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There was a young woman walking down the street of Venice, searching for a phantom thief as she was eyeing the view of the people and the city. She has a purple eyes, and a pale complexion--her long lavender hair down in a pony-tail with two parts of hair loose that go down the front of her body. Her outfit consists of a dark jacket worn over a long sleeved white blouse. She wears a brown belt, holding up a dull purple short skirt reaching her thighs. Around her left leg she wears a brown satchel. Her shoes are heeled ankle-length boots and wears black gloves, as she wears a sunglasses as well.

Ruka Sakuya; the twenty-three years old Japanese-American detective who is mysterious, cold and rather cynical, but she puts her heart into her work as she is a professional. While walking on the bridge, Ruka checked on her phone as she clicked the contacts. "Since a month had passed and my vacation begins... where's the phantom thief would be nearby?" she said, looking around her surroundings. Before she noticed a dark figure ahead of the distance, blinking twice as she adjusted her sight until the blur sight slowly became clear. "Akina, you almost scared me," she greeted her, watching her folded her arms while approaching her. "If it's weren't for that criminal Tamaki Kento--I wouldn't have failed the task. Don't you think the phantom thief has been finding a partner of his own?" she muttered.

Akina is a young Japanese detective with sunset-colored eyes, her long black hair fell loose with her bangs over her eyes and cheeks--she's also fair-skinned. She wears a white-collared dress shirt under her black blazer, wearing black tie, black mid-thigh skirt, matching tights and boots--she also wears glasses too. Akina and Ruka are from FBI department, they were under the authority; the federal division. Unlike other normal detectives, only few investigators within the agency can get into this case... because of the classified files and secrets. "You know what, I'll deal with him for the second time. Although my success rate is very low, I'll keep trying," Ruka said, earning a firm nod from her colleague. "I see you got the record about him and his thievery... his tricks are almost fooled the law," she pointed out. "Yes... Tamaki Kento, twenty-five years old and his birthday is August 13, his current skills and fighting abilities made him known."

"That's a different one, I'm talking about Raizo Togeki the Magician Phantom Thief."

Ruka pointed out, making Akina raised her eyebrows. "Goddamnit, whatever--good luck on your part!" she said, as she watched the sunset that were beautiful scenery. Now the phantom thief lives in Paris in three years, before he came back and he's ready to visit Venice, this meant he didn't bother her but the only thing... he played hard to catch. The female lead sighed, her eyes rolled as she followed her target. She also saw the poster of Floyd's violin performance with the orchestra, she has been a hot topic in Illea and Italy because of her unique virtuoso technique. "What is he after? Huh?"

In the poster, there was an artifact known as Musician's Gem which is a turquoise gemstone attached on the brooch, once belonged to a historical French musician who is most known as Claudette Dupont; a passionate violinist. An expensive and an artifact that also represents beauty, hardworking and also passion is hidden. To be honest, Floyd got the chance to show the beauty of the song while playing to a crowd of audience which they loved it. 'Floyd... poor child. You deserve nothing wrong, why do you have to be encountered by those bad people?' she though, smiling a bit. Being famous, can take the efforts and dedication like no other. She still remember the day the two became friends and promised each other to come true and someday, Ruka wondered when is the time—life for her was a complicated type. "But, her boyfriend was good enough for her."

The nighttime has come, Ruka entered the hall. Before she head in, her phone rang as she picked up. "We detected the phantom thief's location in the nearby museum, call your colleagues and sent the picture," a call from her superior spoke, hanging up the call when the situation is well handled, staring down the pictures of the past of the artifact. Looking at the direction, no wonder, how did he get away once again? She saw the gemstone was guarded and nobody would care to use their phones because it might caused another consequences. But there is something doesn't seem right after all. "I'll face the magician-thief... eventually," she mumbled, when her gaze away.

Ruka saw the suspicious movement of an average-looking man heading outside but before she had a chance to come closer, she hesitated when the man started collapsing. Once her body halted, her eyes widened and rushed to help, rolling the man over--and found out that the culprit did take off his mask and it was... empty--only left his clothes?! "What...?" she muttered, her thoughts were interrupted when a loud familiar booming voice could be heard as it alerted her from far away as it leads to her to peek outside to investigate.

