-FIRSTS-
Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.
Warning: KaiShin relationship.
A/N: There was some...misunderstandings in the last OMAKE so I made some slight changes. Just so you know, Fujiko is Mine Fujiko from Lupin III, so it's like a continuation from last time (chapter 22). Here's another long chapter for you to sink your teeths into. I'm a bit busy lately so the updates might be of schedule (and I'm thinking of starting another one since this one is coming to a close). ENJOY!
First Deceit
Kaito had an unsettling feeling at school that day. No matter how many pranks he pulled (he was sure Hakuba and a few other classmates would love to skin him alive for the number of hair colour changes, it would wreck havoc on the hair) he still could not settle his nerves. Even Aoko's threat of sea creatures was not able to make him stay still. Everyone had given up and by lunch time, Kaito excused himself and left the school premises (to which many cheered the moment the prankster stepped outside the gate, it wasn't just his own class being pranked but the whole school).
Kaito hopped on the train towards Beika, arriving Teitan High nearing the end of their lunch break. He did a quick change and restyled his hair to mimic Shinichi, hoping to surprise him. Walking confidently into the yard, he was greeted by many of the students, some congratulating him on his recent case, others for his contribution to the soccer team. There were even a couple of girls coming up to give him gifts of handmade sweets and chocolate, which he refused politely seeing as he had to stay in character. It made him wonder, why didn't Shinichi say a word about his school life. When he entered the classroom, Ran stalked up to him.
"Shin-i-chi." She said with a menacing tone.
Kaito recoiled immediately, it really wasn't something he could hide under his infamous Poker Face (not that he wanted to anyways, there was no way he could portray such fear and terror as induced by the martial artist without any hint of realism).
"Y...yes Ran?" He stuttered.
She had her hands on her hips, probably that was the only reason why Kaito hadn't run out of the classroom. The karate master had not yet assumed her attack position, though she still looked menacing enough. "You left me waiting at the intersection this morning. And now you have the gall to act as though nothing happened?"
Kaito hid the frown threatening to surface. So his detective had not come in? Had something happened, perhaps stuck at murder?
"Ah...sorry Ran. Something came up." Kaito inched away from the karate master, who was already striking a pose and ready to hit him. It seems the girl did not like that particular response. Kaito briefly wonders what Shinichi would do to calm her down. "Uh...Ran? Maybe you should...calm down...?" A weak suggestion but it was the only thing that came to mind which did not involve flipping up her skirt.
"No amount of excuse today." And she striked at him, fist barely missed his face and swiping at the air. The fringe of his hair fluttered with the air movement. In that moment, Kaito relied on his reflex, which meant throwing down a smoke bomb to create a distraction before running away. But another student blocked his exit.
"You're not Shinichi." Ran stated in a whisper, relaxing, before pulling Kaito out the door. The student by the door looked confused but stepped away from the near fuming martial artist. Everyone in Teitan knows better than to get in the way of the Kudo-Mouri pair when they were in the mood (even though they all knew the detective is currently taken).
"Uh..." Kaito's flight instincts took over and tried to struggle out of her iron grip.
"You're coming with me and you WILL tell me what happened." She pushed her way towards the roof for some privacy. Once they were sure no one is around, Ran let go of his wrist. "Now Kuroba-kun, tell me where is that detective idiot."
Kaito gulped, internally debating whether he should lie or not.
"Don't try to hide it. Shinichi never tried to run away from me. He may dodge or counter, but never run and hide." She was quick to close off any verbal escape route from the magician.
"So that's what gave me away?" Kaito shifted slightly, he dropped his character. "You said Shinichi didn't meet up with you this morning?"
"Humph," Ran crossed her arms, "I waited for full fifteen minutes before going over to his place and rang the doorbell." It was implied that no one answered and Kaito had a feeling that she even used the spare key to check the inside of the Manor.
"He woke me up early this morning so I thought he came in..." Kaito thought back to the morning's events, there was nothing amiss and it felt like any other normal day. His detective kissed him good morning, had prepared their meals, shared breakfast before Shinichi reminded him of the train leaving for Ekoda to which he rushed out of the Manor. He did not forget the quick peck at the foyer and the slightly dazed look on Shinichi's face.
"That's strange, no one answered the doorbell this morning. I thought he left without me." Ran sighed, it was one of those 'I can't believe him' reactions that often came with the realization that the detective is out doing something stupid.
Ran's reaction caused an alarm bell to ring. "Sorry Mouri-chan, have to go. I'll contact you if I find anything." Kaito rushed out the door, careful to hide in the shadows as he avoided students and teachers alike (he was still wearing the Teitan uniform, it raises less question if anyone were to spot him). When he was safely out of the schoolyard, he changed back into his own uniform and ran the distance to the Kudo Manor.
