... I wouldn't be happy to know that my husband was involved in a very dangerous job because of his friend... I would hate his friend for that...

(...)

17th of March – Baby!

I can't believe it!

I was at the doctor today. He told me that I will have a baby. Ginzou was so happy. I knew he would. He was babbling about a cute little boy who could keep the family tradition and be a police officer as well.

I was talking with Taka-chan also.

Oh I keep forgetting that she isn't Taka-chan anymore... But well... At least I will call her 'Taka-chan' here. Just in case...

She isn't mad at me that I taught Tou-chan all that thief stuff... I always knew she was a bit crazy. They fit together perfectly.

She invited me to their new home. But I had to refuse. To keep Tou-chan and her safe we have to act like we don't know each other. I don't know what these murderers know about my family, but I don't want to put anyone in danger. Especially not Tou-chan. He is like my brother.

She agreed with me and I think that she understands. I can trust her that she'll explain everything to Tou-chan.

(...)

1st of September – A lot!

I saw Tou-chan's last performance. He was incredible! Now I know why men are better in a Thief's Job. He made a performance! I would never guessed that you can announce your heist before and still be able to steal the target and escape.

Ginzou wasn't happy when he returned home.

And I couldn't make it up to him. My stomach is too big for that kind of activity... Well... She'll be born this month.

Our daughter.

I know that Ginzou wanted a son, but when we were both at the ultrasonography examination, and he saw her heart beating... I bet she'll wrap him around her finger.

Aoko.

Isn't that name so pretty?

I chose it because she'll be born on this month, and September is the month of Sapphire. Could there be anything more deep blue than the sapphires?

I love when she is moving. She seems to be so... energetic. I just hope she won't inherit Ginzou's temper.

Speaking of which...

When he came back home from the heist, he was swearing like a maniac. But then he came to me, put his hand on my stomach and he greeted our daughter so softly, like thieves and everything didn't matter.

Later, Tou-chan sneaked into our library. He knew that Ginzou had left to the police station. He's only there for practice, but after all White Thief's heists he is the one who writes all reports. Poor him...

It was first time I've seen Tou-chan since my wedding. He showed me the photo of his son... I can't believe how much he resembles Tou-chan!

He was joking that maybe, who knew, maybe his son and my daughter would meet and grow up together. He also was joking that maybe our kids will fall in love with each other one day. Since we couldn't bring ourself to do that, maybe our kids will be more willing to. Yeah like it has something to do with will...

I smacked him on the head lightly. He know that it was too dangerous to be friends again. Even for our kids. I don't want to put my Aoko in danger.

Ever!

And I bet he doesn't want that to... For Aoko and his son.

...

Though I must admit that it's a bit funny thought that My Aoko and His (unreadable) could fall in love with each other. Well I bet his son will be very handsome boy. His father always was. I... just never noticed that...

And this boy has his mother eyes. So blue that I bet every girl will sink in them. Maybe my Aoko will too.

Well I hope not!

At least not if his father won't finish his thief's job.

(...)

17th of April- Training begins (3 years later)

Aoko is sooo cute~!

She's smart, and just absolutely adorable. I couldn't help myself but start teaching my 3 yr old the art of pick pocketing!...

Ok, maybe that's not what must mothers do... Tou-chan already started teaching his son! I'm sure he has anyway. I haven't seen him in the longest time... Since Aoko was born...

But I just had to teach Aoko some of my tricks. Call it stupid but... it felt right to pass on what I had learned. I just hope she never uses it...

I've started working on heists again. Damn Tou-chan was keeping things from me! There's something else going on here that I missed... which would explain the reason why I was shot at a long time ago! Things are getting serious... Yet Tou-chan still finds fun in planning heists.

I gotta admit; it is quite a rush...

Anyway, (trying to think positively here!) I wonder how long Aoko will take to learn pick pocketing. I can't wait to teach her how to disguise herself~!

(...)

10th of September - Aoko's 5th birthday

Ah, today was such a great day. Aoko invited her little friend over from kindergarten to play. I think her name was Keiko?

But today was great~! Ginzou was busy with Kid though, which gets me kinda mad at Tou-chan for planning a heist that day... But I can't really do much with that. Besides, Ginzou enjoys chasing Kid, even though he swears most of the time. Which has caused my Aoko to learn a few words from him... I'm not to happy with that...

Oh, And Aoko has Gotten MUCH Better with Pick Pocketing! It's natural for her~! Today, I'm going to begin to teach her how to disguise herself. With the makeup, voice changing, keeping a facade... Oh, I'm such a good mother~!

I'm practically teacher her everything Grandpa taught me... I don't really know what to think about that... Ginzou knows nothing of this though. And it just hurts not telling him anything. I... I just don't want him in this...

Yet I still teach everything to my daughter?...

Well, I have to leave behind something... How selfish of me...

(...)

18 of November- (Last Journal Entry)

We're in Osaka.

Phantom Lady has sent out her notice... Honestly, I don't really see why I did that. Tou-chan finally persuaded me too! We don't meet anymore... Just the casual glance on the streets. Though Kid and Phantom Lady talk a lot. I'm glad I can keep touch with him at least that way.

Though I have my own signature! It's just my signed Thief name with a little Heart in between Phantom and Lady.

Ginzou brought us along after Aoko had begged us to take us with him(Luckily for me~! It made things easier!). She really wants to see Ginzou at work. And Phantom Lady. She... admires her... me! Though she never says that in front of Ginzou! Aoko is smart enough to know he'll freak!

Well, I hope this heist goes well! I want to put on a good performance for my little girl!

(signed Phantom*heart here* Lady)

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

On the 18th of November, Phantom Lady was shot at. There was really no evidence she got shot. There was only the testimony of some little boy saying he saw it all. But that's all he said.

Nakamouri Rei was later found dead in an alley. Killed by being shot... The last time Aoko saw her mother, she said she was going to the store to buy everyone a little snack...

But that was all a lie.

Nakamouri Aoko stared at her Mother's Diary in shock. The Truth Finally Revealed To Her.