AN: This was wirttne MONTHS Before the manga grabbed Vermouth and my partner (mysteryfan17) has NOT read them so, when something comes up, please no spoilers.

And even though I wrote Vermouth's part... she does seem slightly off. I'm blaming that on her being with new people and not Shinichi.

Chapter 59: Puppet Show

"Hello there Chikage-chan. It's been a long time. Sorry about the name thing. I don't really want people to bother me and, because of my mom, my name's pretty noticeable here in Japan." Vermouth winked. "Never thought you'd see me again, huh?"

Chikage walked toward her slowly. Glancing around, she saw they were alone. "My son said he'd keep you company. Where are they?"

"They left a little while ago," Vermouth said playful, some tone of false sadness there. "I don't seem to get alone with other people very well, with the exception every now and then. He seemed worried about something though." She held out her hand. "I don't bite, much. It's been a long time."

Chikage was tempted to call her on that. "Yes it has. Is there any chance you said something? He seemed fine waiting with you until I got here."

Vermouth smiled a bit more but put her hand down and rested them behind her back. "I may have been teasing him. I couldn't help it. He and that girlfriend of his were cute. I even gave him a little kitty face. I think he had it with me. I'm sorry about that. Did you want him here?" Vermouth felt the distrust as an almost tangible thing, letting herself show a bit of nerve at it. One didn't have to so much hide their emotions as they did mask them- though so very few understood what that meant. "He really grew up, though I can't say if he looks more like you or sensei."

Chikage took that information about a 'kitty face' and worked with it. Kaito. Letting someone draw on him. Nope. Not even her or Aoko would get away with more than a streak if he were distracted. "Too close to call... He's his own person. And no one would have got both of them to leave except a call that I would have got too. I knew he was going to leave, but I also know he was going to wait until I got here."

Vermouth shrugged. "Chikage-chan, what do you think happened? If he hadn't have left I wouldn't be waiting outside. I don't feel comfortable being in your home when no one is in there." She rubbed her arm to ward off the cold that wasn't bothering her. "I planned a reunion, not you're unsubtle hits that something sinister is going on."

Chikage forced a light smile "Yes, I don't suppose you would know how on edge most of us have become." She waved her hand at the door. "We can go in and sit or go somewhere else and get something to eat. I haven't really been here much since Sunday so I have nothing prepared."

Vermouth smiled in return. "I haven't eaten since last night, but I'm not really in the mood for anything public. I have stayed in the dark for a reason. Publicity never sat well with me. It's been such a long time and you don't look like you've aged a day." She let out a light laugh. "You and I seem cursed to look forever young."

Chikage nodded. "Nature blessed us," she stated simply. "Let's go in then."

Vermouth raised her shoulder to her face in a light laugh and smile, backing up a bit and keeping a childish air around her. "I'd say 'be my guest' if I weren't the guest. Lead the way."

Chikage slipped by her and found the door unlocked. She pushed it open, removing her shoes and stepping in. "Come on in."

Vermouth followed her in, already knowing the layout of the house and making sure the kids hadn't left anything out that might expose her secret too soon. Not to mention she could kill two birds with one stone and get something to eat. Gin had really been pushing things. She would have liked to drop the smile and just contemplate the situation while drinking and watching an action film but she had to deal with the cards fate dealt her for now. "Thank you. Sorry for putting you to all this trouble when you seemed to be out."

"It's nothing for you to worry about. Family issue." Chikage looked around, trying to find out what had happened to Kaito, some message that would tell her why they weren't there.

Family issue. Sure. Kaito-kun would barely be able to serve her purposes and everyone near them was acting like she was after them. If they wanted to feel that way, Vermouth was ready to act on her own, if only to see what cool guy would do. She hadn't missed his injuries or she wouldn't have been going through this unnecessary trouble. It was one thing for her to step in when she was already involved, another to inconvenience herself unnecessarily.

'Nothing. If Aoko hadn't left with him, I would think he took to the room or the roof.' Chikage was more confused but turned with a relaxed expression. "Please, come in and sit. I'll see what I can put together."

Vermouth smiled good mannerly. "I can help. I'm the one imposing without warning and, not to be mean, but you look tired."

Chikage smiled. "Not at all. You're a guest. Besides, I could use something else to preoccupy my mind."

"I don't think cooking is really that distracting. Whatever you have on your mind though, I'm sure I can help distract you. I've heard I can be really distracting when I want to be." Vermouth giggled at the end of the sentence, looking around as if she hadn't seen the kitchen before. "I'm actually pretty fine with a sandwich or anything simple, unless you're going to eat with me."

Chikage had hoped to try calling Kaito or Aoko but with her right there that was going to be harder. She shrugged lightly. "OK, if you want to, we can make a couple sandwiches." She headed toward the kitchen, listening for anything inside the house.

Vermouth sighed lightheartedly. "And might I say, stress never looked good on you, not that I've seen in much before now. You just don't look like you anymore, but maybe that's what happens when years go by. I'm sorry for picking such a bad time to drop in."

Chikage pulled out a few things and started putting them together. "No, I should have expected a few of the others that knew him to get back in touch after the show aired. We've just had some things come up."

"I have too recently. I know how it is." Vermouth saw no need to get involved in the food making with the simplicity of it, so she'd bring up a few other things that she was curious about, and see how much of a comparison there was later. "I'm sorry. The last time I saw you was sensei's funeral, and I didn't stick around long. I don't think you noticed me. I would have liked to say something but there are some times where you just have no idea what to say to someone." Or nothing to say. A friend by acquaintanceship isn't as much of a friend, seeing as they only saw each other when she came over here.

Chikage's eyes slid to a family photo nearby. "I know. I wasn't really looking around anyway so that explains why I missed you." She held out a plate. "Here, not much but like I said, I haven't been here to have anything."

"That's fine. Don't worry about it. Like I said, I just picked a bad time to drop in on you. I'm glad I've gotten the chance to see you again. It's been too long." Vermouth took a bite, feeling her own doubts spring up. She knew Chikage only when they were younger, well, she was younger. Vermouth didn't live as long as she had by only the special skills of others. She had a secret weapon of her out though, just hidden out of sight. If she did suspect her of something and cared enough to act on her, her son and the girl would pay.

Chikage outwardly relaxed as she took a bite of the sandwich and sat at the table. "Was there anything in particular you wanted to talk about then?"

"Yes, a few things, but they can wait for a while. Better to put off boring stuff. Anyway, you relax. If anyone can, I can tell you when you're overstressing yourself. I haven't really been doing much with myself. How about you?" She stuck out her picky to point at her, smiling like the friend she was, or had been, to her.

Chikage smiled. "Raising a teenage boy. That in and of itself will add grays to my head long before time will."

Vermouth ate so her attention wouldn't be divided, smiling when she swallowed. "I don't think I'll ever have kids. I like being the person who comes over and sees other people's kids. There's more freedom and I still get to see the new generation."

Chikage sighed. "I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'd rather raise my child than just see others grow up." She suddenly thought of Hakuba-kun. "Especially those parents that don't care enough to do the right thing."

"I'm happy to hear you feel that way." In seconds Vermouth had a small automatic handgun in her palm and pointed at her friend. "Think about trying doing anything stupid and you won't have that happiness to hold onto."

Chikage froze and narrowed her eyes. "So, now that you have that out, are you going to continue denying it? Where are they, really?"

"My car, and you're going to follow me. I was looking for a solution and when I saw you two the answer came to me. I do owe sensei a lot, so I'd rather not have to fight you on this, but do know I hold Aoko and Kaito-kun's lives in my hand."

Chikage took a calming breath and stood slowly. "What is the point of all this?"

Vermouth slipped another object into her hand, this one a needle with something that came in handy inside of it. "I've got a few questions for you and it's better to hold all of the cards than find yourself down by only a few points and lose the game." The cap was off and the needle glinted. "I wouldn't move if I were you."

Chikage shifted, eyeing the needle and the woman. "How can I know you're telling the truth? I want to know they're safe first." 'Not to mention I have no intention of answering any of your questions.'

Vermouth saw that look and smiled a smile very near her own this time, resting the syringe in her fingertips. "I wanted answers not you passed out. This isn't going to hurt you. It's something that, oddly enough, works a lot better than a lot of what I used to get my hands on. I think you'd know it as 'truth serum'." Vermouth waited, both to let that sink in and to follow up by getting her points across. "I don't need to prove myself to you. You should be able to tell I'm not lying and, honestly, I'm growing tired with this." Vermouth stood slowly, watching her friend keep her eyes on her. "I'm not in the mood for argument. You're either trying to buy time or you're ignorant. Either way, I need to get out of here and you're wasting my time."

Chikage stood where she was, torn between the escape she had for herself and knowing that her son and Aoko-chan were in danger. If it were just Kaito, she was sure he'd get away fine but he'd be limited and who knew what condition they were in. "If you know I can tell you're lying why don't you just judge me yourself? You'd be able to leave if you need too and I want those two returned safely. Now."

"I like to make sure- this makes sure for me. You'll be just as useful to me dead though. I'm not one to be bargained with, and by the looks of things I'm going to need your son or I would hardly have taken him in the first place. If I had planned on killing either of those two, I could have done it while they were asleep in the hospital last night. A viper doesn't keep a mouse for it's mate, so I don't want you striking me unless you want to meet those two in whatever afterlife there may be waiting for you. This will only hurt for a second."

