A/N: This case. Oh, this case…. I'm so glad it's over. I was going to do a lot more, with more explosion encounters, but I felt that was overkill and this movie was mostly Shinichi/Ran with the police force – the Detective Boys barely show up – and so it was hard to figure out how to do this. But, nooooo, I just had to do a movie, didn't I? XDD I'm such a sucker when I talk myself into things, lol. All movie specials will be labeled MS for Movie Special and the whole case will be in one chapter, so, if it's super long, or if it's decently long (decently long is this; superbly long is where it gets to, at least, twenty thousand words). So, warning to all. MS usually stands for "absurdly long chapter". XD Enjoy? I had a bit of trouble with this… ;;; I should probably get to sleep…I haven't slept…
Disclaimer: I do not own Detective Conan or Magic Kaito in any way or form. (or shape!)
Chapter Thirty Four – Movie Special: The Time-bombed Skyscraper
I'm Koizumi Alice, a normal elementary student. Or, that's what everyone thinks, at least. I'm actually a teen from another dimension, trapped in this dimension, which also happens to be my favorite anime, Detective Conan. When on a trip to Kansas with my family, I was sucked out of a museum midday and ended up in another one in the middle of the night!
After wandering a bit, I ran into Gin and Vodka and realized what had happened, only to get myself shrunken by Apotoxin 4869. With nowhere to stay and not willing to tell anyone about me just yet, I commuted to Ekoda, where I then ran into Kuroba Kaito, who took me in – wherein, I then met Koizumi Akako who told me that I need to secure a certain gem to get back home. Helping me, she gave a bracelet that can change me into my regular body, thus creating my other identity, Koizumi Midori (also known as Watanabe Midori). Koizumi Midori isn't very known among the characters just yet, having only 'met' Mouri Kogoro, Mouri Ran, Edogawa Conan, and Hattori Heiji. Working with Heiji, though, I had 'cracked' Conan's identity of being Kudou Shinichi and am now in their little circle of secret-keepers. A friend of 'Koizumi Midori' is Ryukaze Erise, a teenager who goes to the same high school as Kaito, Ekoda High.
Living under the alias of Koizumi Alice, I continued days in elementary school, eventually befriending Conan and becoming a member of the Detective Boys. Eventually becoming good friends with Agasa Hiroshi, as well, I help him with making inventions now and again.
Mentioning the professor, let me introduce some of the inventions he and I have made together so far! First, there's the Turbo Engine Skateboard 2.0; just as it's said, it's the same as Conan's Turbo Engine Skateboard, but it has the extra feature of strapping your back foot to the board for balance, only to release you once a special command word is said. Another is the Power-Enhancing Bracelet. Based off of Conan's Power-Enhancing Kick Shoes, it's a decently sized, metal, bracelet that you can wear and if you click a button, it extends to form a baseball bat. Using electricity and magnetic fields, it stimulates the muscles in your arms and allows you to give a tremendously strong swing. Due to its small, compact-ness, it's quite a useful tool.
So enthralled into the story, my days of living have become less than peaceful and quiet.
But, I can't say I'm too bothered by it.
ooOOoo
When the bus we were on finally arrived near Beika, I got off at my stop, bidding Heiji a farewell – Conan, Ran, and Kogoro had gotten off at the stop right before mine; a lucky break, if you ask me. Akako's car was waiting there already and I raised a brow in exasperation as I noticed that the creepy butler was driver once more. "Yo, you're here early." I commented with a sideways smirk, opening the back door and dropping my bag inside before scooting in.
Akako, who was in the passenger seat, turned to regard me with an interested eye, "Lucifer told me you'd be returning a bit earlier today."
I deadpanned, glancing over to her. "Why does Lucifer keep tabs on me…?" That was a bit of an unnerving thought. She smirked in my direction before turning back to the front. "Perhaps he likes you." She answered shortly before taking a look to her butler, who looked oddly stiff. "What is it?" She snapped, annoyed that he hadn't started driving yet. He swallowed thickly, "It seems, Akako-sama, that Midori-sama has been injured on her trip." I blinked before giving a nervous grin. How would he know that?