Raizo Togeki has a dark brown hair with fringe that ends just above his eyes, but the rest of his hair is normally covered by a white top hat with a red ribbon. His right eye is covered by a white monocle that has a dangling charm, a beautiful jade green hexagonal-shaped gemstone on it. He wears a white suit jacket on top of a black shirt with a red tie and white dress slacks, white majestic cape, black socks with white Oxford style shoes with white soles and black gloves. Raizo is known as a compulsive magician who is drawn to any challenge just for the sheer thrill of overcoming all hazards and every obstacle. His only reason to steal them are pure and simple. In some way, this seems satisfying him, what a selfish man, only wanting something to win.

He was one of the most feared and powerful jewel thieves who uses his magic abilities, even beating the toughest security that's ahead of the road. Not even the police can catch him, and there is always someone had put him down to the ground or hold him captive. However, the criminal has the second escape. Now she took the risk, it is better than nothing. "Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. Unfortunately, your lovely masterpiece will be stolen by me, Raizo Togeki himself..." the phantom thief introduced by throwing his cards, doing the usual taunts and teases. He showed off his talents, trying to mock his enemies, knowing he can't play it boring. The darkness was all over, the moon shines a light.

"Not so fast."

Ruka stated calmly with her arms folded, blocking the criminal's way which surprises him by her random timing. But he knows no women can beat him and his criminal-case never made it in the perfect record, he has the confidence and the only person who can stop him is... a super lucky winner and a man with same height. With a smirk, the thief asked. "Are you going to stop me? Such an honor, but the reward isn't going to hand around," he hummed, a cold chuckle escaped his lips as he wore his mask on and he was able to dodge when a pair of handcuffs attempted to seized him in no time.

Ruka use her karate skills and gave him a few blows to the weak points, letting him escape from her like a slippery fish. Their chases through the hallways were a complete silence, from the outside, it looks like they'd continued onto a nightly run as their footsteps are distant. Then, the phantom thief leaped down by a piece of wire and a spring-levered rope apparatus below him. Ruka slides through the wire as well, not giving him a chance to be his victim. Before the thief did the final act, he decided not to risk it, there has to be another opportunity, next time. There's a woman detective that held a gun on her both hands, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. So, he can't run away—at least, it's a mistake on his mind that tried not to hesitate.

Ruka has arrived in the rooftop, she look around her surroundings in case he's hiding somewhere. Spending five years being a detective, he'd always taunt her, nothing can caught his image. Or is this a mere distraction? She never felt how it feels like to lose her cool, she always remained stoic and logical. 'If the phantom thief were so impossible to escape...' she paused, sensing someone behind. Her eyes widened, the speed of her movements had only happened in seconds and only felt her center was gripped. Slowly turning her head, the thief had her... cornered.

"Look around you, can't you see the darkness coming your way? Who'll light up the night... in these endless nights?"

Raizo purred, his eyes glued on her's. His face... shows a smirk, and his gaze made her... uncomfortable. Ruka remained emotionless, staring blankly—but did not reply and neither withdraw her expression. Raizo was confused, and now he remembered her from the documents; her name is Ruka Sakuya--the freelance detective under FBI known for her emotionless background and her unquestionable loyalty. But there is a lot to know, something changed ever since she knew him when they have a fight. "You wanna be my enemy and take me down? Time to face it!" he said.

Ruka didn't say anything, without an hesitation or taking a breather, she used a tazer to his arm to prevent him from attacking. Suddenly, he was just disappeared! Also, Ruka dropped a smoke-screen to gave her time to breath. This had caught the thief by surprised, did he lose? No! This made his adrenaline so overpowered that Ruka blocked his punches and backflips successfully, moving to the left in the opposite direction when his opponent did a spin-kick. Just a second... Ruka has been pinning him to the wall with a hand gripping over his neck in choking hold but he knock her on the chin very quickly which caused her released him momentarily, feeling weak—but he didn't flee yet.

