Warning: In this Chapter Kaito will be a little out of character and will contain an upsetting scene.
Two days after the confession of one of his closest kept secrets, Shinichi found himself wondering around Beika observatory four hours earlier then he was meant to be. Finding himself with so much time on his hands he whiled it away by becoming a tourist and looking at all the pieces on display. Keeping up a running commentary to the being beside him, who was presently not listening as she was freaking out for reasons only known to her.
'This is so exciting Shin-Chan!' Pandora squealed jumping up and down beside him, causing the detective to wince.
'Hey LED light, turn the pitch down a little would ya' He complained rubbing his temples, playing it off as a tension headache to those around him.
'Sorry Shinigami-Sama' Pandora retorted, sulking beside him. She knew it was a low blow but she had never claimed to be above them in the first place.
'Oi, I will have you know that I have yet to run into a body toda-'
"AHHH"
'Spoke too soon' Shinichi sighed to himself as a scream rang out. Why was this his life again? Just once he would like to walk out of his house and spend the day without a corps throwing themselves at him, both figuratively and literally. Oh, don't get him wrong, when he goes out with Kaito, the magicians luck seemed to cover the both of them, leaving him pleasantly body free. It was moments like this when he was out alone or with someone other than Kaito did it grate on his nerves, not all the time, but often enough that he was seriously beginning to think he really had been cursed.
'This is your fault. If you hadn't worked yourself into a tizzy and threw a tantrum any five-year-old would be proud of, just so we could be early, this never would have happened' He moaned, making his way to the gathered crowd. And pushed his way through. Barking out orders for them to stay back and phone the police.
'You were the one to give in' she pointed out smugly, rocking back and forth on her heals while he inspected the body. Not bothered in the least that someone was dead not even a foot away, just carrying on their conversation like nothing had happened. Having said that the detective was no better. He couldn't say death no longer affected him, seeing a body like this always stirred up anger and upset for the loss of a life, he was just more adapt at knowing when to silently grieve them and when to be indifferent. Right now, he needed to be indifferent so he would have a clear head to work with, if carrying on a conversation was going to do that for him, then he had the right to do so.
'Did not. Last thing I remember is seeing Heiji off at the station and then nothing, until I wake up in the astronomy tower and discover I have joined a tour group around the planetarium.' He protested 'In fact it was almost as if I had been possessed for a moment' He jabbed. She hadn't exactly been subtle in getting him here.
She whistled innocently in response, pretending as if she hadn't heard him. To Shinichi that was answer enough.
"I thought as much" He muttered aloud, rolling his eyes as he checked the victim's pockets. To the crowed around him it looked like he had confirmed a theory, which they weren't wrong about, they just assumed the wrong kind of theory.
"Shinichi-Niichan!" Three excited child voices called out. He turned his head to the left, grinning when he saw the detective boys waving enthusiastically at him from the side. He stood up and walked over to them. He already had what he needed, so it wasn't like he needed to search around the body any longer 'Might as well catch up with the troublemakers' he thought to himself fondly, snorting at the answering thought he received.
'Yeah and while you're at it, teach them some sayings that can be taken the wrong way. I would love to see the look on Ran's face when one of them says something like 'that's what she said' whenever someone makes a remark about something being too big' she sniggered into her hand, her mischievousness broadcasting across the bond.
'Maybe later, for now I just want to make sure their okay' the detective admitted, storing the idea for a rainy day. It would be something funny to see but for now he was more anxious to know how they were since he had last seen them.
"Hey guys" He beamed "Wanna help me solve this case by using your awesome detective skills?" He asked already knowing the answer but wanting to ask anyway. Eyes turning soft at the resounding yes that met his ears.
"The detective boys are on the case!" They cheered, speeding him up to date on the vics movements before death.
'Aww now ain't that the cutest thing' Pandora cooed, watching as the children followed Shinichi and hung on to every word he said and vice versa. As much as she would have liked to watch Shinichi interacting with the children, there was something she had to deal with first, namely the noisy judgmental people around them. While Shinichi was distracted by the children, allowing them to get close to the corps and determine the cause of death, he had been unaware of the disapproving and horrified stares being directed at him.
