"Ohayoo, minna! Mokona-chan here with the latest news. Seems like the battle between thieves is still going strong. The score is now up three for three: while Night Magician escaped with the "Demon & Angel" painting, the Pandora Gem, and the stage curtains from the campus theatre, Saint Star made off with the Blue Meteorite gemstone, the Shinomiya wedding veil, and Tama the lizard. Has Star taken some pointers from Blossom? Because our new saint has uncovered a corrupt jeweler, stopped a forced marriage, and saved a missing pet. I don't know about you, but I'm liking this thief more and more. Maybe it has to do with the fact that Night Magician has yet to return the missing red curtains? Has our good thief gone bad? Will CLAMP School ever get their curtains back? Only time will tell. You'll know when I know."
Eriol Hiiragizawa was slipping the knot of his deep green tie up his neck when he spotted a dark-haired cat waiting patiently in the mirror. "Sorry for the wait, Spinel," the first year said. "Let's get you across the wall, shall we?" Taking its cue, Spinel leapt from the balcony to a large protruding tree branch, strolling on its four paws across the way. Eriol followed, careful not to soil his uniform as he crossed from the back gardens of his house to the back gardens of his neighbor. He stopped as far as the brick wall, sitting on the partition as he waited.
Spinel, on the other hand, landed on the veranda of the second floor. The cat did not stop once until having reached destination- Tomoyo Daidouji's lap.
Tomoyo smiled, putting down her hairbrush to tickle the chin of her guest. "Good morning to you too, Spinel." The feline purred. Maneuvering her wheelchair onto the veranda, her smile grew even wider. Eriol waved from his spot. In response, Tomoyo lifted Spinel from her lap to show that indeed she made across safe.
Spinel happened to be a stray kitten Eriol found on one of his Night Magician missions. Knowing well that Tomoyo would love to have a friend, Eriol brought the feline animal. But Spinel stubbornly decided her home would be both houses, so Tomoyo and Eriol just got used to having a cat over every other week.
"Don't steal anything," Tomoyo teased. Smirking, Eriol reached over to pluck a morning glory. Shaking her head, Tomoyo turned to Spinel. "Let's get you some breakfast," Tomoyo coddled, turning back into the house.
Eriol plucked a few more to make a bouquet when he heard a voice. "I thought you weren't going to come over today," said Kaho Mizuki as she walked along the garden, a warm coffee in her hand.
Smiling, Eriol deftly jumped from the wall and landed on the lush grass of the garden. "For you," he offered the live-in teacher the morning glory bouquet.
Almost blushing, she accepted the flowers, lifting them to her nose delicately. "Didn't you say there was something early you had to do at school today?" Kaho reminded him.
"Had to say good morning to you first," Eriol grinned as he climbed back over the wall. Kaho smiled, sniffing the bouquet once more as she turned back into the Daidouji Manor.
This was odd, because there was no early Student Council meeting. Syaoran walked into his classroom 2-C much later and stopped immediately. A buddy slapped him on the back in greeting, but he barely mumbled a response. Something was definitely off; the detective in him knew it. But Syaoran couldn't figure it out as he placed his bag on his desk.
Rika Sasaki greeted him warmly from the desk next to his. "Good morning, Syaoran-san." Then she noticed his pensive look. "Is everything okay?"
"I'm not sure yet," he mindlessly answered as he reached into desk. His fingers touched something unfamiliar, and curiously the detective pulled out a white calling card.
"Tonight, at 8 pm, the Night Magician will retrieve the Polar Tear diamond from the CLAMP Jewelry Shop." For a moment he just stared at the note. As much as Syaoran hated to acknowledge that the thief had morals, Night Magician was a creature of habit. He never stole anything without returning the item from his last heist. Then —it clicked. The classroom had a new red carpet. That itself was strange, because the school opted for white tiled floors instead of a comfy, padded one.
