Italic Bold sentences are spoken in English.
The normal bold will be, as usual, conversation on phones/ texts or changed voices by devices (This will remain unchanged in the entire story)
Italic sentences/paragraphs are memories or past events. (I will stick to that because I'll be using past events and memories from now on)
If you have any questions on anything that confuses you, feel free to hint it out.
Jap List:
Tadaima: I'm back.
Okairi: welcome back
Ch 11: A Visit
The day went rather boring, and Kuroba got tired of watching children's shows. Yukiko checked on him every fifteen minutes and he looked exactly the same in each time.
He leaned his head on the armrest, waiting for the theme song to end. 'Who made this anyway?' he frowned, the entire show looked sloppy, 'even I can draw better...' the plot wasn't anything fun, maybe it was something a one-year-old would enjoy, but to people who could see and understand, the show was boring. 'They sound stupid too'
From the kitchen door, Yukiko's eyes watched. "T.V isn't cheering him?" Yusaku said from his chair.
She shook her head, "It's only been three hours! I don't know what to do to keep him busy! Shin-chan won't come anytime soon to keep him company..." Yusaku placed his cup on the saucer. "I don't think he enjoys being around adults... Should I try drawings and crayons?"
"Dave texted the results," his voice interrupted her, she arched her eyebrow than realized she forgot about the tests Kuroba made the previous night. "It's not good at all" his voice was deep and serious, that alone wasn't good at all.
"What's wrong?" her hands covered her mouth, "Is it terrible?" he nodded, "Oh, come on! Tell me, I am worried, Yu-chan!"
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, how was he going to tell her? She was worried enough just from hearing that. "It might be best to move him upstairs, permanently" She blinked, "before anything bad happens"
Her hands slammed on the table, "Come on already!" he coughed and she lowered her voice. "What's wrong with Kaito-kun?" she whispered. The sudden yelling would worry the small boy. Arguments were not supporting factors when people who suffer from amnesia were around.
"The result of his scan," he stopped. She already knew that they came out and he took them after he dropped their son at school.
She cleared her throat, "And?"
"I told you before that Kaito-kun received quite the damage to his spine, correct?" and she nodded, "he's going to start feeling a lot of pain. Dave and I have been slipping painkillers in everything he ate or drank, until now. But," he stopped, taking a short pause, "his pain will be unbearable soon, the painkillers won't help, and he will have to stay lying on his back until... until he recovers," if he does.
Worst case scenario, Kaito could never straighten himself again, "and walking is deemed impossible"
Yukiko's heart trembled with fear, "... no way ..."
He rolled his eyes away and cleared his throat, "Dave is preparing everything to take him. He'll keep his eyes on him and make sure he stays still"
Yukiko wasn't relieved with just that. 'At least, with a doctor around, Kaito-kun will be in safe hands' she looked away, "...Did you tell them?"
That was the inevitable question. "The partners or Aoko-kun?"
"Both"
"I don't know how they'll handle the possibility that Kaito-kun can never walk or get up again"
"They truly worry about him, don't they?"
He nodded, "They're..." he stopped, searching for the right word. 1412's voice rang in his ears, as Dave said it in his voice and the same expression.
"We only got each other to trust"
Those were the words of someone who had lost everyone he cared about. Someone who had been in so much ordeal to care about the people who stood beside him. The scars and wounds on his body were an ounce of the pain he suffered, and no doubt, the mental pain was much worse. That was the same for the rest of the team. Kaito trusted them for a reason and now Yusaku was sure he knew why.
Indeed, the partners were more than just a team; and they knew everything about each other, every little detail. Their pain, their sufferings, their joys, and their happiness. They knew what would hurt them and what would make them happy. 1311 treated them as his kids, and they looked up to him as their parent. There was a lot going on between them, a lot tearing them apart with every loss and tragedy they endured. And everything they went through was what carved their bond into something deeper.
Yusaku raised his gaze, "A family..." his eyes then wandered to the living room, "though not born by blood, but born from the destruction the crows caused..." Yukiko could relate, they could have lost their son many times. Who knew what they will lose by the end of the battle against the crows. "Anyway, we will have to hint it to Kaito-kun that he cannot try to move, and I hope that we can manage that before he enters the danger zone"
"I'll go check on him"
"I am sure nothing changed during the past five minutes you saw him in" but she ignored him anyway and walked slowly to the living room. Kaito's messy hair didn't appear from behind the couch, she began to panic. She took a few more steps closer and peered above the couch.
"Oh, thank goodness!" her hand was over her heart, 'I got worried!'
Kaito was asleep on the side of the couch, a tough position, but he couldn't move himself to sit any better. She placed him down correctly and covered him with the blanket that she had on him earlier as he was watching Kamen Yaiba and another lame boring show that she didn't bother to see the name. 'He probably fell asleep because of that horrible show! I don't blame him, poor thing' She tiptoed to the kitchen and dragged Yusaku to the living room. They sat on the couch to his right, Yusaku watched the sleeping shrunken boy, a little deep in thoughts he seemed to his wife.
"Won't you tell me why Dave is going to take him? You still didn't tell me his real name, Yu-chan. Besides, I am going to miss him when he goes, I miss him now already!" She said looking at her hands, "is it okay to trust him?" because she didn't like how secretive they were being around them. She was his wife, she deserved to know!
