Disclaimer: I own this story. I don't own any of Gosho Aoyama's works, yada yada yada. You know the rest.
No warnings for this story: it's as safe as it can be. There may be a bit of blood in the next chapter but nothing to worry about, just for the sake of the plot getting a bit more exciting.
This is a story of two chapters only that follows a usual Kaitou Kid heist involving Jirokichi and Conan: first chapter is the first day with the surprising magic trick, and the second consists of the eventual robbery and it being figured out by the little tantei. I made is as close as the real dead as possible, except perhaps for the ending: you'll have to see for yourselves!
Kid vs united rivals. The Trap on the Sky.
"Kaito! Kaito! Have you heard the news?"
Kaito sighted at the approach of his best friend. The classes hadn't even started yet and she was already being noisy.
"What is it this time?" He didn't even bother feigning interest. He already knew what she was going to say. Aoko pouted at that.
"You should at least show a bit of respect while someone is speaking, geez." She added a 'Bakaito' under her breath to which Kaito sent her a reprimanding stare. "Well okay then: I won't be telling you and don't bother trying to take it out from me now." Kaito couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Fine, don't tell me."
"I won't!"
"I don't think it will be necessary telling him anything, Nakamori-san." A feminine figure stepped towards them, suppressing a giggle as she directed a look specifically to Kaito. "He is, after all, aware of it already." Kaito directed a look of his own in return, not amused at all. Akako somehow always gave him shivers when she did that, not that he would let her know. Having two classmates knowing his identity was definitely not good for his heart.
"Oh, really? Then I guess there is no point in prolonging this any longer..." Aoko reached towards her bag and took out her tablet and switched on the screen, which already had the latest news filling the spot: 'New challenge: Jirokichi offers Kaitou Kid the Black Widow in exchange of an exclusive on-line interview tonight' "Look! Suzuki's Senior Advisor is at it again! It says he dares Kid to show up and answer a few questions for the general public.
"It seems like Suzuki has something in mind again... and plans to draw you there long enough so his plan can take place." Akako whispers only reached Kaito's ears. He frowned. Yep, it was obviously a trap.
" And Kid hasn't answered yet. With a bit of luck he won't show up at all: like that people will see how much of a coward he really is and will stop supporting him." Aoko nodded to herself, convinced.
"Hey hey... The guy probably hasn't had a chance to reply yet. Suzuki always does things without thinking of the schedules of others." He added the last part more to himself, feeling angry. Seriously! Like he doesn't have other things to do as well! Besides, the meeting was taking place at his new gallery in Beika, so the heist was only his way of using him to create propaganda, no doubt. He didn't like being taken advantage of.
But...
This also proved for another challenge at the other tantei.
Kaito smirked. 'Is it a challenge you want? Well a challenge you will get!' The interview made him worry however... it's not like he can say much about himself in public. 'But this may be a chance to let Aoko see-'
"Kaito! Stop spacing out!"
"I'm just thinking that I won't be able to watch the show. Jii-chan has asked me to help a friend of his who's moving out at a new apartment, after classes. May take two or three days. You should go and watch it at Keiko's house like usual. I'm sorry." 'Or more like I'm sorry to be lying to you again since Jii's actually busy investigating the scene for me right now and will probably be laying a hand for me later on'
"Oh... I see..." 'Stupid, Kaito... Never having time for me.' "Well, I'll record it for you then. Like that you won't miss his capture." Kaito gained the energy then to avoid hitting himself. She had said that so naturally! Seriously, how could she be so sure of herself sometimes?
"Ahoko! Like Kid is going to let himself be caught that easily..." As Aoko was about to reply angrily to that comment however Kaito managed to disappear into a puff of smoke. "And that's what will happen to Nakamori tonight!"
"Kaito!" She turned around at the mocking voice that came from behind her and instinctively tried to grab the closest item to her to throw it at him. No way she was going to admit the fact that he had easily managed to surprise her. "That won't happen and you know it! Seriously! Just because you are a Kid fan doesn't mean you can't support my dad once in a while." Kaito easily dodged the pencil case and smirked. She'd have to be faster than that if she wanted to hit him.
