Warning: None. Well, other then my terrible attempt at on Osaka accent. Seriously its terrible, you have been warned.

While Shinichi slept, he dreamed of the night he first met Pandora and the story of how he came to have her in his possession.

Flash Back

A six-year-old Shinichi sat in the house library, a riddle book in hand. He was about half way through the book when the doorbell rang.

He heard his mother open the door, greeting the person before inviting them in. By the tone of her voice and the respect her words indicated, Shinichi deduced that the person at the door must be close to his mother but also have a slightly more profession relationship then just friends. A teacher he hazards a guess. Wanting to confirm that his findings were correct, the boy wandered down the stairs.

Walking into the main sitting room, he found his parents with another man around their age. He was wearing a rather strange outfit that consisted of all white bottoms, shirt, cape and hat. His tie was a royal red, which oddly enough was the only thing that didn't feel staged about the man. If anything, he had the feeling that a red tie was more significant than the whole white suit put together. Kaitou Kid, his mind supplied as he moved on from the tie, but he ignored it, having yet to find the evidence to confirm that theory. A man dressed in white didn't automatically make them a thief, just that they had a strange fascination with white.

Looking at the man's face he saw some defining features. Take his eyes for example, sharp with an indigo colouring, clear, no blemishes, meaning he had 20/20 vision. He had a thin two lines moustache that broke at the tip of his nose before carrying on the other side. His hair was smooth at the back but messed up fringe at the front or at least that's what he could make out from under the top hat.

The gentlemen had a distinctive air about him, almost playful and warm Shinichi noted. The body the man had, from what he could see under the cape, was lean and packed with muscle. His movement were smooth and almost graceful meaning he practised in gymnastics or martial arts, perhaps both. By the way he carried himself with poise and elegance would suggest he was a performer of sorts. Judging by the scars on his hands and the length of his fingers he'd say magician.

That would also explain the clean, crisp way in which the gentleman spoke, as if he was used to entertaining or addressing large crowds. The finale give-away was the concealed items Shinichi could trace the outline of with his eyes, a dead giveaway this man really was the master thief, but that didn't explain the teacher angle.

Moving back up to the face, the boy looked harder and found thin traces of glue on the guys temple. Given that paired with the slight lucidity of the clothing he'd bet money on a master of disguise. Meaning this man was the teacher his mother went to for deciding techniques to avoid fans or heighten her performances.

Satisfied with his findings he decided to make his presents known. "Hello" he greeted, attracting the adult's attention who turned to greet him.

"Hello!" an excited voice mimicked. Shinichi looked around the room, sure he hadn't missed anyone when he entered. Checking the room his eyes zeroed in on the blue crisp cut sapphire in the man's hand.

He took a cautious step closer and looked at it curiously. Analysing the stone from afar as he tried to grasp on to a thought that was trying to make its self-known. Just as the thought formed the Moon came out from behind the clouds, bathing the room in moonlight. Hitting the blue gem, causing it to give off a red glow.

The youngster's eyes lit up in recognition. All previous apprehension forgotten as he rushed over to the man, eager to see the stone up close.

"Hey Mr Kid, why do you have the mythical doublet Pandora?" He asked, big blue eye's shinning with awe as he looked up at the stranger.

The Magician looked startled for a second before bursting out in boisterous laughter. Crouching down, he carefully handed the jewel over to the boy, who took it with the care similarly shown to a new born baby.

"Tell you what, you tell me how you know this is Pandora and I'll tell you why I have her, deal?" He held out his hand to shake on it.

Shinichi gazed thoughtfully at the hand, assessing the amount of truth given him before giving it a firm shake.

"Deal" he agreed, taking an empty seat, beckoning the man to sit next to him. "I'm Shinichi by the way" he introduced as the man sat down, remembering his manners, earning an approving smile from his mother.

"Well hi Shinichi, my name is Kuroba Toichi. I have a son about your age, Kaito. I imagine you two would get along famously" he mentioned, smiling when the Kudo miniature looked happy at the prospect of a new friend. "And this, as you've already guessed it, is Pandora" he gestured to the Sapphire in the child's hand.

