Summary:

Book 1. AU. Freedom is what drives them to live for tomorrow. To soul is a delicate thing but how much can someone take until they break. They use to live in true darkness longing to live amongst the surface. When that wish comes true, how far will they go to keep it? When everything they ever knew is put into question, how can they differ from reality and lies? Chapters now merged.

Author's note:

Here is the next chapter!


How long can you survive?: Chapter 12- Wrong Move:

Night time was vastly approaching and afternoon was settling in, leaving the sky a darkening orange hue in the vast sky. Children and teenagers had started to leave the park, ready to retire to their homes and ready themselves for the next day. The four grade schoolers were one of the last to leave. Ayumi's mother had come by ten minutes ago, telling them to head home soon while she was venturing to the shops.

Collecting their coats, the four made their way to the edge of the park. Three of the children's heads were filled with thoughts of what they were going to have for dinner and homework but Silver was thinking much more differently. His brain was occupied by the pros and cons of the mission and the probability of its success. As time was approaching, he was getting nervous. There were many ways this could go wrong and as his analytical brain spewed out theories, the more he felt that it was a bad idea to go along with their plan. He scanned over the children he was surrounded by and silently prayed for their safety. They were good kids and he didn't want them to succumb to any harm- especially on his part. The likelihood that they would become involved just from being around him was high and he knew he had to send them home as soon as possible.

"I have to go. My brother wants me back," Silver lied smoothly.

"Aw, that's okay," Ayumi started with a sad smile. The boy didn't talk a lot but after a few hours playing with him, she began to like him. They could be good friends. "Can we play with you some other time? How about tomorrow after school?" She asked, smiling brightly.

Silver blinked and then shifted his eyes downcast. He was not prepared for that and he was unsure of the answer. He wanted to play with them again- it was fun- but it was unpractical. Unless he could be Kazuto, be allowed out of the house for a few hours as well as being absent from his twin brother's watchful eye was quite low. Besides, he had a life as Shinichi and needed to fit into society before doing anything else. "I- I don't know?" Their faces fell and he panicked. "I've got to ask my brother if I can!"

"Don't forget to ask him, okay?" Ayumi reminded him and he smiled in response. "Pinky promise?" She held up her finger and waited. He copied and she linked their smallest fingers together.

"Ayumi, you coming?" They turned around to see the two boys waiting. Genta was tapping his foot impatiently and Mitsuo had his arms folded.

"Yeah, coming!" She called before waving to the shrunken teen. "Don't forget," she called with a wave.

"I won't!" He replied in response, waving back. The two taller boys exchanged goodbyes before they started they their way to Ayumi's apartment, wanting to take the girl home safely before returning to their respective homes.

Once they had gone, Silver sighed in relief. The tranquil of the night quickly filled his senses and he took a deep breath of fresh air. /Focus,/ his brother's voice mentally reminded him.

/What am I supposed to do?/ Silver asked with a roll of his eyes.

/Walk around. Take shortcuts down alleyways. Just make yourself vulnerable,/ came the unhelpful advice. A red flicker could be seen on the corner of his glasses and he instantly tried to ignore it. He didn't need to be distracted; especially with some possible person might be stalking him.

He walked to the road and cheeked both ways before crossing. He was unsure where he was going but he knew that if he went this direction, the others would be watching his every move from the rooftops.


The figure grimaced as he looked at the child below. Letting out a long calming sigh, he looked down at the chloroform soaked cloth and shook his head. He didn't want to do this but if he didn't he would last long afterwards once they found out. These were poor, innocent children and woman but it was a better option than the alternative. He was going to snatch one of the other two boys but those two had to go off with the girl and this child was a more suitable candidate they wanted. Beginning his descent down the fire escape, he timed it so that he would come out and into the alleyway just after the brunet had passed.


Eyes were on him, he could sense it- feeling all the hair on the back of his neck stuck up. Sighing, he tried to calm his nerves and fight the urge to get the hell out of there. /Do you think it's him?/ Silver was about to turn his head reflexively but quickly stopped himself. To look now would create the illusion that he knew something was up and that wasn't the advantage they were going to lose.