"So what does your dad have planned this time to catch him?" He asked, showing genuine interest, only not that much to arouse suspicion. The perfect tone between curiosity and innocence.
"He doesn't have much planned... Suzuki-san has taken care of everything in the building so he's only allowed to keep an eye on the outside. But Suzuki-san has allowed him to take a place in the interview. And he's also invited Hakuba so at least he'll have a bit of a back up.
"What?! Hakuba?!"
'Oi, oi...' Kaito knew Hakuba was dangerous while not taken seriously but this was supposed to be tantei-kun's day. Having both of them allied up there against him was going to be tough. 'And thinking of Hakuba, he still hasn't showed up. It seems like he'll be taking the day off this time in order to prepare for tonight... Should I skip school as well?'
"Talking about Kid, huh?" Keiko suddenly showed up, no doubt wanting to ask Aoko to go to her house to watch the heist together. "I'm definitely not going to miss this heist tonight! Have you heard that Makoto, the martial artist whom held the Green Emperor, will be taking a place today as well? They have announced it just now."
Silence followed as Kaito felt his blood suddenly freeze.
"WHAAAT?!" He almost fell off of the desk he was setting on. Aoko looked surprised at his reaction, Kaiko and Akako couldn't help but laugh loudly at his reaction.
"Looks like someone won't be staying today at class after all. I wish you luck, Kuroba-kun." Kaito repressed a sudden killing intent as he made sure he had understood the situation well.
"Oh, sh*t!" He stated loudly as he thought of all the implications. Now it was Conan, Hakuba and Makoto who were going to join hands! Plus Nakamori and Jirokichi...
'If Heiji shows up as well I'm going to cry.'
'No! Ignore Heiji: Sera would probably be worse!'
"Language Kuroba, or I will have you sent to the principal's office." The teacher said as she entered the class. They immediately went to their seats and provided her with a salute before she began walking in and taking her position in order to start the class. 'Oh, no way I'm going to manage to stay calm the entire class.'
"You are completely right! I must go and see the principal at once in case I manage to spill another disgusting word in front of such a beautiful woman." Kaito stated, charmingly, bowing before the teacher whom blushed as the entire class watched the sudden performance. Kaito then made a stuffed rabbit appear and offered it to the still shocked teacher, who just couldn't bring herself to get used to her student's breathtaking performances. She gave up as once again she failed to retain her student who quickly left the classroom. She then tried to keep the image the bunny had provided her out of her mind to focus instead on the class, but inevitably blamed her student for being so charming and meticulous: the stuffed animal was not only the cutest and fluffiest one she had ever laid eyes on but also contained the message of 'forgive me?' on the middle. 'Well played, Kuroba, well played.'
"I guess he won't be joining us today either" Aoko muttered as she watched him run away. She secretly felt glad he was so good in his grades even if not much of an applied student, or else the principal may actually take it more personally and consider expelling him for so many class disrupts.
The sound of helicopters roaming the sky forced the crowd to cheer even louder as the awaited time drew closer. Jirokichi was especially impatient this time, and made sure everything was in perfect condition. Kid wouldn't be escaping. Not today. He had made sure of it and there was absolutely no weak point in this plan of his… but then again, he was talking about the Phantom Thief that defied logic itself.
Jirokichi gritted his teeth, unamused, before a sudden bark forced his attention to fall upon Lupin. He then grinned with his greatest smile: Lupin always made the best of him.