"Hello Pan-Chan, my name is Shinichi, but you can call me Shin-Chan" he beamed down at the jewel. A feeling of warmth emanating off the stone at his friendly greeting. He'd learnt early on that if you gave someone a nickname you favoured, then you were less likely to end up with one you would hate later on.

'Nice to meet you Shin-Chan. I like you, I can tell we are going to be the best of friends' it claimed, Shinichi giggled. Its speech pattern was a little weird, but Shinichi didn't mind, he had been taught to appreciate and embrace the weirdness life had to offer.

"Sounds like fun Pan-Chan" he replied, looking up at the shocked faces before him. His brows furrowing at their expressions. Had he done something wrong? Was he not meant to talk to Pan-Chan?

"What?" he asked, uncomfortable with the looks being directed at him, shifting in his seat slightly at they continued to stare at him, a tension filling his body, grip unconsciously tightening on the stone he was holding.

"Shinichi-Kun, is Pandora responding to you?" Kid now identified as Toichi asked astonished, eyes wide with the child like awe so many lost when growing up. The same expressions being repeated on his parents faces, only slightly more controlled on his fathers. Face in its normal passive expression, but Shinichi new he was interested because his eyes had lit up in the way they do when he finds something fascinating or new. He didn't like that look being directed at him he decided, not at all.

"Yeah, Pan-Chan said we are going to be best friends. Can you not hear her?" the little boy tilted his head to one side in confusion, ignoring the feeling of discomfort to the best of his abilities, trying to understand the reason behind their expressions instead.

'They can't hear me Shin-Chan, only you. I've formed a bond to you which allows you to communicate with me. Unless the others touch me one by one and I'm able to form an emotional connection with them, which I then use to tie our souls together, they won't be able to hear me. I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that when we first started talking' it sounded regretful to the child's untrained ear. Making him forget all previous discomfort in exchange of cheering his new friend up again

"It's okay Pan-Chan, I will just repeat what you wish to be said" he reassured, not wanting his new friend to be upset any longer. Smiling when a feeling of happiness was sent back over what he assumed was the bond.

It was a little strange, he could feel feelings that weren't his own as well as think things he had no knowledge on. He could feel this sort of awareness in his brain, like something was residing in their and looking around. He didn't mind it as such, but it was a little scary to be able to feel her. He decided not to share this with the adults, not until he understood what's was happening better. He knew from experience that his parents tended to go over board when they thought he was in any sort of danger. He didn't want to run the risk of losing the friend he just made. Instead he moved his thoughts on and back to the question he had been asked earlier.

"To answer your question from earlier Mr Toichi. I once read a book called 'Magical gems; Legends and Myths'. As you can guess, Pandora was covered in that book along with a bunch of others." He looked back to the gem he was holding and gave it a soothing stroke when he felt something akin to trepidation shiver across the bond.

"The book stated that Pandora was a doublet that could give a human immortality and the only way to identify it was by the red glow it gives off when under direct light from the full moon." He recited from memory, pulling up a mental picture to make sure he was paraphrasing it right.

"You sure do know a lot about such an obscure gem" Toichi praised ruffling the child's hair like he would his own when proud "Do you know anything else about her?" he prompted, having a feeling that this kid new a lot more than he was letting on

Shinichi thought for a moment, finger tapping against his chin. There was something else the book mentioned, what was it? ah ha! He crowed triumphantly in his mind before turning to the magician in excitement. Eagar to share what he remembered.

"The book mentioned a Legend surrounding the stone, once you put the stone under the full moon it cries a single crimson tear that crystallises, giving the taker eternal life. Personally, I've always believed that the gem had to be more than just a fragment of polished rock and minerals. That it had to be alive and have a consciousness to be able to cry in the first place. I'm pleased to see my reasoning was right" the young wanna be detective told the group, looking pleased with himself.

'Yay Shin-Chan's so smart' he heard Pandora cheer causing him to grin. It was nice to hear some praise his intelligence rather than fear it for a change.