Akako's gaze once again slid to me, where I shifted uncomfortably. "Oh? Where are you injured now?" She sounded incredibly amused at my misfortune and I scowled lightly, pointing to my bicep and to my side. She gave small laugh before rolling down the window, "Sorry, but we'll have to keep this open." Curiously, I asked, "Why's that?"
"Didn't you know? Demons are especially sensitive to the smell of blood." The car started to drive, again in its slightly erratic way.
Well…that was comforting.
ooOOoo
A week had passed.
After we had arrived back at the Kuroba household last Sunday, as expected, Kaito had pretty much freaked out about my newly founded wounds. But, due to my childish – lie – of falling off the edge of a cliff (yes, I know, not the best lie ever, but it worked out okay), Akako had been spared from too muchscolding; though, she had been 'forbidden' from taking me 'camping' ever again. For being 'inattentive', as he'd put it. Either way, his reaction had been amusing and hilarious and the wounds wouldn't last more than two weeks, since they weren't that deep.
I had, also, acquired Heiji's phone number on Sunday before we parted ways, so I would definitely be using that in the future. It was basically a win-win situation, the Holmes Freak Murder Case. I'd learned that I shouldn't change the course of events in the main story and should probably try not to get too involved. I say 'too involved' because getting involved is inevitable for me; it was too interesting to resist. I blinked back out of my thoughts when Agasa opened an umbrella in front of me. Currently, I was at his house, just hanging out and chilling like another normal school kid on a Friday afternoon. I think Agasa was starting to think that I had too much free time, but I don't think he minded the company.
"Look, Alice-kun! One of your invention ideas!" He smiled joyously, presenting the umbrella. It looked kind of odd, the plastic cover looking metallic yet see-through and the handle crooked at the end, a small red button on it. I peered at it curiously, sitting on his bed. The idea registered once I remembered it, "Ah! Is that the bulletproof umbrella?!" I gasped, leaning forward excitedly and he placed it in my hands for examination. It was heavy, but not at all weighing down and would be relatively easy to carry around. It was an adult-sized umbrella, but was also small enough to be used for a child. Convenient.
"Yes! It can also withstand a small explosion and dig into the base of the ground by the hook that extends from the tips!" He took it gently back, holding it far from us, and clicking the red button from earlier. Pointed hooks extended from all the tips around the umbrella, allowing for attaching at any angle. "I figured it might come in handy." He chuckled. I nodded ecstatically, proud with our creation. "It turned out nice, Hakase!" I grinned, complimenting him on his workmanship. Seriously, if I had tried, I think I would have given up the first time it, most likely, exploded on me. Gotta give him mad props for that.
"Thank you, Alice-kun!" He cheered, looking incredibly happy with himself.
"No problem!" I hummed back, examining it before an announcement from the TV caught my attention. I put the umbrella down; turning to see what was going on. "Kurokawa Daizo was murdered a few days ago, and the famous detective, Mouri Kogoro, solved the murder, involving Nagasawa Manami, his maid, as the culprit…" The woman on the TV said stiffly, wearing a completely fake smile as she told the news. Blinking, I shrugged it off, and turned back to the professor.
"Hey, Hakase, how's the special project coming along?"
He looked to me before leaning in to whisper conspiringly, "It's turning out pretty well. It'll still take some time to get the mechanics correct, but I'll get it eventually. It should be done soon!" He winked, pulling back, "It's complicated, but no match for a genius!" He gave a laugh.
I smiled encouragingly, "I'm sure you'll get it!" Flashing him a thumbs up, he suddenly lit up in remembrance. "That's right! I have something for you, Alice-kun." He turned to rummage through a pile of, what seemed like, scraps. Watching him curiously, he turned back to me, offering out a small object. Or to be more exact, a small badge. "Is that…?" I trailed, not sure, as I felt excitement fill my chest. He gave me a wide smile.
"Correct! This is your Detective Boys badge!" He presented, handing over the small device.