'Last night... She was in the hospital room!? None of the others said anything but how... They had to have been drugged. Explains Ginzo-kun's appearance. He must have been fighting it all night without knowing it.' Chikage relaxed herself and her mind. She had a few small things but was in no way prepared to stop her. If she made a move she could either avoid and run or take it. Either way, she didn't like the outcomes. "If you were at the hospital, what more do you want to know that you didn't get?"

"Nothing that you need to concern yourself with," Vermouth spoke as she kept the gun pointed at her and grabbed Chikage's wrist, pulling her forward so she could get the serum in through her neck, to make sure this was over quickly.

Chikage had to fight to stay put and keep her heart rate as low as she could. If she panicked the stuff would just get to her faster. She had to get this over with. She shot a look at the family photo before she focused her gaze on the woman, knowing that she had to find where the kids were.

Vermouth pocketed the injector and sat down as if she didn't have a care in the world. "I wouldn't fight that too much anyway, not that you are. If you want to be able to follow me you'll want to be competent behind the wheel." She waved her now free hand to the chair while her gun never left it's intended recipient. "Now, something I don't really need the truth for even if this had likely already hit you. Why would you think I'd need anything at the hospital last night? I showed up, yes, but more as a favor. What I'm doing now is similar. That boy there doesn't interest me at all."

That was easy enough. "They keep being attacked. Each of them. You said you'd been there when no one else should know where he was. What else would I think?"

Vermouth raised an eyebrow. "Maybe it hadn't taken effect yet. I've never seen anyone this in control of themselves still. Give it time." She sighed and looked at the plate she had used. "You were clearly suspicious of me, though I don't think I gave you any reason to be, at least, not enough to try anything until now. Didn't try doing anything I missed now, did you?"

"I didn't expect anything when I headed here. I wasn't ready to stop anyone. But I know Kaito. He wouldn't have left until I got here if he just told me he would wait. That was enough for me."

"That wasn't an answer. Did you try anything I missed?" Vermouth made sure it was a demand now. She honestly didn't care in the least, even if she'd been poison, though she highly doubted that. She wanted to make sure that Chikage was forced to speak the truth so she could get answers on several very important questions that would switch her plans from one road or another.

"No." But Chikage was wishing she had. There were a few options but nothing she had to be prepared to use. It was tucked away and with her following, she hadn't got it.

"Okay." Vermouth looked up at her with the kindest smile. "Go on then, sit. Standing when I'm not is a good way to get accidentally shot and I think Kaito-kun would like it better if he were able to see his mother than a corpse."

Chikage slid back down into the chair, hoping that nothing asked would result in the same thing.

It had been a question, a long held one, but not one she really cared for an answer for before now. Since it happened that her purposes needed the knowledge now, it had to be found out. She smiled. It wasn't like any of his students hadn't guessed at it, who knew of his skills and when he died, unless they were complete fools. She just had no reason to pursue anything and those she had met by acquaintanceship seemed to have the same basic feelings. "Sensei's death. I did owe the man a lot, so I paid my respects, but I didn't want in on your little family life. I need a bit of help now. Who's Kid now that he's dead? You, or your son? Maybe another student?"

At this exact moment, really, it was her. She was the one that was going in tonight. Kaito, in his condition, was not Kid, he hadn't even been the first to don the cape after Toichi's death either. "I'm Kid now."

"Perfect. No need to run around then." Vermouth flipped some of her long hair behind her back and leaned into the chair, becoming less confrontational. "You work with me, and the children get let go. It's as easy as that. You'd want to help an old friend out anyway, wouldn't you?"

"Friend yes. You." She shook her head. "What do you need? Only for them."

"You don't need to sound so noble about it. Things like that kind of make me sick. You sound like that idiotic doctor. I should tell you though, the chances of you succeeding are okay. The chances of you living afterwards well, I wouldn't be expecting it. I can make sure the other two are alright though, and I'm already very sure that you'll choose their lives over your own." Vermouth grinned, a hint of a sneer in it at how purely selfish something like that was. Whoever had deemed it selfless to die for another was diluted. "I can't give you much, but being a friend, I will let you see Kaito-kun before you take off on my little errand. I can tell you after that. It should be easy for you."

Chikage blinked a few times. "Where are they?"

"Who? The kids? I told you they were in my car and I was going to have you follow me. That stuff could be easily messing with your head though. Stay put." She got up and went to the cabinet, running some more water for herself. "We'll leave shortly. I hope this little incident doesn't ruin our friendship." She leaned against the counter and smiled as she drank the water.

"Too late," Chikage said softly as she put a hand to her head. She had to hope that Kaito would be OK. She wasn't going to fail either, no matter what she said.

Vermouth sighed, reached out to her side and rinsed the glass of anything she could leave behind. "Too bad. I don't really think I like you anymore anyway. You were a better person when sensei was still around."

Chikage looked up at her, eyes narrowed and sharp but a tear still in it. "Then go for the ones who took him."

Vermouth lost her smile, not sad but something close to apathy. "I liked him as a man, but there are certain things even I can't do. If I do find an opening, I guess a little push in the right direction isn't too much to ask of me." She held up a small flash drive and tossed it onto the table. "Don't lose that or your son won't be the only one who pays the price. Follow me once we get outside, and hand over your cell phone or anything you could use to communicate first." She held out her hand, waiting for compliance.

Chikage kept watching her for a minute while reaching into her pocket and taking out her cell, dropping it into the woman's hand. She looked over at the flash drive and reached for it.

"Is this the only thing you have on you or in the area that you might take to use to commutate with?" Vermouth spoke clearly, making it a command again.

Chikage looked back at her. She may have had a second way but not one that she had the ability to give up even if she wanted too. "The doves." She shook her head again. She would need them anyway. It would take a few of them for her plans to work tonight.

"Messenger birds. If they'll follow you without command then call them off. Will they?"

"They are supposed to tonight. I need them."

"Call them off. You won't need them now." Vermouth walked off, waiting for Chikage to get in front of her. "Worry about now. I don't think I need to give you warnings when I hold their lives. As much as I got along with you then, I could kill you, or the kids, in a second if you put my plans at risk."

Chikage closed her eyes briefly and nodded. She let out a low whistle then cut it off. "There, they won't follow me now." 'Now they'll go track Kaito instead.' She was grateful for the chance to send them off, cutting the call so they wouldn't approach him yet.

"Get in your car then. Follow me when I pass." Vermouth winked at her as she went by, seeing that Chikage just did not want to move and she didn't have much time to pull this off. "I'm the red one. You can't miss me."

Chikage stood and slowly followed after her, still a bit fuzzy from the drug, sliding her foot as she went around the corner and it encountered a wire, but following the woman all the same, flash drive going into her pocket as she went.

Vermouth watched her friend. "You'll be under that influence for a little more than an hour so try not to drive too recklessly. The police being involved will only make things worse and I'm sure it won't be too terribly hard to follow behind me. We're not going far." Vermouth looked up at his teacher's wife, not like she used to be though some part of her must still be the same. "I doubt you'll believe me but I'm pressed here or I wouldn't have bothered you and your family again- if only out of gratitude."

"And you needed Kid's help but had to find out who it was. And you figured I would know regardless." Chikage walked past her and toward the car. 'Really should thank Jii for loaning me his car.'

Vermouth smiled and touched her nose, following after Chikage. "Kaito-kun was really what caught my attention first. I would have liked to have an actual conversation with him if his girlfriend hadn't been there. Of course, unlike you, he didn't seem to suspect me. You'd better warn him that his father is a weakness of his or that boy can get into some serious trouble if someone else like me comes along."

Chikage stopped short and shot her a glare. "He's still a boy, of course he'd miss Toichi, but why him?"

"Call it an odd chance of fate," Vermouth said as she walked up beside her, waiting for Chikage to start going again. She put a finger to her lips. "Can't say anymore than that."

Chikage took a deep breath and turned, heading to the car and opening the door. She looked at her again, calm and with a light smile. "Well, I'll wait to follow you."

"Do you have anything you could use to contact anyone in there?" Vermouth returned Chikage's smile with a friendly one of her own, holding out her hand.

"Doves and my phone are the only things I had. I don't have my other items yet." Chikage stated truthfully. All the things she used were elsewhere, mostly in the house or in and around the heist site. She almost smiled thinking of that. If what she'd said was true, and Chikage planned to prove them false, her disappearance in line with Kid not showing up would have the ones that suspected or guessed at her husband's secret all the more convinced.

Vermouth smiled before patting her shoulder. "I'm going to say it now, but I will ask if you did anything to contact anyone when we get there. Don't push your luck. Stay in the car because I do have the kids and will need to take them out. No matter what you're taking one on one with me first, and I'll kill them if you even get near my car before I come get you." Vermouth said all of this with a smile. "I need you, but I can use Kaito-kun for a different reason if you and I don't work out."

"You leave him alone. He's been though enough. I won't contact anyone." Chikage slide behind the wheel and started the engine.

Vermouth leaned in the car, not turning her back on her. "One more question. Do you have any kind of weapon that you can use to hurt me, within reason of course."

"I have a few small things. Nothing that can really hurt anyone. You know Kid doesn't do that," Chikage said, looking at the woman.

"I know sensei didn't and I have your son and he's not here." Vermouth patted the car with a wave to her as she walked off. "I don't know about you anymore than you know me. Don't let even a car separate us when you start tailing me."

