Chapter 25: Let's start how we intend to continue.
Guess what guys! I emailed the people upstairs, and now Arcobaleno, Vongola 1st generation, Vongola 10th Generation and Vendice are now all characters. It'll help distinguish family styled fics like my other fic and the 1/10 gen ones that are popular at the moment.
According to Fanfiction, this story is now over 200,000 words! Thank you all for reading that much writing. I know that some stories end at around this many words, but for me, this is truly the beginning, hence the chapter name.
I'm glad that you all like Chrome's rescue scene, it was spur of the moment and rather kawaii in my opinion.
To Dude: I'll take your preference into consideration, and there will be some coming your way soon (eventually). Thanks for saying I rock, it means a lot. And here is your next chapter!
To crycrypang: Thank you for saying how much you love this little (ha) fic of mine. Here's the next chapter for you. With the events in this chapter, Hattori will be one step closer to coming to Italy. And you are half right with your prediction/suggestion.
The whole of this chapter would be spoken in Italian, unless specified.
"Did you see it?"
"I know, I can't believe it!"
"How long has it been since the last one?"
"Well, it's got to have been at least 20 years by now."
"So are you going to go?"
"Am I going to go? I've cancelled all of my parties to go and see it. What a wonderful celebration this will be!"
"I totally agree, come on let's go"
It had the whole of Italy in an uproar. It held first place on the International News. People were flying in in the thousands, filling hotels for miles around Venice. No one was going to miss this if they could.
It had all started on Friday the 26th. No one saw who left it, but it was definitely there now. On the Chief of Police's desk was a night blue envelope, with white spots representing stars. In white cursive writing was simply "Read me". The man looks dubiously at the yellow rose sitting diagonally over the corner of the envelope. He didn't need another secret admirer. But this rose was yellow not red. Intrigued, and not one to ignore others feelings, he picks up the envelope- on the back is a crescent moon. Breaking open the envelope, all that's inside is a simple white card with bold black text on it. But his eyes are immediately drawn to a symbol at the bottom.
Kaitou 1412's symbol.
"I-I-International Phantom Thief 1412?" he roars, drawing the eyes of all the other police officers in the room. In a stampede of feet, the Chief is surrounded by officers.
"What?"
"We got a heist note"
"Isn't he still in Japan?"
Question over question, voices over voices, the Chief just couldn't make sense of anything. Finally clicking that this is from a criminal, fake or not, he drops the card on the desk as if it burnt him.
"Gloves" he shouts over the noise. Everyone goes silent and several pairs of latex gloves are passed over. Putting on a pair, he puts the card back how it was, the rose in it's original placement. "Camera!" and one female officer runs to her desk, which is closest, slams open a draw, fumbles through it and finds the camera. Rushing back, the officers make room for her, still following police procedure no matter occasion. They had been thoroughly trained, it was ingrained by now. She takes photos of the whole process. The Chief of Police takes the rose off, and flips the envelope so the woman- Julia- can continue to take pictures. Next he takes the card out and lays it next to the envelope.
"So, Chief, what does it say?" asks his second in command, a strong no nonsense woman called Tortina Sorabella. Eyes turn to the Chief.
"Well, it's written in Italian instead of Japanese, but that doesn't mean it's not the real thing. Let's see:
As we go from Horse to Sheep
I will rise from the deep
Whilst flowers bloom in the heavens
I will steal the rainbow's seven
More than joy will sound this night
As I make my returning flight.
And then there's something in Japanese, next to the trademark Doodle."
There is silence around the room as people consider it. After a few minutes, the Chief sighs. "First of all we need to verify if this is real or not. Get in contact with Signor Nakamori; he's the one who has been handling 1412 since his reappearance. He should be able to verify."
A phone in the background rings and one officer answers it. Slowly their face drops. Before they can ask what's wrong, another phone goes off, and once again this officer's face drops too.
"Chief, 1412 has given the heist notice to the media. I've got the top television channel on the line here."
"I've got the most popular newspaper on the line too Sir" adds in the other officer.
The Chief rubs his temple, feeling the impending headache. "Tell them we are in the process of verifying the authenticity of the heist notice. They are not to release this information until we give them the okay too." He growls
"Um, a little bit late for that. It's already been announce on the Radio Chief" announces a different officer sheepishly.
"Sir, we have Signor Nakamori on the line" Grabbing the phone, the Chief sighs and starts a very long (and loud on the side of the Japanese professional) conversation.
Through Video conferences, scans and faxes, it is verified that this is indeed one of KID's heist notes. The doodle isn't a photo copy, and sadly there are no fingerprints, skin or fibre samples to use to identify the writer. It turned out that the line written in Japanese was simply Kaitou KID, which is what the Japanese called him. This highly suggested that it was indeed the original KID that had been operating solely in Japan for the past four years.
"Right let's start analysing this then men" the Chief says to the people around the conference desk. Pens and paper are passed around as is a copy of the note, the envelope and the rose. "First of all is the rose."
"Well, KID often sends roses with his letters. In his most recent heist, he handed them out to guests." Confirms one man.
"Um" interrupts a shy young woman, eyes turn in her direction. "Well, It's a yellow rose. There's a few meaning of it. In general it could mean joy or friendship" and one of the men scoffs at KID offering friendship. However the young woman continues "But specifically for this context, it could mean 'remember me', 'welcome back' or a promise of a new beginning."
