Win or Lose--It's Always a Loss

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" 'They say there was a man. A man who would lead people on a merry chase across the night, laughing and seeming a mere ghost that could never be caught. They say this man suddenly disappeared, and the night was quiet for many years. They say the man reappeared and, like a real phantom, hadn't aged since his disappearance. They say his laughter rang out into the night, a lone voice calling for an audience that never disappointed. They say his laughter was meant for someone else, someone who wouldn't come.

" 'They say this phantom continued his reign, running the race that only he seemed to know of. They say that people doubted he would ever truly disappear, this phantom with the glass eye and wide grin that appeared under the shadowed brim of the hat he wore. They say that there was only one person that could match his wit and charm as well as mind. They say that this person would have probably caught him, but somehow, this person disappeared not long after their first meeting. They say that the phantom runs because he is cursed and seeks something to stop the curse from fully consuming him.

" '...of course, they say a lot of things.

" ' I think I know why I do what I do. Let others make ideas of their own. That's the point of a magician. Magicians perform tricks that others will see in awe and will pass on the belief that there are miracles in the world still. Without miracles--without magic, the world is eternal night.

" 'So even if I became a ghost of my father for purely selfish reasons, it's always amazing to hear how people react to the sight of a grinning, running phantom, whose white clothes and magic pierce the night as if he were illuminated by a stage light from high above. Who knew that this would affect people so much?

" 'But my decision is made. My quest is over and I have no more reason to run. So I suppose a farewell is in order, especially since there was nothing with Kaitou Kid disappeared last time.

" 'Nakamori-keibu, you have been a wonderful sport, but you should really focus your attention away from chasing phantoms and watch over the person that should mean most to you.

" '1412 Taskforce, you people have been numerous and determined. I hope your training-run with me will prove an asset to you all in your future careers. Dog Pile on the Bandit might never have worked on me, but then again, there's a difference between petty thieves and kaitou.

" 'Hakuba-tantei, you must still be trying to prove your suspicions correct, but really...clipping bonsai would be a better hobby, don't you think?

" 'To my rival (he knows who he is), sadly we'll have to take our games to a new field. Maybe a game of Where-In-the-World-Is-Kaitou-1412 might be in order, considering your ishort/icomings.

" 'To all my fans and audiences, sorry to disappoint, but not to fear, there are other magicians out there. My performance is done.

" 'To those working under Interpol, the FBI, and of course you wonderfully devilish men and women in the MIB:

" 'Catch me if you can.'

"O-oi!" The paper crumbled in on itself as Nakamori Aoko's hands worked his newspaper into a ball. "I was reading tha--gweh!"

Only Aoko could nail Kuroba Kaito in the face with a ball of paper and make it look like he'd been drop-kicked to the head.

"That stupid thief!" she shrieked, hands clenching at her sides. "How could he just--ARGH!"

Kaito watched from his position on the ground as she stomped off to the back of the classroom before laughing ironically to himself.

Damned if he did.

Damned if he didn't.


Author's Notes: Ahahaha, reviving some old fics of mine. This one was actually written back in 2005 but... well. Anyway, this can only mean that my interest in this fandom is returning and... well, I may be productive soon. We shall see! Hope you all enjoyed!