On the Fifth Day of Christmas...
Maybe I'll get these done by like- mid-January...
Title: An Evening to Remember
Author: tailfluff
Theme: Day Five: Gold/Rings
Series: Detective Conan/Magic Kaitou
Pairing: Conan(Shinichi)/Ran, Kaito/Aoko
Rating: PG
Warnings: Nothing really...
Disclaimer: Detective Conan belongs to the great and wonderful Gosho Aoyama.
Anything else: I need to stop being so long-winded on these themes ^^;
The second it was announced in the papers, two young men knew they were doomed.
Five golden treasures, each featuring a priceless jewel, to be exhibitioned at the Orikasa Gallery tomorrow night. A one night engagement only.
Conan knew this would mean KID would be there, and Kaito knew his small detective rival would be sure to make an appearance. But despite their child-like excitement over finally having a challenge worthy of their full-attention, the timing was horrible.
Namely, if they went- as fate was practically taunting them to do- they would have two very angry girlfriends. (Girlfriends- they would both be quick to note- that were merely girls that were good childhood friends and nothing else. And their deep blushes when stating such things were not a sign of denial for their feelings. Nope, not at all.)
Kaito had promised to go with Aoko to a movie. Inwardly, he wondered if she'd been tipped off about the jewels before the papers and had purposely set up the date to once again prove he wasn't KID. But thinking back to her scarlet face as she murmured the request, perhaps an innocent date was all it was.
Dropping the newspaper, something finally clicked in Kaito's head.
"Wait...then does this constitute as a real date?"
And finding that more intimidating than Aoko discovering he was KID, Kuroba Kaito quickly ran downstairs to contact Jii. What did you do when you had five jewels to steal and a date to be on anyways?
Shinichi, on the other hand, was in a similar predicament. After getting dragged along with the Shounen Tantei to a very mediocre children's movie, he was so bored that Ran had invited him out for dinner and a movie that Friday. Since he'd been stuck in the body of a seven year old for longer than he'd care to think about, the thought of getting to go out- with Ran, alone- was strangely exciting. It seemed like all the times before, someone always had a tag-along. Whether it was Kogoro, Sonoko or the Shounen Tantei- it always seemed like someone had to ruin it. But this time, it would just be the two of them and no one else.
And yet, it had to fall the same night that Kaitou KID was certain to try and steal those jewels. Folding the paper and placing it aside, Shinichi's mind aptly decided to point out the one little detail he'd missed.
Ran, although she was offering it to Conan and not him, had invited him out for dinner and a movie. If he was in his real body, this would have been a date. And with that thought in mind, and a blush on his cheeks, Conan muttered to himself and went to go talk to the Professor. What was a young man stuck as a child supposed to do on a night that could be- should be- a date and also save five valuable jewels from an international thief?
-----------------
After much deliberation and planning, they were ready. For the heist that is- for the date... not so much. Conan tried to distract himself by deducing KID's riddle, which had just been issued to the police.
Tonight my friends, I'll take a beautiful hostage for a ride
My final verse shall be time's righteous yearly guide
From the veil of darkness, I shall pull forth a golden light
And wish a Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night
- Kaitou KID
It was easier than most, Conan noted- probably since KID had to issue it right away.
Line one- meant someone would be taken hostage to distract them. Line two, meant the time of the crime was in the final verse of the riddle.
Line three, noted what and where. The golden light was the five treasures, no doubt. And the veil of darkness- was two things. One- the sun setting and two- the gallery closing at five that evening, leaving the displays dark.
As for the when and where, that was easy. From the first line, it was already clear that KID was acting that very night. As for the time, that was in the last line which paralleled the ending of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." After some quick thinking, Conan pinpointed the trick. The year of the publication for that poem was 1823, which converted to military time is 18:23. This set the heist time at a little after six that evening.
Conan frowned, once again looking to the window. Did KID somehow know that he was going on a date with Ran and that they were planning on seeing a movie at six? Or was it just happenstance that it fell then?
Either way, now with the riddle solved- his mind drifted back to his other problem. How to face off against KID without deserting Ran...
----------------------
Kaito barely even noticed the news talking about KID's latest heist note as he headed into his house that afternoon. Having set up the whole thing moments after reading the paper the day before, he was now just getting around to dealing with the more delicate matters of the heist. Namely, how to safely use his date for that evening as the hostage mentioned in the first part of his riddle.
It was the only thing he and Jii could come up with that would keep Aoko's suspicions low. Simply make sure she wasn't in the theater to notice that Kaito had gone missing. It was a believable ploy that was for certain. Kaito had to laugh a bit to himself as he imagined Nakamori-keibu's face on seeing KID show up with his daughter, Aoko, in his arms. Oh yes, that just might make the whole night worth it.
Of course, he knew a certain chibi-tantei would be there. Then- deciding that he'd give Aoko at a night at the movies KID-style; he went about setting up a few more props for his heist that night.
--------------------
At five sharp, two couples left their homes for a night out. Kaito was trying to remain composed, but he found that Aoko's choice of attire had him slightly unsettled.
"So I guess...this really is a date-date..." He thought to himself, his eyes tracing down blue dress she wore.
"What?" She snapped, noticing him staring.
"Just thinking that perhaps I'm under-dressed," He murmured with a shrug, "Ah well- no problem."
With a 'poff' his outfit changed into a nicer set of dress slacks, shirt and a jacket. Holding out a blue flower with a blush, he inwardly wished that his heist could be any night but that night.
"K-Kaito!"
"You care to tell me what prompted this little date?"
He had to ask. If it was another 'prove Kaito isn't KID' ploy he had no reason to play nice. But if it was genuine then... well he had valid reason for the way his heart was racing.
"Um...well," Aoko fidgeted, "Actually, it's because of Hakuba."
"What?" Kaito snapped.
"He offered to take me out, saying that it wasn't right for a girl like me to be all alone right before Christmas. And since my Dad's always busy with KID's heists well..." Aoko blushed, "So um- I told him I couldn't go because I already had a date with someone else."
Kaito frowned, of course Hakuba would somehow know that the jewels were coming into town that Friday. And of course, he probably said just the right words to prompt Aoko into saying she had a date with Kaito instead. Running a hand through his bangs, he awkwardly smiled.