"Remember me does seem in his style, he intends to make everyone remember him through his uniqueness. Welcome back could do with his return, or maybe the return to Italy. But he gave it to us, so it's really him welcoming us back to the heists"
"Humph, arrogant thief" the Chief growls. "Well at least the envelope is simple. It represents the night sky, since he only operates at night." There are nods all around. "Now for the hard bit. The actual note."
It turns out that there are many jewels in Italy that represent the Rainbow. Luckily only a few of them were in Venice. Hopefully, since the Heist note was only distributed in Venice, the heist was being held here.
And piece by piece, they narrowed down the possibilities to one suspect. So let the chase begin.
Shinichi was amazed by Kaito and KID. And after all he had been through, it was hard to amaze him anymore. Maybe amazed wasn't the right word, maybe admired would fit better. Not that he showed it on his face. No, all anyone would see is a man leaning against the wall, looking bored. Even whilst they had been spending nearly 20 hours a day fixing their rooms up, KID had still found time to plan a heist. Shinichi suspected that most of it had been planned in Japan, but still, to have a heist only 5 days after arriving was pretty impressive. KID's timing was perfect. When he had left on Friday to deliver those notes, no one knew. But with Tsuna and the rest of Vongola- old and new- focused on the arrival of the 10th generation to Italy, no one had been paying attention to the world outside the mafia. So no one knew of what was going on. Tsuna and the others were all at the party, the 9th generation were all at the mansion, and KID and Shinichi were… well everywhere to be honest.
Shinichi was slightly surprised that KID was starting their plan this soon, but he supposed the sooner the better. Like he himself had said to Tsuna, neither of them had time to waste. They needed the transfer to be as smooth and quick as possible. So why not start now, when KID had the perfect reason to hold a heist:
New Year's Eve.
True to his flashy style, KID would not only steal the jewel, but also the celebrations. Today wouldn't be remembered at the start of the New Year, but as the day KID appeared in Italy. Well it wasn't that strange considering this was the thief who had tried to steal a clock tower and broke into a safe to save his rival's dog.
So here Shinichi was, as Shinichi, leaning against the wall of the heist room. It took a bit of work and a few calls to Japan to get him in. The media were on him as soon as they found out who he was. When asked why he wasn't in Japan at the moment he replied: "I am going around the world to learn how to be a better detective. And when there happened to be a KID heist here… well, I'm not one to back down from a challenge." And he smiles confidently at the camera.
KID's heist note was a simple one and it made Shinichi smile. With no more Pandora, KID could relax slightly and go full out and enjoy his work. All KID had to do was watch out to see if Snake reappeared and that was it. And Shinichi doubted that Snake would show up in Italy when he thinks KID is in Japan. But anything was possible.
Seeing the time, Shinichi walks out of the room and onto a balcony looking over the river nearby. It was a fantastic sight to see the lights reflected in the water. The stars were glittering in the sky and amazingly the moon was full too. Looking at his watch, Shinichi realises that there is less than a minute to go.
And all around Venice, people start their countdown. Some for the New Year and some for the latest International Phantom Thief 1412's heist.
10
And the police run around like headless chickens, squawking to each other to reaffirm the plan, check on equipment and 100 other things that they wish to check again.
9
Tsuna looks at his family around him, fully enveloped in the atmosphere of the party
8
Timoteo sits in the main dining room of the Mansion, Guardians, Mafiosi and Servants all around him, ready to raise a glass of wine to the new year. It was going to be an interesting one.
7
Reporters talk into microphones, shouting to be heard over the thundering crowd
6
A certain detective bounces on the balls of his feet, ready for whatever may come his way
5
A certain police official roars at his subordinates to make sure that they are ready. He's not going to be bested again
4
The crowd's chatter gets louder and louder, all waiting for the star of the show to arrive
3
Chrome looks around her for those two familiar waiters but finds that she can't see them. She thought that they would have celebrated with the family.
2
Shinichi adjusts his wrist watch and turns to face the water, ready to put his future in the hands of a thief.
1
Kaitou KID would take a steadying breath, but that was a very bad idea considering where he currently was. So instead, he settles for the time old gesture of checking the monocle was in place, and waits for the-
BONG
All around Italy fireworks go off. However in a certain area of Venice, all is silent; the crowds have stopped cheering and due to some shocking coincidence, none of the fireworks work! As the first bong of the clock resounds into the night, eyes turn to the reflection of the full moon in the water. For slowly, something is coming out, creating ripples in the smooth water. And with each resonating bong that something takes a step forwards, rising out of the river at the same time. First to appear is a white top hat, blue ribbon reflecting the light. Another step and a monocle makes its debut. More steps are taken in time to the rings and the famous unhinged grin rises from the water. And piece by piece, the rest of the suit emerges until KID is standing fully erect on the surface of the moon.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" shouts KID in perfect, unaccented Italian. Unknown speakers broadcast the sound around the area.
KID throws his arms out to the side and water droplets fly from him, sparkling like gems in the light.
"Welcome to the New Year's very first Heist"
And the crowd around finds its voice and screams in appreciation.
Those screams are heard over in the Mafia party's venue. Wondering what all the commotion is about, as well as why there is a lack of fireworks, Tsuna and the rest are the first to step outside and take a look. The venue was right on the banks of the river as Tsuna and family had found out earlier. However, Tsuna's eyes were no longer focused on the beauty of the reflected lights, but on a very familiar figure standing on top of the water.
"K-K-" stutters Tsuna
"Kaitou KID!" screams Lambo jumping against the railing to see better. Other Mafiosi come outside to take a look and are very interested in the sight.
"What's Kaito doing there?" hisses Tsuna to Gokudera, making sure that no one else can hear him. Gokudera looks just as shocked as Tsuna is.
