A/N: I don't own Detective Conan.

Chapter 1

Something Wicked This Way Comes

"Made quite a name fer yahrself, 'aven't you?"

Saguru Hakuba could feel his composure breaking the second he heard that familiar deep, smoky baritone. His first instinct was to protect himself but his body just wouldn't move. He just stood there, frozen, even as the man shoved him into an alley.

He had been fourteen then—the last time something like this had happened—trying to solve a serial killing and prove himself capable to the Scotland Yard. Too eager to catch a murderer that had been running loose in London.

Red. Red. It's red everywhere. He's choking on his own blood. A dark-haired man was stabbing a boy barely even older than himself not far from where Saguru was lying in a pool of red. A loud siren. A manic look in that man's eyes before he managed to escape.

"I'll come back fer you."

A hand on his shoulder.

"Get the fuck away from me!" Saguru swung at the murderer, wincing at the sudden pain on his side.

"Whoa, hey!" The murderer narrowly dodged. "What are you doing? It's me!" Someone… was speaking to him in Japanese. "Snap out of it already, Hakuba!"

That wasn't his voice. Saguru took a couple of steps back, blinking away the haziness. "Kuroba? Is that you?"

"Are you okay?"

"I was just in London. Am I in…London?" Saguru gripped his temple and squeezed his eyes shut.

"Ah crap. Is this a panic attack?" Kuroba(?) muttered under his breath. "Why don't you, uh… sit down for a bit?" Saguru flinched when he felt a touch on his shoulder. "Sorry. Sorry." Kuroba(?) added quickly. "I'm just going to help you sit down, alright? Uh, take a deep breath, yeah? Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale." Saguru did just that. "Okay, great. You're alright, Hakuba. You're in Tokyo, not London."

That's right, he's in Tokyo. He'd just came out of some nameless bar in Central Tokyo, trying to calm his nerves after stumbling upon a crime scene a few days ago. The victim's injury, every detail of it had been similar, the exact same even, with that particular old case. That's the reason why he'd been so shaken. Like a greenhorn. Getting nauseous over a dead body. Bloody pathetic, isn't it?

"I'm alright now." Saguru said, switching back to Japanese, trying to save whatever dignity he had left. Did he just suffer from a panic attack? In front of Kuroba, no less?

"Are you sure?" Kuroba looked at him with such concern in his eyes that Saguru had to look away. "You were, uh, pretty out of it."

"Yes, I'm sure." Saguru said. "Why are you here?"

"Inspector Nakamori said you weren't at Kid's Heist earlier," Kuroba replied. "That doesn't seem like you at all."

"I think I'm quite alright now." Saguru pulled himself up and winced at the pain on his side. He frowned. Just when did he hurt himself?

Kuroba must had noticed because he stood up too. "So he did hurt you! It's bleeding pretty bad."

"He?"

"You don't remember? I saw someone dragged you here. Thought he was going to mug you."

"I told you I'd come fer you, didn't I?" that man had whispered. Saguru had hoped that was nothing but his drunken hallucination. He didn't even get a good look on the man's face. That manic look in his eyes, Saguru hadn't been able to erase that from his mind no matter how hard he had tried. But that voice he'd heard earlier. It the same deep, heavy voice from back then. With the same East London drawl. Dammit. Dammit.

"Hey, Hakuba!"

"Sorry," Saguru shook his head. "I supposed I had too much of a drink earlier. Anyway, don't worry about it. It's nothing."

"Really?" Kuroba asked, dubious. "Looks pretty bad to me."

It shouldn't look bad at all considering he was wearing black button-up shirt but there was quite a bit of blood on his hand. Huh, the alcohol in his system must have helped numb the pain. "It's nothing."

"Like hell it is." Kuroba snapped. "I'm taking you to a hospital."

"No!" Saguru shook his head vehemently. "I can take care of it at home." He sighed. "It's not too bad, I assure you."

"I'm coming with you."

Saguru nodded, suddenly too tired to argue. Next to him, Kuroba stiffened and quickly snatched Saguru's wrist, dragging him toward the main street. So, it wasn't just his paranoia then, Kuroba must have felt it too.

Someone was watching them.

