-FIRSTS-

Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.

Warning: (Really) Slow developing KaiShin relationship.

Author's Note: There's a reason why the note is written in Japanese. And before you say that the translation is back to front, it's because generally when translating Asian language to English, in order for the whole thing to make sense, you need to do it back to front. Heist note explanation at the end.
Also, the "Albert" referred here is the chain hanging off a pocket watch (those who've read/watch Kuroshitsuji should know).


First Shot

シンデレラ走ったセカンド前

鈴の森に集まれた星星の目の下

太陽の光は月に奪う。

怪盗K I D

(The Sun shall be liberated by the Moon,

At the gathering of Stars in the Twinkling Woods,

The Second before Cinderella's plight.

Kaitou KID)

"Ok people! Look smart!" Nakamori bellowed outside of the Suzuki estate. They had received the noticed three days ago and the only thing they have managed to decipher was that KID was targeting the Suzuki dinner event. With so many famous people gathering, and with so many gems on display, it was difficult to narrow down the particular target. The police were unfortunately banned from entering, but they did the next best thing.

"Hakuba-kun, Kaito-kun. It's up to you two to tell us when KID arrives." Nakamori have the two boys a pat on the back and pushed them towards the entrance. "We suspect he'll be here at 11:59:59 so keep your eyes opened!"

The police had managed to persuade the Suzukis to allow them to enter the event, provided the dress accordingly. Kaito had a two-piece black suit on with matching tie, which had an emerald clover-shaped tie pin that used to belong to his father. Hakuba had foregone his usual wear (what Kaito dubbed as his cosplay suit) and went for a three-piece suit with an Albert hanging off the vest pocket.

"Are you Alice's white rabbit?" Kaito commented as they walk up the steps to the front entrance. They were greeted by a stern looking security and was asked for the invite.

"Is there a problem?" Hakuba was busy surveying the room to look for possible trick setup.

"How many of those do you have?" Kaito pointed at the chain hanging off the vest. "I swear you are worst than the rabbit."

"It's an old heirloom. At least I'm not as narcissistic as you." In turn, Hakuba motioned towards the tie pin. "Clover?"

"You're just sore about last time." He choose to ignore Hakuba's jab at his choice.

"I realized too late that asking Kudo-san to identify you when he had only been to one heist is not conclusive. Especially when he did not even know it was your heist."

"How could anyone not know a KID heist. And for your reference, I am NOT KID!" He puffed up for an added effect.

"Of course you're not Kuroba." Another familiar voice contributed to the conversation.

"Ah, Kudo-san, were you invited to this event by the Suzukis?" Hakuba was the first to respond.

"Not quite. Suzuki Sonoko is still holding a grudge against me, but I managed to find a compromise with her. After all, I did receive an invitation through mail, even though it was from KID." He tool out the white card from his breast pocket. And offered it to Hakuba. Kaito leaned over to have a look.

"I take it you've solved it?"

"Haven't you?"

"I was called in urgently this morning. I never had the chance to look at the notice. Though, at first glance we're at the correct event. I would hazard a guess the time to be a second before midnight, just before Cinderella turns back from princess to servant."

Kudo had a knowing smile on his face. "Really?" He questioned, putting doubt into the blond detective's mind. "I guess we shall see." He walked away without another word, leaving the detective to stew in his thoughts. Kaito opted to accompany the Meitantei, seeing he would be better entertained than standing with the blond.

"So what did you bribe the young Suzuki-jou with?"

"You shall have to wait and see Kuroba."

Both made their way towards the display case at the center of the room. The artefact has not yet been placed on the stand. It was scheduled to be taken out of its resting place at eleven o'clock. However, spotlights were already trained on the empty cushion.

"What do you see Kuroba?" There was a hint of expectance in the Meitantei's voice.

"From a magician's perspective, no visible keyhole, no latch or joints, not even a gap. It'll be difficult to take anything out of the case." He had already made the necessary preparations for the show, the only thing he had to do was to wait.

"Hmmm..." The detective bent over to examine the area where the glass met the stand. On the other hand, Kaito was more busy examining the intense expression on the detective's face. It was interesting for Kaito to see the sudden gleam in the sapphire eyes. He had never encountered such a shade of deep blue, even the highest quality precious stones could not compare to the glitter and shine in those intense orbs.

"Then I should go make my own preparations. I'll see you later Kuroba" He straightened, Kaito was nearly caught in his staring.