"I don't know Juudaime. As far as I know, they are still back at the mansion." Whispers Gokudera in return.
"Haha, seems like we have good seats, ne Boss" laughs Yamamoto.
"Oh, so this is the famous International Phantom Thief 1412" comments a Boss standing further down from them. "He's been in Japan for a while, isn't that right, Decimo" and eyes turn to Tsuna. In a flash those orange eyes are back, and Tsuna calmly gazes back at the bosses.
"Yes, he has been. I didn't know he was planning on leaving Japan. I went to see his last Heist actually. It was a very interesting experience. One that I rather enjoyed seeing." Bosses nod their heads and murmur in agreement.
"Ne, ne, isn't that Shinichi-niumph" Starts Lambo before Chrome places a hand over his mouth. He looks up at her in question.
Leaning down she reminds Lambo "Remember what Reborn said. Vongola has no connection to Kudo Shinichi or Kaitou KID. We've only ever seen them on the news in Japan." Lambo's eyes widen as he remembers.
"Boss, it EXTREMELY is, look!" shouts Ryohei and all eyes turn back to KID. The Vongola gasp in shock as they recognise that blue suit and unmistakeable cowlick. Shinichi was advancing down a dock towards KID.
"Do you guys know him?" Asks the Difo Boss, gesturing to the distant figure separating himself from the crowd.
Tsuna keeps his calm façade up as he answers back, the Bosses eyes on him. "I know of him, but have never had the chance to meet him in person, thankfully. That is the Famous Detective of the East, the Heisei Holmes Kudo Shinichi." Conversations start at the mention of the name.
"So a famous Japanese detective then" confirms the Bovino Boss.
"Yes, and a very good one at that. He is also famous in Japan for coming the closest to catching Kaitou KID ever. I wonder why he is in Italy though. He's never left Japan before." Wonders Decimo out loud, deepening the front that he doesn't know who Shinichi is personally. As Shinichi comes to a stop, Vongola Decimo whirls around to face tonight's host.
"Is there a television that we could watch through? It seems that the fireworks have been put off because of this. It will be entertaining, I assure you." He asks. The host nods violently, not one to deny the Vongola Decimo anything and scrambles to find the required items. Within moments, the Party goers are back inside, watching the wide screen TV that was in the dance hall.
Once the crowd are done with their initial screaming, Shinichi jumps over the railing and walks down a wooden dock towards KID's position. Helicopter lights shine down on him, announcing his presents to everyone around him. It wasn't his usual style to confront KID like this, he prefers waiting until after KID has had his fun with the police before stepping in. But this time, it was necessary, and the lights and cameras were welcome for once.
Did it matter that the Organisation would no doubt notice the dead Kudo Shinichi live on television? No, for he and Haibara were more than protected. He had had enough of running and planning and letting them make the first move. He was no longer going to hide in the corner and await his chance. No, he was going to put his life on the line, just like Kaito and confront the enemy. Even these few steps were a war cry, a defiant shout, telling them that he had never been killed by their drug. He had more back up than a scared scientist girl and an aging gadget professor now. He had Pandora, he had Kaito, he had the largest, the strongest and the bloodiest Mafia Family in the World behind his back.
Kudo Shinichi was alive and in Italy, and now the whole world knew it.
Hands in his pockets, he strolls purposefully down the dock towards KID's position. And KID's smile just gets wider and wider. When Shinichi runs out of wood, KID takes a corner of his cape and spreads it out as he bows to Shinichi.
"Kudo Shinichi, the Heisei Holmes, I welcome you to this heist" pleasantly declares KID. Now everyone in Italy knew his name, his face, his reputation. Even if they didn't know what Heisei meant, the comparison to Sherlock Holmes was clear.
"International Phantom Thief 1412, The Magician under the Moonlight, Kaitou KID. What an arrogant thief you are, stealing New Years. But what a nice way to start the new year with your monocle adorning my mantel piece." Shinichi raises his chin in challenge, staring the thief down
"Aww, Tantei-kun, I'm sorry to disappoint, but come the end of this event, this monocle will still be planted firmly on my face. But as lovely as it is to talk with you, I have a heist to conduct. No chance you'd sit this one out now?" Shinichi snorts, and raises his wrist watch. "Didn't think so" sighs KID.
He opens his arms wide, cape extending to the sides. "Let the show, Begin!" he shouts, falling backwards into the water.
Shinichi immediately spins on his heels and runs down the dock, jumps over the railing and enters the Gallery.
So part one of the plan was complete. KID and Shinichi had made themselves known on public, internationally broadcasted news. Everyone who was watching would know their names and faces. It wouldn't be weird to find them in countries other than Japan now. Both were international stars. But most importantly, no mafia connections in sight!
In the police's opinion, Kaitou KID couldn't have chosen a worse gem to go after. For it was not one single gem, but 7 gems. But what's worse? That the artist used them in a piece of art that spans many different rooms of the gallery. Lines painted on the floor in many different colours connected the 7 gems, leading the visitors on a tour of the gallery at the same time. As a result, the police force was split between more than one room. The call that KID was outside had come in, but the men stayed where they were; KID would have to come inside if he wanted these jewels, so why bother wasting energy chasing him outside.
'Sir, 1412 has disappeared back into the water. By the sound of it, he's about to come inside' comes the voice over the radio.
"You heard him men, that Bastard Thief is on his way. Get ready to catch him. We are not going to fail this time!" shouts Nakamori-keibu in Japanese, having rushed over with some men as soon as he knew about this heist.
