Hello to all good fellow readers, the chapter 35 is completed, though it consumes me a lot of time to think some good ideas.
As usual, this chapter may still contain some errors, and it will be updated anything. So please enjoy reading this, and if you happen to find any mistake that I missed, please inform the mistakes you find to me, thanks for your cooperation. :D
I do not own Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy Dissidia, Mahou Sensei Negima, and Kara no Kyoukai, including Detective Conan and Kaitou Kid.
[The second day of my searching, nothing so far but endless crimes hinders my way. I have to be honest, Beika town, and Haido town, the crime rates in these two towns are incredibly high compare to the other places. However, I have to use black helmet to hide my face from everyone, or I will be in trouble.]
…
Chapter 35: Crystal Fragment Arc – Part 3
…
~FFXMSN~
Next day
Morning
Mahora Academy
To Negi
Negi as he is currently doing his usual activities as a teacher in the teacher's lounge, scribbling down the 3-A's class report while thinking something. "…" He is currently in deep thought while writing ever since he and the other girls listened to Vincent's story. '…I have to become stronger…' He thought.
"You're here early today, Negi-sensei." Someone said as the person approaching. Negi turns to his right side, seeing Shizuna approaching.
"Shizuna-sensei! Good morning." Negi greets.
"Good morning, Negi-sensei." Shizuna greets before she stopped beside him, "I saw your performances at the Martial Arts Tournament and the general event." She told while snickering.
"Ha ha…. Well, that's…" Negi said embarrassed.
Shizuna then noticed Negi is currently writing a report, "Oh? Is that 3-A's class report?" She asked, "It's not even final exam period yet." She told.
"Well, no. It's just a rough draft right now…" Negi said clearly, "It's my first time, so I want to make sure it's done right…"
"Vincent-sensei could do that for you, but…" Shizuna said before she saddened a bit for knowing the teacher they know resigned.
"…" Negi remained quiet.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Negi-sensei, I shouldn't say that." Shizuna apologized.
"No no, it's ok Shizuna-sensei." Negi forgives, "He got something important to do, so this small matter thing I can do it." He told the reason to her.
"Something important? I hope it's nothing very serious…" Shizuna said.
"Yeah…" Negi said before he remained quiet continuing his report.
…
Class 3-A
Inside the Class 3-A, Negi is currently announcing something to them regarding about their results from the quiz and the midterms. "…Well…" Negi started, the girls looked at the child teacher. "The first semester is coming to an end… and there's only one week left until the final exam. So that's the reason why I gave out this simple quiz." He said as he tapping the quiz papers tidily on the table. "Now, looking at the results from this quiz and from the midterms… If we, the Class 3-A continue on at this rate, we will be having [A confirmed comeback to having the Lowest Grade of the Year]!" Negi happily announced to them even though he worried about them.
"Hahahahaha!" Most of the girls laughed for few seconds before they went quiet, because the atmosphere has changed ever since Chao left, and not only by that, their teacher Vincent also left at the same day. Just two persons had left the Mahora Academy, and the entire academy has lost their best student and best teacher.
"…" Their representative Ayaka wants to say something to them the moment they laugh, and in the end she didn't say anything to them after their laughs stopped. "…*Sigh*… Not only Chao-san, but Vincent-sensei also left without saying any word…" She saddened a bit. "He taught us for nearly 3 months, but he helped us a lot."
"Yeah…" Madoka agreed, "We didn't even get a chance to throw a farewell party for Vincent-sensei…" She said.
"…" Asuna remained quiet. Not just her, the other girls that know Vincent are quiet as well.
"…Anyway," Ayaka said as she stood up, "Let's continue Negi-sensei's topic." She turns around facing them, "…We finally managed to become top during the year's final in second grade, yet we have been falling ever since the midterms, you know?"
"Well Iincho," Kazumi said as she brought up a trophy. "It's okay. Since our class's festival attraction won Mahora secondary's second place." She ensured.
"Yeah, really, we sure did a good job!" The others agreed as they try to lighten up the atmosphere. "We gave it all out strength we did~~ All that's left is living out our remaining years."
Ayaka snapped, "Please don't start giving up right now!" She yelled at them.
The cheerleader trio join in, "But the hole that Chaorin left behind is big, after all!" Sakurako laughs.
"She's the super genius with perfect scores in all courses all the time. After all, she was the Mahora's most powerful brain. Even if we gather all the people from the university, I bet she's still smarter." Misa commented.
Konoka, Setsuna, Kaede, Mana, Kazumi, even Evangeline are responded the moment they mentioned Chao, they recalled back an unpleasant memory, and that is Chao stole Vincent's first kiss right in front of them. Whenever their classmates mentioned Chao's name, they immediately recalled back that unpleasant incident. Konoka, Kaede, and Kazumi remain their calmness, while the other three are currently expressing their angers yet remain calm.
"…" Setsuna remained quiet as she compressing her anger while her hand is gripping tightly her nodachi.
"…" Mana stares outside of the window daydream imagining her shooting hundreds of Chao with her arsenals.
"…Damn that Chao Lingshen…" Eva muttering as she biting her right thumb nail together with her dark expression before she continue her mumbling with curses. She still not forgives Chao for stealing something from her.
"…" Konoka, Kazumi, and Kaede are sweat-dropped seeing the other three are expressing their angers.
"…Still, you're right though," Misa frowned as she placed her face on her desk. "Without Chaorin or Vincent-kun, we will definitely fall back into the last place…" She said unconfidently.
"Negi-kun's the only one that can help us…" Sakurako joined in.
"Well, it cannot be helped, Vincent-sensei has something is more important." Ayaka said, "And I believe he does not want you all to fall behind." Asuna frowned worrying after listening to that as she remembered yesterday of what Vincent told.
"…" Negi remained quiet listening to their statements.
'…Stupid Iincho… don't ever mention that one…' Asuna thought as she glared at her.
"If Chao-san heard that kind of excuse, she would be disappointed in us!" Ayaka said loudly as she slammed her desk. The girls remained quiet.
"There, there, Iincho-san." Negi said as he tries to calm Ayaka down, she glanced back at her teacher, "It's not as if something bad will happen if we become last place of the year." Negi said, "Studying is boring compare to that school festival, after all."
"…Well, but Negi-sensei…" Ayaka couldn't continue after listening to her teacher's words.
"But, even though the school's studies may be boring, it certainly does not hurt to go through them." Negi said before he gives a speech, "I believe they will definitely become useful to you when you're pursuing something you want to do in the future. The knowledge and skills you have obtained through your own strength will never betray you. The same goes for your school studies, even if they appear useless to you at first." Negi gave a wonderful speech to them. All of them are speechless before they cheers at their teacher, but some of them are making fun of him.
"Hm…" Kazumi is about to say something, "But you know, Negi-kun," she started, "you're really beginning to carry that teacher-like atmosphere around you~~ maybe because a lot has happened." She compliments Negi.
"Eh… is that so?" Negi asked as he feels being complimented.
Yuna and others joined in, "Yeah, yeah, although I was a little worried too when you first came here!" Yuna said.
"You also looked more and more mature throughout the past half of a year." Ako said.
"Really, really, you have become a lot more adult-like half a year ago, Negi-kun." Misa joined in. "Good work for the past half year, Negi-kun."
"Aww…" Negi started to feel happy for being flattered by his students as the atmosphere has changed from gloomy to lively, "Everyone, what's with this? I can't give you anything even if you flatter me…" He said as he scratching his head from embarrassing.
"No no no, it's true-aruyo." Ku Fei entered, "You pass as a teacher-aru, Negi-bouzu." She said.
"At this rate, you might be able to catch up Vincent-sensei's level, Negi-kun." Sakurako said. Negi paused for a while as he heard that.
Negi looked at them before saying, "…Yeah, one of my goals is to surpass Vincent-nii's level." He said as he clenching his fist tightly. The girls thought his teaching skills will surpass Vincent's level, but actually he is thinking about his fighting capabilities. "Well, putting that aside. I'm going to ask for all the Baka Rangers to stay behind after class." He mentioned as he changed back the topic, which caused Asuna, Yue, Ku Fei, Kaede, and Makie shocked.
"Geh." Asuna cursed.
"Why?" Yue asked.