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"Right on time." A voice came from the shadows of the room that KID just entered. It was accompanied by a flash of light, nearly blinding KID. He shielded his eyes just in time with the flash to avoid seeing sparks.

"Changing tactics Meitantei?" KID note further into the room, closing the door to keep the light out and the sound in.

"You did say you were going to take the artefact at 11:10 underneath everyone's eyes. But you won't be revealing yourself until 11:59:59. The way you worded your note is a dead give away." Shinichi paced his walk. "The Second that was mentioned is spelt out in katagana, hinting to take the message as English instead. A second could be the timeframe or the number 2 on the clock face."

"Impressive, so that was the reason you provoked Tantei-san." KID clapped as moved to where if thought the voice came from. "Are you going to spring a trap on poor old me?" He took out the card gun just in case.

"But I already did." KID could just picture the smirk on the Meitantei's face as he said that. But he could not see any wires, nets, or the cursed soccer balls.

"You do know it is impolite to ruin the hosts' rooms right?"

"Oh I had permission. Though I didn't make any outward modifications to the interior." The detective appeared as he drew back the curtains. Moonlight shone through, lighting the room with its silvery glow. It made the Meitantei look ethereal with his back towards the window, as though he was a being beyond this world.

KID surveyed the room once more, looking for clues and escape route.

"You won't find anything." The detective made to move towards a corner of the room. KID still had his card gun trained on him, following his movements.

"Then what do you intend to do Meitantei?"

"How about a game?" He pulled on the cord for the standing lamp, instantly bringing a softer, warmer glow into the room. KID could easily see a chess board set up between two arm chairs. There was even a tea set, with steam coming out of the teapot spout.

"I see you're prepared. Very well, a gentleman should not back out of a challenge." He walked towards the white side, still weary of the detective and possible stunts.

It was an intense game, the level of thrill is comparable to that of the chase. Neither side willing to budge an inch.

"I guess I win this time, KID." The detective announced half way through the game.

"What do you mean?" The game was clearly in KID's favour. The detective held up his right hand as count down as he checked his watch. 3...2...1...0. And not a moment too soon, a grandfather clock tolled. "Better luck next time KID." He have the thief a victorious smile and walked towards the balcony. Opening the double French doors, he climbed onto the railings. KID suddenly had a moment of déjà vu.

"Don't jump!" He repeated the same phrase from the clock tower.

"It's only two storeys high and there's shrubbery below. I'm not going to hurt myself." He looked back at KID. "And you should go get on with your show. You are late after all."

KID swore under his breath and dashed towards the door only to find it locked. He had been so engrossed in the game that he had forgotten about the heist.

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Kuroba was scowling after KID's performance. He had never been late, only time he had been late was when there were imposters and/or if he had not known about it. Hakuba was rubbing this fact in his face. Walking out the doors, and finally returning home, he overheard the conversation between the Eastern Detective and the youngest Suzuki daughter, which made him scowl even further.

"Here you go Sonoko. In exchange for letting me be here." There was a distinctive 'ping' sound that usually resulted from the transfer of files through mobile. "An exclusive shot."

"With this, I'll forgive you and let you talk to Ran." There was a slight giddiness in her voice. "At least the photos look good. I see you had practice with the camera."

"Since when do I need your permission to talk to Ran?" He decided to ignore the comment about his photo skills.

"Since you left for that case of yours. I'm not about to let you ruin what chance Ran has with romance."

"It was mutual!" He called out in exasperation. "We both talked and came to an understanding..."

Kaito decided he had heard enough. He now needs to go back and sulk then plan for revenge.

-TBC-


Heist Note Explanation

シンデレラ走ったセカンド前 (The Second before Cinderella's plight)

鈴の森に集まれた星星の目の下 (At the gathering of Stars in the Twinkling Woods)

太陽の光は月に奪う。(The Sun shall be liberated by the Moon)

怪盗K I D (Kaitou KID)

Starting from the bottom line, "Dusk & Dawn" are natural phenomenon relating to the Sun and the Moon is referring to KID (no need to explain further).
The name "Suzuki" is made up of the Kanji "Bell" and "Wood", the gathering at the Twinkling Woods refer to the party held by Suzuki.
The top-most line refers to the time. The "Second" has double meaning, the number and the unit of time. Nakamori-Keibu took the note literally therefore thinks the heist will take place just before midnight, as that is the time when Cinderella flees from the ball. Shinichi knows all KID notes generally has double meanings therefore the "Second" has a second meaning reflecting the number "2" on the clock face.