Yusaku nodded, "I trust Dave with my life! Kaito-kun will be more than safe with him, don't worry" It would be rather hard to figure him out, he was sure they kept everything a dead end. "That's why they'll both be safe as long as I keep the secret" he didn't even tell her which block he lived in. If anyone could protect the boy, it would be Dave. Compared with himself, Dave had what it would take.
She gasped, "You don't trust me!" she dramatically said. Yusaku's eyes went halfway, waiting for her show to end. "You wound me!" she clasped her hand over her heart, but he coughed, "you're no fun!" She pouted, "Well if you think it's best to protect them, I'll stop pressuring" for now, she added in her mind. "But, Kaito-kun is going to be visiting us every now and then, even sleeping over too~" it was settled, "I will make sure of that"
'I don't even want to know what you're planning~' His half-raised grin said, "Anyhow, about the partners, they know about the result. It wasn't hard considering their excellent disguise skills, besides, there was a person in the hospital watching. Her act was perfect, I barely doubted her" even Dave didn't. He recalled how she was waiting on the chair, glancing at the door while waiting for the doctor to finish his discussion with the nurse. Her fingers fiddled, bored from waiting.
The appearance itself made it hard to know her actual age, in addition to how she absorbed the personality well. Kaito chatted with her for some time, she smiled warmly at him and said she was waiting for her results. She didn't even take a peek or look like she was listening or watching them. They only knew they were being watched because of the sensation of eyes on them.
She even told the small boy about her grandchildren (of his age), covering infinite details and stories within that half an hour. Kuroba listened with interest, she kept him busy well enough. They doubted everyone except her.
She was just a nice old lady.
His mind recalled how some of it went.
They were standing, while Kuroba was on the chair, beside the old woman. "And why are you here, little one? Are you visiting someone ill?" he and Dave kept their ears on what the boy would say.
Kuroba shook his head, "I'm here for tests" he looked back at them, "They said it's going to be quick. But I'm worried, that nurse is scary... I think I don't like needles" he stared at the carriage the nurse was moving to the room he was going to enter soon.
She smiled and patted the small head. "I wish you luck, little one. She is just... too restless about getting everything done right, but she's nice. All the doctors here are nice" she smiled. "I have been a patient here for as long as I can remember, there's nothing to worry about, my dear"
"But why are you here?" he asked, she put her hand on her back, "oh... Must be tough..." he could relate, he couldn't move either.
She nodded, "you get used to it. People have problems when they get old. I wish I could be flexible and hyper again" she rolled her eyes away, "I wouldn't call sixty-three so old though" Kaito laughed. "How old are you?"
"Four"
"Oh, my granddaughter is your age! She's a troublemaker though!" they both laughed. "Well, it's nice to see calm children" she patted the small head. "I should introduce her someday~ She loves having friends" he just smiled at her.
Yusaku grinned, "She was perfect indeed"
"How did you know then?" Yukiko crossed her hands.
"She proposed to watch over Kaito-kun while we spoke with the doctors, and before we could refuse, she gave her code, 1311" he grinned, "I was surprised, she wasn't even acting suspicious"
"And you trusted her easily just from the code?"
"Well, yes. No one knows the code aside us. And she's Kaito-Kun's partner. She was watching him since we left here. Although I am sure, that it was a disguise. For all we know, 1311's identity, age, and gender are unknown for now. The disguise 1311 used was a middle-aged woman!" He stopped, the woman had her appointment set an hour before they had arrived. Which meant, she already knew Kuroba woke and was going there. It was time to confirm where that listening device was. He was sure one was present, somewhere in Kaito's room.
"None of the partners left Kaito-kun for a second, someone is always on watch duty" His sight went towards the window. "Akai-kun is on watch too, the boy has been up there for two hours now" Shuichi didn't neglect to mention a small device in the boy's ear, connected to something in his right pocket. The riffles' lenses were handy with spotting details.
"And the boy knew Akai-kun saw him?"
"He waved to him with a KID grin," and Yukiko laughed, "Just to hint that he was aware of his presence on that building's roof"
"But watching from that far isn't a good idea for Akai-kun, even if he had his rifle with him"
"I know, but onlookers will notice him and his rifle and maybe call the police, his cover will be blown if the syndicate is nearby. The boy, on the other hand, makes his cover easy to hide" he glanced at the device again, "He even pretends to be studying there. I guess he rented the last floor as a cover-up too" the disguises were always the same, yet nothing like his real face. "Or to stay close in case he was needed"
"It could be, yes" she shrugged. "How long has he been in that building?"
"A few days, three to be precise," he said, resting both his hands tangled under his chin, "since he was allowed to get out of bed"
"The poor boy... 1311 can be bossy~"
"Oh, you have no idea~"
He put his hand in front of his mouth requesting secrecy, and approached the sleeping boy, he revealed a hidden device under the collar. Yukiko arched her eyebrow, he hinted for her to follow him aware of earshot. They sat back in the kitchen, yet kept the door open in case Kuroba woke or called for them.
"Dave and I are aware of it, after all, the young thief mentioned it from the start. However, Kaito-kun has no idea of its existence, and should not be aware of the syndicate or the likes" that was the best thing to do. The farther the safer. "It's a tracking device," he finally said, "whenever he leaves the house, one of them will follow, whether in plain sight or hidden. They assured us that they will keep their cover hidden. If they are as good as 1311, we will never realize who they are"
"And being suspicious of every normal person won't help either. You'll have tones of suspects..."