"Never got closer to me..." Raizo taunted, teasing her with a smirk as the female-detective has her gaze on him. This cause him to become nervous and backed away several times, while she was walking straight towards him, causing his jaw dropped. The phantom thief will give her the proper fight until she got it, right? But she felt different, like a humanized living doll that seemed too beautiful and lonely. In a while... the face was very familiar, hearing from other detectives. As the background music plays in one time, the stars were shining its bright and the moon shines its light.

Ruka suddenly stops on her track, her black gloved hand covered her mouth and coughed momentarily. Raizo thought she was just acting up, until he froze to see her take out the metered dose inhaler--her airways got wheezing. There is another expression, different and odd from her past. "Are you..." he tried to say, the young woman breathed in a few breaths through her inhaler for a long silence. But she put her breath steady after releasing herself, coughing a little. "Do I still need to explain?" she asked, when the sight went blur for a little. Raizo widened his eyes in shock, what he can't think that his life has been trespassed and unable to recover. Now he can't dare himself to hurt her, including her health. "Are you going to give it back, or not?" she asked coldly with her emotionless expression, but she could not predict that the thief noticed a small trace of tears and how her body was on the brink of getting more weaker. His answer is; no, as the silence were overwhelming the detective. This was odd, and her gaze was not faltering or changed.

Suddenly, his hand reached her chin. Their faces are mere inches, with no hesitation—this kind of weird feeling sends her nervousness and her emotions were unknown. Her whole body trembled, the face changes ever so slightly. She looked over to him, startled at her first sudden reaction. It appeared, her eyes shown an unexpected tears... flowing down freely as she silently let them fall; as if this have a meaning. Raizo could not bring himself to run. Or rather, his legs would not move.

Raizo was thinking about the gemstone for awhile and making the most of it, as much as he want to make the history known. In reality, he has just a second chance and this is really... tempting him. 'Come on, go back to your senses, man... she's a good girl and pure hearted, would she able to handle the darkness?' he thought, unable to process as if something had snapped in a distance. He take out the gemstone he had stolen earlier, giving it to Ruka then—escaped. Ruka eyed the gemstone she hold, and decided to send it back to the owner safely. She coughed a little, closing her eyes. The strange memories of a past flood her mind, her childhood that had been filled with sadness, sorrow and longing.

The next morning...

Ruka was in her home since she has been living in Venice for three years, having time to be relax and take care of herself. She was preparing a brunch for herself, although she saw the photo of Floyd backstage. But, Ruka wanted to respect her decision--her new life where Floyd and Zen managed to buy a new mansion together. Ruka has an asthma when she was young, she used to live in a slumps that made her breathe difficult, so she wears a medic-bracelet with name on her wrist. Since the doctor does a medication management therapy, she couldn't stay away from any kinds of triggers. Whenever she have to focus on doing her duty, her mind went blank. Ruka wanted to solve on her own, without falling. She's determined on something she's dreaming for her whole life.

Ruka saw a white dove on the window sill, watching the bird flap its wings. Her eyes narrowed at the envelope that the dove had brought, using her hand to open and found it interesting. "What's with the message?" she raised her eyebrows. Although she haven't open the letter yet, when she took a peek inside of the envelope. Her eyes narrowed, realizing the familiar handwriting on her. "Raizo... asking me for a tea, tomorrow at the most popular cafe...?" she told herself. "Here I was thinking a year ago, there is a person in mind he has been helping me but unwillingly return his kindness. Now what...?"

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Truly, there is something hidden about Raizo that drawn her interest. There have to be someone who can really challenge him as they are the same age, their lives, their aspirations and dreams—different motives, but similarities are a key factor. She tilted her head with her emotionless expression, not even bothered to go or not—what's his intentions? There are a list of interrogation questions she want to ask, no doubt. Is his antics would be a problem? Only time would tell when the night's fade, the young male magician phantom thief made a debut—with or without his own choice. Perhaps she would have a great time and get him out of trouble.

In her usual main outfit, Ruka headed to the restaurant in search for Raizo Togeki the current notorious phantom-thief, no longer a mystery anymore—since he always escapes. 'Why a phantom thief showing up in the morning? There's more to a gemstone than just a ruby,' she thought, pushing the door open, sitting on the corner and ordered a few glass of latte and black coffee before being scanned around. "Thank you for waiting."