"I'm going to get Hakuba for this, but it's not Aoko's fault. She still deserves the date she asked for..."
"Well I have to agree with him on one thing."
Aoko looked up, as she felt Kaito's hand on her shoulder.
"You shouldn't be alone right before Christmas. Come on, let's go."
And as they both smiled nervously, they started to head down the street.
------------------
Meanwhile, another couple had just left their home for a night out as well. And much like Kaito, Conan was finding that this was going to be quite an interesting night.
Ran was wearing a long, blue dress. One, that Shinichi just had to notice, fit her perfectly. On seeing Conan blushing and looking away, Ran had to withhold a laugh.
"I'm sorry, Conan-kun. Is this too much? I can go change..."
"No! It's okay, it's just..." He berated his mind to come up with something intelligent sounding for an excuse, "Won't you get cold?"
Ran shook her head and picked up a coat, "All right, that better?"
Conan nodded, and swallowed down his nerves as he felt Ran taking his hand.
"Shall we go?"
"Mmhm!" He replied. And with that, they were off.
-------------------------------
Slightly prior to six that evening, Kaito and Conan made sure to arrive at the movie theater closest to the Orikasa gallery. Conan about tripped when he swore he spotted Kaito walking into the theater, but he quickly shrugged it off.
"KID wouldn't be at the movie less than an hour before his heist... would he?"
Kaito, on the other hand, didn't notice that his little detective rival was there as well. Unbeknownst to either of them, their well laid plans just so happened to coincide.
Having taken a seat next to their date for the evening, both Kaito and Conan inconspicuously checked the time. They'd been warned, by Jii and Agasa respectively, that if they were caught constantly checking the time- the girl would think they weren't enjoying the date and were eager for it to be over. Not wanting to give off that impression (or face Aoko or Ran's wrath) they were readily prepared to answer that they were doing this simply to tell how long until the movie started.
At five 'til six, they acted. Both- in a very non-suspicious manner- offered to go to the concession stand and get food and drinks. Under the ploy that they wanted good seats, they'd rushed the girls into the theater first before stopping for the staple diet of popcorn and carbonated beverages, giving them the excuse to get it later.
As they exited the theater- they were now free to put their escapes into action. Standing at the concession stand, Kaito noticed the familiar little boy headed towards the bathroom. Once he was certain no one was watching, he followed.
"Ran, I need you to send Conan immediately to the Orikasa gallery. We think we've gotten a trap set up for KID but as much as I hate to say it- we need that brat's small size to set it up. Ah- gotta run. Please hurry."
Conan finished recording the message in Kogoro's voice and was just about to head back to the movie when he noticed a certain white top hat outside the bathroom stall. Flinging open the door, he wasn't too surprised to see Kaitou KID standing before him.
"So, that was you I saw come in with your girlfriend."
"Ah, so you as well are here?" He asked. Knowing that the movie airing was a romance, Kaito quickly surmised that Conan had to be there with Ran. Laughing a bit at their predicament, he spoke, "They certainly had terrible timing on this date-thing, didn't they?"
"Yeah," Conan replied, casually reaching for his stun-gun watch.
"One minute..." KID said.
"Huh?"
Waving his hand and letting a dove appear, he replied, "Consider it your thanks to me for that dove the other day."
Conan sighed. He had been thankful for that tip-off. Now he had to owe up for it...
Begrudgingly, he let KID go, "Fine. Starting now."
KID flashed a grin and dashed out. Not about to let him get too far, Conan followed. He had planned on waiting in the lobby a moment before going back to Ran with the fake call from her Father, but that all changed as he noticed KID disappear back into the theater. Suddenly, he understood the first line of the riddle...
Tonight my friends, I'll take a beautiful hostage for a ride.
"So that's how," Conan noted, putting together the last piece of the puzzle, "He's planning on taking Aoko with him so she doesn't find out."
-------------------
Inside the theater, Kaito was finding it harder than he first figured it would be to find Aoko in the dark.
"Hmm... that's strange. I thought we were sitting over there..."
Kaito surveyed the theater quickly, finally spotting the brown-haired girl in the blue dress, he swooped in to pick her up in his arms.
Of course by then, the audience had noticed their famous intruder and gasped. KID tipped his hat and ran out. Turning to his hostage, he smiled.
"I do hope you'll pardon me, but I believe I owe your Father a visit."
As he emerged from the dark theater, a Kaito-dummy fell to the ground as if it had been knocked down by KID opening the door. But as he glanced up from his alibi to make sure Aoko had bought it, Kaito realized he'd made once big mistake.
"This is..."
"Ran!" Conan's voice yelled out.
Struggling a bit against her captor, Ran froze on recognizing just who it was that held her.
"Kaitou KID..."
And suddenly, whether they knew each other's identities or not, whether they were destined enemies due to their roles and detective and thief- none of that mattered anymore.
Shinichi inwardly vowed, "If she gets hurt, KID- there will be hell to pay."
---------------------
The heist from there on in was simply put- the most chaotic chase the city had ever seen.
Kaito had bolted from the theater, knowing that mistake or not- his set time of 6:23 was getting near. Taking to the sky on his glider, he smiled down at his unexpected hostage.
"I wouldn't try anything karate-wise up here, Mouri-san. It might be a bit dangerous for both of us."
Ran sighed, knowing that he was right.
"Well then, can you at least tell me why I'm getting taken hostage? It would have made more sense if you'd taken Nakamori-keibu's daughter, wouldn't it?"
"Ooh, she's good," KID noted, figuring that being around Shinichi she'd picked some things up.
"Actually, that was who I had planned on taking," He explained, landing them atop a building, "But even a thief like myself sometimes has trouble finding things in the dark."
"You mean..."
Kaito looked off towards the gallery, "Yah. Nakamori Aoko is back in that movie theater right now."
-------------------------
But little did Kaito know, that he had a strange ally in his detective rival.
Amidst the chaos at the theater, Conan had managed to find Aoko and drag her along. Playing the part of an innocent child, he spoke of how he knew her Father was the detective after KID and how he hoped that as Nakamori-keibu's daughter, she'd help him save Ran from the phantom thief.