Stopping briefly at the gates, he surveyed the surroundings for any signs of struggles. Seeing none, he cautiously moved along the path. Before unlocking the front door, Kaito checked his inventory, cursed himself for not bringing the card gun today, and eased himself into the threshold. The corridors were silent, calm, and slightly eerie now that it is without its occupants. On light footsteps, Kaito walked firstly into the kitchen. There was nothing amiss, all the cutlery and flatware were washed and replaced back into its rightful position, towels on racks and chairs in table. His next stop to the library still did not reveal the detective. Kaito had expected him to be too engrossed in a new mystery for his detective to miss school (not the first time for it to happen) but he was met with an empty armchair and neatly shelved books. By now, Kaito is closed to panic stage. His mind supplied him with a variety of scenarios, ranging from being kidnapped under the watchful eyes of the various agencies, to being disposed of in the closest ditch. Running up the staircase towards the bedroom, still remembering to mask his footsteps, he approached their shared room. He place his hands on the doorknob with trepidation, turning slowly and carefully. Not noticing any resistance or sounds, Kaito peered inside.
It was empty.
Opening the door fully, he stepped into the room, mindful of possible threats and traps that could have been set. Five steps in and there was still nothing. He opened the wardrobe, only to find the school uniform still on its hanger. Rummaging around the desk drawers revealed the lack of wallet, and the mobile phone is missing from its place by the bedside. This could mean a lot of things and Kaito did not want to draw early conclusions. He tried calling but was forwarded to the voice mailbox. Cursing, he decided to try the Professor's place.
"Kuroba-kun, what are you doing here at this hour?" Kaito was greeted by the professor at the door.
"Do you know where Shinichi might be?" Kaito was trying to mask the panicky tone but it still slipped out.
"Shouldn't he be in school?" The professor offered him entrance. Glancing at the clock, he confirmed the time. "Did you skip school?" Ever the grandfatherly figure, he led the magician towards the kitchen.
"I went to surprise Shinichi but he wasn't in school. Mouri-chan informed me he hadn't met up with her this morning." Muttering the customary "ojamashimasu" he slipped out of his shoes and pattered over to the kitchen counters.
"I haven't heard anything I'm afraid." He offered a glass of water. "Maybe on a case?"
"He would have texted me." Shaking his head, he took out his mobile. There had been no missed calls or messages. Setting the device aside, within easy reach, he took the offered cup to wet his mouth. "The only thing I'm concerned about is if he decided to do things alone."
"Kuroba-kun, sometimes it's better to let Shinichi do what he does best and not be overly concerned. He has a tendency to dive head first and ask help later. Fretting rarely helps his case and it usually makes him feel a lot more guiltier than he should." The professor was speaking from experience, that Kaito can easily detect. But it was hard to follow the man's advice.
"Then what should I do? Just let him?" Kaito said dejectedly, head cushioned by his arms as he slumped onto the counter.
"No no, what we need to do is trust him. He always comes back." Agasa gave him an encouraging pat. "He's just probably caught up in a murder and forgot to call you for all we know."
"I hope so..." He returned to his staring contest with his mobile phone, hoping it to ring.
"Tadaima." Haibara called boredly from the entrance, halting when she noticed the boneless magician. "Did you lose Kudo-kun again?"
Kaito groaned.
"Really Kuroba-kun? With the way you smother him, I knew it was a matter of time before he ran out on you." Haibara placed her bag near the entrance and took a seat next to the magician. Even though she sounded irritated, there was still fondness and concern underneath. But whether this was aimed at the detective or himself, it was unknown.
"He didn't run. He disappeared." He mumbled.
"He What?!" Now it was Haibara's turn to panic. "He wasn't..." She seemed unwilling to finish the thought.
"I hope not." Kaito took out his phone again. Teitan High should just about end. And a moment later, Shinichi messaged.
'Kaito, something came up at school. Can you go back first?'
"Well?" Haibara resisted the urge to snatch the phone out of the magician's hands.
"He's lying to me..." Kaito felt torn.
"I'm sure he's just trying to protect you." Agasa tried to soothe him. "Why don't you stay for dinner tonight? Ai-kun, didn't you say you wanted another opinion on your new recipe?"
"Sure, if he doesn't mind being a lab rat." She teased. Since neither the professor or herself received any warning of needing to run, she could only assume it wasn't anything too dangerous.
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Dinner passed and Kaito still felt out of it. He went back to the Kudo Manor to wait for Shinichi's return. He settled in the library with a random book and tried to distract himself but it was useless. He kept glancing between the clock and straining his ears for sounds from the foyer. It was nearing midnight, and Kaito was partly drifting off, when his phone rang once more. It was another message.
'Don't wait up for me. I'll be back late.'
Kaito's mind was supplying him again with endless scenarios to where his detective could be. He found that waiting and not knowing whether the other person is safe is really disconcerting and, for the lack of a better word, worrisome. Fingering his phone, he hesitated to call Shinichi. He scrolled through the numbers, reaching finally his mother's. Thinking, and hoping, she might be awake, he pressed call.
"Kaito? Why are you calling so late? Is something wrong?" It seems his mother is still somewhere on the Japanese continent.
