-FIRSTS-
Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.
Warning: KaiShin relationship.
A/N: I seemed to be switching POVs a lot in this story...I was hoping to be Kaito focused.
First Action
Kaito and Shinichi settled into a comfortable routine where Shinichi would wake up early to make their breakfast, and Kaito's lunch, then wake the magician with a morning kiss. They would share breakfast before Kaito has to rush out to make it for the morning train. After school, Kaito would wait by the gate of Teitan High then they'll pick up whatever they need for dinner. They'll spend the afternoon in the library, with Shinichi at the large oak desk doing whatever work he was saddled with on the day and Kaito laying on the floor doing his homework (or in some cases planning for his heist), or sometimes just keeping his detective company as he practiced his tricks. After dinner, when they have the time, they will end up snuggling at the sofa watching a random show on tv (their focus was more on each other rather than the show's content).
Their friends have all commented on how domestic their situation is, how slightly out of character it seems. But they understood their need to be close to one another. Ran had told Kaito how Shinichi is now always early or on time to meet her at the gates when they have their morning walks (Kaito was slightly jealous but at the same time relieved to know his detective was not travelling alone). Sonoko, strangely enough, kept on inviting the pair for an afternoon tea with Ran and a random partner (both Shinichi and Kaito suspects she was trying to set the martial artist up on a date and wanted the pair to judge potential candidate's character so not to repeat the Hondo incident).
Their days passed with a calmness that caused the magician and detective to become extremely antsy as the weeks passed. It lasted until the next Kaitou KID heist.
"Good Evening Meitantei. I hope you have enjoyed my show." KID stood with his back to the building's edge with the moon shining brightly behind him. KID had been waiting for his detective to show up before his grand exit.
"Quite spectacular. I must congratulate you once more on bringing about such a variety of vocabulary." Shinichi clapped in appreciation, standing at the only exit into the building. Both knew KID would be taking the high road to escape with the night's prize.
"I live to serve." KID said with a dramatic bow. "I must say, I am impressed at the amount of athleticism you possess, especially your flexibility."
Shinichi blushed instead of a verbal reply.
"You've avoided all my traps, that in itself is quite a feat."
Shinichi realised it was a bit unusual for KID to be complimenting a detective. He would have asked the reason but he already knew the why. This calm before the storm is grating on their nerves. Although they could have taken the initiative to contact Vermouth, they would rather wait for their opponent's move and act accordingly instead of stumbling blindly.
"And you managed to do so while keeping your looks. I must say, you look absolutely stunning in the moonlight. You must have captured all the world's jewels and stars in your eyes. One day, I might just decide to steal you from the world." KID winked playfully.
Then again, Shinichi might have been over thinking.
"If you are quite done," he said with mock irritation in case anyone was listening to their conversation, "hand over the jewel and prepared to be captured."
"Ah, but that's where you are wrong for I am already a captive in My Love's heart." KID placed a hand over his own heart, eyes softening just a fraction. Shinichi blushed harder at the declaration. Opening his mouth, he was about to scold the thief for being unprofessional when he was interrupted by a shrill phone ring. The pair surveyed the area with confusion and suspicion. Eyes were straining to identify the faint light emitted by the ringing phone's screen. The pair walked around the roof, grateful that KID had lured the Task Force away from the current building by a dummy. Hakuba, though knowing it was a dummy, followed the Task Force as he was unwilling to deal with a KID set on playing with detectives.
When they found the offending device, the pair shared a look before putting the caller on speaker.
"Good evening Kaitou KID and Kudo-tantei." A male mechanical voice came through to greet them.
"And how do we address you?" KID was the one to speak. Shinichi was quickly on alert, eyes roaming through the shadows to look for hidden cameras. It might not be a secret that the Eastern Detective usually ambushes the Phantom Thief on the rooftops but it was rare for someone to catch them in the midst of a conversation as they usually made sure the Task Force and any bothersome beings (like other law enforcers tailing them or paparazzi waiting for the next big scoop) would be driven away beforehand.
"Call me Rum if you will. I was told by an associate of mine that you are willing to listen to our requests?"