Glad to be of help- and anti-KID mode on in full force- Aoko rushed along with the small boy towards the location of the heist.
Eyes set on the gallery up ahead, Conan smiled at his trump card.
"Aoko might have gotten suspicious otherwise, you know. Looks like now you owe me for covering you, KID."
--------------------
Arriving on the scene, the two found that an elaborate production all its own was already in progress. Just as the clock hit twenty-three after, a huge array of lights illuminated a nearby building.
KID had made sure to call off the cops using Nakamori-keibu's voice moments before, allowing him the chance to appear in full glory with his hostage.
Sure enough, Conan noted as he and Aoko came rushing up, Ran was up there with KID.
Her outfit had been changed to a long, flowing white gown; fitting for her role that evening.
And silently, Conan had to admit KID had sure gone all out on this one.
Atop the building was a giant inflatable King Kong that held Ran tight, and so, even her karate moves just bounced off the giant ape's rubbery surface.
The girl intended for the role had found her Father amidst the police forces. And now, Aoko had taken to berating KID from her Father's side; much too caught up in the chase to wonder about where a certain Kuroba Kaito could be.
Squeezing his way amidst the crowd, Conan tugged on Aoko's dress.
"Miss Nakamori?"
"Ah- little boy. What is it?"
"I think I know how to save Ran, can you help me? We might even catch KID!"
At those last words, Aoko's eyes lit up.
"Daddy, we're going to go see if we can help the hostage," She called out, ignoring her Father's protests from behind her.
--------------------------------
Kaito set up a dummy with a recording up by the giant ape and winked a goodbye to Ran. To all the cops below, KID still stood there taunting them- but the real KID was actually headed for the gallery and the five jewels.
Pausing outside one of the doors to the main display room, he set two things into motion. First, he set the KID dummy atop the building flying off with a remote control glider. Then, he quickly snatched up the radio and dispatched a message to the cops inside the gallery.
"This is Nakamori. Get outside now- KID's escaping! We can only assume he's already gotten the real jewels and those you're guarding are fakes. Hurry, we need to stop him!"
Within seconds, the guards stampeded out of the gallery. Sauntering in, KID quickly switched out the jewels for his prepared fakes and disguised himself as a police officer. Rushing back out, he headed to the rooftop to act as if he was saving the hostage.
-----------------------
"Wait here," Conan instructed Aoko as they reached the top of the stairwell.
"But your friend is right outside, shouldn't we..."
Conan smirked, "You want to see KID, right? Then just stay here and quietly wait. He'll come."
The two waited in the shadows silently. Moments later, hurried footsteps were heard coming up the stairs and Conan gestured Aoko to stand away from the door to the roof and stay quiet.
"Please move, boy. We must save the hostage," The official sounding voice boomed.
But Conan wasn't about to be tricked like the others.
"I'm quite sure Ran-neechan can handle herself. Wouldn't you say so, Kaitou KID?"
The false-officer paused on the stairs, and knowing that Conan wasn't easily fooled, he gave in and with a 'poff' changed back to KID's white attire.
"I suppose I can't get past you that easily, Tantei-kun."
"I take it you were too rushed to make this one actually challenging for me. A bit preoccupied with something else, perhaps?"
KID shrugged, "It's the holiday season. We're all a bit busy, wouldn't you say?"
Noticing the noise from the other side of the door, Conan stepped aside just in time as the door was kicked in. Sure enough, Ran stood there smirking at her triumph.
"Your monkey has one weakness," Ran noted walking forward, "He's not fond of sharp objects."
Holding up one of her bobby pins from her hair, Ran smiled as she stood beside Conan.
"Ah, but you still have to get past me, which can be rather tricky since--" In an instant, KID disappeared in a screen of smoke only to appear moments later behind them by the doorway to the roof, "I have a habit of slipping away."
"KID, don't move!" Conan yelled, turning to face him. Hoping he could get this solved smoothly, Shinichi quickly came up with the answer.
"Ran-neechan, hurry down to the street and find Nakamori-keibu and your Father. Tell them KID is still up here on the roof."
She nodded and rushed off, white dress trailing behind her.
"Something you want to say to me in private, Tantei-kun?" KID asked, knowing he still had the advantage.
"Aoko- now!"
In a quick dash, KID felt two arms wrapping around behind him. His eyes widened and he looked frantically to Conan.
"Boy, how could you--" He cut off his accusation as he noticed Aoko fall limp. Turning quickly to cradle her in his arms, Kaito noticed Conan lowering his stun-gun watch.
"Sorry. I couldn't help but at least give you one good scare," he remarked with a laugh.
"Oi, this isn't funny. She's been plotting KID's death for years. I don't want to know what she'd do once she realized who KID really was..."
"Well, you'd better make sure that that other person is here when she wakes up then so she doesn't get suspicious, right?"
Realizing that Conan had protected his identity by bringing Aoko along and allowing him this chance, Kaito smiled.
"Okay, this is just getting crazy. I guess now I owe you."
Conan shrugged as he started down the stairs, "That's what it looks like to me."
"Thanks."
"Just remember to at least give her a taste of glory," He remarked, then as an afterthought, "Oh, and Ran might want her dress back."
"Ah yes..."
He tossed Conan a blue rose, which transformed mid-air into Ran's blue dress.
"See ya around, Tantei-kun."
"Same to you, KID."
------------------------------
As soon as he was sure he was alone with Aoko, Kaito quickly transformed back into the outfit he'd worn to the theatre. And like the small detective had suggested, he made sure to let Aoko have her moment of glory.
Shaking her lightly, he smiled when she opened her eyes.
"Aoko! You're okay."
"Kaito?" She questioned, slightly disoriented.
"I heard a detective's daughter was taken by KID and I couldn't find you in the theater so I rushed over here. He didn't hurt you, did he?"
Aoko sat up abruptly, looking around. "Where's KID? Last thing I remember I'd almost had him!"
Kaito rubbed the back of his head, "I'm not sure, Aoko. A little boy said he'd last seen you up here and so I ran up to help. I found you lying on the ground unconscious."
Muttering curses under her breath, she frowned, "Damnit, he must have used something to knock me out. And Father would have been so..."