"You all heard Signor Nakamori, prepare for action" Shouts the Italian police Chief, Marcell Ricone, after a translator has repeated what the Japanese man had said
All is silenced by the shrill ringing of a bell. Both police captains run towards the noise and end up near the start of the gallery. KID is standing on a platform with the ringing bell in his hand. "Welcome to the Gallery tour, I will be your guide for today." KID says in a very tour guide like voice. He repeats himself in Japanese for Nakamori- wouldn't want him to miss the joke. Seeing the two males run into the room, he grins at them. "Ah, now with everyone here, we can get started."
"Men, get him!" shouts Nakamori running forward himself. The Japanese police all run straight into the danger zone, heads held high. They circle the thief, batons at the ready to defend, or at least try to, themselves.
KID looks around himself in fake amazement. After clicking his hand, (and all the police cringe, waiting for the trick) a tissue appears and he wipes his unobstructed eye. "First Tantei-kun and now all of you. What a dedicated Task force I have." For the benefit of the Taskforce, KID talks to them in Japanese. He sniffs for dramatic effect. "Since you all came here just for me, how about I let you relax?" but KID's smirk as he says that has no one believing a relaxing time is about to follow. Those who are quick enough to guess what the thief is about to do quickly raise their arms to cover their mouths.
Most are not fortunate and are gassed by the sleeping bombs KID lets drop out of his sleeve. KID quickly moves from his spot, escaping into the thicker areas of gas, the white blending into the rose pink easily. A door is thrown open and the sleeping gas moves in that direction. Some is thrown out the way as Shinichi runs through the room, holding his breath, into the next clear room.
The second room is filled entirely with Italian men since most of the Japanese were currently taking a nap. Shinichi takes in a deep breath, and a few more, clearing out any traces of the gas he may have inhaled. Hearing a ruckus, Shinichi looks up just in time to see another pink could of gas surround some unfortunate Italians. It quickly dissipates to find three men now in bright red uniforms instead of their usual blue colour. Meanwhile Kaitou 1412 walks to the centre of the room where the first jewel is located. It is in the centre of the floor, surrounded by a red circle. The police advance on him as the thief kneels on the floor, back towards them.
Just as they are about 4 steps away from the thief, he raises his left arm out to the side whist still working on the gem on the floor with his right. Whilst his fingers are spread out, he flicks his index finger forwards. One of the police men suddenly punches one of the others.
"Oi, what was that for? Are you working with him?" his two teammates shout, looking highly offended and suspicious. The victim just looks at his hand as if it's possessed. Only Shinichi notices the Kaitou flick a different finger forwards. The poor policeman watches in horror as his hand flies out to the side and slaps the person infront of him.
"Guys… help me. It's not me I swear" he pleads. The others look confused, fully believing that their co-worker wouldn't defect to KID's side.
With another flick, this time it's a different man than the first victim, who suddenly kicks the guy who slapped him. Both look at each other scared and worried by their actions.
When the third man starts entering the fight, seemingly without his permission, Shinichi decides it's time for him to step in. He takes a few steps forwards and produces a normal football from his belt. Taking a look around him at the other pieces of artwork, Shinichi aims carefully and lets the football fly. Most would wonder what Shinichi was aiming at, since it was nowhere near the police nor the thief; in fact it passed directly in between them. Yet all four were dragged in the direction of the ball and pulled off balance.
Of course, KID made it look natural and turned his fall into a cartwheel, pocketing the gem as he returned upright. Shinichi smirks at the thief for his little win. The police had ended up in an undignified pile of the floor.
"Hmm, what's this?" asks one man as something light brushes his face.
"A gift from me to you" says KID, bowing before running out of the room, Shinichi hot on his heels.
All three men look at the gift and find it's a piece of clear fishing line. The man pulls on it and his leg lifts up. Finding more strings around them, they all realise what a game the Kaitou had just played on them.
Outside, the crowd ohh in wonder as firework goes off, revealing a bright red colouring. With a crackle like lightening, the firework dies in the sky.
In another puff of pink smoke, the Phantom Thief enters the room with the Orange jewel in it. As it clears, KID is hovering in place directly above the gem, apparently standing on the ceiling. Whilst the three police officers in this room are goggling at the man on the ceiling, the thief runs over to the one closest to him and drops a large piece of fabric like a curtain. He and his victim are hidden from view for only a few moments, but that's all the magician needs. As the curtain rises and envelops another victim, the first policeman looks at himself and realises that he is now in a bright orange uniform. Taking a look inside his jacket, even the inner lining is orange. His gun is orange, his Taser is orange, his radio is orange… even his underwear is orange! How had the thief managed that?
By the time Shinichi walks in the room, the magician is on his last victim and returns to his position in the centre of the room.
A part of Shinichi's mind wonders how the top hat is staying on and why the cape isn't following the natural law of gravity. If the cape had been hanging down, surely a policeman could have made a grab for it.
"Those who are scared of the gift Prometheus gave us should turn away now" Shinichi looks with distain at the thief; that grin didn't look any better upside down, in fact, it looked even worse.
Seeing no one turn away and the Italians trying to figure out the hint, KID claps his hands together and slowly draws them apart. Floating in the middle of his palms is a spark, a bright orange spark of flame. He throws his hands apart and lots of little sparks of flame fall from his hands towards the floor. As soon as they reach their destination, a circle of flame encompasses the gem, reaching up to the ceiling to hide KID from view too.