"Just needed someone to talk to." He admitted with a dejected voice. He needed a familiar voice to ward off any negative thoughts.
"Is Shinichi-kun not with you? Did something happen to him?"
"I'm hoping not. I haven't seen him since breakfast." Kaito fiddled with the phone strap, it was the one from their first date. Though now it was missing one of its charms because he altered it. When they were captured oh-so-long ago, Shinichi had left his phone at the hideout and used it as a tracer. The phone was lost when the place went up in flames sometime during the raid and Shinichi felt he had lost a significant piece of his memory but Kaito was quick to remedy that and took apart his own phone strap so instead of both charms, Kaito's strap hangs a playing card with the ace of spades whereas on Shinichi's is the green clover. His detective had commented about it, saying something along the lines of ownership and shameless but there was a smile on his face as he grumbled that. Thinking back, those days were free and less stressful and it only had been a shortwhile since.
"Did you try calling him? Or calling the police station?" His mother's voice drew him back from his reminiscent.
"I don't want to alert people unnecessarily. You know the things and people we're dealing with has a tendency to tap into anything and everything..."
"You should call Jii to keep you company then." He knew his mother was trying to be helpful by the worried tone in her voice.
Kaito had considered that for a moment that afternoon but he really did not want to pull the man from his billiard hall. He knew it was better to stay in Ekoda, seeing as that would be his home turf, should anything happen, but he needed to make sure Shinichi was fine.
"No, Jii-chan needs to take care of his bar. I'll be fine on my own but it's just...the silence of the house is a bit unnerving." He admitted, eyes once again roaming the empty library.
"I used to feel that all the time whenever your father held his shows." Kaito wasn't sure which type of show she was referring to; magician or KID, but both feels the same to him. "I would always worry something might happen. Then, when he came back, I'll give him a hug before a harsh scolding if it was something he hadn't told me about."
"Does it work?" Fingering the pages of his book, he could easily picture his mother's wistful expression as she stared out at the hanging moon.
"He'll still go his way regardless of how mad I've been. It's in his nature, and in the end, he'll apologise for his behaviour though I'll never know the reason or how everything went. I'm sure you understand. That's likely why Shinichi-kun always made sure to attend your shows. To make sure you're alright and that you'll have backup." Now he was sure she was referring to KID. "Have a little bit of patience and a bucket-full of confidence in Shinichi-kun. He'll come back before you know it."
Kaito was sure his mother was only saying this to stop him from doing anything stupid. But in reality, both knew the dangerous game at hand.
"Do you want me to come back to Tokyo? I think I can still catch the morning flight."
"It's fine mum. I feel better already." No use in making her come all the way back. It was late, he should sleep, knowing it would be restless sleep without his detective. "You have fun wherever you are and send some photos back."
A few more minutes of chatting before hanging up then Kaito went to their shared room.
That night, Kaito slept with Shinichi's pillow clutched in his grasp as nightmares assaulted him. Images of a bloody body, glassy eyes, and wordless face had Kaito gasping awake every hour. At six thirty sharp, his mobile rang.
'Wake up sleepy head. Sorry I couldn't be here this morning but I was called out early. I came back late and didn't want to disturb you. Breakfast and lunch is in the fridge, I'm not sure if you'll wake up when this message came through. Try to make it for school ok?'
Another lie and Kaito felt slightly betrayed. Why couldn't Shinichi tell him anything. What is so important that he could not even make a phone call...unless it was a repeat of the Conan incident then that means he'll have to seek his detective out. Deciding his time would be best spent figuring out what happened rather than distracted in class, he went to the library. Though his first stop was the kitchens.
Opening the fridge did reveal food having prepared and only needed reheating. There was also a packed lunch box, wrapped with a furoshiki cloth with diamond patterns, ready to be taken out. Kaito hadn't opened the fridge yesterday so he couldn't be sure when the food was made. But there are small signs of someone entering the kitchen. The chair was moved slightly and water marks on the sink. Kaito was tempted to grab Shinichi's forensic kit to see if he could find any fingerprints. Instead, he took out some choice bits of food to reheat, no point in wasting.
The breakfast was not exactly satisfying. Without his detective, the food tasted bland.
Before heading to the library, he grabbed the paper from the porch. On the front page was an article about a series of missing jewelry pieces. All professionally executed with no evidence of forced entry or injured guards. Some speculated it was the work of KID but the police denied having received any notices. Kaito scoffed. Couldn't people tell which thefts are KID and which are imposters?
Flicking through the newspaper, and hoping his detective's name shows up somewhere, Kaito came across a strange not-murder. It was a not-murder because someone heard gun shots and reported to the police. But the only thing the police found were shell casings and a small splotch of blood, not enough to signify anyone being grievously hurt. Still, the police erred on the safe side and requested anyone with information to step forward.
"This would be right up Shinichi's alley." Kaito muttered, placing the paper down onto the kitchen table. "He would find it intriguing."
