The changing weather does not agree with my constitution. I've been sick twice this month (still sick at the moment) and that really puts a damper on my ability to write. Caged Bird has to be delayed once again as such. It was fortunate I had this written in advance so that I had something to post; I nearly forgot I didn't do a November update.

Examinations next month. I will have to focus on my studies, so the next time we meet again might be next year.

Comments and criticisms highly welcomed. I hope you enjoy.


Chapter 2: No way, Umi-chan?! (Part 2)

Come over for dinner? I made manjuus.

The text from Kotori came had come just as the sun began to set. It was odd, considering what day it was, but Umi brushed it aside. It was not the first time Kotori invited her over without prior notice, and Umi was never one to miss a good manjuu or two. She could just step in for a dinner and quick chat and still make it in time for her next appointment. It's not like Kotori would stop her either, considering the taupe-haired girl as her own prior engagements.

Moments later, Umi was at the door of the Minami house. She slightly sweating, as she had jogged the entire way, but it was a good warm-up for her next event. Kotori opened the door with a smile on her face as she saw Umi.

"Come in! Come in! Dinner will be ready soon."

Kotori dashed back into the kitchen. Umi took of her shoes. She went to the washroom and splashed some water on her face to freshen up before going to the kitchen to see what the other is up to.

"Need help?"

"Nope! I'm done."

The taupe-haired girl was at the stove, pouring out equal volumes of miso soup into two bowls before placing it on their serving trays. The tray was already filled with salt-grilled mackerel, gyoza, small bowl of salad and rice respectively, and of course, Umi's favourite manjuu. It was all in all a very traditional Japanese dinner.

Umi helped the other girl carry the trays out to the dinner table and both settled in quickly for the meal after giving thanks.

"This is rare. I thought you didn't like cooking Japanese dishes."

Kotori always had a peculiar penchant for western food, given that the girl was Japanese. It had been that way ever since the girl had tasted her first cheesecake.

"I thought you'd like it."

"I do. Of course." Umi nodded. "But what's the occasion?"

"No reason. I promised to make you manjuus, so I thought it would be more appropriate to have a traditional dinner."

Umi raised an eyebrow. It wasn't the first time Kotori made manjuus and that never stopped her from pairing it with a western main course. The cobalt-haired girl didn't pursue it anything further though, as she didn't want to provoke Kotori who would then withhold the dessert from Umi, which was the whole reason she came over in the first place.

"I read the news. Minami-obaa-san was able to get back the item, Marie-Antionette. Give her my congratulations. Her team's hard work and persistence has finally paid off."

"Yes, it really lifted up their spirits. They're really pumped up for tonight."

"There's a notice for tonight?"

Kotori nodded. "The target is the Silver Cross. It's part of a Turkish collection, so it's being returned to their government. The hand-off is happening tonight."

"I see." Umi paused as she lifted the soup bowl. "I'm surprised you know so much though. Honoka finally roped you into being a fan?" Umi brought the bowl to her lips, hiding a smile.

"Of course not!"

"I hope not. Minami-obaasan would feel horribly betrayed." Umi set the bowl down. "I'm done. Thank you for the meal." The cobalt-haired stood up and collected the trays.

"Ah, Umi-chan! You don't have to do this! You're the guest!"

"I insist. I do not want to impose on you too much."

"I want you to." Kotori took hold of her wrist, stilling her. "Okaa-san won't be coming home tonight. So, do me a favour and stay a little longer instead?"

Umi exhaled deeply. Sometimes Kotori doesn't realize that the things she says can be wrongly interpreted.

"Okay. We'll do it together and then I'll stay for a while longer."

Kotori beamed. "Thank you, Umi-chan."

The dishes were done within half an hour, with Kotori in charge on cleaning while Umi did the rinsing and wiping. Soon enough they were relaxing in Kotori's room.

"I need the washroom." Kotori got up.

Umi checked her watch. It was nearly time for her to leave. She will tell Kotori as soon as the other girl returns from the washroom. The sound of the door shutting with a resounding click catches her attention

Umi sprang up immediately, twisting the doorknob to test her suspicions. It wouldn't budge.

"Kotori!" Umi shouted. Her fist banged at the door for attention.

"I'm sorry!" Her footsteps getting softer as she moved away from the room.

What the-

Umi quickly moved to the window, watching as the taupe-haired girl went out the front door and into the distance.

What on earth?

This turn of events was unexpected, but Umi couldn't dwell on it. It doesn't take a genius to guess where the taupe-haired girl was going and if Umi herself were to make it too, she would have to leave soon.

