A/N: Yay! The third chapter is up! Has anyone found the pattern I placed in this story yet? I know it was mean, ending on a cliffhanger (I really don't like cliffies but it makes you want to read on, deshou?) Gomen if events in the second chappy didn't make sense. This chapter will mostly be filler because the actual heist is rather short. This chapter will also be a teensy bit longer than the previous chapters because of the filler.
Warnings: High possibility of wrong calculations in the category of yen conversions.
Acknowledgements: A girl in my TA who read this chapter (at least what I had at the time) and unintentionally helping my find several grammar/spelling mistakes. Arigato! And thank you to the talk-show that I was listening to at midnight that gave me inspiration for Kasuma's splurge to Ran. (She actually gets serious, PLOT TWIST!)
Other (possibly irrelevant): I wonder if the reason I'm not going to repeat the fact that I don't own Detective Conan is due to my laziness. Hmm, the questions I randomly think up.
Double-M and KID vs. Conan: Sapphire Blue
Beika, Japan
Agasa Residence
August 1, 1:50 PM
Kudo Shinichi looked into the mirror, no stepstools needed, and slipped on the blue jacket. He looked at his hands again, relieved that they were the right size, for the time being. Shinichi opened the bathroom door and walked out, placing his hands in his pockets. Seeing everything at his real height was relieving, though it felt weird. Shinichi soon brushed that off as he walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bright, red apple. Another form in the kitchen froze up; the figure gripping a tray of liquid, tea was it? Bright blue eyes met his own, "Are you Shinichi-kun?"
Kudo Shinichi blinked, 'Why is she-? Wait, what did she ask?' Shinichi looked past the speaker and out into the living room, "Uh, yeah. I am," He responded.
"That was fast," the speaker, Kazuki Kasuma, contemplated.
Kasuma walked out of the kitchen and handed a cup of the tea to three other figures in the room. Curious, Shinichi walked out slowly and looked at the occupants as he bit into the apple in his hand. Kasuma walked back to Ran and whispered, "Does Shinichi-kun have messy, brown hair?"
Ran looked at her friend with a puzzled expression then turned around, "Yeah, he does…. Shinichi!"
"Well, excuse me for having messy hair." Shinichi grumbled, but gave a weak smile to Ran.
Ran shot up out of her seat on the couch and walked up to Shinichi with her hands on her hips, "I thought you had a later flight."
"Is that what you heard?" Shinichi asked, "I was on an earlier flight. I got to the airport a few minuets before my parents."
"But Conan-kun said you had a later flight. He didn't lie to me did he?" Ran mumbled.
Dr. Agasa cut in, "Well, when Shinichi-kun's parent called saying they wanted to take Conan to Manila, they had mentioned Shinichi having a later flight." The professor laughed nervously.
"Did you see Conan-kun, Shinichi? You're parents were supposed to pick him up." Ran asked, looking down at the floor.
"Was he the little kid with Dr. Agasa?" Shinichi mused. "Oh, and who's this?" he nodded towards Kasuma.
Kasuma stepped foreword and bowed, "Kazuki Kasuma, yoroshiku."
"Yoroshiku," Shinichi returned, bowing as well. "Kasuma-chan… Is it alright if I call you that?"
The girl shrugged, "Guess so." A small smile formed on Kasuma's face and she grabbed Ran and Shinichi by the arm and dragged them into the kitchen doorway. She first turned to Ran, "You. Shinichi-kun. Date. Tomorrow. No exceptions."
Ran blushed and scowled at Kasuma. Shinichi diverted his eyes and took another bite out of his apple. Kasuma then grabbed Shinichi and pulled him further into the kitchen, "Seriously. If you don't take that girl out on a date, I will set it up for you. And if that's the case, you will soon know, just as Ran-san knows by now, it will get bad. I can come up with some horrible ideas and you don't want them tested on yourself." Kasuma smiled, "Got it?"
Shinichi nodded slowly. "I'm not kidding. I already have many ideas for your date. There are tons of nice, fancy restaurants, several good movies out… oh and Tropical Land. I heard that place is fun."
Shinichi frowned, "NO! Don't you dare take Ran back to Tropical Land. Besides, it's too crowded there."
"Fine, fine. But if you don't come up with something, I will. And it will be good to relax before the heist." Kasuma stated.
"Heist?" Shinichi said, furrowing his brow.
"Yeah, Masked Magician and Kaito KID's heist on the third… Oh right, you haven't seen the note. Here," Kasuma handed Shinichi a copy of the heist note. "Heiji-kun made a copy of the note they found and Kazuha gave it to me since they're apparently leaving in two days."
Shinichi took the piece of paper and looked over the note, already knowing what it said. "'On the tertia dies'… This is what you were talking about right?"
Kasuma nodded, "I take it you've taken some Latin classes. So you know 'tertia dies' means third day. And the line that says 'on the month of Octavian' refers to—"
"The month dedicated to Octavian… otherwise known as Augustus. So…" Shinichi continued.
"August…. This month," Kasuma finished. She smiled, "Wow, you really know your stuff. And I thought I was the only one at Teitan High who knew obscure things."
Shinichi smirked, "Same goes for me."
Kasuma returned the smirk and went back to where Ran was still standing, watching the two of them converse. Shinichi fell into step behind the girl and Kasuma smiled at Ran, "Wear something nice tomorrow. Otherwise I will end up dressing you myself. Oh and Shinichi-kun… If anything other than what was planned happens and you have the urge to check it out… don't. I will take whatever murder or kidnapping or anything else in the crime category for you. Tomorrow will go on un-interrupted."
Ran blushed and mumbled incoherently. Kasuma walked past Ran and, on her way out of the kitchen, whispered to her, "I'll give you lovebirds some time alone." Ran's already prominent blush deepened and Kasuma smiled, walking out of the kitchen.
Shinichi took another bite from his apple and looked at Ran. Ran looked up and caught Shinichi's gaze. "How long are you going to stay this time, Shinichi?"
"Around a week… I hope." Shinichi answered.
"Really?" Ran's face lightened up.
"Of course, I haven't had much of a break in a while. It'll be good to kick back a little…" Shinichi looked at the kitchen door. "Is it just me or is Kasuma-chan a scary person?"
"It's definitely not just you. I mean, she's very nice and all but there are times like just now when she gets 'evil'." Ran surrounded the word evil with air quotes. "She doesn't do that on a regular basis. Kasuma tends to act like that at least once a week."
"And she's a new student at Teitan?" Shinichi continued.
Ran nodded, "She transferred from either England or America, one of the two, a few months ago. She's kinda like you Shinichi."
"Don't tell me you're replacing me with her?" Shinichi looked at the door behind Ran.
Ran started to deny but instead said, "Maybe I am. At least Kasuma's loyal."
"Oi, you're making it sound like Kasuma-chan's a dog." Shinichi stated. "And I'm sorry I haven't visited in a while. It's just case after case. I've haven't gotten a real break in a while."
"Yeah right," Ran's eyes started to water. She tried to blink the growing tears away, "You're lying. You can't be so busy that you're not able to sneak in a short visit more often. You're never here anymore."
'Ran,' Shinichi looked at the girl and leaned against the counter behind him. He closed his eyes, "Yes I am."
Just then, Kasuma walked back in carrying in a tray with empty cups and a kettle. She washed out the remains of the tea in the cups and placed them inside the dish washer. She turned around and held out the kettle, "Would you like some tea Shinichi-kun?"
"Um, not now… maybe later," Was the reply.