"At this rate, you'll all be up to your necks in summer remedial classes due to failing grades, you know?" Negi replied as he mentioning the important part, which caused both Asuna and Yue deadpanned.
"Ugh…" Asuna cursed again, "I get it already."
"Al-right!" One of them shouts energetically, "I guess we gotta pull together for the final!"
"Uh hu!" The other agreed.
"In respect for cool Negi-kun's words, you see!" Another one said.
"You're making fun of me after all!" Negi shouts at them before he calm down and looked outside through the window for remembering about yesterday. '…Vincent-nii has suffered a lot in the past… I have to get stronger to help him… and also, I will find dad no matter what.' Negi thought.
When the class is over, Negi took some training from his master Evangeline, and after his training he immediately returned back to the class and conducted some tests for the Baka Rangers.
…
Later, and right after their class, Negi facing the Baka Rangers as he is about to returns back their results. And, right after that, Negi and Asuna has a conversation near the staircase, after some talks, Negi decided something and telling to Asuna.
"…Before the end of summer vacation, I will be returning to Wales." Negi announced, "It's possible that… I may not be able to come back anymore."
"…Negi!" Asuna worried, '…First is Vincent… and now Negi?'
"When the time comes… Asuna-san, will you come with me as my partner?" Negi asked.
This makes Asuna surprised, "…Eh?" She asked, "Together… as your partner, you say?" She repeated as she misunderstands something. "W-w-what are you saying?" She asked blushing. "S-S-Suddenly saying something like that, how am I supposed to…?" She asked again, "Eh? W-why me? C-cause… you know, there's still Honya-chan… like… Besides, I already have Takahata-sensei whom I've already devoted to… though I got rejected." She said while fiddling her index fingers.
Negi confused, "Asuna-san?" He asked before both of them heard sounds of papers rustling from above floor. Both of them looked at the direction where the sounds come from, Negi and Chamo noticed, but for Asuna, she shocked, seeing Nodoka, Yue, and Haruna as the Librarian trio was surprised, especially for Nodoka as her pile of papers dropped to the floor, the silence took over the place, only the sound of papers rustling.
"Ah… ah…" Nodoka started.
"EXCUSE US!" Nodoka and Yue ran away.
"There there, ladies and gentleman." Haruna brought out her artifact, a few jellyfish tentacles came out and seized both Nodoka and Yue and brought them back.
"…S… So that's it." Yue started as she muttering in haste, "…No, I understand certainly it was obvious that such a possibility should have been considered. What thoughtlessness, before worrying about his relationship with Nodoka, there was stills his own…"
"H-Honya-chan!" Asuna shouted before both Nodoka and Yue run away.
Asuna and Negi appeared as she carrying him with a hand, "W-wait, you're misunderstanding, paru!" She tries to clear the misunderstanding.
"Misunderstanding about what… Asuna?" Haruna said as she doesn't bother. "Still, so that's how it went. Well, it's not as if I didn't think of this possibility or anything." She said, "But that sure was a surprisingly quick settlement." Asuna blushed madly while Negi still in confused state for not understanding the current situation. "So what are you guys going to do? Give up? Or go for some love plundering? But still… who would've thought that…" She then leaned toward to Asuna with her serious with a grin expression, "The girl Negi-kun likes was actually Asuna…"
Negi shocked, "EHH!?" He turned to Asuna, "Is it true!?" He asked boldly.
"Why are you asking me!?" Asuna shouted at the confused child.
"Negi-kun," Haruna asked, "You were confessing to Asuna just now, didn't you?"
"C-Confess… eh… cruel!?" Negi shocked again.
"No!" Asuna shouted.
"No… uh…" Nodoka started dripping her tears, "If that's how Negi-sensei feels… then… I, yes…" She then turns around and dashed away, "May you be happy together!" She wished them good luck before she has been seized again by Haruna.
"Nodoka-saaan!?" Negi shocked as he heard that again. "P-Please wait! I-I didn't say anything like that though? Just what are you…" He asked. This statement makes Asuna, Yue, and Nodoka paused as they looked at Negi with their confused expression.
"…Eh…?" Asuna wondered.
"You didn't…?" Yue asked.
"Then, when you asked me to go with you as your partner just now…?" Asuna asked again clearly.
"Asuna-san is my partner, right?" Negi said, "So I have to tell Asuna-san first if I'm going to Wales. I was planning to tell everything else later too… I felt like I had to tell Asuna-san first…" He explained.
"Then um…" Nodoka started as the jellyfish tentacles released both of them, "The confession…"
"You mean like confessing to the person you like?" Negi said, "Of course I like Asuna-san, but I'm not really thinking about anything like a confession right now…" He explained. Then, Haruna and Chamo both laughed hardly on the floor.
'These people knew from the start.' Yue thought deadpanned seeing both Haruna and Chamo laughing at them.
Negi looked at Asuna as she trembling madly, "Asuna-san… um…?" He asked.
Asuna turned around as her left fist charged with her energy Kanka. She is preparing to punch someone, "What is it, Mr Skirt Chaser?" She asked smiling embarrassingly.
"…Eh…" Negi shocked before a small fight started.
…
Later
The group exited their academy and heading back to their dorm, "Geez! That was a huge embarrassment! Idiot!" Asuna angered.
"S-Sorry." Negi apologized.
"But although it was just a misunderstanding in the end." Haruna said as she adjusting her spectacle, "Judging from Asuna's reaction earlier… It felt like you weren't against the idea either…?" She said grinningly.
Asuna readied her paper fan as she is about to whack someone, "Looks like you want to be smacked too." She said as her aura increasing.
"Hmph," Haruna smirked as she took out her artifact and brought out a giant behind her, "I'll take up on that challenge." She accepted the challenge.
"Too bad, Baru, your artifact is useless against me." Asuna said as she readied her Kanka aura.
"Haruna-san! Asuna-san!" Negi shouted at them, "Stop! STOP! It's not the school festival anymore!"
"T-That reminds me, you too! What do you mean by 'I can't come back anymore'!?" Asuna asked as she looked at him, Haruna withdrawn back her giant.
"Eh…" Negi did not expect.
"First is Vincent that he leaves for his mission, and now you! You're planning to go to Wales and not come back!? What will you do about everyone here!?" Asuna asked.
"T-That's not true! I plan on coming back." Negi explains. "It's just…" He started to explain, "There's the possibility that I won't be able to come back… that's what I meant." This took their attentions.
"Mu…" Asuna responded.
"There must be a reason why dad went missing." Negi continued his explanation, "It would be too optimistic to think that I will be able to find dad without any problems." His expression changed as he recalls back his foes they faced before, "Most likely… there will be dangers, or worse."
"…" Asuna remembered those incidents, the Kyoto incidents, the woman and the white haired boy. The old man dressed in black outfits and had a fight with Negi and Kotarou at the Mahora University Concert Stage. And also, Vincent's enemies, the one from the tournament.
"Maybe it's a good idea to just give up on chasing after dad." Negi paused, "…But, I cannot do that." A pause for a moment as the wind blows around them, "…I'm sorry, Asuna-san… I have thought about this many times over now. After we listened to Vincent-nii's story… I've decided. But no matter what, I just can't give up on my dad… that's who I am. If I give up on my dad, then I won't be me anymore… That's how I feel." He told to everyone.
The girls looked at him as they worried, "…Yeah, and?" Asuna said.
"…I know this is very selfish of me. Perhaps I'm being too irresponsible as everyone's teacher. Then, should I give up after all…? No, I cannot do that." He paused, "Finally… [There is no answer.]" He paused again, "That's the conclusion I reached in the end." He closed his eyes, "…I'm probably going to be troubled by this same thing in the future too, and I won't be able to cut it loose either." He opened his eyes facing Asuna, "That's why… I will continue on as who I am right now. [To be enlightened clearly is to misunderstand.]. [If it's a big problem, then hold onto it and continue on.] Those are the words of a person I admire."
"…" The girls are speechless after listening to his words.
Asuna sighed, "I get it. I get it already." She said, "I knew you're that kind of person a long time ago." She looked at him, "That's fine, Negi. Continue on as you are now, aiming for your dad, straight ahead." She said.
"…Asuna-san." Negi touched.
"My, my, boys will be boys…" Haruna exhaled before she looked at Nodoka, "But, oh well, can't help it, I guess. That's the part of Negi-kun that Nodoka fell in love with, after all~~" She said grinning.