Her words died on her lips as she noticed a small item tangled around her fingers.
"This is..."
"Aoko- isn't that..."
"It's KID's monocle, I can't believe it! I was this close to catching KID! Daddy will be so proud!" She flung her arms around Kaito's neck in excitement. "Thanks for looking out for me, Kaito."
Nervously, Aoko pecked a quick kiss on his cheek and both of them blushed.
"Well, it's not like I'd want you at the mercy of that thief..." Kaito noted, inwardly pondering the irony of that statement.
Aoko grinned, "Don't worry, I can take him. Next time I'll get his hat! And after that, his jacket. And then, maybe even his pants!"
Kaito laughed nervously, "Hey now... isn't that getting a bit too personal?"
The duo was interrupted as the slew of police officers stormed up the stairs. Aoko quickly explained how KID had narrowly escaped her and ran off. But much like she'd predicted- her Father was infinitely proud that his daughter had gotten so close to capturing KID.
Shaking his head at the strange Father-Daughter bonding, Kaito cleared his throat.
"Um, Aoko? I know it got a bit interrupted and all at the movies but- could I still walk you home?"
She turned red and some of the officers whistled. Handing KID's monocle over to her Father so he could go back to the office and celebrate their near victory, Aoko nodded and took Kaito's arm.
"Sure."
------------------------------------------
Outside the Mouri Detective Agency, two others were bringing to a close their interrupted date. Ran had taken the time to change back into her original dress- although, she'd opted to keep the white one just in case she ever needed it.
Turning to the young boy who held her hand, she smiled.
"Well, that was quite some evening wasn't it Conan-kun?" She had that air to her voice that made him feel like she was once again onto something.
"Mmmhmm," He replied, eying her awkwardly.
"And look- we're back home."
"Yah...um, we are," Conan murmured, hoping that it was not going to be yet another situation where she'd figured out he was really Shinichi.
"But there's one thing that I need to do before our date's over."
Conan gulped. This was it- she'd pieced it together again after reasoning that if KID could disguise as anyone, who's to say that the times Shinichi and Conan both appeared that one of the two was a fake. Yep, he was doomed. Completely doomed. And right before Christmas too, he thought miserably.
"No presents from Ran this year. She'll return what she's bought and use the money to get something large and heavy to hit me with..."
"Close your eyes," She said in a sing-song voice. Obviously, she was up to no good.
But hoping that it wasn't one of her karate moves he was about to get hit with, he obliged. Swallowing nervously to himself, he felt her gently lifting the glasses from his face.
"This is it. I'm doomed..."
He flinched as he felt her hands gripping his sides- picking him up, no doubt to punt him several feet. But much to his surprise, she remained gentle until he felt her lips softly pressing against his cheek.
No longer able to keep his eyes shut, he blinked them open and blushed furiously. Ran pulled back blushing lightly herself, but with an undeniable smirk.
"A goodnight kiss, it's custom right?" Ran's eyes looked through him, right into the teenager behind the child's facade.
He nodded mutely as she sat him down, still too stunned to risk speaking. With a quick turn, Ran started into the building.
"Now don't tell Shinichi because he might get terribly jealous," She remarked, "Although if he's going to be busy another Christmas then he downright deserves it!"
Conan winced, quickly trying to cover Shinichi, "I- I'm sure Shinichi-niisan would love to be here instead, Ran-neechan."
Ran turned, her eyes softening as a content smile played on her features, "Thank you, Conan-kun. I'm glad to know that someone's looking out for me."
She continued up the stairs humming to herself, and Conan couldn't help but smile. Perhaps she knew, but right now he was just glad to see her happy. His parents had warned him after all that Ran might know more than she let on and this just meant he'd have to start being more careful.
"Now, if only I could cover for Shinichi missing Christmas again..."
The flutter of dove wings behind him caused him to jolt around as a familiar cloaked figure smiled down at him.
"Ah, young love at it's finest," He remarked, lowering himself down via his glider.
"KID!"
"Don't worry, I've just come to return something I'd borrowed," He tossed a bag over, "Check them over a thousand times, those are the originals."
Conan yanked the bag open and noticed the five golden treasures gleaming up at him. Quietly, he reached into his pocket and sent a signal to the police via his cell phone.
"Not what you're looking for, I take it?" He countered, hoping he could stall the thief there until the police arrived.
"Oh, and one more thing my small detective friend..."
The magician held up his hands- showing both front and back. But as he spread open his fingers, a gold piece of jewelery appeared between each one.
"Consider it an apology for disturbing your night at the movies," He said tossing one over to Conan.
Catching it in his hand, he looked down at the small ring.
"It's from my personal- and perfectly legal- collection. It should be just her size."
Conan's eyes darted up to the window where he could see Ran's silhouette entering the office.
"Merry Christmas," KID murmured and in a flash of red and green tinsel he was gone.
Watching as he disappeared back into the night, Conan shook his head and looked down at the ring.
"Now we're even again, right KID?"
And slinging the bag of the stolen treasures over his shoulder, he started up the stairs.
-----------------------------------------
The next morning, the headline spoke of how a young boy and Nakamori-keibu's daughter were the ones to thwart KID's heist this time. Conan had handed over the bag to Kogoro the night before, saying he'd gotten it away from KID when Aoko had attacked him. For some reason, Ran seemed to be rather touched by this and at first Conan couldn't figure out why.
But after her Father left to take the jewels back to the owner, Ran pulled Conan aside.
"You didn't have to do that, Conan-kun."
"Huh? Do what?"
Ran smiled, "Waiting until after we were home to solve the case like that. I bet if you're anything like Shinichi you were itching all the way home to close the case."
Conan blinked, "Ahh- well, after all that happened... I just thought that..."
He fell silent as Ran placed a finger over his mouth, "It's okay. Thank you. Sometimes I wish Shinichi could be as mature as you and know when to put ladies first."
Inwardly, Shinichi had to laugh at himself, "She's right. Leave it to me to kick my on ass at being a gentleman..."
And with a silent vow to be better about that- whether as Conan or as Shinichi, he returned to his current dilemma at hand.
"And because of all these cases I still haven't gotten her Christmas gift from Conan. Ahh- being two different people sucks..."
