Published: 30.07.2021

Wordcount: 6265

Not betaed.

...

Chapter 4 – the Jolly Roger

I am a Lost Boy from Neverland

Usually hanging out with Peter Pan

And when we're bored we play in the Woods

Always on the run from Captain Hook

Ruth B. Lost boy

...

The rain pitter-pattered against the umbrella. The street was pitch black from the water, and the streetlamps above barely illuminated through the heavy rain. Shinichi lifted the collar of his jacket up in an attempt to seek refuge from the cold.

It had been a few days since he had been in Akako and Haibara's shop. He had learned all that he had come for. He hadn't been happy about the answer, but he was running out of time. It had to happen now, or the window was closed for another ten years.

A passing by horse wagon splashed water over his shoes, and his lips curled downwards in displeasure. People could be so inconsiderate sometimes. He stopped at the end of the street and turned towards the house in front of him. The front yard was modest now that the fall had finally set in. The last few orange leaves clung to the branches of the Sakura trees.

He noticed absently that leaves lay on the wet grass, and he should remind the gardener to rake it away in the morning once it stopped raining. He stepped away from the street as he followed the bricked road to the main entrance. He lifted his knuckles to knock on the door, however the door gave away as it opened before he could connect to the wood.

A maid stood in front of him, with her hair tied up into a thigh bun. She bowed at him, "Kudou-sama, you have returned."

She musted have noticed his approach from the street, he thought idly. "I have," he mumbled as he closed the umbrella and sat it next to the door. The maid moved to help him remove the wet coat.

"Is everything as I instructed?" he continued.

"Yes sir," she removed the coat and folded it in her hands as she stood next to him. "The madam dropped the child off earlier. She couldn't wait for you to return as she and the monsieur had tickets to the opera."

"Where is the child now?"

"Resting in his chamber as instructed."

He nodded at her, "excellent. That will be all."

She gave another bow as she stepped away from him. He places his top hat on the hat trick and stepped towards the staircase.

"Will you be having supper, sir?" she asked behind him. "I could have the chef warm up some leftovers."

He tilted his head towards her, considering the offer. In the end he decided against it as he shook his head. He was far too nervous to eat anything. "No thank you." He didn't wait for a reply as he continued up the spiral stairs.

He walked down the familiar corridor, walking past several doors uninterested, until he came to the end of the hallway. He turned towards the door and knocked. Waiting a few seconds, not getting a reply, he reached for the doorknob and pushed it open.

The bedroom had not changed much since he was a teen. One side completely covered with bookshelves. However the toys had been removed and replaced with something newer. A bed stood empty in its usual corner. A figure lay slumbered across the table near the closed window. He approached the figure, and as he reached it, he put his hand gently on the shoulder.

"Conan, wake up," he spoke softly.

Immediately, Conan's whole body flinched as he was abruptly woken. He sat up, his glasses askew on his nose and he reached up to fix them as he blinked up at Shinichi with a tired expression. "S-Shinichi. I'm sorry, I fell asleep."

"Don't worry," he lifted his and to ruffle his fingers through the boy's locks. "I know you are up after your usual bedtime."

"If my mum knew, she'd kill me," Conan replied with a soft grin. He was a young boy, just turned seven. However he was short for his age. He had just started wearing glasses and was still squinting through them as he was still trying to get used to them. He wore a suit with a red bowtie around his neck. "Or rather, she'd be after you."

"You are probably not wrong," he hummed with a sly smile. His cousin had always had a temper. "Now, are you sure you are still willing to help me?"

Conan nodded, "of course! I have been practicing."

Shinichi checked the time. "Alright, we still have some time to waste. But we shouldn't tattle too much."

Conan jumped from the chair and beelined to the closet. He withdrew a pair of pyjamas and switched his clothing. "This is going to be the coolest sleepover I've ever had."

Shinichi had turned to the window, peering out of it as he had done many a time in his teens. "You might not want to tell your mum about it," he mumbled more to himself. "It's not too late to back out, Conan. You only have to say the word. But I promise nothing will happen to you. You will be safe."