"Sasaki-san, go get a teacher." The nun-in-training nodded without question and left the room. Raising his voice in a loud tone of authority, he ordered the rest of the class to wait outside. When everyone had followed compliantly, Syaoran dug his phone out of his pocket. Kneeling down to finger a corner of the carpet, he said into the phone, "It's me. I found the school curtain."
The first bells were ringing as Sakura ran to her classroom. Slowing down, she noticed in puzzlement the crowd around classroom 2-C. What happened? She mouthed to Rika, who smiled and started walking her way when the late bell sounded. They exchanged apologetic looks before Sakura slipped into her own classroom to avoid being marked tardy.
"Barely made it, once again," Fanren grinned when Sakura settled into her seat. The brunette returned a rueful smile: it seemed no matter what school she went to, she would always be almost late.
"What happened to the class next door?" Sakura whispered as the teacher went over announcements.
Fanren gave a quiet laugh. "Night Magician used the curtain as a carpet for class 2-C." Sakura's mouth dropped open in surprise. "Being as that he had to move all the desks, the police are looking for a new set of fingerprints and checking if anything else is lost. I doubt they're going to find any, though."
Leaning back into her chair, Sakura just had to grin. Even though Night Magician was her rival, she had give him credit. The fellow thief had his good points. He was proving to be a lot of fun. But Saint Star was better, and tonight's heist would prove it.
Syaoran was walking to the campus theatre with the curtains in hand (which unfortunately did not produce any clues) when the huge crowd attracted his attention. Moving through the crowd, he saw first-hand the audacity of the other thief. Tied to the entrance of the doors were giant, multi-colored balloons of different shapes and colors. It was a direct challenge to the Magician, of course. The Saint counted on the fact that Night Magician returned his items, so at the scene of the crime, she left a calling card. Or maybe this just proved the theory that those two were working together, because why else would she (or he, Syaoran had yet to be sure) leave something that connected her to another thief?
And he was right: the white star-shaped card taped to the largest balloon had to be proof. "At 8:00 pm, I will steal the Electra tiara at the CLAMP Jewelry Shop. —Saint Star."
"Breaking news! Moko-chan here to give an update. Bring out the party favors everyone, because our good thief is still good. The curtains were thankfully returned, but the story of how it was found is not as scandalous as the one I have. Tonight will be the first of many: Night Magician and Saint Star will be putting on a performance at the same time and at the same place. But is this a showdown or a joint venture? Wouldn't we all like to know?"
Forgive me Lord, for the tricks I have up my sleeves, Sakura prayed silently. Then she stepped out of the confessional, completely dressed in the rose-colored outfit. Sakura's long auburn hair gathered into a single ponytail with a blue bow to offset the red. She grinned, "Showtime!"
Rika opened the jewelry case. "Don't forget to wear this," she reminded as moved in to attach Tomoyo's gift around the thief's neck. Sakura smiled as she fingered the star charm. "Remember, Night Magician will be there as well, so security will be tighter," Rika told her. "Be careful." For a solemn moment, the two clasped hands to say together, "May the good Lord watch over us and keep us." Then Sakura tied her mask on and bounded out of the church.
Saint Star was ready to go.
"The cake was delicious as always, Tomoyo-san," Eriol praised, once again setting down his spoon on an empty plate. "But now I'm afraid I have to leave."
Tomoyo's heart swelled with the praise, but her smile dimmed as she recalled his next heist. "Hi-kun," she called softly, hesitating. Usually she would never discuss his methods, on the other hand things were now different.
On a side note, she was inwardly glad he chose to wait when all she did was say his name.
"Does it always have to be this way?" she asked him. "Couldn't there be other means of returning the items that the original Night Magician stole?" And by 'other means' she meant safer.
The look on his face was grave. Eriol considered the exquisite diamond hidden safely away in one of the secret rooms of the Reed Manor- the real Polar Tear diamond that his uncle Clow Reed had taken as the first Magician. Meanwhile, a replica so artfully crafted by Uncle Clow rested on display at the CLAMP Jewelry Shop and no one knew the difference. Eriol shook his head. "No," he said, almost forlornly. "If the Magician stole them, then he will return them."