The cobalt-haired girl was tempted to use a hairpin to pick the lock, but quickly ruled the thought out. Being the fashion-conscious girl she was, Kotori would quickly know if even if an item as insignificant as a hairpin were missing.

She looked out the window, checking her surrounding to see if there were a thing that could help her climb to the ground below. There was a drainpipe to her right, just barely out of reach. She could use it to shimmy down. The pipe was old and rusty though. She would need something to protect her hands.

The solution came almost instantly. A quick search of the wardrobe and found the pair of white gloves as part of Kotori's makeshift costume for her. It'll have to do.

Carefully she climbed down the drain pipe, jumping down the rest of the way when she was low enough. The gloves were unsalvageable, so she disposed of them, unworried. There'll be a replacement soon enough.

It was a fortunate foresight on her part that she brought her change of clothes with her, having stowed it away before she approached Kotori's front door. She quickly found the bag and changed. As a finishing touch, she covered herself with a black hooded-cloak. It would be a poor performance if the audience saw her before the show even began.

She took out her grappling hook. Now if she could just catch a ride on top of a train...


Ookami forced himself to take shallow breaths, even as his body craved for more oxygen. He barely made it to his designated position, having only a few minutes to spare. It would be a shame if all his efforts went down the drain the last minute simply because he couldn't keep his breathing in check and gave his position away.

Sitting precariously on top of the light fixtures of the Hotel Ocean's main ballroom, he had a clear view of the activities below. The Japanese and Turkish representatives were seated at the stage podium at the end of the ballroom. Journalists sat in front of them, recording this momentous occasion. A never-ending series of flashes occurring as the representatives from both countries went through their long-winded speeches.

Detective Minami was also present, standing by the stage podium, but out of the view of the dozens of flashing cameras. She had positioned two officers at each double-door.

The speech came to the end. Ookami prepared himself as the representatives came to the center of the stage. They held the Silver Cross between them, posing as the camera clicks build up in frequency.

"It's showtime!"

The lights flickered off and the room was plunged into darkness. The flashing camera lights stopped in surprise. Ookami switched to night vision and swooped in from his perch. He quickly took the Silver Cross from its glass case, switching it with a notice card, before retreating.

The lights came back on. The Turkish representative gasped.

"I-it's missing!"

"Look! A notice from Kaitou-san!" A chorus of cameras shutters commenced.

"Lock the doors! No one gets in and out without a search!"

Ookami shook his head with pity. It was going to be along night for them and, as he ducked into the vents from which he came, an unfruitful one at that.

Having previously memorized the layout of the ventilation system, he quickly found the vent leading to his escape route. He jumped into the empty hallway. Checking that the coast was clear, he held the artifact up towards the moonlight. The colourless gem on the Silver Cross shimmered brightly but...

Not it either, huh...

He shook his head. It was not the time to lament. He knew the chances of finding back the family heirloom was low, even when he began the whole stunt, but he won't stop until he found it. It's what his parents would've wanted. He slipped the item back into his pocket.

Now, if he could change into his disguise and go out the employee exit, he'll be scot-free.

"Ookami-san!"

He steeled himself, then turned towards the voice with a casual grin on his face.

"Kotori-chan. You must have been a bird of prey in your previous life, being able to find me so soon."

He knows the conversation will go. The taupe-haired girl demands he returns the item as promised. He attempts to evade, but ultimately he will surrender the item. So even he was surprised when it took a left turn.

"He may have already gotten away before we secured the area. You guys continue verifying the guests' identities. The rest of you come with me to patrol the area!"

They both recognized the voice belonging to Detective Minami immediately. Ookami pursed his lips in thought. The good detective was getting smarter. He would have to step up his game if he wants to continue outplaying her. But first, to make his escape.

"Take me with you!" The taupe-haired girl latched on to him, her eyes darted warily back towards the voice. "Please!"

"I may be a thief, but even I do not steal girls from their homes."

"It's not kidnapping if I'm willing."

Ookami arched a fine eyebrow. "Detective Minami is your mother, isn't she? Why are you so worried?"

"I'm not supposed to be here!"

"Oh?" He smirked. "All the more reason not to take you away with me."

Fingers tightened around his white suit jacket. Determined eyes bore into his own.

"If I get caught, you're coming with me."

"Touché." He produced a serving cart with a flourish. "Your carriage awaits, my lady."

"How is that supposed to hide me?!"

"Have a little faith, Kotori-chan. I'm not called the phantom thief for nothing."

There was a dubious expression on the taupe-haired girl's face, but she did as told, tucking herself into serving cart. Ookami quickly took off his cape, draping it neatly over the serving cart before placing a silver-plated dome and platter on top. He discarded his white suit jacket, replacing it with a standard hotel staff uniform.

