Aoko felt her eyelids close, and her head fall from her palm involuntarily. She jerked her head back up again in an attempt to stay awake, but knew it was all in vain.

For the past two months Aoko had been studying under Jii-san and Chikage-san to become the best assistant/accomplice she could be. With Jii-san, she learned everything from stage-planning (in this case room-and-building-planning), what to look for in a target, how to tell a real diamond from a fake, gadget maintenance, and most importantly of all- magic tricks.

Aoko was no stranger to them as ever since meeting the Kurobas she's had- and kept- an interest. Even after Kuroba-sensei had passed, and she begun to hide her interest from Kaito, she never really got over it. She'd pretend to roll her eyes or be completely clueless but she would always end up uncovering tricks, and practicing them until there was no way she'd mess them up. Jii-san taught her new tricks, and all the ways she could apply the skills she's accumulated over the years to help Kaito. It really is astounding how much stage magic, and stealing resemble each other sometimes.

While Aoko surprised Jii-san with how much she knew, it became obvious to the both of them that she lacked direction.

"You're like a sports car without a steering wheel. So much potential but nothing guiding you." Aoko wondered why Jii-san seemed so proud of it.

With Chikage-san, Aoko had learned as fast as she could considering the woman wasn't physically with her. A week after The White Rabbit meeting Chikage-san left to go back to Las Vegas. Aoko was seething in frustration but figured she'd take any instruction she could get. This included training videos, ridiculously long face-time calls, workbooks, and endless hours at a gym Chikage-san had arranged for her. It wasn't like Aoko was unfit before, but she was definitely nowhere near "phantom thief ready."

"The goal is to become a viable substitute for Kid when things get tough, right?" Chikage-san smiled at her sadistically, "In order for that to happen, you have to be able to do everything he can!"

And so the "Hell Regime," (coined by Aoko) continued, leaving her body in a state of wreckage. She's never been sorer, she has more bruises, and cuts than skin, and all the new material left her mind on the verge of imploding. This wasn't to say she was ungrateful. She would never dare voice any of these complaints aloud, and it meant a great deal to her that Jii-san, and Chikage-san believed in her enough to be doing all this to begin with.

Truthfully as exhausted as she was, Aoko had never been happier. For the first time in a long time she felt seen, and useful. She was once again in on a secret along with Kaito, and while it wasn't the same it was a start. The more she learned as an assistant, the more she found she loved the work.

The last three weeks she had taken part as Jii-san's substitute under his direct supervision. To Kaito, it was Jii-san who was compiling the targets, maintaining the gadgets/equipment, and collecting information but in reality it was Aoko doing all the work. Jii-san may have supervised, and added a few helpful tips or reminders from her previous month or so of training, but at the end of it all it was what she had accomplished that helped lead to Kaitou Kid's success. The fact that she had everything Kaito needed before Jii-san's usual times, and had three new potential targets before he even finished getting the current one wasn't lost on Jii-san, or Kaito apparently. She could still remember Jii-san's proud face as he recounted Kaito's praise in their efficiency.

"He may not know it's all thanks to you, but I do." Jii-san paused, and had given her a sad smile, "It reminds me so much of. . ." He couldn't finish, and Aoko took his hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He laughed, and wiped a few tears from his eyes, "Now only if you could disguise yourself as me- then we'd be good to go."

"What are you talking about Jii-san? No one can replace you- you're the Master Assistant." Aoko smiled at him in her best attempt in making him feel better. In all honesty she didn't know if she'd ever not need Jii-san around. The only reason she had even made it this far was because of his training, and belief in her. His, and Chikage-san's.

Aoko's head hit her desk, and startled her awake. Jii-san and Kaito may have approved of her over-achieving, but it was all catching up to her now. The nights spent scaling a building, breaking in to take notes, and the long gym hours of Chikage-san's "Phantom Lady Gymnastics Training," (also coined by Aoko) had drained her. Whatever energy she may have had left had to be dedicated towards schoolwork.