Kasuma looked from Shinichi to Ran and back again to Shinichi before shrugging and placing the kettle down and exiting the kitchen. Shinichi looked down at the copy of the heist note and ruffled his hair in frustration. "Great. This person gave me one day to figure out this note." He walked out of the kitchen and seated himself on one of the chairs. Ran stood behind him a read the note silently. Kasuma looked at the paper in his hands. "Do you think the line 'perch upon the sunset' refers to the location?" she asked the detective.
Shinichi looked down at the mentioned line and shrugged, "I guess so. But I don't think this is a KID note so it's a little harder for me to figure out."
Kasuma nodded, "I've worked against this thief, Masked Magician. So I have a feeling that line suggests the location. Of course there's another expert on the subject but it's hard to get a hold of him. He's always busy."
Kasuma's phone buzzed and she opened the device and scanned the screen. "Now how did that happen?"
"What happened Kasuma?" Ran asked, taking a seat on the nearby couch.
"Somehow Masked Mage got my number and sent a hint about the heist." Kasuma answered frowning.
"Creepy," Ran shuddered.
Shinichi rolled his eyes, "He probably got it from the school directory. Phone numbers are listed there… But what does it say?"
"Let's see… It says, 'My, my, gomen about the short time frame. Hountou ni. To make up for it, I'll give you a hint. It's pretty much the same as the last hint. Think about Japanese, Ancient Rome, as well as the clock face.'" Kasuma closed the phone. "And Shinichi-kun, please enlighten me… How could the thief know about the school I go to? It's not like I've advertised to the whole city sayin', 'Hey everyone, I go to Teitan High!' there's no way he should know about that fact."
"Well, if this guy's as good as KID with disguises, he could easily get into the school." Shinichi explained, "Though why he would, I don't know."
The phone buzzed again. Kasuma read the message, "He says, 'To find a rival… that's an easy question.'"
Ran shuddered, "That's really creepy." She gasped, "Was he was looking for you Shinichi?"
Shinichi raised an eyebrow, "Doubt it. There wasn't a guarantee that I'd be at school when that guy 'dropped in'. But on another note, that means there must be a listening device in this room. That text wouldn't have worked in any other conversation except this one. The Mage can hear us somehow."
Kasuma smirked, "Of course he finds a way to sneak in and place a listening device in here." She shrugged, "And if I know him, he'll probably get back in later and remove the device. Then go on to remove any evidence of him visiting." The girl sighed, "Anyway, what could he mean by Japanese, Ancient Rome, and the clock face?... Well, we just figured out the Rome hint but what about the other two?"
Shinichi took another bite from the apple and shrugged. "'Perch upon the sunset'…" Kasuma mumbled quietly."Sunset, sunset… Solis occasus… Higure…" Shinichi and Kasuma's heads snapped up. "The Higure Estate," they exclaimed simultaneously.
Shinichi pulled out a map while Kasuma fished out a phone directory and both of them began flipping through the pages. Ran looked back and forth from Kasuma to Shinichi and back to Kasuma as they scanned the different texts. Kasuma sighed, "There's no number shown here."
Shinichi nodded, "They're pretty private I've heard. At least we have a location." He showed the current page to Kasuma and Ran. He had circled a spot on the map before showing it to the two of them. Kasuma looked closely at the circle. "Chotto matte, that's near my house. It's only a few blocks east from me."
Shinichi stared at Kasuma, "Where.. do you… live?"
"I live a few blocks away from this house here." Was the reply.
"Uso!" Ran exclaimed, "This close? To Shinichi's house I mean."
Kasuma looked up at Ran, "What are you talking about?"
Ran continued switching gazes from Shinichi to Kasuma and Shinichi raised an eyebrow, "So that's why the landscape seemed familiar…"
Kasuma rolled her eyes, "Please don't tell me, out of all the cases you've encountered, you weren't able to notice the area by your house!"
"So I got too caught up in the case to take close notice to the location, so what?" Shinichi retorted. Kasuma smiled and shook her head. Shinichi looked around the room, "By the way, where's Agasa-hakase and Haibara? They were just here a few minuets ago."
"Those two went to a store to buy more groceries." Ran answered. Kasuma flinched at the sentence but continued to stare off into space.
Beika, Japan
Beika Mega Mall
August 1, 2:47 PM
"Come on, Ran! Protesting won't do you any good." Kasuma exclaimed, tugging at Ran's elbow.
"Kasuma!" Ran said, ignoring her friend's comment on protest. "I do not need more clothes!"
Kasuma sighed deeply, "Sadly girl, you do. Especially for tomorrow," she smirked, "Which is also why you are coming." Kasuma tugged at the elbow in her other hand.
Shinichi growled in defiance while trying unsuccessfully to suppress his rising blush. "Why can't girls leave guys alone, especially on the topic of clothes?"
"Shikashi, you're the one spending time with Ran. It's unfortunate if you have to look at something that seems off." Kasuma retorted.
"Are my clothes that bad? I like them," Ran countered.
'I happen to like a lot of those clothes,' Shinichi thought, sighing. 'Shikata nai, Kasuma just won't be teetered.'
Kasuma continued to drag Ran and Shinichi through the mall until she finally walked into a store. Shinichi didn't catch the name and neither did Ran. Kasuma finally let go when she reached a rack of dresses. She started to look through but then stopped, "Oi, the groom can't stay here right now. Shinichi-kun… leave."
"Oi! What was the point of even dragging me here?" Shinichi frowned, 'I still don't get this girl.' Shinichi swiveled on his heel and sat himself down in a chair near the entrance. 'Hey, she looks just like Ran…' he thought, noticing a girl of similar stature and appearance to Ran walk into the store. 'She was also at the Keshiki mansion, Nakamori's daughter if I remember correctly.'
There was a small yelp from behind Shinichi and the high school detective bolted out of his chair and ran back towards the sound, "Ran!"
Kasuma looked up at Shinichi and then snickered, "That's so cute! Did you see that Ran-san? Cute, cute, cute! Responding immediately to the most important girl in his life!"
Shinichi's eyes narrowed, "Urusei."
Kasuma smiled then dropped her expression and flicked her free hand (her other hand was busy hiding some white fabric behind her back) "Shoo, Shinichi-kun."
Shinichi grumbled under his breath and turned around to walk back to the seat he had earlier.
Beika Mega Mall
August 1, 2:50 PM
Kasuma smiled as Ran watched Shinichi's retreating form and pulled the fabric from behind her back, "Well, do you like it?"
"Mou Kasuma, it looks like a wedding dress, with all that white." Ran whined.
"But," Kasuma pouted, "It would look so cute! Especially on you," She looked at Ran's thoughtful face, "I'll hold onto it, just in case you change your mind."
Ran nodded slowly as her gaze fell upon the rack of dresses, "Ne Kasuma… why are you doing this?"
Kasuma shrugged, "Someone has to play match-maker here. And you said yourself that Shinichi tends to come and go really fast. The faster I act, the better the outcome will be… hopefully. And while I'm at it, I can prevent another 'separation.' It's clear you won't act so someone has to." She began shifting through the dresses in front of her, "Hmm," she mumbled, almost to herself. "No… no pastels… let's see, how about this one Ran-san."
Ran looked at the light green dress. It was a very simple dress that sat a little above the knee and had white fabric that hugged the sides of the shoulders. "Um, well, it's very pretty but…" Ran started.
"Ran-san, if you're concerned about the skin exposure, all you'd have to do is wear a shawl over it. Simple," Kasuma said, shaking the dress slightly.