Pandora however was very aware of what was happening and was determined to keep her friend safe from the ridicule that would present itself. It may not be conventional to allow a child to examine a body but that didn't mean people had to shove their judgmental bullshit down others' throats for it. What Shinichi allowed and didn't allow the children to do was their business and theirs alone. If someone had a problem, they could take it up with the parents, who were perfectly happy to allow their children to partake in such activities.
So while the detective's attention was directed elsewhere she used the opportunity to place a small mind altering spell on those around them. Suddenly what had be sickening and deplorable to them now no longer felt that way. They were accepting of what was happening as if it was the norm. Pandora knew she shouldn't have, Shinichi had told her on more than one occasion why altering someone's mind was wrong, but she couldn't bring herself to feel guilty over it. They deserved it and if being the bad guy meant her best friend would remain safe then she didn't care and would never apologise for it. To her nothing was more important than Shinichi's wellbeing, nothing.
While this was happening Shinichi remained oblivious, only having eyes for the children in front of him. Feeling an overwhelming proudness at how logical they were being, slowly piecing together what he previously had. He compared them to the children he had first met all those years ago to who they were now. Noting how their intelligence and keen observational skills had come on leaps and bounds. Instincts and reflexes becoming sharper with time. He could tell if they remained on this path then they would all make marvellous detectives one day.
With the help of Ayumi, Genta and Mitsuhiko, Shinichi managed to track down the killer and apprehend them with little fanfare. Ai offering up a sarcastic comment every now and then, just to remind them that she was still there. Even with her lack of help the four of them were still able to solve the case within the hour, wrapping it up in a neat little bow just as the police arrived. Standing back, he allowed them to fill the police in, feeling every inch the proud parent, he imagined himself to be. Allowing them to receive all the praise and credit, exchanging amused smiles over their heads with the lead detective.
Once the police had taken their statement and taken the necessary things away, Shinichi claimed there all deserved a little treat for all their hard work and took them up to the little café the astrological centre offered, buying them each a drink and a piece of cake.
"So, where's professor Agasa? Surely he didn't let you four come alone?" He asked curiously as they sat down at an out of the way table. Shinichi had chosen it because it offered a view of the whole room as well as giving them semi privacy in their conversation. Since his time as Conan he had built a compulsive need to be able to see everyone in a room at one time as well as having his back to a wall. If not, he found his was constantly on edge, just waiting for someone to come up behind him.
"Don't worry Kudo-Kun he just went back for his camera to film the Kid heist tonight. He won't be long" Ai informed him primly, easing his worry. Raising a brow at his seating choice. She hadn't missed the rearranging he had done so he was sat against the wall, she didn't know if she should be worried about his mental health or grateful for the paranoia, as it did ensure the children would be at their safest if he was on the lookout. For now, she would let him pretend that all was fine, it's not like it was coursing problems just yet.
"Mou Ai-Chan. Why don't you call me Shinichi like the others? We've known each other long enough, right Ayumi-Chan?" He questioned, turning to the other girl who nodded vigorously.
"Yes Ai-Chan, you must call him Shinichi-Niichan, he is our friend" She told her friend, eyes shining. Haibara sighed, silently promising to get him back as he grinned smugly. Two could play dirty.
"Okay Shinichi- Niichan" She ground out with fake enthusiasm.
"Yay!" Ayumi cried, giving Ai a hug.
Shinichi smiled fondly at the sight of all the children surrounding Ai, chatting and laughing happily. He had worried that once he turned back Haibara might feel lonely or isolated, after all she was a different mental age to the others, but he was pleased to see she was happy. Now the shadows that had made her live-in terror were gone, she was more relaxed and seemed almost closer to the children. He was grateful to see she was embracing her life as a child again.
It was weird to be hanging out with them again, this time his proper size he mused. He remembered what it was like the first time it happened, heart heavy with regret and guilt. Trying so hard to be familiar with them but not overly so like Conan. Conversation awkward and stilted, with Ai having to work as a go between as they were shy and unsure what to say or do.