She looked around to see if anyone noticed her embarrassing state, and when no one caught her eye she relaxed. She supposed she should be lucky that schoolwork had never been an issue for her. She was just thinking about everything Chikage-san, and Jii-san had said when a note flew into her lap. She looked around again, and noticed Kaito put his finger to his lips, and gesture to the note. Aoko opened it cautiously in fear of being caught, and not knowing what prank may be hiding inside (with Kaito, one was never sure).

If you keep falling asleep you'll never pass!

Aoko snorted, and wondered about his logic. If he wanted her to pay attention then why would he divert her attention with the note? Sounded awfully counterproductive to her, but the fact that he cared enough made her smile, and her heart pick up. She turned back to look at him, and when she got his attention she stuck her tongue out playfully. He scowled, and looked away. He already had too much on his plate to be worried about her anyway.

When lunch rolled around Kaito tried a direct approach. "What's with you lately? Staying up reading shoujo mangas all night?" He inquired while swiping some of her lunch.

Aoko gave him an annoyed glare. "Aoko would have thought Kaito being her best friend would know that she prefers action and fantasy genres better!" She huffed, and tried to swipe something from him, but he evaded her.

"Well excuse me for expecting you to act like a girl!" He sighed in disappointment. "Here I thought you were growing up."

Aoko gritted her teeth, and took a vicious bite out of her lunch.

"What's this? No hits? Nothing to say? You must be tired." Kaito placed a hand on her head causing Aoko to flush in embarrasment. He frowned. "You are kind of warm."

Aoko knocked his hand off her forehead, and stood from her seat. "Aoko's not sick either, Bakaito! She'll be fine after getting something to drink!" Aoko stormed out of the room, and jogged down the stairs to the vending machines just in case he decided to follow her. She didn't get the drink she said she would, opting instead to walk around the campus, and air out her mind.

Kaito being perceptive as always, noticed a change in her behaviour. She wasn't as energetic, or as bubbly as she would normally be. She'd need to tell him something eventually, and even though the idea of lying to him made her skin crawl she had to come up with something. If he didn't get an answer then it would be just like Kaito to use all his Kid prowess to find out for himself. What if he disguised himself, and followed her to the gym Chikage-san had chosen? What if he found out about her and Jii-san meeting up for their training?

At the thought of Kaito in disguise a whole new subject made its way into Aoko's head. Ever since beginning her training she had wondered when her teachers would instruct her in the art of disguise. She hadn't mentioned anything to either of them yet because she figured they'd get to it when she advanced enough. Lately though, she wondered if they ever would. It wasn't on the training schedule they created at The White Rabbit. Surely they'd not forget it though. How was she going to be a "viable substitute," for Kaitou Kid if she couldn't do his trademark skills of disguise or impersonation? Regarding the training schedule, other than Chikage-san's intensive stunt work, Aoko was pretty close to finishing Jii-san's classes. Wouldn't that open a time slot?

The reason why she's been so obsessively learning everything they've given her is so she could be helpful to Kaito as quickly as possible. At least that's what it was at first. These past two months have been a whirlwind, but now that there's a break in the lineup she finally had time to fully digest her situation, and her feelings. What was once a chore or errand for Kaito had grown into something she couldn't yet identify. A hunger- a desire- she couldn't shake. The more she learned from her instructors the more she wanted to discover. She found herself eager, and excited at the prospect of learning such an advanced skill like disguise. It wasn't just for Kaito's benefit either. She'd found herself imagining how she could use disguise to entertain close friends too. Such as "transforming," from an old crone to a beautiful, foreign princess. It could be like a fairy tale brought to life. The child in her was applauding in excitement leaving Aoko wondering when this all became so personal to her.

The bell rang through the halls signifying the end of lunch, and Aoko trudged back to her classroom trying her best to ignore her aches. No sooner had she sat down in her seat when another note appeared in front of her.

Did you get lost?

Underneath the message was a crudely drawn map to the vending machines downstairs.

Aoko's eye twitched in annoyance, and without dignifying him with a response she crumpled the paper in her fist. She would not turn around and look at him!