He didn't like this plan, didn't want to put the kid in danger. But he had no other choice, at least not according to Akako. This was the only way. He chewed his lip, he had spent far too long planning this to back out now. He had to do this.

"I know," came the reply from somewhere behind him. "I trust you."

He didn't really feel like he deserved the trust all that much. It couldn't be helped, but he had sworn he would not let anything happen to Conan. Returning to the desk they chatted for a while. The boy was excitingly telling him about some frogs he had seen in the garden, and discussed what his mother, Shinichi's cousin, had been up to lately. It was nice to sit and just be the one listening for a change.

Eventually, his eyes started to drift between the clock and the window. After a while, the rain against the window let up, and not much later the window was illuminated in a soft glow from the moon. He stood then, opening the clasped on the window as he pushed it open. He peered out to stare at the full moon hanging in the sky. It seemed so far away. Shinichi was still trying to get used to it, despite being away from Neverland for ten years already.

"It's time. Get in position."

He heard a confirmation behind him as Conan shuffled next to him by the window. He wore a set of white pjs that looked almost yellow on the fringes from use. It had pictures of trains on it. Clasped in his hands he held a brown teddy bear. He peered up at Shinichi through his glasses.

"Do you remember your lines?"

The child nodded, "of course I do."

Shinichi sank down on his knees, putting his hands on his shoulders. He met his gaze with an observing glance. He was looking for any hesitation from Conan, any uncertainty or fear. Looking for any excuse to back out of the plan. When he only saw silent determination, he felt a little reassured.

"I'll be right here with you, I promise nothing will happen to you."

Conan nodded, holding his tongue, clearly seeing the serious of the situation reading on the grown-up's face.

Shinichi pulled him into a quick hug, before letting go and rose to his feet. He moved through the room, before hiding in the corner, he opened the closet door to cast him in shadows. Hopefully no one would see.

Conan faced the window, stepping into the moon light. He peered out of the window.

"I believe."

The words almost sounded like they echoed in the little room. For a long time nothing happened. Only the sound of the breaths of the child filled the air – Shinichi made sure he didn't move a muscle. The minutes ticked away, and his pulse jumped a little in anticipation, but also dread. Dread that it wouldn't work – that telling Akako the whole unbridled story had been for nothing.

She had told him that she could help him get there – it wouldn't be easy, but it was possible. However leaving Neverland again, she couldn't do anything about that particular problem. It was up to him to find a way if he so pleased.

Conan did as he had been told, as he stood staring at the window clutching his plushie. Not once did he turn around to acknowledge Shinichi hiding in the room. After another few minutes he yawned and reached up to rub his left eye.

Letting his eyes wander, Shinichi suddenly realized that shadows in the room had grown larger and had deepened in colour. This time his pulse jumped to his throat. By the window, a shadow was stretching from the frame, as though someone was perched on top of it. The outline of the shadow resembled a boy. The arms were reaching towards Conan, inch by inch.

Shinichi stepped away from the corner and into the glare of the room. With soft steps he approached. It didn't look like Conan had noticed either of them. Just as the fingers of the shadow were to reach the boy, Shinichi stepped on the arm and lifted Conan up. In the same movement he threw him on the bed.

"Hey," he protested, but Shinichi didn't apologize nor pay any attention to him as he heard him land on the matrass with an oomph. Instead, he reached down to grab the shadow. His fingers hit only wood, but he closed his eyes and focused on the feeling of flesh against flesh. He exhaled deeply and he curled his fingers as though he was holding someone's wrist.

His whole bodily jerked forward suddenly, as though someone was pulling him towards the window. A grin curled in the corner of his lips. He didn't dare open his eyes – he had been told it was crucial not to, otherwise his brain would stop believing. He felt his feet leave the ground as his knee banged against a wall.

"Shinichi!" he heard Conan yell beneath him, and he was suddenly dangling in free air. His hand still gripped around a wrist. He couldn't feel any flesh nor heat, just the cold. Some drops of rain fell on his cheeks. Once again he was jerked upwards, and his stomach dropped from the speed. He had forgotten how this had felt like.

He didn't loosen his grip nor open his eyes for the duration of the trip.

