SSJBowser

The Detective Prince Chapter 98 Planned Escape He stood his ground, keeping an eye out for anything in the surrounding area. He was surprised, disappointed even. He looked back to the boy standing before him to see he had changed the form in how he stood. "So, you really are the only one to have accepted my invite." "What were you expecting, the whole city as your audience," Robin questioned. "Sorry to disappoint, but they believe you to be elsewhere." "Kelver Side Crafts." "You knew?" "A planned red herring, one which I was hoping most would bypass." "It wasn't hard to figure, after we caught onto your motto it was only a matter of time before we closed in on you." "We.. so I see you're not the only one after all," Kaitou Kid said. "I'm not surprised, after all I wouldn't expect someone such as yourself to be able to comprehend my riddles to their fullest." "Why, the predictability you've showcased was most evident." "If that were true then why are you the only standing here," Kaitou Kid questioned. "Where are these so called acquaintances of yours?" "Patience." "Then you'll have to give them my best wishes," Kaitou Kid said stashing the device away into his jacket. "For I don't plan on sticking around for much longer." "And here I thought you wanted a major showing of guests." "Perhaps, but I have somewhere I must be." "Why so soon, the main event is just about to start." "Finally something we can agree on, you're right," Kaitou Kid said. "The event is about to take flight, but not quite the main event like you've spoken." "What's so important about that gizmo you put so much effort into obtaining?" "That's my little secret." "If you wanted it why not just take it, why the whole big set up orchestrated here tonight," Robin asked. "Why the invitations?" "You were able to locate me, I'd figure you'd be able to find that out for yourself." "Sorry to say, but the games over," Robin stated. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way, your choice." "I prefer an option of my own." "Which involves running no doubt." "You're one to rush to conclusions, none of it is that simple," Kaitou Kid commented. "None of what I do ever is." "So you plan on sticking around for the authorities is that it?" "Oh no, I do have a set schedule to keep." "Sorry to put a clamp on your claim, but you're not going anywhere." "Humerus, but it's not like there's anything stopping me from doing so." He felt opposed by this statement, readying himself for the next move to be made. "Try me." He remained attentive as possible, listening to everything that was brought to his attention. The conclusion was the same, just like the others he had not been anticipating a move to be made quite like this. "So let me get this straight, the person who impersonated me has already escaped?" "Through a window in one of the rooms back stage." Tim confirmed. "We need to catch whoever this person is." "They shouldn't get far, Damian has already spotted them," Tim confirmed. "I tried to pressing him to stay put until I got ahold of Dick, but he cut me off before the chance could arrive." "Call him now," Bruce instructed. "We need to keep this guy locked in." "Already on it." Tim said stepping off to the side. "Anything we can do to help?" Conan asked. "Don't see how," Heiji said. "We're stuck in here, and I don't think Mr. Armond plans on releasing anyone until they've got this whole thing situated." "Actually there is something you can do to help." "There is?" "You're here with that group from the police force right?" "Yea, detective Gates came along with the five other chosen guys." "Good, then go to Mr. Gates and have him call in all the other units to this location," Bruce said. "That way if this thief makes a run for the north side they'll be able to corner them." "Of course, I almost forgot," Heiji said. "I'll go and tell him right away." He left the group from there in search of detective Gates who was standing on the other side of the room. "Guess that leaves the two of us," Conan said. "What happens now?" "We wait," Bruce replied. "Let's see if our preparations hold up to form." He had yet to make a move like he presumably hinted to, electing to stand his ground for seconds to come with nothing such as a blink. "I don't get it, why hasn't he made a run for it.. is this another one of his riddles?" In his mind it was now time to engage. Without warning he launched forward, racing toward him at him at top speed. "That's it, come to me." He swiftly leaped over his attempt, landing to the spot he had been standing just moments prior. "Thanks for the opening boy," Kaitou Kid remarked. "I guess this is the part where I check out." He let out a grin, this time following up on his claim as he turned to make a run for it. "Lucky move." He wasted no time in following after him, exploding with a surge of energy that had been waiting to be unleashed. He chased after him with extreme persuasion, looking ahead to see the edge of the roof was near. Even more obvious was the gap between the Futures Building and the closets structure across the way. "No way he's making that jump." With that he began to pull back on his strides, anticipating he'd do the same after reaching what was a seemingly dead end. That wasn't the case, he pushed on with a powering force which resulted in him diving off the side of the roof. "Did he just?" He ran to the edge, looking downward to see him soaring away on what appeared to be a hang glider of some kind. "Where in the world did he get that, no way he had that stored away on his body," Robin said keying in on his grappler. "Dare I say some kind of magic." He jumped down, launching the cable free as he homed in on him. "Magic