School had finally ended for the day, and Aoko was on a mission. The objective was to avoid Kaito while not seeming too suspicious. Suprisingly she made it out of the classroom, down the hall, and to the lockers without much incident. It was when she was putting on her outdoor shoes that she ran into Keiko who held her up. Aoko hurriedly explained that she had to leave, and just as she was heading out she saw Kaito enter the room. She hoped Keiko didn't think she was being rude.

On her rush to the bus station she'd use to go to the gym, she received four text messages that summed up her current issues excellently.

The first text was from Jii-san who had reminded her of their meeting that night to go over anything Kaito had covered that day. Being Kaito's (secret) accomplice meant she was privy to all the details of the plan, and if she had any suggestions of how Kaito may be able to preform his heist more efficiently she could voice them to Jii-san. If he agreed he'd tell Kaito about it. So far it had only ever happened once, and it was because Kaito didn't think Jii-san would be capable of getting from one place to another in enough time, so he resorted to a different more dangerous tactic. Aoko had Jii-san convince Kaito to try it and she carried out the more physical portions of the plan with ease. Other than that one instance, Kaito was pretty good at initial planning. His contingency plans were the ones he struggled with. Twice already she had to come up with several back up plans because his "winging it," attitude could only get him so far. Her knowledge of the security and police protocols had also added weight to her plans usefulness.

The second message she received was from Keiko who had asked her if there was anything wrong. It was unlike Aoko to be avoiding people, and spacing out. Apparently Kaito, and even Akako-chan agreed as they asked Keiko for information.

Aoko sent a text back explaining how she was just tired but had been busy today. She almost laughed at Keiko's response.

If it's a date you have to tell me about it! It's in the best friend contract and everything!

She assured Keiko that she wasn't seeing anyone, and if she had been then she'd tell her first.

The third text came from Kaito who sent her a picture of her blurry self running out of the classroom with the caption "Training for the Olympics?" attached.

Aoko scowled, and felt her face heat up in embarrassment. She quickly typed her reply.

Training for when I have to chase after an idiot, more like!

She silently mourned the fact that her best friend had to be her first love too. She was constantly on the cusp of antagonizing him, or suppressing the urge to hold his hand or something. Either way she ends up as the loser so what was the point, really?

The final text came from her father letting her know that he'd be a bit late tonight because the task force were getting together to try and solve Kid's upcoming heist notice. A part of her felt the kick of guilt, but a much larger part wanted this to be all over with Kaito intact. Thinking about the squad led Aoko to the mental image of a group of grown men drunkenly shouting out guesses while her dad wrote them down on an over-sized whiteboard. Her shoulders sagged as the bus came to a stop in front of her. If only planning the heist was as fun.

Hours later, Aoko came half-stumbling half-limping out of the gym entrance. The training schedule had become more intense this time around leaving Aoko wondering whether Chikage-san was trying to kill her. Her body shook uncontrollably, leaving her grateful that she had the foresight to finish her schoolwork on the bus ride over. There was no way she'd be able to finish it in her current condition.

While waiting for the bus that would take her home Aoko's phone began to chime.

"Hello?" she answered fidgeting with the drawstring of the small bag she kept her sweaty gym clothes in.

"Aoko-chan~ how was training?" Chikage-san's voice sang through the line.

"U-um it was. . . different than usual." Aoko dropped the bag by accident and sighed in exasperation. The risk of her muscles getting stuck while she tried to pick the bag up was very high.

"Oh don't be that way. It was you who wanted to be ready right? You could always quit and-"

"Chikage-san we both know it's useless for you to try. I've made up my mind. I can handle it. It's just. . . new. I'm just getting use to everything."

There was a pregnant pause before Chikage-san spoke. "I know. I know you want to help Kaito but surely there's something else you'd rather be doing? Detective work, perhaps?"

Aoko pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why are you asking this now of all times?" This conversation would have been understandable back at The White Rabbit, but after two months it seemed to come from nowhere.