Nodoka and Yue shocked, "Haruna!?" Nodoka shouted before she quickly stepped into, "N-Negi-sensei!" Negi and Asuna looked at her, "I'll go too! Please take me with you!" She requested.
"N-Nodoka-san!?" Negi shocked.
"It won't work even if you try to stop me!" Nodoka insisted before Yue joined in.
"I'm going too!" Yue announced.
"Yue-san!?" Negi shocked again.
"It's the magic world we're talking about here, after all… I'm going even if you leave me behind, you know?" Haruna said as she pointing herself.
"Haruna-san… everyone…" Negi was touched by them, "…T… Thank you all very much!" He thanked them as he bowed to them. "B-But, um… if something dangerous happens, maybe it's better to…!"
"I-It's alright!" Both Yue and Nodoka took out their own artifact as proofs that they can protect themselves from dangers.
"We will help out." Yue said.
"Stupid," Asuna said as a tick mark on her head, "The reason why we're going along is so that something that doesn't happen, you know." Asuna said.
"It's going to be summer vacation soon, but you're not going to play around or anything?" Haruna mentioned.
"Eh?" Negi confused, "Play… you say?"
"You're not going to England right away, right?" Haruna said.
"Y-Yes, I have not finished my training either… the first half of summer vacation is completely filled." Negi replied.
"T-That's…" Nodoka started to get her meaning.
"Certainly a good idea." Yue continued as she agreed.
"B… But…" Negi fiddling his fingers, "I'm… not really good at playing or anything…"
Haruna walked to behind Negi and pat on his back, "Noooo problem~! Leave it to us! When it comes to having fun, female middle school students are the experts, you know!?"
"Ha… ha…" Negi grew nervous.
"I… I think that's a good idea, sensei has been working hard all this time too." Nodoka agreed.
"A good time to recover your strength." Yue said.
"That's right! It would be stupid to not play during summer vacation, stupid!" Haruna shouted energetically. The girls and Negi has decided what they will do in summer vacation.
"Say, when will you tell Vincent about this?" Asuna asked suddenly as they all walking back to their dorm.
"…" Negi remained quiet as he thinking.
Asuna looked at the thinker Negi, "*Sigh*," She sighed, "Don't worry, I will tell him about your case here." She said.
"…" Negi looked at Asuna, "Thank you Asuna-san."
"Not just me, the others will definitely keep in touch with him." Asuna continued.
…
Few days later, their exam has begun, all the girls are fully focus on their papers, the questions are getting more difficult than before as some of them are worried at start, but sooner they understand the questions and able to answer them without worry. The exams took few days to finish.
Meanwhile Vincent and Mog are working hard to find the crystal fragment hidden somewhere in the Tokyo, he could not risk by exposing his face to the public since the enforcement laws in Tokyo are very strict.
Again few days later, at the result day, they are announcing the results for everyone, and in the end, the Class 3-A managed to avoid for being at the last place, they managed to get into second place with the average score of 77.8. The girls are happy that they able to reach second place, Negi as their teacher is proud of them.
Their holiday almost reach, in their class Negi is about to returning back their report cards, some of them are worried to see their own results, and some of them improved a lot from last time as they are happy to see. And, this is the beginning of their summer vacation. But, they are still thinking about a certain person that they haven't see for few days straight, the assistant teacher of Negi.
…
Shiki as she currently drinking a cup of tea in a café, "I wonder how Vincent doing." She said as she looked up at the bright sky.
…
~FFXMSN~
Few days later
Tokyo
Mouri Detective Agency
To Conan
This evening, the news concerning about the recent bank robbery in Teito Bank happened at that day had become a hot topic for everyone, about the mysterious man in black helmet, capable to knock out all of the six armed robbers in a very tight situation. At the same day in the night about the Kaitou Kid strikes again in a museum at night, the police inspector and other police enforcers are failed to capture Kid alive, and in the end they received back the Endless Night Gem that was stolen by Kid together with a note saying.
[This is not the gem that I've been looking for, so I returned it back to you.]
'It's been few days ever since that day… First the bank robbery at evening, and now this Kaitou Kid at night… So many things happened in that day… gimme a break.' Conan thought reading the newspaper while eating chocolate. 'Yet, I was expecting that man in black helmet would show up there, guess he didn't. But…' He then glanced at the famous detective Kogorou Mouri who is currently working on his table there, searching for the mysterious man through internet and phone, on his note is filled with information that he learned so far. 'This is another rare sight of seeing uncle working this hard.' He thought as he smiles, seeing the usual lazy detective rarely to get into serious business.
"…Bah, I've asked everyone through the websites," Kogorou said as he took a breath while leaning against his chair staring at the ceiling, "no luck so far."
"What did you find, uncle?" Conan asked.
"Only nonsense craps like 'I met that guy everywhere', 'Ooh, sounds like an otaku to me, not interested', 'Oh, there are plenty of that kind of guy in oversea.' BAH!" Kogorou replied before he shouts loudly to release his anger into air before he took a sip of his beer can. "Internet cannot be trusted sometimes… They all filled with stupid craps."
'…That's true.' Conan thought deadpanned as he heard.
"Some more," Kogorou grabbed the TV remote and switched on, the news appeared and talking about the latest news, it's about the man in black helmet. "I wonder if the man with long black hair is actually an accomplice with this guy in black helmet, both of them appeared almost at the same time. First is the long black haired man appeared, the next day is the man in black helmet." He said.
"…" Conan remained quiet as he watching the TV.
"Not to mention about the robbery on that day," Kogorou mentioned, and Conan looked at him, "Inspector-dono told me that those robbers stole the equipment from a warehouse near the harbour there, that's why those robbers were armed heavily."
"I see." Conan noted.
"…Guess I'll take a break…" Kogorou said as he stood up and walk to the door.
"Where are you going, uncle?" Conan asked as he seeing the famous detective walking toward to the door and opened it.
"Pachinko." Kogorou replied as he exited out.
'…He's faking it.' Conan thought as he saw through, '…He really is working hard, by going out to the streets and asking people.' He can imagine Kogorou Mouri exited out from his agency and heading to the city streets to ask anyone about the mysterious man. '…Regarding about that man… I am sure that man in black helmet is actually that foreign man… I just lack of proof. But, I got a feeling that foreign man has no bad intention… Just a bad luck that he were been labelled as a criminal by police officers.' He paused as he stretches his arms upward to the air before he get off the sofa and switch off the TV before exiting out his agency. 'Better stop thinking, I have to go to Agasa's house, my Anywhere Ball Dispensing Belt need some maintenance.' He thought before he put down his Turbo Engine Skateboard on the ground, he hop on it and dash away.
…
~FFXMSN~
Somewhere
In the basement within a large room just beneath the large and tall building belonged to Suzuki, and in there stood a person standing in front of the stone pedestal held a glass case protecting the crystal fragment, and the person staring at the crystal is Gabranth, staring at the crystal fragment.
"…" Gabranth remained quiet staring at the crystal fragment. '…No doubt about it, this is the fragment of the crystal that imprisoning the demon, and there's a small piece of demon in this fragment as well.' He thought.
"Hoy," Someone calling Gabranth, but he did not responds, "Fascinating the Bloody Crystal?" The person is Jirokichi.
"…" Gabranth remained quiet while staring at the crystal fragment.
"Still," Jirokichi said as he stood beside Gabranth and stares at the crystal, "even the scientists I hired could not recognize the body material of the crystal itself, I guess it's impossible to drill the crystal and check the content inside." He explains.
"…There's one way to find out whether crystal can be penetrate or not." Gabranth suggests something.
"Oh?" Jirokichi looked at Gabranth as his attention taken.
"You said you will display this for everyone to see?" Gabranth said.
"Sure I am going to put this in front of everyone, in order to capture that Kaitou Kid!" Jirokichi said as he clenches his fist. "But, how will that work if you're planning to make that crystal penetrable?" He asked.
"…If you're going to display this to everyone, I'm sure this will draw everyone's attentions, even your Kaitou Kid, he will not miss this, and also…" Gabranth said before he paused as his expression changed, "…The knight of the goddess will appear as well."
"…So you're saying, that this 'knight of the goddess' will find a way to crack open this crystal?" Jirokichi said.