"We cannot make any promises that we will do as you ask. And I'm sure Meitantei-san is more than happy to chase you down." Shinichi signaled to KID about a strange glint on the door frame of the service entrance. KID whistled for his dove and she flew over to pluck the small device from the crevice and handed it over to KID, who promptly smashed it into tiny fragments. KID also let fly his other doves to search the rooftop for the small plastic device. It seems there was only one hidden camera.
The voice chuckled.
"I'm sure we can persuade you otherwise."
There was shuffling in the silence from the other end of the phone.
"We want you, Kaitou KID, to acquire something that was lost to us. We would also like Kudo-tantei to help track this particular item for us. I am willing to send an agent to meet up with you to discuss in further detail, knowing that you detectives require information in abundance before coming to a conclusion."
"What is this particular object? What makes it so special that you need risk a detective?" Curiosity burning, Shinichi couldn't help but ask.
"Kudo-tantei, by now you should know who we are. Be advised that you are only hidden because we've decided you are more useful to us alive than dead." It felt like a warning even if the tone of voice was kept light.
Shinichi gritted his teeth, hands clenched into a tight ball. So The Organisation really knows of his whereabouts and the fact he was alive yet they have not set Gin on him. It seems he still has bargaining power after all. KID risked a glance at his detective, hands itching to reach out to soothe the worry lines on his face.
"You have not answered our question Mr Rum. What is this object? If I were to submit myself to your request, I still need to know my target." KID answered in the detective's steed seeing the jaws were set tightly.
"Kudo-tantei," instead of addressing KID, the voice focused on the detective, "I am confident you can find this object for us. Give the location and description to Kaitou KID and we'll see if we can keep you alive for a little bit longer."
The call ended with a definite click, leaving the pair in the cold darkness. Shinichi picked up the phone, glaring at the inanimate object with eyes that could bore through steel.
"Meitantei..."
"Go KID." For appearances sake, and just in case there were any nosy agents nearby (more specifically if they managed to escape the traps set out by both KID and the detective), he dismissed the thief. KID frowned at the tone but otherwise complied. He jumped off the ledge, feeling a bit lonely without the roaring shouts of police officers and fans, then opened his wings to soar through the midnight sky.
Shinichi stood silently still on the roof. He took out his own mobile, staring at the screen. There was a blinking light at the top of the screen telling him he had a missed call and message. The caller blocked their number (not that it would have been impossible for him to figure out, but it would have been bothersome) so he opened the message.
'Maestro, maestro, ye of olde. Play your lullaby for the show. Like the pied piper playing for a fee. Maestro, maestro, set them free.'
It came from Vermouth's number. The message brought a grimace to his face. He was wondering what was wrong with the woman lately, it really isn't in her character to use riddles and such obscure ways to pass a message. Though considering the sensitive nature, it might have been for the best. It was either that or the woman knew his correspondences were all being monitored.
There was another message from an unknown number.
'Our agent woke up and something has been brought to our attention. We request your presence. Reply asap to make arrangements.'
That particular message was from PSB. He found it annoying how they just expects him to follow. However, he was going to contact them anyways so at least he wouldn't have to ask Megure for contact information. Sighing, he fingered a quick reply to this message. He still wasn't sure what to make of Vermouth's message when suddenly Kaito bursted through the service entrance to the roof.
"Shinichi!" Kaito picked up his pace and ran forward to tackle his detective. "You took too long! I was wondering if something caught you!"
Kaito patted his detective, checking for injuries, though he hid his worry and fear well behind his Poker Face.
"Kaito, now you're being a worrywart." In an act of reassurance, he reached out to pat his magician on the head. "I was just reading through my messages." Locking his phone, he wanted to hide the messages from Kaito but knowing the magician could easily break into his phone.
"So? Are you going to tell me or do I have to go behind your back?"
It was good to know that Kaito was giving him the choice to come clean.
"The PSB messaged, asking whether I would have the time to stop by their office." The tone was not lost to Kaito as his detective gave a sigh then muttered something along the lines of "self-centered, egoistic, white collars with no sense of respect" underneath his breath. There were also a few choice words that Kaito expects to be coming out of the mouths of the Task Force members rather than his detective. He had to hide a giggle with a cough, which earned him an eye from Shinichi.
"I promised my mum I'll help her with some shopping tomorrow afternoon. Can you ask if they'll be ok meeting the day after?" He said after (pretending to be) clearing his throat.