or not, no way he's getting away." Closing in wasn't going to be an easy task, due to the winds working in his favor, carrying him in the direction he seeked. Unaware if he was being followed or not he took a peak back to observe that was in fact the case. "What's this, some kind of hook line," Kaitou Kid said. "I thought for sure the path would have been cut, no matter, it shouldn't take very long to lose him." With that thought in mind he slightly angled downward, picking up speed in the process. He immediately took note of this, knowing he'd have to speed up in his progressions. "He knows I'm tailing him, which makes things just that more difficult," Robin said to himself. "Gotta close the distance some how." The two of them had remained in the same spot, anxiously awaiting the return of the others. He checked the time, coming to find it was now forty five after six, fifteen minutes before he thought his speech was to be held. He looked ahead just in time to see him maneuvering his way back to the two of them. "How did it go," Conan asked. "Were you able to get in contact with him?" "I informed him of the situation, Dick's already in pursuit of them," Tim replied. "According to him, Damian is already on the move." "In what direction?" Bruce asked. "Exactly what we didn't want," Tim replied. "That being the east where he was supposed to stand guard, the one to take the device must have gotten past him some how." "I wonder how that could have happened." Conan remarked. "What about Heiji, has he spoken with that detective?" "They're contacting the others stationed around Kelver Side as we speak." Bruce confirmed. "By the time they get here it will be too late, the thief will most likely be out of sight by then," Conan said. "Are you sure there's nothing more we can do?" "Maybe," Bruce said skimming the room. "But first, we'll need to find a way out of here." "Which won't be easy, considering they have no plans on releasing anyone until they retrieve whatever it was that was taken." "Then we'll have to plan up something to cause for a change in scenery." Tim said. "How about an alarm," Conan questioned. "This place should have a fire alarm right?" "That might have been idea if the security guard hadn't been standing right beneath it." Bruce pointed out. "Glad to know you're both on the same page," Tim said. "But that's not what I had in mind." "Can't wait to hear this." Conan said looking directly to him. Their conversation was cut short by the arrival of a man none of them had ever seen before. "Mr. Wayne there's someone who'd like to have a quick word with you," He informed. "Are you in the middle of something?" "Of course not, I'd be happy to speak with them," Bruce replied turning to face him. "Where might I find this person?" "Look no further," He answered pointing to the left. "They're already on their way over." ".. They?" He repositioned his stance, turning to see a young man and woman standing aside one another as they approached. The mans dark brown hair was slicked back, accompanied by a bright smile that could clearly be made out. He wore a casual brown suit with a purple tie. The woman had a strand of long black hair which was pulled back as well, knotted up in a pony tail. The color scheme of her clothing was the same as his, a dark brown dress with a purple shirt beneath. They arrived seconds there after, stopping after reaching him. "After a long weeks tour it's a pleasure to finally meet you," The man spoke holding out his hand. "Bruce Wayne." "And you are?" Bruce said shaking his hand in acceptance. "Galen," He replied. "Galen Kefalas." "You mentioned a a tour, I'm assuming you mean of the city." "That is correct," Galen replied. "This is the fourth city we've visited in the last six months, we've spent an extended period in each before moving on to the next." "Sounds like a promising journey," Bruce said. "Where is it you're from?" "Thessaloniki Greece." "That's a long way from home," Bruce commented. "What is it the two of seek or hope to gain on your travels across the world?" "You're not the first to ask that, and most certainly won't be the last," Galen replied. "We're actually checking in on the other facilities, it's for a major project the company we work for plans to launch." "What's the name of this company?" "You're probably quite familiar with it," Galen stated. "After all there is one located here in Gotham." "There are too many to count, even if you only look at the ones that have overseas business," Bruce said. "Which company would you happen to be referring to?" "Nano High," Galen replied. "The largest growing company in the use of creating new resources in many different fields." "Of course." "We heard about your recent partnership with us, and wanted the chance to meet you in person after hearing so," Galen said. "Which I'm glad came into fruition." "I'm honored," Bruce said before setting his sights elsewhere. "And who is this beautiful woman at your side?" "Ademia Kefalas," She answered with a twinkling sparkle in her eye. "I appreciate your very amiable remark Wayne." "That was my intent." "And who is this young man beside you?" Galen asked taking notice of him. "Timothy," Bruce replied. "But he usually goes by Tim." "Nice to meet you." Tim said holding out his hand. "Alright then Tim." Galen said with the shake of his hand. "And this here is a guest of mine who's been staying at my place for about a week now," Bruce said dropping a hand down to his shoulder. "This is Conan." "Hi." Conan said waving up to the two. Galen became wide eyed, finding himself frozen within the moment. He was snapped out of it by a pinch at his side from Ademia, Tim being the only to take notice of