"Correct," Gabranth said before twenty men entered in, five of them are security enforcers and the remaining fifteen are dressed in karate uniform. "Hm?" Gabranth confused a bit seeing the security enforcers all armed with riot shields.
"Oh, it seems they've arrived." Jirokichi said as he turns around seeing a group of men arrived as he expected.
"Hoy," A man dressed in black suit outfit, the chairman of the Suzuki Financial Group, Suzuki Shiro.
"What're they doing here?" Gabranth asked without turning his back while eyeing on the crystal fragment.
"He wants to conduct a test on you, to see your capability as the best security guard." Jirokichi explains.
"Oh?" Gabranth fascinated slightly as he heard before he turns around facing a group of men, he then steps forward away from the stone pedestal. "I guess I have to take them on?" He asked.
"Oh ho, those dressed in uniform are karate experts," Jirokichi said, "don't take them lightly."
"…They're nothing." Gabranth said calmly before those men take their stances as they surround Gabranth in a circle. Gabranth glances around him without prepare any stance to fight before one of them charge at him and intent to grab by grabbing his left sleeve and overthrow him, but that man is unable to throw Gabranth for unknown reasons. Gabranth then counter attack by using his left hand and grab the chest part uniform and lift him with an arm.
"W-what?" One of the karate experts are surprised to find himself has being lifted before he gets thrown away.
Gabranth looked at them and tell, "All of you attack me at once," He provokes them. "If you all come one by one, I'm surely will win." He taunts them.
"Huh?" Suzuki Shiro surprised to hear that, even Jirokichi.
They then decided to attack him all at once from all direction, for Gabranth as he know he cannot kill them, he then decided to hold back his capability by slightly punch and kick them, as well as he controlling his own movement speed, by dodging and blocking their attacks, punching and kicking them at the same time, knocking them down to decrease their numbers and use a little time.
Then he aims the remaining security enforcers armed with riot shields, those shields are made of metal, it was used to protect themselves from projectiles such as bullets, but it was never meant to protect themselves from one of the Chaos's elite warriors. He first aim one of them as he throw a punch and punched through the metallic riot shield and directly gave a weak jab onto the security enforcer's face, knock the enforcer out before he proceeds to the other targets.
One of the enforcers prepared a smoke grenade and throw at the ground before the security enforcer wears the mask, the smoke grenade ignited, releasing a dense of smoke screening the area. However, Gabranth does not halting his movement as he ignores the smoke and charged into the cloud of smoke, "W-what the!?" The enforcer shocked to see Gabranth appeared in front of him through the dense of smoke and Gabranth knocked the enforcer out with a punch to the stomach.
Just a minute after his test started, Shiro and Jirokichi are awed to see Gabranth took all of them within a minute as all of them are on the ground.
"That's all?" Gabranth asked as he turns around facing the chairman.
Shiro snapped out, "Y-Yes," he replied before he steps forward, "Very fascinating and marvellous! You're indeed a best security guard capable to defeat them all!" He compliments as all the men slowly stood up from the ground.
"I have experience." Gabranth said.
"But, how come I've never heard about you if you're really good in martial arts?" Shiro asked. "N-no one are capable to punch through a metallic shield! Also, you don't even need a mask to walk into the smoke!"
"I've never interest of these, so no one knows about me, for I don't like attract too much attentions." Gabranth replied. "And, I have experience to ignore those armaments, and also, this is not even a warmup, not even the slightest."
"Ha ha ha ha!" Jirokichi laughs loudly, "Indeed the best security guard I've ever hired!" He said proudly as he arrives beside them.
"So, when will you display this to everyone to see?" Gabranth asked.
"Very soon, very soon…" Jirokichi replied grinning. "With you as the powerful security guard, and the trap you asked for me to prepare has already done, this time… Kaitou Kid will never win… I can't wait to see his defeat face… Ha ha ha ha ha ha!"
While Jirokichi laughing as three of them are staring to walk to the exit, Gabranth glances behind him at the crystal fragment. "…" He remained quiet staring at the crystal fragment, and the demon fragment inside there is slumbering. He closed his eyes as he recalling back his memories before he opened back his eyes and walk to the exit.
…
~FFXMSN~
To Vincent
Somewhere on the rooftop of a tall building where the people beneath could not see, Vincent is standing on top of a water tank, staring down at the city, "It has been few days, yet the crystal fragment did not react yet." Vincent started. "Still, stopping criminals made me remembering old days."
"Yeah… kupo." Mog agreed, "I am starting to get tired of this stupid demon, kupo! It's wasting our time like this!" Mog angered.
"…I wonder how they are doing now." Vincent said as he looked at the North direction. "Right now it's the summer vacation, and I got a feeling that they went somewhere far away," He paused for a moment, "I think they went to visit Negi's hometown, Wales, he is going to search for his father."
"They probably going on vacation somewhere, kupo~" Mog said.
"He really like his father, kupo~" Mog said.
"For Negi, his father is everything to him." Vincent said.
"This world is vast, kupo. How are they going to find his father, kupo?" Mog asked.
"It's hopeless to find something or someone without any clue, I'm pretty sure Negi will head back to his hometown to search for some clues related to his father in order to find him." Vincent replied.
"His father has been missing for ten years, kupo…" Mog said, "…It must be really hard for him, kupo."
"Indeed," Vincent replied, "his hometown was attacked by a horde of demons, then his father appeared at that time and managed to eliminate the entire horde, but it was too late to save the people on the town that had been petrified." He paused, "I've been thinking, where did those demons come from, and… why did those demons attack his hometown ten years ago." He said.
"…Maybe grudge, kupo?" Mog said.
"No one will know the truth behind that attack except his father." Vincent said, '…Somehow, I feel uneasy about them.' He thought as he worried a bit, '…Hopefully not, better focus on my mission here.' He shook his head before he took off his black helmet as he is changing topic. "…Let's go back to the main topic, I think I should change my disguise…" Vincent said. "Using the black helmet to hide my face, all the bikers almost gets caught innocently by the police officers." He said as he looked at his black helmet.
"Hm… How about you use the mask of that Hellmasker of yours, kupo?" Mog suggested.
"…" This gives Vincent a moment of thoughts, "…That's a bad idea, the mask will give out an intimidating aura to them. Still, it's better than the black helmet." He then summons out a Metal sphere and forged it into a metallic mask of Hellmasker. He grabbed it, took off his headband, and wore it on his face. "How does it look?" He asked while putting his red headband into his pocket, the eyes glowing red.
"…It's giving an eerie aura, kupo… but it's definitely changed a lot from black helmet, kupo." Mog commented.
"…" Vincent tapping his metallic mask to check the durability, "…The durability of this mask is obviously stronger than the black helmet, and I'm pretty sure they will definitely recognize me as the man in black helmet. What a name."
"Well, it's too late to change that, kupo." Mog said. "And for that name… I think you're the one should come up with a name for your new appearance, kupo."
"Naming isn't my specialty." Vincent replied, "…" He took off his Hellmasker mask and stares at it, "…For long how I haven't use this form, hundred years perhaps? I've never thought of using this now." He said as he wore it back. "…Wearing this mask makes me recalling back for hundreds of monsters that I slaughtered using the Hellmasker form, with a chainsaw of course."
Mog shivered, "…Now that's scary, kupo…"
"Well of course I won't use any weapons fighting criminals." Vincent said. "But of course… I won't show any mercy to them," He paused for a moment, "except if there's a good reason for them to do such things, for example: blackmail. Like kidnap someone, and then force someone related to the victim to do despicable activities."
"Now I hate these kinds of people, kupo!" Mog said angrily.
"Now this reminds me of a mission I had long time ago, five wanted criminals kidnapped a child of a father from a small town, threatening the father to kill a target." Vincent said, "Well of course I stopped them before the father of that child went to kill the target." He then turns his head and looking at the city, "Anyway, we have to find the crystal fragment fast, or one of the Chaos's elite warriors seizes it."
"Yeah, kupo!" Mog said.
"At this rate we won't be able to obtain any information if we keep on fighting crimes," Vincent said. "We can only wait for it unleashes its presence." He then took out his black helmet, "For some reason, I better wear back the black helmet." He took off his mask and wore back his black helmet.