Title: An Evening to Remember
Author: tailfluff
Theme: Day Five: Gold/Rings
Series: Detective Conan/Magic Kaitou
Pairing: Conan(Shinichi)/Ran, Kaito/Aoko
Rating: PG
Warnings: Nothing really...
Disclaimer: Detective Conan belongs to the great and wonderful Gosho Aoyama.
Anything else: I need to stop being so long-winded on these themes ^^;
The second it was announced in the papers, two young men knew they were doomed.
Five golden treasures, each featuring a priceless jewel, to be exhibitioned at the Orikasa Gallery tomorrow night. A one night engagement only.
Conan knew this would mean KID would be there, and Kaito knew his small detective rival would be sure to make an appearance. But despite their child-like excitement over finally having a challenge worthy of their full-attention, the timing was horrible.
Namely, if they went- as fate was practically taunting them to do- they would have two very angry girlfriends. (Girlfriends- they would both be quick to note- that were merely girls that were good childhood friends and nothing else. And their deep blushes when stating such things were not a sign of denial for their feelings. Nope, not at all.)
Kaito had promised to go with Aoko to a movie. Inwardly, he wondered if she'd been tipped off about the jewels before the papers and had purposely set up the date to once again prove he wasn't KID. But thinking back to her scarlet face as she murmured the request, perhaps an innocent date was all it was.
Dropping the newspaper, something finally clicked in Kaito's head.
"Wait...then does this constitute as a real date?"
And finding that more intimidating than Aoko discovering he was KID, Kuroba Kaito quickly ran downstairs to contact Jii. What did you do when you had five jewels to steal and a date to be on anyways?
Shinichi, on the other hand, was in a similar predicament. After getting dragged along with the Shounen Tantei to a very mediocre children's movie, he was so bored that Ran had invited him out for dinner and a movie that Friday. Since he'd been stuck in the body of a seven year old for longer than he'd care to think about, the thought of getting to go out- with Ran, alone- was strangely exciting. It seemed like all the times before, someone always had a tag-along. Whether it was Kogoro, Sonoko or the Shounen Tantei- it always seemed like someone had to ruin it. But this time, it would just be the two of them and no one else.
And yet, it had to fall the same night that Kaitou KID was certain to try and steal those jewels. Folding the paper and placing it aside, Shinichi's mind aptly decided to point out the one little detail he'd missed.
Ran, although she was offering it to Conan and not him, had invited him out for dinner and a movie. If he was in his real body, this would have been a date. And with that thought in mind, and a blush on his cheeks, Conan muttered to himself and went to go talk to the Professor. What was a young man stuck as a child supposed to do on a night that could be- should be- a date and also save five valuable jewels from an international thief?
-----------------
After much deliberation and planning, they were ready. For the heist that is- for the date... not so much. Conan tried to distract himself by deducing KID's riddle, which had just been issued to the police.
Tonight my friends, I'll take a beautiful hostage for a ride
My final verse shall be time's righteous yearly guide
From the veil of darkness, I shall pull forth a golden light
And wish a Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night
- Kaitou KID
It was easier than most, Conan noted- probably since KID had to issue it right away.
Line one- meant someone would be taken hostage to distract them. Line two, meant the time of the crime was in the final verse of the riddle.
Line three, noted what and where. The golden light was the five treasures, no doubt. And the veil of darkness- was two things. One- the sun setting and two- the gallery closing at five that evening, leaving the displays dark.
As for the when and where, that was easy. From the first line, it was already clear that KID was acting that very night. As for the time, that was in the last line which paralleled the ending of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." After some quick thinking, Conan pinpointed the trick. The year of the publication for that poem was 1823, which converted to military time is 18:23. This set the heist time at a little after six that evening.
Conan frowned, once again looking to the window. Did KID somehow know that he was going on a date with Ran and that they were planning on seeing a movie at six? Or was it just happenstance that it fell then?
Either way, now with the riddle solved- his mind drifted back to his other problem. How to face off against KID without deserting Ran...
----------------------
Kaito barely even noticed the news talking about KID's latest heist note as he headed into his house that afternoon. Having set up the whole thing moments after reading the paper the day before, he was now just getting around to dealing with the more delicate matters of the heist. Namely, how to safely use his date for that evening as the hostage mentioned in the first part of his riddle.
It was the only thing he and Jii could come up with that would keep Aoko's suspicions low. Simply make sure she wasn't in the theater to notice that Kaito had gone missing. It was a believable ploy that was for certain. Kaito had to laugh a bit to himself as he imagined Nakamori-keibu's face on seeing KID show up with his daughter, Aoko, in his arms. Oh yes, that just might make the whole night worth it.
Of course, he knew a certain chibi-tantei would be there. Then- deciding that he'd give Aoko at a night at the movies KID-style; he went about setting up a few more props for his heist that night.
--------------------
At five sharp, two couples left their homes for a night out. Kaito was trying to remain composed, but he found that Aoko's choice of attire had him slightly unsettled.
"So I guess...this really is a date-date..." He thought to himself, his eyes tracing down blue dress she wore.
"What?" She snapped, noticing him staring.
"Just thinking that perhaps I'm under-dressed," He murmured with a shrug, "Ah well- no problem."
With a 'poff' his outfit changed into a nicer set of dress slacks, shirt and a jacket. Holding out a blue flower with a blush, he inwardly wished that his heist could be any night but that night.
"K-Kaito!"
"You care to tell me what prompted this little date?"
He had to ask. If it was another 'prove Kaito isn't KID' ploy he had no reason to play nice. But if it was genuine then... well he had valid reason for the way his heart was racing.
"Um...well," Aoko fidgeted, "Actually, it's because of Hakuba."
"What?" Kaito snapped.
"He offered to take me out, saying that it wasn't right for a girl like me to be all alone right before Christmas. And since my Dad's always busy with KID's heists well..." Aoko blushed, "So um- I told him I couldn't go because I already had a date with someone else."
Kaito frowned, of course Hakuba would somehow know that the jewels were coming into town that Friday. And of course, he probably said just the right words to prompt Aoko into saying she had a date with Kaito instead. Running a hand through his bangs, he awkwardly smiled.