It was the least Eriol could do for Uncle Clow, who died as Night Magician. When the man wasn't thieving, he had served as a good father figure to Eriol while he lived. It was a duty Eriol fulfilled unquestioningly. Yet Eriol understood the thrill of performing his magic talents, defying moral principles, dancing on danger. Playing around with the detective wasn't his only satisfaction.
Tomoyo conceded once again. "Just be safe," she pleaded, just before he smiled and slipped out into silence.
Night Magician, too, was ready to go.
One… two… THREE!
"No!" Syaoran shouted as the entire Jewelry Shop plunged into darkness. His men were falling into chaos. "Stay calm! Stick to your teams! Team 1, guard the diamond! Team 2, protect the tiara!" At least he got permission from his mother to add another team, but they too were idiots.
"Everyone go after the tiara!" another voice commanded. Syaoran stared in shock at Mr. Kaido, the storeowner. Was he stupid too? That would leave the diamond unattended!
When the police force looked at each other confused, Syaoran growled out their orders, knowing he would have to spell it out for them. "Ignore him! Stay in your positions!"
Kaido looked offended. "If you won't protect the tiara, then I will!" he spat out, running up the stairs. "I spent years swindling them out of that tiara, I'm not going to let some run-of-the-mill thief take it from me!"
What?! Syaoran thought immediately when he realized what the storeowner said.
"Right!" Saint Star said to herself as headed towards the display room. "You can't get away with that. The good Lord sees everything!" She grinned; Kaido was going to get exactly what he deserved. Slipping past the security, she finally reached the glass case. "What…?" she whispered.
The display case was empty.
"Where are you going?" Syaoran hissed to the storeowner as he caught up to him a few flights up. The detective wisely filed away the fact he was dealing with another corrupt jeweler, once again. "The tiara's in the display room!"
"No it's not," Kaido said smugly, still running up the stairs. "I hid the tiara on the roof. There's construction going on, she'll never be able to find it." When they burst through the door, Syaoran had to admit the slimy bastard was right. With repairs going on, the place was a mess. He was careful to not go too close to the edge, it was apparent a new railing needed to be installed.
"Commander!" Teams 1 and 2 burst through the door as well. "We're here!"
Unleashing his glare, Syaoran furiously asked, "What are you doing here? I said, stay in your positions!"
One timid voice chose to speak up. "You ordered to follow you and protect the tiara. On the speakerphone."
"I didn't-!" Syaoran snapped. Realization came through. "The Magician tricked you. He's good with impersonations."
"The diamond!" Kaido exclaimed in horror and left the rooftop in a hurry. The detective and the police followed him through the door- all except one. A young man dressed in the outfit of the police force was left behind. Night Magician smirked because it was getting almost too easy.
Yet the door opened, revealing a scowling detective. "Should've known," he muttered.
Night smiled grandly. "Good evening, Detective Li," he said, polite as always.
"Give me the diamond, Night Magician," ordered Syaoran as he closed the door behind him and personally placed himself as the blockade. "I've got men surrounding all the exits."
"I'm sorry for the trouble," he apologized.
"Hup!" a voice interrupted the congenial conversation while a red cape and blue ribbon flipped over the edge of the balcony edge. Saint Star landed neatly on her feet. "Hello, boys," she greeted with a winning smile after she considered her new companions.
"How-?" Syaoran sputtered.
"There is an open window on the floor below," Night told him. Turning to the female he said, "Good evening, I believe this the first time we've met."
Star looked surprised at the polite reception. Another quality about the Magician that pleased her. "But not the first we've heard each other," she grinned back. "It was nice meeting you. Sorry, but excuse me," she said as backed away.
"The tiara," Syaoran realized, instinctively following her. He was too late though, as he witnessed her grin as soon as she found it.