"Well, I could try it, I guess." Ran gave in.
Kasuma smiled and searched the rack for the right size as she handed Ran the white dress she had held on to, "Try this on while I'm finding the right size for you."
Ran grabbed the dress and turned to go into the dressing room, "Ran-san? Make sure you come out and show me what it looks like."
Ran turned and nodded, before she walked into a room. Kasuma draped the dress in her hand over her arm and walked over to where Shinichi was sitting. She grabbed the hood of his blue jacket and tugged, "Come on, it's time to make yourself useful… and don't make a sound."
"What are you?..." Shinichi stammered.
"Didn't I just say not to make a sound? I mean it… Hayaku Shinichi-kun." Kasuma admonished, pulling Shinichi over to the dressing room area. She let go of the hood, "Wait here." She walked into the hallway lined with dressing rooms, "Ran-san?"
"Hai… I'm over here, Kasuma." Ran said, waving her hand over the door of one of the rooms. Kasuma approached the room, "Are you almost done, Ran-san?"
"Well… yeah but… do you really want to see this? It doesn't look right."
Kasuma sighed, "Which is why I want you to show me how it looks, sometimes one opinion isn't enough. Come on; open up… before I knock the door off its hinges."
"Alright, I'm going." Ran unlocked the door and walked out timidly. Kasuma grabbed her hand and led her out of the hall, "There's a mirror out here, come on."
Kasuma led Ran out of the hall of dressing rooms and—much to Ran's dismay—to the very spot where Shinichi was waiting. As soon as Ran caught a glimpse of Shinichi looking at his watch, she immediately tried to hide behind Kasuma but Kasuma twisted away and leaned against a nearby wall. Shinichi chose then to finally look up from his watch and his breath hitched at the sight of Ran and the dress she had on. Ran had on a white dress that hung loose at her ankles and was lined with a gold trim along the bottom of the dress as well as the sleeves and waistline. The long dress adorned a slow sloping v-neck which was marking the cutoff of the silver glitter that was spread out throughout the top half of the white dress. Shinichi stood there wide-eyed as he silently gazed over the dress and the girl wearing it. Kasuma smiled, "She looks like an angel don't you think Shinichi-kun?"
Shinichi's eyes flickered over to Kasuma as she pushed away from the wall and walked up to Ran. "All we need are the fancy wings."
Ran blushed profusely and looked up nervously at Shinichi. Her gaze then switched to Kasuma, "Mou Kasuma. Not only does it look like a wedding dress, it feels like a wedding dress."
"But you look so cute in it. It suits you so perfectly! Don't you think Shinichi-kun?" Kasuma asked looking at Shinichi.
'She really does look an angel. God, why do you do this to me Kasuma? Are you trying to torture me?' A blush began to rise on Shinichi's face, "I-It looks really good on you… Ran," he said, causing his blush to deepen in shade.
"So there really is something wrong with this dress. I'm changing," Ran turned and walked back into the dressing room.
Kasuma followed her and stuck her foot in the door's path as Ran tried to use it to separate herself from Kasuma. "So… just because you got a compliment from Shinichi-kun, you believe that there's something wrong with the dress? That's silly," she remarked. "At least try this green one on." Ran looked at the dress warily. Kasuma sighed, "I won't pull you over to Shinichi-kun for an opinion, I promise."
Ran still looked skeptical, "Are you sure? And you won't twist the rules and drag Shinichi over here?"
Kasuma drew an 'X' over her heart, "Cross my heart and hope to die. I will not."
"Okay," Ran gave in. "But once I try it on, I'm taking it off."
"Mou Ran-san, at least let me see how it looks on you."
Ran didn't reply and closed the door in order to switch from the white dress to the green dress. She came out a few minuets later wearing the light green dress. Unlike the white garment, the green dress stopped short of her knees and the bottom half of the dress had embroidered white flowers. Kasuma stepped foreword to adjust the white fabric draped across Ran's shoulder then stepped back to glimpse at the entire number. "Hmm, this one suits you too. Not as much as the white dress but if it suits, it suits. You should get this one for tomorrow. You probably won't get a wide-eyed expression from Shinichi-kun, but I'm sure he'll like it."
Ran started to protest but changed her mind and retreated into the dressing room to change out of the dress. Another few minuets later and Ran stepped back out wearing the white skirt and purple blouse she had on before. Ran closed her eyes and held out the two dresses for Kasuma to retrieve. Kasuma complied and draped the dresses over her arm as Ran walked out of the dressing room. Ran walked past Shinichi and over to the rack of dresses they had been looking through. Shinichi raised an eyebrow and Kasuma giggled, hurrying over to the girl. "Stubborn child," Kasuma murmured as she passed Shinichi. She stopped short, "Don't just stand there Shinichi-kun, get your butt over here."
Shinichi complied and met up with Ran and Kasuma just as Ran was pleading Kasuma to return the two dresses. Kasuma shook her head, pulling the green dress off her arm, "Buy this, onegai?" Ran shook her head, "Por favor? Si vis? Jebal? Paki? Palihog? Parakalo'? S'il vous plait? Per favore? Pazhaluysta? Be'vakasha? Le do thoil? How many different languages are you gonna make me use before you give in?"
"How many languages do you know?" Ran asked.
"No idea," Kasuma answered briefly, "Now will you please buy this dress? Or will I have to rake my brain for even more languages? I just listed off twelve, how many more do you want? Oh, how about Swahili? Tafadhali? I'm gonna get weird stares from people here, you realize that right? Or do you want me to be mocked by people here in the mall? Mean, mean, mean."
"Fine!" Ran announced, "Fine, I'll buy it. Happy?"
Kasuma beamed, "Very." Ran snatched the dress out of Kasuma's hand and turned towards a cashier. Kasuma walked quietly over to the rack of dresses and pulled something off the rack. "Interesting tactic, Kasuma-chan," Shinichi remarked.
"Arigato, and to think it actually worked!" she smiled, mostly to herself. She walked up to Ran and when she was done with her purchase, Kasuma shoved Ran and Shinichi out of the store, ordering them to stay put until she was done inside. Kasuma walked up to the cashier and placed her opus on the counter. "Can you please make these separate?"
The cashier nodded and rang in Kasuma's purchases separately. "Oh," Kasuma continued. "Can you also gift-wrap this one?" she asked, indicating what she meant with her hand. The cashier nodded again and pulled out a box for gift-wrapping.
Beika Mega Mall
August 1, 3:10 PM
Kasuma walked out and stopped in front of Ran and Shinichi who had found two couches outside the store. Ran looked up and smiled faintly, "So what were you doing in there? What's in the bag?" she asked, switching her gaze from Kasuma's face to the bag behind her back.
"Secret. All will be revealed in due time." Kasuma smirked, the second smirk since arriving at the mall and grabbed the hood of Shinichi's jacket, tugging lightly. "Come on, off your butt." She regarded Ran, "I'm still not done with you."
"You just said 'dress' there was nothing in this deal about accessories!" Ran exclaimed.
"Well, I'm changing the deal… accessories would be perfect. Thank you for reminding me, Ran-san!" Kasuma chimed.
A groan slipped out of Ran's mouth but she didn't protest when Kasuma wrapped her arm around Ran's and dragged her into another store with Shinichi following closely behind. Inside the store, Kasuma urged Ran over to a stand covered with shawls and scarves. Ran, not focusing of the task at hand began staring at the exit. Suddenly, Ran squeaked, "Agasa-hakase!" she waved at the Professor who was just passing the entrance. He stopped short and waved back, entering the store, "Oh, Ran-kun."
