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To Kaito and his big warm heart

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Chapter 15 : The Time

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7pm, December 31st, 2016

New Year's Eve. Tokyo.

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"WEEWUU WEEWUUUU WEEWUUUUUUUUU…."

"Police! May you please move that way, sir? Madam?"

"BAMMMMMMMMMMMM !"

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Bustling. As soon as Shinichi steps out of the police van, there he sees hundreds of spectacular fireworks flashing right before his eyes. Right here. At Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居) where thousands of people gather to celebrate the end of the year. The large crowds suddenly look up to the sky and break into loud cheers as they mistranslate the special event. It's quite a surprisingly marvellous thing to happen on New Year's Eve. Still, the polices and authority involved just couldn't enjoy it at this point..

'Shall the lights paint the sky

And thou queen of hearts may cry'

The riddle rings aloud in Shinichi's head; he knows full well that there's no celebration. Jodie and Shuichi walk up to his side as they all stare at the fireworks.

"Are you alright, Kudo-kun?" the beautiful FBI asked him worriedly.

"Piece of cake," the detective forced a smile. He turns to another FBI with much more seriousness on his face. He's not 'alright' at all. Ever since Shinho was kidnapped, Shinichi could barely sleep. He has been desperately trying to search for any tinkly evidence days and nights.

"Ready?" Shuichi raised his eyebrow. The man throws his cigarette away.

Shinichi sweeps his eyes around watching his police mates trying to clear the path to the palace. It's indeed a very busy night. Thousands of people just keep coming in to join the countdown event in front of the place, just like every other year. Many concerts are performing on several stages around the park. The polices just don't really know what to do.

"Shinichi-kun!" Suddenly, Takagi shouted across the lawn, "We have already contacted the curators! They said that they can send someone to open the palace for us in an hour. Is that okay? What should we do then?" The inspector grabs his phone tight as if it could make him calm. This is the first time ever for Takagi to be in charge of KID's operation since he got promoted. Of course, there are other inspectors to help him out while Chief Inspector Megure and Nakamori are here as well, yet he really can't breeze his mind.

"An HOUR? You must be kidding!" Shinichi yelled in disbelief.

"No. The traffic is the worst today, and all the officers are outside of town with their families. The nearest one is at Hiyoshi. He is driving now," replied Takagi nervously as he looks at Jodie and Shuichi with pleading eyes.

"Relax, cool kid.. We still have time."

"HOW CAN I DO THAT! Move it! I'm going in.."

"Wait! Are you out of your mind? You can't just go alone."

"Why can't I?! It's just that magic freak and his childish tricks..!"

"THAT MAGIC FREAK HAS THE GIRL YOU LOVE UNDER HIS TRICK. DO YOU WANT TO DO STUPID THINGS?" Pressing his hand onto young detective's shoulder, Shuichi interrupted him sharply.

Shinichi's face stiffens. Ever since Shiho was kidnapped, things have been horrible for him, He was absolutely terrified, trying to find any small trace of her days and nights. Indeed, he didn't sleep well.

"Look. We know that you care so much about her, but desperately rushing things won't help, you get that?" Even though he is quite positive that the phantom thief won't hurt any innocent, Shuichi just can't reassure since the girl has already been detained for five days, not to mention that the girl is an FBI.

Shinichi glances at his watch once more. It's 7.46 pm.

'Shall the big bell rings orotund,

And the heart of the queen shall run.'

At the midnight of every New Year's day, the bells on the palace's fortresses will ring loudly celebrating the new beginning, which means he still has about 4 hours left, according to the riddle. The detective clenches his teeth, seems like he has no choice.

Just wait for me, Shiho.

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Meanwhile, somewhere inside the Imperial Palace.

"Are you cold?"

As soon as Shiho opens her eyes upon the massive sound of colourful bombs, there stands a dignified figure against the moonlight. The man in the delicate white suit stares at her, asking her kindly in a way she couldn't understand.

"You..!"

It has been five days since she stays with guy. Certainly, she still doesn't know who he is nor why does he kidnap her. And, of course, she is furious, yet there is something about him that mysteriously stops her hatred. She doesn't know why.

He sounds familiar.

"Where am I..?" The strawberry blonde looks around nervously. She sees nothing but a spectacular balcony they are standing at, but then she thinks she heard some faint cheers.

"Guess?" The phantom thief smirks. He slowly walks toward the girl and gently hands her a coffee can. Shiho reluctantly accepts it. Again, he acts too kind to his prey.

Behind that optic lens, Kaito secretly takes a glimpse at the beautiful face.

As if she can see through his confusion, Shiho asks the man once again.

"Why we are here..," the turquoise eyes fix onto his face.

No word from the Phantom thief.

"BEEP! BEEP!"

Suddenly, his cellphone rings. A message is sent to his phone as a reminder. The man quickly opens it, and then he turns looking at her.

"Looks like your hero finally arrives," Kaito smiles.

Good luck, Shiho-chan.

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Hey guys :) It has been so long, hasn't it? I had the strengest dream and I realized that I hadn't finished this story. I turned on my old computer and there I found the file once again. I logged in. And then I was extremely surprised to see a lot of new comments. I was almost tearful (haha).

Three years have passed. I learned more English (hahaha), and definitely grew up a lot. So many things have changed. Some are better. Some are worse. There were laughters and tears. But at the end, it's all good memories. I hope things are wonderful for you guys, too.

Luckily, now that I'm writing this again, I plan to change the ending a bit :P The old ending I wrote was extremely sad... It was a difficult time of my love life. I was young. So I poured all emotions into the chapters (if you want to read it, I will put it in an alternate version lol). After reading all the reviews, I don't think I should do that to you guys. Please look forward to a happy ending then :)

Thank you all very much for all of your supports.

I could never do this without you.