The smell of the salt ocean tickled in his nose, and Shinichi felt the warm glare of the sun against his cheek. The wind had picked up and he felt his clothes flourishing around him as the air found every creek and crook. He didn't know how long he had been clutching at the shadow. At least long enough for his arm to cramp and shake from the effort.

He imagined he could see Neverland appearing as a dot in the distance as they slowly found themselves flying closer. He wished he could open his eyes and properly see, but he didn't dare to gander a single glance.

He couldn't believe that it had worked – had been dubious from the start. But he felt exhilarated knowing that everything had gone according to plan. Conan was safe as promised, and he had gotten his wish. Finally returning to Neverland which he had attempted for nearly a decade. It felt odd returning, almost a sacrilege. This place where only for the visitation of children in their dreams, not for adults like him.

He wouldn't return if it wasn't important, he told himself even as the gnawing feeling increased as the minutes ticked by. The feeling of being wrong, of not belonging. He was sure if Neverland could tell who he was, he would be welcomed with opening arms. But for now the magic hissed like a cat against his skin. He was not welcomed, it told him.

The sudden cawing of a bird as it impacted into his face had his eyes popping open in surprise as he stared at a dishevelled albatross. It clawed across his back, digging its claws into him, before it once again took flight. Shinichi looked back to stare at it, his skin burning from the marks that was surely left on his body.

He could now see the open sky, the familiar colours and the twinkling of the stars. Underneath him was the azure ocean and in the distance he could see the familiar peaks of the island. He knew it was a bad idea, but he could not help his eyes glancing towards his hand. He couldn't see whatever it was that he had been clutching at for the past few hours. Suddenly his fingers curled together as they hit the palm of his hand.

"Fuck," was the only thing he was able to say before he dropped. The wind howled in his air, and he curled together, getting ready for the impact he knew was coming. The moment he hit the surface the air was forcefully thrust from his lungs. The force of the impact had him involuntarily diving further and further down and his ears popped at the water pressure.

He suddenly came to a stop as his feet hit the ground. He opened his eyes again: most of his sight was obscured in the water, and the light shimmered far above him. He could see colourful coral surrounding him from every direction. If it hadn't been for the dire need of oxygen, he would have found the view breath-taking.

Kicking his feet, he started swimming upwards towards the glittering light above him. His lungs were burning, and every nerve of his body hurt from the harsh impact. He knew had it not been for the adrenaline propelling him forwards, he might already been unconscious.

Something brushed against his feet, and the kicked automatically, hoping to scare whatever was underneath him. He did not have the time to look down as his entire focus was on the surface above him. He had to make it – this journey couldn't end this soon. Not yet. Not like this. He wasn't ready yet.

Shinichi felt something curl around his ankle, and he attempted to kick out once again but it wouldn't disengage. Suddenly he was dragged back down, and no amount of flaying could stop the descent. He let out the last of air in the struggle, and he helplessly watched the bubble of air float past him. He could not stop himself from inhaling water automatic, and it rushed down his throat. His vision darkened and he stopped moving.

Glancing down – perhaps in an attempt to see what would be his doom – he could see the outline of something long yet thin. Human shaped head that ended in a fish tail. Death by mermaid, was the last hysterical thought he had before his vision blackened out. No longer able to see, he felt himself move harshly to the side, then tumbling around. He let it happen, no longer having any energy nor control of any of his limbs.

Suddenly, he was moving again as something slithered around his upper body. He didn't know which direction, and he mildly wondered if this was it, that the mermaid would take a big bite of his shoulder. Then, cold, crisp air brushed against his cheeks, and he opened his mouth like a dying fish as he coughed up water and took greedy gulps of oxygen. His lungs heaved and he felt himself shake from the sudden change.

It took him another minute of breathing heavily till he felt blood circulating enough to be able to move. He could feel arms clinging around his shoulders, and he noticed he was floating.

"Shinichi," someone murmured behind him, and he tilted his head to take a look at his rescuer.

He immediately recognized her. It was the mermaid he had befriended that day on the beach. She looked less human than he remembered. She had sharp teeth and gills on her neck. Colourful fish scales framed her cheeks. Her eyes were almost more slit and beast like.