Shinichi stares at the flames, not really knowing what to do. A small part of him hopes the thief is alright, whilst another part kicks the first part, telling it that KID knows what he's doing. A third part is reminded that this is the organisations favourite way of removing evidence. Shouts of shock from the three orange policemen draw Shinichi back to the room. Knowing that KID has this jewel, he simply runs to the next room.
An orange flower of sparks lights the pitch blackness outside, in a totally different position than the first one. It bangs, crackles and then crackles again before the sparks return to the earth.
Using basic logic, Shinichi guesses that the only way for the Phantom thief to have escaped from the ring of fire was to go through the roof. So most likely the thief would appear from the roof once again in the next room. Signalling this silently to the few police members in the yellow room, Shinichi prepares another football.
As soon at the panel in the roof moves, Shinichi kicks the football, slamming the panel into the cavity above, and hopefully into one thief.
"Too bad, try again" comes a whisper in his ear. A very familiar whisper. Instead of turning to see who it is, Shinichi kicks backwards, throwing a fist that way too. KID easily dodges both and bounces to the middle of the room, once again above the heist target.
The police officers slowly step towards the thief, trying to decide how to grab him. Totally ignoring the possibility of an arrest- there's no way they will get close enough- he turns once again to his favourite detective.
"Tantei-kun, would you mind telling our audience how it is we can see the moon?" he asks, one hand pointing out of the window where the full moon could be seen. Shinichi crosses his arms and smirks- an expression Conan was known for showing KID. Deciding to play along, he couldn't see the harm, he answers the thief.
"We see the moon because it reflects the light of the sun." KID grins and nods, pleased with the simple answer.
"And I couldn't be the Magician under the Moonlight if I didn't play with light too, now would I" Seeing the intended hint, Shinichi covers his eyes. But these Italian police don't know KID as well as he does- no one knows the thief as well as Conan did and Shinichi does now. KID drops one of his capsules right onto the gem. As it breaks it gives of a flare of light. This light is refracted through the jewel's facets and bounces around the room, where it is reflected off the glass and mirrors. With this added reflection, the light is far too bright to stand and the police officers cringe and protect their eyes. KID uses this opportunity to release the yellow jewel from its prison before moving on. Shinichi has to wait for the light to die down before he can move once more. But since he had covered his eyes beforehand, he could move a lot quicker than the daffodils could. Yes, during the blinding, KID had taken the time to dye all of their outfits a wonderful sunny yellow. Perfect.
Almost directly opposite from the first firework, another one goes off, this one blindingly yellow against the black backdrop. Instead of flowering out like the others, this one shoots up in a few jets, loudly announcing its presence.
Green was the theme of the next room and KID strides confidently into it, watching the police's reaction. A few make grabs for him, but he just jumps on and over them, continuing on his intended path. The police stop and follow the thief, wondering where on earth he is going. For it was in the direction of the next room rather than the grass green jade set into the floor. Standing a few steps away from the next room, KID stops and looks at the police, who are giving him strange looks. He spreads his arms out, cape flowing in a non-existent wind.
"I don't need to go to jewels, they come to me. It's why I'm known as the best in the business; these jewels want to be stolen by me" The police laugh, still keeping their eyes on the thief for his next 'attack'. KID raises his head and looks haughtily down at them. Raising his hands to one side by his head, he claps like an order, before speaking as if talking to a dog "Here boy"
Italian jaws fall to the floor as the jewel uproots itself and rolls towards the thief. The police immediately make a grab for it, but it manages to evade every attempt. It goes around one policeman, under another, jumps over the hand of one before rolling down the back of the last and over to its master. However, as the jewel dodged each person, their clothes magically turned green, as if to show they had lost. Laughing like a maniac, KID runs towards the next room.
Shinichi arrives in time to see stunned police and a madly laughing Phantom leaving the scene. Still seeing the thief in his sights, he quickly inflates a football and sends it streaking down the corridor at the thief.
Outside, a green line spirals its way into the sky, followed by several more. This one is further around than the last one, but still opposite the first one that appeared.
Running full pelt into the sea blue room, KID makes sure his cape is fully flared out. Grinning like an insane man (and who could tell), he keeps running towards the oncoming policeman. Whilst slightly disturbed by the grin, this man had seen enough criminals to be used to strange behaviour like this. So with courage he runs straight at the thief, hoping to be able to cuff him before the trick started. What he wasn't expecting was for the thief to backflip. Somehow, a flying football appears out of the confines of the cape, knocking the man unconscious. Landing, Kaitou 1412 steps to the side and turns to Shinichi.
"Now now Tantei-kun, look at what you've done to him. You really should apologise. At least you didn't do any damage." He turns to the police in the room and bows to them "I do apologise for the harm my Tantei-kun has caused and I'll punish him later" Eyebrows rise in the room over what the thief has just said. Shinichi stutters and bunches his fists.
KID starts walking towards the jewel in the centre of the room, ignoring the red Shinichi. His footsteps are accompanied by steam and a crackling sound. The police shiver as the temperature seems to drop. Looking at the thief, they see that ice is following in his footsteps. Reaching the gem, he stands over it and spins in a circle, one foot pointed out to the side. In a flash the whole of the room is covered in ice, save for a small patch surrounding Shinichi and the patch containing the jewel under the thief. The police were not as lucky and find the bottom of their shoes bound to the floor. In haste they start to undo the laces of the boots. It's only then they realise that their boots, and the laces, are a baby blue, a lot lighter blue than their normal uniform. Looking at one another, they realise the whole of their uniforms are baby blue.
Looking around him, Shinichi wonders just how the thief had managed this. It was an unspoken rule between the two that Flames weren't to be used as Heists. Shinichi was positive that Kaito would stick to this, so what he saw before him couldn't have been an illusion or rain flames.