The meeting had come about as a surprise to him, having woken up to incessant knocking at his door. Still a little groggy as he was expecting to be either Ran or Kaito he opened the door lethargically and nearly jumped out of his skin when a chorus of children greeted him. Ai at the front of the pack, leading them. It became obvious very quickly that they had been missing him – Conan- and Ai had suggested getting to know the person Conan had admired most, thus leading them to be knocking at his door at ten in the morning. Despite their enthusiastic greeting they held themselves back and often shied away to hide behind Haibara, seeking her guidance on what to say.
It didn't help that the whole time they were there, he'd had to keep reminding himself he wasn't Conan so he shouldn't expect the same reactions as before. Which was hard to do because all through his time as Conan he had made sure to talk about himself as Shinichi a lot, just so when he returned they would be semi comfortable around him, now it seemed that it was a wasted effort as they didn't treat him as someone they had heard a lot about, so it took a while for them to warm up to him. But he had stuck at it, not allowing his momentary upset and their wariness deter him and thanks to that, he had cultivated a unique friendship with them, just like he had promised Ai at the beginning of all this.
Now he could confidently say they viewed him as a treasured friend, much like they had Conan. Whatever had been holding them back seemed to have evaporated overnight and were just as boisterous with him as they had been with Conan. He was grateful for that and planned to spend many days with them, taking them places, teaching them things he couldn't as a child. Making up for lost time.
Not much had changed he noted with surprise as he looked around the table, lending half an ear to the conversation going on around him. Genta still stuffed his face like there was no tomorrow, Mitsuhiko still sprouted of things he had leant or saw around him, constantly questioning things and the meaning behind them. And finally, Ayumi, dear sweet Ayumi still had a love for life and helping people. Ready to talk about anything and everything while she also listened to what you told her. Of course, Ai hadn't changed that much either, she was still her sarcastic ever-loving self, although he had noticed she was more relaxed and open with them now, it was a nice change to see in her, one he hoped she kept.
"Since we weren't able to finish the tour, do you guys wanna go look around with me while we wait for the professor?" He offered after they had finished eating, laughing at the star struck look in their eyes. Watching the children nod their heads in rapid succession, scrambling to their feet and pulling him out the café and back to the exhibitions, allowing himself to be dragged with a small pleased smile tugging at his lips.
Over the course of the week the children had started a sort of hero worship towards him. It wasn't anything drastic or something to worry about, it was more them admiring and wanting to take after him then actually being him. He found it kinda cute, never failing to make his heart feel full when he saw the look, knowing he was just as important to them as they were to him.
"Shinichi-Niichan" He felt a tug on his sleeve, bringing him out of his thoughts. He looked down to see Mitsuhiko holding his sleeve. He hadn't even realised they had stopped.
"Yeah?" he asked, smiling encouragingly as the boy shied away under the attention.
"I was wondering if you could tell us why they're showing a jewel here when it has nothing to do with space?" He questioned, eyes wide and alight with questions. The thirst for knowledge shining brightly in them, mirroring the detectives own when he was that age. How could he possibly not answer such an inquisitive minds question? It would be a crime not to.
"Do you know what it's called?" He asked the children, leading them in the direction of the showing room. All the children shook their heads, Haibara just letting things pan out, allowing him to fill them in at his own pace.
"Well the jewel is named the Star Sapphire due to its unique story and pattern it contains under special lighting." He told them.
"Can you tell us the story Shinichi-Niichan?" Ayumi asked sweetly, Ai looking interested in the story too. Shinichi smiled down indulgently, nodding his head once.
"Well, once upon a time on an island named Ceylon, there were once impassable tropical forests with blossoming acacias, baobabs and evergreen coconut palm trees, there lived a young man by the name Dzhampal. He was so handsome, that women and girls were afraid to look at him. Dzhampal was a hunter. For hunting, his fellow huntsman took with them bows and arrows with the tips poisoned with snake's venom, but Dzhampal was content with a boomerang." He started out, weaving an intricate tale, casting a spell upon them.
"One day he decided to spend the night in the forest. But he could not sleep, for there in the night, a small asterisk twinkled over his head. The asterisk was so beautiful that Dzhampal fell in love with it. Now every evening he came to the same place and admired the asterisk. When at dawn the sky became dark blue the asterisk descended so low, that it almost touched Dzhampal's curly hair, the young man whispered to it" here he paused building up the suspense before deepening his voice, to give the man some character and make it more lifelike for the children.