Chikage watched her start to walk away and dropped her head on the steering wheel. She hadn't contacted anyone but if someone called the house the line was dead and she knew Jii could track the car without her doing anything if he thought to check. Luck had always been with her family and she knew they needed it now. 'From what I heard, this must be what Hattori-kun felt like.' She took a breath and looked out the window, waiting for the expected car to pass.

Vermouth walked across the lawn and around the corner, unlocking her car and getting in, making sure the kids were still there. The girl had to be the most comfortably laying down in the back, so she reached over and put Kaito-kun's seat down so he'd stay in it. She started the car after, looking at the little boy who had become a teen so quickly, smiling, and then looking at the road again as she took off. She stopped long enough for Chikage to notice her and start following. A five minute drive later and she reached a nice, quaint house.

The only occupant was a single woman and Vermouth needed it, so she was taken care of. It had been tempting to simply shoot her, but this would work just a fine. She pulled up in front of the house, waving to her friend as she stepped out, the gun in her palm as more incentive. She went around the other side and retrieved Kaito-kun first, since he was the more valuable one to her. She shifted him around before she was able to carry him, watching Chikage as she did out of the corner of her eye and with a smile, slipping into the house and going down into the basement. There was a water pipe that ran the length of the wall vertically that she secured the teen too, seeing every now and then as he still fidgeted. Taking out a needle from her back, she aimed for his arm, tossing the empty case back in her bag after she capped it and retrieving a second. It would at least numb the pain he was obviously feeling in his arm along with stopping the boy from using any tricks his father might have showed him. She wasn't going to lose her hostage. She slipped a small box a few feet from him before going back up the stairs and peeking out the door before she exited to see if Chikage had still attempted something, even with her threats.

Chikage actually cursed silently when she saw Kaito being taken into the house, unconscious and the gun still in plain sight. She had focused on the windows and all parts of the house. No cameras whatsoever and she wouldn't risk a room with a window so 15 seconds after she and Kaito had disappeared into the house she dashed from the car and looked in the other one, front seat reclined and Aoko-chan tied up and laying down across the backseat. She was breathing easily and appeared to be in no pain. No outward sign of injury and, as much as she wanted to get the girl away, her heart broke knowing she wouldn't be able to. "Don't worry Aoko-chan, Kaito will get you out of this, I'll make sure he can." She hurried back to the car and sat, face set firmly and watching the door for the woman's return, seeing her look outside not long after and exiting the house. "I want to know they'll be safe."

Vermouth went back for his car, watching the other like she was trying not to. She opened the back door and stared at the girl a moment before putting the front seat up so she could get her out easier. Once she had her in her arms she kicked both doors closed and went back into the house and into the basement. Like with Kaito-kun, she tired her up, only to the concrete deposit for the washer where there was more room and it was more comfortable. She made sure they were tied up around the fixtures instead of to them, the girl free too so the bar was between her wrist instead of the rope around their hands, re-secured to the line themselves as an enforced way they wouldn't escape. Vermouth took the mask off the girl, knowing it would be ten minutes or so before she woke up now that she wasn't being exposed. She went over to Kaito-kun and removed his as well before going up the stairs and to the front door, waving as an invitation to come instead of going over to Chikage.

As soon as she was beckoned, Chikage was out of the car and heading toward the house. 'Kaito's already hurt so you had better have been careful with him,' she thought angrily, seething on the inside while remaining calm as ever on the outside. It wouldn't do to lose it now. She had to think like her other self, not like a mother, it was the only way now.

Vermouth waited until Chikage was inside before she closed the door and leaned against the wall. "We have a few things to talk about first. Did you contact anyone, or give anyone a way to find you?" She had to make sure of that first before anything else.

"No. So how do you plan on convincing me that they'll be found and soon. Kaito will need-"

"I'll be getting a call when I know they can be let go, and I'll do just that- let them go. After knocking them out that is. They're not infants and that should be more than enough." Vermouth looked her over. "That drive I gave you, you haven't lost it or tampered with it, have you?"

"No. It's right here. I haven't had the chance to use it anyway." Chikage pulled out the flash drive and held it up. "You have something I can check this on?"

"Why would I want you to look at it? You're playing mule for me and that's your key, not your map." Vermouth smiled. "That's it. Go where I tell you to go and hand it over. The thing is, I need you not to be in disguise. I've been doubted and I needed someone he didn't know. You or Kaito-kun would have worked fine, him for a different reason. If he lets you walk away, the better to you. All I need you to do is take care of that. And don't try switching them out to see what is on there. It needs to be that one and I don't want to know what happens if its not. A nightmare for you at least and more of a sad movie for me."

"You expect me to let him know who I am? That leaves me and my son at risk later on." Chikage looked at the woman than at the flash drive. "If it does that, what's the point of following through now?"

"It leaves you in danger and if you walk away, all the better for you. You shouldn't be bothered again. If you die, that's where it will end. Kaito-kun won't be hurt. Sorry sweetie but he'd check to make sure you weren't me. I can't used just anybody because, what I really need you for, are those acting skills of yours which are all but useless for the next thirty minutes. You're just going to have to deal with the circumstances or do you want me to kill you right now and put an end to your fears?" Vermouth brought up the gun, giving Chikage the choice, though she knew she wouldn't take it.

"You hold the cards now. Can I leave a note just in case? You can keep it if I live if you're afraid I'll have a message in it."

"I don't see the harm." Vermouth lowered the gun and moved past the stairwell, waiting for Chikage to follow her when they couldn't stand side-by-side. She kicked opened the door to an office, which meant it had a computer and a lot of paperwork in it. "You have ten minute so take your time. I am going to be watching you."

Chikage grabbed a spare piece and started writing. picturing it in her head as she went to make sure it came out right. Even with that, the words themselves were truthful and she only hoped that he would listen to both meanings if he was given this. She smiled sadly as she finished. Now, no matter how good anyone was, there was only one way to read the second and that was in Kaito or Jii's minds. "There."

Vermouth took the paper before folding it and putting it away. "They're in the basement. Don't get near either of them- I've seen what sensei could pull off. It's a look but don't touch kind of deal, and since I need you here while that wears off, I figured you'd want to be by them instead of having them wake up alone down there."

Chikage was beyond relieved and stood, heading out and finding the door quickly enough. The layout of the house leading only two doors to be the access and she got it in the first. As soon as she reached the landing she walked toward Kaito. Looking him over and longing to give him a hug, even with him out, just to hold him one more time. As sure as she was that she'd come back there was that same thought that she knew Toichi always went though and Kaito no doubt, every heist. That 'what if' that you had to ignore to go through with everything but made you look into your son's bedroom or give him a quick kiss while he slept, an extra hug. She moved over to Aoko briefly, seeing her the same as before, though the masks were removed. 'That must have kept them under.' She moved back toward Kaito, right where he would see her as soon as he opened his eyes. "It's OK, Kaito. I'll be right here when you wake up," she whispered to him.

Vermouth followed Chikage easily enough. She leaned against the wall when she got to the bottom of the stairs, arms loose so she was ready for any tricks, though she didn't think there would be. It wasn't hard to see the longing there in her old friend, but if there was one thing she wasn't going to chance it was her making contact with either of the kids and pulling something once she had.

Kaito wasn't feeling too well- he knew that. There was an odd taste in his mouth that was familiar, though he couldn't place why. Trying to move, his found his body numb with sleep and his eyelids heavy. But something was bothering him. Someone was watching him. He felt the eyes like a weight on him and he had to struggle against it as well as his own sleep. It took a lot of blinking and he heard a small groan come out of his throat until he was finally able to see in front of him. His mind was foggy and the fact that he was sitting and somewhere he didn't know were the only things that came to him for a few seconds as he continued to blink and look up at his mom who was standing in front of him, looking like she had more answers than his addled brain did.

Chikage watched as her son came to and looked at her. "Hey sweetheart," she said with her voice really low. He looked real out of it. "Take your time, no rush waking up." The less he appeared to understand the better. She hadn't had to turn around to know she had been followed, she would have reached out for Kaito if she hadn't.

The classic question came to mind and one Kaito couldn't stop himself from asking. "What... what's going on?" Where was he? What was happen? Why was she here? The fuzzy surrounding him, making him either sway to the room start warping, kept those questions and their answers of interest to him but nothing to kick up any adrenaline. Each breath felt heavy as if he wanted to go back to sleep again but he didn't remember being tired before now. In fact, he didn't remember much besides he'd been home, and safe, and as foreign as his surroundings were they felt far more like home than some of the places he'd woken up in.

Chikage smiled but her heart broke. It was going to be a fine line keeping him from reacting or giving anything away. "I need to run an errand for someone. You and Aoko-chan are going to wait here until I'm done."

"No." Kaito shook his head, his worry for Hakuba coming back. He didn't like one of them not being there. "Who knows what trouble... he'll get into." He felt his body and face still warm with sleep but that was being pushed aside pretty quickly when everything became less and less familiar. He stilled himself, looking around, far more jaded than he had been even after Kid. He looked up at his mom after, seeing his own state better and that of the other two in the room. With a clearer head he asked again because his mother couldn't honestly expect him to just sit there when he was tied up, for some reason couldn't move his arms from somewhere near his shoulders down, see Aoko tied up as well, and just let her go do some favor he wasn't understand. "What is really going on?"

Chikage reached up but pulled her hand away. "He's fine and not involved. Ginzo-kun and the others are all there and awake. As soon as I'm done, you two will be able to go right there and check on him. I just need to do this first and she wants to make sure I do. Kaito, you have to know that I love you and I'll always make sure you are watched over."

If she thought that was supposed to make him feel better about anything, Kaito couldn't understand the logic. Just her last words him had a shiver going up his spine as he fought at the bonds he couldn't feel. "Stop it." His words came out in a hiss. "Don't you dare, mom."

Chikage sighed. "I have to take the chance rather than a definite for all three of us. I'm sure your father will watch out for us. Serene is watching over us and you know the full moon never lets us down." Chikage smiled and looked over at the stairs, confirming they were being watched.

"No mom." Kaito kept her eyes on hers for a few seconds before he closed them and let out a breath. "I'm so sick of everyone being used. I won't have it anymore. I'm not going to give in again, and I don't want you too either. What if what you do hurts someone else?" Kaito peeked his eyes opened slowly, looking towards Aoko before looking up at his mom. "I hate the choices but please, don't listen. If dad is watching us... I'm old enough to make my own decisions. I think he'd understand."

"I know he would. I trust you and know you can too. But you have to think of Aoko-chan." Chikage looked over at the girl who was starting to stir before looking back at Kaito. "and Hakuba-kun too. I will. Be. Back." She said quietly as she let a smile that was close enough to her husband's slide on her face for only him to see. "You have a job to do here."

Aoko's head felt fuzzy and everything was strange. She tried to move but she couldn't. "Wha-Kaito?" she called out softly, wondering if she'd fallen asleep on the couch only to remember he'd been knocked out by that woman, Chris, before she'd also turned on her. "Kaito?!" Aoko called out, scared now.

Kaito's attention was immediately drawn to Aoko. "I'm here. Calm down or you'll hurt yourself." His eyes stayed on her for a while, that innocence he wanted to protect of hers, and of everyone he could, still there. He still couldn't find himself to change what he had said to his mother. If he dragged Aoko down with them - and Kami that thought was bothering him... he still couldn't find himself to want to give in. He was through with that, and the costs... well, that would be something he'd have to put up with. He looked his mother in the eye, his eyes sad but sure. He tugged on the ropes behind him, not able to feel them so not able to get a good idea on how to slip out of them. Forget doing anything for a woman who had pretty much kidnapped them. Nothing good would come of it and even now he was ready to do whatever he had to fight back. "I'll make my own choices."

Aoko relaxed and nodded, seeing Kaito and Obasan talking. She hadn't felt this scared since that lunatic had grabbed her during a Kid heist, but this time, Kaito was here.

Chikage nodded. "I know. You have for a while now. I have to trust you." 'Get away and get word to me.' Chikage was wondering how much time she had left. She knew that any simple code or message would be figured out but drawing it out was eating up time and she had to get Kaito to understand it as a whole. "Harry relied on others too and that was the key to his success. So keep everything you were ever told in mind."

Kaito closed his eyes for another moment, trying to understand his mother. Her leaving and going off to do something stupid, while it would mean at least she was out of here while he tried to do something stupid, was still stupid. He would have tried something here with her if he thought it was possible, so that they had the advantage of numbers. He couldn't get out though, and even if he could, he'd need his hands, which, most likely through drugs because there was no pain, were numbed. Without words as he kept his eyes on his mother, he bowed his head, making it look like a sigh instead of mouthed words, considering Chris was too far away to catch such a small movement. 'Can't move.' He shrugged his shoulder, trying to get the message across. He needed her and, even if she left, he'd rather have only the two of them in danger than Kami knows who else that this woman had to be after. He could try something, anything, once they were alone, but he did not want his mother doing anything like going though with this, even if he died. He kept that hard look in his eyes after, trying to show her that. Aoko... He didn't know... she'd... probably die if he did but that wasn't something he could control. He did not want himself, or his mother or anyone else, to bow to this woman.

"I know." Chikage mouthed with a sigh. "What's more, she was in the hospital room at some point." "Aoko's hair." "I wouldn't just blindly give in, you know that." "file." "No one will get hurt." "If we play all our cards."

Kaito understood, but he also had no idea how to pull that off. Aoko wouldn't be able to get away herself and she was just too far for him to do anything about that. And Chris was still there. If she wanted a errand run that would mean that only his mother would be going and he didn't see how he could do anything with this other woman watching him. His mom's first words to him after waking were still bothering him too. If his mother helped him now though, and Chris was serious, he'd be responsible for her death- and accepting it was one thing, being the cause of it was another.

Kaito hated being numb to the sensations or he would have gotten out, somehow. If he was alone and had enough time on his hands he could do it, but he had neither. He looked over at Aoko, then at his mother. "We're weaker alone." He wasn't going to let her do this, as much as he trusted her. She had sounded like she was running into a pit of spikes and he knew well enough how human they all were. He wanted some sort of distraction, for Aoko to figure out she could get free. If she was, and his mom were, hell, he'd take that over his mom doing this alone. He tipped his head towards Aoko, trying to get his message across. His mom had some power here he didn't understand, but if she could get her free, together they might be enough of a distraction. What Kaito knew he needed was fire, considering he had no accuracy. How he could get a lighter, or tell her he wanted one, he'd still think on.

"We never are. Not really." "If you're up for something now, name it." Aoko was watching and by the looks of it, listening.

"No. I'm just like dad." Kaito smiled at her, the first since he woken. It was a vague but he couldn't risk half as much as his mother could because Chris could see his face and not hers. He made a small, wanted-to-be, happy noise in the back of his throat. "And Aoko's just like you." He was ready for this, because like she said, a sure death wasn't what he wanted and he was not go to sit back and have her jump into what sounded to be just that.

"A pretty good match then." The angle was a bit off but they had already been playing with fire figuratively. Chikage raised an eyebrow. He'd have to move to the side a bit and it would pull on his arm but it would allow her to hit the ropes with a minimal bit of motion. She twisted her hands together, glad her back was to the woman, and flicked her finger to the side, showing him the items in her hand. "Can you're arm take the strain?"

Kaito closed his eyes again, thinking. He didn't know how obvious this was going to be, but they'd be close. He couldn't move to get Aoko, seeing as he couldn't really move. His mom would have to do that, and he hoped she knew that. He could play distraction and, at worst, only one of them had the possibility of being harmed if, as he thought, Chris was armed. His mother would have taken her on already if she wasn't. "Of course, I'm a lot like him in other ways too." He both answered her question and made his own stand in that one sentence.

"As am I." "Gun and some of your father's tricks no doubt. She was able to knock you out." "Be good and take care of things." Chikage posed the match to lit at the same time he moved. "I know you're ready."

"You take care of things too." Kaito looked at the woman or Aoko. He really couldn't untie her easily, but he couldn't disarm Chris either. He looked at his mother for direction, in case she had a better plan then he, of what was more important. His mom could risk this without freeing him, but at least she would know where to expect a bullet.

The flash drive was palmed as well and with a flick of her wrist, shown to Kaito. "Take care of Aoko." "And this too."

Kaito nodded. "I will." Even without his arms, Aoko could help herself and, if he had to, he was going to protect her. He shifted his leg so his foot was resting on the floor, trying not to look at his mom. He gave her no sign of anything, since he was the one that would be tipping their watcher off. No continuation of anything would be the same answer. 'I'm ready'.

A flick of the wrist and a toss, trusting him to move in time she spun and faced Chris, throwing a smoke bomb down. Both her son and herself were good without sight and, while she may be a good actress, the element of surprise was as good as the smoke itself.

Kaito moved to let the fire get to the ropes, watching as his mom acted. He pulled on the ropes, feeling how entwined they were. Chris hadn't underestimated them. That would be bad. He could feel the heat on his back as he tried to pull himself free every few seconds until the rope finally started to give. Once freed, Kaito found he could move his arms enough to shift the driver from where his mom had tossed it, and into his mouth as he ran for Aoko. He could barely bend his elbow, let alone his fingers, but he had pockets and it was easy enough to slip it into one of them. Crouching over her and putting his arms around her, Kaito ran numb, useless fingers through her hair until he was sure he knocked it loose. Hopefully Chris would only be expecting his mother and the smoke would have hide him. He whispered fiercely but calmly into her ear. "File on the floor. Get yourself free."

"Kaito..." Aoko was really scared now. She wasn't sure what was going on but when Kaito spoke she knew she had to act. "Right." Aoko shifted and dropped her weight against the ropes, feeling them slide down the bar. Her shoulders hurt for it but she felt around the floor until her hand hit the file. She smiled up at Kaito. "Found it." She twisted to try and pick it up, straining her wrist but getting a hold of the thin piece of metal.

Kaito stayed in front of her, just in case. His arm was still over her shoulder where he had grabbed her. Listening through the smoke, Aoko grabbed his attention away with ever word- every gesture. When he looked at her and she smiled at him, he smiled back. "Good. Use it cut the rope."

Vermouth saw Chikage move, saw the smoke quickly fill the room and went for the hallway, never turning her back to anyone who might be a danger to her, taking a few steps up the stairs. She waited as she took the steps before firing blindly in front of her, making sure no one was directly behind her while she went up the rest of the stairs, leaving the smoke-ridden basement and taking up a position just out of sight for anyone who might try a last minute dash a freedom. The window in the basement was too small, and even if they broke it open and somehow found a way to squeeze out she would know. Her hand held lightly onto the triggering mechanism of the bomb she'd left down there. For a few seconds she debated what to do before smiling and tossing it away. She'd injure anyone who came upstairs and, if they didn't in a few seconds, she'd take a position outside to get at either exit they could take. What fools though. If they passed up this chance she was offering them, there was nothing more she could do.