"Indeed," he said, "Even if we suspect the normal acting people, they might pull us into a trick and act suspicious~ they are sneaky thieves~" she laughed. "I presumed such things would happen, they were taught by Kaito-kun himself, Toichi's second prodigy~"
"Oh, what am I then? Third!"
"Well he topped you ~" but she glared at him, "What takes you hours to perfect, takes him seconds. I do not call them perfect disguises, but they are indeed flawless. That's what makes him KID. Besides, he can change his voice, which comes in his favor"
"It's a shame Sharon-chan is the best then. I am sure the KIDs are the fastest, but it's hard to go up against her, I wonder if Kaito-kun stands a chance against her..." a none violent kaitou against the most dangerous member in the syndicate, next to Gin.
"Vermouth is terrifying indeed, but she doesn't know everything Kaito-kun knows. Toichi didn't share all his secrets with her, he would only trust his son to the best methods to outdo fakes. But don't worry, I am sure she would not put him in danger. She had been watching over him since he was small" she nodded at that. Their trip to Paris when the boy wasn't a year old proved it. She warned them and was the main reason they left. Snake wanted him dead.
"Well, it's better to be safe than sorry, even if it's her" she was serious, "After all, she would only protect Shin-chan. I don't want Kaito-kun to end up dead if she had to choose between them. I don't want her to choose at all! I will protect both my sons!" He only laughed at her determined chibi face, she sat back down, "I am against keeping him in the dark, but we don't have a choice. If they said it was okay to lie to him, that I am sure they know what they are doing and how to handle the situation if it backfires in our faces" she then let a sigh out, "I just hope that his memories will return before anything catastrophic happens! Don't get me wrong, but I have a strong feeling about this, the syndicate will take him. I am so worried!"
'I feel that too' he thought, "Don't worry, we won't let him slip our sight. In any case, Aoko-kun is going to visit with 1412 in a few hours"
She looked around, she had a lot of papers and children toys to put away. "And you tell me that NOW!" he grinned. She hurriedly cleaned the house like a tornado. She relaxed and sat down pleased with the outcome. "There, perfect." He sipped at his cup, "Back to our topic, what about Kaito-kun? We don't know the impact if he recognizes them, Aoko-chan particularly..."
"I'll put him under drug influence until they leave, we cannot risk triggering any memories right now. He has to stay down until he recovers. We all know that if he remembers anything, he will never stay still~" She nodded, "I'll go to the station at four, with inspectors Megure and Ginzo. Will you keep an eye on Kaito-kun?"
"Sure," she said and glanced back at the small boy from her place. She could barely see the few strands of his hair from behind the couch. The device Yusaku had beside him was stable, "and this thing will alert us if something is wrong?" he nodded.
"1412 gave it to us, he said he had it monitoring Kaito-Kun's vitals. Should anything happen, we will know. They have one on them too, connected to every partner. Although," he stopped, his glasses lens-reflected light, "he had the other's vitals locked~" Yukiko laughed her heart out. "Dave tried to hack it, it was useless. 1412 called on the fifth time and told us to stop or he will jam the device~" Yukiko blinked, "I am sure he was kidding, he probably got bored of the warnings he was getting on his devices~"
"That means that whatever you do, will always go on alert to them" and he nodded, "Can't hack hackers, can we~" she shrugged, "Good luck dear~" she smiled. "You won't stand a chance against them"
"I am aware" his grin was unshaken, 'but Dave does' he cleared his throat, "Dave will crack it in time"
"So Dave was Toichi's partner? He has to be since he is that skilled! It terrifies me to think of what he could do"
"You know I won't answer you, dear~"
"I will take that as a yes. And probably his last partner. I only knew about the old man though... Toichi, by far, was the most secretive person I have ever met. To think he wouldn't even trust his cousin's wife!" She pouted, "who was his own student!"
Yusaku was enjoying every expression she made, she was fun to analyze. "Well, I suppose you got enough answers for today" he knew that she wouldn't give up, that much he was always sure of.
"The poor boy... 1311 can be bossy~
"Oh, you have no idea~"
'I don't like it when people analyze us...' 1412 adjusted the earpiece and waited by the roof's door on the chair, with his book in his hand. 1311 had already mentioned everything that he and the others needed to know. He wasn't happy to hear about the results, but he wasn't surprised either. That much was to be expected after all the damage his leader took.
He looked at the small device in his left hand one more time, he put the heat vision glasses on his eyes and saw the small figure lying down. The two other figures weren't far, probably in the other room because he couldn't hear anything aside Kuroba's breathing. He heard every word they said, especially about himself.
Yusaku was indeed a person with a keen insight for details. Watching everything, analyzing everything, and calculating everything before even making the slightest move.
Akai was still watching him from twelve buildings away, even the window of Agasa's house was restless. He could see the curtains small movements every now and then, with Agasa's glasses from behind it too. Sticking this close was the best thing to do, he'd only have to run those few steps to be right there for them if anything happened.
"You're still there?" the voice in his ear said. "1412? Hey! J-"
"Yeah, I'm hearing you"
"Stop drifting in your thoughts, boy! I need your full attention. I am monitoring him too, for God's sakes! I'll tell you if anything happens. I agreed not to head there and count on you, remember? Trust me, for once!"
