...ok, I lied. Plain and simple. I didn't get this chapter out faster regardless of how much you guys wanted it and reviewed it, I got it out three times as late. Feel free to pelt me with whatever you deem necessary, I deserve that and much more...

On a happier note, I did enjoy the reviews. They brightened my day. ^^ Also, if all goes well, I should be getting the next one out sooner, considering it's now summer break. Again, not making any definite promises, as somehow my summer is just as busy as my school year... -.- I still love reviews, though. That hasn't changed. ;)

Also, in case it wasn't clear, this story takes place immediately following the Desperate Revival arc. As a result, Shinichi has only encountered Kid thrice chronologically, up to this point: during the clock tower heist, during the Black Star heists, and during the magic lovers' case. However, on the flip side, since Kid does not yet know Conan's true identity and since he never actually saw Shinichi during the clock tower heist, he has never truly "met" him face-to-face until now. Just wanted to clear that up in case anyone was confused on why they were acting the way they were. Alright, now on with the story!

The Raven's Eclipse
by pikacutie25

Chapter 5: The Plan

Kaito stood in silence, absorbing everything Shinichi had just told him. Arms crossed and eyes closed, he tried putting the pieces together in his mind. Wow, his story is really something. It makes sense, but at the same time, I feel like he's still hiding something… After a lengthy pause, he finally said, "So, let me get this straight…one day, you followed a suspicious man in black. You saw him make an illegal transaction with some other guy, and then you got knocked out from behind. Then you say they tried to kill you…right?"

"Y-yeah," Shinichi responded somewhat hesitantly.

"Exactly how did they try to kill you?" Kaito asked in a tone of innocent curiosity.

"A gun," Shinichi answered, too quickly. "They…shot me with a gun, but I managed to survive and get help."

"I see. And since then, you've purposely remained in hiding for fear of them trying to kill you again should they ever discover your survival?"

"That's right. But somehow, even with my precautions, they managed to discover…and now, Ran is…" Shinichi stopped himself, not wanting to lose face during such a critical moment. After a brief pause, he continued, "So that's why I need help. I need someone who is cool and collected in tricky situations to disguise as me and confront whoever it is that kidnapped Ran while I search for her."

"And seeing as I am a thief skilled in disguise who has never been caught, that's why you came to me for help," Kaito summed up.

"Yes…" Shinichi said reluctantly. "But I hope you realize that I would never in my right mind ask you for such a huge favor unless you were my absolute last resort, and maybe not even then. After all, I'm a detective, and you're a thief," he finished simply. Can't argue with that logic.

Kaito resumed standing in silence, thinking over everything and carefully considering all his options. Even in the situation he was in right now, he could probably still figure out a way of escape. After all, he was Kaitou Kid, doer of the impossible and maker of miracles…something like that. Anyways, he shouldn't be forced to help an enemy…especially his archrival! Though, with a problem of this grand of a scale, he'd be greatly indebted to him for a while. That could be nice, he thought with a subtle smirk. Meitantei Kudo Shinichi, in debt to the infamous Kaitou Kid. What a riot!

Seeming to have reached some sort of decision, Kaito finally opened his eyes to look at his expectant rival, only to find that that same vulnerable, resigned look from before had returned. Geez, he's really hit an all-time low, hasn't he? Well, they did kidnap his girlfriend…can't really blame him. For just a moment, he put himself in Shinichi's shoes, and realized that if it was Aoko who was in danger, he'd be just as desperate. I have to help him, he finally resolved. And if this organization he's talking about is the same one that killed Dad, oh man, we're really gonna make them pay.

Suddenly, loud knocking came again from the door behind him, and a voice shot out from the radio Shinichi was holding, "P-4 to K-3! What is going on in there!?"

Both realizing they were running out of time, they looked at each other and simultaneously came to a silent agreement. "Meet me in the alley behind the shipyard in two hours," Shinichi said in a hushed voice. Kaito nodded his acknowledgement. Then, after one more moment of silence, Shinichi raised the radio to his mouth and said, "K-3 to P-4, I have Kaitou Kid cornered! I'm about to—"

Taking the cue, Kaito threw down a smoke bomb, saying, "I don't think so, tantei-san!"

"Aaagh!" Shinichi pretended into the radio, then promptly lay down on the ground. After one last glance at his newfound ally, Kaito rushed to the window. Opening it in a hurry, he readied his glider and immediately hopped out, leaving the "collapsed" detective to deal with wrapping up the police side of the heist. Whatever that entailed.

As he glided away into the cool, cloudless night sky, Kaito had plenty of time to think about and prepare for the upcoming event later on that same evening. Alright, I'll need to change up my hair a little bit, since that's apparently the only thing that can tell us apart. I should probably bring a few of my useful gadgets, but not the flashy ones, because that's not like him. I'll have to see what I can fit into that suit I never wear, and…

…what the heck am I getting myself into…?