/Not sure, I can't get a good look at him,/ the shrunken teen answered regretfully. He shivered and shoved his hands deep into his jacket pockets. /Confront or kidnap?/

/That inspector said confront but kidnap would be a better option. That way, he can't hide and we'll have a grasp of what he wants and if anyone else is involved./ Silver mentally groaned at the decision and Shield chuckled in response making the younger twin frown.

A large, sharp objected connected the back of his head, causing him to collapse. Silver groaned in pain, wondering where it had come from and closed his eyes as the world began to spin. Shouting and yelling could be heard from behind him but he couldn't grasp what the voices were saying. A sickening gunshot was heard and then silence. A few seconds later a scream of a child perceived it as he was hurtled into the realm of unconsciousness.


"I will ask you again, what happened?" The inspector demanded as two children were looking anywhere but him. Both of them had expressions of guilt and shock. They had almost lost their friend and the boy they were playing with just a few hours ago. The inspector sighed, leaning back in the uncomfortable hospital chair. They had been there for hours and he was not any closer to getting the answer he wanted out of them. He would have asked the other smaller children if it hadn't been for the fact they were unconscious and being treated by the staff.

"Kids plan didn't work, huh? Any genius knew it was a bust from the start!" Ran shook her head at her father's statement. There was no place to argue. It had turned out unsuccessful but it could have been much worse. Shame that after all their efforts the man managed to get away. She just hoped the children would be all okay and safe.


Elextrix let out a controlled breath as he looked at the small figure lying in the bed. Silver looked even tinier than usual and he felt helpless to do anything. Guilt was thick within the room as the unconscious person's family was gathered around the bed. Conan occupied the other chair while Blade was leaning against the wall and Shield was sitting on the bed, hand in Silver's.

"What are we going to do? We can't give in to his demands!" He asked, hand unconsciously tightening around the screwed up note in his other hand. His voice came as a growl and it was clear he was angry more than worried.

"We have to tell the police, they deal with this kind of thing all of the time," Conan suggested solemnly. A frown was set on his face and he was staring at the opposite wall, not wanting to look at the unmoving figure in the bed.

"The letter told us not to! Whatever that man had injected him with is the only thing stopping him from waking up and recovering. If we get the police involved, he may never tell us the substance he used." Elextrix reasoned. He had no idea when the mission had spiralled out of control but it happened and he didn't like the outcome.

A shaky breath came from Shield as he stroked his brother's hair. "It's all my fault. I could have …" Kaito trailed off. He didn't know why everyone wasn't yelling at him or hating him because, in his mind, he knew that they had every right to. It was his twin for goodness sakes. The one he was supposed to protect and yet he failed. He was a terrible brother.

"You're wrong." The voice startled him as he looked over to Conan, whose hands were tightly clenched into fists. His head was down and he was shaking visibly. Shield gulped, wondering what the teen was going on about. Of course, it was his fault and no one else should be held accountable for it. "The blame goes to all of us. We were the ones that got carried away with letting him go alone. Wrapped up in our goals, we neglected the feelings of the person it would affect the most. I should have voiced my doubts and we should have listened to everyone's thoughts. You guys are supposed to be a team and yet we pushed his feelings aside- but he went along with it anyway. We are all to blame."

Understanding weighed the air and the invisible pressure on everyone's shoulders doubled. "Conan's right," Hattori agreed, clearing his throat.

"Yeah, we should all apologize when he finally wakes up," Hakuba added. He carefully left out 'if'. He needed to remain positive if he wanted to have his cousin back. He couldn't be going into the man's lair with those thoughts. They were going to cure him and bring this guy down before he came after and took the children. The others nodded in agreement.

"But now, we have to get the antidote. Does anyone have any ideas how we get past the guards?" Conan asked, eyeing the door warily as if one of them was going to come in and stop the four from going there alone and visibly unarmed.

"Well, it's a nice day for abseiling," Shield looked out the window and winked at their reflections.

The two other genetically altered teens gave each other an uneasy look. Conan just looked confused.


"I don't like this!" Elextrix commented in a loud, distressed voice as he hung to his rope. Despite the knowledge that the equipment was perfectly safe, he still paled at the fact that they were abseiling out from the top floor of a three-story hospital.