"I think that's for the best, kupo." Mog agreed. "That mask is just too creepy, kupo…"
…
~FFXMSN~
To Conan
Agasa's house
Inside Agasa's house, Conan is watching the professor maintaining his Anywhere Ball Dispensing Belt, Haibara doing her regular activities as she doing her research finding for a perfect antidote.
"Is there any new info regarding about that man in black helmet?" Haibara asked as she halted her research.
"…None." Conan replied as he turns around and looked at her. "That man did not leave any traceable clues for us to track, that man is very cautious." He continued as he went and lay down on the sofa. "It's been few days since that man appeared out of nowhere… what event is that man waiting… is it that man waiting for Kaitou Kid to be appear?" Conan guesses.
"Who knows, I'm just glad that man isn't one of them." Haibara said before she continues her research. "Otherwise, we're already dead."
Conan glared at Haibara with annoyance the way she said before he remembered something, "Oh yeah, Agasa, few days ago you went to a place called Mahora because of the festival right?" Conan asked.
"Hm?" Agasa halted his hands before he remembers, "Oh yeah! I've completely forgot to show you two of these pictures I got from there." Agasa said as he went to his desktop and take photos, once he took them, he then went and shows them, "These are the photos that I took when I was in Mahora Festival, I have to say, it was the best thing I've ever went there." Agasa said as he recalls back the activities he did in the festival; they see photos shown the huge tree; thousands of people on the streets from different races; the children walking with their parents; planes flew through the sky forming patterns above the Mahora; parades, and so on.
"…Stingy…" Haibara said with annoyance as she glared at Agasa fiercely, "…You went there without bringing me along? I had to stay with Ayumi-chan in her house for three whole days…"
"Well erm, that time you're still at school… and also… the festival only last for three days… so I took this chance." Agasa trying to find excuses before he apologizes, "I'm sorry, Ai-kun…"
"Wow…" Conan was fascinated by these photos, "Too bad I couldn't even go… I heard there's a large library there, I want to go there find anything related to Sherlock Holmes."
"Oh ho, indeed there's a large library there, and it's on an island! They called it the Library Island, and inside there the view was marvellous and spectacular!" Agasa said, "Also, there's a huge tree that lies in the centre of Mahora, they named it The World Tree, because it's the biggest tree in the world with the height of 270 meters." Agasa evaluates the details he learned. "The tree will glow brightly once in every 22 years."
"Damn… I wish I could go… it sounds awesome." Conan said with a sign of regret. '…Though it's absurd to make a tree glow… are they using lightbulbs? Or something more powerful?'
"Oh yeah, I was able to spectate those contestants fighting in the tournament, it was awesome one, especially the match between a muscular man and a young one with long black hair!" Agasa mentioned, and this one took their attentions. "Man, those students really did well in those CG, those CG were so real that could frighten everyone, as a professor I even amazed by those."
"Long black hair?" Conan asked.
"Oh, I think you probably see that person before, he was on the Mahora magazine." Agasa said as he took a magazine, "This magazine I bought from Mahora festival, see the front cover." Agasa said as he gave to Conan the magazine, Haibara looked at the front cover, seeing a long black haired man with red eyes and pale white skin dressed in black suit.
"…Wow." Haibara was attracted by the man in the front page cover.
"Not to mention about the final day event, those students really deserve a great credit, for done something big!" Agasa continued, but Conan did not listen to his stories.
Conan looked at the front page cover, seeing the features of the long black haired man. '…Foreign… Long black hair… pale white skin… Wait a second…' Conan realized as he remembered something, '…This magazine! It was placed in front of the bookstore!' He cursed himself slammed his palm on his forehead as he remembered the day Conan with his friends walking to the school and passed through the bookstore, noticing the Mahora magazine was placed at the front near the glass. '…Dammit! How could I forget about this?'
"What did you find, Kudo-kun?" Haibara asked.
Conan lowered his hand, "…Just my hunch, I think this man here is the man in black helmet." Conan stated while staring at the Mahora magazine.
"Eh!?" Agasa surprised.
"Ayumi-chan stated the mysterious man's features before; long black hair, pale white skin, and tall figured body." Conan said. "This guy could be the main suspect."
"But Kudo-kun," Haibara said, "What will you do once you find him? So far this man did not commit any terrible crimes but only helping people so far. He's being on the news lately, the man in black helmet helping and saving people." She continues as she tries defending. "Some more, we don't know his reason to come to this town for."
"…That's true… I can tell that he's a good guy." Conan agreed as he crossed his arms. "But, those police officers keep on catching wrong people who wore black helmet."
"Hm… if I remember correctly… his name should be Vincent Valentine, I think…" Agasa told in his thinking pose.
"Vincent Valentine? Now that's a unique name." Haibara commented before the TV beside them suddenly the program they were watching changed into live news. They all faced at the TV, seeing the entrance of a museum are crowded with people.
"Right now the Suzuki Advisor Suzuki Jirokichi is going to announce something to everyone," The news reporter lady announcing to everyone through the camera, behind the reporter lady appears Jirokichi, "And here is the Suzuki Advisor Suzuki Jirokichi as he is going to announce something to us all!" Before the reporter lady could finish her statements, Jirokichi took away her microphone and start his speech.
"Listen well, Kaitou Kid," Jirokichi started as he facing at the camera screen, "tonight, I will place the [Bloody Crystal] in the Suzuki Museum for you to steal, come and face me when you're very confident to snatch it away from us!" Jirokichi declared another duel against the infamous thief Kaitou Kid. This caused a loud cheer from the civilians who are the fans of Kaitou Kid.
"…Wow," Haibara commented with her uninterested expression, "…Suzuki Jirokichi sure likes to challenge Kaitou Kid."
"Ha ha…" Conan laughs deadpanned before his expression changed to usual, "…I think we should pay a visit to this one. For I am sure that man in black helmet which is Vincent Valentine, will appear there."
"…The event, huh?" Haibara remembered.
"Alright, let's wait till night time then we go and see." Conan said, "But… I have to inform this to uncle and Ran first…" He mentioned. '…Bloody Crystal huh…?'
…
~FFXMSN~
To Vincent
Somewhere in Tokyo Square, all the pedestrians are happy after seeing the news that the Kaitou Kid will appear tonight, Vincent currently standing on top of a building and just in front of him there is a large display billboard screen attached on the building displaying the news, informing everyone, he heard the latest news about the Suzuki Advisor Suzuki Jirokichi wants to challenge Kaitou Kid in the Suzuki Museum, and what really caught his attention is the object he named just now, the Bloody Crystal.
"Mog, did you listen to what he said?" Vincent said.
"Yeah, kupo! Bloody Crystal huh, what a name that old man gave there, kupo." Mog responded. "It's about time for the crystal to shows itself up, kupo."
"So, the place will be held tonight, at Suzuki Museum huh?" Vincent said. "Let's wait till tonight then. For I, have a feeling that one of the Chaos's elite warriors will appear… hm?" He then noticed something in the TV, a foreign man behind Jirokichi, a man with short blonde hair and hazel eyes dressed like a bodyguard.
"…Eh? That man…?" Mog recognized the bodyguard.
"You know?" Vincent asked.
"…That man… is one of the Chaos's elite warriors, kupo!" Mog told before someone communicates with them through telepathy.
"That one is indeed one of the Chaos's elite warriors, Gabranth." Lady Cosmos communicates.
"Lady Cosmos." Vincent greets.
"My lady, kupo~" Mog greets.
"So one of them are already here, I did not even felt his presence." Vincent said.
"Gabranth, a guardian of the law who presides over judgments of life and death, his true strength will be displayed out when he dons his helmet." Lady Cosmos describes the details of Gabranth to them.
"His true strength will be unleashed the moment he wear his helmet… sounds like he's a formidable fighter." Vincent said. "…Another fighter I need to face."
"…During the war, he was casted away to the hell dimension and remained in the dimension outside the conflict, the reason he was been casted into the hell dimension was because he wants to end his own life to escape from the endless cycle of war, a portal to the rift engulfed him and sent him into the hell dimension, preventing him to end his life and forcing him to submit himself to the wills of the gods." Lady Cosmos continues.
"…Just like Gilgamesh." Vincent said. "Outside the conflict…"
"He were once try to kill me," Lady Cosmos continues, and this sentence took their attentions. "Wanting to end the wars, but Shantotto protected me and he failed to do so."
