Ladies and gentlemen! I humbly welcome you to the next chapter of this story.

First we'll start slow before we get to the promised action. Hope you can bear with me :)

Re Kameo1: Thank you for your reviews :) I'm happy to read you like my writing and hope this chapter will also satisfy you. I'm afraid you'll have to deal with the scene changes a while longer because I simply like to cover all of the characters in one chapter ;)

Corrected~

So without further delay

Please enjoy and review! :)


Chapter 3: Follow the fox


There is nothing as good as a night-long undisturbed sleep to start thinking clear. Hakuba wasn't even sure why the previous day he was so sure that the sniper must have taken his shots from the closest building. That was of course a logical possibility, but under no circumstances the only one. The bullet holes in the walls were all disturbed – most probably KID must have disturbed them, so it wasn't possible to determine and accurate angle and gave a few possibilities. Maybe Saguru would have seen it in his clouded-mind state, but unfortunately ballistics was never his best field of knowledge and he had to put a bit more thought to it. He would prefer to take to the site a specialist, but it might be tricky. Hakuba sighed, wondering if he would find any clues on other possible sites after so much time.

During his sleep, the videos he asked for through his father were delivered. It pays off to be a son of the Metropolitan Police chief and he didn't feel bad for using it in his favor. Additionally, he received copies of reports on the heist written by the KID Task Force and one done by Heiji. Saguru smiled when he saw that it was very convenient for him that his father favored him chasing KID over murderers.

While eating breakfast, he pondered whether to once again go to the heist scene or focus on what he already had in his hand. Before he could make up his mind, he received a phone call from Aoko. She thanked him for his support over her friendship with Kaito and told him about her day she managed to spend with him. He was content to hear how the magician has spent his day and was nicely surprised to receive and invitation for a meeting with both of them for tonight's evening to see a movie. He was even more surprised to learn that Kaito knew about this and wasn't against it. He gladly accepted the invitation and was looking forward to it, although it restricted the time he could spend on the case. After he hung up, he decided to call the police and leave investigating other possible sniper sites to them. He passed them his suggestions on where the shooter could have camped and then he buried himself in the reports.

Saguru was truly amazed by what he read in the report and seen on the video. KID was so much more than just a skilled magician. It seemed that Kuroba's sacrifice of his free time really did pay off. Watching the video confirmed once again his conviction that Kaito was the thief. The pattern of movement he was watching was mostly the same he saw during class mop-fights. He agreed that KID was moving faster and with more grace, but when he played the video in slow motion, it was the same, plus a bit more spins.

Saguru frowned to learn that KID most likely got his left arm badly hurt. He felt tempted to confirm it on Kuroba and pin him down a little bit again, but he knew it would only ruin the little trust he apparently managed to build. It would be more profitable probably to help him protect his sore spot, but only if he somehow managed to show the magician that he knew about his weakness. He was musing about it for some time, rewatching the video again and again. It was possible that Kuroba would feel offended by his help and the plan could easily backfire this way. He most probably was aware that the detectives would discover the damage he took, so it wouldn't be a shock for him to discover that Hakuba knew about it. The question was if his pride could swallow the idea of being protected. Saguru had no doubt after all his observations he made on Kuroba that despite all his acting, he was somewhat of a haughty person. He probably should play it safe and bet on slow progress. The question was: could he afford it?

Saguru played the video of KID's escape. He was not surprised that nobody noticed or took note of thief's brief stops or sidesteps as they where barely visible due to low quality of the tape. He frowned at noticing it not three time but five. Could he have missed two bullets or was KID's behavior caused by something else? He bit his lip and cursed the video quality once again. It was so bad that probably even if the thief got hit (which would explain the lack of bullets in the wall) Hakuba wouldn't have noticed it. Saguru could only hope that it wasn't the case but he was no fool. As skillful as Kuroba was when it came to shooting, he could get hit, especially when he wasn't looking at the shooter. Luck could only get him so far. He imagined what would happen if the thief was shot and tripped while doing a stunt like that. Even if the bullet didn't kill him, it could be fatal.

It was clear that he didn't have time. Kuroba desperately needed somebody to watch his back, even if he himself didn't acknowledge it. Hakuba blinked a few times at his thoughts. When did he exactly become so sure that he wanted to help him? He still didn't know the reason Kaito had to do what he was doing or whether it was something he could agree to. Why he himself was so sure that it had to be something decent? What base did this feeling come on? All he knew was that it was something KID found worthy enough to gamble his life on.

The blond detective started writing his report, covering the found bullets and noticed KID's sidestepping caught on film. Even if he didn't intend to help the police in catching the thief, he had to appear useful to have full access to future reports.