"What's de matter, scaredy cat? 'Fraid of heights?" Hattori taunted, holding himself as he rolled around in the grass, clutching his side as he was unable to control his laughter.

"No, I just like my feet to be planted on solid ground that's all! We are trying to sneak out of the hospital- not fall and be admitted to it!" Elextrix shouted and started his low, steady ascent again.

"Don't look down!" Shield laughed, rolling his eyes. Elextrix grumbled. The tone he said it in may have sounded that the younger was worried but honestly he could tell that he had only said it to urge him to look down and amuse them with another freak out session from him. It's not that he was afraid of heights or anything, it was more of the possibility of falling and breaking a limb or two that was the most terrifying part.

Conan looked down at the teen and then to his watch. The three would have to get going if they wanted to plan and get there on time. He knew that the teens could easily deal with one guy they were ticked off at but he couldn't help but be nervous. He had a bad feeling about it and he didn't want the three to go in there unprepared. The letter said that they should bring Silver- addressed as the 'nerdy kid with glasses'- and the girl that was with him, but there was no way they were bringing the shrunken teen when he couldn't even fight back and the unfortunate child. They would have to plan and hope for the best while getting the answer out of him. Even if it meant by force. He despised violence, but the others had been interrogating people all their lives. Why should it be any different? With the way the teens were acting, he most definitely won't be able to stop them if it meant getting their little brother figure back. He just wished he could go with them but knew that someone had to stay with Silver just in case something happens, so he volunteered. At least he knew he would be safe while they were gone. It surprised him how much they trusted him with the youngest and hoped that meant they were adjusting to the outside world.


The three powered teens got nearer to the location they had to go to and was not surprised to see an old, abandoned warehouse. "A little cliche isn't it," Blade muttered under his breath and pushed the double doors open. He glanced down at his watch for the time and noticed they were a little bit early. The note said to meet at twelve o'clock but it was six minutes to. He sighed and looked up at the moon shining down on them through the gaping holes in the wall and ceiling. It was getting late and they would need to rest soon, but he knew sleep wouldn't come easy for anyone without the name of the substance and the antidote.

Shield sighed as he cautiously led them towards the middle. There was no need to talk and he had no desire to. If the person was still hanging about they could spy on anything that has been said and anything they did. They had to be careful. To the uninformed, it was just a couple stupid teenagers playing hero because they were worried about their friend/little brother's health. which gave them an advantage in this situation. The kidnapper had no idea what they were capable of and his underestimation was going to cost him. Dearly.


Conan was restless. How could he not be? The others had gone to confront the guy who did this to Silver and left him to watch over the unconscious boy. He wished he could be there but knew that someone needed to stay with the teen-turned-child. Knowing who they are, and what they were capable of, eased his worries about the arrangement but he couldn't stop thinking how it was a little unfair. Sitting here, he could only hope that integration goes well and wait for the outcome. As selfish as his own protests were, he didn't want his emotions to get in the way. He was the person with the less defence in the group, so he knew exactly why they had put him on watch duty. The teen jumped when a comforting hand settled on his shoulder and he turned slightly in his chair to see who it was. Conan frowned before he relaxed in his seat.

"You okay?" Ran asked, her voice soft as she gave him a sympathetic look. Usually, it was Conan in the bed and her at his side and she had a good idea of how he must be feeling right now. Normally, the detective got upset whenever civilians were hurt and she could only imagine what he felt about someone he came to view as his younger brother. Despite the short time that they had known each other, Conan acts towards and talks about his new house guests like he had known them for years. Ran slumped her shoulders when she didn't get an answer. The worry radiating off of him was infectious and she closed her eyes, sending a small prayer to anyone who would listen that everything would be alright.

It scared her how someone's mind could be messed up enough to hurt another creature, let alone a child. A poor, innocent boy who couldn't fight back. Ran was shocked how everyone agreed to send him out there in the first place. The whole situation could have been avoided if they had controlled their emotions and thought up a better plan than running in recklessly and putting the kids' lives at risk.

She should have protested. To tell them to stop and actually think of the consequences that could have prevented this. Although, it could have been ended up much worse than it already had. Even so, it was partly her fault as it was anyone else's. A burden she hoped they all could correct in one way or another.