Toichi chuckled, turning to his onetime pupil and friend "He is defiantly your son" he laughed, pulling a smug smile from the two parents. He always knew Yukkiko child would be intelligent, he just underestimated how intelligent he would be.

"Now I suppose it's my turn" he mused, hand on chin, looking thoughtful. Deciding to go with half-truths to spare the innocent child, he opened his mouth, preparing to talk when a little voice stopped him before he could even start.

"Do not lie, I do not like liars as there is only one truth and I can see it." He broke in, a stern look upon his little eight-year-old face. He was taken back at the order, no one had been able to see through poker face so easily before and by a child no less. Unable to see a way out without the whole truth he admitted defeat.

"Very well, the truth" the performer sighed in defeat. Cursing how prospective the child was. He would have to work on his poker face once he got home, it just wouldn't do for a child to know what he was thinking, but for now he would just have to deal as he had a story to tell.

"A bad group contacted me to help them find Pandora, they too had heard the power she possessed and wanted it for themselves." He started off by saying, memories flashing by like lights in a night sky "To get me to join they said they were only looking to see if the gem existed and since I was already playing the part of Kid, they thought I was the perfect candidate to find it." He told the group.

Shinichi nodded as if he agreed with the statement "That's smart, using someone else already with a rapt sheet to do their dirty work. That way if they were caught it was less likely to lead back them since you were the one stealing the gems well before they came onto the scene." he commented, surprising the magician yet again with his insight.

"It wasn't until after I was hired, did I discover the true motive behind their reasons and found them to be criminals." He clenched his fist and grit his teeth as he admitted this, feeling stupid for being taken in by such a group.

"I don't see how that could bother you, after all you are a criminal too" Shinichi pointed out, not understand why a criminal was disgusted at finding out he was working for criminal? Surly it was obvious when they hired him to do stealing which was illegal.

Kid shook his head, a rueful smile on his face as he realised he wasn't explaining himself very well "it wasn't because they were criminals I was disgusted, it was because of the type of criminal they are, that disgusted me" he tried to explain "Their hearts were as black as night, encased in a chunk of ice with the way they dealt with matters. Where I try to avoid hurting people, they would go out of their way to make sure every person involved was hurt." a fire burned in his eyes as he thought of the wicked things they had done. Looking down at the boy he saw that same fire reflected back in the youngster's eyes, such anger and worry on the childes face, emotions that should never have to be there in a child so young.

"So what did you do when you found out?" Shinichi asked anxiously, one hand balled into fist while the other was gripping Pandora tight. Afraid that if he looked away from the man in front of him then he and the gem would disappear, becoming engulphed by the shadows they were trying so hard to leave behind.

"Well to tell you the truth I was indecisive on what to do" he admitted, looking down at his worn hands, a sad smile resting on his lips. The man looked tired now, at if he had had the life sucked out of him. He didn't look like the Kid he had imagined when his father recanted his tales of chasing the thief. He just looked like any old guy who had been beaten by the world around him, nothing like the person he had met only a short few minutes ago. Shinichi felt sick at the transformation. He didn't like that look on anyone, but he really hated the look on Mr Toichi, it just looked…wrong, that was the only way he could describe it.

"but one night I saw them doing one of their deals and in that moment, I decided that if any of the legend held even a smidge of truth then I would destroy it" Toichi carried on, unaware of the thoughts going on inside the distressed child, only focused on getting his story out so he could get to the real reason he came here. "Vowing no evil grubby little hands would ever get hold of her and wield its power. I was determined to be the one to find her first and put an end to their wicked ways but…" Kid trailed of, eyes drifting down to the gem clutched safely in the child's hold, a sad glint entering his eyes.

"When I found her tonight, she spoke to me, begging that I spare her life and take her away, to hide her somewhere no one with evil intentions would ever find her. After hearing her plea, I could not in good faith destroy her, in doing so I would be no better than those who saw fit to use her for their own selfish gain." Anger coated his words, body tense. He hated people like that and would rather hang up his mantle then become one of them. His tone telling them exactly what he thought about the whole mess he had landed himself in.