I took it gently, feeling the cold metal cool my fingers, looking bigger now that it was in my tinier hand, almost the size of my palm. The difference gave me a sense of vertigo, feel my eyes widen slightly. Finally, a grin spread across my lips, "Oh my gosh! Thank you so much!" My tone oozed my happiness as I clutched it closer, like someone was about to snatch it away. This officially made me a member of the Detective Boys and the sense of complete acceptance was very well welcomed.
The professor chuckled, "You're welcome, Alice-kun."
ooOOoo
Later that day and I found myself at Akako's house once more. Once again sitting upside down on her couch, but this time I was flipping through magazines I had picked up from Kaito's room. Almost to be expected, they were filled with photos of diamonds and gems galore; reference no doubt. I flinched as the door opened and Akako came striding in, "Is it just me or is this becoming a frequent occurrence?" She questioned, raising a brow at my prone form, before moving over to look through some stuff on the top of the hearth – the skull was pushed to the side carelessly.
I laughed, absently flipping another page, browsing lazily over the pictures. I was currently in the necklace section, all the gems embedded in fancy silvers and golden latchets. Not too interesting or a candidate for the gem I was looking for. I'm assuming that it'd be a normal gem; otherwise it wouldn't have been able to reattach itself due to the framing. It wouldn't fit. "Well, you know, it's easier to plan a heist at your house. Besides, Kaito-niichan is hanging out with Aoko right now."
She gave one of her creepy laughs, still shuffling through things; plastic bags, if I went by the sound. "I see. Finally going to put your foolish plan into action, are you?" She let out a quiet hum as she finally found what she had been looking for, walking to the side table with a bag full of a plant of some sort. Raising a brow and taking my eyes away from the page of jewelry, I looked over to her as she took out one plant carefully, the root still attached at the bottom of it and some berries dotting the plant. "What's that?"
"Atropa Belladonna."
I jolted away, almost falling off the couch and straining at my still-healing side wound; the arm wound had basically already finished healing, only leaving a small soft spot of flesh that would go away within the next week. "Deadly Nightshade?! Why do you have that?!" I screeched, wondering if she was planning on poisoning me or someone else. She gave a bemused smirk as she continued with pulling off the root and placing it in a bowl that hadn't been there a second before. Darn witches.
"What I find amusing about you, Alice, is that you know about the strangest things." She intoned calmly, starting to grind down the root in the bowl with a masher. "Most your age don't care for Greek mythology or for knowing the proper names of plants."
I blinked, relaxing a bit and letting my head loll off the edge of the seat as I watched her do whatever she was doing. "I'm just curious, I guess. I always find myself drifting off my course of plan and doing something else." I shrugged, answering honestly. It was a really bad habit of mine and it made it hard to get anything done, but it was also a good thing to have; you never know when you might need to know something, after all.
"Hm, I should've expected that. They've always been curious creatures." She snickered as she continued mashing the poisonous plant. Glancing over to her, I asked, "What? Humans?" She paused briefly to turn and stare at me for an uncomfortable amount of time before she went back to mashing, a smile flitting on her lips. "Yes, humans." Was it just me or was her tone ironic? Disregarding it – she was Akako, after all – I brought the magazine back up and began to look for possible candidates again.
The next page was filled to the brim with decently sized prizes, but most of them were all decked out with the highest security, and I wanted to start on a smaller scale and work up from there; no need to take unnecessary risks, after all. I didn't feel like living in a prison cell for attempting grand larceny. "Hey, Akako-neesan…," I trailed, "What are you making, anyways?" I couldn't contain my curiosity on the subject of what she was doing with Deadly Nightshade.
She smirked as she continued her work, finally finishing mashing the root into a mushy substance and she went back to the hearth to gather more material, bringing the bag of nightshade to put it back, as she didn't need it anymore. This time, I heard the clinking of cans and jars hitting each other as they were moved around. "Dorei!" She barked suddenly, startling me, and her butler appeared in the doorway of the other hall, the one connecting to the further side of the house and not the hall to the entrance. I swear, this house was like a maze. "Go get the Conium Maculatum! It's in the third dungeon." She ordered swiftly and he disappeared down the hall once more.