She scanned the room, just noticing how empty it was. Where was his family? Those boys, they had seemed so worried for their fallen brother/cousin and now they had abandoned him? It didn't settle right with her. Frowning, she refocused her attention on her childhood friend. "Where are the other three?" She asked casually and raised an eyebrow when he cringed before his facial features smoothed out into an unreadable expression. That had not been the reaction she was looking for and the nagging feeling she had when she had entered the room made itself known once more.

"Gone for a walk. Kaito was getting restless and the others felt bad for him because there was nothing he could do," he told her hesitantly. It wasn't a lie but it wasn't the whole truth either. Telling half-true statements were easier than lying, he had found, but it didn't help the guilt that came with it. He didn't like lying. Especially to Ran.

The girl nodded solemnly. She knew too well the agony that came with waiting for someone to wake up and not knowing the full nature of the loved one's condition. It was heart clenching and she could only sympathise with him. The poor guy.

"I'm going to the vending machine to get a drink, do you want anything?" Ran offered, remembering the main reason she had entered the room.

"Coffee and make it strong," he answered with a small smile. Ran nodded and turned to exit the room but stopped, hand hovering over the doorknob.

"I hope he gets better. For everyones' sake."

"Yeah, I hope so too," came the whispered reply and she quickly disappeared, shutting the door.


"There's nothing here. Are we even in the right place? Give me that!" Hattori snapped, snatching the note out of his younger cousin's hands and scanning over the words upon it.

"I read it perfectly, you ahou!" Kaito muttered, throwing him a glare, causing the dark-skinned teen to roll his eyes.

"It's strange though. So far, the guy we are after has been cocky and unpredictable. If he is here, then he is either waiting for the right chance to approch or is spying on us to wait and see would happens. He might not even show up all." A set frown was set on Hakuba's face, suspicion growing inside of him. The man was either generally sloppy or clever. This whole situation didn't settle well with him and he was anxious to get back to the hospital with the cure.

Kaito shifted his weight. He didn't like being still for so long, especially when he had a fixed goal in mind. A deafening crash sounded and glass rained down, scattering across the floor. Heads automatically snapped up towards the broken skylight and they saw a shadow of a person and a sheet of laminated paper fall into the middle of the sharp glass. The figure ran, footsteps sloppily slamming against the roof and the three teens turned towards the door. Hattori and Kaito bolted to the exit, attempting to pursue the figure. Hakuba took a few hesitant steps before looking back at the pile and turned to examine the paper instead. He picked it up and his eyes widened at what it said. Grinding his teeth, he spun around and bolted out of the door.

Once outside, he saw the back of Hattori's jacket and headed their way. He had to stop the man and warn the others! He had an accomplice!


Conan studied the sleeping form of his childhood friend. They had been up all night and knew that it was a matter of time until one of them had to drop off. Kogoro had come to check on his daughter before returning to the waiting room. Chikage and Yukiko were also dozing off in a way that they were supporting each other's bodies so they didn't fall out of their chair.

The two young boys had gone home- their parents had come to pick them up half an hour ago- and were told to stop by the police station when they were feeling more cooperative and ready to talk about it. The girl's mother stayed. Her daughter was still unconscious from last night's events but had no injuries to worry about. The doctor had said that she could go home once she had woken up.

He lifted his plastic cup, grimacing at the cold, bitter coffee that hit his mouth, leaving a horrible taste behind. He would have gotten a new one but he was reluctant to leave the room.

Stifling a yawn, he turned to blink owlishly at the scenery beyond the window. The sun slowly creeping its way into the sky and soon he would have to sleep before he passed out or at least have something to eat. He just hoped they would be back before then or Ran would awaken.

"Huh," he blinked, eyes focusing on the child. A frown set on his face. He was sure he had seen the boy's hand move. He eyed the appendage but gave up after a few minutes. It was just probably his imagination. Rubbing his eyes, he leaned back in his chair with a tired sigh. What harm could a small nap do?

Shaking his head to get rid of the thought, he tried to keep himself awake. Despite his efforts, he unconsciously lulled himself into the land of dreams.