Waiting. He always had problems with waiting; it was one of his major personality flaws. Whenever he discovered some major breakthrough in a case or situation, rather than make the logical choice and wait for sufficient backup, he would charge in head-first without a second thought to the danger he'd put himself into as a result. If he'd had even an ounce less of luck, he would be dead ten times over by now. So, then, why did he keep doing it? Why did he constantly endanger himself for the sake of others? The answer was just that: he always put others before himself (when he wasn't gloating about having solved a case, that is). And ever since the Moonlight Sonata case where he failed to save Seiji from committing suicide after his deduction, he has always tried his hardest to prevent the same thing from happening to every culprit he exposed, sometimes risking his own life in the process—again, without waiting for any outside help. And thus this "major flaw" of his has turned out to be one of the most likable aspects of him. Occasionally it did turn on him, however, as was made apparent by Haibara who scolded him for revealing himself prematurely as the Black Knight. But he had to in order to solve the case! …Right?

Now, however, he was forced to wait for help from someone who was supposed to be a criminal in what was probably the most delicate yet crucial situation in his entire life. The person he held dearest was currently in the clutches of what he knew to be the most dangerous and ruthless organization in existence. The thought that he could lose her forever at any given moment was excruciating, yet here he was waiting, doing nothing. If he hadn't been the levelheaded detective that he was, he probably would have lost his mind by now, but even that was not enough to keep his eyes off his watch for more than five consecutive seconds. He had absolutely no guarantee that the guy would actually come, and considering that he had just singlehandedly foiled his [probably] carefully thought-of plan and almost gotten him arrested less than two hours ago, the chances weren't looking that great.

Then, just as he started to grow worried, he noticed a shadow approaching him in the darkness of the alley. Not knowing for certain who it could be, he warily watched the figure close the distance between them until he perceived a face identical to his own, with a flawless matching hairstyle. Marginally relieved, he glanced down at his watch one last time. 11:30. Exactly two hours…this guy is good.

"Alright, tantei-san, I'm here," Kid enunciated. "Now, ignoring the unanswerable question of why I actually showed up, may I ask what brilliant scheme you've devised to save your girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend," Shinichi mumbled, blushing slightly. He noticed a slight smirk on Kid's face, much to his annoyance considering it was basically his own face smirking at him. Clearing his throat, Shinichi moved on, in a much more audible voice. "Anyways, here's the plan in a nutshell: as I said before, you're going to confront whoever it is that had the gall to kidnap her just to get to me while I search for her. The reason it's not the other way around, well, I'm sure you can figure it out."

"Yeah, yeah, I've got the dangerous job, I know," Kid muttered. "But hold on…he's probably going to ask 'Kudo Shinichi' a few questions, right? How will I know what to say?"

"Yes, well, that's where these come in," Shinichi replied, then proceeded to pull out a couple of miniature devices. "These communicators will allow us to contact each other, and they're small enough to escape notice in the dark. When he asks you a question, I'll tell you the answer through the communicator."

"So, if I put on a good enough performance, he shouldn't be able to tell the difference."

"That's the idea," Shinichi nodded. "And I trust you of all people shouldn't have a problem doing that."

"Of course not! I'll put on such a convincing act that not even a detective like you will be able to see through it!" Kid smirked.

"Good," Shinichi allowed himself a small smile. "Now, as soon as I've safely rescued her, I'll tell you and then you'll do whatever is necessary to escape. Just…make sure you're not out of character when you do it. You wouldn't want him figuring out it was you."

"Yes, mother. I'll be extra careful," Kid said in a mock tone of childlike obedience. Sometimes I really wonder about this guy…

"Okay then…" Shinichi said, slightly disturbed. Looking down at his watch again, he saw that the time was upon them. They needed to get going. "Well, it's about that time. Are you prepared for whatever he might throw our way?"

"Do you even have to ask?" Kid responded, now obviously annoyed.

"Alright then, let's go," Shinichi suggested and started walking. Kid followed closely behind. After a couple of long minutes spent walking in expectant silence, they reached the entrance to the shipyard. "Now, if my deduction is correct, he should be waiting over there," Shinichi remarked and gestured to a specific area.

"Gotcha. If that's all, then I'm off," Kid stated. After a brief hesitation, he departed in the direction Shinichi pointed out to him, his hands in the pockets of his suit.

When he was out of sight, Shinichi began his own walk in the opposite direction, looking for any sign of Ran and anything out of the ordinary. Only then did it strike him how expansive this shipyard was; the rows of warehouses seemed to stretch on for miles. Even finding her was going to be harder than he thought. But he couldn't give up now, not when she was so close! She had to be in one of those warehouses. So, he'd just have to keep looking until he found her. Shinichi started walking at a faster pace, strengthened by his resolve to find her. Hold on, Ran! I'm coming...!

Author's Note: It's not much longer, guys! The confrontation where Rum will reveal his methods is finally coming next chapter! Look forward to it!

In the meantime, you all should check out CrystalizedDarkness's (previously BrookeRan1414) amazing stories! They're well worth your time, and she even updates regularly, unlike me! So you should definitely do that.

Aaand one last thing: I neglected to say this last time, but I'm thinking of also writing a one-shot on one of the couples in DC. However, I just can't decide which pairing to write about! So that's why I need you guys, my faithful readers, to vote on the poll on my profile to help me decide! At the moment, it's a tie between two of the pairings, so it really needs more votes! Thanks, everyone!

And with that, I'll leave with one last remark: REVIEWS! Thank you for your time. See ya at the next chapter!