I didn't even bother asking about what the 'third dungeon' was.
I didn't want to know.
"I'm making a potion that someone requested." She said, gathering a couple jars and bringing them over to the tiny side table. I was a bit worried that everything wouldn't fit on it, but I was proven wrong as she reached down and snapped up an attached extended end of it. She placed the jars on it easily, the contents of them several different plants and other strange-looking things. I didn't dwell, deciding not to act upon what looked like lizards' tails, and turned my eyes back to the magazine.
"Requested? You own a witch's store or something?" I joked, flipping another smooth page carelessly. More high-security gems. I clicked my tongue in annoyance; this was gonna take a while. "Actually, I do." She commented and I could hear her mashing more things into the bowl with the nightshade root. "Surprisingly, I get a lot of business. I started it when I was about your age. My father thought it was foolish, but he eventually found that it was a good source of income for the clan."
"And why exactly does the Koizumi clan need good income?" I chuckled before shaking my head, "No, nevermind. Don't tell me." She gave a wind-chime laugh before saying, almost randomly, "Try page fourteen." "Huh?" "Try page fourteen, you may find good results." My brows furred before I decided to do as told, flipping to page fourteen. The gems on this page were considerably smaller to the ones earlier and the pages didn't look touched at all; figures, since Kaito was looking for a big gem. Though, I don't see why. It said Pandora was a doublet, but doublets don't necessarily need to be large.
Suddenly, a certain gem caught my eyes. It was going to be displayed in public next week, in a virtually low-security museum. It'd be opened for the public the whole weekend before it was once again transported back to Paris Museum of Natural History, where it was originally kept. The gem itself was named The Ruspoli Sapphire Crystal and true to its name, the color of it was a bright baby blue and it was cut in a strange, rectangular shape. It weighed 133.06 carats, according to the writer of the magazine; a good size.
It was a perfect candidate for my first heist.
"Wow~! This is great! Thanks, Akako-neesan!" I chimed happily, sitting up, the blood rushing down from my head as I swung my legs around the top to the bottom once more. "But, how'd you know that it'd be on page fourteen, hm? Any other pieces of advice?" Licking my dry lips, I watched as she put down the masher – the substance in the bowl now a scarlet color with the added ingredients– and put her hands on her hips. "Yes, I do have another piece of advice." She ignored my previous question, "On the bottom of your heist note, you should put some type of code for your chosen name. You do have a chosen or preferred name you'd like to be called, right?"
"Of course~!" I grinned, cheeks hurting from the large size of it as the butler walked back in, handing the bag full of Hemlock to Akako, who immediately set to mashing it in the scarlet potion. "Get this, the code is: 37.4 F, the 333-9. You think they'll get it?" I laughed raucously, fully amused with my inner workings.
She gave a shrill laugh after a moment of staring into my eyes (unnervingly so), "I'm sure the police won't, they're not one for fine literature." Finishing the mashing, she took the masher out of the substance and wiped it off before putting it on the table. She grabbed an empty jar that she'd brought with her from the hearth, pouring the stuff in the bowl into the jar; it sloshed into it noisily, thick and wet. "But, one of the detectives you've been telling me about will definitely understand it, I'm sure."
I smirked as I stood and stretched, satisfied with the chosen gem and the code and about to go raid the witch's house for a computer for further planning. "I'm sure, too~!"
"Oh? Are you planning to introduce yourself to this world with a bang?" She sounded just as amused as I did. We definitely were dimensionally related.
"Of course, dear sister~!"
ooOOoo
I got home just in time for dinner, backpack hanging from one arm and yawning. "I'm home!" I called and I blinked as Aoko popped her head out of the kitchen as I walked into the living room, shoes long took off and Kin was quick to wrap around my ankles. I had him stay home that day and he was acting like a man dying from dehydration had just seen a big jar of water. I rolled my eyes fondly; drama queen.