"You know that I trust you~" he teased, "I was just checking their cameras, be more patient, will you? They were discussing something important... now I missed most of it!"
"That's what I was going to tell you about," His end grew silent, "Besides, 1211 is listening too. Look, we have some bad news. Stay where you are," that sounded indeed terrible. "Your hunch was right about today!"
"When are they coming?" he adjusted the device in his ear. 'You distracted me before I could hear them. Honestly, how can I hear three things at the same time...' he sighed mentally.
"Soon. I don't know when, but it will be today"
"Alright, I will tell you what happens with me-"
"No need to"
"You're on their side?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I was just called for it. Play your turn, as usual, I'll do what I can to keep them from killing him"
That said, their conversation ended. He turned back to his book, he had to switch to another one soon. He opened a search page on his computer for a cover-up, pretending to search for something school-related. No doubt some snipers or someone (a syndicate spy) with binoculars would be watching everything to make sure that he was just a student. They knew someone would be watching over the house, so they watched too.
1412 had his ways of gathering intel. Chianti had been watching him a few hours ago, she stopped when she saw the site he had open on a history lesson. And as long as he kept his eyes on the book, no one would realize his true motive for being on the roof.
"I don't even know why I didn't get my own books"
"Because it's the one your real school uses. Idiot. They know which one you attend!"
"1311... I would appreciate some privacy"
"And leave my son without attention? Just because I'm not beside you, doesn't mean I shouldn't be watching over you"
He sighed, "I knew it was too good to be true!" the partner laughed. "You'll never trust me to be alone in anything"
"It's not like that! I just worry about you, idiot boy. Always rushing to your death, can you really blame me for making sure you wouldn't get yourself killed?"
'No...' 1412 sighed, "1311, you are officially the parent"
"So soon?" 1211 said.
"Not fair, 1412! He hadn't been in the team for two years. It's still early to get a promotion!" a new voice kicked in. "I want one first!"
"Sorry 1413, Kaito will have my head if I do that" a chuckled filled the connection. 1311 didn't say a word, merely listening to them. The idea of promotion wasn't bad.
"Please don't, bocchama... it's hard as things are already!"
The boy laughed, "really~? Oh alright, let's keep it a title only, no additional control. What do you think, 1211, 1413?"
"It's perfect, Bocchama~"
"Title fits well with his personality~ As long as I get the final word, anyone can be anything!"
"Is that so?" 1311 finally spoke, they sustained. "Then I'm going to kill you three" 1311's voice hissed, "Just try!"
"Mommy"
"Mommy"
"Mommy" each spoke on cue, and 1311 slammed the connection shut.
"Thanks, guys, I can always count on you to anger mommy to leave me be ~"
"You're welcome~" 1413 said.
"You can study now~ if you need anything, just call. 1211 out"
"1413 out too" the connection closed.
1412 turned to his books, he decided to read the texts aloud. It should be more fun while watching the cameras and keeping his ears on the devices. Chianti hadn't returned yet, but he wouldn't let his guard done regardless. He knew there were no bugs on the roof, so everything he said was in the clear. He had to check every time he went up.
'I will have to go down soon' he glanced at the time. The door behind him opened, but he pretended to not realize and kept his eyes on the texts. A firm hand rested on his shoulder, then relaxed when the voice spoke.
"boy," and the boy turned, it was his neighbor on the third floor. "How are those studies going?"
He smiled back, "Going well, I still have a lot more though..." he had his sight on the pile of books. "Exams are tough..."
The old man nodded, "Well, good luck" and he strode away. "But don't stay up here too long, the sun is strong"
"I know, but I can concentrate better here. It's calmer"
There came a nod, then he waved without turning. "Goodbye, boy"
"Bye" Once the steps were away, 1412 directed his sight to his shoulder. He knew the man stuck something on him, but removing the bug or attempting to check it would only alert their attention. Chianti got out of the roof ahead and leaned on the trails, pretending to watch the view.
1412 directed his gaze to his book and continued to skim along the lines.
No matter how good those disguises were, he could always figure them out. Cold-blooded killers could never hide the killing lust from showing in their eyes, and those eyes weren't anything he could forget.
'Better warn them,' He took his phone out and texted, "I got bugged, might be a listening device. Gin and Chianti are here"
Alright Bocchama
-1211
It was bound to happen!
Good luck bro
-1413
Be careful son
-1311
'Why do they stick to these references?' no, the question was why 1311 openly called them his kids. 1413 was a dear, lovable and sweet person. Siblinghood was an awesome thing with him. Konosuke was dead persistent on calling him and Kaito 'bocchama' most of the time. 1412 sighed, he should give up and get used to it.
After another boring hour of flipping through pages and memorizing every line, he decided it was time to go back to his cover-up apartment below. As long as the device was on him, he had to be careful and silent, at least until he could determine what the bug was.
Edogawa and Haibara sat alone on the grass, leaving the other detective boys talking about something exciting from what Conan could hear from their loud voices all the way from the end of the playground. Those children were never heard of whispering or how it really went. Half of the other children were running and playing, calmly like civilized people. Conan sighed, his team will never be like them. "So, what did you want to tell me?" he turned his glare to her.
Haibara glanced around, 'good,' no one was paying attention. 'No adults around either,' their luck. "I was working on the antidote," that topic was exactly what he was waiting impatiently to discuss. "I am nearly mid-way now. But the problem is, Kudo-kun, some materials are hard to get and should arrive in a week or so. I am trying to get them without anyone being suspicious. Hakase got me some of them today..." her voice trailed off, getting chemicals wasn't easy with the police keeping tabs on everything. But since the old man was an inventor, it wouldn't cause too much trouble. "Of course, we will have to test it first. I don't trust handed knowledge that easily, so I am verifying everything before I take any steps forward"
Being cautious would never hurt. That was Haibara all right.
"I spoke with your parents, they will cover 'Conan having to go back to America with them', I got everything thought of, don't worry"
He knew she always had his back. He could always count on her, though he was going to do something in return. Sly girl. "Thanks, Haibara"
"However, nothing should be mentioned if ever the antidote fails"
He nodded, "I am aware of that. Things like that are just too good to be true, we have to take precautions. For all we know, the info might be fake and KID didn't realize..."
"And the antidote's ingredients might be a poison"
His eyes widen, "That happened before?"
She nodded, "Even they have backup files and traps for hackers. I just hope that we are wrong and that it's the real information. It's already been three years, I want that cure too" for you, though.
"At times like this, Edogawa Conan is helpless against the Ravens, and I will need my body back if we want to stop them" she nodded, "In any case, we will have to be careful, now more than ever"
"Conan-kun!"
They looked both up, startled at the sudden voice calling him. It turned out to be at the end of the playground. Conan and Haibara exhaled with relief, 'that was close' if anyone overheard them...
Conan got up and ran to them, followed by the little scientist, walking at a slower pace. "What's up?" They said.
"Hakase invited us on a field trip!" Mitsuhiko said cheerfully. "For an entire week!" The excitement was carved on his face.
"Isn't that awesome?" Ayumi said cheering. "There is a view and a waterfall, we get to see the sunset too!"
"There's gonna be a lot of eel and curry and ... and... so much more!"
'Oh Genta, you'll never change~' Conan raised a mental smile. 'I don't have time for any of that, sorry
"A field trip?" Haibara approached with a smile and a child-like tone, "I am sure it'll be fun, right Ayumi-chan?" The girl nodded, "Edogawa-kun, you'll join us, right?" all eyes turned to him. He swallowed. "Don't tell me that you have something more important?" her childish voice asked, 'you won't escape. I won't go alone on a kiddy trip' the professor wouldn't let her stay home, alone.
He glared at her for a second then resumed his childish tone, "I'm going with friends, and I have Kaoru-kun to watch over. Kudo-san is going to the doctor, so someone has to watch over him"
Ayumi turned to Mitsuhiko and Genta, then to Haibara. The two boys nodded, while Haibara said nothing. "It's settled then!"
Conan blinked, "What's settled?"
"We'll decline Hakase's offer," Mitsuhiko began.
"And help you watch over Kaoru-kun," Ayumi said, her hands in fists, determined to help.
Conan panicked, 'Not good! Not good! Not good! No, that's terrible... if they see them...! In broad daylight!'
"Conan-kun! What's up with that face?" Ayumi's large eyes seemed to be creeping him out. "Ayumi's idea is great!" she insisted. "We all like him, so we'll help!"
"Gomen, Ayumi. I can't, Kaoru-kun needs to rest and ... they barely allowed me to stay beside him. I'll make it up next time"
Ayumi dropped her spirit, 'not again'
A car's horn caught their attention, Conan turned to recognize the sound to be his father's car. "Sorry guys, that's my cue. Have fun, ja na" he rushed off; farther and farther, as Ayumi got sad.
"It's okay" Haibara placed her hand on Ayumi's left shoulder, "If it wasn't important and boring, Edogawa-kun would have told us to go with him. Looking after patients is very boring, Ayumi-chan"
"That's right" Mitsuhiko backed her up, "We'll get so bored, and Kaoru-kun won't be able to rest if we make noises. The field trip is much more fun than that"
"Much more!" Genta added, thinking of all the food he could eat. "Let's go!" he ran and they followed, Ayumi's mind remained drifted on Conan.
'He's doing something dangerous again' she knew it well, after three years of seeing him putting his nose in dangerous cases, she knew he will always be involved. 'He pushes us away whenever it's risky'
Haibara kept her focus on the little girl, 'that's right,' she could see through the girl's thoughts. 'He can't possibly involve you any deeper, children. The syndicate will be watching everyone coming and going from the Kudos' house, that'll place you all in danger'
Genta stopped for the tenth time to catch his breath, "Hakase's house sure is far!" the children laughed aloud. "Oi, wait for me!"
"Tadaima" the door opened.
"Okairi, Shin-chan" Yukiko greeted him. "How was school?"
"Extremely boring as usual, is Dr. Dave here?" He said taking his shoes off by the step.
"Yet, he'll arrive in about ten minutes. Where's your father?" she looked at the closed door.
"He dropped me here and left to pick someone up, probably Dave. Kuroba-kun is upstairs?"
"No, he's in the living room. Try not to wake him, okay?" she returned to the kitchen, preparing dinner.
Kaito remained on the couch he fell asleep on a few hours ago. The T.V remained on, in case he woke up and wanted to continue another show. The Remote was placed right next to him on the couch. Conan glanced around, 'nobody arrived yet?' the living room was extremely neat, hitting that guests would arrive any minute now. "Ne, Kāsan, Nakamori-kun and the thief are coming, right?"