"Shantotto?" Vincent asked.
"Shantotto is a noble lady birth and revered as the ultimate mage, prideful with a rough temperament, not a single mandragora will sprout in the wake of her anger." Lady Comos describes.
"A powerful mage…" Vincent said. "So for tonight, if I had to fight Gabranth, this whole city will be in chaos, I just hope this won't bring any more problems."
"Stay cautious, Vincent. Gabranth is not an enemy that you should underestimate." Lady Cosmos warns.
"I will." Vincent replied before the communications cuts off. He looked back at the large display billboard screen.
Then, they heard additional comments from Jirokichi in the screen, "If you are able to win against my strongest security guard behind me here, I'll let you take away this Bloody Crystal." Jirokichi announced the condition to everyone, another loud cheers coming from the crowds as the camera zoom toward to Gabranth's face, letting everyone see his face.
"…Really, kupo? Want an ordinary human thief to steal that thing from one of the Chaos's elite warriors, kupo?" Mog said.
"…Something that makes me wondering," Vincent said as he noticed something, "…Why didn't Gabranth just snatch the crystal fragment away? He could do that anytime, but… it feels like he wants to have a duel with me." He said.
"Yeah, kupo." Mog agreed.
"Just… for what reason he want?" Vincent wonders.
…
~FFXMSN~
To Kaito
In a billiards parlour called Blue Parrot in Ekoda, Kaito is sitting on a chair while watching the news, "That old man sure has a lot of confident putting on his security guard behind him." Kaito commented.
"But still, young master," An old man stood behind the bar says, Konosuke Jii, a faithful and loyal half-bald old man serve as bartender, he was once the assistant of the world famous magician, Kaito's father, Toichi Kuraba. "You should not underestimate your enemies lightly, for we don't know what kind of tricks they will use."
"Heh," Kaito snickered, "Don't worry, Jii-chan," he ensures, "I am not an easy target for them, whatever they're holding there, for I will definitely snatch it away."
"I don't know, young master, for I have an odd feeling about this." Jii said unease.
…
~FFXMSN~
Suzuki Museum
Few hours later before the night time, right now Jirokichi and others, along with Gabranth, are currently at the front entrance lead into the Suzuki Museum, one of the Suzuki's museums is used in this operation, and this museum is larger than the other museums, heavily modified by Jirokichi, the advisor of Suzuki Financial Group. Outside the museum there is a large garden, and the garden is occupied by people that are fans of Kaitou Kid. Between the garden and the museum has been barricaded by security forces, preventing people to enter into. Inside the museum has a large chamber, enough to occupy an aeroplane.
They are done preparing everything in order to capture Kaitou Kid as many crew workers are moving a heavy object covered by a large box for they don't want to let everyone see the content inside into the museum, inside the box is the stone pedestal holding the crystal fragment, the Bloody Crystal. "Ha ha ha! I got a feeling today will be a successful day for me!" Jirokichi said happily.
"…" Gabranth remained quiet as he stood there with his eyes closed.
"Jeez… does this old man ever give up?" Nakamori said as he looked at the loud crowds outside of the museum as they are currently standing at the top of the stone staircase leads to the museum.
"And… about this 'knight of the goddess' you always mention," Jirokichi asked as he turns around facing Gabranth, "I know this may be sounds ridiculous, is this 'knight of the goddess' is in the same level as the Kaitou Kid?" He asked.
"Hmph." Gabranth smirked as he heard the question, "…I'm sure you two know him well." He replied, leaving Jirokichi confused.
"Hah…?" Nakamori raised his eyebrow as he confused.
"Hm?" Jirokichi confused and does not get what Gabranth means, until one of the security enforcers arrived and pass something to inspector Nakamori.
"Sir!" The enforcer arrives.
"What's wrong?" Nakamori asked.
"We found this note on one of the guards' back!" The enforcer said as he gives a note to the inspector Nakamori. Nakamori looked at the note and noticed the Kaitou Kid's iconic logo, a cartoonish grinning face of him wearing a top white hat and a white monocle.
"…" Gabranth remained quiet staring at the note.
"K-Kaitou Kid!" Nakamori surprised before he proceed to read, his shout caused a loud cheer from the crowds, indicating the Kaitou Kid will appear tonight, "…Tonight, for I shall steal away your Bloody Crystal from your trustworthy guard. –Kaitou Kid" Nakamori read the contents, "…Why that brat… looking down on us arrogantly…!" He angered.
"Be sure not to let anyone approach into the museum, including you all." Gabranth assigned to them.
"What!?" Nakamori raised his voice, "Listen, I don't care you're the best security guard that this old man has ever hired, do you really think that you alone are able to capture that Kaitou Kid?" He said.
"…You're underestimating me, inspector." Gabranth said, "Do you remember what I said before? He is using you all as his advantages, including the crowds outside there." He mentions as he looked at the people outside.
"…Hah?" Nakamori wonders.
"Kaitou Kid always disguises himself into any random citizen or one of the guards here in order to walk toward to his objective." Gabranth said. "Or disguise as higher ranks, such as you inspector Nakamori." As Gabranth done saying, Jirokichi takes the chance as he pinched Nakamori's nose.
"Ou-ou-oww! What are you doing, old man!? I'm not Kaitou Kid!" Nakamori shouts as Jirokichi let go his hand.
"That was just an example, but stays caution, don't let any suspicious people approach any of you and put you to sleep," Gabranth warns before he turns around, "Advisor Jirokichi, and Inspector Nakamori, please do not let anyone else besides Kaitou Kid enter into the museum, and," He turn his head facing at Jirokichi, "please proceed my plan if this Kaitou Kid or the knight of the goddess appear." He told before he continues walking back into the museum, all the security guards inside there are exiting out.
"…'Knight of the goddess'… he keep on mentioning that." Nakamori said as he glares at Gabranth unfriendly. "Hey old man, what this plan was you two talking about?"
"It's a secret, later you'll see." Jirokichi said grinning.
…
Night
It's night time, the ground have lots of peoples are crowding at the outside at the garden of the Suzuki Museum, waiting for the Kaitou Kid to shows up, they are many people are fans of the infamous Kaitou Kid as they are holding cardboards with Kaitou Kid iconic logo, cartoonish grinning face of him wearing a top white hat and a white monocle. Lights are provided from higher buildings around the museum in order to let everyone see clearly. The sky above them is swarmed with few helicopters. Both ground and sky are heavily defended by security guards.
"Look at these helicopters swarming the sky!" The news reporter announcing as the camera start rolling. "And also, hundreds of guards on the ground! This situation is very similar to the previous incident before, the Ocean's Miracle incident! Will the Kaitou Kid come? How will he pass through these hundreds of guards? What trick will he be using this time in order to get the [Bloody Crystal]?"
In a café shop nearby, Conan and others are currently watching the news through a mini TV provided by Sonoko, "Jeez…" started by Kogorou with bored tone, "This is just like that time." He said before he sips his coffee. "Bloody Crystal… What a foolish name." Conan, Ran, Kogorou, Sonoko, together with Agasa and Haibara, they are sitting in a large round table.
"We don't even get a chance to see how that crystal looks like." Agasa said.
"Probably just another worthless gem." Haibara said uninterested as she eating ice-cream.
"But," Ran said as she looked outside, "This time, there are more people than last time." Thousands of people have swarmed not just in the garden, outside on the streets are swarmed by people as well.
"Isn't this exciting?" Sonoko asked happily. "I'm glad that we're able to see Kaitou Kid once again! How unfortunately that I could not go into the museum with Sir Gabranth there… together with Kaitou Kid…" She screams with lovely tone, "Kya~! I can't decides on which one should I cheer~" Her statements leaving a dumbstruck Ran.
"…" Ran is speechless seeing her dreamily best friend.
"Gabranth huh? A foreign guy is in charge taking on Kaitou Kid?" Kogorou said.
"…" Conan remained quiet staring outside.
"Still, putting so much faith on one single security guard," Kogorou said, "…One single guard standing alone inside the museum, along with the Bloody Crystal there, ain't the chance for Kaitou Kid to get are high?"