"You're right, my dear friend. Tonight is going to be a good night. I can't wait to see what he's going to come up with this time, that guy…"
"Kid has already won! I can't believe you're serious about this! You call this a challenge?!" Nakamori, loud as usual, stated what everyone was thinking, and it's no wonder they thought Kid would have no problem winning this time: in fact, this was the complete opposite of the teletransportation heist. Not only did Jirokichi place the diamond on the tallest building in the area, out in the open completely exposed, but also he had forbidden the police to even get close to it, much to Sonoko's disappointment, allowing her and Ran to simply remain on the streets below with the rest of the fans. The only people allowed at the top were the reporters and camera men, to ensure they would film everything perfectly for Jirokichi's biography, Conan, Hakuba, Makoto, Nakamori, Lupin and Jirokichi himself. Makoto was right now in charge of blocking the only exit the rooftop provided. Nakamori at first had hoped Jirokichi had enough sense to trust his jewel to him, but even then he was not allowed to get closer: it seemed Jirokichi was so sure of himself he was 'allowing' the inspector to experience the arrest first hand, since it would be him who did it in the first place. Apparently by this Jirokichi meant that, for whatever reasons he had in plan, Kid would end up giving himself up there in only a few more minutes. Why, the inspector had no idea.
"One would think you would've learned better by now..." Nakamori kept muttering to himself.
"There's no need to worry, inspector. I'm sure everything is perfectly planned." Hakuba pointed out as he introduced himself to Makoto, whom firmly shacked his hand, nodding at the comment.
"Jirokichi-san has made sure to check every point in this plan. Nothing has been overlooked." Makoto agreed. Conan thought it wise to avoid calling too much attention in front of the other detective and, not knowing much of the situation himself simply nodded, wondering about the events that were to come. He was inspecting the rooftop, being careful about arising any suspicion but there simply wasn't anything to find. The only suspicious looking item was the case placed in the middle that kept the jewel within, thought today was simply the day of the interview and the challenge. If Kid managed to escape today the deal was he would be allowed to repeat his performance the next day and escape, jewel in hand.
Jirokichi laughed in overconfidence as the excitement build up. "That's right! Whatever he could've come up with, he had no time or privacy to do so. And he's already sent the notice so he can't back away now." He added the last sentence while lifting Kid's card to the already filming camera, looking proud as ever. Of course, the reporters had no problem with that, and kept announcing the situation to all of Japan on live TV.
"Well, maybe I wouldn't need to worry if you explained to me more about what you have in store…" Speaking low enough so nor the camera nor the people would hear them, Nakamori tried convincing Jirokichi once again, his only clue being the suspiciously situated black pillars in each corner on the building that kept going up and up into the darkness of the night. Unfortunately, no helicopters flew on top them, so no light helped him improve his sight either.
"Very well," Jirokichi smirked, not bothering to hide his voice, looking to a certain spot in the sky "after all, our guest of honor has already arrived."
"What?! Kid!"
"Over there." Conan pointed out, catching the glimpse of the thief bathed under the moonlight.
The sound of gasps were heard as the rest rushed to turn around and film his entrance.
Kid flew gracefully through the sky as the crowd screamed his name from the streets, taking his time to approach the building. The reporters then wasted no time.
"There he is. Kaitou Kid has revealed his presence, once again, and is heading towards us now. It seems tonight we might be capable of interviewing the Magician of the Blue Sky face to face. What will happen from now on? Will Kid successfully steal the jewel, the legendary Black Widow? Stay close, and find out in Tokyo TV, sponsored by mister Jirokichi Suzuki, of the Suzuki Financial Group. As for..."
"We should move." Conan announced, waking everyone from their trance. Kid's note contained the condition that he would appear only if they interviewed him from a safe distance. He couldn't blame him for that.
Just as he said that everyone except the reporters retreated to the back of the rooftop. Conan stared at Makoto who seemed like he was planning to spend the rest of the night near the exit without moving a single muscle before focusing his attention on Kid again. Nakamori looked like he would be having a lot of trouble maintaining this distance.
The reporter ended talking just in time to catch Kid, skillfully landing nearby them, looking as mysterious and confident as ever. Lupin wagged his tail, excited after recognizing the youngster from a certain encounter. Jirokichi grabbed Nakamori's arm just in time to avoid the man from running towards the other, and warned him with his eyes: 'trust me'. Nakamori didn't seem content at that but retreated into his initial position. Jirokichi had made it clear for them to allow Kid to get hold of the jewel before attempting to do anything, so the rest also stood still.