She mocked him, placing the tiara on her head after removing her ribbon. "Perfect fit." All the while, her mind raced. What was the vice president doing here?
"It's not yours," Syaoran lunged for the object.
Ducking swiftly, she retorted, "It's not Kaido's either. Give me one reason I should give it to you."
"I'd return it to the proper owners," Syaoran promised. "That's more than I can say than you," he bit out, lunging for the tiara again.
Star flipped out of the way safely, but the detective reached too far. The momentum carried him over the edge, Syaoran inwardly groaning as his feet no longer touched solid ground. He felt sick to the stomach as he realized it was a long way down. "No!" Star gasped as she first watched him fall. Acting entirely on impulse, she raced after him, jumping off the ledge to catch him.
Night ran to the edge as well, holding his breath. It wasn't supposed to be this way. No one was supposed to get hurt. He breathed a little easier when Star acted quickly and brought out her getaway tools. Large, multicolored balloons were brought seemingly out of nowhere, keeping the thief afloat. "Hold on," she whispered, struggling to keep one arm around Syaoran while the other hand held onto her balloons. Syaoran said nothing.
She wasn't built for this. Star had no physical strength; her body was better at flexibility. As she tightened her hold on her classmate she grimaced. She wouldn't be able to keep this up very long. Something would have to give.
Pop!
"Get back here! You're not getting away!" Kaido cried as he brandished a gun. "Give me back the tiara!"
Star winced as another bullet punctured a balloon, causing her to slip. The two dipped dangerously. Syaoran cursed. "Kaido," he hissed.
They were going to drop. Night pulled out one of his special playing cards, aimed and threw. Kaido fired just as the gun was knocked out of his hands. "What?!" Grabbing the fallen pistol Kaido spun around to catch the satisfied smirk. He shot again, catching the tail of the Magician's cape as the thief disappeared.
Unfortunately, the stray bullet hit a balloon especially close to Star's head. She gasped when the mini-explosion startled her, surprising her into letting go. On reflex Syaoran pulled her closer as they fell a lucky short distance to the ground. Together they tumbled down a hill, under and over each other, until they came to a stop at the level bottom.
"Argh," Star grumbled into Syaoran's shoulder. This wouldn't have happened if he wasn't here. Why was the vice president always showing up unexpected? At least the danger was gone and they were safe.
Then she realized they'd landed in an embarrassing position where she was on top. Time to get off. Tilting her head a little to take a good look at him, she said, "Are you ok-"
Syaoran, who was about to ask the same question, froze. At that exact moment, his face turned to hers at the worst possible moment, his lips meeting something completely unexpected.
It was their first kiss.
Tomoyo stared blankly at the giant cross hanging from the ceiling in the front of the church. The symbol didn't serve to calm her fears. Two of her most important people were in danger last night, and there had to be a gun involved. What else would explain the hole she found in the cape Hi-kun asked her to mend? At least neither of them was hurt, unless you count for the minor scrapes and bruises Sakura received. Tomoyo couldn't help but worry when every other night they risked getting caught to fulfill their duties. Was this the way it would end up every time they became Night and Star? What if one day it turned for the worse?
Rika joined her at the pew. "Tomoyo-san, how can I help you?" she asked with a gentle smile.
The dark-haired girl turned to the nun-in-training, grateful for the listening ear. "I have a confession to make."
A/N: Thank you so much to Lily887787, LadyCrazyMonkeyPants, Neco-chan, StarAngel02, da1wholuvanime, and AnimeManga4evah for reviewing. I love reading your comments!
Lily887787, LadyCrazyMonkeyPants, StarAngel02, & da1wholuvanime: well, here's the next chapter. Hope the next one doesn't take as long!
Neco-chan: Thank you!
AnimeManga4evah: Yup, this story is loosely based it on Saint Tail, but I added her rival as a twist. I mention it on my profile, so if you want more details, check it out!