"Got'cha!" Hattori declared, grabbing the back of the man's coat and pulling him towards him. Kaito slowed, an angry expression twisting his features. His eyes narrowed as he strolled towards them. The cloaked figure struggled uselessly against the strong grip. Limbs falying and trying to get away.

"Get off me! Let go! Let me go!" The person screamed and aimed a kick to Hattori's leg, making him drop him. He tried to run and escape until the dark-skinned companion grabbed him again and managed to pull his hood down. The person had light brown hair and grey eyes and looked panicked about being caught.

"It's a kid?!" The tallest teen exclaimed in disbelief. It didn't make sense. Something was really wrong here. How had this kid bested his cousin? There was just no way.

"Let me go!" The boy pleaded again, his struggling becoming weaker. His eyes shining with tears but he didn't let them fall.

"Not until you tell me what you've done to my brother," Kaito started angrily, his arm tightening around the boy's shoulder blades.

"Your ... brother?" The young teen looked up, confused. His eyes searching for answers.

"Ya know. Dat small kid with glasses ye attacked? Ringin' any bells?" Hattori snorted, crossing his arms and staring the younger boy down.

"Attacked?! What are you talking about? I'd never do that! Especially to some kid?! Look, please let me go! The only bad thing I have ever done is shoplift!" He defended with a little hesitation. They didn't look like cops but if he confessed the worse then maybe they will believe him. He didn't do anything!

"Then why did you show up and smash the warehouse window?! We were told to go there, that means you must have told us to go there! Why?! This is not some game, kid, so you better own up and tell us what you used!"

The boy paled, gulping down the lump that formed in his throat. "I already told you! I didn't do anything! Look, if it's about the sweetshop, I promise not to tell the wrong price next time!"

The two looked at each other and then back at the kid. "Sweetshop? What's one of those?" Kaito inquired with a tilt of his head, wondering what the smaller teen was on about.

"Huh?" He answered with surprise. Were these two for real? "You don't know what a sweetshop is? How can you not!" The two teens were confused about the kid's change in attitude but were also eager to learn what he was saying. They shook their heads in response. "That's … crazy! You're pulling my leg, right? This is some type of big prank! You're not the person killing those children? But my uncle said so! But you guys, you're stupid! Threatening, but stupid!" He started to laugh but stopped instantly as the hands tightened to a painful level again.

"Hattori! Kaito!" Hakuba yelled, running to them and stopped, panting a little bit. He clutched the note in his hand and wordlessly thrust the paper towards the dark-skinned teen. Hakuba yelped as the boy they captured was pushed towards him and he had to scramble to catch him while simultaneously dumping the note into his not freed hands. Hattori's eyes widened and he dropped the paper immediately as if he had been burned.

"Hey, Mr. Are you alright?" The youngest there asked, tilting his head to the side. He angled himself and his eyes widened, eyes scrunched in concern and confusion.

Kaito lost his grip, too shocked by the words on the note. It was big and he knew that he hadn't missed wrong. Pure rage shook his body as his hands clenched. "Silver," he whispered out, slightly promise himself that he was going to take revenge on the one who had him. The man was going to be inches from death when he was finished with him. Nobody touched his brother and got away with it. Nobody!


Ran woke up when the door to the hospital room burst open- slamming against the wall and creating a loud bang. Kaito stormed in and growled at the bed. She blinked and looked over and the feeling of guilt and terror struck her. The child was gone and the window was fully open, letting the chilly morning air to come sweeping into the room.

"You were supposed to protect him and you fell asleep," the angry teen's voice filled the room. Cold and unfeeling that made her feel empty. Conan was standing behind her, his expression blank as he stared out the window. He had no excuse. One not good enough to keep them from being mad at him. It was partly his fault too.

"Kaito! It's not his fault! Stop this! We will find him. I'm sure Kazuto is alright and waiting for us to rescue him. He's a smart kid." Hakuba spoke calmly but was giving him a glare that told him to 'shut up and do something more productive'.

"Hakuba's right. Now isn't de time ta play da blame game. First things first, how are we gonna track him down?" Hattori started, getting straight down to business with so much seriousness that the tone startled Conan.

TBC: