Ch 22: The Broken Trust

Two announcers stared at the camera. "Minutes earlier, we found a notice from KID, here, at Nichuiri TV Channel."

"WHAT THE!" Ginzo boiled with anger.

"A new KID…" the second added, "since KID died only a few months ago... the signature is genuine, so it could be KID's accomplice. Either way, both follow the same pattern!" The notice popped up in the background as they read it.

When the hands reach the darkest night, I challenge the shadows in the past foundation. The Star will cease before the Comet on the Bullet's hand, as promised since the First Shine.

-Kaitou KID *Signature doddle*

The announcer put his hand to the device on his ear, listened, then spoke. "Another notice was sent to the owner of Ekoda's old museum! KID's notice was clear! Sunday 13, midnight, expect my arrival. Kaitou KID." A pause followed, "Thanks to that, we now know the location! KID, if you are watching, Tomohiro-san welcomes you to his museum as his final guest, after thirty years of keeping the doors shut. It is an honor, he says, to have the great Kaitou KID's partner visiting his modest rundown museum."

Ginzo kicked the TV. "Honor! Encouraging a criminal!" Maybe his long earned desire to catch KID made him forget he was angry at an entirely new thief. An extremely young one, if his guess was correct. "If it's that boy, I'm gonna skin him!"

"I guess everyone is a fan of KID~" His colleague said. "Apparently, the darkest night was referring to the thirteen of this month... However, it is a moonless night. It's unlikely to fit the magician under the moonlight if the new KID is going to stick with his predecessor's title and habits."

"But it's also unlike KID to send a riddle to one party and a clear message to the target!" suddenly it was a conversation between the announcer. With KID envolved, the news was a cheerful conversation even between TV staff.

"Perhaps this KID didn't want us to think the riddle over for longer than necessary~" the other grinned. "The media is already buzzing about what kind of a person the new KID is going to be! The previous KID looked remarkably young for a man who has been thieving for over twenty years. But I can already tell, this new thief has fans already and we hadn't been on the air for ten minutes~"

The dark-haired announcer laughed. "Until we decipher the meanings behind the words Star, Comet, Bullet, and First Shine, the police will begin immediate surveillance in and around the museum. The heist leaves the Kaitou KID Taskforce with only two weeks to prepare against KID, or, against a possible attack on the new KID, if they were the shadows he was challenging."

"Two weeks might not be enough time to prepare, but if the new KID is going after the murderers, it is safer for the civilians to stay away from the museum. Tomohiro-san asks for everyone's prudence, including the law, and KID himself." He paused for a quick moment, "The rest of the riddle will be analyzed by specialists to determine what the target is and who the shadows are, as they are either going to be the law forces or the people responsible for the previous KID's death."

Ginzo grabbed the TV with both arms, "That idiot! He's going to regret this!"

Conan stared at the screen. "Idiot."

Yukiko turned a side glance to her husband, Yusaku kept his eyes on the notice. Dave was holding back on showing any expressions on his face. "At least we know he can write riddles, too bad it's in English, not that I mind~" she grinned. "Such neat handwriting too~" her son glared her; she only shrugged. "I suppose you two will be busy today." She shot a glare at the men. They were long deep in their musings. Yusaku typed on his phone. Dave followed suit as the shrunken detective also asked to leave a message to the idiot thief. Yukiko glared at them.

"Kasaan, 1412 barely got out alive the last encounter. Holding a heist isn't something he could manage on his own. Besides, he's acting alone. No way his partners would let him hold a heist and he hadn't been out of bed for a few days. God, he's an idiot like Kuroba-kun." Dave threw a cold glare at him. "What? I know how he acts, can't tell you how many people framed and tried to kill him over the years."

Saguru sighed, "Another idiot diving headfirst into danger..." He turned his gaze back to the screen.

"We received word from Tokyo Metropolitan Police, 2nd Division's, fans won't be allowed to gather. Tight and strict procedures are in motion to stop a possible murder from taking place. The Kaitou KID task force, and Interpol representatives in Tokyo district, are working together to catch this new KID without damage. Whatever's going on with KID's is serious. No information is provided on the subject, until now, the identity of the late KID was not revealed to the public. We might not be allowed to broadcast the heist, but we will broadcast what we can reach."

"According to the owner, there are no targets for KID to steal at that old museum, or a gem called star or comet. Technically, there are no gems or valuable items at all. He also said that demolition was scheduled for next month, so don't wait, KID, come before that! Tomorrow isn't an issue!"

The announcer beside him laughed, "I'm sure the law has an issue with that!"

"Kaitou KID responded! Another notice was delivered to the museum!"

The announcer held the card in his hand. "It's my honor to be your final guest, but I ask you to stick with the mentioned date in my notice. Kaitou KID."

"It's the same handwriting!" They looked at each other and nodded. "The task force also had an answer to deliver," they turned their camera to Chaki Shintaro, who kept an emotionless face.

"KID, I hope you know what kind of a trap you set for yourself. It's true we were never able to capture your partner before, but this time, we won't leave room for failure. You and those shadows are free to walk in, but know none of you will come out. If you two wish to skin each other, you can do that in a cell after we're done with you."

No matter where he turned or which street he walked in, the news was buzzing over the heist. It was no different at his school, which he hoped would be calm and different. He had never seen the students focused on their phones that much, until today. 1412 turned his eyes back to his book. 'Some things never change.' He remembered the enthusiasm in Kaito's class whenever he was pretending to be him.

Classmates and teachers were watching, for hours. If only the day would go on. He had only two more hours to bear until he returns to his place and isolates himself from technology. But he couldn't turn a deaf ear to what the announcers were saying for long, the tension was evident. Everyone was worried. Only fans were excited to meet him. Interpol had reopened KID's case. They assured KID will be captured without fail. That was a pretty big promise.

No one expected the law to succeed. If the new was like the old, he'd never be caught.

Announcers put their papers down. "This new KID may not be a dangerous criminal, but the late KID's pursuers have proven more than just capable of ruthless murder and will not hesitate to kill anyone. Fans on social media were talking about gathering far from the museum, in hopes of catching a glimpse of their idol's accomplice. Whether or not a show will be presented, we know for certain KID isn't coming to make a performance."

"If he is challenging the killers, his heist is going to become a massacre!"

"We recommend everyone to be on full alert!"

"That is all we have for now. Nichuiri channel, thank you for watching!"

He was tempted to give an answer to the task force, but if he did, the commotion would never end.

1412 let a sigh of relief escape his lungs the moment the bell rang. 'Finally!'

It only took seven hours for the media to calm down. If he had known it would drag on for that long, he would have skipped school and stayed in bed. Maybe studied, for once.

1412 walked the river road with slow steady absent-minded steps. After all the commotion in the city, he wanted to be left alone. Away from every screen, every device and every newspaper people ran to buy. If he was a normal civilian, he wouldn't care about seeing some magician thief, thieving for fun.

But KID wasn't just anybody.

If Kaito was in his place, all this enthusiasm would add to his excitement. The last thing 1412 wanted was people waiting for him to appear and entertain them. Or maybe to catch his enemies, on TV? They were crazy to think he'd avenge his predecessor like that, in front of everyone. They knew KID was a harmless criminal, right?

He crossed the forest with his eyes straight until his phone started buzzing. It was bound to happen. They may have let him sit calmly in class, but now was the time to scold him and lock him somewhere he'd never be able to leave.

1412 sighed and stared at his phone. A text? He was expecting a warning about personal pickup and a van to come. But a small angry text?

I WILL KILL YOU, BOY!

-1311

He grinned at the angrily written words, 'So does everyone~' the partner kept calling, 1412 eventually muted it. By the time the first ten minutes passed with the icon still dancing, his phone beeped, receiving a text when the persistent caller stopped. They were probably side-by-side, waiting to render him deaf forever the moment he accepts the call.

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!

-1413

"Heading to AP3. Can't talk." He typed and tucked the phone. Partners. Such a drag. The Kudos had texted the time the notice was being broadcasted, only minutes after he dropped it on the desk without the employees' eyes catching whim of his sudden return to the channel.

For obvious and belittling reasons, Yusaku requested his prudence while Dave and the detectives asked him to call it off. He ignored them. 1412 was KID, the only KID standing. Not an amateur. KID never called off a heist_ except for the one which involved the hopper troupe but he ended up showing to keep everyone safe.