As the evening came, Saguru still wasn't sure what was he going to do. He left his house wondering about it. Considering his classmates obsession with being secretive, it would be easiest to talk with his alter ego about potential help, but he could not risk it during a heist. He met with Aoko precisely 9 minutes and 3.07 seconds before established time and they chatted about daily affairs. Kuroba was nowhere in sight. Aoko was getting irritated when he was getting late and considering KID's punctuality, Saguru was getting worried. His mind flew to the reports mentioning an unidentified help and he found himself wondering if his classmate was safe.


'Stupid detectives. Why does anybody call them 'geniuses'? Can a person lacking any self-preservation be a genius? Probably only in a locked environment… How are they still alive anyway?' Saying that Kaito was mad was a misunderstanding. He was only woesome and, well, maybe a little mad too, but only a tiny bit, alright?

He had a nice day yesterday. Had to use some of his charm and a little pranking to convince Aoko to abandon her plans and spend her day with him. Kaito was shocked to discover that apparently Hakuba had some contribution in Aoko's tolerance for his lack of time. He was surprised so much that it even made it show through his poker face. It even made him consider whether he would prank the detective at school as a punishment for his stalking… Besides that, it was a nice day full of fun. Later at home, he could check his equipment from last heist at ease, record entries from Hakuba's bug to listen to it during school, stretch some and go to sleep at reasonable hour. Honestly, he could say that it was the best day he had recently.

Then came today. It started good. His arm still ached and he still had to be wary of it, but decided he couldn't be slacking off anymore. In the end there were a few intense trainings he could manage without even twitching his arms. So he packed his minimum equipment – random male mask, a few smoke bombs, one sleep capsule, his faithful card-gun (never leave home without it), a few roses (who knows when you meet a lady in need of a flower, right?) and just basic stuff like that. Dressed in his black jeans, shirt and cap, he left off. There weren't supposed to be any trouble. Leave home, reach his favorite training spot, train some, go home and meet Aoko and maybe Hakuba (well… he sorta earned it) in the evening. But he just had to spot Tantei-kun and Tantei-han acting sneaky… They seemed to be trailing somebody and it wasn't in a good neighborhood…

He totally should leave them be. Maybe they would learn something and act more secure next time? But this way they could not have 'a next time'. Damn his conscience… So there he is now – following two 'genius' detectives into an apparently abandoned warehouse. He sighed heavily, hastily writing down a few words on a card and putting on his mask, believing his kaitou-senses would be tingling by now – if he had any that is.


Conan and Heiji were out on a stroll when suddenly a body fell down and crashed on a nearby passing car. They probably should wonder why things like that happened around them, but honestly after some time, a person can get used to even strangest of things. Soon after the police came, they solved the case so that everybody else besides the culprit could return to their matters. They would probably leave as well, but something about the car driver and his passenger bothered Shinichi. It could have been the look in their eyes, black clothing, the way the passenger held his right hand in his pocket all the time or all of the above. Fortunately their vehicle was in no condition to continue their journey, so left on foot and the detectives decided to follow.

The worsening neighborhood should probably worry them, but instead, it reassured them that following those two was a good idea. When their targets entered an abandoned warehouse through an open gate, they glanced at each other before giving a nod. They moved as quietly as they could, following them inside. Because of the dirty windows it was shady there. The interior was rather empty and spacious. They hastily rushed to the side to hide away from the entrance, so they wouldn't be so visible with light behind their backs. There were very few objects they could hide behind, as they were still tailing their targets. Nothing indicated that they were spotted yet.

They followed them into a corridor and heard other voices. It seemed it was some kind of a shady meeting. They gulped and entered another vast space. There were a few cars parked inside. Carefully, they came closer to hear what was being said as Conan accidentally knocked a metal pipe. Heiji grabbed him and bumped behind a few crests.

"Who's there?!" One of the men shouted and detectives heard numerous people moving for cover and several clicks of weapon safety catches.

This was bad. They could see a corridor they could use to exit the room, but to reach it they would have to run through the open. Conan powered-up his shoe getting ready to kick a ball for distraction when a card flew to them and dug into the floor right next to Hattori. He picked it up and held it low enough for Shinichi to read also:

When lost in dangerous forest hounds should trust the fox they know
and not the voices they hear.

K.K. (doodle)

Heiji turned his gaze from the card back to the corridor and noticed movement there, like somebody threw something. At the same time heard a loud rumble somewhere behind them, near the cars. Then there were gunshots and startled, angry yells as the men tried to find out what was going on. Conan noticed a few marbles rolling through the room out of the corner of his eye and then heard a soft hissing noise as the air started filling with smoke from various spots. Hattori held strong Kudo's arm to not loose him as they started moving towards the corridor. Nearly the moment they stood up, they stopped, suddenly hearing heavy footsteps of a few people and heard a rough voice close before them.