"I can go myself Kaito."
Kaito laid a stern gaze towards Shinichi, who immediately recoiled. Kaito's normal, playful, gaze were easy on the eye and mind but whenever Kaito was serious, his eyes become the most expressive even through the Poker Face. And it was this sort of gaze that made Shinichi feel guilty for even suggesting.
"I'll ask them." There really was no helping it. Though, maybe he could offer the proverbial olive branch to placate his magician. "Do you want me to come with?"
"Hmm..." Kaito looked at his detective up and down. He recalled Shinichi hadn't been sleeping properly for the past months and it was building up. He was yawning more often and the coffee consumption was at an all time high. "You should sleep in tomorrow. Don't go out unnecessarily. I'll call you when I finish then we can grab dinner together. Or more likely my mum would insist on having dinner together."
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Shopping with his mum is always tiring, but today was more so as his mind is constantly distracted with worry at what his detective might be doing.
"Kaito. Which one looks better?" Chikage placed the two dresses on her one after the other. Kaito choose a random one. Seeing her son's unfocused eyes, she sighed. "You're distracted."
"It's nothing." He tried to brush it off but Chikage would not back down. Replacing the clothes back on its rack, she guided her son out of the store and towards a cafe. Ordering for the both of them, she waited for him to start.
Kaito sighed, "I'm just worried about Shinichi. I keep expecting him to suddenly disappear."
"Is he the type to do something like that?" There was something in his mother's expectant tone that urged Kaito to carry on speaking. Or maybe its just a maternal thing, he wasn't too sure.
"If he thinks it's for my own good..." Kaito fiddled around with the napkin, folding it absentmindedly until it revealed itself to be a butterfly.
"So you don't trust Shinichi-kun. Is that what you're trying to say?"
"No! I do trust him, at least when it matters the most." Kaito stood up abruptly, causing people to turn from their seats to see what was going on. Bashfully, Kaito muttered off an apology and settled back down to his mother's amused gaze. She had this knowing look on her face that told Kaito it was her intention to cause somewhat of a scene. "But...something came up recently and he's been on the edge. We both have. And we both want to keep the other safe."
"Then there you go. That's your answer." She looked extremely confident. "I know that the two of you are involved in something you'd rather not let us parents know, but remember, we do have a few more decades of experience more than you."
"How do you do it mum? How do you always know what to say to make me feel lighter?" A small smile was returning to Kaito's face as he started to relax.
"You should be worried if I don't know what to say." She pointed at the cup of hot chocolate set out before him. "Now, finish that. We still have many more shops to visit. Don't worry, I'm planning to let you call Shinichi-kun out for dinner together."
It wasn't until five stores and fourteen bags later when Kaito was allowed another break, and this time was to call Shinichi for dinner. Normally his detective would pick up by the third ring, but his call only continued to ring. He was about to disconnect, thinking Shinichi must have just stepped out and forgot his phone, when his detective finally picked up.
"Did I interrupt your nap?" Thinking his detective must have been resting.
"Ah, Kaito. Sorry about that." The background sounds (or the lack of) and the strange echo put Kaito on edge. His detective isn't at home it seems. But it did not sound like he is at the station either (as the station generally has more bustling yet the sounds coming from the speakers were too silent) or even at a crime scene.
"You're not at home." He stated face already turning into a frown.
"About that...it's really not my fault..."
To Kaito's ears, it sounds as though Shinichi was taken (or requested) out. It was unlikely to be a client, because he knew Shinichi would have told him by message. This only left one option.
"You're with the PSB."
"They wouldn't take no for an answer. It seems they were really urgent. I could understand as the information is quite time-sensitive..." Shinichi was suddenly cut off. There were whispering in the background, muffled and incoherent, but Kaito recognised the two voices. One belonging to Shinichi and the other belongs to the Director of PSB. The voice that came through changed.
"Kuroba Kaito-kun? This is..."
"Fujie Saitou-san. I remember. What does the PSB think is so important that they have to forcibly remove someone from their home?" Kaito was not pleased.
"Kuroba-kun, I'm sure it's escape you're notice but we do know more than we let on last time we met. How you are also involved with a certain man in white." They were not outright accusing Kaito of being KID but there was an implication of him knowing KID at least.