"Listen, a pre-dawn asterisk, be my guiding star". The children continued to listen to him, spell bound by what he was telling them. Voice once again becoming soft, taking on a smooth strong story telling quality. The kinda voice your mother would read you your bed time stories with.
"But the asterisk answered nothing and disappeared in a fog. The next evening Dzhampal went back and discovered his lovely asterisk shining down at him. Suddenly a black goat with a white spot on a forehead jumped out from behind a bush. The hunter threw his boomerang at it, but the goat turned his head and uttered a blaring roar, whirlwinds coming off its spiralled horns. Picking up the boomerang and begun to whirl it in air, lifting it higher and higher." He veered them towards the left, following the signs directing them to the main showroom.
"High up into the sky, the boomerang struck a dark blue dome, chopping off a part of it together with the asterisk. When the piece of dome hit the ground, it smashed into smithereens. One of the splinters fell toward Dzhampal 's legs. The young man picked it up. In a splinter of the dome which had turned into Sapphire, his majestic asterisk was shining with a bright light. That piece was named the star sapphire" He spoke low, appearing to put a spell on all who listened. Many broke off from the tour to listen to his story, even some of the guides who were leading the tours changed course so they could listen in. He didn't mind, the children were happy, and it wasn't like the people were grappling for his attention.
"What's an Asterisk?" Genta asked once he had finished, brows furrowed as he tried to work out if he had heard it somewhere before, perhaps from Conan at one time or another.
"Well in modern days we use the word for the name of a small star symbol to make a note of something, but the word originates from late Latin 'Asteriskus' or from ancient Greek 'Asteriskos' meaning little star. So Dzhampal was looking up at a small star." He explained patiently, putting it into simple terms. He didn't think them stupid by any means, he just wanted to be sure they understood so they could call upon the knowledge again in later life
"Where's Ceylon Shinichi-Niichan? I've never heard of it" Ai asked, eyes swimming with curiosity. She had always loved learning new things.
"From Fifteen O Five till Nineteen Seventy-Eight the place was known as Ceylon, named by a Portuguese empire and translated into English. After that the name was changed to Sri Lanka and has remained that way ever since." Shinichi answered, pleased she was finally showing some interest in the story.
"How long has the Star Sapphire been around Shinichi-Niichan?" Ayumi questioned as they rounded the corner, grabbing hold on his hand to hold. Shinichi let her do as she pleased.
"Well in the legend it said there were Baobabs and in Two thousand and Three scientists found a tree over eight hundred years old, placing it in Twelve O Three AD. However, in Twelve Ninety-Two 2AD Marco polo mentions about the Sapphires Ceylon had been producing since biblical times, such as king Solomon and Sheba, placing that in Ten BC" he paused for a moment, racking his brain to see if he knew anything more about the gem in question.
"Actually, Star Sapphires are used a few times in the bible, take Ezekiel Twenty-Eight verses Thirteen to Sixteen, where it says twelve stones of fire. We know that Star Sapphires although rare have between four to twelve points. Another example would be exodus Twenty-Eight verse Fifteen to Thirty, telling us they were given Moses and set in breastplate of Aron, which would be Seventy AD the first century. Then you have Revelations Twenty-one verse Nineteen, their it tells us it was one of the twelve gemstones set in foundations of the city walls of Jerusalem, which was some time in BC again." He rambled on. He hadn't planned it inundate them with facts, but he found once he'd started he couldn't stop.
Ever since he was young and first learnt to read, he had been fascinated by stories of mythical gems. Since meeting and befriending pandora that passion only grew until it became an obsession. There wasn't a gem nor stone on this planet he didn't know the back story of and every rumour surrounding them. It felt good to finally be passing this knowledge on, especially as it was the detective boys willing to listen to him list every fact under the sun.
"The Star Sapphire has an amazing history if you know where to look. There are accounts of the star being seen in the twelfth century and accounts of it being seen again in the seventeenth century. There is even speculation that a member of the royal family had it at one time. After that it was only seen a hand full of times, passing from family to family until it was brought in one day and sold to a private collector." He listed off what he could remember, eyes shining with the childish glee he knew was being reflected in their eyes.
