Captive of Midnight's Hold

Started On: 7/8/2008 03:32:32 PM

Chapter 1: Taunting the Moon (Edited)

Edited: 12/15/2009 5:33:05 PM

Story Quote: Pay attention to the ticking…the faint ticking… the maddeningly slow ticking…

Author's Note: Okay, due to the overpowering urge to fix this horrid story, I've gone and begun to edit. I don't know if it will get me back into writing for this story or not, but it should at least be readable after I do this.

Onto the Story!!!

Frigid winds billowed through the bustling people on the city streets below. Bright neon signs illuminated the dark night sky and low-hanging moon under which they shone. Towering buildings provided meager shelter against the biting chill the wind wrought. A steady current of pleasant songs were strung from the local shop clerks in eager hopes of drawing potential would-be shoppers. Unfortunately, those potential buyers merely shrugged them off and continued on in their hurry to nowhere.

The clerk's pleas went unheard.

A certain sign in particular, brandishing the words: Coffee Shop Courtyard, stood out. Within the swarming building a lone table with a sole occupant remain unnoticed in the far background. Amidst all the clatter in the room, this spot was deathly silent. No one dared approach it, and that was perfectly fine.

The occupier of the table stared out of the giant glass window with a bored expression. His head was laxly placed upon his open palm while his fingers drummed a tuneless beat upon the countertop. Deep indigo eyes remained hidden between a mop of mouse-brown hair. Muscles in his body ached with eagerness after being forced to remain in the same position for over an hour.

Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

The methodical rhythm of his wristwatch echoed softly in his ears. It had been one hour, seven minutes, and thirty-two seconds since he had sat down. Thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five…

He just had to wait until that time. Not too much longer now. He just had to be patient.

The street that lay just beyond the glass was teeming with people. Some carried bags up past the elbow, no doubt full of presents and other goodies. Christmas wasn't too far away now. Other pedestrians tried to shield themselves from the elements by burrowing into their coats; making them appear as various skittish rodents in layers of cotton or leather. No, he needed to pay attention.

Pay attention to the ticking…the faint ticking… the maddeningly slow ticking…

The tension in his body forced him to move. He rolled his shoulders, shifted his stiff neck, and reached out his arm in order to see his watch. It was still only a quarter until nine. 9:40. He just had to make in until then. If only he could make time speed up. The hands of his watch rotated on their axis as he fiddled with the dial on the side. Oh, if only it was that easy.

Sighing, he reset the time and slouched back in his chair. How many nights had he been in this exact position? Anxiously waiting for the moment in which he could spread his wings and fly away from this place.

After all, no one could fly with as much grace and dignity through the night sky as he: The Legendary Phantom Thief.

Being a magician was a trait in which he highly admired about himself; a fact that he openly shared with anyone and everyone. He was always quick to the draw, however, the minute the mention of the Kaitou Kid was brought up. He loved his friends dearly, but the little secret of his nightly rendezvous with certain jewels and law enforcement would most likely ruin his relationship with them.

Especially Nakamori Aoko: the daughter of the man who despised him most. Nakamori Ginzo, though a determined man, never presented him with much of a challenge.

No, the only one had ever managed to accomplish such a feat. His sole adversary, his true friend and foe, his brother on the other side of the game board: Kudo Shinichi. Not only was the boy brilliant, much like himself, but he also bore a striking resemblance to him, as well. A small fact, Kaito grinned to himself, that he would never let the detective forget.

On many a heist he had taken the young man's appearance and stolen away into the crowd. He never mentioned that it required no more of a disguise than a comb and some gel to impersonate him, but he made sure to point out that it was in fact he who stole identity right out from under him.

A smile played across his lips as he reminisced several occasions upon which he had mocked the detective right to his face.

"By the number of times that I've used your face to escape, you must have girls throwing themselves at you, thinking it's me!"

"I bet they'd haul you off in a heartbeat if you ever decided to imitate me. Must be frustrating not to get retribution, am I right?"

"You know, you're not half bad at this game! Have you ever thought of taking up magic? Or acting? Both? I sure could use an stunt double, or an accomplice!"