Kid then started moving forward, slowly but steadily towards the group and stopped right before the case where the jewel was placed, looking genuinely intrigued by the situation. He lowered his figure, inspecting every detail the case provided him and nodded, pleased with the result.
"I have to say, mister Jirokichi, this has been the first time someone has welcomed me with such an entrance. There isn't even a tracking device. I feel truly moved." Nakamori gritted his teeth at the arrogance but did nothing, not wanting him to run away just yet. "Now then, I believe you wanted to interview me?" Jirokichi smirked, however, making the situation obviously contrasted.
"Don't mistake me, Kid: this welcome ceremony was specially prepared by me to be your last. I only thought of it appropriate to allow you to have some last words with the world, before your cover is exposed."
"Oh?" Kid smirked, looking as if he was enjoying this challenge. Jirokichi nodded. 'Lights on!' He shouted.
And just like that everyone noticed the metallic looking net that covered the skies a few meters above them, hardly noticeable before due to the darkness of the night. The lights came from the surrounding buildings and the net itself. The size of the net was also small enough for it to be impossible for anyone to fit there in order to reach the other side. However, since the net still remained open by the sides, being only suspended by the four pillars, it didn't look intimidating at all, more so for the people who never left the ground.
"You see Kid, for one whom always carries a hang glider on his back to escape I figured: why not create a strong magnetic field to attract that guy directly onto the trap? Unbreakable and firmly positioned, you stand no chance against this net. But there's more…" Jirokichi then headed towards one side of the rooftop and pointed into a certain direction, revealing what had been unnoticed without the lights before. "I have specially constructed a set of giant extremely powerful fans using the buildings surrounding us to ensure my victory: your wings may be your strength, yes, but they will work against you if you can't control them." The fans then began to move, and soon turned to full speed. Noticing the different looks Kid was giving his surroundings, Jirokichi's grin became wider. Kid wasn't looking worried… yet. But he still hadn't finished. Hakuba and Conan however looked like they had been hit on their faces. For one to spend so much money just to capture Kid... And why did Makoto seem okay with this? Did Sonoko's influence already made him immune to all this extravagance?
'Oi, oi...'
"I see… so you plan to drag me onto the magnetic net, which will immobilize me as soon as the glider touches it. Is that why you haven't placed any helicopters on top? To avoid facing any unexpected… circumstances?" Kid asked, referring to the possibility of having his accomplice driving the vehicle. Jirokichi nodded, still full of himself.
"Indeed. Of course that I don't want to harm you: your landing will be safe enough so you need to worry not on that."
"But there's still more… isn't there?" Kid's smirk was shown even wider on everyone screens at their home, and everyone could tell then how much Kid loved the challenge thrill Jirokichi always provided him. Fans everywhere shouted in excitement, supporting their favorite thief.
"Of course. There's also the possibility you may want to escape using a more traditional way… which is why Makoto's blocking the only exit here, and not even personating me will do you any good, plus I've secured all the windows in this building with high proof solid glass." Kid whistled, genuinely impressed. If he had something planned or not you couldn't tell.
"Am I supposed to assume, then, that you're going to become a regular face in my next heists as well?" Kid asked then to Makoto, who refused that possibility.
"It depends on the times when I'm free."
"Why? Worried? Perhaps you should start reconsidering your actions." Hakuba sneaked in, unable to resist any longer.
"On the contrary: I do enjoy a proper challenge once in a while." Kid pointed out, enjoying the taste that came with screwing with Hakuba in public. 'Ha ha ha, burn!'
"Yet it seems those situations come more often than what you'd like them to be, Kid." Conan joined in, sounding childish yet showing a grin no normal kid his age would show. Kaito swore even his eyes shined evilly at what that comment implied.
'This boy...'
"Admit it now, Kid. This is your last day as a Phantom Thief. Surrender now or face the consequences." Added the police inspector, who was starting to wonder if this plan indeed may finally proof to be efficient, thought in reality was more than used to expect the impossible.