"I'm going to get Hakuba for this, but it's not Aoko's fault. She still deserves the date she asked for..."
"Well I have to agree with him on one thing."
Aoko looked up, as she felt Kaito's hand on her shoulder.
"You shouldn't be alone right before Christmas. Come on, let's go."
And as they both smiled nervously, they started to head down the street.
------------------
Meanwhile, another couple had just left their home for a night out as well. And much like Kaito, Conan was finding that this was going to be quite an interesting night.
Ran was wearing a long, blue dress. One, that Shinichi just had to notice, fit her perfectly. On seeing Conan blushing and looking away, Ran had to withhold a laugh.
"I'm sorry, Conan-kun. Is this too much? I can go change..."
"No! It's okay, it's just..." He berated his mind to come up with something intelligent sounding for an excuse, "Won't you get cold?"
Ran shook her head and picked up a coat, "All right, that better?"
Conan nodded, and swallowed down his nerves as he felt Ran taking his hand.
"Shall we go?"
"Mmhm!" He replied. And with that, they were off.
-------------------------------
Slightly prior to six that evening, Kaito and Conan made sure to arrive at the movie theater closest to the Orikasa gallery. Conan about tripped when he swore he spotted Kaito walking into the theater, but he quickly shrugged it off.
"KID wouldn't be at the movie less than an hour before his heist... would he?"
Kaito, on the other hand, didn't notice that his little detective rival was there as well. Unbeknownst to either of them, their well laid plans just so happened to coincide.
Having taken a seat next to their date for the evening, both Kaito and Conan inconspicuously checked the time. They'd been warned, by Jii and Agasa respectively, that if they were caught constantly checking the time- the girl would think they weren't enjoying the date and were eager for it to be over. Not wanting to give off that impression (or face Aoko or Ran's wrath) they were readily prepared to answer that they were doing this simply to tell how long until the movie started.
At five 'til six, they acted. Both- in a very non-suspicious manner- offered to go to the concession stand and get food and drinks. Under the ploy that they wanted good seats, they'd rushed the girls into the theater first before stopping for the staple diet of popcorn and carbonated beverages, giving them the excuse to get it later.
As they exited the theater- they were now free to put their escapes into action. Standing at the concession stand, Kaito noticed the familiar little boy headed towards the bathroom. Once he was certain no one was watching, he followed.
"Ran, I need you to send Conan immediately to the Orikasa gallery. We think we've gotten a trap set up for KID but as much as I hate to say it- we need that brat's small size to set it up. Ah- gotta run. Please hurry."
Conan finished recording the message in Kogoro's voice and was just about to head back to the movie when he noticed a certain white top hat outside the bathroom stall. Flinging open the door, he wasn't too surprised to see Kaitou KID standing before him.
"So, that was you I saw come in with your girlfriend."
"Ah, so you as well are here?" He asked. Knowing that the movie airing was a romance, Kaito quickly surmised that Conan had to be there with Ran. Laughing a bit at their predicament, he spoke, "They certainly had terrible timing on this date-thing, didn't they?"
"Yeah," Conan replied, casually reaching for his stun-gun watch.
"One minute..." KID said.
"Huh?"
Waving his hand and letting a dove appear, he replied, "Consider it your thanks to me for that dove the other day."
Conan sighed. He had been thankful for that tip-off. Now he had to owe up for it...
Begrudgingly, he let KID go, "Fine. Starting now."
KID flashed a grin and dashed out. Not about to let him get too far, Conan followed. He had planned on waiting in the lobby a moment before going back to Ran with the fake call from her Father, but that all changed as he noticed KID disappear back into the theater. Suddenly, he understood the first line of the riddle...
Tonight my friends, I'll take a beautiful hostage for a ride.
"So that's how," Conan noted, putting together the last piece of the puzzle, "He's planning on taking Aoko with him so she doesn't find out."
-------------------
Inside the theater, Kaito was finding it harder than he first figured it would be to find Aoko in the dark.
"Hmm... that's strange. I thought we were sitting over there..."
Kaito surveyed the theater quickly, finally spotting the brown-haired girl in the blue dress, he swooped in to pick her up in his arms.
Of course by then, the audience had noticed their famous intruder and gasped. KID tipped his hat and ran out. Turning to his hostage, he smiled.
"I do hope you'll pardon me, but I believe I owe your Father a visit."
As he emerged from the dark theater, a Kaito-dummy fell to the ground as if it had been knocked down by KID opening the door. But as he glanced up from his alibi to make sure Aoko had bought it, Kaito realized he'd made once big mistake.
"This is..."
"Ran!" Conan's voice yelled out.
Struggling a bit against her captor, Ran froze on recognizing just who it was that held her.
"Kaitou KID..."
And suddenly, whether they knew each other's identities or not, whether they were destined enemies due to their roles and detective and thief- none of that mattered anymore.
Shinichi inwardly vowed, "If she gets hurt, KID- there will be hell to pay."
---------------------
The heist from there on in was simply put- the most chaotic chase the city had ever seen.
Kaito had bolted from the theater, knowing that mistake or not- his set time of 6:23 was getting near. Taking to the sky on his glider, he smiled down at his unexpected hostage.
"I wouldn't try anything karate-wise up here, Mouri-san. It might be a bit dangerous for both of us."
Ran sighed, knowing that he was right.
"Well then, can you at least tell me why I'm getting taken hostage? It would have made more sense if you'd taken Nakamori-keibu's daughter, wouldn't it?"
"Ooh, she's good," KID noted, figuring that being around Shinichi she'd picked some things up.
"Actually, that was who I had planned on taking," He explained, landing them atop a building, "But even a thief like myself sometimes has trouble finding things in the dark."
"You mean..."
Kaito looked off towards the gallery, "Yah. Nakamori Aoko is back in that movie theater right now."
-------------------------
But little did Kaito know, that he had a strange ally in his detective rival.
Amidst the chaos at the theater, Conan had managed to find Aoko and drag her along. Playing the part of an innocent child, he spoke of how he knew her Father was the detective after KID and how he hoped that as Nakamori-keibu's daughter, she'd help him save Ran from the phantom thief.