"Oh, Alice-chan!" The female teen exclaimed warmly, "Welcome back home! I hope you don't mind that I'll be staying over for dinner tonight." She smiled. Looking at her now, it was easy to tell Aoko and Ran apart; they had several differences. While Ran had soft freckles dotting her face due to her paler skin, Aoko's face was free of any, her skin tanner than Ran's. Aoko was definitely a bit shorter than Ran, too, not looking as tall as the other, and her hair was shorter and not as smooth-looking. While Ran's hair was long, smooth, and flowing, Aoko's hair was wild, cut, and breezily flowing around her face. They both had different looks and tones about them but both were equally beautiful.
"I don't mind, Aoko-neesan! As long as you're cooking. Kaito-niichan just cooks the same things over and over again." I whined lightly, spotting Kaito on the couch as he waved to me, pouting all the while. I shot him a sweet smile as Aoko laughed before heading back into the kitchen. She probably was cooking then. Good. "Alice-chan~!" Kaito whined in a similar tone to mine from earlier, and he reached over and picked me up suddenly, dragging me away from Kin and into his lap. "You're so mean~! You told me that you love my curry!"
I squirmed in surprise before relaxing, slumping back into his chest. "I do like you curry, Kaito-niichan. It's just…not when we have it four days a week." I explained half-heartedly as he fake-cried into my hair. Kin hissed up at Kaito as he continued to hold me and I suddenly had the odd feeling of being the favorite toy of two fighting children. They're both drama queens, I decided, patting my lap as an indication and Kin jumped up to lay in my lap and I let him chew on my finger, if only for the sake of him not biting Kaito. Again. That would make the fifth time; I'm really surprised Kaito hasn't kicked him out yet.
"But, but, Alice-chan! You know that I only know basic cooking." He sniffled into my hair, pulling me closer and getting a sour glare from a pair of golden eyes. Oh boy.
"I know, Kaito-niichan. It's okay, really." I comforted the 'sad' teen, patting his arm awkwardly. "A-Anyways, Aoko-neesan's food surpasses yours by default. She's a way better cook than you. No offense!" I quickly added and I heard him chuckle behind my ear before he pulled back with a dramatic huff. "Oh well~!" One hand was placed on his forehead. "I suppose I could never surpass Aoko's amazing cooking skills~!" He bellowed and I heard Aoko laugh from within the kitchen as something began to fry.
I scratched behind Kin's ears, earning a purr, and leaned back into Kaito comfortably as he also leaned back, turning on the TV as he began to smooth out my hair absently.
With the noise of the frying in the background and the television commercials, and Kin's soft fur beneath my fingers, I quirked a smile. It almost felt like we were a family.
ooOOoo
Saturday was sunny and warm, the heat warming your skin as you stepped outside. The rays of the sun were bright and the sky was so blue that you almost felt faint; it was a very lovely day to be outside. But where did I decide to go instead? Why, Professor Agasa's house. I would've gone to go to the park with the Detective Boys, but Agasa had called me over, saying that he needed my reference on the secret project. And what more was I to do than indulge him? Besides, it was the appearance that he wanted to consult me on and I had an idea of how I wanted it to look to; I'd make it personalized.
Once I got to the door, I hurried inside, wanting to get away from a yellow – poisonous! – spider that was beginning to slide down on its web towards me. The door shut behind me and I sighed in relief, taking off my sneakers. "Yo, Hakase! I'm here!" I called out, walking further inside and as I made it to the main room, the professor was holding a coffee pot and Conan was lying on the professor's bed. "Ah, Edogawa-kun." I blinked and he looked over to me from his place on the bed, about to say something, before something on the news caught all of our attention.
"On the day before yesterday," The man on the news was saying, wearing a snazzy suit. "A large quantity of explosives, including Octogen, was stolen from the Toyo Chemical Company's warehouse. The police have mobilized over a hundred officers to investigate, but so far, there have been no leads." I wandered closer, as did Agasa, holding a mug of coffee. "That sounds like a big case." The professor commented as Conan sat up from his position on the bed.