Going into the library, Kaito first looked for his detective's notebook. He always kept a copy of his case notes in a separate book inside the drawers in case the one he carries got lost or damage. He was also diligent to copy between the books every night. One time Kaito asked why not do it electronically, which was answered by the need for safety. Computers can easily be hacked, as proven by Shinichi and KID on multiple accounts, thus any data stored on the hard drive is bound to be read by others. Writing it down not only avoids this but helps with arranging thoughts. He flipped through the book, but it did not give him any insights to his detective. As far as the notes concerned, he had not been working on any new (read: interesting) cases.
He then went through the documents on the table and in the drawers. The small stack of paper to the left were all school worksheets and notebooks. A smaller stack next to it were case files. Scattered on the desktop were a few random sheets scribbled with Shinichi's tiny handwriting that did not make any particular sense to Kaito at first glance. These notes were the most valuable, as they often reflect what Shinichi would be thinking about, but also the most bothersome to decipher because the notes were not made with any logic or decision. He grabbed the sheets and arranged them on another table, away from everything else, to better concentrate on its contents.
Two hours in and Kaito only had half the notes figured out. The first were filled with a mixture of languages and codified. Most likely to do with The Organisation. The second was a list of actions and events that has happened thus far. It also listed some possible actions and counter measures should The Organisation acted. The third, possibly most disturbing, is speculations on what the key leads to. The conclusions that Shinichi came up with drew a dark picture for the world in general. There was a particular word circled around on the paper.
BOMB.
There was also two lines extending from the word, as though in the middle of a brainstorm. On one of the branches, there were repeated dots all around the same area. It was as though Shinichi was tapping his pen on the paper while thinking. The other branch was left with an underline, it seems Shinichi already had a conclusion. Kaito inwardly cursed at his detective's somewhat abstract thought process. Couldn't he make things more legible? Sighing, he turned towards the second sheet again. The code (why did the detective write in code at home is a bit baffling to Kaito but then again, he does the same for all types of sensitive information, plus it gives him a chance to practice his riddling skills. This might be why Shinichi was also good at solving his riddles) was complex. The first layer through language, which needed to be translated, which in turn revealed a of cipher that leads to another language then another code. Kaito wasn't sure how many layers he went through when he finally arrived at the main message (and if he was honest, he was impressed at the way Shinichi's mind works). This time, it was a detailed plan to bring down The Organisation and the first step brought anger to Kaito.
BAIT.
That idiot of a detective was going to use himself as bait. Just when Kaito was about to rush off to the computer, the doorbell rang. Kaito ignored it in favour of hacking through th PSB database, courtesy of the little bugs he placed last time he visited the place, which were small disguised USB sticks. He was about to crack the last layer when the doorbell rang again. Whoever at the door was persistent. A few more moments and there was a cough by his side. Kaito nearly jumped out of his chair.
"Haibara-chan." Placing a hand over his heart, he tried calm himself.
"What are you doing that has you so engrossed Kuroba-kun?" She peered over the desk at the computer. "Isn't that out of your element?"
"It's a safe. I'm a thief. I'd like to think of it as training. Can't have a detective being better than me at these things." He made an action to sit back down at the chair, only for it to be pulled out of him at the last second.
"You're having dinner with the Professor and I." She stated plainly, not giving Kaito any room for argument.
"?" Confused, he gave the little scientist his full attention.
"You're not to be skipping meals." Haibara, despite her size, managed to pull Kaito towards the door.
"Wait." Kaito tries to resist.
"Not waiting. You wouldn't want Kudo-kun to worry would you?" She pulled on the wrist with more force, dragging the magician towards the entrance.
"Have you been talking to him? In contact?" He dug his heels into the floor as best as he could.
"I don't need to be in contact to know that Kudo-kun wouldn't want you to overexert yourself. He'd want you to take care of yourself. Tell me, have you seen any of his messages?"
"See! You just admitted to being in contact!" Kaito had just managed to make sure the front door was locked as he was pulled along.
"Kuroba-kun." They stopped before the front door of the Professor's house, Haibara turned to admonish the magician, "does it really matter whether I'm in contact or not? Besides, I'm sure he's contacted you as well."
When dinner passed, which was in a somewhat tense silence with the Professor trying to ease the situation without much effect, and he was about to leave to continue his hunt for his detective, Kaito was stopped by the young scientist again.
"You're not going anywhere tonight." She stood firm in front of the door, hands out to stop him from going further.
"And why's that?"
"You look like Hell, Kuroba-kun. You need rest." She pointed out, taking note of the blemish underneath his eyes and the slight slouch in his posture.
"What I need to do is stop the idiot detective from getting in something too deep and end up injuring himself!" In a fit of anger, he lashed out. Though it seems Haibara was expecting it. "He's out there, probably by himself, using his own body as bait!"
"It's what you did isn't it? As KID?" Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper but to Kaito, it sounded like a yell as the contents of the sentence hit home.
Kaito took a step back as though he had been punched.