Ruka heard a familiar voice, turned her face around to the speaker's attention. She raised her eyebrows in confusion once Raizo come in with his disguise, since his heists are already concluded for a while. He is an attractive man, yet he has his own arrogance and pride when it comes to pulling off the heist. He sat beside her, his eyes lowered its gaze. He saw the detective nodded slightly with her arms folded. A full-hour table reserved for two only, a white marble small table—with two seats with black cushion. "Before we do some conversation, I came here to explain my reason why I'm doing such a thing. Please listen. Ruka Sakuya," he broke off the silence, keeping his serious tone.

Ruka was holding her inhaler as they were outside the cafe, feared that any sudden reaction would trigger her asthma from his negative surprises. Thus, she can take a breather, calmly returning his level tone. "The reason is...?" she asked. Raizo furrowed his eyebrows in concern, looking away briefly. He's well-aware the detective knew the things he'd done wrong and keeping her up at her age. Ever since he'd begun his life as a phantom thief, his passion for challenges and desire for a valuable treasure makes him dangerous to cross. "I'm just a freelance detective, so don't be surprised if I'm not interested in catching you," she stated cooly, the lack of emotion can let him know what she meant.

"Oh? So, the FBI...?" he pointed out, raising an eyebrow. Ruka lowered her arms, giving a deep exhale while her fingertips tapped the round glass that contained her cold-favorable drink. She nodded once and began eating her brunch, getting the impression that he keeps his hidden agenda well enough, nothing seemed suspicious in his case. "They're just paying me to get the gemstone you stole, so I'm technically off-duty," she answered, pushing her sunglasses and let him give a brief nod. As she was about to continue, she coughed and covered her mouth instantly. While Raizo's eyes were widened, he shifted closer to her and spoke sternly with a sense of fear; "I'm aware that you're sick."

Ruka did cough into her elbow, averting her gaze from his eyes—but slowly dropped with pity. It might makes him cry if he never took care of her condition, not good either since his love towards his treasure are unbreakable. She wheezed a little as she shake her inhaler, she took 10 seconds to breath and did it again, when they let the silence overcome their minds. Suddenly, the detective got her inhaler successfully and calmed herself. Raizo rubbed her back calmly, he gave a sigh. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you like this. In the beginning, I just wanted the challenges, just so I can experience the thrilling moment and enjoying the adrenaline. Besides, maybe I'm overprotective... because I've got the knowledge."

But it appears, Raizo had his reasons and Ruka must give him a chance. But why is he sharing her personal history? Normally she wouldn't open up for another person without their close interactions. Raizo sipped his berry-flavored smoothie, also watching her eat quietly. Their eyes met as Raizo tried his best to give her a distraction so their short meet up would not get boring, it's not even romantic. His hands rested at the edge of the metal chair, not even breaking his gaze while he waits for a reply. His eyes are different, staring deeply for her own answer. Before she has the courage, the sudden spark has found him different and mysterious like a diamond's shine.

Ruka was used to his taunts, not even wavering a single word—just her stoic expression. She was a bit curious as she wondered how did Raizo have improved his new set of techniques, and been in training to fool the authorities. Perhaps, this will became her past-time if it was necessary. "Say, you're not getting paid to catch me? Do you understand the real purpose of your duty, now?" he asked, snapping out of her thoughts—in which the detective nodded. She was still emotionless, taking a sip of her cold beverage. 'From what I learned, Ruka Sakuya is a daughter of a wealthy family...? Well, I heard she was a product of her father's affair with a courtesan...' he thought, pursing his lips.

At last, the female detective lowered her sunglasses which reveals her beautiful purple eyes. From afar, their aura seem peaceful and nothing more. The few customers noticed the two talking to each other, watching the movement of their actions. Raizo admitted that Ruka seemed unfamiliar—someone whose personality always show an absolute cold nature, almost unfit from being a normal detective. "Want to talk somewhere more private than public?" she offered, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. Seeing a glimpse of hope to the phantom-thief's eyes, no wonder where is the reason behind his action. Ruka continued as soon, as he nodded in agreement. "Follow me," he told her, before paying for their food and headed out the restaurant.