Such playful banters never evoked much of a response, but Kaito was sure he'd seen the fire in his opponent's eyes, that spark of resilience and willingness to partake in the game. His grin spread fully across his face. Just knowing that he induced those emotions made his insides fluttery. A strange feeling it was, but the thrill of the chase always left him feeling giddy and jubilant; made his skin crawl.

He closed his eyes and sighed deeply, thinking of another moment in time in which he shared with Kudo. The memory rolled over him like a tide.

The loud chorus of pebbles echoed under the procession of his footsteps. The rooftop came to an abrupt halt, forcing KID to draw his escapade to a close. The silk of his white cape came ghosting around his frame, the moon creating a shimmering effect on his white attire. His rose his head to look into the pale face of the moon above.

Such a wonderful night for a heist.

In his right breast pocket he removed the motive of this night's excursions. I glittering green jewel. The Dragon's Treasure.

The moon's light pierced into the jewel's heart, casting a dazzling array of lights spread across the young thief's face. A single flash of pride lit KID's eyes before it was quickly replaced by utter disdain. Immediately, the jewel was brought back down to lie in the thief's open hand. What a waste; another heist worn out all for a dud quickly replaced the jewel to his pocket and redid his vest.

Enraged shouts could be heard ascending the stairwell. The police were slowly making their way to him. Huh, like they even had a chance. He smiled and reached into his coat. Nimble fingers groped for the small device supposedly hidden there, but instead they found nothing. Where was the switch to his glider? Panic made him go cold.

"Lose something, Kaitou-san?" a voice sneered behind him. KID turned away from his open jacket to stare at the owner of the voice. The stranger remained in shadow, but sight wasn't needed to identify him. Who else could catch up to him so quickly?

His carefully practiced poker face slid into place instantly. "Ah, I thought it was you, Tentei-kun. Not that I'm surprised." He took a cautious step towards the detective. Kudo stood rigidly still, making no attempt to further pursue the thief. No use anyways. Those policemen still noisily climbing the stairs would be upon them in mere minutes. Precious minutes. "I believe you have something I need," KID said, holding out his snowy-white glove to the other, expectantly.

Yeah, like it would be that easy.

A bright idea flashed into his mind.

"Alright, Kudo," KID said coyly, "how about a trade? The switch for the jewel?"

In all honesty, it was probably the worst possible ultimatum that he could have presented. So many flaws. Kudo knew that if he didn't give up the switch, the thief would be unable to escape into the sky; the police would easily be able to catch him. Also, KID would have given back the jewel anyways, even if he had his switch all along. Either way, the outcome would not end well for the Phantom.

That's why he was so shocked when Kudo raised his hand to reveal the switch on his open palm. What was he doing? He wasn't going to just let him fly away, was he? Was this a trick? No… this was a way for Kudo to keep the chase in motion, to let his friend escape just this once. Ah, but Nakamori-keibu would for sure have his hide for it.

KID let a genuine smile replace the mock one, a way of saying 'like I'd actually let you do it'.

Kudo's face fell in a brief moment of respite, confused at what KID could be up to. Then, a barrage of men burst through the skyline door. Guns were all pointed in the direction of the thief. This was new. Nakamori-keibu must have been desperate if he actually armed his men, KID thought to himself idly. He had better think of an escape route fast. Losing his secret identity did not sound like a fun way to end the night. Maybe he should have taken Kudo's offer when he had the chance.

Nakamori Ginzo slowly revealed himself through his line of men.

"This ends tonight, KID!" he shouted unnecessarily through his megaphone. He couldn't have been more than twenty feet away, so why did he have to use it? But it was a good thing he did.

Several of the officers removed their hands from the triggers of their guns to instead cover their abused ears. He saw his chance and took it.

A flash grenade exploded at their feet and KID slid elegantly through the part in their line-up. Everyone began to cause a commotion. Punches were thrown, kicks were tossed, and several gunshots were fired. KID listened intently as he ran on, but no shouts of pain, so continued onto his target.

The light began to fade out…

… and weaken around the twin forms or KID and Kudo.