Three kids ran up to Ran, "Ran-oneesan! Why are you here?" Yoshida Ayumi asked.
"Ayumi-chan, Genta-kun, Mitsuhiko-kun. You guys are here too? Oh and Kasuma behind me dragged me here." Ran answered, glaring at a smiling Kasuma.
"…Who?" Ayumi asked. She peered past Ran at Kasuma, who was watching the kids intently. She perked up and bowed, "Kazuki Kasuma, yoroshiku. And who might you three be?"
"Yoshida Ayumi!" the girl exclaimed.
"Kojima Genta!" the chubby boy said next.
"Tsuburaya Mitsuhiko!" the second boy finished.
"How do you know them Ran-san?" Kasuma asked her friend.
"They're friends and classmates of Conan-kun."
Kasuma nodded and turned back to the object of her attention before the kids and Dr. Agasa arrived. "So," Ran started. "Why did you come here Agasa-hakase?"
"Oh," he looked down at the kids, "Well, Ai-kun and I ran into them as we exited the grocery store across the street and I decided to treat them to a late lunch. It seems as if they had been running around and hadn't gotten much to eat."
"Oh, I see…" Ran replied. She froze when Kasuma draped a shawl over her shoulder. "What are you doing Kasuma?"
"Testing different fabrics on you… what does it look like? Hm, I think this green works best with that dress." She returned the other shawls to the rack. "You've been awfully quiet over there Shinichi-kun." She remarked. "Can't stop thinking about that white dress?"
"That's not what I'm thinking about!" Shinichi denied. "I'm trying to solve the Mage's riddle."
"Sure you are," Kasuma smiled. She walked over to the cashier and paid for the shawl. "Well then," Dr. Agasa began, "I guess I'll see you all later."
"No, no," Kasuma said, "We're done here. We can come with you and help relieve the bill those kids will put on you."
The now much larger group walked out of the store and headed for the food court. Halfway to the food court, Ayumi looked up at Ran, "Ran-oneesan, where's Conan-kun?"
Haibara's eyes flickered up to Shinichi but she stayed silent as Ran answered, "Shinichi's parents took Conan-kun to Manila for vacation. He'll be gone for about a week."
"Lucky butt," Genta muttered.
"Alright kids, take your pick. Which restaurant shall we go to?" Kasuma asked, leaning down to the kids' height.
The three kids looked around the extensive food court, "Sugoi! There are so many restaurants here!" Genta exclaimed.
"Of course, it is the Beika Mega Mall." Kasuma smiled, "Is there any place special that you guys want to go to?"
Genta raised his hand, "Somewhere with unagi!"
"Geez Genta, again with the unagi?" Ayumi whined.
"So what? I like unagi!" Genta retorted.
"Oh," Kasuma began, "I have an idea. I'll give you some money and you guys can find whatever you want. The rules are that you must buy something from this food court and you can't go over your limit. Is that okay?"
"Hai!" the three kids exclaimed.
"All right, let's see," Kasuma pulled out her wallet and shuffled through the contents. She pulled out a small handful of money and split it into even amounts. "Now remember, you can't go over the limit and if I or Ran-san, or Shinichi-kun, or Agasa-hakase catch you trying to find more money…" she tapped her chin, "Well, there will be some punishment, I'll have to find a really good one. Got it?"
"Hai!" they yelled.
"Alrighty then, disperse!" Kasuma announced. The kids ran into the food court and scattered throughout the crowd. "Kasuma, are you okay with this?" Ran asked.
"Okay with what?" she asked.
"You didn't have to use your own money, we could have split it."
"Well, let me think. You just bought that fairly expensive dress, Shinichi-kun probably… no didn't have time to get his own wallet, and Agasa-hakase probably provided them enough in the past… So I decided to give everyone a break. And really Ran-san, it's not like I gave them a humongous amount of money. I gave them enough to find a decent meal, not enough to buy a car." Kasuma remarked. "Oh, Haibara-san, have you had something to eat?"
Haibara looked up at Kasuma, "Yes, I have."
Kasuma looked closely at Haibara then pulled something out of her wallet. She bent down, "Here," she said, holding out a small wad of money, "Get in there and buy something. I refuse to have someone starve here."
"I've already eaten," Haibara retorted, turning her head away from Kasuma. Kasuma sighed then grabbed the small hand of Haibara. Haibara flinched and clenched her hand into a fist. "Please don't be stubborn, it's clear you haven't had a sufficient meal and I want you to fill your stomach. You won't be able to function without some nutrients in your system." Haibara pulled her hand away. Kasuma tried a different approach. She slipped the wad of money into the pocket of Haibara's jacket. "If you decide you want to grab something to eat, then the money's right there. It's clear I can't force you to eat anything so I'll let you chose." Kasuma straightened. She looked at Ran, "Let's find some seats so everyone doesn't have to stand."
Ran nodded and followed Kasuma inside the food court. Shinichi started to follow but stopped, "Haibara, what's wrong?" he asked, taking note of her version of a shocked face.
She shook her head, "Nothing… it's just that…" she trailed off.
"It's just that what?" Shinichi pressed.
"Didn't I just say it was nothing?" Haibara shot back. She stuffed her hands into her pockets, one hand gently handling the small amount of money she had been given, not that she'd admit to her action. 'It's just that… she reminds me of Akemi.' Haibara smirked internally, 'Why did that little action shake me up so much?' She closed her eyes and took a seat in a chair belonging to the table Kasuma and Ran had found. Genta, Ayumi, and Mitsuhiko arrived a few minuets later and plopped their trays of food onto the table grinning madly. Genta exclaimed, "I can't believe how much food I got! I thought I wouldn't be able to get anything with what you gave me," he grinned at Kasuma, "Arigato!"
"Yeah, arigato!" Ayumi and Mitsuhiko followed.
Kasuma smiled, "I'm not prohibiting you three from saying my name… you do realize that right?"
"Hai!..." they announced. Ayumi was the first to try out the combination that had formed within the other two's minds, "Kasuma…onee…san"
"Good, now that that problem is out of the way, let's get some food," she regarded Ran, Shinichi, and Dr. Agasa. She stole a quick glance at Haibara and murmured, "Chotto, someone will have to watch over the kids."
"Oh, I can do that," Dr. Agasa announced.
"Are you sure?" Kasuma asked. The professor nodded, "Alright, then I'll bring you some food as well." She stood up, "Come on, Ran-san, Shinichi-kun."
Haibara silently stood up and walked around the table. Kasuma quickly caught the action, "Are you coming with us, Haibara-san?"
The girl made a quiet sound of annoyance, "I'm going to monitor what you're buying for Agasa-hakase. He's on a diet."
Kasuma shrugged, "That's fine." She turned to follow Ran and Shinichi who had already started heading off towards a sushi shop. Kasuma left them for her own task at hand. She walked over to another restaurant and scanned the menu. "Haibara-san, would you be alright with vegetarian yakisoba and sushi for Agasa-hakase?"
"That would be suitable," Haibara answered. Kasuma approached the restaurant, "Can I have three orders of yakisoba and one sushi plate, please?"
"Coming right up," the man behind the counter answered.
Haibara looked at Kasuma, "Why three? You don't look like someone who would eat two helpings of yakisoba."
"Of course I wouldn't eat two helpings of yakisoba; the second one is for you." Kasuma replied.