"Yes, they'll be here at three"
He looked at his watch, '2:48... Still early' he sat on the couch beside the shrunken KID. 'At least if you woke, we'll enjoy ourselves a bit' Kaito was way deep in dreamland, tired written all over his small pale face. Shinichi noticed the cushions keeping him still and comfortable, 'probably Kāsan placed them'
He got his phone out, "How's everything?"
At the end of the phone line, Akai Shuichi's voice spoke. "Quiet, for now. No one is watching, other than that kid"
"That's good then, as long as he isn't one of them... disguised, I mean" Shuichi disapproved. "If anything comes up_"
"Don't worry, I will tell you immedia-" He stopped suddenly, "I'll call back later" he hung up.
Conan sighed, placed his phone back in his side pocket and approached the window discreetly. The windows were always covered with thin see-through curtains, a safety precaution if the syndicate was watching from far, which gave the people inside the advantage to look outside without being noticed. He turned his magnifying lens and deftly skimmed across the buildings; at forty-five degrees, a tall building of sixteen stories, stood a silhouette watching with something in front of it. Conan zoomed closer and the face was young 1412. He glanced back at the sleeping boy, 'Kaito-kun, it looks like your partners are more worried today. I haven't seen him watching from this early time' He glanced around, 'where did Kāsan go?' A sound then came from the kitchen, "Kāsan what's with the noise?"
"Sorry, Shin-chan. The pan fell all of a sudden from my hand!" he heard her pick it up. "I felt that I was being watched!"
"That would be me, sorry" and she laughed. "Well, you kinda disappeared all of a sudden, I got worried"
Kaito made a small move and turned his head a little bit toward the couch's backrest. Something seemed to bother that little face, Conan immediately got closer; Kaito made another move and almost hummed something that Conan couldn't hear. "...no..." he seemed to deny knowing something, slow short but high heard breaths followed, "I don't..." he sounded afraid, Conan got closer and gently shook him. The boy opened his eyes quickly, startled then quickly calmed himself down.
Edogawa put his hand on the boy's shoulder, "Nightmare, huh?" his voice was calm, "It's just a dream. You okay?"
Kuroba nodded and somewhat straightened himself, he rubbed his hand through his hair. "It was scary" Conan laughed, "So I fell asleep?"
"Yeah, and you look exhausted! What did you dream about?"
Kaito sank in thoughts, trying to recall the bits and pieces of the nightmare. "I'm not sure what it was about... I didn't recognize anyone. It didn't seem anything important"
"Of course, you haven't met everyone you knew before. In any case, you shouldn't worry about that. Besides, some of your memories will begin to appear in your dreams, you might not know it until you regain your memories back"
The boy seemed to be occupied with his drifting thoughts, "Did they say anything about the result?"
Conan denied, "I haven't heard of anything yet, we'll know when Dave returns" He looked at his watch, 'they should have arrived thirty minutes ago' his mind began to place possibilities of what could have happened...
"...Conan-kun..." he heard and saw the boy calling him, "You looked worried for a second there..." he still didn't get used to the soft and confused child voice coming from the KID.
"I -It was nothing important, anyway," he turned back, "Tōsan and Dr. Dave will be staying with you today, just to make sure that everything goes well" Kaito nodded. The phone rang, Conan went to pick up. "Moshi Moshi? Ahh, Hakase, what is it? Oh, okay...yes... I will be there right now"
"Who was it?" Yukiko went out drying her hands.
"It was Hakase, he told me to go to him. I will be right back, okay?" he said and she nodded, he rushed out without grabbing any of his stuff.
Yukiko glanced at Kaito, watching as the door closed. He glanced back at the T.V. 'that's one really boring show'
Yukiko laughed at his facial expressions. "Well, I don't blame you! It's horrible. Well, I will be in the kitchen, if you need anything just call for me" he nodded and she left.
The phone rang again. She got out and picked it, "hello? Ah Yu-chan, where are you? It's nearly an hour_ oh... I see, okay... what... Now?" she turned to the boy, and spoke as her husband waited, "Kaoru-kun, I'll head out for ten minutes, you'll be okay?" he nodded. "Okay, dear, I will meet you there" they both hung up. She approached the boy and made sure he didn't need anything, "I'll be back" and she left.
Kuroba stayed on the couch, there was nothing to do but to wait for Conan and Yukiko to return. 'I'm bored' Shortly, the door opened and two blonds went in. Kaito watched in silence, unable to recognize them, as they approached closer. They raised gentle smiles.
"Hello, Kaoru-kun" the male began with a gentle smile, "Yusaku-san sent us to keep you company until he returns ~" Kuroba only nodded, still looking at them with nothing to say. The woman beside him raised a smile too, they looked remarkably alike. Americans maybe? The man looked ahead, "T.V? Aren't you bored?" Kaito immediately nodded, "Well, how about we do something fun?"
That was an awesome idea. "Sure!" anything but this show. Please!
The woman spoke, her green eyes caught his attention with ease. "Okay then there's a park nearby, we can have a short ride too!"
"But... I'm not supposed to go outside..."
"Yusaku-san won't mind, he sent us. Don't worry, we'll return before they return. They have lots of plans for today, I'm sure you'll love it" once he nodded, she held him up, placing his small body to hold onto her shoulder. They walked outside the house with fast steps and rode in the white car.