"So, I took her with me and came here, hoping your parents would know of somewhere she could reside in peace" He finished. No one said a word, lost in their own heads as they thought over al that they had heard.

"We have several un-used warehouses" Yusaku said turning to his wife, sounding unsure. He really didn't know where they could hide a gem like that or even if there was a way to hide it. Even the best kept secrets had a way of coming out into the light of day, he couldn't imagine hiding an artefact of its worth would be any easier.

"We can't hide a rare jewel in one of our warehouses. For starters it would be suspicious if we suddenly start going in there to check on it, and we have to consider that the gem has feelings, she would be lonely and bored there" Yukiko argued, hands on her hips as she gave her husband a stern disappointed look. Who in turn looked like a kicked puppy, pouting as his wife made her disapproval known. He didn't point out that his wife didn't offer up an alternative suggestion, he quite liked sleeping in his own bed thank you very much.

While the adults discussed- argued- amongst themselves Shinichi gazed at the stone in contemplation. He hated injustice and Pan-Chan was his friend. He didn't want her to be alone, to be locked away, unable to experience the world and its pleasure. Feel the sun against her stone, enjoy the warmth of family. She'd already had so much taken away from her, it wasn't right to lock her away just because someone decided to be mean. An idea in his mind took shape. It was stupid and reckless but if it meant she would be happy then it would be worth it, or at least he thought it was worth it if no one else did.

"I will" a little voiced pipped up, successfully braking up the dispute. He looked determinedly at his mother's teacher.

"You'll what darling?" his mother smiled at him, tilting her head to express her confusion at his random outburst, well at least he knew where he got that little quirk from now. The next time Ran calls him a puppy he would point her in the direction of his mother, so she could take responsibility of his "adorableness" as she put it.

"I'll look after her" he told her brightly, sending her a winning smile in the hopes she would agree with his frankly reckless plan. He like his father wisely did point out his thought on their shared quirk, chances where she would just get back at him in some way, mostly likely in the shape of embarrassment.

"But – you – it – honey" his mother's smile thinned, giving him the vague notion she was displeased with his suggestion "what you're suggesting, it's dangerous. You can't look after her" she tried to reason, feeling her panic mounting at the stubborn look she was currently on the receiving end of.

"Pan-Chan is my friend and I will keep her safe" he swore determinedly, daring anyone to argue. He clutched her gem close, shielding her from view in case one of them made a grab for her. He wouldn't put it past them to try and sneakily take her off him.

"Are you – are you very sure darling? It's going to be difficult and dangerous. Nobody can know she is Pandora or see her during the full moon" his mother cautioned, a look of defeat on her face as she saw the muscle in his jaw twitch. She nodded her head, resigned, a tired sigh leaving her. Why was it she had to have the child that attracted so much danger again? She asked herself, rubbing at her temple as a headache began to make itself known.

"I'm positive, I will not let her be hurt anymore" he told them firmly, a scowl making its way upon his face at the thought of her being hurt. He knew he could do it, there was no doubt in his mind that he could pull of no-one else could. Pandora would be safe, he would make sure of it.

"It's not like a case or a puzzle Shinichi. Pandora's life will be in your hands. Everything you do will have a direct impact on her" his father warned, offering his own two sense. He too already resigned to the fact the gem would be joining the family. Knowing what he was saying was falling on deaf ears. We kudo men are all alike he thought mournfully, when we make up our mind, no matter how stupid it maybe, we cannot be dissuaded from the idea.

"I have made up my mind father, Pan-Chan will stay with me" The little boy declared fiercely, startled when the magician beside him began to laugh at his declaration. Had he said something funny?

"You and Kaito would defiantly get along, he's Just as stubborn and warm hearted as you are" he remarked fondly, ruffling the child's hair.

"Tonight, I shall take Pandora home with me. There I shall make a necklace fitted to you, so you can always have her with you. It will be finished tomorrow eve, so why don't you and your family come join us for dinner, and you shall receive Pandora and be her rightful guardian." The thief smiled at the child's worried look, having a vague idea what had put it there.