Haibara stopped short and glanced up again at the high schooler. She opened her mouth to speak; thought for a second then closed her mouth, watching as Kasuma arranged the four plates onto two trays. She bent down and handed Haibara the tray with the sushi plate, "Can you give this to Agasa-hakase please?"
Haibara nodded and grabbed the tray as Kasuma picked up the second tray, balancing it on her right hand while slipping her wallet into her purse. Haibara approached the table first and plopped the tray in front of Dr. Agasa. She then found a nearby seat and settled herself in it. 'She really reminds me of Akemi.'
Beika, Japan
Mouri Detective Agency
August 2, 6:10 AM
"Ran-san, wake up. Wake up!" Kasuma shook the girl, "Mou, will I have to dump water on you? I mean, if I have to I will but that'll just ruin your hair." Ran's eyes jerked open. "There we go, the water threat always seems to work… don't you think Shinichi-kun?"
Ran jerked up into a sitting position, "What are you?..."
Kasuma smiled and looked outside Ran's bedroom door, "Well, with Shinichi-kun I really did dump water on his face. It worked rather well… isn't that right Shinichi-kun?"
There was a big yawn and Ran slowly walked out of her room to find Shinichi, his hair still slightly damp, sitting on the ground by the door, a hand covering his mouth to block the yawn as best as he could. He glared at Kasuma, "If I had been on the far side of the bed, your little tactic wouldn't have worked."
Kasuma crossed her arms and looked at Shinichi, "Well you wouldn't wake up when I shook you or when I tried different threats so I followed through with one of them. It's not my fault you fell out of the bed."
"Typically when someone waltzes into your house at five in the morning and dumps a cupful of water on your face, hell, the reaction would be shock!"
"Oi, oi," Kasuma shook her head, "I may dance but I don't waltz. Speaking of dancing… Ran-san your dress is in the bathroom. You should go change into it."
Ran nodded slowly and found her way to the bathroom. Shinichi looked at Kasuma. "And what did that have to do with dancing?"
"Nothing whatsoever. That bag over there reminded me."
Shinichi looked behind him at the big blue bag leaning against the wall. "Oh, that bag you brought with you. What's in it anyway?"
"Your present for Ran-san."
"WHAT! Since when did I get a present for Ran?" Shinichi demanded.
"You didn't, I did." Shinichi narrowed his eyes, "I wish I could see her face when she opens it." Kasuma squealed, "There's probably gonna be lots of blushing as well as some shock, then embarrassment and, if things go well, happiness."
"Masaka… Did you put something strange or something totally out of my character in there?" Shinichi accused.
"I would never do such a thing to my friend! Besides, I've only known you for… not even a full day, how could I know weather it was out of your character or not?" She walked over to the bag and pulled out the box inside. Shinichi shot up as soon as he saw the box, "Oi, that's my handwriting! What did you do? Photocopy something?"
"Chigau, I looked at your signature from something you did a few years ago." Kasuma explained.
"But how did you…?" Shinichi grabbed a piece of paper and drew kanji on the sheet. He held it up, "How were you able to create my exact signature!" the paper he held up had two names on it, Ran and Shinichi. He shook the paper, "How were you able to forge my signature with no defects at all?"
"Oi, don't look at me as if I'm a criminal…" Kasuma began.
"Well, there's no other reason for someone to learn how to forge, is there?" Shinichi glared at Kasuma.
"Mou, I'm sure you've guessed this but I'm still a minor! I need parent signatures for pretty much anything, don't I? If my parents aren't around, how in the hell can I get stuff like that signed? That's my reason for knowing how to forge." Kasuma swiveled and glared at the wall, "I've had to do this for five years." She looked at Shinichi, "So that's why I was able to forge your signature so well!"
"Um, Shinichi, Kasuma? Are you two alright?" Ran asked quietly from behind the bathroom door.
Shinichi crumpled the paper in his hand and Kasuma smiled, walking up to Ran. "Yeah, we're fine… Now why are you hiding behind that door?"
"Datte!" Ran lowered her voice, "It's embarrassing!"
"Taku," Kasuma groaned, "That's why I got you a shawl!" She looked at Ran again, "Get in here." Kasuma pulled Ran into the bathroom and began searching through the drawers. She stopped when she found a comb and some hair ties. "Just hold still Ran-san," she said, pulling the comb through Ran's hair several times. "Kasuma… What are you…?" Ran whispered.
Kasuma glared at Ran through the mirror, "Didn't I just tell you to hold still? It'll hurt much more than it should if you're moving around." Ran settled down as Kasuma proceeded to fix Ran's hair. "Do you always wear you hair do… Did you hear that Ran-san?"
"Hear what," she asked, taking care not to move her head around.
"That talk-show on the radio," Ran shook her head. Kasuma smiled, "How true they are." She murmured.
"What did that talk-show talk about?" Ran asked.
"Let's see, since the door's closed, it was a little harder to hear… I think it was 'If you really love someone and you want to spend the rest of your life with them, treasure each and every moment with them because you don't know how long you'll be with them,' or something along those lines." Kasuma smiled, "It's just like the situation with you and Shinichi-kun."
"No it's not! I don't love that mystery-lover!" Ran denied.
"Oh? Then wouldn't that mean he loves you? You're a mystery… well; pretty much anything could be considered a mystery. But be serious with yourself Ran-san, there must be some reason for your worry when he's not around or your desire to never leave his side when he is here. Here… look at this," Kasuma showed Ran a picture from her cell phone. "Why?"
"Silly, it's what you're wearing right now." Kasuma smiled. "It's a teensy bit blurry but you can still see the form. Is it okay?"
Ran nodded and turned around, leaning against the bathroom sink, "I don't know what kind of emotion it is, but I feel uneasy when he's not around. And when he does come, he leaves abruptly… just like that first time… when this stupid pattern began." Ran stared at the ground, frowning, "And when he seems to have something important to say, either something happens that distracts him or he makes up an excuse of having to leave."
Kasuma smirked and leaned against the bathroom door, "If you wait too long, your only chance may squeeze through your fingers, no matter how close together they are. Sou, just like water, no matter how you cup your hand when handling water, the liquid finds its way through the tiny cracks in your hand. And before you know it, there's nothing but air in your hand." Kasuma looked at Ran, "What, you think I'm joking? I wouldn't joke about this, I'm dead serious. Ran-san, take it from a girl with experience, don't just wait around for someone to act or something to happen. If you do that, you'll just end up hurt. And if you don't hold those precious memories tight in your hand, just like water, it'll slip away." Kasuma picked up the green shawl on the rack on her right, walked foreword, and draped it around Ran's shoulder. She smiled, "Come on, you've got a date."
Beika, Japan
Tropical Land
August 2, 6:45 AM
"You're not going to wear that?" Shinichi asked watching as Ran stuffed the green shawl in her white bag.
"Nope, it's just getting in the way." Ran remarked, snapping the bag shut and folding her arms across her chest. "And why are you wearing black and white."
"…Kasuma," they both said simultaneously. Ran giggled and Shinichi smiled. Shinichi looked back at Ran, "Doesn't the wind bother you?"
Ran shook her head, "Iie, not at all."
"Usotsuki," Shinichi accused, shrugging off his jacket in the process. He draped it over Ran's shoulders.
"Shinichi! I'm fine! Take back your jacket!" Ran exclaimed.
"You'll have to catch me first!" Shinichi turned and ran, not a fast pace but not a slow pace.