"I thought you'd realize by now!" Chikage-san snapped. "Realized this isn't for you! It never should have been, for either of you!"

Aoko's mouth dropped open in astonishment. It was rare for Chikage-san to get so upset, almost uncharacteristic in fact. She was normally such a lighthearted, and playful woman. For this to be happening now meant something must've been slowly eating at her.

"Chikage-san what is this really about?" Aoko inquired calmly.

Chikage-san continued heatedly, "I could understand Kaito doing it. I understand how he could choose this but you? Kaito always wanted to be a magician like his father- now he wants to be better than him. What about you? What future are you giving up for this?" Her voice broke in a way Aoko had only heard once before. After Kuroba-sensei died.

What could she say? Of course Chikage-san would be worried. She was the only mother-figure Aoko had. She's known Aoko since she was 6 years old and would no doubt grow attached in a similar way. It didn't help that Aoko and Kaito were neigh inseparable. She couldn't even begin to fathom how upset Chikage-san must have been when Kaito decided to continue being Kid. How long was she holding this in? Who did Chikage-san have to talk with? Jii-san?

No matter the answer Aoko knew she had to say something. Only the truth could ever be enough. What goal was she giving up? Strangely, Aoko never really had one. She never felt satisfied with any one job or career choice. She had always been jealous of Kaito, so sure in who he was and what he wanted to become. The only time Aoko felt remotely passionate was when she was training with Jii-san. Every new thing he taught her, and every memory he'd share with her about his times with Kuroba-sensei brought a joy, and a fire into her heart. Then it struck her.

"Chikage-san, can I be honest with you right now?" Aoko asked in a low, contemplative voice.

"Please."

"This whole time I thought I knew what was good for me. I thought- things would get better if I could just become what everyone needed me to be. Stay in my box. My category. But now." She hesitated trying to find a way to explain everything she's been feeling since this all started.

"Now?" Chikage-san coaxed breathlessly.

"I want more." Aoko's eyes flashed in understanding. Everything was fitting together like a puzzle finally being solved, and she couldn't stop. "I want to learn more! Do more! I want to keep helping with things like performances! I want to see something beautiful and know I helped make it happen. I want to be in on secrets! I want to see people's faces light up! I want- I want- I want to do what Jii-san does!" Aoko released the breath she had been holding throughout her raving, and closed her eyes really tight. If anyone saw her they'd think she was practicing her love confession by the way her face flushed. "And I want to learn disguise, and impersonation too! I don't want to be any old assistant- I want to be the greatest! Someone anyone can rely on!"

Chikage-san grew quiet on the other end. So quiet that Aoko began to believe the call got disconnected somehow. She breathed deeply and tried to steady her nerves. With great effort she bent down, and finally picked up the bag she dropped. She'd have to wash her dirty workout clothes once she got home. Suddenly, Aoko could pick out laughing from the other end of the line. The laughing would pick up in volume until it was a concert of bellyaching chortles. Aoko's face flushed even redder in embarrassment, and then anger.

"What's that about? I tell you my goal, answer your question, and you laugh?"

"S-sorry it's just- out of all the things to be in the world why that? Why not even a performer?"

The thought of Aoko being in center-stage by herself sent a wave of nausea through her. Being with someone was so much more preferable to her than being alone. She had been alone long enough to know she'd hate it as a career choice. If she had to choose she'd much rather be the one holding the ropes backstage than being suspended by them onstage, alone while the world watched on.

"Well I'm so happy to amuse you Chikage-san." Aoko responded dully. "Anyway, about learning disguise." Aoko knew she had Chikage-san's attention when her laughing stopped. "Since you advanced my training today does that mean you, or Jii-san will be teaching it to me soon?"

Carefully Chikage-san responded, "Jii-san doesn't know how to disguise himself fully."

The news startled Aoko. She had figured Kuroba-sensei would have taught Jii-san if only so they could switch out in a pinch.

"Okay then, when are you going to cover it with me?"

"I'm not."