Why did his current allies-enemies think he couldn't handle himself?

Oh, right, his record of getting injured on every encounter with Snake.

That made sense, in a way. But he was still KID. KID was all about luring the crows into the light, catching them, exposing them, achieving justice for the first KID and every victim the crows had devoured.

If Kaito was there...

"He'd scold too..." 1412 said with a whisper to himself. 'But he'd back me up.'

Ginzo called his daughter to deliver the recorded scolding. Aoko, the good daughter she was, sent it directly without a second thought. Despite being his partner, she had every right to be angry. They all had.

1412 still felt the buzzing in his ear. Ginzo should learn to lower his voice down, for once.

That was one price of acting on his own. He said goodbye to the sun and sky and kept his eyes ahead. "What're another few days of confinement going to do?" he grinned at nothing.

A soft sound caught his attention as leaves blew with the rushing wind. Dead leaves scattered on the ground and landed steps away from him. 1412 looked at his surroundings yet failed to find anyone there. He waited, seconds felt like hours. The wind continued to blow around him.

There was no mistake. Someone was following him.

The forest seemed bare of lifeforms. But a trick like that wouldn't fool a magician. A lot of people could be following him. The detectives, the crows, the former KIDs, his partners...

He mentally shook it off. 'No matter how angry they are, they won't keep it going this far,' if they knew he knew someone was tracking him and was about to think they were the crows, they would tell him. 'Since that doesn't look the case,' he turned, 'they must be my dear old enemies doing their routine stalking~' he turned back in front of him. Shrugged and continued his path.

More sounds followed, tailing him with cautious feet. No one was there whenever he turned. The steps were faint that he couldn't hear them if he wasn't trying to find them. To be that good, they had to be his partners. The crows never hid their presence, especially members like Gin and Snake.

He texted his partners, their response was negative. That made way for a solid suspect. That solved, he tucked his phone back in place and walked casually as if nothing had happened.

The sounds faded, he kept his eyes ahead, occasionally casting a glance from the corners of his eyes. Everything was going smooth until he stepped on a branch and it snapped. He sighed, "My whole life is breaking, I don't need a reminder, thank you." He muttered inaudibly.

Another branch snapped as he walked further. He looked at his feet without stopping; there was nothing there. He didn't turn, but that confirmed he was being followed. However they were, they didn't give up. 'Detour then.' he went to the highway, continued from there beside closed shops and narrow streets.

Almost everyone knew the partner usually took the longest walks, thus, as long as he behaved normally, he wouldn't attract his knowledge of the pursuers. He had already turned three times and didn't see anyone. If he let them believe he thought no one was there, then his next plan would run as smooth as ever.

He stopped in front of his current hotel and saw people buzzing in all directions. It was still early for most of the guests to return. He didn't even recognize most of them. He eventually had to break his way through to get to the elevator. People were waiting for their turns, he didn't want to join the line and wait for hours, thus, he strode up to the stairs.

Occasionally, he looked from the edges of his eyes. Four people followed his genius plan and took the quickest way to their rooms. Each separated on their story level and none remained behind him by the time he reached the fourth floor. 'I could have sworn one of them was following me!' it only meant his real stalkers hadn't shown their faces yet.

He brought his feet to a halt and sat on the stairs. He slid his bag down, removed possibly wires from it and from on his uniform and went to the next level where his apartment was.

Once he opened the door, he got his shoes off and went in. He strode to his bedroom and sat by his desk. "Straight to business~" he took his books and laid them around on the desk. Solving homework wasn't something he had the time to worry about now of all times, but if he wanted to maintain his normal life, he had to pretend he didn't have a secretive life.

'… How I am supposed to make up for half a year of absence!' wining was his newly borrowed habit, sadly, he had to cover a lot today. He put another book in front of him. "If I knew about this, I would have rescheduled my heist~"

A perfect way to end the first day out of bed. 1311 was going to kill him without batting an eye. He looked at his wristwatch, striking five. In an hour, he had to join his friends as he assured them in the morning.

His phone vibrated, he read the text.

Don't forget tomorrow's exam!

Good luck!

-Mira

He smiled to himself, she was always looking out for him and making sure he knew what was going on. He looked through the window beside him. Something tensed in the air and his expression changed. He pretended to remove the clothes and took a glance down. 'Gin?... He's not the one who followed me.' he went back in to continue his homework. It didn't matter if he felt tired or hungry; he was already behind schedule. Within half an hour, he finished revising two subjects, and only one was left. He was running out of time. There was still the heist to prepare for. A hideout to visit.

No. The hideout would have to wait. Exams were important, 1311 kept rubbing that in on an hourly basis.

He peaked at the last question and lifted his pen to scribble the answer down.

"312."

Jeff stopped midway, "If you want to speak, it's useless to hide, don't you think?" he said out loud as he wrote the answer to his math question. "We're clear, the camera's being tampered with." Nothing happened, "Was starting to think you'd never show up. Guess you don't like watching someone study~"

"It's not 311.7, I already said it was 312!" The figure popped out of nowhere and pointed slowly at the equation. "Look again!"

1412 pulled himself away from the doctor. "That trick is getting way too old... Can't think of anything new? Live up to my expectations of you being the originals? That trick is ay too boring for someone who's supposed to be creative and challenging."

"Oh, but it still works~" Yusaku grinned, "You had it figured in the forest, didn't you~"

1412 grinned and turned his gaze to the doctor reading his sheet answers. "You miscalculated the answer, doctor. Look again." 1412 said all formal and partner-like. "Those answers good with you or should I recheck?" Dave's expressions were stiff, instead of giving a direct response, he stepped away from the desk.

1412 lifted his hand to his collard, Dave pursed his lips as the boy tossed the bug to him. "Stop spreading these."

"Clever and observant!" Dave said when he caught the small device, "Good answers too, though, you didn't use the calculator. Then again, I don't expect anything less from a genius."

1412 locked his eyes in theirs. "Is it a habit for partners to sneak on each other? Cause mine sure don't~ I'd hate to think what other places you'd follow me to since school restroom aren't off limits~"

They shrugged. "We're just partners looking out for a reckless teen."

"I already have my own partners playing parents."

"I must compliment your efforts for trying to lose us, it almost worked~" Yusaku said with a wide grin. "Nearly bumped into you on the stairs, sitting down all of a sudden..."

"Had to ditch the bugs or this conversation would be facial expresions~" They were close to his face, yet the moonlight behind him was making their life on a new level of hard. "Stop staring. You already know what I look like."

The doctor crossed his arms, "And you never try to hide your face. Reckless move, if you ask me."

"It's useless to use a mask when they know who I am."

"And they always manage to find you? No matter where you go? Do you even bother moving with a mask and throwing them off your tracks? Instead of... I'm here, come get me."

"They're not chasing me, they just stick around and make sure I'm in one piece. Besides, their spies have to accomplish some success..." He shrugged. "I mean, our spies infiltrating them." Yusaku gave a grin. "Sit down, at least..." he waited for them to sit on the bed. "So, what do I owe this visit?" He threw long glances at them respectively.

"How long have you had that?" Dave was still staring at his face.

"Ehh?" The boy looked confused, but his full reaction was masked to some extent. "Had what?"

"On your face... the scars." Another brow crocked up on the teen's face. "I've never caught a glimpse of something so obvious. Neither at the hideout nor at your school. Why do you hide it? Not that I wouldn't hide it... Questions are the last thing you want, isn't that right?" Dave was too noisy for his own good.

"I should compliment you for managing a glimpse, stalker. And this is proof you were following me." The mark had only been exposed for three minutes while he applied a new concealer. "Don't insist. I don't have to explain anything to anyone. Including you."

"Burn?"

1412 glared him while Yusaku apologetically nodded. "Most people knew I had an accident, they expect scares, they won't ask. Satisfied with that or should I detail you how it happened?"

"You got it when they died." His eyes didn't leave 1412.

"Since you know, don't ask."

"Hard to live with such a reminder staring back at you every time you see your reflection. Not that I saw you looking in a mirror other than to tame your hair." Dave hummed to himself, arms propped over his chest. "Let it breathe when you're alone." 1412 only glared him. "And don't keep your skin covered, little bullet. That glare wasn't nice of you."