Shinichi takes a careful step forwards onto the ice and then another and another, until he feel confident enough. Once he's found his balance, he aims the watch at KID. "How to you intend to escape?" he asks.
"You're still blushing Tantei-kun!" KID answers, as if that really is how he intends to escape. Shinichi shakes his head, trying to clear the redness from his cheeks. During that moment of inattentiveness, KID liberates the jewel and runs towards the exit, balance perfect on the ice. Seeing this, Shinichi turns and attempts to run after KID. But his balance isn't as good at the Phantom's and after a few steps he trips, almost falling flat on his back.
Sighing at the clumsy Detective, KID grabs his hand and pulls the detective forwards, helping to regain the lost balance. He keeps a very good grip on Shinichi's wrist, over the watch, making sure there is no way the detective can use it against him. Feeling a tug, he realises that Shinichi is about to fall once more, so he sweeps him up bridal style and carries him into the next room.
Almost white, the blue flashes draw eyes back up to the night sky. These ones are almost silent, but the crowd still notices them.
There are surprises all around when KID enters the penultimate room; the one containing the Indigo jewel. First of all, Shinichi is surprised at his position, finally noticing that KID has his watch held hostage. The police are shocked at the detective in KID's arms- who is trying his hardest to escape, to his credit. However the International Phantom Thief 1412 is also shocked, for there is an uninvited guest at this heist. This man is standing there looking smug, with slight surprise in his eyes, swinging a pair of handcuffs on one finger.
"Chuck me those handcuffs" Shinichi shouts in Japanese at this man. Complying he does and Shinichi grabs them before KID does. KID didn't have any hands to grab them with, far more concerned about keeping Shinichi's watch away from him.
"Are you going to start molesting your Detectives now? I wouldn't put it past you with what you do to Aoko" the reply was also in Japanese. Yes, it was indeed the famous English Detective Hakuba Saguru standing in wait for KID to arrive.
"Me? I am a gentleman thief I remind you. And I don't know anyone called Aoko, I'm afraid." Replies KID absently in Japanese, whilst fighting with Shinichi for control over the handcuffs. With a defining click, the decision is made and actually benefits the both of them. Shinichi was handcuffed to KID, but it was through the wrist with his watch on it. As a result, KID could throw Shinichi's aim off if he needed to. But he was still handcuffed to Shinichi. Not that he minded.
Changing positions he hefted Shinichi over his shoulder, their cuffed hands down by his hip in a good position for them both- no torn muscles here. "I won't have you unmasking me Tantei-kun. This monocle is still upon my face and will be staying like that." If Shinichi had remained in his bridal styled position, then Hakuba would have gotten suspicious as to why Shinichi hadn't unmasked the thief. In response, Shinichi kicks the thief's leg. "Be a good boy or I'll send you to sleep and you'll miss the rest of the heist" warns KID as if talking to a naughty child- when talking to Shinichi, he had reverted back to Italian. The police in the room snigger, whilst still creeping towards KID in an attempt to surround him while he was occupied. Shinichi lightly punches the thief's back in reply.
Reaching into his jacket, KID pulls out his Card Gun. He aims it at a big red button on the other side of the room. Under the button was a sigh saying 'Do not touch'. Underneath that was a white ticket stating the artist and date produced. Everyone had just assumed it was a piece of art. But closer inspection of the ticket would reveal that the artist was Tsuki Ladro. When Shinichi had examined it earlier, he had laughed. Tsuki meaning moon in Japanese and Ladro meaning thief in Italian. He had thought of dismantling it, but knowing the Kaitou, it was probably triggered to go off.
One card flies across the room, straight in to said red button. All around the room, Paintings jump off the wall. Hakuba stares at them suspiciously whilst the poor Italians jump in shock. All was well and good, until they started to move. The paintings flew around the room, some going left and others right, avoiding the immobile obstacles. The four opponents to KID were frozen in place, not wanting to be harmed by the flying pieces of paper and wood. KID however has no such fears and confidently moves to the centre of the room. Carefully he crouches down to extract the jewel, protected by his moving shield of artwork. Just as he finished taking the jewel from its ground bound prison, Shinichi plants his feet on the floor and escapes from KID's grip. Smirking at the thief all the way, he leans forwards and snatches the monocle from his face- making sure that Hakuba couldn't see Kaito's face. KID couldn't do anything to react with one hand cuffed to Shinichi and the other occupied with the jewel.
"Tantei-kun!" he shouts drawing Hakuba's eye. The Brit's eyes widen as he realises what Shinichi's holding. Kaitou 1412 quickly lowers his face and pulls the hat down, hiding his face from Shinichi. In a flash of smoke both have disappeared once again. Shouts from the next room force Hakuba to spin on his heels and run to the next room.
To the left of the gallery an Indigo flower blooms before smaller sparks separate themselves from the centre. This is followed almost immediately by a dark purple jet of sparks almost at the same position as the first set.
Pink smoke fills the next room and stays around for a lot longer than normal. Almost 5 minutes later, the smoke clears, showing, like everyone suspected, that the jewel was gone and the thief nowhere in sight. The only sign of the thief's passing is the open door leading up to the roof. Hoping he still has time, Hakuba rushes over and starts to climb the stairs.