There was another heavy pause as Aoko let it sink in. "WHAT?" Her voice roared, and echoed through the street. People who were leaving nearby establishments stopped, and stared at her in alarm. Aoko quickly put her hand up in a silent apology.

"I thought you knew how!" she hissed at Chikage-san between her teeth.

"I do know how. I just can't teach you. It's classified information. Magician, thief, and agent trade secret, and all that."

"What are you even talking about? How am I suppose to be a 'viable substitute,' if I can't even do that? You said I had to know everything he did!" Aoko placed a hand against her temple, already feeling a headache start.

"I meant everything that wasn't mastery level magic tricks! Look I have to go now, but Jii-san can better explain the rules later. You are still having the meeting, right?"

"Yeah, but-"

"Bye Assistant-chan~" Chikage-san sang, and just like that the line was cut. The bus pulled up in front of Aoko, but she just stared at her phone for a moment. She wondered again if Chikage-san was trying to kill her. Well, at least she got her to laugh again.

The sun had long since set, and Aoko had just enough time to scarf down some takeout before Jii-san gave her the all-clear. She hadn't dared text him about what she and Chikage-san discussed in fear that Kaito might see it during their meeting. Knowing how careless those two could be she figured it was a rational fear.

She took a little longer than she'd like to arrive at the Blue Parrot. Even after taking another hot shower (she took one at the gym earlier), and pain relievers her limbs still felt like lead. She did remember to pack some takeout in a plastic container for Jii-san just in case he hadn't eaten anything yet, though. The walk may have been laborious but it was worth it to get some answers.

Aoko didn't know what to expect, but Jii-san's somber face wasn't it. Scared that something awful may have happened, she rushed towards him. "Jii-san, what's the matter?" She sat down by the bar he was leaning against. "Did something happen with Kaito?"

Jii-san shook his head, and looked Aoko in the eyes. "Chikage-sama had told me you wished to learn disguise?"

Aoko felt her shoulders sink in both relief, and disappointment. She had hoped that she would be able to break the news first. "Y-yes, I do." There was a short pause before Aoko's anxious explanation. She had told him everything she told Chikage-san, and then some.

For Aoko, talking to Jii-san was both a relief, and a stress to her. On the one hand Jii-san was the kindest, least judgmental person Aoko knew, and she would often seek his advice on most everything. On the other hand, he was such an inspiration to her that outright telling him of her newfound career choice left her feeling nervous, and unsure. This was the man that had stood by Kuroba-sensei's side through everything. He had even been there before Chikage-san. He was so loyal that he'd risked his life to put his partner's murders behind bars. When said partner's son took up the mantle instead, he devoted everything to keeping him as safe as possible. Jii-san wasn't just the assistant Aoko wanted to be for someone, he was the person she wanted to be for herself, and her friends. His opinion held so much weight over her she wondered briefly what she'd do if he didn't agree. Being a part-time help to Kaitou Kid was a lot different than dedicating her entire future to becoming an assistant full-time.

Contrary to what many people believe, being a magician's assistant takes discipline, and an infinite amount of practice. The best assistants were often the ones who knew as much as their magician partners, after all. The more an assistant knew, the more advanced a trick could become.

Jii-san took her hand, and she realized she was trembling. He smiled at her warmly, reassuring her without words. Aoko had to actively will her tears away as she felt her body relax.

"I'm not upset at you. In fact, I was hoping you'd take to it. The more you learn the more I see. . . Well, that doesn't matter now." He made a folder appear out of nowhere and slid it over to her. "I wouldn't have agreed to this whole arrangement if I didn't know you'd be able to handle it. Be warned though, being an assistant is a different kind of danger than being an accomplice."

His smile vanished and he gave her a contemplative look. "We are nearing the end of what I am able to teach you." He exhaled slowly, preparing himself for something. "If you are serious about being the best assistant, and are set on learning disguise, there is a way for you to accomplish both."

"Aoko's eyes lit up in excitement. "Chikage-san told me you didn't know how!"

Jii-san's body went stiff as a board. "I know the disguise aspect, it's the voice changing that was above my station."