"I'm never alone." The flickering lights in his room were proof of his words. "The only lone time I ever had, had been daily trashed by your continuous stalking. You're lucky I have recorded footage to display and partners to cover tracks. My dear crows don't like visitors over, so stop dragging attention to yourself."

"I'm a phantom myself, junior. Moving unnoticed is my specialty."

"And students following me, people taking every turn I make doesn't drag attention? They watch every step I make and every person I interact with. You're only alive because they need the stone." His expressions remained masked. "How long have you been following me?"

"Since we spotted you nearby, nothing personal~"

He raised an eyebrow, "Nearby? You've been following me everywhere I go. For months. Hideout, school, here... Pretend to be normal people all you want, it won't work. Most turns I take are off-limits, no one's crazy to take them." Dave was about to grin, "Unless they want to be away from people and keep them safe from my daily stalkers." They hummed. "Don't you have lives to live, other cases to solve... or patients to help?" both grinned. "You're secret lives are too obvious, people. Be a little subtle..."

"We're just concerned," Yusaku said with an apologetic face. "On a daily basis. You can't really expect us to leave you alone. Your partners don't. Every Kaitou should look out for the other, new and old."

"Yet you scold us but not them. All or none." Dave crossed his arms. "I demand they get a scolding too."

1412 arched a brow, how was he going to respond? The words were too far from his grip. English then, he told himself. "What makes you think I_ a second in command substitute leader_ stands a chance when Kaito_ their true leader_ never did?"
Dave raised a matching grin as his partner. "True. You are the youngest anyway, would never work." 1412 crocked a brow at them. "I know who 1413 is. But really, scold them. They stalk you too."

"My partners track my location, they check on me from time to time. They don't follow me anywhere unless they know something's wrong. Or to drag me to my sweet cell of a bedroom." Yusaku raised a grin. "If you knew who 1413 is, you wouldn't have said I was the youngest."

"The youngest among the male kaitous." Yusaku corrected, "Assumingly there are no more partners. Or that 1211 isn't a teenage prankster like Kaito-kun. Should I stick with English? I'm hardly sure you know what every word means."

The boy shrugged, "I'll ask for clarification, worst-case scenario. Or I'll look it up while you wait or just laugh your hearts out~"

Yusaku smiled. "We thought our old friend was part of your group."

"Mind being specific?"

Yusaku hummed, "Konosuke Jii. He used to be Toichi's assistance."

"The blue parrot... owner? Are you serious? Guy's too old to be an active KID." 1412 had disbelief in his eyes. "Sure, Kaito brags to him about his successful magic tricks, but he'd never put him at gun's point. All partners have to be agile and quick to their feet_" Dave raised a grin, "Yeah, stop grinning, I'm an exception... everyone knows that."

"Such a shame, Jii used to always have our backs," Yusaku said. "He could help your team, in some ways."

"Kaito said you knew tricks. Mini memory-less Kaito. How are you an exception?"

"Not everyone does tricks in the group. But we know other skills that make us important." Brows raised. "I'm a hacker, and I wasn't new to disguises, been using them my whole life, quite literally. And a reporter, as you know, stalkers." He glared them, Yusaku shrugged then smiled. "1413 knows small simple tricks, but is quick and clever, knows what to do and how." He shrugged. "1211 and others, are magicians. Best we've got with mixing in, 1311 still tops, but who's counting? As long as we can switch and still be working well, then that's all that counts."

Dave hummed. "Others... humph, still more partners to meet then."

"There are plenty." He waited. "Mind we turn the table and I ask something?" Dave was about to protest but Yusaku nodded. "Why did you think Jii-chan is part of us?"

Yusaku cleared his throat. "He's an experienced man. We passed by his store, been closed for a while. I heard he left the country. We were just curious. We thought he was staying low and being a full-time KID."

1412 grinned, "Sorry to disappoint, Kudo-san. Jii-chan left about a year ago. We all have lives, he shouldn't waste his worrying when there are enough experienced partners to help. And Kaito wouldn't accept him joining, too risky. Jii-chan is practically a second father to him. He won't lose him to them."

"So 1211 isn't reckless like you?" Dave kept a skeptic glare.

"Never heard of him being one. The guy never talks about his past. Nothing to worry about for now. I'm not reckless, I can be careful when I have to. It's not for vein that Kaito and I are equals. You've never really seen any of my KID skills, I recommend you don't try to see either, I'm a difficult phantom to find."

Dave raised a brow. "And crows standing in every place you're at isn't worth worrying over? Isn't it worth being on your full skills? Being careful or trying to lay low?"

1412 kept hs silence for a moment. "Yup, as long as no one tries to do anything. For all any member cares, I'm their weapon... Even if I was working with the kaitous. If they know what I can do, I won't be able to fool them so easily~"

"Snake would still do something, even if you were loyal to them." Yusaku said. "He never tries to be subtle about being there to kill you, 1412-kun. That is enough reason to be careful."

"Why do you think Gin and Bourbon are around then?" He waited for them to draw the connection. "Or why I have a tracker on me and bugs that they put on a daily basis? Why any of us partners remain in the shadows? I'm the only partner the boss won't kill. That doesn't mean I can walk around and lead him to the hideout. Or let him know who the others are. For smart people like you, I expected you to know that."

"We do our best to not draw attention to us."

He shook his head. "You seem to forget they know you can do disguises. Boss is only letting you live for the stone, nothing more, nothing less. It's in everyone's interest to find it. They'll wait for someone to dig it up, then you're considered a loose end. Accidents are their thing. Just because they don't want people to know they exist, doesn't mean they won't find a way to finish you off, publically if they have to, and pin it on some unfortunate soul or natural disaster. Don't tell me you're playing bait? That's the stupidest thing to do."

Dave shrugged. "But you play bait all the time~"

"We'll all be happy when the bullet is gone. Snake is the only sane person here~"

"You're their best weapon."

"He hates traitors so much that he'll throw away the boss's ten thousand years of waiting." He shrugged. "Can't use a weapon if it doesn't work, can you? He knows I won't help them. That makes me a threat, an obstacle. No idea why the boss doesn't realize that too. Pretty stupid to let his weapon be in someone else's hand. It's either he has a grand reason to let me stay alive or he really thinks that I'll do something for him if he threatens enough people or shows me no one will hurt them if I do what he wants. Even I know he won't hesitate to kill even his most loyal members. Or whip out an entire family, babies envolved. I'm not stupid."

"Who knows, maybe you'll have a change of heart. After all, no person or member is of your value. Vermouth included. He can recruit anyone he wants, but there are only two bullets in the world. If he believes Kaito is dead, then he will stop at nothing to have you on his side."

"I smell trust issues... Good. I don't trust you either."

Yusaku laughed. "I know you're a dedicated Kaitou." He bit his lip, "After what they did to every victim, your parents included, he's stupid to think you'll ever help him. That's what you always tell yourself, isn't it?"

"He's really lucky I don't go around killing them."

"And sending a notice, challenging them so openly, won't make him realize the threat you've become, out of his grasp?" A raised brow remained steady on Dave's face. "They can kill you, here and now, or wait to do it publically and set you an example for everyone. After all, you said he can't use a weapon that doesn't work. You_ with that small brain of yours_ told them you had it, he only has to search every place you went to and claim it." 1412 glared him, "I know some of your ... umm... suicidal attempts. That never worked in the past. But now, you officially placed a target over your head."

"I wasted a lot of time waiting and allowing them to be around. He should get it through his thick skull already. Besides, every notice is a threat to them, why should this one be any different?"

"I'm asking the questions here, kid."

"You want an interrogation, go join the law." David cleared his throat. "I'll distract them from Kaito for as long as possible. You have my word on that." He looked at his hands, his gloves weren't there. They saw the marks. He pushed the subject to the back of his head. "Anyhow, we assured to bring him back. I hope you can tolerate a few more days."

"He's safe with you, we don't mind. At least I'm sure my son doesn't."

"I mind!" Dave said then cleared his throat. "How's 1211?... we heard from Nakamori-kun, your dear scary partner."

"1211 is stable, you don't get more than that answer."

"Oh, you won't deny it?"