this. "What was that for?" Galen muttered turning to face her. She simply glared at him, saying nothing in response to his complaint. "Is everything alright?" Bruce asked. "I was just surprised to see someone of this boy's age at an event such as this," Galen replied. "He seems to be the only minor here." "I hadn't really paid any attention to that," Bruce said. "But he doesn't mind, Conan here loves the big crowds." "I did as well when I was his age," Galen said tightening his tie. "Well it was nice to meet the three of you, I actually have a call to make so.." "We understand," Bruce said. "Maybe we'll see you again before you head off to the next city on your radar." "I'll see to it," Galen said reaching for his phone. "Until that time." He left the group from there, turning for the left side of the room in the process. "I'm sorry about the sudden departure, it's always business with him first." Ademia said. "It's not a problem," Bruce said. "I for one know how consuming work on a level such as this can be." "I knew you would," Ademia said turning to walk. "Keeping our lives balanced between work and family is of high importance to me." "He's lucky to have you." "As what I feel about him." "If you don't mind me asking, how long have you two been together?" "Pardon?" "I mean, how long have you been married?" "If that's the way you've viewed it then you're completely wrong Mr. Wayne," Ademia said flashing her eyes back at him once more. "Galen isn't my spouse, he's my brother." "I guess I had it all wrong," Bruce said. "But please call me Bruce, most everyone does." She managed a smile before pushing on once more. He couldn't help but look on, watching as she disappeared into the depths of the crowd. "There's something about her." Tim said. "Yes, there most certainly is." Bruce smilingly agreed. "I don't think we're on the same page." Tim said looking up at him. "I didn't sense anything wrong," Conan said. "Everything seemed normal about her to me, what exactly shot out to you?" "It wasn't just her, but that Galen as well." "Now that you mention it, they did share a brief moment," Conan said. "But I doubt it's anything to concern ourselves with." "I wouldn't be so sure." "Sounds like you're pushing it more than anything," Conan said. "They seemed relatively normal from my angle." ".. Maybe." "Whatever the case it'll have to wait," Bruce said. "We have more important matters to concern ourselves with." "Have you thought up a way out of here?" "Not just yet, but I'm working on it," Bruce replied. "In the mean time I'd like for you to recontact Dick, get an update on his position." "I'll see to it." Tim said. "Do you think he's caught up to them yet?" Conan asked. "It all depends on the pace they're moving at," Bruce replied. "Dick knows the layout of this city just as well as the next, he'll reach them eventually, it's only a matter of when." "Hopefully before the guy somehow manages to escape." "He won't," Bruce said. "I'm sure of it." They were clearly watched from all sides, several spectators looking on as the two pressed on with high energy. He was unaware of where he was headed exactly, but had a small sense that it would soon all come to an end. He glimpsed back, confirming that he was still in the process of being pursued. "I'm surprised to see he's keeping up, especially for someone his age," Kaitou Kid thought. "But that begs the question of why, he's obviously working for someone or some group." Gaining the audience of an even larger group at this point was now something he wasn't looking to have. "It's only a matter of time before the police catch on, pending that they've not already been briefed about my whereabouts." He knew whatever it was he was to do needed to happen soon. The sound of sirens from many blocks away could faintly be heard, driving the dagger even further into the time limit. "No matter the city, they never seem to disappoint." He smilingly weighed his options as his descension toward the ground continued. A breath of strong wind blew past sailing him higher into the air, in affect buying him extra time. It was at that moment that he saw a large pick up truck driving along on the road below. An instant idea popped into his mind, resulting in him soaring down toward it. Robin seeing this followed after him. "What is he up to?" He landed to the top of the truck, letting the hang glider fall to his side. He turned to see Robin drop down a yard or two away from where he stood. "Nowhere else to glide, you just sealed your fate but touching down here." He showed little to no emotion in response to this, simply waving him his way. "Things would seem to appear that way, now don't they," Kaitou Kid remarked. "If you're so confident, why don't you come over here and apprehend me?" It was all too convincing, but deep down he knew there was some kind of catch to this, a hidden trick. Discussions for many sustained as he continued to plot a means of finding a way out of their current situation. All of that was put on hold as he looked ahead to see him step through the crowd to rejoin them. "You're back," Conan said. "Got an update for us?" "I spoke with detective Gates on the matter, I told him of our suspicions," Heiji replied. "Half of the unit that was stationed at Kelver Side Crafts is already in pursuit of the situation." "That's all good and said, but how will they know where to find him," Conan questioned. "He's obviously still on the move." "It hasn't been hard since calls have been coming in about two guys flying across town," Heiji answered before turning back to Bruce. "Any word from Grayson on the matter, has he reached the two as of yet?" "We're uncertain," Bruce replied. "As long as Robin keeps