'…This look kinda like a one-on-one duel to me, no one inside there besides the security guard called Gabranth, and on the other hand is the Kaitou Kid, it seems like a challenge.' Conan thought. '…Still,' He then looked at the entrance of the museum, '…The front entrance of the museum is widely open, and it looks like it doesn't have any door that close the entrance… That man is hiding something…'
Then, suddenly someone shouts, "Hey look up there!" A male youngster shouts while pointing his hand on the sky, everyone looked up at where the man points, they see a triangle shape silhouette in front of the full moon, then sooner the silhouette began to show clearer, and they recognized the white glider together with the iconic top white hat.
"It's Kaitou Kid!" One of them shouts.
"Kya! Kaitou Kid!" The fan girls shout.
…
"Kya~~! Kaitou Kid-sama~!" Sonoko shouts as well.
They all stood up from their seats the moment Kaitou Kid shows up, '…He's here.' Conan thought before he noticed something strange. '…Eh? Those helicopters… are making a path for him to fly to there?' He sees those helicopters are making a path for the Kaitou Kid to fly safely to the museum. Then, he also noticed the guards on the ground there aren't making any moves.
"Eh?" Haibara noticed.
"Why are they…?" Agasa wonders as well.
"I see," Kogorou realized something, "So it's like an invitation, inviting Kaitou Kid to have a duel with that security guard." He stated. "Honestly… to have a fight against the infamous thief, it kinda sounds foolish."
'…What is this feeling… An uneasy feeling that I am having here…' Conan thought.
…
Everyone seeing the Kaitou Kid flew toward to the museum, and he landed just in front of the entrance of the museum, Jirokichi and inspector Nakamori are standing near the left side large column, "Kaitou Kid…! You're under arrest…!" Nakamori shouts as he brought out his handgun and pointed at Kaitou Kid.
"My my, how vigorous, inspector Nakamori." Kaitou said. But then, Jirokichi placed his hand on the handgun Nakamori brought out and lowered it down. "Hm?"
"W-what are you doing, old man!?" Nakamori shouts angrily.
"Go inside there and try challenge my best security guard there, Kaitou Kid, or you have no guts to face my guard there." Jirokichi said grinning as he goads Kaitou Kid, and this caused uproar from the crowd, for calling Kaitou Kid a coward.
"My oh my…" Kaitou shrugged his shoulders, "You want me to have a duel with that security guard there?" He asked as he points his right thumb at Gabranth which is inside the museum. "If you said so." He said as he walks into the museum.
"Oi old man!" Nakamori shouts, "You'd sure about that? Letting Kaitou Kid enter without any reinforcement!?"
"Ha ha ha! Don't underestimate Gabranth here!" Jirokichi laughs.
…
Inside the museum
Kaitou Kid arrived into the large chamber of the museum, in front of him is a short blonde haired security guard man dressed in black suit, and behind the man is a stone pedestal holding a glass case, and inside the glass case he see a large magenta crystal, and inside the crystal he sees an unknown blackish object.
'…What is that…?' Kaitou thought, '…To be honest, I don't have any information about the Bloody Crystal… is that some kind of fake or…?'
"…" Gabranth stood in his position silently without moving an inch, and right now his arms are crossed as his eyes are closed.
"So, mister 'best security guard', are you sure you want to have a duel with me?" Kaitou said with mockery tone. '…And some more… there are no other guards here…' He thought as he looked at his surroundings, the chamber was empty, only him and the security guard Gabranth, along with the Bloody Crystal which stood far end at the opposite of the entrance.
"…" Gabranth remained quiet before he opens his eyes, "Are you worthy enough to take this crystal away?" He asked.
"Oh?" Kaitou did not expect someone actually dared to challenge him, "Well, that'll depends on how much worthy the crystal at your back there."
"…Hmph." Gabranth smirked, "That's a good answer." He then flicked his finger, indicating a signal for Jirokichi to activate something. Jirokichi took out a remote control and pressed the red button on it. Then, everyone can felt a large vibration coming from the museum.
"W-what the?" Kaitou Kid wonders as he keeping his balance while looking around to his surroundings.
…
The people outside the museum can feel strong vibration coming from the museum, "I-It seems like there's something happened inside the museum! Suddenly a strong vibration occurred from the museum! I wonder what happened inside there!" The news reporter announced as the camera shaking badly.
"W-what's going on?" Kogorou asked as they felt the vibration as well, all of them are holding the table for trying to keep their balance.
'…Something big is moving from inside of the museum…' Conan thought.
"Kya!" Sonoko screamed lightly from the vibration. Then, they all heard a loud sound coming from the museum.
*BANG* A loud slam sound coming from the museum, they all looked at the museum, seeing the front entrance has been sealed by thick iron cage.
'…A cage?' Conan thought before he jumps from the chair and head toward to the museum through the crowd.
…
Inside the museum where Kaitou Kid and Gabranth stood, from the inside, they see the chamber has been sealed up by large and thick iron bars, sealing every exit, including the windows.
"…Wow, that old man sure did something huge this time." Kaitou commented. "I'll give him that." He then looked back to his front, "So, mister best security guard, you want to have a duel with me?"
"…" Gabranth remained quiet before he speaks, "To be honest… I don't have time to mess around with a kid like you. You're just a hindrance to me." He spokes.
This statement slightly makes Kaitou Kid angered, "Oh? You sound very confident that you think you could win me, The Kaitou Kid? The Magician under the Moonlight?"
"…" Gabranth remained quiet before he says, "…It seems you're unworthy," He said. "Too bad… Well then," He took a step away from the stone pedestal holding the crystal fragment. "If you really want the crystal behind me, I shall be your judge, to judge you whether you shall live or die." He taunts.
Kaitou Kid has been taunted again, "…Wow, mister best security guard, such a fierce words coming from you. But whatever you're holding there, I will definitely snatch it away." He said before he throws a bomb toward to Gabranth and it exploded before it contact to Gabranth, creating a large dense of smoke that could cause anyone to sleep. "Idiot… Standing there without a smoke mask prepared when facing me." Kaito said grinning as he already had his gas mask on after deploying a sleeping gas bomb toward to Gabranth.
However, Kaitou's grinning didn't last longer as soon he heard a smirk voice, "Hmph," his eyes widened as he heard Gabranth's smirk voice, "What a child's toy, tossing a sleeping gas bomb?"
"W-what the…?" Kaitou Kid surprised a little as he sees Gabranth stood there remained unaffected by the sleeping gas.
"You're wondering why am I able to resist your sleeping gas." Gabranth said, "Well, that's a secret, I cannot tell you." He said before he do a 'silent please' gesture to Kaitou Kid.
"Tsk…" Kaitou cursed and worried as he totally did not expect someone capable to resist the sleeping gas, '…Just how in the world he not affected by the sleeping gas?' He thought before he uses other move by dropping a flash bang on the ground, it exploded out a non-lethal light blinding, blinding everyone within the area.
…
"Damnit!" Nakamori cursed as he covering his eyes from the flash bang, and same goes to Jirokichi.
…
'…How's this?' Kaitou thought as he sneaking around in a circle while the flash bang is still active, he snuck around without keep an eye on Gabranth while the sleeping gas still around, he thought he is able to blind Gabranth, but unfortunately for him, the flash bang is also immune to him.
"Another childish toy…" Gabranth said, and this makes Kaitou Kid froze there and shocked to learn flash bang is also useless to Gabranth before he noticed Gabranth has already stood beside him.
'…What in the world is he…?' Kaitou Kid thought as he glances at Gabranth.
"Everyone said you're the best thief. But, are you really the best thief? You're disappointing me, boy." Gabranth said looking down at the Kaitou Kid before he gives a low kick to Kaitou's leg, making him fell on the ground before he gives a kick to his guts, sending Kaitou Kid far away and slammed onto the iron bar.
"Ugh!" Kaitou flinched pains after receiving a strong kick before fell on the ground. '…W-what a kick… if it wasn't this bulletproof vest… I could've unconscious…' He thought as he slowly getting up from the ground.
…
To Conan
Conan has arrived into the garden of Museum, right now everyone outside here is currently wondering the situation inside the museum, and now he needs to find a way to sneak into the museum.