"The name of the native people or tribe who lived on Ceylon were called were the Cingalese, who descended from its primitive inhabitants. Dzhampal was most likely to have been part of the tribe" He recalled going of topic slightly. Sometimes his mind did that, moved to fast for his mouth to keep up, often meaning he missed important steps when explaining things to people.
"Star Sapphires have been referred to by many cultures as a "stone of Destiny", as the three bands of the star were believed to represent faith, hope and destiny. The English explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton carried with him a large Star Sapphire, referring to it as his talisman, for it brought him influence and good luck in his travels. Star Sapphires were also believed to help ward off illness, ill omens, witch craft and the Evil Eye" he tried to bring them back on track, but he was quickly losing his thought trail as another angle popped up. Shrugging he decided just to go with the flow. The children weren't interrupting or stopping him, so they obviously were interested in what he had to say.
God how long had it been since he could that? Just let go and say anything and everything, not worry about the persons interest. A long fucking time that's what. So he wasn't going to waste this opportunity granted him. If the kids wanted to learn then by golly were they gonna learn.
"In many cultures Star Sapphires were considered love charms; Helen of Troy was said to have owned a Star Sapphire and to have owed her conquests to it. In 17th century Germany, Star Sapphires were the "Siegstein", meaning "victory stone". Star Sapphires were commonly used as talismans to protect against the evil eye and the Sinhalese used them to guard against witchcraft. One of the most unique of all talismanic gems, Star Sapphires are said to be so potent that they continue to exercise their good influence over the first wearer even if it has passed into other hands" He went on to say, invested in the topic now, previous apprehension that he was saying too much gone, as if it had never been there in the first place.
"What about its Marking Shinichi-Niichan? You said its pattern was a reason it was here" Mitsuhiko remembered, craning his neck up so he was talking to the detective not at him. The action made Shinichi smile, it was something he had done himself when he was that age and wanted to be taken seriously. In true Shinichi fashion he decided to honour that request in the only way he could, by letting the child discover the answer for themselves.
"Ahh, take a look and see if you can tell me" Shinichi grinned, motioning to the display case they had arrived at, the gem sitting on a tilted, rotating stool.
At the suggestion Genta, Ayami and Mitsuhiko rushed over and pushed themselves up against the glass, watching with narrowed eyes as the jewel spun around, trying to find an answer to the question put before them. Ai However took a more sedate pace to the glass casing, content on letting them discover the reason for themselves.
"Ah! I see it! It's because it has a star on it, isn't it Shinichi-Niichan?" Ayumi cried out excitedly, turning to him with sparkling eyes. Eagerly awaiting her praise.
"Yep you're absolutely correct" he praised, pride evident in his voice "The Star is most clear under natural light, such as sunlight or moonlight, which is why it's in the centre of the room with a sunroof directly above, when normally you keep gems out of direct sun light." He told them, stepping closer to get a look of his own. He had yet to see it as he had previously been occupied by a murderer.
From the corner of his eye he saw Pandora poke her head through the glass, poking at the gem before pulling back with a dissatisfied look on her face. It seemed they had been wrong, this gem did not hold another conscious inside of it, how disappointing.
"But how does it do that?" Ai asked, her curious mind showing itself again, she was a scientist after all, knowing how things worked was pretty much in her job description. He had to say though, she had remarkable timing, just as he was about to lose himself in his own head, she pulled him back with a question he was more than happy to answer. Not for the first time he wondered if she had a mind reading ability, she hadn't told him about.
"The optical phenomenon responsible for the Star Sapphire's shimmering rays is called asterism, from the Latin word astrum, for "star." Asterism is caused by small needle-like inclusions of the mineral rutile. Aligned needles that intersect each other at varying angles produce the rare phenomenon" he explained, using the scientific terms especially for her. When he saw the corners of her mouth quirk up, he knew he had done the right thing.