"Mou, Shinichi!" Ran called after him. Shinichi looked back and grinned. Ran began to pursue him and when she finally caught up to him, they had found themselves on the Island of Science and Space. Shinichi looked at his watch, "Man, we're ten minuets too early."
Ran shrugged, "I've already seen this fountain, Shinichi. Twice actually."
"I know that," Shinichi retorted, "But one more time wouldn't have hurt." Shinichi paused, "But I know I told Kasuma-chan I didn't want to come back here. Just what was she planning?"
"Does it matter?" Ran asked, sitting down on a nearby bench, "I'm sure Kasuma just wants us to enjoy ourselves here, like last time… it is an amusement park."
Shinichi groaned, joining Ran on the bench, "Don't say 'like last time'. Last time there was a murder, remember?"
"Of course I remember," Ran retorted, "I was referring to pretty much everything other than the Roller-Coaster Murder."
'And last time, I saw something I wasn't supposed to.' Shinichi thought grimly. "If only I could go back and redo that day, things may have ended differently. Because, clearly I won't be able to forget it."
"You shouldn't forget it," Ran murmured. Shinichi rose a single eyebrow, "I don't want to forget our time here. If it weren't for that day, I wouldn't have met Conan-kun and he wouldn't have a home right about now. And I wouldn't have met all the people I have or gone to the places I've gone to."
'Ran,' Shinichi looked at the girl. Ran smiled, "Come on, Shinichi. I don't want to spend the whole day sitting on a bench." She grabbed Shinichi's arm and pulled him towards an attraction.
Beika, Japan
D'oliva Giardino
August 2, 6:53 PM
"Taku, why do you have to be so good at everything?" Ran demanded, peering past the large stuffed panda bear to glare at Shinichi.
"Oh come on, that wasn't skill, that was sheer luck." Shinichi retorted, "I usually suck at games that involve throwing baseballs at clowns."
Ran smiled, "Well of course… 'Cause you're handier with your feet."
"Like hell I am," Shinichi muttered, 'I guess being forced to play baseball with Genta, Mitsuhiko, and Ayumi paid off.'
"Oh yeah, I wanted to ask you this but I completely forgot. Did Kasuma plan the entire day?" Ran's eyes peeked over the panda bear's head.
"She made sure we went to Tropical Land and she set up the seven 'o clock reservation but she left me to choose everything else." Shinichi explained, 'Well… there's also that present that she bought without my knowledge. Apparently it's sitting on Ran's bed, unless Kasuma said that just to freak me out. And she refused to tell me what's inside..That's the fact I'm most worried about.'
Shinichi stopped in front of a small restaurant and opened the door, pausing to let Ran enter before walking in himself. Shinichi walked up to the reservation booth and said to the man at the booth, "Uh, we reserved a table for two."
"Name?" the man asked.
"Ku—No, no, I mean Kazuki." Shinichi answered.
"Hmm, I wonder if you're from the Kazuki family that helped finance this restaurant." The man murmured, "Please follow me."
"Uh, actually," Shinichi began, "We don't belong to a Kazuki family. Our friend used her name to set up this reservation."
"Ah, I see." The man set the two menus he had brought along on a small table by the window. "Well, take a look through our menu and your waiter will be along shortly."
"Arigato," Ran answered. The man nodded and walked back to the entrance. Ran set the stuffed animal under the table and took a seat in the seat across from Shinichi. Ran picked up a menu and mumbled, "Is the Kazuki family he was talking about Kasuma's family?"
Shinichi shrugged, "No idea, but I guess it could be."
"Oh," Ran looked briefly at Shinichi, "Why wasn't the reservation under your name, Shinichi?"
'It'd be too dangerous.' Shinichi flipped through the menu as he responded, "Kasuma-chan did that on her own accord. She probably thought of using my name but decided against it." 'I also directly told her not to use my name.'
Just then, a young woman in a white shirt, black pants, and a dark green apron approached their table. She smiled, "Hello, I will be your server tonight, are you two ready to order?"
Shinichi looked at Ran who nodded, "We're ready. I'd like your Seafood Alfredo and a Cherry Italian Soda."
The woman wrote down the order and turned to Ran, "And I'll take the Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and Raspberry Lemonade."
"Is that all for now?" the woman asked.
Shinichi glanced at Ran who was pointing at the dessert section in the menu. "Can we order dessert now and have it brought out later?"
"Of course. What would you like for dessert?"
Ran spoke up first this time, "How about a Zeppoli."
The waitress nodded, "And Tiramisu." Shinichi finished, closing the menu.
The waitress collected the two menus and added, "I'll be back with your drinks." She walked away.
Ran looked around the restaurant, "This is a really nice place, cozy and not too crowded. Maybe I should bring Otou-san and Conan-kun here." She looked out the window, "Wow, this table has such a great view! You can see Tokyo Tower so clearly from here!"
Shinichi smiled, "Nice choice huh? And you could bring Oo-chan and that kid when KID is captured." 'Though, I've already been here once when Kasuma dragged me here and nearly gave me a heart attack because I thought she had found out my secret already.'
"I know what's been bothering me!" Ran exclaimed. Shinichi rose a questioning eyebrow, "Can I see the copy of the note. You did bring it right?" Shinichi nodded and handed her the note, "Here…" she pointed at a single line in the riddle, "This part seems uniquely KID, 'when the seconds bisects the twenty-second.' It's just like the note for the Memories egg… Oh, you weren't there."
"Uh, Conan told me about it. He said that in KID's note he wrote something along the lines of 'twelfth letter' which referred to the twelfth letter in the heist note."
"Yeah, and this seems to be like that heist letter." Ran concluded.
"Well… the English alphabet has twenty-six letters. The twenty-second would be…" Shinichi paused, running through the English alphabet. "'V'."
Their waitress returned with not only their drinks but their food as well. She placed the items on the table and retreated back into the kitchen. "And if you bisect a 'v'…" Shinichi continued, "Well, that would look like this.." Shinichi grabbed a sugar packet and a pen and lightly drew a 'v' with a line splitting it in half. "But what does that mean?"
"Shinichi…" Shinichi looked up at Ran. "You should probably eat that since you're paying ¥1540 for it."
He looked down at the food, "Yeah, I probably should." Shinichi grabbed a fork and stabbed the contents of the plate. As Shinichi and Ran finished the last of their food and drinks, the waitress returned in order to deliver the ordered desserts. There was a soft chime originating from inside Ran's bag and she pulled out the object. "It's a message from Kasuma."
"What's it about?" Shinichi asked.
"Let's see… it's regarding that kidnapping you wanted to look into." Ran looked at the contents of the message.
'Hm, the kidnapping case Kasuma refused to let me help with. I didn't think she'd actually go through with it when she said she'd take any cases that came up. I guess that implies she herself is a detective.' "What did she say?" Shinichi asked, "Kasuma-chan didn't give me any details when we saw her at the entrance of Tropical Land."
"She said, 'The kidnapping case has been solved. If Shinichi-kun wants to know about the details, then tell him to contact me at whatever time is convenient for him. And Ran-san… DON'T let him inquire about the case during your date.' And that's all she wrote."
Shinichi grunted and crossed his arms, "She couldn't even give some sort of hint as to what happened? Taku," Shinichi took a bite from his Tiramisu then diverted his attention to the small sugar packet with the bisected 'v' on it. "I guess it can't be helped. Anyway, it's this upcoming heist I should be focusing on."
"Ne, Shinichi. Wasn't one of the hints the thief gave us something about a clock face?" Ran paused, one of the Italian doughnuts in her hand, ready to be dipped into the chocolate sauce as she looked at Shinichi. "Again it's like KID's note regarding the Memories egg."