Kid remained still, not smiling anymore thought even then not panicking. His attention was focused on the jewel, shining as it was sunbathed by the moon, as if acknowledging the fact that this could be the diamond that caused his 'career' to end. Some fans started to get worried then: Kid wasn't saying anything. The camera men kept filming, patiently and kept silent while exchanging glances between themselves, unsure of what to say. Kid sighted, beaten.
"Now then, the bottom is surrounded by police men, the top is your doom, and the middle is inaccessible. What will you do… Kid?!"
"You are acting way too impatient, Jirokichi-san." Kid finally said at last.
"Huh?"
"The night has just started and it would be very rude of me to make such an easy escape, yes?" He surprised then Hakuba and Conan, winking to them specifically before turning around towards the interviewer. "Besides, I still have an interview to respond to. I wouldn't like to disappoint my fans." His smirk returned, and as he got closer to the camera men and reporter everyone became anxious trying to figure out what to expect next. Kid's charm seemed to attract everyone. "Ladies and gentlemen… sorry to keep you waiting. Now that we've taken care of that first, we can proceed to the next part of today's event. Now then, what did you have in store for me?"
The female reporter's breath became a bit irregular at the sudden feeling of having the uncatchable thief so close by. She flushed a bit as she tried to put in order her thoughts and nodded to the camera man she had closer, ready for action. In the background Nakamori remained silent, wondering if some of his own questions would be resolved with this interview, starting with why had he disappeared for 8 years. Jirokichi too, decided to keep silent, already having been interviewed together with Nakamori just before Kid's appearance.
"Yes, well… *ehem* You've been stealing all over the world for over eighteen years and yet we know nothing about your intentions. We would like to ask you why do you steal, and for that reason why do you always return what you've stolen. It is known that you've returned the jewels before, claiming it wasn't what you were looking for, which could explain them being returned: how much more can you tell us about this?" Started the woman, passing the microphone to Kid's reach, who cleared his throat before starting to speak.
"I'm afraid the answer to the first question must remain unanswered… thought I must point out that, unlike what Nakamori-keibu here tends to think, I do not do it because I enjoy annoying the police, thought I do enjoy a good challenge. And for that, I am deeply sorry for all the unrelated troubles my heists produce. It is not my intention to discredit the police nor I want you to think down of them." Kid then proceeded to the next fact. "As for the second question: my interest in stealing remains focused only on certain pieces of art, basically those with backgrounds unlike any others. I like to persecute those so valuable their existence is thought to be, in fact, a myth. Does it make sense for a Phantom to chase a myth? In any case, my interest in stealing remains on unique personal matters… that I won't be revealing either."
"…" The reporter seemed unsure how to proceed but decided to give it a try, at least. "And what… will you plan on doing once you manage to get your hands on the right item?" Everyone held their breath, awaiting the next answer from the thief, who leaned closer and whispered:
"My lips are sealed."
Those words, and the image the camera provided the population made the viewers chill in excitement, fans or not. The thief had managed once again to gather all the attention on him.
"So… you won't stop stealing until then?" Kid nodded, confirming that statement.
"No matter how long it takes."
"I see. Proceeding onto the next question… why have you lately remained in Japan? Have you finally settled down?" Kid chuckled, not expecting that last question.
"Not at all. I simply have some business to take care of here, is all. As soon as I'm done with it I'll be back to being the same international criminal 1412 you knew."
"I see… Now then-"
"What happened eight years ago, why did you disappear and why did you return now." Kid turned around to face inspector Nakamori, who could not wait any longer. He looked stressed. This was something he needed to know. "Does it have anything to do with the world-wide famous magician Toichi Kuroba who also died eight years ago?"
Poker face…
"Keibu…" Kid started, making sure he wouldn't reveal nothing he would later regret. "Your suspicion is true. His death did… affect me. In more ways than one. Even now, I still believe him to be the only magician in the world to surpass me. That man was… an inspiration to us all." I'm sorry Keibu, he wanted to add, but I can't reveal his true identity to you, even dead. "But the reason I haven't showed up until now is entirely another matter. There's no need to occupy your mind with unnecessary thoughts."