"She told me you stalked them to the hospital. She didn't specify anything other than her cover_ and 1311_ being blown to smithereens." Dave nodded with an equal spread KID grin. "So, two exposed, that's quite the reason to have yours exposed, today before tomorrow." The doctor shrugged. "You're lucky 1311 is on your side, the only reason that makes me put up with you and your annoying masks."

"You trust her, a syndicate member, but not me, a partner?"

"No offense, but I don't even know you. Her on the other hand, I've known for years, she's never been a crow to me."

Dave shook his head, "Of course you don't know me. Every kaitou hides his true expressions, even you... to some extent... Which I really find insulting in the KID line of work." 1412 glared him. "It is for a reason we do all that. I can't be exposed yet, it will get in the way of my work. It's your reason too, I know."

"... I'm talking about your... unnerving analytic glares."

Yusaku laughed, "I was starting to think you'd keep sucking it in~"

"Couldn't anymore..." The teen shrugged, "1311 had been a Kaitou in our group longer than you have appeared, that and, she had always been on us Bullet's side. It all happened since we were born. That's seventeen years of loyalty, I dunno about you, but that's a lot of time to learn to trust someone."

Dave grinned, "1311 may be on your side, but she still keeps secrets to herself."

"And that's supposed to be a problem? We all have secrets, and reasons to keep them buried. She's not proud to be a crow. She doesn't want to continue on that path, that's why she's on our team. We can bring them down, for good."

Dave kept a straight face, "Still, being the good student she is, she'd never let her hatred for her work show other than to her boys." A grin followed. "She doesn't hide that fact either. You and Kaito really are important to her."

1412 raised a brow, "The prophecy isn't the reason she sticks with us if that's what you're thinking." An equal pair of brows shot up. "It's true that the bullet was once, way back, her son. But we were reborn, as two from entirely different families. She had done everything to keep us from turning against each other. That aside, she was my mother's friend, and a disguised friend of Chikage, recently, so don't go checking who she's been with, in the past. The current is off screens, so good luck~"

"Oh, first names~"

1412 grinned. "I'm a foreigner. She and Kaito scolded me when I tried using titles..."

"How is she?"

1412 waited, the concern in Yusaku's eyes was clear. "Alive, safe, and healing."

"In Japan." Dave added.

"Of course, we can't look after her if she's too far. We don't keep all our friends in the hideout, too dangerous if 1311's cover got blown. Besides, Snake always tracked me to the hideout, can't tell you the tricks and amount of smoke screens I have to always use to throw them off guard." The teen shrugged.

"And destroy the trackers when you're still at the apartment. It's probably the only reason no one managed to find it. It's camouflaged, either way."

1412 shook his head, "The best guess is that the boss doesn't care where our den is. Or he already knows. At least those tricks are more fun than walking around with a mirror and pray God no soul hears our steps." A KID grin followed. "Cause for a phantom, you really suck." Yusaku opened his month to clarify.

"Phantom's don't make sounds with their steps." Dave cut in. "I'm a better KID than you."

Another grin followed, "But your surroundings make noises, like those branches you didn't bother to avoid stepping on. Or the puddles of water... the branches you pushed out of view. Really, that's not what invisibility is supposed to be like, doctor. Don't act like you wanted me to know you were there. Only a KID can bust a KID, Kaito's words, not mine~" He shrugged. "What you look for in a fake, I look for too. I know sounds come from somewhere, not really stupid to blame it on the wind or whatever is there."

"... But I blame the wind, trashing my perfect plans and slamming in my face... Can't tell you how many things i bumped into! Yet, you turned ounce, looked like you thought it was just the wind... then I thought you were walking absent-mindedly after all the mistakes I made and you didn't notice, guess I underestimated you, junior."

"Told you I'm a capable KID." Eventually, Dave agreed.

Yusaku looked around, the place was lonely. "You live alone here," the teen remained still, "Be careful, he was here since the early morning, searched the entire place too." He paused. "It's not the first time he comes when you're out."

He wasn't genuinely shocked. "I have cameras here too. I know they drop by. At least he kept the room neat this time. Much easier and I don't have to explain anything to the managers. But really, I recently moved here and yet here you are, showing up in every place I go to. Hardly fair, considering we never drop by unless if we said we were coming. Announced, might I add." He paused, Dave was grinning. "How long have you been secretly visiting? Old and new apartments, Hideout too."

They were silent. "Since you discovered we pretended to be your partners."

"We entered the hideout once without permission. But last time we were invited in by 1311, at least I was. So was Bourbon."

"Why would 1311 let him in? Doesn't make sense."

"Oh, but it makes all the sense in the world. He is her partner. He knows more than he shows too. You know he's a PSB, they work together. Your mommy is a triple agent, Junior. So is he, coming here to watch over the little weapon."

"I was getting used to this place... until he became my neighbor." He said with half eyes. "I swear, I'll move first thing tomorrow if he drops by today." The two smiled, "Anyhow, you shouldn't be seen here. It'll get you in trouble. Crows and us alike. I'm running out of places to live in..." Yusaku smiled, "Also, don't take it personally, but I'm still not ready to expose my identity to any soul."

Yusaku grinned, "We'll only know if you're hasty. But you hide your cover well. Even the school doesn't have your full records. You may go by the name Jeff there, but here, everyone knows you with a different name."

"And a different face. Let's not forget, older!"

"Just one year older, the law is against minors being alone." He was disappointed. "Would've been much easier back at home. Pin my school name on someone else. I didn't fake it. Hacking is my favorite thing, those records are full of blank info and flaws. Too easy to hack too... Such weakness in the art of coding."

"Sadly for you~"

"Was really tempted to fix it myself... but then I'd have to explain why I know basis and who taught me it... wasn't done legally, just what I learned from close people."

"A lot of answers to give." Dave grinned.

"Let me guess, your parents taught you?" Yusaku grinned.

"That's an oddly accurate guess if you ask me." They smiled. "Right, you did a lot of digging... Too bad, still doesn't look like you got my real name figured out. Such a shame, I overestimated you, Kudo-san."

"You expected me to find out?"

"Of course~ You're one of the smartest people who my team doesn't like to mess with. We knew you'd discover who is who months prior, but you're taking your dear time searching. Can't say you won't lose a fuse when you know who I am. Not really a stranger."

The novelist grinned. "If you were a threat, I wouldn't be giving you the chance to confess."

"Sorry, that's against the KID code. You have to discover who I am first, then I'll confess if there's actual proof." He paused, "Mommy won't mind that way~"

"Your syndicate parents taught you coding?"

He nodded. "They taught me everything."

"They put that life behind for you?"

"No idea. They were good people since I was with them. Unlucky me, I don't know who they really were. Hard to crack that file and Kaito made me promise him that I wouldn't try to find out. And since I'm an honest person, I keep my word."

"Why did he make you promise not to look?"

"Some issues caused him to be worried about what I'd learn. They were syndicate people, after all. Not an easy thing, considering what Snake, a crow himself, does. Maybe... maybe my parents weren't exactly good people before they met me." He shrugged. "I'm not in a place to judge. People change, I believe in that." Yusaku nodded. "About that question, my father worked as a legal hacker, said knowing would be useful. Can't say he was wrong. Been major help in our field. From hacking to helping and covering tracks. He told me about the system, he said all the answers are there. So, well, hacking is my middle name. Not sure he was expecting illegal work to be done by his legal son~ Maybe he was expecting me to turn to the law... who knows~"

Dave laughed, "You're such an honest law-abiding citizen, yet you're not letting your consciousness of right and wrong stop you from doing an illegal act."

The boy shrugged, "My only consolation is that it's being done for good reasons. And to trash down crows plans, which I love to do on a minutely basis~" His expressions were a pure mask. "I hate crows to the core. I'm only staying good because that's what my parents wanted."

"And this alter ego? Being here? You said you had nothing to hide."

"Are you really going to interrogate me? Should've pretended you weren't there and kept studying..." Dave kept his lips in a line. "My fake records are unrelated to being KID. I live here because I won't go back to our house, where they were tortured. My former life is also off-limits."

"The Witness Protection Program."

Nothing came from him for a moment, "I won't talk more about the past anymore." Whether it made them relieved or more concerned, he could care the less. Dave went to see if Gin was still down, while Yusaku took his chance for a private conversation with the young kaitou.