"Your station?" Aoko cocked her head in confusion.

Jii-san took the takeout she brought him, opened the container, and began eating. He looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"There are things not even Kaito-bocchama knows about his father, or me." Jii-san took another bite, and continued without meeting Aoko's eyes. "I've regretted not telling him, but I simply can not. The reason I can tell you is because. . ." He finally met her eyes, ". . . You'll be going in as my recommendation from a retired Master Assistant to an aspiring one. With you I have authority."

"Jii-san I'm sorry, but I don't understand. What are you talking about? What doesn't Kaito know?"

Jii-san gestured to a bottle of alcohol across the bar's table. It had seemed he had prepared for this talk. "Pour me a drink, and I'll tell you."

Aoko did what was asked of her and settled in next to him.

He drank half the glass, and began. "Remember how Chikage-sama and I told you about the men who killed Toichi-sama? They were a part of a shadowy organization." Aoko nodded her head. "Well they are not the only organization of their scope in this world." Noticing Aoko's fearful expression he clarified. "Not all are nefarious. Some are in a moral gray area."

"Nakamori-san, for as long as shady organizations exsisted there were people coming together to stop them. Toichi-sama was a part of one such organization known as The House of Cards."

Aoko gave an unimpressed snort. Of course an organization that employs a magician, and their assistant would be called something so ridiculous.

Jii-san pointedly ignored Aoko, and continued. "The House of Cards, similar to a deck of cards is separated into four suits. There's the Hearts who consist of the best doctors from all areas of the field. There are Clubs who are the educators, scientists, and journalists of the group. Then there are the Spades, and they are the agents, special forces, and detectives of the house. Finally there's the Diamonds which Toichi-sama fell under. Diamonds were the performers, and entertainers of the lot." Jii-san sighed, and finished his takeout thanking her for the meal.

"The House was originally created to help law enforcement with particularly difficult cases. Members of the society would often be able to go in places an average officer wouldn't, and be able to do things they couldn't. Eventually it grew to include all stand out individuals regardless of their usefulness to police, and other officials. Now The House uses its talents, and connections to help any worthy cause including donations, volunteer services, or even teaching basic skills." Jii-san explained with great nostalgia.

"If Kuroba-sensei was a part of this society then where were you?" Aoko asked in confusion.

Jii-san smiled humbly, and downed the rest of his glass. He got up, and walked around the counter to the sink. "Assistants have our own branch, but I was a part of it too before-" His shoulders slouched suddenly and he didn't need to finish for Aoko to understand. "I retired, and bought this bar. It was less painful than continuing on."

Jii-san's voice began to waver. "For the longest time they wouldn't tell me anything. I knew it wasn't an accident. I was there when it happened. Nothing happens onstage without either me or Toichi-sama knowing about it. For years I begged the Spades to give me something- anything so I could help the investigation. They never did. Not until eight years after everything. They're still investigating, even now!" He took a deep breath to calm himself, and Aoko resisted the urge to jump over the bar, and hug him.

"They told me of their plan to utilize a fake Kaitou Kid to lure them out. Considering I was the original's accomplice they thought I'd have some pointers to. . . authenticate the agent's performance." He put the now washed glass down, and leaned over the sink. Hist fists were clenched so tight they turned white. "I can't tell you what I was thinking Nakamori-san, but it felt like an insult. Like someone was trying to replace him in some way. This was a final straw for me. I- I couldn't let anyone play at being him! Especially not some unnamed actor who probably hadn't even met him before!"

Aoko swallowed a lump in her throat, and remained silent. This was obviously a very sensitive issue, and the last thing she wanted was to cause him anymore distress.

"At the same time I knew it was a good idea. Luring the men out with the Kaitou Kid name would expedite the investigation. It would put a face to some of the group's men, and gather evidence against them. The Spade's are the very best in their field, or else they wouldn't have been initiated into The House." Jii-san slowly turned around to face Aoko. Tears rimmed his eyes, and Aoko felt her heart break for the second time that day. She could already feel the tears building within herself.