When Nakamori had heard about KID's new heist plans, he immediately ordered his men to pack up and leave. But that wasn't quite possible; people were busy with other tasks and not able to leave the country, others didn't have passports. So he only took those who could make it. When Nakamori had told his daughter where he was going and why, she had immediately called Hakuba, who was in the midst of packing himself. Not one to be left out, she demanded that she could go to, to give support to her father. And see a little of Venice at the same time if possible. Normally, Ginzo would have stopped her from coming, however, he was reminded of the letter he had had earlier today. From no one other than the thief himself, there were two plane tickets and a paid for hotel key for one week's stay. The note even said for 'you and your daughter'. A few phone calls confirmed that everything was legitimate, but they didn't know who had made the booking. Sadly, Aoko had seen him open the tickets herself, giving him no choice but to accept.
So she was shocked when Kaito found her in the crowd. Smiling the first thing she does is call Hakuba.
"What! I'm busy chasing that damn magician. I will prove-" he starts, huffing slightly since he is running up the stairs.
Smirking into the phone, she cuts him off "Be quiet will you. Kaito is standing right next to me"
Leaning over, Kaito angles the phone to be able to hear him and sings "Heyho Hakuba" down the phone. The gasp in reply is audible, as is the growl of frustration. A moment later, the sound of a door opening could be heard, along with another growl.
Hakuba looks at his phone, then at the thief standing on the roof infront of him, then back at the phone. The thief chuckles at the action.
"Is something wrong, Tantei-san? Don't let me interrupt, finish the call. I'm not going anywhere." The voice is smooth and calm, knowing that somehow he has the upper hand. KID leans back on the air as if going to sleep. Hakuba notices that the thief has very carefully positioned himself so his face can't be seen. His back is to the lights below, casting his front in shadow. The blinding lights were facing Hakuba full on, forcing him to squint slightly.
"Aoko, video call me- It could be a recording after all." It would be far too easy for the thief to have set this up beforehand.
"Fine" she huffs, ending the phone call. Moments later the video starts, showing her and Kaito in the crowd. Behind them is a clock showing the current time. Indeed, this was live.
"Happy now?" she asks, a superior smile on her face. Kaito waves at him before slinging an arm around her shoulders.
But, surely that was Kaito standing infront of him. He knew, right in his bones that Kaito was KID. So who was this infront of him? Shouts from the police coming up the stairs reach their ears and KID grins widely. "Well I had better be off then. Enjoy the New Year Tantei-san." Knowing what's coming next, Hakuba runs towards the thief, determined to grab him before he can fly off.
However Hakuba isn't quick enough, and Kaitou 1412 runs towards the edge and jumps off, glider extended.
Against a background of night sky and fireworks, KID flies, a white spot returning to earth.
It's at this point that the Police, both Italian and Japanese (fresh from their nap) pile onto the roof. Colourful Japanese fills the air as Nakamori curses. Shouting into his receiver, he tells his ground police to drive after the thief. Yet their way is hampered by unfamiliar roads and they quickly lose the thief. Everyone can hear the shouts of rage from the policemen, but they ignore it for looking at the circle of fireworks surrounding them and shouting out in joy.
Hakuba walks dejectedly down the stairs. Reaching the bottom, he hears some thumping; turning to the source of the noise, he finds a utility cupboard. Opening it, he releases KID's captive. Said captive brushes himself off before walking past Hakuba and towards the entrance.
As Shinichi walks down the steps of the gallery, the crowd turns his way and the Press descend on him, ready to commiserate him for failing to stop KID this time around. Everyone, including those on the other side of the TV screen, freeze. For there is something on Shinichi's face. Shinichi couldn't look any more smug as he lets the camera's get a good look at it.
"I got my New Year's Present" was all he had to say as he taps the clover charm and sets it swinging.
The crowd bursts into cheers of wonder and amazement. Every fan girl out there wants the monocle resting on Shinichi's nose. The noise is defining, even from where Tsuna and the others are watching from. Shinichi takes the monocle off to let the camera's examine it closer, before bouncing it in his hands a few times. Each time it gets higher and higher, and eventually it's thrown into the air above the Detective's head.
And that's when it disappears.
But before the Press can react, Shinichi has walked into the crowd, gone just like the monocle.
Back at the party the Vongola couldn't be more excited for their friend, and the rest of the Mafioso there put it up as a win against the thief, rather than personal attachment.
"Boss, did you see that!" screams Clover, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. "How I wish KID would steal me away in the middle of the night" she swoons. Arthur walks behind her, holding her up from her pretend faint.
"Clover, remember what we came here for" he gently chides.
"Oh Yes, how silly of me." She giggles. "Boss, we got a call from the Ninth reminding you it's time to go home now. He let you stay later because of the heist, but we really should be getting back now"
After saying Goodbye to all of the Bosses there, Tsuna and family walk back into the car, Clover and Arthur following. One flight and car journey later and the 10th Generation are back at Vongola HQ. Gokudera carries Lambo in since he's fallen asleep. Chrome says her goodbyes and starts to walk home. Along the way Ken and Chikusa meet her and escort her back. Hibari disappears as soon as the car door opens, back to where he and Kusakabe are living. Clover and Arthur say their goodnights after escorting the rest upstairs and turn towards the wing where the normal Mafioso live.
Instead of going to their rooms, they all walk into the living room on the other side of the hall. In there they find KID and Shinichi talking to the 9th. After bowing to the 9th, Tsuna faces the two Guardians.
"What on earth do you think you were doing? Why didn't you tell me you were holding a heist? What if something had gone wrong" and here KID sniggers- as if something would go wrong at a heist. "And you Shinichi" he turns to the detective, who looks calmly up at his Boss "How could you have let him do it? Why did you even participate in it? I never gave you permission to do that."