"Are you threatening and blackmailing me? A government official such as yourself resorting to such measures?" Irritation and annoyance evident in his voice, but the speaker on the other side paid no mind.
"This particular associate of yours, we currently see no reason to pursuit him because he is not posing harm to the country. He is, after all, a great helper. We're willing to turn a blind eye to his hobbies seeing as he helped remove a threat for us."
Kaito gritted his teeth. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw his mother exiting the shop. She looked at him with worried eyes, standing close to listen to the phone call.
"We will return Kudo-kun after we have confirmed some information with him. I will personally remind him to call you back."
He hung up the phone without letting Shinichi to speak.
"Mum, what's the fastest route to the government building?" Kaito typed out a quick message to Jii for him to bring some extra equipment.
"You're storming the castle so to speak? Mind if I join?" There was uncharacteristic giddiness and excitement in her voice. She too took out her phone to check the map. "Hmm...we can call a taxi but road conditions are difficult to predict..."
Those people in the PSB wouldn't know what hit them when Kaitou KID pairs up with Phantom Lady.
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Dressed in uniform, Phantom Lady and Kaitou KID sneaked into the government building through the air vents. It was a pity that they do not have the cover of night as that would have made a much more dramatic entrance.
Dropping down from the ceiling into the meeting office of the PSB in the middle of their talking still made a memorable impression.
"Good afternoon gentlemen." KID greeted, helping Lady from the vent. "I believe my detective is here today?"
"Kaitou KID," there was a tone of displeasure in Fujie's voice, "we were not expecting you."
Out of the corner of his eye, KID saw Shinichi groan into his hands and muttering the word "why?". He could not resist the grin sneaking up on his face. It seems his detective expected him but not this early, and definitely not as KID.
"I should hope you are not holding my detective against his will. As you know, we phantom thieves tend to be quite protective of what is ours." KID walked around the table to reach Shinichi, standing behind and slightly to one side like a bodyguard standing in attention. Lady stood on the opposite side, face (or at least what skin could be seen through the layers of bandages) grinning as though daring them to take action. Both thieves placed a hand on the back of Shinichi's chair, indicating ownership over the detective.
"Isn't Kudo-kun a bit too young for Phantom Lady?" Fujie raised an eyebrow.
"Ara? With such a fine specimen and KID's high recommendations, I couldn't possibly resist." She playfully hugged the detective, who was trying his best not to squirm.
Fujie tolerated the sudden intrusion, carrying on the meeting as though there hadn't been any interruption (and adamantly ignoring the two thieves).
"Our agent informed us the importance and danger of The Organisation's motives. According to you, Kudo-kun, they seemed to have lost something. This coincides with the information we have gathered so far. However, our agent had been ambushed before he could pass on this object. And it is currently a race to find it."
"I would have thought these people knew already." KID whispered into Shinichi's ears. Fujie continued his speech, ignoring the chatter between the pair and the harsh gaze from the Phantom Lady.
"You came just as we've finished talking with the agent. He didn't tell us anything useful. Only that it was a key unlike the conventional key. Electronically coded into the metal is a series of command to open a vault that holds the fate of the world." He whispered back as Phantom Lady was drawing away the attention towards what the key is and digging up more information. "I'm thinking that the thing Rum wanted me to track down is this key."
"And for me to take it from it's holding place. Do you think the PSB has it?" KID glanced up at the flustering Director who was under the intense questioning by the Phantom Lady.
"Hard to tell. I haven't had the chance to talk to anyone else." Shinichi tries to hold back the grin at the sight.
"Might be because they know how deadly you are with words." KID leaned in closer, breath blowing wisps of hair, causing tingling sensation running along Shinichi's spine.
"Like you're any better." Shinichi randomly hit the air behind him, thinking he would not make contact, but KID caught his hand partway.
"Ahem." Fujie coughed for attention.
"Yes, you were saying something about the contents of the key." KID offered. Fujie looked to be irritated.
"KID, stop annoying him." Shinichi looked up, only to see that KID wasn't so much as grinning as smirking with slow motion, sending creepy shivers up Shinichi's spine.