Chikage hurried though the smoke to where the stairs were and heard her firing off a few rounds. She wanted to make sure that she hadn't gone for the kids but had to put that in Kaito's hands. She dropped down and listened while smoke started lifting, knowing if she was still down here she had to be the first to spot her and not the other way around.

Aoko gripped the file and turned it, trying to get it to rub against the rope by holding it in her fingertips. She couldn't tell how she was doing but knew she couldn't give up. "I'm trying. I can't tell if it's working yet."

"I'm sorry," Kaito said with the same calm voice but a steadier heart. He'd heard bullets but there had been no further noise besides the stairs. "I can't help you. I can't feel my fingers right now. Don't rush or you'll drop it, but try to get it."

Aoko nodded, keeping her eyes on him to keep her steady. She felt ready to start crying if... no. She had concentrate. She could do this. "OK." She eased it over and moved it again, sliding it against the ropes. She just kept at it, trusting that Kaito and Obasan knew she'd be able to do this. She wasn't sure how long it was when she shifted and felt the rope give. "It's looser." She started twisting.

Kaito kept himself in front of her but turned his attention when she said that. The smoke wasn't lasting and he wanted to find his mom but he wouldn't leave her. "Good. You don't even need to get it all the way. As long as it's loose you can use the file once you have more slack."

"OK." Aoko wondered what had happened to Obasan but kept going at the ropes. "Got it." She felt a mix of... she wasn't sure. Pride, relief, a thrill almost and so much more. She pulled and felt the rope slacken enough for her twist her hands out bit by bit, using the file to uncurl it, almost like using a pencil to pull apart the double knot on your sneaker. She smiled until she recalled something. "Your mom."

"She can handle herself. Don't worry about it." The smoke was thinning and he kept himself close to Aoko. "Get up. We don't see her we're going to keep going. Stay close to me and if I tell you something, listen." Kaito stood himself so that Aoko would be able to, unable to help her up.

Aoko stood and looked around, holding the file tightly. "How did you get this to me if you couldn't hold it?" The smoke was starting to clear but she couldn't make out anything much toward the stairs.

"I didn't. I'm not in the only one in the family that can pull off magic." Very out of place in the situation, Kaito's words were lighthearted. He was still looking into the smoke until he saw his mom. "Stick close unless I say," he spoke before crouching through what was left of the smoke and kneeling at her side. "Are you hurt Okaasan?"

"No, dodged them. I can't hear her so she must have gone up the stairs. It's our only way out and I'm limited right now. We have to go together. She still has more." Chikage rose and reached out, touching Kaito's hand. "Anything yet?"

Kaito shook his head. "No. I can bend my arm a bit but that's it- meaning I'm only good if you want me to hug her." Kaito's words were light but his eyes were serious. "I can't believe someone you knew and dad taught would do that. I never noticed anything was up."

"I knew she was lying when she said you two had just left in a hurry for some reason. I used Jii's car. It's outside." Chikage looked at Aoko steadily and then up the stairs. She pulled out another pellet and spoke. "If she's not there she might be outside waiting for us to come out the door. You two need to stay with me. This is going to be a bit unorthodox."

Aoko nodded. "I thought she was OK at first too. But," She touched Kaito's arm but was looking at Obasan. "Why is she doing this?"

Chikage glanced over at them. "She needed something done and couldn't do it herself. Anything else isn't important right now. Stay close." She started toward the stairs, tossing a pellet out the door into the hallway and then throwing her voice to the top. "OK, quietly, let's go." She looked over at Kaito.

Kaito looked at his mom, seeing that she was testing the waters. He moved his eyes to the top of the stairs and heard no shouting or gunfire. He may not be able to move his arms very well but that hadn't stolen his other talents. Still looking up, he leaned over and whispered to her. "You know I'm fast and you can help Aoko better than I can. I'm just going to take off, loop back and play lookout for you. Watch while I go. If you hear gunfire you'll be able to tell where she is and avoid her."

Chikage nodded. "Be careful. Remember. You have what I was supposed to deliver. If she finds it she may just try again and be less friendly about it."

Aoko felt Obasan take her hand and looked at Kaito. She was afraid to speak since they were whispering but grabbed his shirt. "Kaito?"

Kaito turned, looking at the hand on his shirt before smiling at Aoko. "Hey, I made you a promise, didn't I? I'm trying to keep it here." He had no hands to move unless he wanted to risk poking her in the eye so he shifted his stance and went towards her, kissing her on the cheek. "Let go please."

Aoko's hand shook. "Please... be safe." She let go and smiled.

"Kinda hard to be safe right now, but I'll try." Kaito moved quickly so that he was in front of the stairs, making sure he had his balance. After a clearer breath where the air was clearer down low, he dashed up the stairs. He paused for only a moment at the top when he didn't know which way the door was before following the way that was most promising, only passing one room before he reached it, turning the knob and running out as fast as his feet could carry him. He made it all the way to the street before stopping and looking back, wondering if he'd thrown her- though having no idea how he could have. He was pretty much a sitting target doing that though so he went for Jii's car, standing on the other side. This was way too easy.

Chikage held Aoko's hand close to her and nodded. "Stay near me and if I say run, you go for the street and keep going. Don't stop. Now, deep breath."

Aoko took a deep breath and ran when Obasan did; eye squinted when she hit the smoke and feeling herself be led through it. She coughed a bit, the back of the hand with the file in it over her mouth until they were outside. She blinked a few times and looked for Kaito.

Vermouth had watched Kaito-kun pass, knowing that going as a group would have made them too vulnerable and Chikage wouldn't have been that stupid. She had stepped up to the front from where she had been, casually leaning against a tree with her hands held in the air and a viper's smile on her face. "You're ruining my last chance here Mrs. Phantom Thief. I was never here to fight you."

Aoko gasped and felt Obasan hold her tighter for a second.

Chikage eyed her before moving her hand from Aoko. "Go to Kaito. Now." She pushed her lightly toward the car when Aoko hesitated and heard her take off. She then started toward the two of them at an angle, staying between them and her.

Vermouth was a bit peeved Chikage had run off but kept her hands up as she slowly and calmly walked towards the other woman. "What reason would I have for keeping you alive if you're not going to lend me your talents? Leave now, and you'll forever regret it." Vermouth smiled even more confidently. "It's a fair warning for someone who I still consider a decent enough person to want to call an acquaintance of mine."

Kaito wasn't stupid but he came around the other side of the car anyway to meet Aoko. He looked over at his mom and the woman he had missed, speaking to Aoko. "Get around the car and stay low- just in case." He was torn between helping his mom and making sure Aoko was safe. She wouldn't like him staying as a target while she hid and, with his current handicap, he had no way of helping his mother with anything more than words. He nudged Aoko in the right direction to get her moving, following after her and waiting for an opening of his own.

Chikage stopped and faced her. With Aoko-chan and Kaito away, she focused on just the person in front of her. "You threatened my son, what did you expect?" She took a stance and eyed her. "Did you really think pressuring me that way would work?"

"So I should have expected you to run to death without the incentive?" Vermouth shook a finger at her, keeping her hands up though. "Now that that isn't the issue, you can't tell me that you would have. That serum should still be working. You really didn't give it time to wear off. You can't lie to me now, and I have no intention of giving you any further information. I just wanted you to know that you would regret this, and through no fault of my own."

"You came to us. To me. How can delivering this as myself do anything but expose and endanger me and my family anyway? I won't risk it if you are the only threat right now." Chikage had to concentrate, knowing if any actual questions were asked than she could reveal worse. She knew Aoko-chan didn't know and had given the impression Kaito didn't either and had to try and keep it that way.

"If only. You've had a feeling I wasn't, haven't you? I'm not trying anymore then. Have fun with your own fate." Vermouth put two fingers to her lips and blew her old friend a kiss, lowering her hands and turning around. "If you end up dead anyway, say hi to sensei for me."

Chikage was feeling torn. If she had told others about Kid then... "Kaito, take Aoko-chan to the hospital and stay there until I come for you."

"Not on your life mom. There's worse I haven't walked away from." Kaito knew that, given the situation, exposing Aoko anymore was asking for trouble but he wasn't going to leave his mother. He was trying but he still had little to no feelings in his arms so it wasn't like they'd wouldn't have to walk to a bus station. If Chris wanted to shoot them she could ignore his mom and they'd be targets. Again though, it was Aoko. He turned to her. "Do you trust me? If you do, please wait in the car and stay low. It's my mom... and I don't want you to get hurt, not that anyone will." He'd just like less on his mind and the probability of that gone.

Aoko bit her lip. She had so many questions now and the way that woman had talked to Obasan. It didn't make sense. "OK. But tell me what's going on later." She squeezed the arm she'd been clinging to since she'd reached him before letting go and getting into the car.

Kaito smiled, waiting until Aoko was in, walking more in front of the car incase his mom needed him, meeting her eyes without having to hide his devotion to them both or the flint-sharp edge of his own power. "What are we doing mom?"

"What's the real reason?" Chikage called to the woman's back. "Truth or not before, bottom line. Why come to me with this?"