Vermouth drove while Bourbon held the boy, allowing him to watch the road from over the board. "It was a good idea to drive them away~" she said, "But what about the real Dave?"
"I drugged him and Kudo-san, then called the wife pretending to be her husband. Faking a call from Hakase was quite easy for you" his cold eyes met hers. "You snuck in, didn't you" he had a creepy grin.
She grinned, "Well it was a piece of cake~ besides, they didn't realize that we were leading them away from Kuroba-kun"
He mentally recalled the report result, with or without help, he knew the boy couldn't go anywhere.
She noticed where his thoughts were heading, "Just make sure that you're holding him right," she continued, "Any wrong position, and he won't make it to the syndicate"
"Of course!" Bourbon kept his eyes on the child whom he was holding; Kaito tried his best to see most of the view (despite his short height), without even focusing on the English conversation the two were having. "They should have warned him about going with strangers" the child didn't even turn, his full attention on the road.
Vermouth laughed, "And make him suspicious about everyone, including themselves? They wouldn't risk it, not now at least. Besides, they didn't think that we would easily take him" she remembered the conversation with the boss earlier.
"Are you willing to letting them know about his survival? I thought you wanted to take that to your advantage, for now, at least"
The Boss raised his cold grin, she didn't want to know what he was up to. "For now, I will keep him with us, none of the members should know of this, I want them to continue thinking that Kuroba died. The mission is to stay a secret, no one aside you two should be involved"
"Then what if we get caught because of that? Gin is already suspicious of me in everything!"
"It's because he doesn't know the real you, and exposing why you are my favorite will make them too cautious around you. I wanted you to spy on them and see if there are rats. You know that I do not tolerate traitors, don't you?"
"Vermouth..."
She got out of her thoughts, a pair of serious eyes were locked on hers. "We're going to the apartment"
"Which, yours or mine?"
"Mine"
"Let's ditch the devices first, I am sure he has some on him. Sloppy, I can see the flickering light from under his collar! Besides," she looked at the mirror facing her, "we're being followed" Bourbon took the device off and broke it easily with a simple crush between two fingers. He looked through the front side mirror and saw a black motorcycle approaching from behind. The rider was wearing a black jacket and a helmet with mirrored glass, "I think you already know who that is"
Bourbon grinned, "Of course, our said partner. Who else would be going straight after us without fear?" He stared through the side mirror, "He's been following for some time now" he seemed distracted.
"Yes, a good ten minutes!" she took a turn and the bike followed, 'I'll shake you off' she took another turn, driving between the cars like a mad racer.
Bourbon sighed and put his hand under his cheek, "It's pointless, Vermouth. He won't quite the chase"
"Are you going to_"
"No, you know I won't. Whether we like it or not, we can't. After all, that boy is part of the family"
"The big raven family~" she teased. "You do realize that once he reaches us, we'll be exchanging fire, don't you?"
"There is no need for that, Vermouth!" He spoke with confidence, "After all, I had plans in case he showed up. Either way, he doesn't use real guns" she noticed Kaito was slightly bending on the board until he was completely out. "That should put him to sleep" he held him between his arms, "Slow your speed, let the boy reach us"
Vermouth sighed, "Whatever you say~" and she did, without showing her hesitation to his orders. After all, anyone caught disobeying or acting on his own will be eliminated. It wasn't like he would, not easily at least. And not without causing suspicions for killing the boss' favorite. That bought her days, escaping Gin many times because of that, although she was sure that he would never hesitate to kill her, a rat. "What are you planning to do?"
"A little game! I want to see if he will fall into my trap~"
She laughed, "Of course he will! Good-doers will always risk their lives! That KID won't let you have him"
"It's not my intention, not now at least" that seemed sincere. "Perhaps, later" His eyes never ceased to amaze her. "This boy here doesn't mean anything to me, the only reason that I didn't kill him was that he reminded me of someone"
"Ah, yes, of course, the boy trailing us!" she waved her hand, "Even if they look alike, killing Kaito-kun would break him. They are very close, despite the connection they share"
"I am aware of that," He raised a sly grin, "What I care about now, is striking a deal with him" as the thief gained up, Bourbon lowered his window, shooting a smile at him. "Well look who we have here~! If it isn't our silver bullet!"
The boy gave him a flat glare. "That is really getting old" but the blond grinned regardless, "I'm surprised it took you this long to show up!"
"It's not like we can act on our own and show up at their front door~" Vermouth had her cold grin on, "Besides, boy, you shouldn't have followed on your own," she said, maintaining a calm serious face as she kept her eyes on the road. "Still arrogant and foolish as always. Always rushing without thinking! You haven't changed at all!"
"So you expected me to let you take him?" nothing came aside their grins.
"Not really, I was expecting someone_"
"Older" Bourbon added. "Or someone to assist you"
"Well, sorry to disappoint" he sent glare ahead of them. "You do know you made a mistake coming out in the open like this?"
Bourbon didn't care, "Your chase is pointless, you know we won't hand him over. And unless we exchange fire, you're not taking him back"
"I'm not expecting it to be easy. And you're only taking him after you go through me"
"Well, that should be easy," Vermouth took her gun and aimed it at him, "All it takes is one bullet and you'd be dead. Idiot KID"
Bourbon sank in his thoughts for a short moment. He grinned and brought her hand down, "Our deal is long over, Jeff-kun, we have no reason to not kill your partners. Besides, this kid is wanted dead, whether today or tomorrow, we will kill him" he remembered, "After all, you never stuck to your end of the deal, why should we?"