"You have returned."

He nodded dimly, and she leaned over slightly as they started to move. Far faster than he would have ever been able to swim on his own.

"You shouldn't have," her voice was a soft hiss, not from hostility, rather from the fact that she seemed unused to speaking with human vocals.

"I know," he replied. "But I had to. I have to save you. I have to save all of you."

"You can't save us," she replied with a dismissive tone. "No one can."

"Won't stop me from trying," he said with a finality.

She simply looked back at him, an eyebrow curving over her left eye. Several smaller scales clung to the brow. "You are a fool."

"Perhaps," he parted his lips to say something else, but just as he did a wave of water splashed against his face. He swallowed a mouthful, the bitter salt scorching down his throat. He heaved as he coughed anew, his throat long since sore and irate from the previous bout.

"Save your energies," Ran told her, and he could her a hint of concern in her tone. "You are going to need it later."

He made a noise in the back of his throat to indicate his compliance. They swam in silence – or more like, Ran dragged him after her – long enough for Shinichi's eyes to start to droop. He really couldn't remember the last time he had slept, having laid awake in his bed for days in dreadful anticipation. Not knowing if his plan would work.

The hum of the ocean and the gentle swaying of the waves relaxed him more for every minute of the trip. His attempts to talk to his rescuer was met with a stony silence, so he was left drifting after her as he stared up at the sky. He attempted to widen his eyes to keep them from falling shut, however at some point he must haven given in, as the next thing he knew was the rasping of sand against his back.

Shinichi sat up, now feeling wide awake as any hint of drowsiness washed away. Standing, he attempted to remove his jacket, it was soaked through and heavy from sea salt. He grimaces slightly at the realization that it wasn't saveable.

"Thank you for saving me," he called out to the mermaid. He had been expecting that she would have left instantly, but she was still there bobbing in the water watching him intently.

"I didn't have a choice."

"So the shadow knows I'm here," he nodded slightly to himself at the news. He had been expecting it, but that didn't stop him from hoping otherwise. It would have been more prudent to his plans if he had been able to run under the radio for a little while.

"It's his domain," Ran replied, her head tilting slightly as she watched him. "No one is allowed in or out without his permission. Not even the dreamers."

"I didn't know that," he filed that information for later. "Did he send you to save me?"

She shook his head, "no. The mermaids are not one of his. But I think, if anything had happened to you, it would have come back to bite us. I couldn't take that chance, not for the sake of my sisters. They didn't know it was you."

"Thank you for saving me regardless," he smiled softly at her. "Even if you didn't have any choice."

She harrumphed slightly, but he could see form the creases around her eyes that she was pleased at the acknowledgement. "What will you do now?"

"I don't know," he confessed. "I've spent so much time and energy trying to get here, that I never really considered how to proceed. Truth be told, I didn't think I'd get here at all. All I know is that I have to find Kaito."

Ran's lips curled upwards into a short grin, before suddenly looking behind her. All friendliness evaporated from her features. "I have to go. Good luck on your adventure, Shinichi. Try not to die, will you?"

"Wait," he called out as she started to submerge. Now he could only see the upper part of her face. "Can you tell me where I can find the Jolly Roger?"

She seemed to hesitate for a second, unsure as to whether or not she should answer. Before her face lifted out of the water. "Follow the shore and you will find it," with those words she disappeared.

He watched after her for a few short minutes, half of him hoping she would come back. At least then he would know that someone was on his side. Being alone in Neverland had never bothered him as a child, but now as an adult he felt only the danger prickling across his shoulder blades. He turned from the water to look towards the jungle.

It seemed wilder than he remembered, darker and less inviting. He remembered it being so easy to run through even the thickest part of the woods, but now he could tell that it would be a struggle to venture in. That every step would require him to crawl or climb. He wondered slightly if it was his perception that had changed or if it was him.

At any rate, he was thankful he could avoid the jungle for now, and he started the arduous journey of following the shoreline. He had left the jacket behind on the beach, but he slightly started to regret it as the sun glared down at him. It didn't take more than a few minutes before he was sweating profusely through his shirt. His face already felt hot, and he wished he could have wrapped his jacket over his head to shade his face from the sun.