"Oh, but he deserves it." KID placed a hand on his detective's shoulder, forcing him to remain in his seat as Phantom Lady leaped over the table to where the director was standing. She traced a finger along his jaws then grabbed hold of the tie around his neck, giving it a forceful tug. The surrounding agents couldn't react fast enough and Lady managed to put the director into a hostage hold. Fujie had the sense to hold up his hand to halt the guns pointing at him.
"Is something wrong Phantom Lady?" He asked.
"Only that I feel you're not telling the whole truth. You see, KID and I both think that you're trying to keep the cute detective here and use him as bait. I'm sure your other agent must have said something that leads you to this particular conclusion." Her smile was, strangely enough, clearly visible, teeth and all. It was as though they were looking at a female version of KID.
Fujie remained silent to the accusation, only that his action seems to have proven them right. Shinichi decided to take matters into his own hands. Sitting up straighter, and dislodging KID's hands, he crossed his legs and steepled his hands with elbows resting on the table's surface. KID's eyes sparked and glittered as he read his detective's body language. The man is due for some serious dressing down.
"Director Fujie. Is this true?" Shinichi asked, voice toned and smooth like the flow of velvet. But there was an undercurrent of coldness beneath. He was no doubt disappointed by the director's action and secretive nature, especially since they were working towards the same goal. "Does your agency know something regarding my involvement, or perhaps my existence?"
"Kudo-kun, we are merely collecting information. That is why we requested your presence here. We needed to confirm it with you." There was a tinge of desperation in his voice.
"Is that so?" Disbelief evident in the intonation. "So that agent had indeed woken up before, perhaps even before I last visited here."
His silence once again spoke louder than words. Shinichi's face turned from impassive to a full frown. KID behind him was vibrating with excitement. It wasn't often, if at all, he would see his detective in such a calm fury. He may be against violence and harm but these people needs to know who they are dealing with. Is it so difficult to have some respect?
"Director Fujie, you cannot expect me to trust you fully if you do not give me the same courtesy." Shinichi rose slowly, and purposefully, from his seat. It was as though it took all his control not to lunge at the director. He stalked over to where Fujie was being held captive, eyes of the surrounding agents following his every move. KID mimicked the detective, only approaching from the opposite side. He decided to keep silent, and perhaps provide the theatrics where needed.
As Shinichi stood in front of the man, weary of the agents behind him, he wondered if it really was a good idea to intimidate the director. He was at least lucky enough that he had two thieves looking out for his back.
"Director, you should know that a successful investigation requires collaboration between all parties and transparency. Withholding information would only be detrimental and hinder the investigation at best. At worst, we would never meet our goals. So, I will be courteous and ask once more, did the agent you rescue mention anything about what the key looks like, where the key leads to, and how he came by information about my involvement with The Organisation."
Fujie gulped. For a teenager not yet graduated from high school, Kudo Shinichi can truly bring an adult to his knees with how he controlled his voice and tone. He may not have the stature, but the way he used the environment and his own body can make a grown man feel small and inconsequential. He realised why the police would willingly collaborate and listen to this teen. Sparing a glance sideways, he noticed KID still had the gleam in his eyes. It made him wonder if refusing to answer was an option here.
"Well? I believe Meitantei-san asked you a question. It would only be polite to answer." KID grinned, playing with Fujie's badge. Phantom Lady had pick-pocketed him and subtly handed many items over, including the badge he is throwing into the air. It soon changed into a dove which flew around the table before leaving the meeting room. His keychain and a variety of Fujie's personal belongings was also given the same treatment. The man stared at KID, wide-eyed, before resigning by slumping his shoulders.
"You win. Phantom Lady, if you would be so kind as to release me, I'll share with you all that the PSB knows."
"Director!" The rest of the agents exclaimed. Fujie once again held up his hand to halt any further questions or arguments. Phantom Lady let go of her hold, allowing the director to sink back into his chair. However, the three guests remained standing. Fujie sighed, before tapping in a code at the wireless keyboard. It brought up an image on the large screens, reflected on the tablets on the table.
"This is our artist's interpretation of the key. A circular metallic band with small engravings and notches that at first glance, would look like nicks and imperfections." He clicked through several versions of images of a round silver ring. "Unfortunately, our agent also doesn't know where the keyhole or vault is. What we do know is that this ring was once held by the top echelons of The Organisation. Our agent became part of top, and took his chance. He mentioned a name, Rum, which makes us believe this character to be quite important and the current owner of the key."