It was not a moment too soon. Just as he began to push the serving cart, Detective Minami turned into the hallway with several officers in tow.

"Shounen! Have you seen a suspicious person come by?"

"No, ma'am. I only saw the guests staying in room 512, who requested room service."

"Thank you. Carry on."

The detective continued onwards with the other officers followed suit. Ookami pushed the cart into the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor.

"Are we clear yet?"

"Hush, Kotori-chan. I'll tell you when we're clear. You wouldn't want expose yourself now, do you?"

When the elevator reached the ground floor, He pushed the cart towards the kitchen. The kitchen staff barely glanced him as he maneuvered the cart through the kitchen quarters. Soon he was out the employee exit and in a nondescript alleyway.

He slipped the Silver Cross into the platter and dome and changed back. After checking that everything was in place, he pulled his cape off the serving cart with a magician's flair, not jostling any of the items on top.

"VoilĂ . We're out." Ookami pulled the cape over his shoulders. "You were a wonderful assistant, Kotori-chan. Might I interest you in putting on a show with me again?"

Kotori got out from the cramped space in the serving cart and scowled. "This is never going to happen again." She jabbed a finger at his chest.

"Never is such a strong word." He took hold of the hand and pressed his lips at the back of it. "I look forward to our next meeting, Kotori-chan."

The taupe-haired girl sputtered. Whether it was out of indignation or embarrassment, he wasn't sure, but he definitely knew which one he preferred. Without letting her retort, he left, the tension in his grappling hook propelling him towards the air and letting him fly away as he activated the hang glider function of his cape.


The trip back to the Minami house was a much more relaxing affair.

Umi changed back into her original attire, slipping her other clothes back into the cloth bag that she stowed away. The climb back to Kotori's room was also much easier with a handy gadget, which she threw out the window and into a nearby bush as soon as she got her foot in the room. Out of sight, out of mind.

As a finishing touch, Umi slipped a pair of white gloves back into the wardrobe where she found the initial pair. She straightened her shirt, made sure she was presentable before she sat down and waited.

The sound of footsteps approaching came around a quarter of an hour later. Keys jingled as the door was unlocked to reveal an out-of-breath Kotori. Umi forced a smile on her face.

"Welcome back, Kotori."

"Umi-chan, I'm sorry!" The taupe-haired girl pressed her hands together in front of her and bowed.

"Would you like to tell me why I'm locked up in your room like some sort of prisoner?"

"Okaa-san made me."

"Minami-obaa-san?"

"She thinks that you're... Kaitou-san." The sentence got softer as it progressed, but Umi was still able to hear it.

"I'm Kaitou-san?!" She groaned as something clicked in her head. "It's from that time you made me dress as him for Honoka, isn't it?"

Kotori nodded. Umi pressed her hand against her face, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I'm sorry, Umi-chan. How can I make it up to you? I'll do anything."

Truthfully, Umi wasn't that angry at all. It was inconvenient, but their plan worked out in her favour in the end. She was about ready to forgive the other girl.

"Anything?"

"Anything."

"You're not allowed to have cheesecake for a month."

"Eh?!"

The cobalt-haired girl may be ready to forgive her, but that doesn't mean she wasn't going to get payback for all the times the other girl had embarrassed her. Kotori looked up at her with teary eyes.

"Shorten it, please, Umi-chan? I had to go all the way to Okaa-san to get the keys back."

"So..." Umi held up her phone. "I'm not going to find a photo of a certain taupe-haired girl and Kaitou-san taken tonight?"

Kotori slapped the phone out of her hand. "One month it is!"


There was a knock before the door opened. A skinny figure came in and hastily placed the newspaper on the desk.

"Good morning, Boss. There seems to be good news today. The police finally have a handle on the issue."

The figure at the desk took a drag of cigarette before looking at the newspaper. It had the words 'Second Victory for the Police!' in large font on the front page.

"If you had bothered to read the article, you'd know that the items are being returned to the police anonymously."

"It still a works for us, doesn't it? No more losses."

"No!" Hands slammed on the desk. The skinny figure jumped at the loud noise. "He is probably the one who returned those stolen artifacts! He's mocking us! Telling us that he can still get away with it even with the police on the case!"

The person at the desk exhaled before continuing in a much calmer voice. "Because of him, police scrutiny on us has been tighter than it has ever been. We haven't been able to do any business lately."

"Then what should we do, Boss?"

The other figure didn't reply immediately, instead standing up and turning to look at the view of the city below through the glass walls.

"Dig around. I want to know everything there is to know about that scoundrel by the end of the week. It is time to take the matter into our own hands."