21: (Special) Flash to the Past: Dubious Character

(A special chapter due to writing 20 chapters, involving a crossover with Maurice Leblanc's, Arsène Lupin Gentleman Burglar.)

It was a dreary day. The dark, cold skies heavy with threatening rain while light fog added to the obscurity of the darkly dressed people hurrying about on the dirty old streets. Still, the dreary weather failed to affect the high spirits of one man, a spring in his steps as he strode with head held high through the crowds.

The man's appearance was perfectly crafted to be forgettable. The same kind of dark clothes as everybody else adorned his lanky form. His thin lightly bearded face, brown eyes, and styled black hair (while attractive) were unremarkable. A persona as perfectly crafted as this could belong to only the greatest thief of the day, Arsène Lupin. The criminal grinned to himself.

Through the crowds of dark cloth, a flash of a far lighter shade caught Arsène's attention. Curious, he maneuvered to a closer location to watch.

The 'disturbance' was two foreigners, well… even more foreign in the London streets than a Frenchman was. One was a rather energetic teenager with strange violet eyes and unruly brown hair that peaked out from under a cream colored top hat. His tailcoat was the same shade of off-white with accents in gold. The vest underneath was a rich dark blue and his dress pants were the same, tucked into tall leather boots so the hem avoided the dirty water coating the stone underfoot. A blood red ribbon tied around his neck stood out against both the darker and lighter materials. Strangely he wore a monocle over his right eye.

The teenager's companion was dressed in a far less eye-catching manner. The young child wore large spectacles and no hat. His coat and pants were navy blue and his shirt underneath sky blue. A cravat in the same red color as the teenager's was tied around his neck. He was glaring at the exuberant teenager. Both were obviously of Japanese decent and were arguing back and forth in their native language.

Finally the younger child sighed, "when in London do as the Londoners do." He suddenly said in a lightly accented English. "When in London… one should explore!" Exclaimed the older boy in a far heavier accent. Which one is supposed to be the elder? Arsène thought in amusement.

The younger boy scowled, "no KID, we have to find our way home! Where's that lady in red?" Arsène frowned, wasn't the little one the kid here? Why would he address his elder as such? "Don't call me that!" The elder said, adjusting his top hat, "I'm not KID right now! Just call me… Kaitou. Everyone else here will think it's my name, 'kay Shinichi!" Arsène grinned, now he had names.

Shinichi growled, "it's Conan!" Kaitou laughed, "you're not in danger here, no need to hide your name… though actually… it might be better if you don't let that witch know your name. Anyway Conan-chan, let's go!" He grabbed the younger boys hand and, despite his protests, began dragging him down the street. Arsène followed discreetly.

Shini- Conan paused and glanced around anxiously, "we're being observed." Conan exclaimed. Kaitou sighed in exasperation; "you really need to learn subtlety, detective-kun, now he knows that we're on to him. Seriously, it's a wonder that nobody else figures you out." Conan rolled his eyes, "so you know who's following us?" Kaitou smirked mysteriously, "if I do, it's for me to know and you to discover. Besides, our tail isn't important." His voice became the most serious that Arsène had seen on him, "that person over there…" he gestured to a person walking ahead of them and spoke softly, "he's dangerous, stay right here."

Kaitou vanished into the crowd. "Wait!" Conan cried, only to realize he was too late. He grit his teeth and clenched his hands, "you stupid, kidnapping, thieving…" he cursed, "you get me trapped here and then you just run off like a-" "like a what?" Kaitou interrupted, appearing out of nowhere. Even Arsène couldn't help, but be impressed. Conan jumped, "what the hell were you doing?!" Kaitou waved a hand airily, "learn to relax, anyway…" with a flick of his wrist and a smooth flaring of his fingers a small handgun appeared in his palm.

That was when Arsène realized. After Kaitou brought attention to the man ahead of them and seemed to vanish, someone had bumped into that person. Thinking back, it had obviously been the teen. Once again Arsène was impressed. Not even he, the greatest thief in the world had seen the kid move or change into darker colors.

"You kleptomaniac!" Conan hissed. Kaitou pouted, "am not, it's just that he stank of alcohol, had this in his pocket, and was far too… focused for a drinker." The bespectacled boy grabbed the weapon and Arsène was surprised when his older companion didn't stop the child. "He could be a police under cover", he argued. "He wasn't." Kaitou cut him off confidently, "wouldn't you agree, spy-san?"

Arsène jerked, but when the teenager looked straight at him and smiled, he returned the grin and stepped away from his shadowed hiding place. "Indeed." Arsène agreed. "There is an air of lawfulness that sets apart those who uphold the law. Among… other inconsistencies, he did not possess this aura." Conan wasn't convinced. "Come, come chibi-tantei", Kaitou said with a chuckle, "we have before us a true professional, you can trust his word as much as you trust mine." Conan snorted, "why should I?" Kaitou looked horrified, "don't you know who this is!? This man is KID's inspiration! This man is…" he paused dramatically, "Arsène Lupin!"

Arsène smiled pleasantly to hide his surprise. "I am indeed, Arsène Lupin, at your service" he gave a little bow. Kaitou returned it. "I am afraid I have not made your acquaintance before", Arsène remarked. Kaitou shrugged, putting on a regretful face, "unfortunately with present company", he glanced down at Conan, "I am unable to properly introduce myself, but I am known as Phantom Thief 1412 or Kaitou KID. Please just call me Kaitou for now. My companion and greatest rival is-". He was cut off as the child in question spoke up, "Ed- Conan Edogawa, a detective."

Arsène 'oohed' in interest. "They start so young." Kaitou lamented, "he's always looking for the tricks in my heists. He doesn't believe in magic." "Magic?" Arsène questioned. Kaitou smirked, "yep, it's my trademark. I send a riddled notice beforehand, then appear with wings of white to steal my target, escaping the chickens with the use of magic." "Tricks." Conan snapped, "while I'll admit they are elaborate and your impersonations are flawless, in the end they are all just tricks."

Kaitou's expression darkened, "just because I don't use it doesn't mean there isn't real magic in the world. How else would you explain us being here?" Conan shrugged, "a hallucination or dream." Arsène watched in amusement as the other thief gave a blinding smile and spoke in a girl's voice, "Ah! Conan-chan, it's so flattering that you would admit to dreaming about me! Should I tell Ran-chan to be concerned!" Conan blushed deeply, "just shut up!" Kaitou grinned, switching back to his normal voice, "Ahh, Lupin-san you wouldn't happen to have seen a teenage, Japanese girl with red hair and eyes, would you? She's quite… distinguishable."

Arsène frowned apologetically, "I'm afraid not, but I would be more than happy to help a fellow artist in need. In return I would love to hear more about these heists of yours." Kaitou grinned, "only if you return the favor." Chatting merrily about less than legal activities, the two thieves walked off side by side. With a groan, Conan quickly followed, then he realized… if Arsène Lupin is here, so should Sherlock Holmes! A large grin split across his face. Now he just needed to convince KID to take him to Baker Street.