pace, that will give him the time to catch up and rotate the tables into our favor." "So I guess that leaves us to sit around and wait for results huh?" "Maybe not for too much longer," Bruce said. "I'm going to walk over and have a word with Armond Stanton." "Anything you'd like us to do in the mean time?" "Stay put," Bruce replied. "I won't be long." "Sure thing." They did as instructed, observing as he made his way back to stage side. He didn't let the latest command stop him from skimming the room once more. It wasn't long after that an idea popped into his mind, but he needed to look over the outer walls to confirm his claims. "Be right back, I think I might have a way out." "What do you mean," Heiji questioned. "Bruce said he'd handle it." "In the case that it doesn't work I might have an alternate solution." "Anything I can do to help?" "No, I can handle this on my own," Conan replied. "I won't be long, when Bruce returns tell him I'll be back shortly." "Care to let me in on this plan of yours?" "I have no fill to if it will work or not, it all depends on if someone is standing guard throughout the main hall." "The main hall?" "The one leading to this room," Conan clarified. "I'm going to go and check it out, stay here." "Ok," Heiji said as he watched him walk off. "Whatever you say." He took off for the left wall as planned, stepping around those who anxiously waited for their questions to be answered. He reached the wall soon there after with little effort made, checking to make sure no one was looking out for his ongoing activity. "All is clear, now to find a place to set the recorder." He continued on his path along the wall, keeping his sights to the trimmings below. He stopped about halfway through, looking ahead to see a man leaned to the wall with a newspaper in hand which covered his face. This was only a minor set back, but knew he'd have to wait for him to move before pushing on. "Great," Conan thought in displeasure. "Now I'm presented with the task of some how getting this guy to reposition to somewhere else." He looked over his shoulder to see Bruce was still on stage, letting him know he still had time. Just when he was to take another step the man with the paper in hand lowered it to reveal his face. His eyes widened at what he saw, those same dark shades covering the very essence of what was behind the man. His heart raced at this, resulting in him reaching for his chest as he took to a knee. There was no mistaking it, he knew who the man was, standing not even ten yards away from where he was. "It can't be," Conan gasped in disbelief. "Korn, but what's he doing here.. could it be?" All else fell to complete darkness as his body fell forward, toppling to the ground below. Those who stood nearby gathered around in concern, alerting security of what had happened. A move had yet to be made by either. He stared over at him, surprised he had yet to attempt a move. The deceleration of the truck became evident in the following seconds that past, alerting him of a nearby street intersection. His eyes wondered at the thought of this. "What's the hold up, devising a master plan to assure my arrest?" Kaitou Kid remarked. "He's given himself up for attack much too easily, my next move will be as important as any." "You seem less verbal than before.. oh, now I get it," Kaitou Kid said with the snap of his finger. "I'm receiving the silent treatment." He blocked out everything that was said, knowing it was only a form of distraction. He slightly crouched in his current position, lowering his right hand down to the utility belt as he did. The bell was just seconds away from ringing, execution was now the deciding factor to what would happened next. The street light flashed to his eye, turning red in the wake of it all. "Now!" He darted forward at the anticipated stop of the vehicle, slinging a birdrang into his direction in hopes of it posing as a distraction. He easily saw through this, moving off to the side as it flew by. "Kind of predicatable don't you think?" Kaitou Kid deviously grinned. There was no decline in his rush toward him, leaping at him with a left hook only to have his arm grabbed. "Perfect." Kaitou Kid said springing out what appeared to be a whip from his sleeve. "Lucky move." Robin said before following up with another punch. He welcomed this, grabbing hold of his right arm as well before locking it down to his left with the use of the whip. "I must say you've made for great entertainment," Kaitou Kid said kicking the hang glider up from the ground to his right hand. "But I'm afraid we're going to have to put a hold on our little session." "That's what you think." Before he could even attempt to release his arms from the grasp of the whip he felt the hang glider get attached to him. "Toodle-oo kid." The next thing he knew he was kicked from behind, sending him gliding toward a dark ally across the way. He landed directly into a dumpster, feeling the glider crush under him. He used his gauntlets to cut free of the whip, looking back to the street to see Kaitou Kid give him the salute just as the truck started up once again. "I don't think so." Just as he was to push up a banana peel caused him to slip, resulting in the garbage caving in on itself along with him. The top of the dumpster fell shut in the process. This only infuriated him further. He powered out with one single push, dropping to the ground to see the truck was no longer in sight. "No, I can not let that no good show boater get away." He raced forward only to have someone drop down in front, blocking his path. He raised his head to see him, the look in his eyes telling the whole story. "Nightwing I." "Where is he?" To Be Continued