The silvery outline of the card gun was pressed threateningly against Kudo's temple and KID's thin arm wrapped snugly around the boy's neck. Kudo was deathly, blue eyes fixed steely at KID's monocle. The Phantom grimaced slightly. He didn't like that look one bit. Didn't Kudo know that he would never let any harm come to him? Never if he could help it. He would never let the game come to end at his hands.

But the detective knew that.

Nakamori-keibu was still trying to find KID with his partially flash-blind eyes. It only took the man a few second more to latch onto their mark. The current situation slowly dawned upon him and his face went grim. The thief had taken a hostage. His frown grew deeper. But why would KID do this? Didn't his policy state that nobody ever got hurt on his heists? Well, maybe that was his goal, but everyone turns into a different creature when they're backed up into a corner.

"Aha! The tables have turned, Nakamori-keibu," KID taunted. He smiled cheekily in that maniacal way that he knew the chief hated. Kudo squirmed lightly, making the thief draw him closer. Come on, Tantei-kun; let's not get feisty. A few of the officers closest to them took a couple steps back. "You did manage to put me on the spot, though, didn't you? I should congratulate you on accomplishing such a feat. Well, you and Tantei-kun, here." Kudo again tried to wriggle, though this time a little more persistently. KID used his strong arms to hold his still. Then, just faintly enough so that the others could not hear, he whispered, "Well, aren't you spirited? Come on, now. Be nice. I know you want me to escape as much as I do."

Kudo gave up his writhing instantaneously. Good boy.

"I want my switch back," KID announced loudly, this time addressing the chief. "In exchange, I'll give you back the boy and the jewel. Sound fair?"

Nakamori-keibu remained silent, his gaze transfixed on the two of them. He seemed confused about something. He looked from KID to Kudo and then back again. "Fine," he stated finally. "The boy and the jewel for your escape." A small sigh slipped past the thief's parted lips. Abruptly, Kudo went rigidly tense. His eyes looked panicked and… what was that there in his eyes? "Well?" Nakamori-keibu demanded. KID gave Kudo a final look before returning his attention to the man. He nodded solemnly.

Kudo slowly raised his hand and opened it, palm up, to KID, who took it greedily. Switch now in his possession, he no longer needed his 'hostage'. He stepped away and threw the gem into the detective's pocket. Kudo turned and gave the Phantom a strange look. Something was wrong with the boy, and KID didn't like it. Why was he acting like this? Well, now was not the time for these questions.

"Until next time, Nakamori-keibu." He tipped his hat and with on swift movement threw another flash bomb and took off into the sky.

In midair, KID turned and looked back at the increasingly shrinking scene. He could see the policemen slowly file their way back down the stairwell, the hoards of fans around the building, and there, just a spot on the roof, was the small dot that he knew to be Kudo. The dot remained motionless, watching the thief's departure. Wind licked at the sides of KID's face, drawing his attention back to the starry sky before him. His mind was still nagged by the constant slew of questions that lingered there. He wanted nothing more than to return and demand their answers, but he had to get home. Surely his mother would be worried by now. He couldn't say he was staying over at another friend's house. That would be the fourth time this week.

Those questions would just have to wait until his next heist…

Kaito's wide grin slowly faded as he slid back into the true reality he currently occupied. Suddenly alert, he looked around the coffee shop. Some of these people sure didn't look familiar, and where was the couple that had been sitting at the table beside him earlier? He must have been out of it for quite a while. He glanced at his watch. Oh, shit. Yeah, it'd been a while. He leapt up from his seat and made his way towards the door. Finally, he'd be able to get the answers he'd wanted for so long. He had to hurry. No way he was going to be late to this.

Kudo had just better be there.

A/N: Well, the first (edited) chapter is up now. So, if you read on and it gets progressively worse, I just haven't gotten to it yet. I will do my best to get to work on it, though. Keep an eye out!

Ending Song Time!!!

Confusion that never stops,

The closing walls and the ticking clocks,

Gonna come back and take you home,

I could not stop, that you now know,

Singing come out upon my seas,

Cursed missed opportunities,

Am I a part of the cure,

Or am I part of the disease?

Song: Clocks Artist: Coldplay