"You truly become into your mask... I like the nicer, cheerful you." he smiled as 1412 kept his silence, "I impersonated a few of your school friends, the character change is stunning! Yet, you always keep your distance from everyone. I don't get why you sometimes give the cold shoulder to some students, but I do know most of it is for their safety."

The boy glanced at Dave, who had his back to them. "I'm tight around people I don't trust, especial those who lie about who they are. I'm only cold with the fakes, don't think I'd never notice, Kudo-san. I've known them for a while, your act sticks out like a sore thumb. Don't think you have an advantage at my school, I act everywhere I go. Face and name included. I have plenty."

"One constant face is your Kaito-look alike~"

1412 pursed his lips, "I was born with that face. Didn't choose, hardly at fault here. I won't use a mask my whole life either. I can't." Yusaku furrowed his brows, "If I wear a different face, they'll be forced to look for me, and many will get hurt during their search. Snake was clear on that."

"I am aware. Still, you trust no one aside from your partners, they get to see your face without anything obscuring it." Yusaku kept steady eyes in 1412's. "They know everything about you. You don't mind them knowing, but you exclude everyone else from the truth, your past, your current life..."

"We're a family. No secrets among family." He glanced at Dave, "I never had to pretend or wear a mask or lie to them. Not that I could anyway, they're better as detectives than as thief's, much like your partner. Poking his nose in other people's business. They're more subtle about it though."

Dave turned, "Complement taken, boy. Poker faces are my life, can't live without them~"

"Can't live with them..." 1412 muttered. "Since we're clear of your impeccable lies, I don't trust you. Or your records. My promise to not dig everything will break if you try anything fishy. You gave me enough reasons to leave only one percent left of my patients. This time, 1311 won't stop me. Clear enough or should I say it again?"

"Threat nodded~" Dave grinned. "I'll be subtle~"

Yusaku cleared his throat, "Your reasons and his are the same." He smiled.

"There is nothing stopping me from saying who I am. I only hide it so innocents don't get mixed and named on that long list of people to kill, cause they know too much. My team knows and that makes them a loose end. Another problem to take care of. Do you want to be added to that list? Risk your family's lives on the way? They can't live underground their whole lives."

"Good point. We should get going."

"On behalf of my partner, we won't follow you unless you are in any trouble."

Dave grinned, "That's only Ninety-five percent of the time~"

1412 glared him. "Don't stick around during my hours of sleep, I'll ask Gin to play guard. Heck, I'll even sleep in his car if it's going to keep you away."

"Goodnight~" they left through the window after using their trick.

Once they were gone, 1412 packed his books. Surprisingly, he had no unanswered calls or texts from anyone. He once again said goodbye to the world.

Jeff waited for ten minutes to pass. He knew the syndicate couldn't see through the mirrored window; he tampered with the cameras just in case. He went down the stairs, then staring at the new line of people waiting. He passed Gin, who did nothing, and went to pick his motorcycle from repair in the next building. Gin walked out the same moment 1412 did and stood beside him like a ghost, waiting for him to finish with the repair employee.

1412 shot a skeptic look at Gin as they strode to the street. Gin was staring at apparently nothing. "You people are really weird..." he eventually said once the bike was in his hands. Gin looked at him for a brief moment. "... We can be civil and talk, for once."

"Bourbon is your neighbor."

1412 blinked, act surprised. "That is the worst news!"

Gin turned, his hair followed the gust of wind. "Be back by noon." He strode back to the hotel.

1412 stood in his place, still baffled by the conversation with the syndicate's top killer. They were still keeping watch over him. It was like none of the members were bothered by the notice. Like it was never sent.

1412 bit his lip, 'awkward... I thought it was clear I was challenging them...' Gin barely had one moment of eye contact with him since they met, two years ago. He wasn't expecting the killer to say a word. For a while, 1412 doubted the man ever spoke. Maybe the heist did change something. They knew he had it now. Bourbon was somewhat not happy with the planned heist, but there was still time to accumulate the anger and bust.

All the partner had to do was act like he normally did and drag his feet for the coming weeks. He hosted himself on the bike and rode towards the mountain road. Ekoda felt far with less than an hour to reach. His visitors truly took their time interrogating him. But their concern was uncalled for, they had to understand that. He stopped at the mountain road and looked at the sky. So far, he was still in Haido. The moon was nearly gone. He almost lost concentration, forgetting everything on his mind, simply staring at the warm hue. That was Kaito's habit, staring at his pal before any heist began. 1412 never knew what it felt like until today when his own heist was going to take place without that light watching over him.

"Beautiful, isn't it, Silver bullet-Kun?"

Jeff looked back to reality. He hadn't been expecting another pair of detectives. Saguru strode out of the car and leaned his back on it. He barely looked at the bike or the plate number. 1412 was curious to know why. Instead, the detective smiled. "So this is our first official meeting. You are 1412, aren't you?"

"If you want to scold 1311 for pretending to be me, sorry, he's busy at the moment."

Saguru grinned, "Good, it's you I wanted to talk to, 1412-kun. Congrats for leaving the bed~" A moment of skepticism was drawn on KID's face. "I understand that declaring a heist means you're in the clear." A pause followed. "But that doesn't mean you're wounds are healed completely. So be careful and go easy on them."

"... Why do you talk to me like you talk to Kaito?" A brow shot up from the British. "I filled for him a few times. But really, don't talk to everyone like you're friends with them. Most people you accuse and follow are dangerous criminals... I'm KID, you know... I question your concept of being careful, Tantei-san."

Saguru shrugged, "We're on the same side, so what's the harm?" He paused. "How was monitoring? Died?"

"Just a little." 1412 shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle."

Conan laughed. "Just because they're your partners doesn't mean you should let him jail you." Then he turned the grin into a smile. "Or you don't want to worry them~" The thief shrugged. "It's like you two bond." he said with a serious tone. "The moon and you. Kuroba-kun used to look at it like that too."

1412 directed his gaze to them, "Most people like to watch the moon too." Then he looked specifically at the shrunken detective. "How's that small problem going?"

"Still alive, ain't I?"

1412 barely nodded. "Sorry, it's taking longer than estimated. That scientist should keep track of what she puts in those drugs. I was even considering working together~" He paused. "I'm serious. Might get us faster if we work together."

Conan blinked several times. "Oh, that problem! I thought you were asking about my mental sanity, now that Kuroba-kun is away. Hope he's less playful~" he looked away, his glasses lit. Jeff only turned his sight away, his helmet was covering his eyes and half of his face. "Haibara is practically dying to meet you, I'll drop your offer first thing tomorrow. See when we can schedule a date."

"Not funny."

Conan laughed. "Aren't you supposed to stay in Haido till... like, for two weeks more?"

"Too early for the heist." KID said with half eyes, not interested in talking more. "Your family should really learn to give people some privacy. Mind hinting that for me, metantei?"

Conan laughed, "He'd never miss a chance!" 1412 then grinned, "Nope, that's all for today. Say hi to that kid for me. Tell him I really appreciate him going with you for a few days. Never missed quiet nights of sleep until I met him."

"That'd break his small heart."

Conan shrugged, "Okay, fine, I miss him. Tell him that we're waiting for him to come back in one piece, no card decks and tired, so I can profit off of some more rest."

1412 nearly grinned, "I knew you cared~" he paused, they remained by the car. "I know from Kaito that you two don't try to chase him often, but this is a good opportunity to expose a partner... literally a good opportunity..."

"Tousan is taking that mission. Mine is to make your life difficult."

"And mine is to warn you to be careful," Hakuba said and waited. "Or to have someone by your side."

"I'm sure they'll all interfere when it's time. They're awfully angry now. Besides, Dave is the one making my life difficult, I will only deal with one, so go skin each other and see who wins."

Conan grinned, "Not bad for a riddle, to people who don't know what you are."

"As long as the shadows know I meant them, which I really hope they understood, then the riddle served its purpose." they nodded. "Anything else you want to say? I'm quite in a hurry. Can't make them believe this is where I stashed a star of great value~"

"They track your movements?" Saguru raised a brow. "And the partners?"