'…Just now that was a flash bang…' Conan thought as he recognized the exploding sound happened few seconds ago, he snuck into the right side of the museum, and once he arrives, he looked around and found a window. However the window is too high for him to reach, until he saw a tall tree beside shares the same height. He then climbs the tree carefully without being detected by the security enforcers, and once he reached the height of the window, he slowly motion himself carefully toward to the window by walking on the tree branch. Once he reached to the window and peak into the museum, and apparently he was shocked to see Kaitou Kid was on the ground in pain. '…What?' Conan thought surprisingly before seeing the security guard there walking toward to Kaitou.
…
"W-what the? Kaitou Kid is lying on the ground?" Nakamori said as both of them are watching everything inside there from the entrance.
…
Seeing Kaitou Kid on the ground makes Conan surprised, "Ugh…" He groaned in pain after being kicked to the stomach, "…Just how… you did not get blinded…?" He asked. '…Damn… So that's why there are no guards here… I am unable to disguise myself to escape…' He thought.
"…I told you, it's a secret that cannot be share out." Gabranth replied before he arrives and grabbed Kaitou's collar with his right hand and lift him up before he gave a light punch to his stomach once again, amplifying the pains Kaitou receiving.
"Arghhh!" Kaitou screamed in pain as he coughs out some bloods.
…
'…Damnit, he's going to kill him! I have to do something!' Conan thought gritting his teeth after seeing Kaitou Kid get beating as he took out his Stun-Gun wristwatch, inside his watch contain a tranquilizer dart used to put people to sleep.
"H-hey, Gabranth, that's enough! There's no need to beat Kaitou Kid up!" Jirokichi shouts to warn his security guard.
Conan's wristwatch's lens opened and changed into scope, he aims his target, the security guard in order to save Kaitou Kid, then he fired his tranquilizer dart to Gabranth at his neck, and the dart successfully hit on Gabranth's neck. That halted Gabranth's attack, however, Conan met something shockingly unexpected situation, the tranquilizer dart he fired capable to knock an elephant down for 30 minutes, but, shockingly for Conan that he learns that his tranquilizer dart is useless to the security guard Gabranth.
Gabranth motioned his left hand and took out a dart on his neck and looked at to it before he glanced upward to the high window there, '…What the?' Conan thought.
"Children should stay out of here." Gabranth warns before he threw Kaitou Kid far away and clashing onto the ground.
"That's enough, Gabranth!" Jirokichi shouts loudly, "I did not ask you to kill Kaitou Kid with your hands!" However, that did not stop him as he starts walking toward to the defenceless Kaitou Kid.
…
Outside
To Akako
Akako the red witch, currently standing outside the museum worryingly as she felt Kaito known as Kaitou Kid is in peril, '…Kuroba-kun…' She thought as she clenching her chest tightly. '…I… I need to do something!' She tries to summons out the Lucifer she possessed, but her servant stopped her.
"Lady Akako, you mustn't do that!" Her shorty assistant stopped her. "You cannot display your powers in front of all these people!"
"B-but…!" Akako desperately wants to help Kaito.
"You mustn't, Lady Akako!" Her assistant begged.
Akako remained helpless for unable to save Kaito that she love. '…If I don't do something… Kuroba-kun will…' She thought worryingly. But then, she felt a powerful presence drawing closer far away from her position, she turns around after she felt the presence getting closer and closer before she sees a human silhouette far above them, jumping off from the edge of the rooftop of the tall building, her eyes following the silhouette as the silhouette descending from the sky heading to the museum.
"Eh? What's that?" One of them noticed the descending silhouette.
"Hey… ain't that?" One of them recognized before they see the silhouette landed in front of the museum, everyone gasped as they recognized the silhouette, and it is the man in black helmet from the rumour.
"The man in black helmet!" One of them shouted.
"Where did he come from?" Another one asked.
…
"What's that guy doing there?" Kogorou asked as they are surprised to see the rumoured man in black helmet appeared in front of everyone.
"Kya~!" Sonoko screamed excitingly as she had no clue of what has happened to Kaitou Kid inside the museum.
"…" Haibara remained silent stares at the man in black helmet nervously.
"Ai-kun…" Agasa whispered.
"Yeah…" Haibara responded back as she whispers, "…Vincent Valentine… the one you said before."
…
The arrival of the man in black helmet known as Vincent caused Gabranth to halt his movement, "The knight of the goddess has arrived." Gabranth stated.
"…?" Kaitou Kid wonders.
…
'…Eh? What is that man doing here?' Conan thought as he seeing the man in black helmet arrived.
…
"Oh no! That Kaitou Kid is in danger there, kupo!" Mog said through telepathy.
"Yeah, I have to hurry." Vincent replied before he walks approach to the iron cage.
"Y-you're the… rumoured man in black helmet." Nakamori stated.
"…" Vincent remained quiet as he stopped in front of the iron cage and placed both of his hands on the iron bars, "I'm going to open this iron cage." He said before he started to tear open the iron bars by using his immense strength to push away the iron bars, bending the iron bars widely to allow himself to walk into the museum. Jirokichi, Nakamori, and some guards are surprised to see a human capable to bent iron bars with his strength.
"W-wow…" Nakamori stunned yet awed.
…
Inside the museum
Vincent turns around and bent back the iron bars not to allow anyone enter before he looked at the inspector Nakamori and Jirokichi, "Do not open the cage, Suzuki Jirokichi." He told before he turns back and looked at Gabranth. He noticed the boy which is Conan, is on a tree branch near the tall window up there. "…"
"Greetings, the knight of the goddess." Gabranth greets, "I am Gabranth, a Judge Magister, and also one of the Chaos's elite warriors." He introduced himself.
"I know about you, Gabranth." Vincent said as he walking to the right side of the museum, while Gabranth is standing on the left side of the museum, "In the past, you want to end this endless cycle of war, however you failed to do so, and so trying to end your own life, but failed too for being spotted by them, and banished you into the hell dimension." He stated.
"…" Gabranth remained silent.
"Banished by them and left you in the hell dimension, just like Gilgamesh." Vincent continues. "I can tell that you're in the same position as Jecht and Golbez."
"…Gilgamesh huh, it's been nearly thousand year old since my last hear of that name." Gabranth said. "As for them, I have no association with them, even though they had betrayed Chaos."
"There are some questions in my mind right now," Vincent said, "But, I can guess one thing," He paused before say, "As a judge… you want to see my resolve, right?"
"Correct," Gabranth said before the darkness wraps around him, changing his appearance from black suit into his Judge's armour with black cape along with his Dual-Blades. "Are you prepared?"
"…" Vincent remained quiet, '…A dual-blades…' He thought before he summons out a Metal sphere on his right palm, "Metal, change into weapon that I seek." The metal sphere shines brightly before it changes its shape, forming out into a weapon shape before it turned into Fusion Swords. Vincent wields the Fusion Swords in his right hand, he then pulls out Hollow Blade and wield it on his left hand before he readied his stance. "Come then."
"…I will test your resolve, to see whether you're worthy to take the crystal or not." Gabranth said as he readied his stance, a fight is about to start.
'…What are they talking about…?' Kaitou thought curiously as he heard their conversations.
…
To Conan
Conan, as he is now currently speechless for witnessing something unbelievable to him, '…How did they brought out those things… swords… armours… and… what is their relationship? Anyway, I need to get Kaitou Kid out of here!' Conan thought frantically and curiously. Then, he heard a voice in his mind.
"What's your name, boy?" It was Vincent as he communicates to Conan through telepathy. Conan was surprised to hear a voice appeared in his mind, "Don't be panicked, boy, it's me, the 'man in black helmet'. Just speak through your mouth."
"…Conan… Edogawa Conan." Conan introduced himself to the man in black helmet.
"Conan huh? Your parents must be fans of Arthur Conan Doyle. I have to say, he was a great author." Vincent said, "Conan, I need your help."
"…W-what helps do you need…?" Conan asked.
"I need you to bring Kaitou Kid away from here. I will distract him, while you will save Kaitou Kid." Vincent told. "Can you do that?"
"…" Conan remained quiet before he decides as he smirked together with a sweat flows down, "…I will." He nodded.
This gives Vincent a smile, "Good. You're not an ordinary boy. I'll leave this to you." Vincent said before the communication cuts off. Conan then looked back through the window, and noticed that the window can be opened from both inside and outside, right before both Vincent and Gabranth charged to each other simultaneously and their weapons clashed onto each other.
…
…
End of the Chapter 35