"KID made himself bait previously to catch his many pursuers. If Kudo-kun really did what you said, he's not doing anything different from you."
"That's..." He was speechless. Was this how Shinichi felt every time he donned on his suit?
"It's the same." She led him to the bed, pushing him onto the soft mattress. "Rest before you did something you'll regret." She sighed before leaving the magician to stew.
Obediently, for the lack of anything better to do under the watchful eyes of the little scientist, he slipped into bed and subsequently another fitful night's sleep.
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Returning to school feels strange but Kaito now has another idea how to locate his detective. He went back to the Kudo Manor in the morning and spent an hour on the computer. The PSB database couldn't tell him anything. So now, an hour late to school (not that anyone complained) he is sitting in the middle of his literature class planning for how to approach the subject. The moment the lesson ended, Kaito was approached instead by Aoko and the reluctant Hakuba.
"Kaito, where were you yesterday?" She had both her hands flat on Kaito's desk, leaning over to stare at him and trying to look intimidating.
"Here and there." He tried to avoid Aoko's burning gaze. Something tells him neither Aoko or Hakuba believed a word he is saying. "What? Did you miss me that much?" He tried to act playful, keeping his tone light and carefree. But it only made Aoko scowl instead of the usual fluster.
"Bakaito!" Aoko stormed away uncharacteristically.
"What's gotten to her?" He turned to ask Hakuba, who was pinching the bridge of his nose (Kaito wondered if it was a habit in every detective).
"Two nights ago, there was a report of a KID heist."
"What?!" He remembered the news article, but it was a fake. Though Hakuba seemed to be certain it wasn't so by the tone of his voice.
"I assume that it's a fake then?" Hakuba asked with raised eyebrows. But he did not wait for Kaito's rebuttal. "Anyways, at the scene were shot casings and blood droplets. Aoko knew you're a KID fan who happens to be able to predict his whereabouts, she had thought you were caught up in something dangerous. And since you didn't come in yesterday, we went to every hospital in the area to see where you were."
"You guys could have called..."
"Yes, well, in hindsight we should have. But we did call Kudo-san and he said we were over reacting. Since he was busy, he wasn't able to meet with you..."
"You contacted Shinichi?!" Kaito wasn't sure what to feel. Why didn't Shinichi call him then? What is stopping him?
"You mean...he's missing?" Hakuba asked hesitantly. It did not sound as though the other detective was in danger during their conversation yesterday. He relayed what he heard from yesterday's phone call to the worried magician.
Kaito stood up abruptly, packing his bag, then proceeded to leave the classroom.
"Hey, Kuroba." Hakuba called out, hand reaching to grab the magician's wrist.
"Don't." Kaito did not bother to mask the annoyance from his face.
"Look, I'm sure whatever Kudo-san is doing must be serious for him not to contact you. It might be because it will be dangerous..."
"All the more reason to call me!" He lashed out at Hakuba, who took a startled step back.
"Look, wait up." Hakuba hurriedly packed his own bags. Kaito did stop by the doorway because of the urging tone in his voice. "Come with me."
Kaito hesitated for a moment wondering if it was wise to follow the detective. In the end, curiosity won and he followed him.
They arrived at the Ekoda police station just before lunch, hence catching Nakamori-keibu as he was exiting the building.
"Kaito-kun, Hakuba-kun, you shouldn't skip school."
"Nakamori-keibu," Hakuba started, "we were wondering if you have any extra information about that fake heist two days ago..."
"That was a fake?" He seemed surprised.
"Why does everyone seemed so surprised?" Kaito could not help himself.
"Because of the damn note!" There was a series of expletives along with choice nouns accompanying the word 'thief'.
"But there wasn't anything on the news..." Kaito saw Nakamori gritting his teeth.
"It's those pencil pushers. There was a cover up, nothing to be made public. The best we can tell the press were confirmation of a shooting. We can't even say the target was that blasted thief! Even if what you say is true, we still can't be certain if it was really a fake KID." He led the pair of boys away from the station. "Look, it's not the best for you two to be here right now. Even if you want to know more about the case. My advise is not to dig into it. It smells all sorts of wrong so the less the two of you know the better. And tell that to the boyfriend of yours Kaito-kun. I don't want to see him end up in a ditch."
In the end, he treated them to lunch before scolding them and telling them to head back to school.
"Well? You must think something's up." Kaito was still annoyed. He had planned to gather information from the station but if what Nakamori said was true, then everything would have been erased. His best chance was to use Hakuba as a source.
"It is glaringly obvious something is up. Even a thief could tell you that."
"Hey!" Kaito shouted and was about to rant but was cut off by the blond detective.
"I'm not insinuating anything. I could care less if you were KID or not at this stage. Whatever it is, it involves the police and its management. Not only that, but it is also KID related. I think I'll go see our dear Spider to see if he has anything for us." Turning towards Kaito, he levelled a stern gaze (though no where near as menacing as the firey blue from Shinichi). "You should stay out of it for your own safety."