"Only if I stay put in random places for too long. Too long is five minutes, for my partners. An hour for the shadows."

"Your partners are strict." Conan furrowed his brows. "Just be careful." The teen gave a slight nod and continued his path. "Weird kid..." Conan muttered.

"It's like he dislikes the company. Care to follow him?"

Conan pocketed his hands, "I've been told he's a shy one." He shrugged when Saguru furrowed his brows. "He's heading to his hideout. That's somewhere in Ekoda..." he looked at the moon. "I wonder what he sees interesting in it. Or the other lunatic previous KID. They just stare at it, for hours!"

Hakuba looked at the moon. "Maybe he was thinking about something?"

"The heist, probably."

"Tousan?" He blinked surprised.

"Kudo-san, what brings you here?"

"I was passing by. Did he say anything?"

"No, nothing important. If I may ask, Kudo-san, what was decided concerning the heist?"

"Nothing new, aside from involving all of the police stations, even the FBI will lend a hand."

"But KID is after one of the most dangerous syndicates out there," Hakuba said. "He's an ally."

"It was a murder last time, so Interpol wants to catch the ones responsible. Of course, only a few inspectors knew the truth and about the syndicate. However, either way, they're hoping to catch two birds with one stone."

His son raised a mental smile, 'If he's as good as Kuroba-kun, he'll escape anyway' he grinned at nothing. "Next time, we'll let him continue his thoughts, maybe he'll say something important, or we can just follow him to his lair." He joked and walked away. "Hakase is coming to pick us up. 1412 said he and Haibara should work together."

Jeff pressed the code and went in, "I'm back~ ready for some scolding..." He strode through the hallway. "Where is everyone?" No one popped in front of him. As he reached his room, he knocked on the door- which was weird for him as it was his. "Aoko? You in there?"

"Yes! Come in!" He slid the handle and saw her playing with Kaito. "What took you so long?" She said. "You got us worried! You wanna get yourself in trouble!"

"Umm... had guests over, nothing to worry about, and no, won't do anything hasty."

"Guests? The ones 1211 was covering for?" She turned, "1311 was oddly silently on the outside, and extremely pissed on the inside."

"Same here... We should worry about 1211's identity. They're too noisy for their own good."

"Who!"

"The former KID partners. Then I meet Meitantei and Tantei-kun on the mountain road. Can I borrow one of your mops? Everyone's babysitting me~"

She shook her head, "Sorry, bro, got only one left to kill people with. Just use your glider's stick cape thingie."

"I kinda need it to fly in two weeks... It's the last glider standing, can't break it before the heist."

She laughed. "I don't know how you stand it!" She dropped herself on his bed. "All the efforts Aoko has to do to stay calm and not throw them off the balcony."

1412 grinned, "At least you can still act when your cover's blown~" He walked in and leaned facing Kaito. "You're having fun, kiddo?"

"Ahaan!" the small child smiled widely at him. "Wanna build the biggest tower of cards with us?"

"Sounds like fun~" it wasn't, he had perfected it years prior. "Six layers! Splendid~"

"… the 7th keeps falling, can't get any cards over it..." The child was sad. "We've spent hours trying to get it right!"

"And rebuilding it from scratch!" Aoko joined. "What's it now? Eighth attempt?"

Kaito nodded, "Ninth on the way~"

"Now, now, let's be a bit optimistic~" 1412 grinned.

"But we've been trying for hours!"

"Let me try." Jeff took one card and carefully placed it. It didn't fall. Kuroba stared at it with suspicion. "Now, try putting yours over it, but don't disturb the balance." He grabbed Aoko from the collard. Kaito didn't notice a thing as he approached the tower and gently placed a card over the sixth layer.

He shut his eyes and waited. Nothing happened. He cracked them open. "It worked!" He cheered. "Thanks, nii-san!"

Aoko glared 1412.

The boy smiled, "See? It's all about the balance." Kaito hummed.

It was only the second day having Kaito with them, Aoko didn't know what to distract him with any more. He still looked at her with a weak smile, pretending he didn't know she only wanted to keep him from dying from boredom. He had overheard her reading a notice. 1412's notice. The heist was far, but he wished there was something he could do for his partner.

Jeff knew he'll be the one to take Kaito back home by the end of the tenth day and it didn't bother him. Kaito always trusted Yusaku, and out of trust of his leader's better judgment, he trusted the man too, it was just Dave that he didn't trust, not a lot actually.

The heist would require all of 1412's attention, and since his partners were needed to help, he didn't want to distract them. Either of 1211 or 1311 will be on the enemies' side, while one of them helps 1412 pull the heist off safely without letting anyone get killed. His critics will definitely be there, Metantei-kun, Hakuba, Ginzo (losing his temper before he gets to show up) and a few inspectors. It would be a great start with a wide audience, he only hoped no fans would go see the heist.

"So, any trick in mind?" She said and 1412 turned to her, "For the heist, any tricks?" He nodded. "Who'll help you?"

1412 didn't respond. "You mean who wants to interfere?" She laughed. "1211 said he'll help me with the trick. Gonna take huge efforts just to prepare, minimum twelve days."

"Oh, setting too high for your first appearance~"

He barely had any expressions on, "The trick is for the public's safety, Aoko. There won't be a performance."

She hummed, "Will that museum support the commotion? It's shut down for a reason!"

"That's why I have to reinforce the place first."

"No suicidal attempts, got it?"

"... if I get shot at, don't blame me."

She glared him. "But you'll go alone, on the 13th?" He nodded, then received a slap. "We work together."

He rubbed his neck, "Too dangerous with more people involved. Interpol is trashing everything with too many involved. Blame them, not me." She shot a skeptic look at him. "I had to announce it. They'd just barge in, unprepared, get killed, who knows. The place will be on the ground long before dawn comes."

"Does the owner know?"

He nodded. "Said he was gonna demolish it anyway." He turned to the child playing with the Gameboy. The earphones were still attached. "1311 would probably be with Bourbon for the Kidnapping plan to work, so 1211 is enough to assist for the heist." Aoko knew she won't be allowed to leave the hideout, he could either say that he needs her to monitor everything or look after Kaito in case someone is after him. 'That should keep her from escaping to lend a hand.' His plans were interrupted by a call from Yusaku, asking to have Kaito with them two days before the heist for a checkup. "Okay, will come back for him the next day." That said, he ended the call.

His exams were tomorrow, he needed to focus on them now, especially since 1311 offered to take his place as a filling leader. He opened another book, in his room, because Aoko insisted, and continuing his revisions.

Now that the time came to say goodbye to their leader, Aoko pretended to be okay. "Arigato for the visit, Aoko had a lot of fun!" Kaito only nodded with a big smile on his face. "Keep everything you heard and saw a secret, okay?" She turned to 1412. "Drive slow, Jeff-Kun." once they left the main tunnel's entrance, she closed the door. 'Kyousukete, Kaito.'

1412 sat Kaito in front of him on the motorcycle, after putting the huge helmet on the latter's head; it was safe to drive now. It seemed long to him though, but Kaito was happy to ride a bike again, it was more fun than being shut in the cars all the time. The wind itself was refreshing. He stared at the road ahead. 'At this rate, we'll never arrive!' Kaito was moving his head from right to left, catching every object he saw interesting. Ekoda had the best views. 1412 smiled. It was still seven, and having to drive at 40 km/h was unusual to 1412, but it guaranteed the child's safety at least. Few ladies waved to them, bearing a vast smile to the child sitting in front. Kaito smiled back, but in the back of his mind, he didn't want to be so childlike anymore.

He gently got Kaito down. "Here it is, home at last!"

"Nii-san, please drive faster next time. I'll be okay."

He gave a wide smile. "Aoko would kill me, nii." He shrugged. "Let's go see your uncle~" He held Kaito's hand, walked to the front door and rang the bell. No one answered for the first few minutes. "That's weird, they're supposed to be home, it's still early to leave..." Jeff muttered and Kaito shrugged. "Say Kaito-kun, how about we go grab some ice-cream until they come back? They're probably still in bed anyway~"

"Awesome! I love ice-cream!" Kaito smiled, "Can we go somewhere high, nii-san? I wanna watch the sky for as long as possible."

1412 hummed, "Only if you keep your disguise on."