Removing his fisticuffs, he wrapped the sleeves of his white shirt up to his upper warm. Then he opened a few buttons on his shirt and discorded his tie. Leaving it behind in the sand. He had no longer any use for it after all. No one was going to judge him for not being properly dressed – it was one of the things he missed about Neverland. No one ever cared what you looked like or what you wore.

Shinichi kept an eye out towards the jungle. He had a feeling that he was being watched back by many unseeing eyes. His shoulder prickled with discomfort as he felt an increase of gnawing in the pit of his stomach. He half expected to be interrupted on his journey, for someone to come out from the jungle.

An Indian arrow to his knees, a rock from a sling from a lost boy, a pirate. Anyone. However as the minutes past into an hour, he was still alone without seeing any sight of anything. He was left alone. For the time being.

Reaching a corner, he finally stopped. A bush covered his line of sight, and he parted it to get a better look. The first thing he saw was a wreck of wood and a plank laying scattered across the bay. A lone canon lay tilted in the sand, half-buried and long forgotten. His gaze focused on the ship, at least what was left of it. Part of it laid in the sand, and a large hole in the side of ship gurgled as the waves shoved against it.

The jungle had started to creep across the beach, and the further most planks had started to be covered by vines. He moved around the bush and stepped further into the bay. His eyes darting from one broken item to the next. His lips pursed slightly in distaste. Brushing past a rather large plank, he hesitated for a moment.

Without really knowing why, he flipped it over. Written on the wood was the single word Roger.

"Shit," he mumbled under his breath. This hadn't been part of his plans. With the Jolly Roger's shipwrecked, he would have to change tactics. The pirate ship was the only vessel he knew that could leave the island. What exactly had happened during his absence?

"Who goes there," the soft growl of a voice had Shinichi stiffen as he felt the unmistakable metal point of a sword digging warningly into his shoulder blades.

He lifted his hands up carefully, to indicate he was unarmed. "A friend."

The answering dark chuckle sent a shiver down his spine. The tone lacked any hint of humour and instead was one of deprivation. "Any friend I had is long gone. Unless of course, you count desolation and suffering a companion."

"I just might," he could not help the curl of his lip. "May I turn?" he asked after a beat.

The person behind him seemed to consider the request, then the tip of sword stopped pressing just as it dropped away. "Aye, but slowly."

Shinichi took his time, turning only with the miniscule of movements to make sure he didn't spook his companion. Tilting his head first, he got his first look at him.

"Captain Hook," Shinichi said in greeting. "I've come a long way to see you."

He remembered the pirate always wearing such pristine clothing. Ironed and untouchable, an illusion that frightened the lost boys with thrill around the campfire. Nothing ever being out of place, untouchable by the traps of the jungle and never a scratch from the arrows of the natives. Well-groomed and with steel eyes.

Now however, he looked nothing like from Shinichi's childhood memories. His clothes were in tatters as though he had been dragged across the corny sand of the beach several times. Slashes in his clothing from where they had been ripped asunder in an attempt to cross the jungle, or from arrows. His jacket was missing several of the golden buttons, and the crimson vest was covered in day old mud.

The tricorn hat looked tilted on his head, as though it had only been worn as an after-thought. The red feather was cut in half. His hair had also grown, it looked wilder now, and the beard now curled on the edges. However his eyes were still the same. The indigo colour of the morning sky.

He squinted at Shinichi once he was fully turned, steel of careful glare glittering in his eyes. "Do I know you?"

"You used to," he glanced down at the sword still hovering between them. He recalled being in the opposite side once with Kaito.

"Don't be so cryptical. I can spear you like a pig if I want," the pirate hissed, however from the tension of his shoulders, Shinichi could tell there were no real heated intent behind his words.

"I figured he wouldn't let you keep your memories this time," his lips curling upwards into a short, sardonic smile. "No fondness of gossips and plotting behind his back."

The sword shook slightly, before being lowered. Hook looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, before sheathing the blade. "You have a point," he grunted, "you must be familiar with Neverland if you know well enough to not trust your memories."