"Star Sapphires can range in colour from blue in various tones, to pink, orange, yellow, green, lavender, grey and black. The colouring agents in blue Sapphire are iron and titanium, and vanadium in violet to purple coloured stones. A small amount of iron results in more yellow and greenish tones, while chromium produces fine pink to red tones. Iron and vanadium result in golden to orange tones. The most desirable colour is a vivid, intense blue. The Thai Star Sapphire is famed for its golden rayed star." He said going into detail, warding off the question before it came. He had spent long enough with them to know how their minds worked, what would fascinate them and what wouldn't. Giving them the chemical structure of how the colour was achieved was defiantly something up their ally.
One of the children went to ask another question but the warm old voice of professor Agasa cut in before they got the chance. "Ah, I see they found you Shinichi, I hope they didn't cause you any trouble" He mentioned wearily, knowing the kid's tendency to wonder of and find problems. He didn't think the detective wanted to be dealing with a bunch of nosy children on his day off. No matter how fond of them he had been as a child.
"No" Shinichi denied, shaking his head "They actually helped me solve a murder while we waited for you" He laughed seeing the man's shoulders relax. It was a testament to how much time he spent around bodies for someone to relax when he mentioned them, as if they were the things, that marked how well his day was going.
"Professor!" Ayami's ecstatic voice called out upon realising he had been the one that interrupted her "Shinichi-Niichan has been telling us all about the Star Sapphire. He knows so much about it, he's amazing!" Ayumi gushed rushing over to the elder man, skidding to halt in front of him, the other two not far behind, Ai once again taking her to time to follow on after them.
"Yeah and he even told us the chemical make-up of the different colours" Mitsuhiko babbled pleased. The footballer could tell that if that boy didn't become a detective, he would certainly go down the forensic route. He had way too much interest in how to identify things and what they were made up off not to.
"And he brought us cake" Genta beamed, rubbing at his full stomach. Apparently after all that had been said and done today, the food had been the most rememberable to him. Shinichi didn't know whether he should be offended by that or not. He decided on not, since the child had always been like that. It was nothing personal, it was just food interested the boy a lot more than a stimulating conversation ever could.
"Hohoho" The bolding professor chuckled good naturedly "That's brilliant, you must tell me all he taught you while we go find a place to watch the heist from" he told the children indulgently "For now, we need to let Shinichi get back to his job of scoping out the area" he told them firmly but not unkindly.
It was only when the inventor mentioned the heist did the detective realise how the room was slowly beginning to fill up with Kid fans. More time must have passed then he had originally thought for it to be this crowded already.
Nodding gratefully towards the elder man he said his goodbye to the children, promising they would hang out again sometimes soon before walking away. Thoughts of how to confront Kaito and have a moment alone with him rushing through his mind. He had yet to have his Kaito fix today so he wasn't about to take any chances in them being disturbed.
'I love those kids. They're so full of life' Pandora spoke up after a while, something wistful about her tone.
'You know, once you can sustain a human form at your control that others can see and touch. I don't mind forging documents to allow you to adopt' He offered casually, thoughts equally split between planning the meeting and listening to her wistful dreaming.
'Thank you' she whispered, swallowing back her tears. Nobody had ever offered to do something for her before, she was touched and a little moved by his declaration. She knew whatever the detective said, he meant wholeheartedly and would move heaven and earth to make it happen.
Ooo0ooo
Sometime later Shinichi once again found himself on a roof, waiting for Kid. He needed to stop doing this, it was becoming a habit, he scolded himself. But then again, the thief always did look his best against the moonlight. He should be allowed to see that as a reward after what he deals with on a daily basis, he argued to himself.
After much deliberation, he had decided on the roof for A) the previous mentioned reasoning and B) it was the quietest place as well as being somewhere they were less likely to be over heard and gave the thief a quick getaway if things turned hairy. It was logical therefore for him to plan his ambush here. No witnesses to the crime he was about to commit, Aiding and Abetting. Before he became too immersed in his thoughts, he heard the light steps of the illusive thief coming up behind him.
"Hi" He greeted with a smirk. Pleased he had foiled the pranksters plan to sneak up on him "I loved the heist, especially the part where you dressed inspector Nakamori as a fog horn, nice touch." He chucked, turning around, hands in pockets. He had really meant that. It had been nice to have been a spectator for a change.