"Will the bad men not come take her?" Shinichi questioned fearfully. The elder shook his head, eyes promising that wouldn't happen.

"No. they will not know anything is wrong until the jewel is not returned in a few weeks. All will be well, I promise" he crossed his heart to help drive the point home.

End flashback

The next night, as agreed. Pandora was returned to Shinichi and had remained with him ever since.

Shinichi gently took the chain off from around his neck, upon which Pandora resided. Running his finger along its length. Uncle Toichi had designed it specially for Shinichi. Making it so it would grow along with him without the worry of breaking or chocking him.

The necklace was made of a white gold that complimented his fare skin tone nicely. The metal was somehow reinforced by a component of Toichi's making. Two studs on either side of the gem could be pulled out to be sharp needles, only to be used in self-defence or to pick locks. The bottom section could be opened as a small compartment. Big enough to conceal sleeping powders and such.

The top grip to the left was a button that released sleeping gas if putting the powder in someone's drink wasn't an option. Shinichi had been given the formula and instructions on how to fill the button when he collected Pandora.

Finally, he got to his favourite part of the whole necklace. By the clasp was a silver ball either side, the left transmitted short radio waves that worked as a GPS tracker that connected to his phone. The other was two engravings. One of a four leafed clover and the other of a magnifying glass. A reminder to the man who gave him his most precious gift.

Every day her regretted not being able to save such a great man. He made a solemn vow to catch his murders and bring him to justice. To protect the magician's family left behind while he destroyed the organisation responsible.

If any good came out of the Conan experience, it was that as a child he was classed as a non-threat. Meaning he could investigate them up close and personal. During this. He and Pandora bided their time, collecting intel and evidence for when he returned. Once he did the criminals better sleep with one eye open, because he was coming for them, hard.

He was broken from his musing by the sound of movement in the adjoining room, it sounded like Ran was finally up. Deciding he would join her he crawled out of bed, stretching once out, hearing the satisfied crack in his back as he did so.

Yawning he shuffled into the Kitchen, greeting Ran as he made his way to the fridge and brought out a carton of juice, pouring some into the offered glace before returning to the fridge. He sipped mournfully at the cool drink, desperately wishing it would turn into a piping hot coffee.

Coffee was one of the many things he had missed over the last few months and although he had learnt to survive without it, he still couldn't wait to be able to have it again. Yes sir-ry, he was most defiantly looking forward to the day he could finally wake himself up properly with a good cup of jo.

Lost in his wishful thinking he didn't notice Ran place a piping hot ball of white rice in front of him with a side dish of Yakizakana, Miso soup, Onsen tamago, Nori, and Japanese pickles. Looking at the food, he found himself confused. This wasn't the usual breakfast they had, normally Ran did fluffy scrambled eggs on toast, so why had she changed it up by doing a traditional dish?

"Ran-neechan, why are we having" his hand swept out towards the food "this for breakfast?" he looked up at her, head tilted adorably to the side.

"Well, since you're not going to be in Japan for long, I thought you might like to try a tradition Japanese breakfast before you return to America" she told him, taking a seat opposite him where her meal was dished up, knowing her father wouldn't be up for a while longer.

"Oh" he muttered, at a loss for words to say. He kept forgetting Ran thought he was raised in America with Japanese teachings. It was so easy sometimes to act like he was American who had grown up on stories of Japan but other times- like now- it was hard to keep that story up. He wanted to tell her that she didn't have to do this for him, that he'd already had these before but instead he picked up the chopsticks and gave her a bright smile.

"Thank you Ran-neechan! Mommy told me about these and I've always wanted to try it. Which is the Nori?" After that Ran pointed to each dish and told him what it was where they originated from and the story behind them. He patiently listened to her words, excitedly chipping in when it was expected of him.

Despite the atmosphere being warm and full of familiar love, Conan's mood steadily began to darken as the facts of the matter sunk in. In less than three weeks, there would be no more home cooked breakfasts ready for him when he woke up, no more Ran taking him by the hand and pointing things out to him, thinking he had never seen them before. He'd have to get use to a cold and empty house again, having no-one to worry about him when he was out late.