Conan turned to us, face serious, "Yeah, especially since Octogen is the primary component for plastic explosives." Octogen – also known as HMX; a powerful and relatively insensitive nitroamine high explosive and one of the most potent chemical explosives manufactured. That didn't sound too good in my head…
In the background, the man on the television continued, "Last night in Haido, there was a large fire at the Kurokawa Estate, which also caused damage to surrounding buildings." We all turned to look at the television, showcasing the damage of the fire, one building engulfed in orange and yellow flames. "That house…That's Kurokawa-san's house!" Conan exclaimed, leaning forward. My brows furrowed. "Wasn't that the place where someone was murdered?" I questioned the professor, who nodded.
"The method was similar to previous fires and the police suspect this was set by the same culprit." Agasa frowned up at the ceiling, "There have been quite a few fires recently." Have there been? My lack of knowledge of that showed how much I paid attention to the world around me that didn't have anything to do with main characters. Perhaps I shouldn't do that anymore. A ring of the telephone interrupted my train of thoughts and I looked over to the outdated phone as the professor went to pick it up.
Conan grabbed the remote, lowering the volume to zero, so that the professor could hear the caller. I hopped up onto the foot of the bed, a sinking feeling in my stomach. This was starting to sound vaguely familiar, but I couldn't be sure. Besides, that wasn't canon. It wasn't possible that it would be happening. Right? Right.
"Hello?" The professor answered the phone. He seemed surprised by the voice on the other end before he started abruptly, "Just a moment. Sh–Conan-kun, it's for you." The professor's hand was over the microphone and I saw him take a glance at me uncertainly. "Huh? How would they know I'm here?" The shrunken detective questioned, startled. The professor leaned closer to him, tone lowering a bit, as if it could keep me from hearing him. "Don't you remember? We had all the phone calls to your house forwarded here."
Conan gave a small huff of laughter as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "That's right. I'm sorry, I forgot." He grabbed his bowtie, "I haven't gotten any phone calls lately, so I completely forgot about that." He turned the dials on the back, making a slight cranking noise before he paused, finally seeming to notice my presence. "Uh…," He started, but I cut him off. "–I already know about your bowtie voice changer thingie and I already know that you've been impersonating Kudou Shinichi quite a bit. It's not exactly a far stretch when you think about it." I smiled brightly at their shocked expressions.
"By the way, you should take the call, it isn't nice to make people wait~!" I chirped, not wanting them to think too deeply about my 'revelation'. The professor started back first, "Ah, right. The guy on the line sounds strange, like he's using a voice masking device." Making a noise of interest, Conan scooted to the edge of the bed and took the phone, immediately putting the bowtie between his lips and the receiver. "Hello?" It was ornately strange to hear an older voice – Kudou Shinichi's – coming from Conan's mouth, even though I knew he was him. Again, I got a sense of vertigo, like the world had tipped on its side.
"Yes." He said into the phone, probably replying to something we couldn't hear. I glanced to the professor, bringing my hand up to tap my lip absently. I startled when a warm body leaned into my side and I fought back a sigh. Kin. Instead of reaching down and touching his soft fur, though, I was distracted by Shinichi's suddenly panicked voice. It was hard to tell, but there was definitely that underlying sense as he gasp, "What?!"
I crawled over to his side, curious as to what could get him to panic – though, it was most likely some bomb or something, knowing him… – and the professor made his way closer, as well. I leaned closer and pressed my ear against his, hoping that I would somehow be able to hear the voice through his head. Surprisingly enough, I was able to catch what he was saying. His voice was squeaky, but obviously male, and had the electronic note of a robot; an interesting combination and not-at-all creepy, how one would expect.
"I'd like to know your mobile phone number." The man on the other end said, voice crinkling. Conan's face scowled and you could hear it in Shinichi's voice. Weird, weird, weird… "I have no reason to give my number to the likes of you!" Sharp, blue, eyes glared into the distance and I nervously shifted by him. That expression would always unnerve me, I believe. "Oh, are you sure you want to cut off my only means of contacting you?" The voice hummed. Conan reacted just as the culprit had planned, most likely, giving in begrudgingly. "Alright, the number is…,"
There was a short moment of silence as only the numbers of Conan's cellphone were said loud and clear throughout the room. Finally, the number was done and the man started to speak again, "Okay, take your phone with you to the Greenbelt Park near Teimuzu River. I'll show you something interesting." The way he put it made him sound like a creeper. My brows scrunched in the middle of my forehead and Shinichi echoed my thoughts, "Greenbelt Park?"