Hakuba felt heartbroken at the real meaning behind those words and couldn't help but feel sorry for his classmate. Aoko had told him just how much he really meant to him, not only as a father, but as the fellow magician whom made him discover and fall in love with the art: his role model to become. Hakuba's reaction hadn't gone unnoticed to Conan and he wondered what he could be going through his fellow detective's mind. Kaito however only focused now on ignoring the temptation of revealing the fact that Toichi's death was actually a murder: he knew they would take his words seriously while he dressed as the legendary Phantom Thief but he also knew who he was against and the lack of proof. It would solve nothing.
How more questions came up than answers made no sense at that point. It was truly bugging the entire police force, who kept a close watch on the thief, whom curiously seemed to be a bit distracted.
"One last question, Kid." Added Jirokichi who was already at the limit of having the thief steal all the attention from him and thus now sharing the main spot with Kid. He was doing this to end up being the main center of attention, after all. "And I think it should be revolving about this heist: so Kid, what will you do?" Nakamori took this opportunity to lift his own pair of handcuffs he had in store, which forced Kid to retreat backwards towards the end of the rooftop, thought looking amused while doing so.
"There's no need to take those out, keibu: I'm not planning on giving myself up, or at least not today. What will I do? I will keep my promise and come steal the jewel tomorrow night, and afterwards I shall return it once again. Unluckily for me, as impressive as this jewel is, I can tell it's still not what I'm looking for."
"Just save us all the trouble and come here!"
"Easy there, Keibu. I know you can't keep his hands off me but this is just too much." Kid smirked, cocky. Nakamori's face reddened and only avoided shouting all sort of nasty stuff in case he ruined the ears of innocent viewers at their homes.
"You really shouldn't be joking around now, Kid." Hakuba stepped in, worried for Nakamori's blood pressure.
"Oh, please. Like if you didn't dream of me every single night either." Hakuba's face reddened at the fact of it being, mostly, true. Not that he would admit it. Never!
"So what will you do?"
"Will you jump?"
"Fall directly onto the trap?"
Kid then looked offended at their questions.
"You keep saying that the moment I'll open my wings will be my doom, and yet the sky has always proven to be my ally. Not once has it failed me, and I refuse to believe that time will come. So, to answer your last question: yes, I'll gladly accept this challenge and jump, and I assure you I will manage to escape while doing so, as I always do." He grinned, as if daring them to prove the contrary. "Think you've already won? Then prepare yourselves for tonight's miracle: once again I shall prove you that nothing can bind me."
Kid then, moving at amazing speed, ran while opening his arms as he let himself fall backwards, earning some screams of surprise and some barks from Lupin as he kept falling for a while, enjoying the adrenaline and the wind against his skin while doing so. As soon as he arrived towards the lowest fans, he opened his glider and elegantly let himself be carried towards the next air current. Cameras all around the scenes filmed how Kid managed to skillfully 'ride' the wind. Kid noticed how much attention he had focused on him and smirked even more, while moving even faster as more and more currents were joined together.
It didn't take long for him to reach the very top of the building he had just fallen and aim straight towards the middle of the net.
"Now then… it's show time!" He smirked as he got closer to it and lifted his hand to produce his trademark announcement, snapping his fingers.
Just like that, sudden smoke surrounded the net Kid was immediately flowing closer to. He ended up hidden by the smoke in no time, the smoke which was spreading due to the fans. The audience held their breath as they waited for Kid's reappearance.
There was no sign of Kid.
"Look at the sky!"
"Kid…?"
"Where is he?"
"There are doves everywhere!"
Doves appeared then from various directions of inside the smoke and before they knew it, Kid showed up from the other side of the smoke, following the trajectory he had motioned, as if the existence of the net was purely a mind trick and wasn't actually there.
At the top, Jirokichi and Nakamori couldn't give credit to what they had just seen.
"..."
"Did he just fly through a high security magnetic system?"
"How did he do it?"
ENDS ON THE NEXT CHAPTER!
So, what do you think?
I believe Kid's hang glider has metal parts, or at least looks like it has silver sticks.
It was tough trying to add a little dialogue with each character. In the end Makoto's presence was barely inexistent?