They wait a few moments before KID answers. "Are we done with the questions now?" Gokudera bristles at the tone.
"We had permission from both Nono and Reborn. But we've had this planned for a while now. He would have done it with or without your permission." Tsuna opens his mouth but nothing comes out.
Nono turns to the other Guardians. "If you could leave us alone, this is something that we Bosses need to discuss" They bow and slowly walk out of the room, half hoping Tsuna will override the order and keep them there. However he just continues to stare at the pair before him, so they are forced to shut the door on the scene.
"Dame-Tsuna, take a breath already. Mafia Bosses don't die from not breathing in shock." A sharp kick to the head follows. Tsuna tumbles into a chair, watching as Reborn settles next to Nono and sips his espresso.
"Tsunayoshi, how much do you know about the Moon and Star Guardians?" asks Nono. Tsuna has a feeling he doesn't mean how much does Tsuna know Kaito and Shinichi, but rather how much does Decimo know about those positions in particular.
"Umm, well Reborn keep referring to them as the night, comparing them to the others who are the day." Tsuna states, since that is practically all he knows.
"That's right Tsunayoshi. As such, they lead different lives to the rest of you and your Guardians. What happened tonight is an example of that." Confirms Nono
"We started how we intend to continue" whispers KID cryptically. Tsuna turns to him, eyes showing his confusion.
"Boss" starts Shinichi, "We are going to do things differently to how the others will live their lives. In effect, we are going to be living two different lives all at once. During the day, I'll be a Detective and at Night, I'll be whatever you need me to be. The same is true of KID. During the day, he'll be his usual magician self and at night he will be KID and do whatever tasks you need him to do. That's not to say we won't take missions during the day though."
At this point Reborn takes over "They plan to live just like Primo's Guardians did, without even knowing that beforehand. Ironic really. No one will know, accept for us, that you have Moon and Star Guardians until it's time to reveal them. No one will know that Shinichi and KID actually work for you. The way the Moon and Star Guardians do missions is slightly different."
And here KID grins, before holding out two pieces of paper. "And that's where these come in" On the paper is the two new symbols they had adopted, a clam and a crescent moon, and a star and a clam.
Tsuna looks even more confused than normal. Reborn jumps up and hammers him in the chest. "Do I have to spell it out for you?" he growls. Tsuna looks pitifully up and then towards Shinichi for a clear explanation. Shinichi leans forwards.
"Okay, here's an example of how this will work. Say you need us to kill someone" and Tsuna pales "We will have to. And whilst none of us have done so before, we'll pass that bridge when we come to it. Killing a man changes a person, it's a large step to take, but one me and KID knew we'd have to take. That aside, what we'd do is…"
And slowly, Tsuna is brought up to speed on the strange lives his Moon and Star want to live. He feels sorry for them having lives that are so tied around the law. It really has forced them into this position. So all Tsuna can do is watch as the Ninth explains how he'll take the next step in their training, and promise to help them keep their lives and the Mafia as far apart as possible. For he'd do anything to keep his family happy- that was his new determination.
Behind the scenes:
"Please~"
"No way"
"pleeease~"
"I said no way"
"Ahh, Tantei-kun, you're no fun. You know that the glider would be attached to a zip wire. You'd be harnessed in; there's no way you could fall. And even if the line did break, you flew that Paraglider a few years ago, my glider isn't much different."
"I said I'd disguise as you to get Hakuba off of your tail, but I am not flying off into the distance. I'll even participate in the little play at the start- I can agree with your reasoning and it works with our plan. But I am not jumping off a building and being chased by police."
"But Tantei-kun"
"I'm even dressing up as a waiter at the party since I agree with Reborn's reasoning for that. But I am not doing any more than that."
"Fine" he huffs "How about this then. There is a balcony just below the roof. You can jump off the roof onto the balcony- about 1.5 metres- and the KID dummy can launch at the same time. By the time the police get to the edge, you'll be in the room below. You can sneak back to the stairs, climb into the cupboard and pretend I tossed you in there. That way, it couldn't seem like you were KID on the roof. All I need is a shot of KID flying off in the background of the video call between Hakuba and Aoko. With me next to Aoko and KID in the background, there's no way Hakuba can prove that I am KID. He'll have to accept the story I tell him."
"And that would be?"
"That I'm in Italy with Tsuna doing private shows before going public. It can be found out easily that V.F.'s HQ is in Italy, so Tsuna going their first is obvious."
"If that's the alternative to flying the glider then I'll do it that way. So what do you want me to do infront of the police? You usually give them some grand goodbye"
"Well, I'll script that bit out later and we can act it out. You'd need to get my atmosphere right."
"What you mean Pompous thief?"
"Tantei-kun, I'm offended"
Shinichi really didn't want to be KID, but he knew how important handling this correctly would be. Having KID and Detective Shinichi participate in a heist was important for their future plans. This was just one repercussion that needed to be dealt with. And hopefully, it would get Hakuba to lay off Kaito for a while.
Sorry for writing yet another heist, but after all the planning I had done for the start concerning the Italians, and the scene on the dock at the start, and the scene between Hakuba and Kaito, I thought that I might as well fill in the middle too. And having the Jewels as a rainbow has nothing to do with Reborn at all. Seven rhymes with Heaven, and the only 7 I could think of related to jewels is Colours, hence the rainbow.
I was going to have Shinichi fly the glider, but then I thought about it and realised that Shinichi wouldn't, so it ended up like this instead.
I'll see you all next week
Phantom Hitman 1412.
First Published 21 March 2012.