Fujie turned over to Shinichi, who still stood with his back towards the table, facing the large screens as though taking in all the details. Seeing no reaction, he continued.
"There was also mention of an auction. We suspect that this key is to be auctioned off, which would explain the sudden interest by the residents of the dark side."
"The dark side? You mean the Yakuza?" KID voiced out, Shinichi was still lost in that mind of his, no doubt searching his own head for answers.
"The Yakuza is only one of them."
"Residents from all over. That was why there had been so many thefts and mugging lately." Shinichi recalled the sudden influx of reports of lost items. "Someone leaked out the news that the key is missing. It must be something very precious then. Too bad you don't know where it leads..."
KID saw how the rest of the room's occupants fidgeted and squirmed. The director may have control over his own emotions and body language, but his agents need a lot more work. KID felt how Phantom Lady moved subtly, repositioning her limbs, to show mild interest and annoyance.
"Oh my, it seems we have a lot more in common than we look Mr Director," Lady teased, "you seemed to have mastered the art of lying."
"Is that true? There are still information you are withholding from us?" Shinichi turned around to face the agents once more. Looking at this scene, KID couldn't help but think Shinichi looked more in his element than at a crime scene. The way the detective managed to command the adults' attention, and small amount of fear, is astounding.
Fujie sighed once more. "This has not been confirmed but there are rumours that there will be an underground weapons trade in the coming months. It would be a worldwide affair...we suspect the key would feature prominently in this auction."
"And given the construct of this key, you believe it holds information, blueprints maybe, or sensitive data that can be used to hold a country hostage." Shinichi walked himself to the doors, with no one bothering to stop him. Just before exiting, he turned back for a final message. "If I find anything, I'll contact you since I now have your number. But just a warning, I'm not solely only working with the JPSB so if you really want my cooperation, you'll have to train yourselves to work with others. We wouldn't want a repeat of the Scarlet Agent."
With a resounding click, the door closed and the agents relaxed visibly. Only to be suddenly reminded that there were still two thieves in the room.
"Now then gentlemen. I believe you lot needs to be taught a lesson in respect." KID's grin widened. Behind him, Phantom Lady made a show of locking the door. The agents shrink back visibly into this seats.
"What happened to your policy?" An agent dared to ask.
"We're not on a heist are we? So really, it should not surprise you that it wouldn't apply here. Don't worry, I'll make sure it's nothing permanent." A smile morphed into a toothy grin as a shudder circled around the agents. The room seemed to have dropped a few degrees in the scant seconds.
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Half an hour later Kaito met Shinichi at the cafe nearby. There were two cups on the table, one with its lid opened that the detective is drinking from.
"You certainly took your time." Shinichi commented, pushing the other cup towards Kaito.
"Sorry, mum decided to visit a few more stores." That was the story they came up with to keep the cover. The PSB may suspect all they want but without evidence, they could do very little. "Jii-chan has the car parked two blocks down, we'll go after we've finished the drinks. By the way, how did the meeting go?"
Shinichi frowned.
"That bad huh?" Taking another sip, he smiled into his drink. At least those agents got what they deserved. It should teach them not to mess with what a phantom thief has claimed for themselves (that and to respect other people's wishes). "Know that divine justice has been served."
"Nothing traumatizing I hope. I still have to work with these people." There was a small smile creeping on Shinichi's lips.
"Hmm...who knows. After all, I heard thieves are natural pranksters and extremely obsessive and possessive. They have to be to do what they do."
They looked up at each other and snickered.
"Well, I guess they would have deserved it then. So where are we going for dinner?"
"You'll just have to wait to find out. No point in ruining the surprise."
Kaito was glad that at least something good came out of today. Though, it still left him with a couple of questions. Ones that he is determined to find out for the safety of his detective. He had, after all, left some rather amazing gifts inside the PSB offices and it would give him unlimited access to every little bit of information. He mentally rubbed his hands together, already excited about the prospect of hunting in the government data bank.
-TBC-
-OMAKE: Conan's Classroom (2)-
Surrounding lights dimmed let the focus be drawn onto the whiteboard in the middle of the dark studio. The clicks of rapid footsteps increased in volume as someone ran in from the shadows towards the spotlight.