He tried to remain upbeat and positive, tried to keep focused on the conversation and enjoy his time left but it became harder and harder and by the end of breakfast he felt the need to run and hide away.

When Ai told him about the cure, he hadn't known how to feel or think, just knowing there were things he needed to sort out. His mind had instantly locked in on the logic of the situation and ignored the emotional side of it, only switching on when he saw the distress Ai was giving off and even then, he wasn't thinking of himself, it was all Ai. This morning was the first time his mind had a moment to processes that yes, he was going to be Shinichi again and the emotions quickly piled in after that.

Needing some peace to sort through his thoughts and work out exactly how he was feeling he excused himself before getting dress and heading out, telling Ran he would be back by lunch.

Once outside he took a deep breath, taking in the tranquillity of it all, a vast difference to the chaos going on inside his head. For the first hour he wandered around aimlessly, watching as the town slowly came to life.

Soon the streets were crowded with the hustle and bustle of ever day life, which quickly became unbearable to think in. Hedging his bets, he heads towards the local park, hoping to find it significantly quieter than the streets.

Just as he sat on the swings, thanking every deity that it was empty, he heard the call of his name. With a groan he looked in the direction the voice came from and spotted a very familiar white and green baseball cap making its way towards him, that could only mean one thing, Hattori.

"What are you doing here? I thought you went back last night?" Conan asked suspiciously, watching with narrowed eyes as the other got closer.

"Well hi ta ya too Kudo" Hattori snarked, taking a seat on the swing beside him. "I was but Kazuha decided she wanted ta meet with Ran-chan today, so she found an inn we could stay in" he explained

"Question is, why are ya out so early?" he angled his body towards the child, an eyebrow raised as he took in dejected form in front of him.

"Needed to get away for a bit" Conan answered vaguely, looking away from the other, feeling the other gaze burning into the side of his skull.

"Oh? An' whys that?" the other probed lightly.

Conan said nothing, pretending he hadn't heard the other. Thinking that if he ignored the other, he would go away so he could think in peace. He should have known that wouldn't work, after all the other worked as a detective and they never knew when to leave well enough alone.

"If ya not going to tell me, I'll just 'ave to work it out myself" the other huffed, keen eyes studying the young boys body language. He took in the stiff posture and the tightness around the lips and eyes. Saw the sparks of frustration and confusion gleaming in them. From past experience he knew when the boy had to get away from Ran it usually meant he had to work through something, that something usually being the Organisation. However, he knew they had been taken down with no chance of them popping up somewhere else, so it couldn't be them, which meant it had to be personal.

Thinking about it, he remembered the lad phoning him yesterday with some news, now if it was linked to that, the only thing he would ring him about was A) getting with Ran or B) the poison. Given the look on the others face and lack of interest in Ran other than friendship the last few months, Hattori knew it just couldn't be that so that left him with option B) the cure.

Having deduced what the problem was he now need to work out the specifics, but that was proving impossible to do without somehow dragging it out of the other. Knowing he had no other choice he planned out a strategy of attack, working out the best way to approach the subject without the other shutting down and cutting him out completely. Knowing it was a long shot he tried the direct approach, knowing the other had apricated it in the past.

"This is about the Apoxy something or other isn't it? That why ya phoned yesterday, little Neechan told ya something" the other stated bluntly, raising a challenging brow as the other head snapped up, glaring at him.

"Know it all" Conan muttered under his breath, going back to kicking his legs out in no other reason than to have something to do. Nodding his head none the less. Sometimes he hated how quick his friend was on the draw.

"So, what did she tell ya? Is the world going ta be welcoming back Kudo or are we going ta celebrate ya extension ta life?" he leaned forward, apprehension colouring his words.

"I am Kudo" Conan snarled out, body stilling as he turned to the other, a fire blazing in his eyes. "Whether I'm in this body or another I will always remain Kudo Shinichi" he told the other viciously, lips curling in disgust as he bared his teeth threateningly, hands gripping the chains tight, preventing him from physical lashing out at the other.