Vermouth stopped and didn't turn back. "When there's a lot of power, and then something shocks that power, there's always repercussions, kind of like a shockwave. I came to you because I'm not ready to die just yet and can't do it myself anyway. If you really want to save those kids' lives, escaping me doesn't help at all. You're already involved. I didn't bring this on you; I'm trying to free you of it."

"How does going there and taking this thing to someone that doesn't trust you do that?" Chikage asked. "What's on it that would 'free' me?"

"A very advanced virus," Vermouth spoke, letting her friend in on that little bit of information. "And some false data that's not important, seeing as it won't be on there very long. Power comes from power."

"How the hell are you helping us?" Kaito snapped quietly. "You've got some backwards way of thinking if you want me to believe that."

Vermouth smiled at Kaito-kun's words. The boy was very much like his mother and father. It made him cute. "I have my own agenda and, right now, it's in contradiction to someone else's. That's all I can say." Vermouth was smirking again, seeing as she'd gotten the attention she wanted.

"And if it is carried out?" Chikage asked. "What's to stop the person that is given it from coming after us?"

"After you," Vermouth corrected. "I was thinking of having you dye your hair. Something natural but different looking. Maybe cut it. If you died, I'd hide it. It would be very contradictory to my intentions. If you live than there really is no reason to think you'd still be in danger." Vermouth held out one of her hands. "Are you ready to try and listen to me now?"

Chikage stared at the woman and then her hand before she started to reach toward it.

Kaito came over and knocked his mom before she could touch Chris. "We don't have to mom. We can walk away." He could figure this out. He didn't know how, but if his mom knew her, he could find some way to follow whatever this backwards lady was after. "But I'm with you either way." They could follow through just long enough to get information.

"I can't risk it." Chikage turned to face Kaito. "Not yet." "It doesn't concern you anyway." "I need you to not be known."

"You're still my mom," Kaito spoke more quietly than the rest of his words, making sure only she heard. Whether or not she went along with this woman, he was not going to ignore this.

"Let Kaito-kun do what he wants but he won't be going with you unless you want him to die." Vermouth shrugged. "It's not as if it matters, I just don't want him to be moving if he does. I'm not going to risk our roles from earlier be in reverse."

Kaito's shoulders tensed but he didn't move, almost daring her to try.

"Kaito, please." Chikage put her hands on Kaito's shoulders and pulled him close, putting her lips right to his ear. "Have Jii get Aoko-chan. Keep a distance. I don't want you seen but I know I need back up and I already have them following you again. I can't risk letting her know they're near. You have to command them. Can you do that?"

"What if I can't get back her fast enough?" Kaito whispered back while his mom was close. "If they follow you and she knows dad well enough, she'd know to look. I'm not going to risk losing you. I can send Aoko though. All Jii needs to know is what happened."

"She knows I told them not to follow me so she likely won't. There's a reason she knows I can't lie." Chikage said, knowing Kaito would be more against her leaving and cursing the reason that, while it protected him, it would now cause more worry.

Kaito didn't want to, but out of all of them- all, even the ones not present, Kaito was not about to leave Aoko or his mother to face danger alone. He cared about them too much that he knew he wouldn't be able to do anything less. His mom was in danger while Aoko was not, and he hadn't wanted to use this against her. "I'll be able to move soon. I can step in to distract if she asks something you can't answer. I'm not going to risk the bus trip- or train ride- or however far we are away from home with the hope you'll still be here. I'm not going to risk something like dad." Couldn't risk it. He hated cutting into the old wounds, but it was the only way she could possibly begin to understand his feelings. "Aoko can get the backup and you have nothing left to fight against me with." He smiled. "I get my stubbornness from you."

"And from him." Chikage squeezed him to her. "I won't put you through that anyway. We can do this but we may need to improvise a lot." Chikage sighed. "I love you so much and I won't let you down. Take care of Aoko-chan and keep yourself safe."

"I love you too, and I will." Not that Kaito would really be going that far. He had no real movement of his fingers so, like with Aoko, he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "I won't let you down either." Kaito paused another moment to look at his mom before heading back over to the car. He went around, knowing Aoko was probably out-rightly spying on him. He tipped his head to her, waiting for her to get out.

As soon as Kaito and Obasan stopped hugging and only Kaito came over, Aoko knew she was crying. She slowly shook her head, not wanting to believe what she had to be seeing. She opened the door when Kaito nodded and reached for his arm. "Kaito, why isn't she coming too? We should all go."

Kaito saw her finger coil around his hand and hated he couldn't feel it. He tired to move the muscles anyway to hold her hand in return. "I know. Aoko, I'm really going to need you to listen to me. Remember Jii-chan? At the pool hall? I'm going to need you to go over there right now and tell him everything that happened. I'm not going to leave my mom behind- not that I don't want Chris-obasan to think I am. Can you give him the information?" Kaito kept voice low and his eyes straight ahead as if he weren't having a conversation with her.

Aoko gasped and looked over at Obasan. She smiled at her and nodded before turning to face the woman that had kidnapped them. She turned back and held onto Kaito's arm, keeping her head down. "Hai. I can do that."

Kaito relax and smiled, pulling Aoko away from the situation. "I've gotta trust you mom." Don't you dare get hurt. I won't go far but keeping a distance means I can't protect you either. He did what he could to ease Aoko away from them. "Thank you, Aoko. Don't worry, we'll both be fine."

Aoko kept shaking but knew that she had to do this for them. She remembered the old man but had to make sure. "He can help... really?" She asked quietly.

Kaito took in and let out a breath. "No, but he can get someone to help. If we talk to your dad he'd only get mixed up in this too and I don't think she'd like the cops involved. All I need you to do right now is listen and trust me. Listen to him too."

"OK. If you think he'll able to... I'll go right to him." Aoko didn't let go as they kept moving further away.

Kaito turned and went down the street until he got to a corner. Once he was sure they were out of sight he let out a big breath, leaning over and kissing Aoko on the cheek again. "Okay, go on. I promise we'll both find you soon."

Aoko teared up but nodded. "I'll have Jii-san send you help as soon as I get there." She smiled as best she could. "I promise you that."

Kaito turned at the tone in her voice, seeing how scared and completely wrapped up in what he never wanted to experience she was. He smiled understandingly, trying to force some of his confidence on her to ease the worry. "Better get going then. We'll be back with you soon." He watched Aoko nod to him and take off at a run. Kaito waited until she was out of sight too before going onto the property he was near and slipping into the backyard to get back to his mom. No one will ever use anyone again, especially not my mom.

Chikage had kept her back to them as they left, keeping her eyes on the one in front of her. "Now. About what you had in mind for me. I don't have any of my dyes with me."

"I do if you don't. I was hoping to change you up a bit myself in the time it took that to wear off. I guess plans can stay that way." Vermouth held out her hand again, having dropped it while Chikage failed to take it and distract herself with Kaito-kun instead. "I have nothing to hold against rebellion on your part. I can still kill you though, if you prove a threat to me. I'm not going to die for you or anyone else."

"And I wasn't about to leave and let my son be in danger. But now..." Chikage reached out and took her hand, lightly but firmly. "I'm ready to act."

Vermouth held onto Chikage's hand, letting it fall. "You're so sure I'm not using that to deliver something like a message to others like me, for similar reasons. I don't believe you're suddenly so trusting now. In all honesty, those two would probably be just fine if you walked away now."

"I'm not. But I know I can't take the chance of this happening again... and I won't risk leaving Kaito. Not the way Toichi left us. If this could come back later, I'm going to stop it now

Vermouth shrugged. "I'm only here to give to tell what to do. If you live then, be my guest and go on living. I don't plan on running. If you want proof-" Vermouth put her hand in her pocket and drew out a device in the shape of a pen but obviously a pressure switch, which she then threw to her friend. "There was a bomb in your car. I could have killed Aoko without effort, maybe even Kaito-kun while he was close to it."

Chikage almost broke down when she caught the device but simply looked at it in her hand. She'd missed it. How could she have missed that? She knew now why they had had a clear path to the car while the smoke faded. "You had the time at the house too. Should I be worried if they head home?"

"No. There was nothing I wanted at your house. There is one in this one though." Vermouth pointed at the very house they were going to be in. "You shouldn't need to worry about that. It was down there with the three of you, and you didn't seem worried then."

Chikage eyed her but kept her head toward the device in her hand. "Well, I don't have much time. I have another appointment tonight anyway." She made the device disappear before looking up at the woman.

"Come on then." Vermouth started back towards the house, stealthily watching behind her though not caring that Chikage had to know she would be. "I'll take care of your hair and try to get a time as soon as I can for him to meet the person holding that flash drive. You might miss your little date with the press tonight but the devil won't be kept waiting." She turned her head and winked at her.

Chikage kept her eyes forward, watching her and knowing she was being watched. Her hand brushed against her pocket. She felt bad enough about it but hugging Kaito, she had to have proof and rather she did than having him have it. 'Well, it's not like I can't pass it off again later.'

Vermouth led the way to the bathroom on the first floor, the owner upstairs where she should be still asleep. Pushing the door open, she let Chikage in first. "Your clothes are going to get ruined but I have some you can change into. Sit on the tub."

"I can do it myself." Chikage reminded her. Turning to face her when she saw her follow her in.

"Normally yes, but this isn't a wig and he'll notice if it gets on your skin." Vermouth closed the door behind them, flipping the lock before going over to the window and pushing it open. "I said sit."

Chikage eyed her but sat. It was always easier when someone else did it, especially when time was short, but that made her more uneasy.