Conan: (pants) Phew, just in time. Hello and welcome to another lesson in Conan's Classroom!
Fujiko: (pounce onto Conan from behind the whiteboard) CONAN-CHAN!
Conan: AHHHHHHHHH! Mine Fujiko!
Fujiko: Mou! Why do you need to be scared? I'm only hugging you!
Conan: (struggles even harder) Get away! Get away! (manages to scramble out of the hold) SHINICHI-NIISAN!
Rapid footsteps once again echoed. A well-dressed Shinichi stood just on the edges where light meet darkness. Conan ran towards Shinichi and hid behind the detective.
Fijiko: (saunters) Oh my! Aren't you a handsome one!
Shinichi: Shouldn't you be with Lupin?
Shinichi edged further away from the outstretched hand.
A white gloved hand suddenly appeared from the shadows, drawing Shinichi away from Fijiko.
KID: (steps into the light, pushing Fujiko back) No, this one's mine!
Shinichi (whispers to Conan): While they're arguing, finish your segment.
Conan: Right.
Another whiteboard magically appears behind Conan, with the words of Vermouth's riddled text message.
Maestro, maestro, ye of olde. Play your lullaby for the show. Like the pied piper playing for a fee. Maestro, maestro, set them free.
Conan: Vermouth was referring to the conductor, or the Maestro of the Orchestra, which in this case is Shinichi-niisan seeing as he's leading the law enforcements even unofficially. Playing the lullaby is to start his 'hypnosis' and lure his prey out. The story of pied piper, a player that was cheated out of his payments, in this case Shinichi-niisan loosing his time. The last line, well that's self explanatory.
Conan looks up at Shinichi expectantly. Shinichi ruffled Conan's hair.
Shinichi: Good job. Now let's scram before they remember...
Conan and Shinichi tiptoed away from the area, leaving the arguing thieves to themselves.
-OMAKE END-
A/N: Ok, now for the actual OMAKE.
-OMAKE: Afternoon Tea-
Sonoko stalked over to Shinichi's seat during lunch hour. He was in the middle of a conversation with Nakamichi when Sonoko slammed her hands on his desk.
"You're free this afternoon right?" Sonoko stated as though it was a confirmed act.
"Sonoko?" Ran turned from her own conversation with another classmate to see why the heiress was near intimidating Shinichi.
"Well Kudo-kun?" She sounded impatient.
Shinichi gulped and shook his head. Even Nakamichi and the girl Ran was talking to were inching away from their desks.
"Good. You and Kuroba-kun are coming with. Makoto-san just came back, he's joining us for tea. Ran's coming as well right?" Sonoko looked at Ran expectantly.
"Sure..." Her voice quivered with hesitation.
"Good." She nodded to herself.
After school, Kaito waited for his detective. The afternoon's message had put him on edge when he was told that under no circumstances were he to leave and that he was to join in for afternoon tea. Apparently Sonoko had managed to get a hold of Shinichi's phone to type the (threatening) message. Which is why Kaito is trying his best to be on his best behaviour. The last time he tried to pull a prank during one of Sonoko's sessions had him in a shouting match with the girl and nearly thrown out of the restaurant. It was a dark spot in his somewhat impeccable history of being a gentleman.
"Kaito." Shinichi was quick to hide behind the magician when Sonoko had the maniac gleam walking behind them.
"Now that we're all here, let's go. Makoto-san said he's already at the cafe." Ran was being dragged by Sonoko towards the shopping district.
They arrived at a small, out-of-the-way cafe tucked behind the main streets. The front was decorated with vines and bushes, with a pebbled trail leading up from the gated entrance to a wooden door. It was one of those new age boutique style cafe that began to spring up recently in Beika.
"Here we are." Sonoko turned with flourish.
Hesitantly the three turned to look at one another, not quite sure whether to proceed but Sonoko was already tugging Ran into the cafe.
Sonoko ran over the moment she saw her boyfriend. Next to him was an unknown male.
"Sonoko..." Ran whined. It was another attempt again by the young heiress. Shinichi and Kaito both gave the karate master a pat of encouragement and they all shared a sigh.
"Let's get this over quickly then." Kaito muttered underneath his breath, hoping no one heard. This is getting repetitive now.
-OMAKE END-