Hattori leaned back at the aggressive words, eyes widening in surprise before a knowing look crossed his face. "I know" he told the upset boy calmly "whether ya eight years old or eighty, ya will always be Kudo ta me. I just meant if your physical form was returning or not" he explained patiently, keeping his face and body language open.

Conan scrutinised the other closely, seeing the seriousness and sincerity in the words, the fight left him as quickly as it came, the sadness and confusion taking its precedence once more.

"I'm sorry, it's just… I'm so tired of hearing Shinichi this or Shinichi that, never being able to say anything against what they are saying. I am Shinichi, but nobody ever remembers that- not you or anyone else in on the god forsaken plan" a sob was torn unwillingly from his throat. "I'm not changing, I'm not a different person, I'm still me but no-one treats me like me" tears welled in his eyes. "Why can't anyone remember that" he whispered more to himself then the other.

Hattori felt a little guilty for how much the younger had been holding in. It was obvious this had been piling up over time and he was ashamed, that he as a detective, had never noticed the pain the other was in.

"I'm sorry, I never realised I was doing tha', in tha future I will make an effort to try an' treat ya as I would if ya were fully grown, okay?" Conan sniffed, nodding his head. He didn't really believe the detective could keep the unspoken promise but wanted to believe in the words so badly, that he ignored the little voice that whispered no one could be trusted like that. Listing reason after reason, presenting case after case where someone had let him down. He turned against the voice and decided once more to trust in someone.

"'m Sorry" he muttered voice cracking, body awash with shame "it's just, even Ai treats me like growing up will change who I am. Like I will stop being her friend or something, but it won't, just because I'm smaller then I use to be and have to go by a different name doesn't mean the person inside is going to change as well but thank you for saying that" Conan gave him a weak smile. Eyes glazed over with a mist that could only be described as a soul wrenching sorrow.

"Nah it was nothing, ya my best friend, I should have been more considerate on how I word things" Hattori waved off. "Now that weve established that ya Shinichi" the Osakian grinned "wanna tell me what little Neechan told ya?" he reminded the other.

Conan nodded, looking forward as a thoughtful frown crossed his face, trying to work out the best way to tell the other.

"She called me up out the blue yesterday, told me she had something she need to discuss with me and couldn't be done over the phone" he resumed his swinging once more as he regaled his tale, wind ruffling his hair as if to say it was alright to be angry or upset over things.

"So I went over and found her in her lab like I usually do. At first her face was blank, giving nothing away but she couldn't hold it for long and soon she was smiling and.." he drifted off, eyes turning distant.

"An'?" Hattori pushed, knuckles turning white as he gripped the iron chains tightly, feet digging into the ground as a mixture of emotions flew through him, desperate to know the outcome of the story.

The child's eyes focused back in, turning to look up at the other, a small smile playing on the edge of his lips "She held out a little white and red capsule, no bigger than the nail on your pinkie and told me she had completed it"

Hattori was stock still, the second to last word floating through his mind on a repetitive loop, Completed. The antidote was completed! Suddenly the tan detective burst into action, a wide smile breaking out across his face as he jumped up, punching the air before throwing himself back onto the swing with a joyous laugh. "This is good news" he announces giddily, before looking down at the other and feeling the joy beginning to dwindle

Seeing the lack enthusiasm displayed across the mini detective's face, he felt his own level of joy lower slightly, worry beginning to make its self-known. He completely forgot that something had been bothering the younger boy and now felt like a complete ass for celebrating prematurely, still it was great news to hear, especially when they had begun doubting it would ever happen. He wasn't going to apologise for being happy about it, but he would make sure the other was alright before suggesting they go get a celebratory meal. "isn't it?" Hattori trailed of unsurely.

"I guess" Conan shrugged, looking down at his hands pursing his lips in an attempt to keep the words inside. Afraid if he started, he wouldn't be able to stop and would end up ruining his friends obvious joy at the news.