Vermouth took out the small pistol and her larger automatic, slipping the small one into a zipper pocket and putting the second on the shelf above the toilet as she got the plastic bag with the dye and a towel, tossing it to Chikage. "Turn around so I can get the back."

'So she had two. And who knows what else.' Chikage complied, knowing there was little risk to her right now, the proof of the opportunities she had passed up the only thing that had her giving this woman whom she had decided she no longer really knew acknowledgement. She took the towel and waited for the application of the dye.

Vermouth made Chikage lean forwards, shaking the cheep bottle of dye after she'd added the parts and put the even cheaper gloves on instead of getting some of her own. Once Chikage moved for her, Vermouth got the smaller hairs on the back of her neck, pushing the rest forward before taking each layer down as she got the roots, careful of her skin. Once she got the back of her hair from her ears down, Vermouth stepped back and coughed away the fumes from it.

Chikage kept her breathing steady. She could smell the stuff and knew it was nowhere near what she had used in the past. She heard some coughing and waved a hand in front of her nose and mouth to cut down on what she breathed in herself.

Vermouth took a breath before going closer again, grabbing some of Chikage's hair, but not to hurt her. "Sit straight." Once she was, Vermouth went through layer after layer on one side before doing the same on the other. She was especially careful as she made Chikage lean her head back while she got the boarder of her hairline, using the gloves to brush the die on. Once that was done it was easier to get lengths of hair at a time as she followed the same order, trying to keep all the hair out of her old friend's face so it wouldn't dye her skin. The lighter brown that she was dying her hair, though technically she'd gotten a dark blond to go over darker hair, came out almost the same color of her own, making it hard to tell what was dry or not, except by the glean in the light. After doing the bulk of it, Vermouth got the ends and stepped back, throwing the garbage in the basket while she through the gloves in the sink, ripping up a piece of paper and throwing it on top of them so that they'd burn. "Now that we have a half an hour to wait you can relax." She knew how stiff holding her neck like that would have made her. "You know, there may be irony in the fact that this is the most time I've spent with a friend, even if it was only in the past, in a long time."

"If you treat your other 'past' friends this same way, I'm not surprised." Chikage said as she relaxed somewhat but muscle memory caused her to remain loose and ready. She saw this as almost like a heist and that meant flexing muscles slowly to get them ready.

Vermouth backed up to the shelf, reclaiming her gun as she sat on the toilet lid. "I'd enjoy that if I did. Too bad so many are my enemies now. No. We were before now, you just didn't see it."

Chikage turned slightly and looked at her, seeing the gun moved from where it had been placed. She hadn't meant to but the same lack of restraint in answering questions truthfully was keeping her from not responding to a question of her own. "If you have so many enemies and fear for your life, why not leave yourself?"

Vermouth moved to tip her head to the side with a smile as she felt her longer hair touch the back of her arm. "I'm not some take-me-in. I won't be running off to change myself because of your words. I also do not fear for my life. I just said I didn't want to meet my end yet. I'm sure even for someone like you that it's too early. Human life is a horrible joke in that way."

"So you get others to do things for you to make sure." Chikage barely shook her head to keep her hair from hitting her face before turning away, casting a sidelong glance out the window. 'Kaito.'

"No. I take care of my own trouble without help. You're an exception and that's only because of fate itself." Odds are it won't be happening again anytime soon.

"An exception? So we shouldn't have to deal with you or any of this again?" Chikage asked on autopilot as her eyes subtly scanned the sky before looking back to the wall.

"Or on the same complications. I don't really see you sitting around, waiting or wanting me to show up at your doorstop again." Leaning to the side, Vermouth looked down at her fingers where the dye had gotten at her skin through the wrong movement of the gloves. "If you want though, I don't think I'd mind stopping by your quiet little life every now and then."

Chikage raised an eyebrow and looked over at her. Have her just show up after the near misses with bombs and kidnapping, not to mention the possible death trap she was going into because of her? Then again, Toichi had taken in lesser people like her, that being the key word, lesser.

Vermouth glanced at her watch, tapping her fingers in the first real show of any kind of irritation. "You and Yukiko-chan seem to have been tempting that same fate though. Considering both your husbands looked similar, it's funny your son's would with so little resemblance to one dominate parent like they have, and how different you and she are from one another- or were." The hair color would be changing that.

Chikage's breath caught. Shinichi-kun looked like himself at the young age and no doubt had been at the hospital for awhile. No way could she know that but if she saw the similarities between Shinichi-kun and Kaito... what had she thought of 'Conan-kun'? "Shinichi-kun was close to Kaito when they were kids but it's been years since I've seen him and while all kids look alike I'm sure Shinichi-kun doesn't look that much like Kaito now."

Vermouth smiled wickedly. "Of course, I only saw him a few times when he was little and only for a day years later. I think he looks more like his father now." He let her knowledge of the situation hinted at in those words, since she seemed to be hinting at the same knowledge herself.

Chikage felt sick to her stomach. The pictures of 'Conan-kun' after a Kid heist sometime ago popped into her head. The glasses he had been wearing, no doubt his disguise, were familiar enough. His father still wore those glasses. She had to bit her tongue to stop from commenting further. Not answering was her only choice. 'She's fishing. That's all.'

Vermouth smiled further at the expression. "You agree with me, don't you?" She already thought that she knew, what with the strange circumstances that surrounded Cool Guy if anyone cared to look, and for a boy who looked so much like his father like he did, she would have looked.

Kaito could twitch his fingers a bit but was still nowhere closer to moving them. He cursed lightly under his breath when he realized that his mom had been wrong about one thing and he had no way of telling her. He'd been ready- and now a bunch of his stuff was gone, likely discovered and tossed by his kidnapper before he'd even left his house. He had nothing on him except for the scarce cash he kept with at all times. No phone, no trackers or bugs, no nothing. Kaito let out a low whistle, keeping his distance to the house so the noise wouldn't be picked up. When Serene came and landed, mostly unfelt, he took out a small note and tied it to her foot. He needed more doves and he needed his supplies. He would have sent it with Aoko if he had noticed. Sending the bird on her way he leaned against the side of the house next door, keeping an eye on the one his mother was trapped in with some woman who was using Kami knew what against her. He silently cursed himself again. Stupid. Why didn't you check?

Chikage clenched her fists. Normally she'd have no problem and be completely at ease with a story. This stuff was strong and she was fighting with it but where she had danced and rationalized her previous answer, this was getting too narrow. "Him looking like his father makes perfect sense."

Vermouth's clearer eyes met Chikage's more strained ones. Tension wasn't something easy to hide, even if you were good at it. The mind had to be physically and mentally abused beyond limits for anyone to have it get pass her. Gin was one example of that, though even she couldn't pick out the specifics. "You're not answering my questions with answers, only statements. It doesn't matter. We both know neither of us is the idiot we want to take each other for. Did he ever say how he got so cute?"

Chikage took a deep breath, struggling inwardly. Outwardly, she attempted a light shrug. "We all have things we keep to ourselves."

"That's enough of an admission. It was bothering me a bit that you weren't saying it. It's fine. Right now all I need is you, not your information." Vermouth took in a breath through her mouth, feeling a slight burn of the chemicals that were still in the room. "I'm going to dump you in perfume before you go, just to make sure."

Chikage gave a small shake of her head. She fought to think of something else, anything else, settling on the heist. She'd have to change her entrance to a female because the amount of perfume to cover the smell of this dye would not go away soon enough. A female could pass it off as fashionably late. Maybe calling in and setting up some delay if need be. "Fine."

Vermouth took out her phone, going to her inbox and texting. Cutting her loses at this point would be meaningless and she didn't have to pretend to be her friend. By the time she'd be in the shower the drugs would have lost their potency. She was telling the truth though. She needed Chikage for her abilities. Any information about whatever petty thing was in her life that Vermouth didn't already have would just cut her focus.

Chikage tapped her finger as she let time pass. She was glad the questions stopped and wasn't willing to test how long the stuff she'd been given lasted by asking a question that might start more on her part. She leaned over and started rinsing the stuff out on her own, letting the remaining dye come out and seeing the new color.

Vermouth watched Chikage over her cell phone, hovering her finger over a message that she had saved in her drafts. She hit send, hoping he wasn't as impatient as he was last night. Gin like darkness, so they should have at least another hour or so.

When the water was clear she grabbed the towel that was nearby and started drying her hair. It still looked slightly dark but no doubt it would be lighter when it dried. She looked over at the woman still nearby, still not willing to test the limits of the drug.

Vermouth slipped her phone away and reached over to the shelf to get the scissors. She smiled. "This makes me feel like a little girl doing makeovers again." She tipped her head. "Sit back on the tub and turn around so I can cut it while it's still a little wet."

Chikage adjusted herself, still running scenarios for tonight, both tasks, and allowed her hair to be cut.

Chikage already had short hair so what Vermouth did was cut a few inches off of the front and drew it back gradually. She was fast, and she was a good stylist and make-up artist even before sensei. She didn't want to make it look like her hair had just been cut though, so she took out a razor for the ends, making some parts purposely just a bit off like naturally grown hair would look. It only took her about fifteen minutes and Chikage's hair was already drying. "You look even more like the tomboy you are. At least it suits you. Stay still." She moved, putting the scissors and blade back as she grabbed the hairdryer out from under the sink and plugged it in, drying the hair that was still wet. "I personally don't like short hair anymore."