5 Days Earlier

At the very witching time of night on Hunter's Moon,

I shall come to steal the Blue Diamond of Antweif from the Center Stage.

—Kaitou KID

"Now you've really done it, Kuroba." Saguru suppressed an urge to smirk when he caught Kuroba— who was too immersed in a newspaper article covering KID's latest successful heist—off guard for once. The idea of wiping that suspicious grin of Kuroba's face, well, Saguru just couldn't resist. After KID's last heist, let's say Saguru's still feeling a little bit petty.

"What did I do now?" Kuroba said flatly.

"KID sent another calling card," You sent another calling card, was what Saguru wanted to say. "If you know what's best for you, you'll cancel it."

"I've told you a thousand times already. I'm not KID," Kuroba rolled his eyes. "Why? What's he's stealing this time?"

"The Blue Diamond of Antweif," Saguru pulled up his chair, the sound of it scraping against the tiled floor was drowned out by the noisy chatter in the classroom. "It's—"

Aoko Nakamori plopped down next to Kuroba. "It's someone else's family heirloom! And to think he'd do it so soon after his last heist too!"

"I imagine he's quite pressed for time," Hakuba said. " The Antweifs weren't originally planning to stay in Japan more than a couple of days, after all. I bet KID thought this would extend their stay, wouldn't you agree?"

"Aoko just don't get people's obsession with him! Dad was so angry they refused to cancel the Auction and even rescheduled it to accommodate KID. How are they so sure when KID's coming anyway?"

"They're English. His message this time has a lot to do with European folklore so it's not that hard to figure out," Saguru said, glancing at Kuroba. "Hunter's moon is what you call a full moon in October. Witching hour is between 3 AM to 4 AM, when paranormal forces is said to be strongest. Do I get that right?"

"That makes sense," Kuroba said, knowing he couldn't feign ignorance, not when he's been claiming himself as KID's biggest fan.

"If KID's smart, he'd back away this time. The gemstone is cursed."

"You didn't seem like someone who'd believe in those kind of things, Hakuba-san."

Saguru felt blood rushing to his cheeks at that soft voice that could only belonged to one Akako Koizumi. What's this sensation he kept feeling when she's around? Something must be wrong because he hadn't been able to feel anything for a long time. "The world's a mysterious place, Koizumi-san. Who am I to say supernatural doesn't exist?"

Bad things had always happened to outsiders who had gotten their hands on the Blue Diamond. The Antweifs knew that and they're still going to auction it off anyway. They knew it were going to be returned to them in the end after the new owners had some kind of accident. It's despicable what they're doing. And to think he's part of that family.

"That's… not like you at all, Hakuba." Kuroba frowned, cutting whatever it is Akako was about to say. "And here I thought, science is everything to you."

"Just so it happens, I'm superstitious as well," Akako began, looking rather amused. "Hakuba-san, if you're free after school, how'd you like to hang out?"

Oh, was she asking him out on a date? No, of course not. He mentally scolded himself. People like the idea of him, the persona he crafted so carefully, not the real him. Akako just wanted to make Kuroba jealous. Yes, that's probably it. And it worked, judging by Kuroba's less than pleased expression. Regardless, Akako's the only one that could make him feel something after all this time. And he's just so, so tired of being numb. Saguru's about to say 'yes, he'd be happy too' when Kuroba suddenly manoeuvred himself between them, blocking Saguru's view of Akako.

"Stop it already!" Kuroba said, rather harshly. "Besides, he's going to be busy with rehearsal."

"Re..hearsal?" Saguru repeated dubiously.

"For culture festival, duh," Kaito said, flicking his gaze to Saguru. "Drama club wants to do a play. I convinced them you'd be the perfect Herlock Sholmes to my Arsène."

"BaKaito! You can't just decide that without asking Hakuba-san first." Aoko said, hands on her hips. Kuroba said something back and just like that, they proceeded with their usual banter. Kuroba could be such an enigma sometimes. With the way he's constantly pulling on Aoko's pigtails, Saguru was convinced he's romantically attracted to her. Yet, he's acting like a jealous boyfriend who wouldn't allow Akako to hang out with a male friend.