Kuroba was glad to see the open world. "Thanks for teaching me tricks" He smiled. "You're a lot better at teaching than Aoko, but don't tell her!" He whispered.

"Sorry, kiddo. That bug you have on delivered everything~"

Kuroba shrugged, "Never thought she'd teach me."

1412 smiled, "Yeah, considering you were the one who taught her first." He said hesitatingly, but in his heart, he was glad to help somehow. Kaito taught him every trick he knew, now the tables turned, the boy needed every trick he could use to escape if was ever kidnapped again. The tricks were simple, smoke booms included, but some were fun to boost around and entertain himself and others.

"This is the second-best Ice-cream store in the world!" He said and stuffed more ice-cream in his mouth. "I have an addiction~" 1412 checked the mask and hummed. "Hasn't been long for it to get ruined."

"I know. But wet stuff like ice-cream ruins it if you're not careful."

"Nii-san, masks are my life! I know how to be careful!"

1412 smiled and hummed, "Then let's hitch out before someone spots us both in here." He opened the bathroom stall. Glanced left and right, "Max, you pretend potty training isn't over~ You're physically small, no one will laugh at you or be suspicious. I'm the one who should feel embarrassed, taking a four-year-old kid to the bathroom..." Kaito glared him. 1412 smiled as they left the restrooms.

They went back to the street leading to Yusaku's place, only to stop a few blocks away for safekeeping.

1412 lifted his hand to ring the bell. "Kaito-kun!" They turned, Jeff prayed no one heard the little girl coming from Hasake's house. "Your back!" Ayumi ran and hugged him.

"We missed you!" Said the Shōnen Tanteidan at once. Kuroba smiled.

"Tomorrow we are going to tropical land, wanna come?" Genta said, "There's gonna be lots of food!"

"T-tropical land?" Kaito repeated and turned to his partner. "Nii-san, what is that?"

"It's like the dreamland we used to go to in Paris, remember it?" Kaito nodded. "It's bigger and there's lots of stuff to play with." He leaned down for a whisper, "And good ice-cream too." He winked and stood.

Kaito's eyes lit up. "Oh, I'm going alright!" The detective boys laughed.

"We're going to school now, see you later Kaito-kun!" They waved and left.

Yusaku opened the door at that exact moment. "Took you a while..." He glanced at the smaller KID, who narrowed his eyes away. "Right, I should've known."

1412 hummed to himself, turned to his small partner, "Remember, some people are lazy and boring, they want to stay that way."

"That's too boring, nii-san. Why can't I prank him?"

1412 shrugged, "He's no fun." He messed Kaito's hair slightly. "Be good, okay? I'll be back tomorrow. Ja na~" Kaito nodded and advanced into the house. Yusaku and 1412 shrugged at the same time, "I kept a spare deck he can use when your kid's not around." The novelist grinned, "But don't tell Metantei that, he'll just dispose of it~ So, my mini leader is in one piece, I expect to take him back that way. And please, don't stalk me today. Truly busy studying. Every minute counts."

"I can't speak for my partner, but I will try to bind him to something heavy."

1412 grinned, "Should do~" He excused himself and left.

Yusaku closed the door and walked back to the living room.

"Did nii-san say when he's coming back?" The messy hair popped up from the couch.

Yusaku shook his head, "I'll ask him when he's not on the road." The child hummed. "Did you have fun with them?"

The boy turned, "Yup~" he carefully watched the tan detective from the corner of his eyes. "You're early..."

Hattori laughed, "I'm always an early bird. What didja do to stay alive with that kid?"

"He's not a kid..."

"Still~ How'd ya pass the time?"

Kaito suppressed a shiver, "Can we not talk about it? I was bored to death..." He hugged Conan, "I will never complain about your boring life ever again, I promise!" Conan laughed, "Aoko and I build a card castle… for seven hours... never been so horrified of playing it... I used to love that thing! I never wanna see a tower or a card ever again!" He dropped his head. "At least for a few weeks so I recover."

"Fine by me~" Conan grinned. "Why'd you build a card tower for seven hours..."

"Aoko was running out of ideas... Can't tell you how many times she made it fall and looked awfully innocent." He paused, "But you can't lie to a liar..." He shrugged. "Poker faces are still my best thing~"

Yusaku smiled, "So I heard her complain and ask for ideas." He smiled softly. "I take it the boy was much more fun?"

Kuroba hummed, "He should show you a trick~ Really good and quick, I was impressed~"

"1412 knows tricks?" Conan furrowed his brows, "You're bluffing."

Kuroba shook his head, "Not bluffing. Nii-san is a good magician. Ask him to show you and you'll see I'm right." He pouted, "Don't ask Aoko though... Even you can do better at failing, and no one sucks more than you... until I met Aoko..." Another laugh filled the room. Edogawa grinned. "Even nii-san doesn't try to teach her anything."

Yusaku smiled. "Didn't Nakamori-kun say when she's coming home?"

Kaito shook his head. "She just said she'll stay with their friend until he recovers, and the other guy stayed with them too." For a moment, they wondered how much he learned from his partners. Or if he knew who they were.

"What's that yer holdin'?" Heiji pointed at the stuffed bear in the child's bag.

Kuroba got it out, "he's called Jay Jay."

Hattori extended his hand and shook it with the bear. "Pleasure, Jay Jay~" but Kuroba titled his head. "Nevermind, but do this when you meet kids, it's a fun gesture. Some even think it's alive~" Hattori said with a grin. Kaito still had disbelief in his eyes.

"Okay, Mr. awkward."

"That's..." Yukiko was staring at the bear. "It's the same toy you had when you were small!"

Kuroba hummed, "It's nii-san's. He said that he first gave to it me when we were little but said that I gave it back last year". He looked at it. It was their mark of friendship, and 'as long as it stayed with you, we'll be friends forever' said a mirror of himself seeming to be around six or eight. The dreams made more sense when he considered the fact that he was once physically older. But how will he tell the residence of this home that he already saw through half of his memories? Though none were able to bring him back to himself again?

"That's more of a baby's bear..." Hattori stared at it. "I'm shocked your friend still kept it. I would've buried it underground, it's too silly."

Kuroba hugged the bear, "It meant a lot to nii-san when we were small!"

"Yeah, of course it did! Babies love these things. Best hugging pillow too. But he's all grown up now, he should get rid of it! God, how is it still in one piece and still so new?" Kuroba still defended the toy in his arms. "Okay, okay! I won't hurt it." He moved away.

Yusaku grinned, "Hattori-kun, can you look at this?" He passed his phone to the teen.

Heiji stared at the text. "Touch my long-cherished childhood memory and I'll bury you underground." He blinked. He pouted, "Fine!" He texted back and gave the phone back to Yusaku.

In the afternoon, Kuroba returned to his small friends and looked at the drawing that Ayumi was making on the ground beside Mitsuhiko. It was pretty. He continued drawing on the paper in front of him, two babies and a bear under the moonlight. It was when they first met; that was a very special memory to the younger real Kaito. He folded it directly and placed it in his pocket, deciding to give it to Jeff the next time he sees him. He scanned his surroundings. 'No one saw it, great...' He drew something else, colored it and showed it to Genta as he came to see the picture. Just a boring colored picture of a house, with some trees and flowers, sloppy, but good in the eyes of the children beside him.

Within an hour, Kaito fell asleep beside the wall while the others were looking at a map, another case, maybe a project? Anyway, it was a tough day after playing for so long, but it was the weekend, so no harm was done. Conan put him on one of the couches and covered him. He watched the child asleep, while the others talked.

"So 1412 gave him the toy when he was little." Yusaku pointed it out. "Not sure that made me feel better now. I always thought it was from them, trying to gain his trust using a small stuffed animal."

Dave added, "Same. But since it was from 1412 Junior, then it's true they've known each other for a while."

"And they've played together in public places..." Conan hummed, "Childhood friends, probably their whole lives."

"What makes you think so?" Hattori held.

"Apparently, they used to play at an amusement park, in Paris." Conan clarified. "Rings a bell, Tousan, Kasan? Ever took him anywhere or saw him play with a mirror? Hard not to notice a resemblance."

Yukiko shook her head, "We never took Kaito-kun to any dreamland... he was too small for them. Maybe, they're referring to a time not long ago? Maybe these past days?"