"Wait. I'm sure you're not the type to just think that last heist was the real deal without any sort of evidence. What convinced you?" Kaito had to know. Even though the threat was gone, he still needed to protect the KID name. After all, it was a legacy left from his father.
"The suit. Or should I say the costume." Hakuba took out his notebook and flipped the pages. "Normally fake KIDs may wear the correct shade of white, but it is always the tiny things that tips the police off. The ribbon on the hat, the clasp of the cape, the monocle design, and the card gun that could not be fired. No fake had been able to replicate that fully. However, the last KID had everything perfect, even a working card gun. So everyone assumed him to be KID."
"I'm sensing more." Kaito ignored the vibrating phone in his pocket. It was a message anyways. He set his phone to ring if it was a call.
"The behaviour of the fake KID is exactly like that of KID, down to the intonation and mannerisms."
So it was someone who studied KID on a deep level. Kaito wondered if it was The Organisation trying to lure him out again.
"Although, looking back, the heist was lacking a bit in the magic department. But it was made up for in the pranking. No one was spared."
"Is that why you still have a tinge of green on your skin?" Kaito had been dying to ask since this morning.
"Yes," he grimaced at the memory, "I was actually the lucky one, having only been dyed green and secured with duct tape to the walls. If I recalled correctly, Nakamori-keibu was dunked in syrup and feathered before falling down a hole, which resulted in further humiliation that the inspector was unwilling to divulge. Why there is a hidden trapdoor inside a commercial building is really baffling."
"What was the target?" Some research in this area could reveal the person behind the monocle.
"A ring on a chain belonging to a certain company's director. It was said to have only been in the director's possession just recently."
"Silver? With blemishes? Conductive in nature?" Kaito did not bother to hide the desperation in his voice.
"Not sure about that last one as we did not have the time to check. The note came in the morning and the heist was for the same night...and why do you want to know?" Finally Hakuba was becoming suspicious.
"Passing interest." Kaito deflected. "Anything peculiar about how it came into the director's possession?"
Not liking to be ignored but talking would be the only chance of getting more information from the magician, Hakuba looked through his own notes.
"We were told the director found it at an antique store a week or so ago. The exact date is unknown." Pausing, Hakuba looked at the contemplative face before stating the obvious, "you know who was behind this and their reasons."
"No. I know neither. But if I do find out about it, I might consider letting you know." Kaito began to walk away only to be grabbed by Hakuba on the wrist.
"Wait a minute Kuroba! You asking this much detail about the case is abnormal." Hakuba raised his voice, a rare thing for him to be agitated.
"Hakuba, I'm saying this as a friend. Don't look into it anymore." The sentence was delivered with uncharacteristic seriousness that made Hakuba do a double take. "You might not think of me as a friend, but I do think our acquaintance means something. For your safety and Aoko's happiness, don't go any further. Forget about it."
Kaito shook off the hand with force and frustration, leaving behind a stunned detective.
"I'm a detective. And I'm sure you know this since you've associated yourself with the Heisei Holmes but we detectives are bloodhounds, chasing after a scent until we find our prize." Hakuba shouted at the magician's retreating back.
Kaito ignored Hakuba, focusing on trying to return home. Though which home, his own or Shinichi's, he wasn't sure. Taking out his phone, he saw it was another text message from Shinichi.
'Sorry. Something came up again. I won't be able to meet you outside the gates. Also, I was contacted to go help on a case outside Tokyo. I should be back in 3 days. I'll be back by the weekend. Don't worry so much ok?'
By the way the messages so far are written, it was safe for Kaito to say that it was Shinichi who penned the words (or typed in this case). Still, it did not alleviate any worry. Kaito decided drastic actions must be taken. He first needed to go back to the Kudo Manor to pick up his gear.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Haibara was waiting for Kaito in the kitchens of the Kudo Manor. He was weary of why the little scientist decided to use the spare key to let herself in. Could it be she was told to monitor Kaito's actions?
"Haibara-chan, why are you here again?" Kaito greeted as he grabbed a drink from the fridge before heading back out the room. "I'm in a bit of a hurry so make whatever you're going to say short and quick."
"I'm here to keep an eye on you so that Kudo-kun wouldn't worry. Though by the looks of things, he has ever right to be." She took in the frown on the magician's face. "You should probably stop whatever it is you're planning before you got yourself killed or worst, waste Kudo-kun's efforts."
Kaito froze mid-step. He dropped the plastic bottle, letting it roll on the floor and its contents spilling out. He turned to grab the small scientist by the shoulders, hand gripping tighter than usual but still aware of how much pressure if was exerting.
"What do you know? Where is he?" This was Kaito's confirmation that the little scientist did indeed know of the detective's whereabouts.
Haibara sighed, debating whether giving the detective's whereabouts would help. The intense worry in the magician's eyes was gnawing at her conscience. She had managed to pry small bits of information out of the detective, and because of that she could speculate what the detective plans on doing. The detective was playing with fire and will inevitably be burned. Telling the magician in front of her means the detective could have backup but would render his plan's objective null.