He nodded in confirmation.

The pirate raked his fingers through his beard as he eyed Shinichi from top to bottom, probably attempting to stir his memories – although both of them knew it was a moot attempt. "That leaves only one question then," he eventually started, "are you a friend or a foe?"

Instead of answer, Shinichi turned to stare towards the jungle. The shadows shifted ominously. "You saved my life. I owe you a debt."

Shinichi jolted awake, his heart thrumming in his ears. He practically summersaulted out of the bed before he was conscious. Immediately pain shot through his arm, paralyzing him with the agony. Standing frozen he slowly grabbed his arm. Immediately pain crackled up the forearm and sizzled by his shoulder.

The fall must have dislocated his shoulder.

Jus as the thought entered his mind, he remembered where he was. His breath hitched in his throat as he looked around. Panic etched in the border of his mind, and he swallow thickly in an attempt to stagger it.

Looking around, he noticed that his surroundings were not what he had been expected. He had believed he would wake up in a cell with a straw bed. Arms or legs tied together, or chained to a wall. Like in the stories he had read. He had not, however, expected to wake up in roomy alcove. Poking the bed with a finger, he noticed it had a spring – possibly stuffed with feathers.

Moving his attention from the bed to the rest of the room, he noticed that the room was sparsely decorated. There was a small closet, and hanging from a hook on the ceiling was a rope that swayed slightly. Noticing the movement, he could not help the panic from thrumming through his veins. He practically threw himself to the little window next to the alcove. Dread numbing his fingers, he pushed open the window.

All he could see was the open ocean.

He must be on the pirate ship. Who knew how far from the island he was? He started to shake a little. How would Kaito and the lost boys find him now? He felt torn between the helpless terror of wanting to be rescued, and protectiveness of not wanting any of the other boys to get hurt or captured if they came after him.

But he knew, he knew Kaito far too well, that sooner or later he would realize that Shinichi wasn't coming home, and would come after him. Shinichi could only hope that the pirates didn't have enough time to plan their ambush.

The cawing of a bird brought him out from the panicked thought, and he moved away from the window frame as falcon landed on it. It started at him with intelligent eyes as it tilted its head a little.

"She likes you," a voice hummed behind him.

Shinichi jumped around, his heart in his throat and wide eyed. He hadn't noticed he was alone. Standing by the door that he hadn't noticed earlier, was the blond pirate. He was no longer wearing his coat and the bandana around his neck was missing.

"Watson usually don't like anyone," he continued conversationally.

"I –" he swallowed slightly. "I thought pirates had parrots, not falcons."

"Deviations can often verify the rule."

The falcon hawked behind him, as though she agreed. Shinichi pursed his lips slightly at the ludicrous situation.

"What do you want from me?" he asked instead.

"We need you to take us somewhere," the pirate straightened, all pretence of familiarity draining away to a serious expression. "The island won't let us near it, but the lost boys are welcomed anywhere."

"I'm not helping you do squat," Shinichi growled, curling his fists together. He had forgotten his dislocated shoulder, and he immediately winced. With tender fingers he pushed against his shoulder in an attempt to relax the muscle.

The pirate must have noticed his grimacing as he sighed as he took a step towards him. "You really should have listened to me earlier. Running away was foolish. You could have gotten seriously injured. Let me see – "

He stopped his approach when Shinichi flinched away, his forehead creasing together into a hostile expression. "Don't touch me," then, "I wouldn't have fallen if you hadn't attempted to capture me."

"It was a necessary evil," was the nonchalant reply. "Now, do you want to continue being in agony or can I help?"

Shinichi eyed him carefully, on one side he wanted to refuse any help from a filthy pirate. Try to be as uncooperative as possible to give Kaito and the boys enough time to find him. On the other hand, the pain was setting his teeth on edge and made it hard to think properly.

"Fine," he grumbled after another minute.

"Good," a small smile curled on the corner of the pirate's lip – the first real emotion he had displayed so far. "Sit on the bed."