"In that note, you were supposed to line the 'twelfth letter' up with the clock face." Shinichi mumbled, almost to himself. "If you do that with a bisected 'v', the actual letter would make it eleven 'o five… and with the letter bisected, it would be… let's see, the bisector would be on the twelve on the clock face making the time eleven 'o six. Is that the time they're asking for? That's very specific."
"Congratulations Mei-tan-tei-san, you've solved your very first Masked Magician note. We should celebrate." Ran congratulated, a tint of sarcasm coating her voice.
"What and eating dinner at an Italian restaurant isn't celebrating?" Shinichi replied, gesturing wildly with his hands at the building they were inside.
"I guess it could be… Hey!" Ran exclaimed as Shinichi reached over and grabbed a doughnut from off her plate. Shinichi grinned and took a big bite out of the doughnut. "Eat your own dessert!" she ordered.
Shinichi looked down at his plate and placed an overly exaggerated pout on his face. "But I did." Ran looked at the plate and sighed. "You finished it already?" Ran looked at the doughnut in Shinichi's hand and made a swipe for it. Shinichi dodged her hand easily and smirked, "You still want this back even if I already bit out of it?"
Ran blushed, "Of course not! That's gross!" Shinichi grinned at his success and took another bite out of the pastry. Ran submitted and finished off the remains of her plate. "There, now you can't steal anything else…" she paused, "You STOLE! That's against the law!"
"Where in the law does it say that taking food from someone else's plate is illegal?" Shinichi retorted, "I was helping you finish your food… you should be thankful." Shinichi lifted his chin higher than it was earlier, his blue eyes still fixed on Ran.
"Hai, hai," Ran brushed off, "Thank you so much."
"That's much better!" Shinichi exclaimed, a small smile ruining his previous expression. Shinichi asked their waitress, who had stopped by just then, and asked for the bill. The woman nodded and collected the remaining plates on the table. The bill arrived shortly after and Shinichi pulled out his wallet. "Let's see… so the total is ¥3912. Alright." He pulled out the correct amount and placed it in the packet the receipt came in. Before Shinichi closed the packet, Ran slipped in a small amount of money into it. "It's a tip," she explained. Shinichi nodded and stood up, grabbing the panda from under the table and exiting the restaurant with Ran right beside him.
Beika, Japan
Higure Estate
August 3, 10:00 PM
Shinichi and Kasuma approached the expansive Higure estate where police officers were already stationed. The two of them approached the large black gate as a loud voice stopped them from entering. "Hey, you two! This place isn't open for civilians!"
Inspector Nakamori, practically running up to the gate, stopped when he recognized one of the faces. "Kudo Shinichi? Right? What the hell are you doing here?"
"How cold Inspector, I wanted to help catch those two phantom thieves." Shinichi remarked.
"Oh… I see," the Inspector eyed him suspiciously. "Are you really Kudo?" the gate opened and Nakamori grabbed Shinichi's cheek and tugged. "Ow, ow, ow! Kebu… that's my face!"
Nakamori pulled back, "Ok, you're clear… Now who are you?" he looked at Kasuma.
"Kazuki Kasuma. I just came to survey the scene."
"Oh? And are you a thief in disguise?" his hand aimed for her cheek. Kasuma batted his hand away roughly, "Don't you dare! I'm just here to see how tight the security is. I know what's too much or too little since I've been up against those two! I'm not planning on staying. Once I look around for a bit, I'm leaving to see off Hattori-kun and Kazuha-chan." Kasuma walked past the shocked inspector and into the estate.
Shinichi whistled quietly, "Note to self: Don't annoy Kasuma-chan."
"Damn right." Kasuma sighed, "What he's doing is just pointless. Even if he goes through everyone and pinches everyone, those two still get through right? It was the same thing in Europe and America. We ended up having to lessen the amount attending the heists to avoid easy access to a disguise."
Shinichi smirked, "Even with less people, they still manage."
Kasuma closed her eyes briefly, "Guess that shows how good they are at their job… This, in turn, allows us detectives to sharpen our own skills in order to catch thieves like them."
"You're a detective," Shinichi asked as they entered the estate.
"In a sense," Kasuma peered at Shinichi, "I tended to assist Hakuba with the heists KID pulled… You know Hakuba right? I'm sure you've met at least once."
"Yeah, I've met him. He's the high school detective with the hawk right?" Shinichi said looking around the interior of the house.
"Hai, Watson. That bird has proved quite useful, especially in spotting out blood. The poor girl is always around crime." Kasuma sighed, shaking her head.
"Girl? Why did he name his hawk Watson if the bird is female?" Shinichi asked, puzzled.
Kasuma shrugged, "That just shows you how much of a Holmes addict he is… I believe we're about to be yelled at."
"Wha-?" Shinichi started to ask.
"OI, who are you two and why are you in my house?" the assumed owner of the house yelled at the two of them.
Kasuma immediately spoke up, "We are with Nakamori-kebu. I'm sorry if our appearance caught you off guard. May I ask with whom I am speaking with?"
"I will not answer any questions by you unless I have a better description of who you are." The owner, a man of average stature with jet black hair and a brown suit peered down at them with a growing frown.
"Oh, of course, how impolite of me. My name is Kazuki Kasuma and this is my partner." Kasuma bowed.
"Kudo Shinichi right?" a female voice piped up. "You're Kudo Shinichi-kun that famous high-school detective right? I'd recognize that face anywhere."
The speaker was situated on the second floor stairwell and glanced at the two teenagers. The speaker also looked like she was in her late teens possibly early twenties and was wearing a dark green shirt and jeans. "Otou-san, please be nice. I'm sure these two came to help protect the Ocean Sapphire… that is why you are here right?"
"Hai, we came with Nakamori-kebu." Shinichi answered.
"Humph, that silly inspector that thinks by stationing guards in every square inch of this place he can easily catch the thieves." The man spat out.
"Otou-san!" the girl whined.
"Um, excuse me but may I ask for your names?" Kasuma inquired.
"Oh!" the girl exclaimed, "My name is Higure Yume. And his name is Higure Aruku," she first pointed to herself then moved her hand towards her father.
"Oh, did a detective with a small moustache arrive earlier tonight?" Kasuma asked, looking at the two Higure's.
"Were you referring to me?" a gruff voice cut in. Mouri Kogoro appeared from the second floor hallway and glared at Shinichi and Kasuma who were still situated on the first floor. "By the way… who are you?" Mouri asked Kasuma.
Kasuma nearly collapsed as he said that but she didn't get a chance to answer. "Mou, Otou-san. I told you, this is Kazuki Kasuma. She recently transferred to Teitan High from… was it England or America?" Ran appeared and stopped behind her father.
"Uh, America, I was in Europe before I moved to America." Kasuma looked up at Ran.
Higure Aruku sighed, finishing his descent down the stairs, "Taku, I don't need an entire police force and some wannabe detectives roaming around my house." He grabbed a few items from what looked like a closet and left the house.
"I apologize for my father's behavior." Yume said looked from Mouri and Ran to Shinichi and Kasuma, "There are a few police officers in the dining room."
"Sorry but I'll pass," Kasuma said. "I'm gonna take a look around."
Aruku's head popped back into the house, "Just don't touch anything!"
"Hai, hai. I'll tie my hands behind my back if I have to." Kasuma said, flicking her hand around lightly.
"Maybe you should," Aruku huffed, starting to depart again.