"Haibara-chan. Please, tell me. So far he's only been texting me and not calling me. Believe me, I've tried calling back but it always diverts to voice mail."
It was not an option to tell the magician even if she really thinks it would be for the best. Shinichi entrusted the magician's safety to her and she would be damned to go back upon it. "He's fine. At least he should be." She jumped off her chair and walked in front of Kaito. "You're coming over for dinner again."
"No Haibara-chan. There's something I need to do..." He turned away to leave the little scientist. But was quickly called back with much urgency,
"Kuroba-kun! You are not supposed to waste his efforts! Just wait until he calls you!" She yelled, trying hard to fulfill her promise to the detective. She had to do everything in her power to keep the magician safe so Shinichi could concentrate on not being killed. This meaning keeping him somewhere and with people that could be trusted. If it comes to the worst, she'll just have to drug him, though she doubt it not be effective seeing as KID concocts his own sleeping gas.
"Don't make me hurt you Haibara-chan. It's not in my vocabulary to bring harm to young ladies such as yourselves but you're not leaving me any choice." Kaito fingered the smoke bomb and sleeping gas in his pockets.
"Then what about us?" Another female voice came from behind him. "Surely you wouldn't want to cross us."
"Mum?! Yukiko-san?!" Surprised to see both ladies together.
"It seems Shin-chan was right to bring us in." Yukiko laid a calming hand on Haibara, thanking her for her efforts so far.
"You knew mum? You knew what he is planning?" He pleaded with his eyes towards his mother to tell him everything she knows.
"None of us know Kaito. He kept the plans to himself. Though Yuusaku-kun did speculate. He's arriving tomorrow night is that right?" Chikage shook her head in response to her son's question before turning to Yukiko for confirmation.
"Yup. You won't mind putting up with us for a short while will you?" Yukiko's tone was abnormally cheerful, probably because she too was worried about Shinichi.
"Not at all. The more the merrier. Plus I could use some help to keep Kaito occupied." Taking a glance at her son. It was a given that her son is planning on doing on something. She only hopes that between Yukiko and herself, they could manage to stop anything too destructive from happening.
"Wouldn't you be staying here?" Confusion was apparent in Kaito's face. Did the parents know something?
"Oh no. If what Yuu-chan guessed is correct. We shouldn't even be here. The professor is going away to a conference again tomorrow right Ai-chan? Are you staying home alone in the basement?"
"Yes, it's all suspiciously perfectly timed." Haibara was grateful Yukiko came when she did. Perhaps she could take up on Ayumi's offer and stay with her family.
"Right then. Kai-chan, we're going back to Ekoda. Don't leave anything behind~" Yukiko was already dragging a suitcase towards the front door.
"Come now Kaito." Chikage motioned her son to follow.
"Wait. I need to pack something from the room." Kaito rushed out before anyone could say anything. Arriving at their shared room, he dived into the wardrobe to look for certain equipment and uniforms.
"Where is it..." Kaito managed to make a small secret compartment to store an extra set of KID uniform in the wardrobe (Shinichi had complained briefly but relented as he knew the benefit and need for the suit at a convenient location). "Don't tell me...he took it?!"
By now, even Kaito could guess what happened. Shinichi had dressed up as KID to lure out The Organisation. That was the meaning of bait. But it also meant that the target of shooting in the news article was Shinichi. His detective was injured. But why did he not consult Kaito?
Kaito sank into the ground, suddenly feeling weak. He had no way of knowing where his detective is or if he is grievously injured. The only thing he knew was Shinichi fighting on his own.
"Kaito, what's taking you so long?" Chikage peeked into the room, shocked and concerned at the sight of her son kneeling crumpled on the floor. "Kaito!"
"Mum..." Kaito looked forlorn, lost, and broken. Unconsciously, he started blabbering. "He...he's making himself bait, a target, to keep them away from KID...a couple of weeks ago, KID was approached. To do their work. We didn't give them a reply then but Shinichi always had a way to contact and find them. It was supposed to be the ace up our sleeves. He must have used it." Kaito continued to tell her his speculation, how his detective was going to attempt to trap Those People's agents and possibly have the international agencies capture them. He talked about the sheets of notes on the table, about the possible plan, and the fact that what Shinichi was attempting will only put the current KID out of the picture.
"Kaito." Chikage held onto his son, trying to soothe away his grief. When Shinichi called her, in his weak and uncharacteristically soft voice, she knew something was wrong. She had feared it was Kaito who was injured (or perhaps they were both in an hospital). When Shinichi told her he wanted someone to make sure Kaito did not do anything stupid, she did not think it was that serious at first. That was until Yukiko contacted her, having received a similar mail from the boy. What Chikage found strange was why the boy chose to directly call her but only message his own parents.