"I couldn't let it go. It had to be me! I had to be the one to lure them out because it was my fault he-"

Aoko shot from her seat like a bullet, ignoring her straining muscles, and refusing to let him finish. "You're wrong!" Her voice cracked with emotion. "You're wrong Jii-san!" A hush fell over the bar, but Aoko refused to let it stay. "It wasn't you who killed him. Whatever, whoever caused that accident- it wasn't your fault! Even now, you've never failed Kuroba-sensei!"

"I'm the reason his son is a thief!" He shot back with venom.

"No, Kaito's the reason he's a thief, and I'm the reason I'm his accomplice." Aoko countered hotly. "He made his choice just like I made mine." She breathed deeply, and walked around the bar to Jii-san's side . "You and Chikage-san have to stop this! Whether either of you were right to make the decisions you did doesn't matter anymore. Jii-san, you have every right to feel included in capturing Kuroba-sensei's murders." Aoko patted his back, "Just like Kaito does, just like I do." Aoko squeezed his arm, and let the tears roll down her face. "I loved Kuroba-sensei too. Even after finding out he was the one my dad had been chasing the whole time. Even though I don't know why he decided to continue with it I can say one thing hasn't changed." She continued, her voice raw. "I still believe he was great man who deserved to see the person his son would become."

Aoko showed Jii-san her empty hand and in a quick flourish she conjured a handkerchief and gave it to him. Jii-san was stock still, and wide-eyed throughout her little lecture. He took the offered handkerchief, and wiped his eyes and nose.

Aoko wiped her face with the sleeve of her jacket, and continued, "So that's when you went, and had that first heist. Kaito being Kaito confronted you. He found out the truth, and the rest is history." Jii-san nodded mutely.

Aoko collected her thoughts. "The only question is, how do I join this House of Cards?"

Jii-san took several shaky breaths, and answered. "I'll call in a friend, and he'll come to test you. If he thinks you're a good candidate he will place your name down on a roster. From there you will be interviewed by the board of training, and then placed in the Basic Assistance Training program. You must complete this program in one year's time or you'll be forced out. If you're forced out you'd have to wait 3 years before trying again. Only by completing the basic course can you advance into the Magician's Assistant course. From there you will be allowed to learn two master level skills. I chose disguise, and advance tool engineering. If you want to, you could choose disguise, and impersonation. The House of Cards guard high level trade secrets zealously, and will not teach them to anyone who isn't a member. The only exceptions to this rule are the Masters of the Arts who are able to teach three people of their choosing. Toichi-sama was one of these masters."

Aoko gritted her teeth. It sounded like so many hoops to jump through, and one year sounded too long a wait to learn these things. If she wanted to try at being the best assistant, and maybe pick up any loose information regarding Kuroba-sensei then she'd need to follow the rules.

"She was relieved, you know." Jii-san said suddenly, interrupting her thoughts. Aoko looked at him in confusion. "When you said you wanted to be an assistant for yourself, too. Chikage-sama was very relieved."

Aoko shook her head slowly. "She should have never been worried about that to begin with. I would have never continued this training if it wasn't something I wanted to do."

Aoko paused, remembering the other Kuroba she had worried that day. "Kaito's also worried."

"He may have mentioned you acting distant lately," Jii-san admitted.

"If only I had something to tell him, I know it'd be enough! If I tried, and took a page from his book and said 'I've got something to do today,' he'd follow me or figure it out." Aoko deflated, and ran a hand through her hair. She wanted nothing more than to go to sleep. "Chikage-san's training takes a lot of time, and energy so it isn't like I mean to be isolating."

Jii-san put a hand on her shoulders. "Sounds like the young miss needs an alibi. How about a job that could also help you with Chikage-sama's training regime?"

"What did you have in mind?"

Jii-san smiled. "I'll tell you later. First, let's go over Kaito-bocchama's new plan." He gestured to the folder she left at the bar table.

Aoko could already tell it was going to be another long night for her.