"Otou-san!" Yume exclaimed.
Kasuma immediately turned and walked towards one of the doors on the first floor. Shinichi walked up the stairs and joined Mouri and Ran. "Oi, and where the hell have you been, tantei bozu?" Mouri pressed.
"Jiken, ji-ken. I've been getting cases non-stop recently." Shinichi explained. "So where's the dining room?"
Beika, Japan
Higure Estate
August 3, 10:10 PM
"Wait, what are you doing?"
A smirk appeared on the face of a seventeen year old teenager with messy brown hair and deep blue eyes. The teen pulled out a spray can and pulled it in front of the victim's face and sprayed, covering his mouth and nose with a gloved hand. The victim collapsed and the teen pocketed the spray can that had been filled with sleeping gas. The teen grabbed the brim of his black hat and tugged it down over his eyes. "What am I doing?... Good question. I'm giving my partner an entrance." The teen bent down over the unconscious man, "Gomen nasai, but I'll have to borrow you for tonight." The teen replaced his hat with the sleeping man's hat, 'I pass the spotlight over to you now, aibou.'
Beika, Japan
Higure Estate
August 3, 10:20 PM
"Alright, I'm off!" Kasuma announced.
"Where are you going Kasuma?" Ran asked the girl.
"I promised I'd see Hattori-kun and Kazuha-chan off at the train station." Kasuma explained.
"Oh right, they're going back to Osaka tonight." Ran murmured.
Kasuma walked to the dining room door, "Ja na. Have fun trying to catch those thieves." Kasuma opened the doors and left the room.
Inspector Megure sighed, "Are you sure about this Kudo-kun?"
Shinichi nodded, "I am. KID and Mage are planning to come at eleven 'o six, although that's a very specific time. Does Mage usually do that, kebu? Cause KID usually doesn't."
"I'm not sure. I don't hear much about Mage except the general details. But he hasn't stuck to his usual pattern so everything's subject to change." Megure sighed.
Higure Yume walked in with a teenager around the same age as herself, "Oh, Yume-san."
"Hello again, Inspector," Yume looked at her companion, "This is my twin brother Higure Nemuri."
The teenager nodded. Shinichi chuckled quietly to himself, 'Dream and Sleep, huh? This is an interesting family.'
"Alright," Yume announced, "It's getting pretty late so we have a meal prepared for everyone while the announced time approaches. If everyone will gather at the table over here, we can start serving the food."
Beika, Japan
Higure Estate
August 3, 11:04 PM
"Are you sure the sapphire will be secure in here?" Megure asked, peering into the room bearing the sapphire.
"Definitely," Nemuri answered. "There's a weight sensor in that room so if any of the thieves try to get in, they'll be trapped. Along with the sensor, father also installed infra-red beams throughout this room so if they bypass the sensor, they'll also have to deal with infra-red beams that'll trip the security system if the beams are broken… It may not seem right with what my father has shown you of his character but he would love to catch those thieves. He use to be a cop so I guess the urge to stop crime still flows through him."
"Hmm, well everything seems to be under control here so let's go back to the dining room and wait just a little bit longer." Nakamori announced.
Shinichi didn't budge, "We only have two… no one minuet until the announced time. Why don't we just wait here?"
"Baka, that'll just add to the chaos." Nakamori yelled.
"Ju…Kyu…Hachi…Nana…Roku…Go…Yon…San…Ni…Ichi…Zero." The lights blacked out.
"What the hell?"
"It's them! Don't let them escape! Stop them!"
"Don't worry. The security system will catch them."
There was a loud thud and all those who heard it turned towards the origin. A light appeared, "Flashlight?"
"No, it's my watch," Shinichi cut in, "There's a flashlight in it as well."
Shinichi ran to the origin of the thump and saw three guards on the ground, unconscious. The door the guards had been guarding was still swinging lightly. "Nemuri-san, how do I get to the roof?" Shinichi asked.
"The staircase on your left." Nemuri answered.
Shinichi made a break for the door and flew up the stairs, breaking out onto the roof a minuet later. As the metal door that opened up to the roof banged against the wall, a thief in front of him jumped and whirled around, a white mask hitting the ground. KID pulled his cape in front of him, the wind whipping the cape around, causing it to billow around KID's form. KID moved slightly to block Mage from Shinichi's sight as Mage repositioned the mask. "Long time, no see, Kudo-san," KID purred.
"How'd you get up here so fast?" Shinichi demanded.
"Hi-me-tsu," Mage piped up in KID's voice. The thief behind KID turned and faced Shinichi with purple eyes. Shinichi ran towards them. The thieves, who were already by the rooftop edge bowed, KID tipping his white top hat as he bowed and Mage extending his right foot foreword as he bowed. The next thing he knew, the two of them fell backwards and into open air. Shortly after, two gliders appeared and flew away. Shinichi cussed and searched the roof for a new note.
Final Notes: Whew! Complete chapter three: check. Move onto chapter four: check. Alright, some comments: First that pattern I mentioned in earlier chapters is still under way, can anyone figure it out? Shinichi gets to hang around for a bit before he, unwillingly, has to get back to his cases. (sad face) Alrighty, I put lots of different languages in this story, I'm sorry if the translations aren't correct (I pulled them up from the Internet so… BLAME THE INTERNET!) Kasuma (in case you were curious) used several (in order): Japanese, Spanish, Latin, Korean, Tagalog, Visayan, Greek, French, Italian, Russian, Hebrew, Gailic, and Swahili. The restaurant Ran and Shinichi went to I named D'oliva Giardino which is Italian for 'Olive Garden.' As some may have figured out by now, the restaurant was named after the Italian restaurant Olive Garden. The items Ran and Shinichi ordered are also from the Olive Garden menu (I do not own) The main meal items were Seafood Alfredo and Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. Description of Seafood Alfredo: Sautéed shrimp and scallops tossed with creamy fettuccine alfredo. Description of Five Cheese Ziti al Forno: Ziti pasta in a five cheese marinara sauce, baked with a layer of melted Italian cheeses. The desserts were Tiramisu and Zeppoli. Description of Tiramisu: A layer of creamy custard set atop espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Description of Zeppoli: Soft, traditional Italian doughnuts dusted with powered sugar, served with chocolate sauce for dipping. I calculated the price for the items (using the Internet again… the wonders the Internet gives us) with a yen conversion site, but I will be sad if the currency calculations are wrong. Internet… don't fail me now! (If the conversions or the translations were wrong please let me know)
Let's see… I think that's all I wanted to point out so I hope you all liked this chapter. If you did or didn't, please tell me (reviews) and let me know what I should keep or change.
Latin Translations (rough)
Opus-Work/Load
Japanese Translations (rough)
Oi-Hey
Hountou ni-Really
Chotto matte-Wait a second
Uso-No way
Shikashi-But/However
Shikata nai-It can't be helped
Urusei-Shut up
Mou-Geez
Ne-Hey/Say
Hayaku-Hurry up
Arigato-Thank you
Sugoi-Awesome/Cool
Unagi-Eel
Hai-Yes
Masaka-Could it be
Chigau-Wrong
Datte-But
Taku-Geez/My God
Sou-Right
Iie-No
Usotsuki-Liar
Meitantei-Great Detective
Yume-Dream
Aruku-Ask/to ask
Higure-Sunset
Tantei-Detective
Bozu-Brat
Jiken-case
Aibou-Partner
Ja na-Bye/See you
Nemuri-Sleep
Himitsu-Secret
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