"He's injured." Kaito replied. Chikage must have voiced her thoughts out loud. "He knew we'd be able to tell by his voice, so he's not taking any chances. He didn't want to make us worry. The idiot." His eyes started misting up, tears threatening to fall from the rim of their eyes. He quickly rubbed away the sign of sadness and frustration with the back of his hand so not to worry his own mother.
"Come on Kaito, let's get you home." Chikage supported her son out of the room. She wasn't sure whether to be angry or comforted by Shinichi's action. Anger because he was causing this much grief in Kaito but she was also grateful that Shinichi was willing to, and is attempting to, stake his own life to keep Kaito safe.
Kaito, on the other hand, was only worried. Distressed at the fact that Shinichi might not have backup, irritated that he was doing this to keep him safe, and gnawing that if he acted in any way or going out to help would only make matters worst. He followed his mother in a partial daze, only knowing that the two of them walked out of the front door and caught a taxi back to Ekoda. Though, beneath all the coldness and unease, there was certain warmth from knowing his detective was willing to take such a risk for him. It made him feel inadequate and unsure of his own feelings for the detective. It made him recall the time when he had no control, when they were trapped in the two adjoining rooms, the helplessness and fragility of the situation. Kaito questioned himself, was he angered by Shinichi's action. The only thing he could say for certain was that if the situation was reversed, he would be doing the exact same thing as his detective.
When they arrived home, Chikage ushered Kaito to help out with making the guest room presentable, sending him to clean the room and change the sheets. It kept him suitably occupied until dinner, which was easily passed with witty banter with the two ladies. It wasn't until he sat down at the armchair in the sitting room when everything came crashing towards him once more. The heaviness of the situation made Kaito sink lower into the chair. He curled upon himself to hopefully feel better. Chikage and Yukiko pretended not to notice, knowing there was nothing they could do and mothering him would only make things worst. But they did keep a careful eye on the situation.
Between the background chatter and the ticking of the clock, Kaito also strained his ear for the ringing of his phone. Though he knew it would most likely just be a message. And indeed, when it came, the two ladies stopped their talking, allowing Kaito to concentrate on the text.
'Hey '
The message was cut off, no body text after the greeting. It set off alarms again in Kaito's head. Seeing no visible reaction from her son, Chikage strode over to try and take the mobile from Kaito's grip. But he was unwilling to part with the device. She peered at the screen, frowning then placed a supportive hand on his shoulders. He looked up with fearful eyes.
"He'll be fine." She comforted.
"It's Shin-chan, he always keep his promises" Yukiko piped in cheerily. The atmosphere was too stifling.
It was half an hour later when Shinichi's message came through again.
'Sorry about that. Was suddenly called away by the client. Have you eaten yet? I might not be able to wake you up in time tomorrow morning so remember to set your alarm. I'll try to be quick and wrap things up. Take care of yourself ok?'
Why must his detective be so loving? It makes it harder to be angry at him when every word drips with care and worry for Kaito's health. Kaito could not prevent the lone tear escaping from his eye. He wanted to do something. He hated feeling helpless and weak.
"Yukiko-san, you said Yuusaku-san has a suspicion of Shinichi's plans. What tipped him off?" Being reactive really wasn't his character, so he decided to take action instead. The brief moment (or days) of weakness was now over. It was time for Kaito to act, bring his detective back, give him a harsh scolding, before smothering him with his warmth.
"Well..." Yukiko hesitated, looking at Chikage for approval. When she nodded, Yukiko gave the message Yusaku left for Kaito. "Yuu-chan said if you're really up to it, then it's ok to tell you. But I have to ask, are you sure you want to know?"
"I know he's acting as bait. That much was left in his notes. He's masquerading as KID to draw out Those People from the shadows. Probably acting docile and complacent, doing their dirty work as KID until he found the right moment to spring his trap." Instead of telling her that he's prepared to do anything to help Shinichi, he told her instead of what information he gathered.
"Not quite. He's not willing to tarnish the KID name, so he won't be working for Them. But he is purposefully targeting what The Organisation wants. Yuu-chan said he probably knows the whereabouts of the object in question, and that would be where the trap is set up."
"And they're now trying to remove KID..."
"And they'll succeed." Yukiko said with much conviction.
"No. Shinichi...he'll..." Kaito's voice was caught in his throat, words unwilling to be said and made real.
"It'll only be staged though. How it would be done, we're not sure but we know that one of the stages will be at our house. That was why Shin-chan had Ai-chan made sure you won't be at home for it to happen. He used your curiosity against you. Are you mad Kai-chan? That Shin-chan went behind your back?"
"I wish I could be but it wouldn't be fair on him. I would do the same in his shoes. The only thing I feel now is worry for his safety." Kaito rubbed his face to clear out his emotions. Everything changes when someone confirms his suspicions. "I do however, plan to make sure he won't do this again."
There was a small smile on Kaito's face as the worry was lifted. Since he now knows of the location and the plan, it would be easy enough to sneak back into the Manor to provide aid. Though with his mother and Yukiko as his keeper, he wasn't so sure about his chance of success.
-TBC-