"If you don't hurry the children will die." And with the short 'what?!' from the shocked Conan, the phone clicked and the dial tone met our ears. "Shinichi!" Agasa started as Conan jumped off the bed, not bothering to conceal his identity, forgetting me for the moment. The shrunken Heisei Holmes shuffled on his slippers, already in action. "Anyways, I'll check it out." He picked up his skateboard. "Are you sure it's not a prank call?" The professor finished, skeptical.
"The way he used a voice masking device, it's no mere prank." Conan told him, beginning to run around him to the door, "Hakase, please contact Megure-keibu." Agasa agreed, telling the smaller to be careful, and at that moment, I hurried to the desk table at the top foot of the bed and I grabbed a metal bracelet, clicking it on to my wrist swiftly. Hurrying off the bed, Kin at my heels, I scooped up a skateboard similar to Conan's, the only difference the color – Conan's was yellow and blue while mine was white and red.
"T-The kids are at Greenbelt Park! I'm coming with you!" I shouted impulsively, adrenaline flooded my system despite not being in immediate danger. Conan paused to turn to regard me, "No, Koizumi, you stay here an–" He almost ordered me but I scowled, Kin hissing as he sensed my mood and I was quick to get all up in his face, poking his chest with an accusing finger.
"Don't try to order me around, shrimp. My friends are in danger and you're rushing out, so I have every right to do the same!" I huffed. "Just because you wear glasses doesn't mean your Clark Kent!" Whoops, that part wasn't supposed to slip out…
He stared for a second before sighing and nodding, "Okay…, let's go, Koizumi!" Grinning in success, I lifted the bottom of my shift, beckoning Kin into my shirt quickly and waiting until he popped his head out of the collar, before I raced out the door, skateboard in hand.
Conan burst the door open and his skateboard clattered on the ground, mine following as I reached his side. As I stepped onto mine, a thick, metal, clasp clutched onto my sneaker and I wiggled it around in test before nodding to myself.
"Hold on tight, Kin-chan~" I whispered in a sing-song tone, balancing my arms out around me and hesitantly stepping on the 'gas petal'. A rumble ran through my legs and dust gathered around both of our skateboards as they powered to life. With a jolt, they started forward and I instinctively curled into myself a bit, arms wrapping around Kin as I swayed uneasily, following Conan's path. It was pretty obvious to everyone around that I was a complete amateur on a skateboard.
I looked ahead to Conan's awesome-looking form and almost ran into the side of the brick gate before steadying myself again. We ran right into ongoing traffic and I squeaked, my mouth in a panicked grimace as I barely dodged a truck and I suddenly found myself in a downfall as we ran right off the sidewalk to skip the stairs. Oh my god – I'm freefalling! Landing clumsily and almost running into a passerby, we continued our journey to Greenbelt Park, the Teimuzu River in view from our spot on the hilltop, glistening, and Ekoda just beyond it.
Yeah, it's a good thing I got a strap for this thing…. Otherwise, I'd be on my face already.
ooOOoo
Greenbelt Park was very green and very lush and there were several people spending their Saturday there. Happy, bright, wonderful…bomb threat. Why couldn't my weekend be normal? To think that the Holmes Freak case hadn't been that long ago, only last weekend…
There was a red toy airplane soaring through the sky, and I soon realized who was flying it as I spotted Mitsuhiko holding a bulky controller. Ayumi and Genta were next to him. They seemed to be arguing calmly – was that possible? – about something. "Don't let me go." I told the skateboard and the lock on my back foot slid off immediately. I had decided to be ironic about the password to get it off, going with the last thing anyone would think to say when trying to get it off. Agasa had gotten a good kick out of it when he'd programmed it, too. Really, we were too alike.