"Boss! Wha' goin on?"

"Fool! What am I paying you for?! Somebody infiltrated! Guard the entrance, so those rats can't escape before this smoke disperses." While one of the men gathered near the cars responded, somebody bumped with the startled detectives and hastily placed a strong grip on Heiji's jacket, while muffling his mouth with a gloved hand.

"Follow." KID's command was a barely hearable, spoken with wind-like voice, but strong enough to fully demand obedience and after that he once again changed his voice to the rough one they heard a moment ago and said loudly. "Ye' sir!"

With eyes stinging, they ran after the thief, leaving the room they were trapped in a moment ago. KID let Hattori go once they left the smoked area. In spite of the situation they were in, or maybe because of it, the Osakan detective noticed once again that he can't hear any sound from their guide. Even when he opened a door, they didn't make a creak. The only thing he could hear were noises the detectives made themselves and other people from the distance. Conan was staring at the thief with distrustful gaze. He spoke with a whisper once they stopped briefly, so he could check if they were followed.

"KID why a–"

"Hush, Puppy-kun." Hattori noticed Kudo made a face when he was cut with a soft wind-like voice. "This is not a time for chat. Later." He turned his head slightly, so they could see his all-knowing smirk and rushed towards stairs.

They followed him without question, adjudging that he knew the layout of the building. They were about to enter a next corridor, when KID suddenly jumped backwards, bumping into them, pushing them behind a few crates grabbing, hold on each of them so they would stop. Hattori heard a soft hiss leave KID's lips when his left arm collided with detective's body. That reminded him their fight recorded on tape.

""Ya hear somethn'?" A hoarse voice spoke from the other side of the room and they heard a metallic click of weapon safety catch.

"Huh? Nah... but check it out."

"They mustn't see me." Conan stated with a spooked voice.

KID winced, but gave a short nod "Give me your jacket." And he swiftly buried his hand in his pocket, turning his attention to the other detective. He started explaining with a rushed voice. "There is an open door just past this corridor. Count to twenty and run for it. Cover your tracks with smoke when in open-" He shoved three marbles in Heiji's hand. "Just throw them on the floor. If you have trouble, hold your breath, twist and throw this – sleep gas." He gave him a small egg-shaped object and placed a hand on Heiji's shoulder, seeing how he tried to cut in. "I'll be fine. So be a good boy, Doggy-han, and start counting."

He gave him a pat on the shoulder, took Conan's jacket, wrapped it around something in his arms and without waiting for response, he jumped out of their cover in direction they came from. A bullet snapped a piece of wood from a corner of a crate Heiji was hiding behind. KID let out a panicked shout, threw a frightened gaze at his attackers and continued running with audible steps. The men continued to fire at him.

"Stand still, you damn rat!" they shouted after him and followed.

Conan and Heiji crammed behind the chest, held each other from moving as they saw KID trip after a shot. When countdown reached 0, they were left alone and Kudo jabbed his friend side. Reluctantly they turned towards the exit and ran. They had to use all three smoke-bombs but managed to escape the warehouse. Once on the street, Shinichi took out his phone and still running, he dialed police number.

"Oi! What are you doing?!" Heiji shouted at him as he noticed.

"Calling cops, what else?"

"But KID –"

"They won't catch him unless he's hurt bad enough, otherwise they will give him a distraction if he hadn't left already. Moshi moshi? ..." He explained quickly and told about the situation through the phone, not mentioning the thief.


Conan was sure that KID would want to return his jacket, so once they reached the main street, they decided to wait for him. They saw police cars rushing towards the warehouse they left and after a while they decided to go back to the scene. They found a few officers standing near the cars, waiting on standby or talking through their radios. Heiji somehow managed to make them to allow the boys to stay in the area. The police managed to make only a few arrests. They found two cars immobilized by cut tires. The detectives had no doubts that nobody important was caught. To their relief, the thief also wasn't found. Heiji clenched harder on the card hidden in his pocket and after a while, they left the scene.

They wandered a bit in a safer area, but nobody tried to approach them. As they came back to the agency in the evening and Conan didn't find his jacket anywhere, Heiji started to worry a bit. He had to leave back to Osaka, but before he got on the train, he made Kudo promise him that he would give him a call if he got any info on the thief.


What is an action story without a little cliff-hanger right? :D

As we had a bit more shared action here this chapter ended up a bit shorter than the last one – hope you can forgive me that ;)

See you next chapter *bow* ;)