Glad to be of help- and anti-KID mode on in full force- Aoko rushed along with the small boy towards the location of the heist.
Eyes set on the gallery up ahead, Conan smiled at his trump card.
"Aoko might have gotten suspicious otherwise, you know. Looks like now you owe me for covering you, KID."
--------------------
Arriving on the scene, the two found that an elaborate production all its own was already in progress. Just as the clock hit twenty-three after, a huge array of lights illuminated a nearby building.
KID had made sure to call off the cops using Nakamori-keibu's voice moments before, allowing him the chance to appear in full glory with his hostage.
Sure enough, Conan noted as he and Aoko came rushing up, Ran was up there with KID.
Her outfit had been changed to a long, flowing white gown; fitting for her role that evening.
And silently, Conan had to admit KID had sure gone all out on this one.
Atop the building was a giant inflatable King Kong that held Ran tight, and so, even her karate moves just bounced off the giant ape's rubbery surface.
The girl intended for the role had found her Father amidst the police forces. And now, Aoko had taken to berating KID from her Father's side; much too caught up in the chase to wonder about where a certain Kuroba Kaito could be.
Squeezing his way amidst the crowd, Conan tugged on Aoko's dress.
"Miss Nakamori?"
"Ah- little boy. What is it?"
"I think I know how to save Ran, can you help me? We might even catch KID!"
At those last words, Aoko's eyes lit up.
"Daddy, we're going to go see if we can help the hostage," She called out, ignoring her Father's protests from behind her.
--------------------------------
Kaito set up a dummy with a recording up by the giant ape and winked a goodbye to Ran. To all the cops below, KID still stood there taunting them- but the real KID was actually headed for the gallery and the five jewels.
Pausing outside one of the doors to the main display room, he set two things into motion. First, he set the KID dummy atop the building flying off with a remote control glider. Then, he quickly snatched up the radio and dispatched a message to the cops inside the gallery.
"This is Nakamori. Get outside now- KID's escaping! We can only assume he's already gotten the real jewels and those you're guarding are fakes. Hurry, we need to stop him!"
Within seconds, the guards stampeded out of the gallery. Sauntering in, KID quickly switched out the jewels for his prepared fakes and disguised himself as a police officer. Rushing back out, he headed to the rooftop to act as if he was saving the hostage.
-----------------------
"Wait here," Conan instructed Aoko as they reached the top of the stairwell.
"But your friend is right outside, shouldn't we..."
Conan smirked, "You want to see KID, right? Then just stay here and quietly wait. He'll come."
The two waited in the shadows silently. Moments later, hurried footsteps were heard coming up the stairs and Conan gestured Aoko to stand away from the door to the roof and stay quiet.
"Please move, boy. We must save the hostage," The official sounding voice boomed.
But Conan wasn't about to be tricked like the others.
"I'm quite sure Ran-neechan can handle herself. Wouldn't you say so, Kaitou KID?"
The false-officer paused on the stairs, and knowing that Conan wasn't easily fooled, he gave in and with a 'poff' changed back to KID's white attire.
"I suppose I can't get past you that easily, Tantei-kun."
"I take it you were too rushed to make this one actually challenging for me. A bit preoccupied with something else, perhaps?"
KID shrugged, "It's the holiday season. We're all a bit busy, wouldn't you say?"
Noticing the noise from the other side of the door, Conan stepped aside just in time as the door was kicked in. Sure enough, Ran stood there smirking at her triumph.
"Your monkey has one weakness," Ran noted walking forward, "He's not fond of sharp objects."
Holding up one of her bobby pins from her hair, Ran smiled as she stood beside Conan.
"Ah, but you still have to get past me, which can be rather tricky since--" In an instant, KID disappeared in a screen of smoke only to appear moments later behind them by the doorway to the roof, "I have a habit of slipping away."
"KID, don't move!" Conan yelled, turning to face him. Hoping he could get this solved smoothly, Shinichi quickly came up with the answer.
"Ran-neechan, hurry down to the street and find Nakamori-keibu and your Father. Tell them KID is still up here on the roof."
She nodded and rushed off, white dress trailing behind her.
"Something you want to say to me in private, Tantei-kun?" KID asked, knowing he still had the advantage.
"Aoko- now!"
In a quick dash, KID felt two arms wrapping around behind him. His eyes widened and he looked frantically to Conan.
"Boy, how could you--" He cut off his accusation as he noticed Aoko fall limp. Turning quickly to cradle her in his arms, Kaito noticed Conan lowering his stun-gun watch.
"Sorry. I couldn't help but at least give you one good scare," he remarked with a laugh.
"Oi, this isn't funny. She's been plotting KID's death for years. I don't want to know what she'd do once she realized who KID really was..."
"Well, you'd better make sure that that other person is here when she wakes up then so she doesn't get suspicious, right?"
Realizing that Conan had protected his identity by bringing Aoko along and allowing him this chance, Kaito smiled.
"Okay, this is just getting crazy. I guess now I owe you."
Conan shrugged as he started down the stairs, "That's what it looks like to me."
"Thanks."
"Just remember to at least give her a taste of glory," He remarked, then as an afterthought, "Oh, and Ran might want her dress back."
"Ah yes..."
He tossed Conan a blue rose, which transformed mid-air into Ran's blue dress.
"See ya around, Tantei-kun."
"Same to you, KID."
------------------------------
As soon as he was sure he was alone with Aoko, Kaito quickly transformed back into the outfit he'd worn to the theatre. And like the small detective had suggested, he made sure to let Aoko have her moment of glory.
Shaking her lightly, he smiled when she opened her eyes.
"Aoko! You're okay."
"Kaito?" She questioned, slightly disoriented.
"I heard a detective's daughter was taken by KID and I couldn't find you in the theater so I rushed over here. He didn't hurt you, did he?"
Aoko sat up abruptly, looking around. "Where's KID? Last thing I remember I'd almost had him!"
Kaito rubbed the back of his head, "I'm not sure, Aoko. A little boy said he'd last seen you up here and so I ran up to help. I found you lying on the ground unconscious."
Muttering curses under her breath, she frowned, "Damnit, he must have used something to knock me out. And Father would have been so..."