1412 arched his eyebrow. 'What deal?'
Vermouth pushed back her gun under her jacket, "When the boss told the six members about you, the one waiting outside was definitely you. Even if you hid your pain, we knew you were hurt. But the boy who followed after five hours that same day moved freely without any trouble!" She allowed him to connect the pieces, "After that, we heard from the partners that you blacked out right after leaving the hideout" his focus didn't follow her, "Oh, you didn't know? Did they leave their dear leader out of the story?" he glared at her, but she laughed.
"I will take that as a yes" Bourbon grinned.
" My, such a lovely team you have!" she said with a laugh, "Something tells me that they keep casting you on the side! Doesn't the leader get a say in anything?"
1412 didn't have to admit it, it was the truth. 1311 would always leave him out whenever there was danger around the corner. "Cut to your point"
Bourbon cleared his throat, "Whatever happens, we are aware of it, KID-kun" he didn't grin, his face remained blank, "Even you don't know everything, I am not surprised that your team didn't tell you! You'd just rush into another plan"
"Although Snake was instructed many times, yet he would always disobey..." she turned her full focus to the teen boy, "Did you forget whose side you are on?"
"No, it's just not your side," KID had the determination that she hated. "I was never on it"
Bourbon laughed, much to his annoyance. "Born under our wings, and yet you dare say that? Despite not knowing about us, you should be well aware that you belong to us now that you know we exist"
KID raised a smirk, 'over my dead body, I'll never belong to your stupid syndicate' he didn't have to say it, both members saw it clear on his face. "I happen to be stubborn, so save it. I'll get to the point," The smirk he received was wide. "Ahead are three stations, and ten civilian cars are going to gain up soon. Even you aren't stupid enough to get yourselves exposed" and caught.
"Correct" Bourbon said, "The boy means nothing to me. I can kill him easily and ditch his body on the road for every one of your friends and the police to see," That seemed to get KID right where he wanted. "But as I said, he means nothing to me. Dead, alive, I don't really care" He got his gun out and pointed it straight at the boy outside. "I know that you don't value your life, but I expect you to value his" he placed the gun on Kaito's head. "I will cut to the point, we have a deal to strike with you, in return, the syndicate won't know about his survival and you can take him home, safely, and without any trouble from us"
Their faces were sincere. It was evidently a trap to catch him. "Since when was beating around the bush your method? If you wanted me, you knew where I'd be"
"And miss seeing the faces of your worried friends?" 1412 glared at him. "So, what will it be, KID-kun? I will keep my end of the deal, if you keep yours, this time"
1412 didn't think twice, "Deal"
"Already~ and I haven't even said what I wanted you to do"
"See? Told you he rushes with his decisions" Vermouth said with a laugh.
KID grinned, "Had plenty of time to think about it. Besides, what you want is obvious" that made Bourbon smirk. "As you said, I don't value my life"
Vermouth listened to both, 'Idiot, that'll get you killed' with a sign from her partner, she pulled over. Bourbon got out and handed the sleeping boy over to his partner.
"Return him and come back here, we will be waiting. Of course, don't tell anyone. Anyone who follows you will not be spared" he walked back to his car. "Don't be late ~ " before he thought of turning, the motorcycle's sound filled the street, 1412 was gone. Bourbon grinned, the first part of the plan was successful.
"I told you that he'll fall for it~" Vermouth got out of the car and exhaled, "So, now what? It'll probably take time until he escapes everyone's sight," she stood beside him on the rail. "Might as well sit down, it'll take him an hour at least" she got out a box of cigarettes, lit one, and handed another to him. She exhaled a thick cloud of smoke and turned to his serious face, "What happens after he comes back here?"
"I will do what I had in mind since they gave him to us"
"We failed back then, what makes you think we won't fail again?"
"I won't let us fail. Even if he refuses, we are the adults, it's up to us to decide" he breathed out the smoke, "After all, he's still a minor. Parents protect their kids, not the other way around" he said, the memory flowing in his mind.
(Time: Eighteen years ago on August 10. 11:15 P.M
Location: Tokyo Hospital's morgue)
Snake approached two disguised people, "You were chosen," he handed a bundle to the couple standing before him. The woman uncovered it, a child around three months old with an innocent face, sound asleep, "Your mission is to raise him and teach him our ways. But, never forget why we entrusted him to you. This boy belongs to the syndicate, and when the time is right, he will become an official unit to serve his purpose, as our silver bullet"
They sustained.
"Don't get attached to our weapon!" He saw the woman watching the sleeping baby, "After all, we had to kill many to get him" he gestured behind him, the same faces of the couple were lying on the morgue's carriages, with ten others. "He must never realize your disguises; fail, and we will kill you and give him to someone else" he smirked, "He needs to have a pure heart to find our jewel"
Bourbon cast his eyes away, 'for that I will not spare you, Snake!' He turned to his partner, "Are you going to stick to my plan?" his eyes were fixed on hers.
She grinned and nodded. "Anything for my boy~" she teased, "even if it's bearing you for two more decades~"
He sighed, "Hopefully we won't stick together that long ~ " he was more than happy to stop sharing the same room with her, just for the parent cover-up mission. "Then let's protect him"