"I thought you might like that, although I was expecting a chase from you today" Kid quirked a brow in question.
"Not recovered enough yet to do strenuous exercise. I didn't want to risk setting my recovery back and make you wait longer, but I should be good to go by the next heist" He informed his friend regretfully.
'It might be a pain in the ass, but it would be worth it in the end' Pandora consoled. The detective sent a wave of understanding and gratefulness back, not wanting to engage in a conversation with her since he had something, he intended to talk to Kaito about.
"Can I ask you something?" The detective quizzed as the thief did his usual gem checking. Holding it up to the moon and looking through it, when nothing happened, he let his arm drop, sighing in disappointment.
"Sure" kid agreed sounding tired. Disheartened that yet another heist was a bust.
"What Jewel are you looking for?" He asked bluntly, no sense in beating around the bush so to speak.
"Pandora" Kid shrugged, answering just as bluntly. It's not like it cause harm to his plans, if anything it might even boost them, having two Brainiac's working on it instead of one.
"Can you tell me why?" The detective hedged, heart pounding in his chest. Palms becoming clammy as he awaited the answer with baited breath.
"I want to destroy it" The thief informed him darkly. "My father died because a bad group were searching for it. When I find it, I'm going to break it so no one has to die for it again" He went on, oblivious to the freak out going on beside him.
The book nerd felt his heart stop for a moment at the news. A chill slowly working its way up his spine.
'Kaito wants to kill Pandora'. The words seemed to take a hold of him, chaining him in place. They felt heavy on his tongue and heart attack inducing in his head.
On instinct he jerked back, trying to move away from the danger his crush presented themselves as. It was like his body was on auto pilot, hearing the blaring warning signals and preparing for a battle that wasn't there. 'Kaito doesn't know' he tried to calm himself, feeling hysteria beginning to build up. All that succeeded in doing was create an opening for those doubting thoughts to come in and pick at it.
The sudden movement, although done for self-preservation was his down fall. Managing to dislodge the gem from her hiding place thus bathing it in Luna light. That was all it took for Kaito to go from unaware to aware and there was nothing Shinichi could do about it. His fate had been sealed the moment the crimson glow light up his face.
Upon seeing the unique colouring, the normally blue gem gave off, Kid recognised it instantly. "Give me Pandora Shinichi" he demanded, hand out stretched. A wild look entering his eye. Revenge took president, any other thought was cast as irrelevant. Changing him from the person Shinichi had grown to love into one of those monsters he chased on the streets.
The teen backed away "No" he denied, a sense of fear ripping through him like a tidal wave. All prior knowledge on how to deal with this type of situation fleeing from his mind. Panic began to set in, his prided thinking skills beginning to fail him as it tried to come up with a rational plan to get them out of this mess.
'Shinichi Run!' Pandora yelled in a moment of clarity. The words echoing through his mind. He gasped onto the logic and held tight.
He spun around, preparing to run when a sharp pain burst across the side of his head, directly on to his temple. He stumbled vision turning fuzzy.
"Please…no" he whispered, voice weakening as his body collapsed in on itself. Eyes fluttering shut against his will. His last conscious thought was an apology to Pandora for failing her and all they had set out to achieve.
Kaito stepped around the prone body with a mask of indifference. Only having eyes for the necklace around the body's neck. In his hand he held a bloody police baton he had previously used as part of his disguise turning the once innocent prop into a deadly weapon that had knocked out his friend. He reached around the boy's neck and tore the necklace off with one sharp tug, uncaring about the state the chain would remain in.
Once he had the jewel in his possession he took a step back and surveyed the scene, finding nothing of merit and knowing if he remained any longer, the detective would revive, he turned tail and took off into the night. Not even sparing a thought to the friendship he had once treasured, unravelling at the seams.
Just to say, all the facts about the Star Sapphire are true. I spent a fucking week looking up all I could and building a time line that was realistic. The story of the huntsman was taken straight from the web, I changed a word here and there, but I kept it relatively untouched because I wanted to leave it as authentic as possible as if he was really reading the legend out to them as I had to myself. So, I'm sorry that bit of writing isn't great.