Her words died on her lips as she noticed a small item tangled around her fingers.
"This is..."
"Aoko- isn't that..."
"It's KID's monocle, I can't believe it! I was this close to catching KID! Daddy will be so proud!" She flung her arms around Kaito's neck in excitement. "Thanks for looking out for me, Kaito."
Nervously, Aoko pecked a quick kiss on his cheek and both of them blushed.
"Well, it's not like I'd want you at the mercy of that thief..." Kaito noted, inwardly pondering the irony of that statement.
Aoko grinned, "Don't worry, I can take him. Next time I'll get his hat! And after that, his jacket. And then, maybe even his pants!"
Kaito laughed nervously, "Hey now... isn't that getting a bit too personal?"
The duo was interrupted as the slew of police officers stormed up the stairs. Aoko quickly explained how KID had narrowly escaped her and ran off. But much like she'd predicted- her Father was infinitely proud that his daughter had gotten so close to capturing KID.
Shaking his head at the strange Father-Daughter bonding, Kaito cleared his throat.
"Um, Aoko? I know it got a bit interrupted and all at the movies but- could I still walk you home?"
She turned red and some of the officers whistled. Handing KID's monocle over to her Father so he could go back to the office and celebrate their near victory, Aoko nodded and took Kaito's arm.
"Sure."
------------------------------------------
Outside the Mouri Detective Agency, two others were bringing to a close their interrupted date. Ran had taken the time to change back into her original dress- although, she'd opted to keep the white one just in case she ever needed it.
Turning to the young boy who held her hand, she smiled.
"Well, that was quite some evening wasn't it Conan-kun?" She had that air to her voice that made him feel like she was once again onto something.
"Mmmhmm," He replied, eying her awkwardly.
"And look- we're back home."
"Yah...um, we are," Conan murmured, hoping that it was not going to be yet another situation where she'd figured out he was really Shinichi.
"But there's one thing that I need to do before our date's over."
Conan gulped. This was it- she'd pieced it together again after reasoning that if KID could disguise as anyone, who's to say that the times Shinichi and Conan both appeared that one of the two was a fake. Yep, he was doomed. Completely doomed. And right before Christmas too, he thought miserably.
"No presents from Ran this year. She'll return what she's bought and use the money to get something large and heavy to hit me with..."
"Close your eyes," She said in a sing-song voice. Obviously, she was up to no good.
But hoping that it wasn't one of her karate moves he was about to get hit with, he obliged. Swallowing nervously to himself, he felt her gently lifting the glasses from his face.
"This is it. I'm doomed..."
He flinched as he felt her hands gripping his sides- picking him up, no doubt to punt him several feet. But much to his surprise, she remained gentle until he felt her lips softly pressing against his cheek.
No longer able to keep his eyes shut, he blinked them open and blushed furiously. Ran pulled back blushing lightly herself, but with an undeniable smirk.
"A goodnight kiss, it's custom right?" Ran's eyes looked through him, right into the teenager behind the child's facade.
He nodded mutely as she sat him down, still too stunned to risk speaking. With a quick turn, Ran started into the building.
"Now don't tell Shinichi because he might get terribly jealous," She remarked, "Although if he's going to be busy another Christmas then he downright deserves it!"
Conan winced, quickly trying to cover Shinichi, "I- I'm sure Shinichi-niisan would love to be here instead, Ran-neechan."
Ran turned, her eyes softening as a content smile played on her features, "Thank you, Conan-kun. I'm glad to know that someone's looking out for me."
She continued up the stairs humming to herself, and Conan couldn't help but smile. Perhaps she knew, but right now he was just glad to see her happy. His parents had warned him after all that Ran might know more than she let on and this just meant he'd have to start being more careful.
"Now, if only I could cover for Shinichi missing Christmas again..."
The flutter of dove wings behind him caused him to jolt around as a familiar cloaked figure smiled down at him.
"Ah, young love at it's finest," He remarked, lowering himself down via his glider.
"KID!"
"Don't worry, I've just come to return something I'd borrowed," He tossed a bag over, "Check them over a thousand times, those are the originals."
Conan yanked the bag open and noticed the five golden treasures gleaming up at him. Quietly, he reached into his pocket and sent a signal to the police via his cell phone.
"Not what you're looking for, I take it?" He countered, hoping he could stall the thief there until the police arrived.
"Oh, and one more thing my small detective friend..."
The magician held up his hands- showing both front and back. But as he spread open his fingers, a gold piece of jewelery appeared between each one.
"Consider it an apology for disturbing your night at the movies," He said tossing one over to Conan.
Catching it in his hand, he looked down at the small ring.
"It's from my personal- and perfectly legal- collection. It should be just her size."
Conan's eyes darted up to the window where he could see Ran's silhouette entering the office.
"Merry Christmas," KID murmured and in a flash of red and green tinsel he was gone.
Watching as he disappeared back into the night, Conan shook his head and looked down at the ring.
"Now we're even again, right KID?"
And slinging the bag of the stolen treasures over his shoulder, he started up the stairs.
-----------------------------------------
The next morning, the headline spoke of how a young boy and Nakamori-keibu's daughter were the ones to thwart KID's heist this time. Conan had handed over the bag to Kogoro the night before, saying he'd gotten it away from KID when Aoko had attacked him. For some reason, Ran seemed to be rather touched by this and at first Conan couldn't figure out why.
But after her Father left to take the jewels back to the owner, Ran pulled Conan aside.
"You didn't have to do that, Conan-kun."
"Huh? Do what?"
Ran smiled, "Waiting until after we were home to solve the case like that. I bet if you're anything like Shinichi you were itching all the way home to close the case."
Conan blinked, "Ahh- well, after all that happened... I just thought that..."
He fell silent as Ran placed a finger over his mouth, "It's okay. Thank you. Sometimes I wish Shinichi could be as mature as you and know when to put ladies first."
Inwardly, Shinichi had to laugh at himself, "She's right. Leave it to me to kick my on ass at being a gentleman..."
And with a silent vow to be better about that- whether as Conan or as Shinichi, he returned to his current dilemma at hand.
"And because of all these cases I still haven't gotten her Christmas gift from Conan. Ahh- being two different people sucks..."