I own nothing and no one

I know, I'm bad, so bad

This one is super late

And to make things worse

It is the last chapter

You forgive me, right?

Gives puppy dog eyes

Hope so anyway

So without further ado

Peppymint incorporated presents

Toil & Trouble: Chapter Five

Red eyes stared at the blanket of white in disbelief. A disbelief that quickly turned to rage. How could this have happened? How could he have escaped her? Akako rallied herself quickly. Full lips curling in disdain.

Hmph! The witch turned her head to one side, raising her chin. "So this is your rumored magic. Every time you're in a pinch Lady Luck aids your escape." Pathetic if you asked her.

Rei did not respond. Didn't move at all. Merely stood there, looking calmly into the other's eyes.

If anything, this pissed the redhead off even more. "But your magic is a lie!" Akako snapped, pointing at the thief accusingly. "You're just fooling people. But my magic is real."

A faint smile spread across Rei's features. "True," he agreed, though it wasn't the whole truth. The snow had been a lucky break on his part, but that didn't mean he wouldn't have been able to get out of the circle without it. "I couldn't have said it better myself."

For the first time, a hint of confusion appeared in the young woman's eyes before vanishing, along with the thief himself. A faint snarl left her lips. So he was afraid of her after all. "Trying to run!" she shouted turning away to scan the nearby area.

"It is true my magic deceives people."

The voice caused Akako to jump, looking back at the ground where the other had stood a moment before. Sitting on the snow was a white top hat. Just like the one the Kaitou Kid had used to wear. The voice seemed to be coming from it.

What had happened? She wondered. Had the kaitou somehow managed to shrink himself. Cautiously, the redhead approached the item. Kneeling down to pick it up. The moment she touched it though, the thing seemed to explode, causing Akako to fall back with a startled scream.

Confetti flew every which way. The sorceress quickly stood. Attempting to regain her dignity as she brushed the brightly colored bits of paper off her clothing. Removing a line a miniature flags from her hair and looking at them.

The sound of doves filled the air as the two white birds came in for a landing. Settling on the witch's hands and nuzzling her forehead. Akako didn't even notice when her crimson eyes softened. Didn't realize that a small smile had crossed her lips.

"But those who watch my magic," Rei said, visible once more. "Enjoy being deceived." In his opinion, the ability to make someone laugh was the most powerful magic of all. "Using your power to force the will of another," he sighed. "It is just so sad."

"B-but," the young woman protested, making no move to displace the doves. "A witch is supposed to steal by force."

"Now you are the one who is lying Miss. Witch," Rei said placing his hands on his hips. "Lying to yourself." He stared up at the night sky, admiring a sight few artworks could hope to match. "You shouldn't make light of a thief like me," he told her. "Because I know that within that frozen heart of yours, there is a beautiful jewel. Just waiting to be found."

The witch started when she felt warm lips brush her cheek, the doves into taking flight. "Rei . . ."

But the kaitou was gone. All that was left was a single blood red rose. Standing upright in the snow.

Carefully Akako picked it up. A pensive look crossing her beautiful face as she whispered a good-bye under her breath.

"Mistress?"

The redhead turned, features impassive once more. "Home Igor," she ordered. "I am finished for this evening." She barely acknowledged the Golem's response as she summoned her broom and rose into the night sky.

"I know," Akako said softly still holding Rei's gift. "That if a witch cries, she will lose her magic." She released the flower, regretting it almost immediately. "But perhaps." Yes. Perhaps.

Epilogue

Two, seemingly ordinary teenagers, walked down a dark street. One holding a small dark gray cat with brilliant blue eyes. In truth though, the trio wasn't ordinary at all.

Huyu snuck a look at his foster brother. Kai was being unusually quiet. Had been since the heist two days ago. He found he didn't like it. Not at all.

Finally the older boy sighed. "Do you really think that woman can change?" He made no effort to hide how he felt about the witch. If you asked him, his brother should have let him handle it.

Kai blinked, running his hand through his hair. A habit he had been unable to break even years after making the decision to keep it just a shade over military regs. "Everyone can change Nisan," he answered. "If you mean will she," he grinned. "I guess we will just have to wait and see."

The magician snapped his fingers. Grin widening before he took off running.

As for Huyu, the samurai froze in place. Catching his reflection in the window of a nearby shop. "Kai!" he screamed. "Omae o korosu "

The younger boy just laughed.

Finis

Am honestly not sure what I am writing next.

So I am putting the poll back up.

Please swing by my profile and vote.

Also, ideas for a PoaT crossover are most welcome

I am planning on doing a leverage one but that will have to wait until later in the series

I can't see Nate willing to work with what he sees as children.