Shinichi did as instructed, however his whole body went tout as the first gentle fingers brushed away the edge soft of his collar to get a better look. He was ready to flee or fight at the first sign of an abrupt movement from the pirate.

"It's not broken," he eventually said after investigating. "That's the good news. It will be sore for a while. But the magic here will heal it quickly for you. The perks of being one of the lost," he almost sounded bitter as he spoke.

"What do you mean?" Shinichi asked, curious as to why he was speaking about the lost boys with such a tone.

He didn't get a reply as the pirate only shook his head, indicating that he wasn't interested in explaining. From a bag – Shinichi hadn't noticed he had been carrying everything – he fished out a roll of bandages and started to apply it around his shoulder and down to his hand, creating a harness. "Bend your arm. Yes, like that."

Shinichi looked at him curiously. Now that he was aware of it, he realized the pirate spoke the truth. He had vague noticed that everyone's scrapes would usually be gone by the morning. For some reason, it had never occurred to him to question it. Almost like there was a voice in the back of his mind making him forget.

"The name is Hakuba Saguru," the pirate spoke as he worked, "I just realized how terribly rude I've been, not introducing myself."

"Why are you telling me your name? I don't intend to stay long enough to have any use of it," he blinked at him, and the stubbornness in his voice made Hakuba's lip twitch slightly.

"Simply common courtesy. My grandma raised me to be a polite man."

For some reason, that niggled with familiarity in his mind. Behind his eyes he saw a woman holding a folded fan as she gentle brushed it against Shinichi's shin. A gentleman never shows off, but remember clothes makes the man. Now shin up, Shin-chan. Higher. Yes, that's it. My perfect little gentleman.

The warmth of her tone and smile faded away as quickly as it came, and he could no longer remember the sound of her voice nor what she looked like. He frowned slightly to himself, his mouth opening and closing on its own, before he mumbled out: "was I?"

"I know that expression," Hakuba looked at him with pity behind his calculating gaze. "You can't remember your family can you?"

Shinichi's body tightened again, and he glared at the pirate. "I remember my family just fine, seeing as you just took me from them. There is Kaito, our fearless leader, Heiji his second in command and always getting in trouble with Indians. Genta and –"

"I meant no offense, little lost boy. But I meant your family out there," he pointed upwards, "in the real world. Not in Neverland."

That made Shinichi pause for a second, doubt gnawing in the pit of his stomach. Now that it had been pointed out to him, he did in fact not remember. He understood the general notion of parents – someone who raised him, but nothing else. There were no emotions attached to it. "They weren't my family," he replied lamely. "They don't matter. Only the lost boys do."

"That's what I thought too at the time," Hakuba's eyes were dark when Shinichi looked up startled. He rose from the bed and started packing the bandages back into the little bag.

"You were a lost boy?" Shinichi asked before he could stop himself, before biting his cheek. No, that couldn't be true, they were just messing with him. Trying to manipulate him into helping them. They were playing on his weakness, he was sure of it. "You are lying."

The pirate shrugged nonchalantly, "believe what you what." He finished his cleaning and with a whistle, the falcon flew from her perch by the window and landed on his shoulder. "At any rate, seeing as you are going to be our guest for a while, why don't you introduce yourself."

Shinichi glared at him and watched as he walked to the door. He opened the door and turned to the boy with an eyebrow lifted gracefully over his eye. "No pressure of course, but it would be common courtesy. Otherwise I will have to continue calling you 'the boy', but that is dreadfully rude."

The pirate had a point, he didn't fancy being called that. "The name is Shinichi. Kudou Shinichi," his surname tasted unfamiliar on his tongue. He realized with a surprise he had only remembered he had one just then.

Hakuba stood frozen, eyes round as he stared at Shinichi with surprise. "Wait. Are you really?"

"Yes," Shinichi looked defensive back. "The one and only. I wouldn't lie about my name."

"This complicates things," the pirates were no longer listening to him, his head tilting towards the door. "I need to talk to the captain."

The door closed behind him, leaving Shinichi alone in the room once more. He leaned back on the bed with a sigh. He hoped Kaito and the lost boys would come soon. His head swam with unanswered questions. He didn't want to be here anymore.