"Koizumi-san," Saguru turned to face Akako. "I don't have anything for today if you still want to go out later?"

"I'd like that," she flashed him a warm smile. "And please, there's no need to be so formal. Call me Akako."

"You can call me Saguru then."

"Until later then, Saguru."

Kaito snapped his head toward him at that, before turning around to glare at Akako's back. "This is your fault, Ahou-ko. You distracted me!"

Saguru sighed as they went back to their banter, but couldn't help but smile a little bit at their interaction. The way they could act so free and open with each other, he envied them.

—

Saguru pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the beginnings of a headache creep along the base of his skull. The very moment school ended, just as Saguru was about to make his way to Akako, Kuroba had appeared in front of him out of nowhere and proceeded to drag him away, glaring at Akako, who simply rested her chin on her palm, an amused expression on her beautiful face. "Kuroba, you're acting like a clingy, jealous boyfriend."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Kuroba said, trailing behind Saguru.

What, was Kuroba's worried Saguru's going to sneak away and see Akako? "I promise you I'm not going to snatch Akako away."

"Ugh, enough about her already. I don't like her like that. I don't like her at all. At. all," Kuroba shuddered. "By the way, Hakuba, you don't really believe in curses, do you?"

Considering Saguru's part of the family, no matter how distantly, yes, he actually did believe the gemstone's cursed. "Why? Are you worried you're going to get cursed if you steal it?"

"This again. I keep telling you I'm not KID." Kuroba sighed. "I'm just curious, is all. Akako's got a point, this time. You really don't seem like the kind of person who'd believe in that kinda stuff."

"I wouldn't, normally," Saguru said hesitantly. "I… know the Antweifs very well. Besides, there are records of all the previous owners. Every one of them died, Kuroba. Every single one of them. That's why the Antweifs decided to purchase it back." Saguru eyed Kuroba carefully. "Humor me, Kuroba, since you claim to be KID's biggest fan. Why does he keep returning all the jewels he stole? Saying it's not the one he's looking for?"

"What do you think? He's a magician," Kuroba said. "It's all about putting on the greatest show."

"I don't think so," Saguru said, glancing around. There's nobody except the two of them but Saguru decided to lower his voice regardless. "There's a reason why all of his heists are during the full-moon, don't you agree? I've seen him holding it to the moonlight. He's looking for a specific gemstone. Something like the Mermaid's Tears, perhaps? Cursed?"

"I wouldn't know, Hakuba." Kuroba replied smoothly. He's really good, Saguru thought. Kuroba didn't look like he had any tells if not for the slightest change of his posture. Nonchalant, yet somehow defensive. Saguru wouldn't notice if he's not used to it himself.

"Just… be careful." Saguru said, deciding not to push any further.

"I think something's happened," Kuroba gestured to their right, where a lot of people seemed to be standing in front a police line. There were some familiar faces from the homicide department, Saguru noted. "Oh, come on," Kuroba muttered under his breath as Saguru approached the two detectives who seemed to be in a serious discussion several civilians. Was that relief in his voice? Heh, Saguru felt the corner of his lips curling upwards. That was a rather smart distraction, wasn't it?

"Detective Sato and Detective Takagi," Saguru started. "What's going on?"

"Hakuba-kun," Sato gestured him to the side, letting Takagi continue his questioning. "What are you doing here?"

"We're just on our way home," Saguru said. "What happened?"

"A high-school student's been murdered," Sato said, glancing backwards at where the victim was lying in a puddle of blood, covered with a white sheet. "The third victim in two months."

"Do you mind if I take a look at the body?"

"By all means," Sato nodded. She sent a friendly smile at Kuroba. "Is your friend here another aspiring detective as well?"

"Hardly," Saguru said before Kuroba could open his mouth. "Although he sure has the brain if he wants to be one."

"No thanks," Kuroba said, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms. "I'm looking forward to see you in action though, Hakuba."

"Pity. Well, I won't be long," Saguru said.

"Detective Mouri is here too," Sato said. "Along with Edogawa-kun. You know him, right?"

"Yes," Hakuba said, eyeing the boy who appeared to be in concentration. "He's rather sharp for his age, isn't he? Regardless, I don't think it's appropriate for a seven-year old to hang around a murder scene."

