Disclaimer:  *sigh* Once again, I don't own Magic Kaito.  Gosho does. The Touch of Fate

By Dreaming Fantasy (edited by Leftover Shrimp)

Chapter 2

Plot 1:

It was time.

Her plan was ready, and she knew that she could not fail.  She allowed herself a small smile. No one could escape her clutches, not even him.  She would finally get him after all those months of futile efforts.

She thought back on all of her failed attempts…but this one was foolproof, and there was no way that it could fail.

She had underestimated him, and, as a result, she had done the unexpected.  She had fallen for him. 

She never even knew she even had a heart until she saw him, that proud, arrogant boy who was immune to her every charm.  Men had just been toys before, put there for her enjoyment. But he had changed everything for her. She had tried every ploy, pulled every trick, stretched herself to the limits to win him. She had never done that before, for any man.

Yet despite all that, her efforts had been in vain. He didn't love her.  He had Aoko…

Her face hardened. Maybe she would never be able to replace Aoko's place in his heart, but that didn't mean she couldn't try.

So once again, she was getting ready to face Kaito Kid, yet for some reason, it felt different.  She could feel butterflies colliding in her stomach.  Was she actually nervous?  How could that be?

It's because of him, her heart whispered.  It's because there was more at stake this time.

How ironic… The corner of her mouth quirked upwards. Kaito was never nervous before his heists, and here she was all worried…

But was she worried about her plan or about him?  She couldn't tell.

Perhaps it was both.  After all, she had reason to worry about him…

Hakuba was going to be there, and he would stop at nothing to catch Kid.

Well then, she would just have to make sure that the British detective fails.  He wouldn't know what hit him.

And then, she could concentrate on Kaito.

Her lips curved into a small smile.  It was going to be an interesting night.

*******

Plot 2:

Victory would be his this time.

The British detective smirked.

Kid, otherwise known as Kaito Kuroba, would not escape this time.  His plan was flawless, and there was no way that Kid could magic his way out of this trap. Hakuba's smile widened with anticipation at the thought of finally apprehending that phantom of a thief. All would be well.  His plan simply could not fail.

Sure, his tactic was a bit old, and it was true that he had used it before, but that didn't matter… All he needed was to stop the Kid, and if that ploy was what it took, he had no qualms about using it. As long as he stopped Kid…

Where was Kid anyways?  The detective frowned with impatience, eager to catch Kid.  Did he know that Hakuba had a plan? What was Kaito up to? 

He probably expected a really elaborate scheme, and was taking care of some extra preparations. Was he in for a surprise...  Hakuba could just imagine the look on Kaito's face as his plan unfolded.

Of course, Kid would usually attempt to make up an excuse to leave, but not tonight.  It's his own fault for losing his voice, Hakuba thought.  He laughed. Just trying to imagine the phantom thief's useless attempts to voice his thoughts, Hakuba couldn't suppress a laugh.  What a sight to see… 

He gave the room another cursory glance, almost expecting Kid to be standing there, spotless white cloak billowing out behind him.  Where was he? Hakuba was beginning to feel a touch of apprehension at the uncharacteristic lateness of Kaito. Had Kid somehow gotten wind of his plan?

Irritably, Hakuba brushed his doubts away. Kid was probably just trying to psych him by taking his time. No matter. He was going to be the winner tonight, finally, after all those nights of failure.  Just a couple hours more and peace would be restored.

But Kid had been a tough opponent.  No other criminal had eluded Hakuba's grasp for as long as he had.

"Too bad all the games end tonight."

Come to think of it, he was going to miss all the times he went up against Kid.  Those situations had really provided a challenge for him.

Sweat had begun to bead on his forehead, and he searched his pocket for the umpteenth time that night for his handkerchief. Pulling it out, Hakuba frowned at the wrinkles that marred its surface, testimonies of his nervousness that night. He could never remain calm and collected while facing Kid.  But it would all be over soon.  He could just see the headlines for tomorrow's papers. 

"British high school detective catches the unstoppable Kaito Kid."

He put the handkerchief away with a smile.

~to be continued…

A/N: Comments?  Anyone?