Chikage snorted. "Used it before, but I don't much either."

Vermouth didn't show her surprised confusion. "I said I didn't like your eternal need for short hair, I didn't say anything about the dye." Vermouth looked at her around the dryer, not liking this. If Chikage missed something so simple she didn't know if she wanted it risked around him. Once her hair was pretty much dry, Vermouth turned it off and pushed Chikage on the back of the head. "Stand up and face me."

"I was referring to having shorter hair, not the dye." Chikage clarified as she stood and turned. "I've used short hair on occasion but I guess I should have said 'utilized' or something."

"On occasion? I've never seen you without you're short hair. You should really grow it out." Vermouth reached out, flicking the short strands that were now playing against her face. "And don't take this personally." Whiplash fast Vermouth moved and punched her in the face as hard as he could at close quarters.

Chikage's head turned with the blow, not having expected that and cursing herself for not dodging quick enough to avoid it. She kept her face neutral and straightened, looking straight at her. "And that was intended to accomplish what?"

"A look. Makeup never does the real thing justice." Vermouth flicked her fingers. "Face me again. With how long this has taken, I need a reason."

Chikage hoped Kaito would forgive her. She had to see about playing this out and getting to the person waiting was the goal now. She took a breath and relaxed but narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. If this was supposed to be that kind of delay she would be steadfast and slightly angry.

"I told you not to take this personally." Vermouth hit her again, able to put more power instead of compensating for speed. There wasn't a huge difference in strength, but she was able to aim for the same spot and make a good bruise.

Chikage kept her face steady, jerking with the force of the blow once more. She figured she didn't have to respond and simply faced her again.

Maybe it was old sentimentality which she wouldn't admit she felt, but she pulled out a switchblade instead of hitting her again. "Close your eyes. I won't hit it but I don't think you want to risk the blade nicking it. Any other injuries I'm sure you can fake."

Chikage glanced at the blade briefly before flitting her eyes back to meet the other woman's, taking a breath and keeping her focus.

Vermouth let out a breath and smiled at her old friend. "Fine then. I'm not to be blamed if you lose your sight." She knew how easily it could happen too, but it would only help if she did so she didn't stress it, slashing the blade down her eye with as little force as she could so she'd only be breaking the skin if possible. She used a lot more momentum than she needed and most of the force did nothing, but it would make her blink, and even if it was only in the past, she owed Chikage's husband, so she'd give as much of the favor to his wife as she could while still doing what was in her best interest. Drawing the knife back, Vermouth put it away. "Don't touch it." Reaching on the other side of the toilet for the bag she had the dye in, she pulled out a light-blue shirt. "Use this."

Chikage hadn't realized that was where she had intended to strike and fought to keep from covering it with her hand. Instead, she allowed the eye to tear up as she took the shirt. Using the sleeve, she pressed it to the cut. "This person is this skeptical?"

"If you weren't a woman I wouldn't put it past him to pick up your shirt. There are more critical eyes out there than even mine. You work at the police station. You're only an aspiring officer that's been kept inside. I think you can pull the part off easy enough. Once the bleeding stops, take it away so you couldn't tell and let it dry on your face."

Chikage left the shirtsleeve steady until she felt it stop leaking. She pulled it away a bit to check and make sure.

"Change your shirt with that one." Vermouth took out her knife again and watched Chikage, looking at the wound. She had taken away too much power. It had barely gotten her cheek after it left her eyebrow but that didn't matter much.

Chikage changed quickly, tossing her own shirt over the side of the tub without missing a beat. "There." She said calmly while she was seething inside. The best comfort was that Kaito was not the one sitting here.

"Don't move." Vermouth took the knife to the sleeve that had the blood in it, tearing the shirt while she cleaned then knife off on it. She cut the bottom of the shirt and inch too. She took the blade and her expression didn't change as she cut her own palm open and held it to the lower slit. While she was still freely bleeding she flicked her hand over the front of the shirt. "I'm going to hit you once more to get your lip. After that it becomes a waiting game. How this ends is up to you and fate." Vermouth couldn't fathom how she was putting up so much when she'd given Chikage no information other than there was a chance her son was in danger. She'd even said as much that she doubted he'd be killed.

Chikage knew that whatever else after this was the hardest part and while this was going to be hard enough to explain it was worth it. She may be Kid 'now', but if there was the chance that not following through would increase the danger to her son's exploits it would be worth it. "Fate I trust more than you."

Vermouth smiled, hitting Chikage hard in the mouth and shaking her hand afterward. "That one I enjoyed. Next time you're on your own then."

Chikage drew her lip in. "You still haven't told me where to go or who I'm suppose to give this thing to."

"If I told you who that would be more than you should know, so it doesn't matter. Where I don't know until he gets back to me. Appreciate the time you have left. I wouldn't be rushing to my death if I were you." Forget old favors, Vermouth had already done what she could and more. She took Chikage's old shirt from where it was thrown and grabbed the scissors. "You won't be needing this anyway." She cut the bottom away, making a make-shift cloth around her hand, using her teeth to tie it off. She reached over and grabbed a dark red jacket, fake fur in the hood. "Here, if you have to go anywhere public. Put the hood up if you need to."

Chikage took the jacket and held it away from her wounds. No sense risking any blood getting on it. She would have folded her arms otherwise. Instead she simply eyed her. "How am I supposed to know who to give it to?"

"He'll make sure you know. Besides, he sticks out like a sore thumb." Vermouth threw everything she had touched, including the scissors and razor, into the trashcan. She took out a small bottle, pouring the contents in it and tossing a match, watching the flames catch. She may be hiding her fingerprints, but she wasn't going to risk leaving DNA evidence. She then moved to her side and pushed Chikage near the toilet while she went closer to the locked door, leaning against it, taking out her phone and watching it. Gin would no doubt be setting something of his own up. "By the way, as part of your story, you got that from that boy in the hospital's father. You respected him very much, because he helped you get onto the force to begin with, though he's busy so you didn't get to see him often. Act as innocent as you can. Maybe- just maybe, you'll have some sort of chance then. I can't say it's much of one, but if you want to fight back, be my guest and get yourself killed."

"So not dodging his bullets will be better in the long run?" Chikage said sarcastically. 'Great, it's not completely out of my system.' Chikage moved toward the window and took a few breaths of the fresh air, trying to clear her head a bit more. She had to be focused and not slip up like that. This person was sounding as bad as the man that was behind her husband's death, if not worse.

"I told you you wouldn't live. Cruel giving you false hope every now and then." Vermouth smiled watching her phone again. "I'm tempted to shoot you myself. Act like yourself even once and it won't be just death, it will be torture."

Chikage raised an eyebrow and looked over at her. "Considering I got to see the bastard that supposedly did this to me dead, I assure you that the same will go for anyone else that tries to do the same thing." She straightened and flicked her fingertip across her lip. A policewoman who's superior had committed such crimes as he had. "Cops don't like being betrayed by those we looked up to."

Vermouth laughed lightly. "That works too. In fact, it might help. I am the one who was supposed to have hurt you. We were running on next to nothing anyway." Vermouth looked towards the wall, head tilted back as she rested it against the door. She had never out rightly betrayed her own before, but she'd take up looking for the information on her own. She'd rather kill at her own discretion then let Gin kill him when he really wasn't a part of what the other boy was being suspected of. "I should shoot you right now and end this foolishness." Vermouth smiled and blinked. Sentimentality was deadly. She just had to make sure it didn't kill her.

Chikage had been under the impression her opponent was suppose to have been Hakuba-san but it seemed she had taken her words wrong. "So what you had intended for me to have got from him was not this," She said, waving a hand at her face. "But this." She finished, holding up the flash drive.

"Yes," Vermouth spoke nonchalantly, barely caring to turn her head enough to look at the virus she had given her earlier. "We didn't have any specific leads before and half the people the police would want to look into about your little situation are dead now, not by my hand but good enough. If you showed up unharmed, it wouldn't be very believable now, would it?"

"So I managed to get this away and have to deliver it to someone just because I was told to. No knowledge about it or anything else." Chikage knew she needed the story clear. Better to clarify and sound out of the loop than not and go in blind.

"No. You were given it weeks ago and just told it was important and to hold onto it. There's a code you have to get through before the virus takes effect as proof, in case you're worried about him coming after you if you manage to survive. I found you, and found out about it, and that is why you're going to give it to him." Easy enough. The only message that she had sent was that she thought she'd found information and was currently trying to verify it. Gin would want to take over but, looking outside, it was still pretty early and she knew how much he preferred to work at night. Given that it was her, he'd likely break that streak.

"And the less aware I am of what's going on the better. If he asks where you are?"

"You won't know that information, and there's no reason you should." Vermouth moved to sit on the edge of the tub like Chikage had been, only now she was the one closer to the door. "You're naive for the job you have."

"I want to cover all my bases. I'm thorough when I need to know things and knowing what I should and should not know is key. I don't want to sound too smart or be short on something I'm expected to know." Chikage kept her eyes on her as she moved.

Vermouth pulled out a lighter, flicking it lit before grabbing a cigarette and lighting it, blowing the contaminated air towards the door. "I didn't mean about information. You're naive in general, as a person."

"It's benefited me so far." Chikage said.

Vermouth flicked the cigarette over the bathtub, discarding the ashes. "I won't argue with that."

Chikage looked out the window, waiting for sunset and any sign from outside that someone else was watching.