"I don't think Mouri-san's too happy either. He probably snuck in the car when he wasn't looking."

"Will you run me through the details of the previous victims, Sato-san?"

"Sure," she crossed her arms. "All victims are male high-school students, around 16-17. The cause of death is the same for all of them, exsanguination due to cut throat and multiple stab wounds on the chest and abdomen."

"What about the time of death?"

"Rigor Mortis has already occured but the body is still warm. He's been dead for about 2-3 hours." Sato-san explained, kneeling down next to the body and pulling the white sheet off the victim. Saguru felt as if someone had knocked the wind out of him. The victim's throat had been slit from ear to ear. There were blood everywhere.

Red. There was red everywhere. A boy was lying in a puddle of blood. His throat had been slashed from ear to ear. Cold, dead eyes staring at him. Saguru too, was lying in a puddle of red, choking on his own blood. Metallic taste in his mouth as he struggled to breathe. Hands on his neck, desperately to stop the bleeding. The sound of someone being stabbed. Over and over and over. Mad, blue eyes staring down at him with a sickening glee.

"Hakuba-niisan?"

Saguru recoiled violently, somehow managing to stop his hand from lashing out. It's just a boy who was standing in front of him. A boy wearing glasses. Too young. Too smart for his own good. He looked rather familiar. "Ah, Edogawa-kun. My apologies. When did you get here?"

"Are you alright? You look a bit pale." Conan tilted his head slightly.

"Ah, yes, I'm fine."

"I tried calling your names several times." Conan motioned to where Kuroba was standing, no longer leaning on the wall. A frown marred his usually laid-back expression "I think your friend is getting worried."

"It's nothing," Saguru turned to Sato. "What else can you tell me about the victims?"

"They're all delinquents," Sato-san said reluctantly.

"What happened to his ear?" Saguru asked quickly, pointing to the victim's torn ear cartilage.

Sato looked thoughtful. "Ah, yes. All of the victims have the same injury. It looks like whoever did this ripped them off of their ears."

No. No. This is impossible. This can't be happening.

"Hakuba-niisan," Conan narrowed his eyes at him. "Do you know something?"

"He reminded me of someone I used to know," Saguru said, leaving it at that. "Is that all?"

"Yeah," Sato nodded.

"I see." Saguru absentmindedly rubbed his collarbone, glancing back toward Kuroba. "I should get going." He said, earning a disbelief response from Conan. "Sato-san, do you think I could get a copy of this case file later?"

"Sure, I'll prepare a copy for you." Sato said after a while. "Whoever it is, they're targeting high-school kids. Make sure you and your friend are careful, alright? Avoid going out unless it's absolutely necessary, alright?"

Saguru nodded and made his way toward Kuroba, grabbing his arm and dragging him away from Conan's too sharp, too watchful gaze.

"What happened earlier?" Kuroba asked, digging his feet in an attempt to pull them into a stop.

"Kuroba, something's come up. I don't think I'll be participating in that play, after all," Saguru said. "Let's go get a cab."

"A cab?" Kuroba looked at him like Saguru had lost his mind. "My house is 10 mins walk from here!"

"I don't care," Saguru snapped, gritting his teeth. "There's a killer running loose killing high-school students. We're getting a cab."

"Hey! Niisan," a seven-year old kid pulled at Saguru's pants. "Someone told me to give you this."

"Oh, uh, thanks." He knelt down and took the neatly folded paper from her grasp. "Who told you to give me this? Where is he?"

"Dunno!" The kid said, pigtails swinging side to side as she shook her head. "I didn't see his face and I think he left already. He told me wait until you're done investigating."

"What is it?" Kuroba said, leaning in to peek at the letter. It's scrawled in English, Saguru felt a chill down his spine, pulling it slightly away so that Kuroba wouldn't be able to see.

"It's nothing," he said, shoving it in his pocket in an attempt to hide his shaking hands. He squeezed it tightly so that Kuroba wouldn't be able to steal it. Kuroba couldn't know. Nobody could know about this. "It's nothing."

I hope you haven't forgotten about me just yet.

I'd be offended if you have.

I'm sure you know my work well enough, don't you?

—R