"But, Kuroba-kun wouldn't have asked if it was recent. Or the past, if he had all of his memories as a teen. You said yourself he's still suffering from amnesia, so no memories triggered anything important yet."

"He is definitely still ignorant about many things, and his poker face is still a hundred steps away. Whatever he remembered last time, most likely is an irrelevant thing. Or, given the possibility, 1412 maybe just told him where they met before."

"It could be so, beats me! It's not like he shared those memories and stuff with us, or anyone. Man, why does he have to be so secretive!"

"Wait to see when he's back to normal," Hakuba smiled. "He's an annoying brat, everyone will agree. But, it's only when he is bored and uses tricks and stuff in the classroom to entertain us. Although we are targets, it's nothing that you won't get used to in the future."

Edogawa didn't want to know any of those tricks, Kuroba was dangerous as KID, and he didn't want to see what was more to his real persona. "Either way, we can't lose sight of him. Neither of us knows what he is capable of. And if he ends up remembering, we can't let him leave." It's just too risky, we might not be able to save him next time, his eyes added.

"Anyhow, it's getting late, we should get going." The visitors left.

Eventually, Yusaku asked the partner when school periods ended. A recorded voice message came. "The bear? Yeah, it's mine. I gave it to him when we were small, as a friendly gesture... My parents often took us to public places, but it was all before we turned four. We don't really remember much of it, some were in Japan too. But what I told Kaito in the morning was just out of words, been too long to remember, besides, none of us stepped into Paris since we were ten months old." The message stopped. A contact number came. "Call this number if anything happens. It's Aoko's. She'll tell the partner who can leave, they'll reach Beika in under an hour."

Dave hummed. "Why not give us the partner's number instead?" Yusaku shrugged. "Right, he doesn't trust my hacking skills. That's probably one of the reasons his number is private and backed by a program." Conan laughed.

"Maybe if you stop following him around, he might be more easy-going and less cautious. Just give the kid some space." He glanced back at Kuroba, who kept his nose in a book. "Aren't you tired? Your brain needs to rest!"

Kaito pushed the book away from view, "But it's a picture book!" Yukiko gave him the look. Kaito put it away. "What am I gonna do to stay alive and entertained?" He sulked. "Please don't say get some sleep... Been in there allllllllll day." He sniveled, "Too much energy bottled up..."

Dave grinned, "Just wait until we make the tests, then go prank the neighborhood." A strong grin spread across the shrunken thief's face. "Yes, Mr. No fun too." Conan backed away.

The tests were never something Kaito looked up to do. He scratched his arm. Conan gave him a grin. "What? Still hurts. Did you see the size of that thing!" They pushed the door open, "I'm gonna crash for a bit." He covered a yawn and tucked himself under the sheets. Conan nodded and strode out of the room. Once the footsteps faded completely, Kaito opened his eyes. He pursed his lips, got up and hid.

When it was time for dinner, Conan didn't find the little thief anywhere. The Kudo parents looked all over for him. After half the night had passed, he was listed as missing. The family and friends spread out to find him. None of the KIDs were notified, and since the thief didn't call, Kaito was still home.

"But we searched everywhere, Tou-san. And it's almost one, where is he!" Conan grit his teeth. Maybe something must have happened to the child. They looked around the house's garden, on the roof, in the trees, everywhere, except, one place. "I'll tell them." He walked away and called the number 1412 sent.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY YOU CAN'T FIND HIM! HE'S STILL THERE!" but Conan moved the phone away from his ear. "YOU BETTER FIND HIM BEFORE AOKO KILLS YOU!" She stopped for a brief second. "IF 1311 FINDS OUT, WE'RE NEVER LETTING YOU HAVE KAITO EVER AGAIN!" And gone, she slammed the line in his face.

"His girl is mad now, I don't advise anyone to run into her before we find the kid. Said he was still in the house."

Yusaku moved the bed aside, "This is the only place we didn't check. He should be here." He leaned down facing the air vent. It was open. He smiled. "Looks like some of his old little habits are back."

"The air vent! I should have known!" Yukiko chibi-ed up sad. "He always hides there!"

Kudo turned the flashlight on and took a look inside. "Son, mind going in? He's to the left." Conan crawled his way in and brought the boy out. Kaito was sound asleep, peacefully asleep despite all the ruckus in the house. "Though he only hides here when he wants to be alone, I am sure at least that habit surfaced." He laid him back on the bed, then screwed the air vent lid well. Later, Conan watched them as he and Dave instilled cameras and closed the window and Veranda.

"Just for safety precautions, because he always ends up running off when he's upset." Dave turned. "Think you can watch over him?" the shrunken detective nodded. Kuroba was forever asleep. "Must have been exhausted!"

"Yeah, all that playing..."

"All that blood," Dave glared the detective. "They drew a lot, tests were stressful too."

'Gomen, Kaito-kun, I won't let you get hurt, again' Yusaku rubbing his hand through the shrunken boy's hair.

After seven in the morning, Kaito woke up. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and realized the camera's small light flickering above the door. He also noticed Conan asleep next to him. He wanted to wake him, but he remembered what he heard.

'Either way, we can't lose sight of him.

Neither of us knows what he is capable of.

If he remembers, we can't let him leave'

Now he knew he shouldn't say anything to them, especially, after his thoughts were confirmed. 'I have to regain all of my memories and know who exactly I am. I should have been more silent and acted like all kids, but, I have to finish what that guy wanted to do.' He got up and went to the window.

Conan woke at the slight movement on the bed and heard the boy getting off of it. He pretended to be asleep, maybe he will be able to know what drove Kuroba to hide in the first place. Kaito tried to open the window will all his strength. "Locked, great! He won't come in like this. Should've done that from the start!" He turned, "I won't have to play hide and seek next time!"

Conan blinked. 'Still seeing his subconscious self? Hide and seek? That's why he was there!'

The thief went under the bed, the vent was locked too. Then he strode to the door, "Yay, also locked~" he dropped his face in depression as he turned from the cameras. 'What do I do now? I am locked here!' He drove his hand to his face, swabbing his tears. He sat on the ground and brought his feet to his chest. "I wanna go back..." He muttered under his breath.

Conan's eyes widen to the sight. What caused that behavior? He pretended to wake, "Kaito-kun," he lowered his voice and made it sound sleepy and confused. "What are you doing on the floor? You'll catch a cold..." Kuroba turned and dried his eyes. "What happened?"

"You didn't see anything!"

Conan bit his lip. "What's wrong?" Kuroba remained silent. "You don't want to say?" A nod came. Conan cleared his throat, "... I won't press. But come back in and cover yourself. Okay? Get some sleep, you look awful." The child hesitated, yet did it eventually. "You still worried about that guy?" Kuroba barely turned, he hummed. "I'm here, okay? He's not getting in here."

"Really?"

Conan nodded with a smile, "If he dares, he's getting a goal in the face~" Kaito only laughed. The sadness was still there in his eyes, but he tried his best to cheer him up.

As much as Conan tried to fake what he knew, he tried to make Kaito think he thought it was about the dreams or feeling homesick. But Kaito knew they'd try to trick him. His instincts told him to lay traps everywhere, just like now. He knew the man in his dreams was him, how, he didn't know. But he wanted to speak to him more and understand what was actually going on. For the time being, he should pretend he didn't want the visitor to come.

"Don't wake me if he comes. Just kick him out." He laid back down and only turned to the right side of the bed. He dug his head under the cover and closed his eyes.

Conan kept watching him. After a while, he nudged him, "Wanna play with the kittens?"

Kuroba hummed, "Can I take one? The black one!"

Conan smiled, "Night, Kuroba-kun."

When he got up of bed, he expected Conan to follow him everywhere. Since they were worried about him, he wouldn't want him to run away. By noon, Kuroba felt like he was in prison, and it made him more stressed and sad, hoping the partner would come quicker than possible. He proceeded to play the dumb child role, while carefully watching everything around him. His poker face was always there, and this was his chance to perfect it again.

Yusaku and Dave understood that there was something wrong. The boy hesitated, more than when he woke, but he was okay. And since he wasn't trying to escape, they only had to keep him safe until 1412 returns. One more hour of careful observations.

Saguru grinned, "Give the kid some space."