'A private chat with Raizo Togeki? Now you piqued my curiosity,' Ruka thought, walking forward. She can see him holding her wrist in firm grasp, as her gaze narrowed ever so slightly. Her right palm felt a pressure, yet his hand was warm—something had pulled him, thus leading his destiny. Even the fact she can feel warmth spreading to her face—her pale cheeks just turned pink, almost unable to function normally for her usual self. If she's following this man in order to discover his side, then so be it. "Other than your work, why are you in Italy?" Raizo asked.

"Finding my bastard father, of course."

The male blinked twice, his interest was getting intrigued—clearly he was too busy taking notice about the streets. Raizo realized he'd felt strangely attracted towards her calm presence and mysterious feelings, she also knew more stuff than what he can ever see. For quite a year, Ruka almost never revealed her emotions properly, much to the thieves' surprise when an intense feeling came. The lack of care, the lack of a specific trait, maybe that was what makes her really interesting and it shall count. Now, her identity has to be protected. "So, you are searching for him, right?"

"Yes, in exchange of completing my mission... the FBI offered to help me find my biological father."

Raizo nodded in response, before staring into the sunset as the bright orange light shines. It's been a hell week for the company to earn a large sum of money as Ruka narrowed her gaze before the slight shiver down her spine in no time, she was wealthy from all of her work achievement and sponsorship from her family name. 'The fact that I'm that bastard's child... is definitely unsettling.'

When the conversation has been silenced, Ruka had lead the way as they'd arrived to the mansion. Raizo peeked around his surroundings, despite how they walked together. The room was big and spacious, it was completely vast with tall ceiling and a view from outside as the windows made the skies look beautiful. She'd made a seat for herself on the floor before Raizo had came in seconds later with a worried expression and looked like he haven't finished eating his brunch. His body was going close to her, as Ruka was surprised and stared at him... for this point. "How about now?" he'd asked softly, if one stares onto his eyes. That was deep for both of them, an admittance. She couldn't turn away, just stood still—there is always a proper way. His face was coming close, she can feel his gentle touch by rubbing her shoulders... a strange turn of events.

'What does he see in me?'

In his mindset, Raizo smiled at her and took her hand, seeing the hidden confusion to her beautiful gaze. Does Ruka not care enough? Just holding her hand felt different, so the first thing he did—checked her pulse. "I... need a place to stay, can you help me with my current case?" the thief requested and did what he have to. To be honest, he had no intention to live alone and the risk was totally an unnecessary--due to the fact he's pursued by authorities and chasing him down. Ruka widened her eyes, processing his request without any protest or doubting whether his intention was purely serious and not a desperate plea. 'By staying here? He thinks he's doing me a favor to look after me. What's the rush? Anyway, like hell I'd allow him...'

Ruka decided it was time to put up the boundaries. For her defense—she have her inhaler. As for him... there is no way that the thief can be here all day, he have his work to finish. "I'll make some space for you, but the kitchen. Any mistake, and you'll sleep outside," she said to him, making him hesitated, hearing her tone. The detective have the right decision and a good to speak for herself. So, her stubbornness can't be underestimated as the criminal knows she has her own boundaries. "Aww, come on..."

She was unaware he's trying to compliment her, as he chuckled once their bodies were pressing slightly and heard nothing but silence as the evening has dawned. An expression which a person made in that circumstance, just one flutter. In her heart, she didn't know the answer. The mysterious silence struck her, those amethyst eyes gazing calmly. Whenever Raizo saw her emotionless expression... he smirked while the warmth slowly emitting. Looking in the other direction, the female was speechless and her body felt a tension. From behind, Raizo whispered "Do you ever smile often...?"

Not letting her to come down, Raizo used his strength to pull her. She comically became a doll who is light-weighted, who just couldn't move. Knowing her health condition—he have to do something. This wasn't a challenge, or was it? "I... don't how to smile," Ruka replied, mumbling slightly when his hand accidentally touched her chest. She widened her eyes, breathing heavily—and their faces turned red. Few minutes later, Raizo laid down with a huge bump, while she have landed safely. In order to get hold of the situation, Raizo let go from her and he just made the first move. Their closeness was truly awkward. Ruka sat up, coughed and rubbed her chest, while Raizo had quickly gone himself to grab her inhaler. His intention wasn't to make her overwhelmed to get startled, but he was glad he did care. "Here, Ruka... as an apology."