"But?" Hattori pressed.

The boy realised a deep sigh, as if the weight of the word was resting on his tiny shoulders. "I dunno. I just. I don't know how to feel about all this. I mean should I be over the moon about it? Should I be sad? What? What should I feel?!" he ruffled his hair in frustration.

"I mean I've been waiting two years for this to happen but in those two years I've built a life for myself. I've created friendships and name for myself. And what about the detective boys? Or Ran? Huh? I'm basically taking away a very important friend to them and killing them off because I can't keep up the charade over phone or emails, I mean who does that?!" he leapt off the swing and began pacing agitatedly. Now that he had started, he found he couldn't stop and was ranting for the sake of getting his words out there, hoping it would lessen the torrent of emotions raging inside him.

"And don't get me wrong, I am happy to be growing again, being able to have my freedom back and to do more, to save more people. I'm also looking forward to finally being able to reach the top shelves again" he joked. "I just. I'm scared. I'm used to being a child, for having things taken care of for me and to be surrounded by people and now I'm going back to my tall, awkward self who most people either get annoyed at or freaked out. "he flopped back into the swing, tipping his head back up to the sky, watching the clouds roll by. "I just don't want to be alone" he whispered eyes stinging with unshed tears.

Despite having had this conversation with Pandora, Shinichi still couldn't shake the fear, only this time he had the oppressive guilt of leaving those he loved behind added to it.

A silence fell over them after the outburst, Conan having run out of things to say while Hattori was unsure on where to go from here. He hadn't really thought about it from Conan perspective before. In the past when they had talked about him changing back, it had seemed so easy, that he would just take the meds and be done with it, but it was only now he was realising just how many lives Conan was so closely entwined with that they would be ruining.

And what kinda friend did that make him? For not even thinking about how loosing those friendships and the regular companionship would do to him. God, he felt like such a dick for taking such a childish view point on the matter.

"I can't begin ta imagine what ya going through, or what sort of thoughts must be rushing through ya head" he finally said, turning to the boy he viewed as a brother with serious eyes. Wanting him to know that he was meaning every word he was about to say "but I can promise ya tha' no matter what happens, I will always be someone ya can rely on. I will always help ya no matter what tha situation is, okay?" he felt like that was all he could offer the lad. He couldn't really offer an understanding to what was going on, nor could he be of any real help when it came to telling him how to feel. But if there was one thing he could do, it would be to make sure that Shinichi never felt alone again.

Conan looked over at him. He didn't know what to say to that, or whether it was going to remain true when he was older, but he appreciated the sentiment and the heart that went behind saying such a thing to him. It really meant a lot. "Thanks, Heiji…" he whispered, throat clogging with the force of emotions he was experiencing.

"I mean it," Heiji stepped off the swing and stepped closer to him. Conan stopped swinging and looked up at him. "if ya ever get lonely just ring me up an' I will chase tha lonely blues away" not a hint of amusement on his face as he said it, just the look that promised his word would be kept.

Tears welled up in Conan's eyes as he gave the taller a watery smile "Thank you" he croaked before clearing his throat.

"I'm still not sure how I feel about this, but it really means a lot to me that you would say that" Conan told him, eyes shining with gratitude.

"Hey, it doesn't matter if ya don't know how ya feel about it at this moment, nobody expects ya to 'ave tha answers all tha time Kudo, it's okay ta say ya don't know. The important thing is tha' ya know ya don't have to work it out on ya own." He knelt in front of the little detective.

"Ya are one of tha smartest, kindest an' interesting person I 'ave ever met, just because ya 'ave to say goodbye to this part of ya doesn't mean ya 'ave stop being any of those things. Just remember tha'" At Hattori's sincere words, Shinichi felt the tears that had been threatening to come all morning finally spill out.

Smiling softly at the crying boy, the Oasakian leaned forward and gently pressed a kiss to his forehead before scooping him up and taking his seat, placing the younger in his lap so he could cry out the way of prying eyes, clutching onto the soft shirt as he burrowed in close, accepting all the love and comfort the other was offering him.