"Thank you."

Ruka's gratitude weren't very straightforward, looking at the sky blue mug. She sipped a warm tea as her body relaxed. Then, Raizo sat beside her as they're eating pancakes with white-sugar. Although he has a lot on his agenda today, like hanging out, planning ahead--despite not stealing. "Why a phantom thief like you want to stay here? You usually went away by the nearest countries," Ruka asked, looking at him in suspicion. Also, he seems... not like when he was in his heist. Raizo's hair was messy, without his hat or a top hat on. It shows how his hair locks are a mix of dark-brown and black, combed in neat, messy style with straight bangs and a parted fringe.

On the table, his hand went close to her's, a little. A piece of question had popped out when Raizo tilted his head and pulled a deep breath; he have to tell her, by heart. His words are true and she might understand his views better, even though their relationship were unknown. Maybe Raizo developed a certain attraction towards the female detective, but her feelings were unknown, unreadable from the very start. Ruka let him explain the truth. "After my heist tonight, let's hang out with each other," he muttered.

Raizo's grin only made the young woman raised an eyebrow, her cold stare did send shivers. It's kind of stupid to be called love at first sight, probably they must think carefully before it is too late. "Why?" she asked, and he smirked--not the usual act to taunt her, just showing his teeth. Did he want to stick with her every single night? "Don't worry... perhaps you'll get bored," she muttered. He shook his head. "Let's do it on the rooftop? There's a party, and the festival. They're offering some fireworks!" he sounded enthusiastic, although it is known the detective like events. All she could do was agree, since there's nothing else to look forward to... in her own home. It's better than sleeping, maybe, just maybe... the night would guide their destinies.

Ruka watched the heist from the rooftop across the building, she doesn't really care about his fans. Though her stoic expressions didn't showed her anticipation, as she keep her job rather to keep herself fit. Her arms were crossed, but does he want the admiration and a bunch of fan-girls' affections? There is no connection between two rivals... it seems. As soon the trick, the bait and all, Raizo escape once again from the police as always before the heist was up.

Ruka felt something past her as she narrowed her gaze, but someone managed to appear behind her. Before the fall comes, the male figure has caught her in his embrace--pulled her tight to his chest. Those sudden moments lead to a rush of adrenaline coming, feeling the air rushing when their eyes connected. "My apologies... are you alright?" he asked, letting her breathe for a few seconds. Her head leaned on his chest, closing her eyes as his warmth spreading—she heard his steady heartbeat, so the thief felt her nod, walking towards the far side. 'Hm... why am I in his hug?' Ruka thought, before she nodded. "Yes, I'm fine... a bit."

Raizo twirled her in quick speed, she widened her eyes at this. It seems their relationship had deepen more, after he explained his experience in the past. Raizo was a grown man, aged twenty-five years old, and three years older than her. Her feet stepped, her eyes stared forward as she slowly pulled his left wrist, letting her move on her own. There are movements done, before their gaze met.

Ruka almost didn't spoke a word, yet Raizo's presence shown an alert—causing her breathing slightly hitch at the thought. Raizo then took her hand carefully, intertwined his fingers—a sense of nervousness emits as well. Ruka raised an eyebrow, before having a better look at the festival's horizon. 'What exactly did she saw in me? Some day, there will be a place we can reach,' he'd thought, but the night was already finished. "Would you like to fly with me, the thief and detective in the dark?"

Their foreheads were leaning close, before her sigh was very soft that indicated nothing... or is it? Ruka then nodded once, watching his mesmerizing gaze—his eyes are really different. She looked over to the moon that shown in the night, like magic—it seemed like there were tiny diamonds that sparkled. The scenery was a masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind gift that no treasure can compare. Her purple eyes looked stunningly more visible, watching the skies. "How do you fly, yet have fallen for someone?"

Raizo answered this with a smirk, his voice was seductive.

"Tell me, is it impossible...?"

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