Conan hopped off his skateboard as well and we quickly slid them under one arm before dashing down the stairs to get to the kids. Kin's nails dug into my shoulder to keep hold (I could tell I was getting strange looks from passersby's), but by now, I was so long used to it. "Hey, Mitsuhiko!" Conan called as we finally ran over to them, now finished with the stairs. "When did you get that radio-controlled plane?" We reached their side, Ayumi surging forward happily, "Conan-kun, Koizumi-san!" She gasped in delight.
Everyone looked happy at our arrival as Mitsuhiko answered, "A man with a mustache and a beard gave it to me." Genta raised his arms in excitement. "And he said, 'this is a bomber!'" He grinned brightly and I felt my mouth drop open as my face paled considerably. "A bomber?" Conan asked, before glancing up to the red plane flying in the air. He seemed to click two and two together as his face also paled, eyes growing wide. His board was dropped carelessly to the ground and he was quick to go up and try to pry the remote control from the real kids hand, "Mitsuhiko, let me see that!"
Of course, his bossy attitude didn't receive such a warm welcome from Genta, who jumped to try to get the remote also. Ayumi and I stood by in surprise as a yell from their little 'tug the remote' group, "Hey! It's my turn next!" Genta grumbled loudly, not being in last place. Conan was shoved roughly to the side before he broke the news to them. Quite urgently, mind you. "There's a bomb on that plane!" His shout made Mitsuhiko and Genta – who had still been fighting over the remote – let go of remote in shock; suddenly, nobody wanted to play with the plane anymore.
"Ah–fools!" Conan and I insulted in unison, voices mixing in a state of panic. We both lunged for the falling remote, our shoulders bumping but we paid no mind. With my slightly longer arm, I was able to catch it just before it completely hit the floor and I was about to sigh in relief when it swung precariously in my loose grip, the top falling to the bottom with a thwack as the antenna gave out with crack. "Sh–Shoot! T–The antenna broke, Edogawa-kun!" I announced loudly, pulling it up for examination. Yup. Definitely broken.
"Conan-kun! The plane…!" Ayumi's voice cut through the chaos, drawing the whole of the Detective Boys attention to the plane in the sky as our headband-wearing member pointed to it. It was headed straight towards us at a quick speed, the red getting bright and brighter as it got closer. Swallowing thickly, I fiddled with the knobs on the controller, trying to see if I could get the course to change before we all ended up mincemeat. Nothing happened, as I expected. "It's no use! It's not working–!" I screeched, fingers scrambling.
"Everyone run!"
And what else to do at Conan's sharp command than follow it? The kids scurried to the right, running almost aimlessly, and I went left, following Kin, who had slid out of my shirt and was beckoning me over to a safer spot. "No, not that way!" Conan shouted, reaching out to the kids, who ran the other way, right in the direction of the airplane's path. I jolted to a stop, ignoring Kin trying to pull me away by my short's hem and I focused on the buttons once more. Come on, come on, come on, come on…!
Conan gave a yelp as the airplane almost hit him on its path to the kid and I pressed the buttons harder and harder, moving the joystick upwards as it got closer to the kids, who were looking behind them as they ran forward unseeingly – "Koizumi! Do something!" Genta cried, scared. My thumb moved the joystick roughly and I cursed as it actually broke under the force – what a freakin' flimsy piece of crap!
However, before I could add more insults to the remote, it breaking had actually set a chain reaction, as it had broken upward, and Ayumi gave a shriek as it almost hit her before it swerved upwards and into the air once more. I grin slightly as the kids slowed and eventually stopped running as they weren't in immediate danger anymore. Lucky~! Thank you, whatever entity was writing my fate. My arms sagged and I watched as it continued in its upward form, starting to curl over just a bit. Uh oh. That'll come back at them, if someone doesn't do something.
"Oh no!" Conan let out between clenched teeth and I watched as he bent down to turn the dial on his shoe – he didn't even bother holding back; he spun it to full power. "Koizumi, the remote!" He demanded and I blinked before swiftly complying, tossing it in front of him as he poised his leg. "Here goes!" His usual battle cry was intercepted as his foot met the remote, electricity sparking up like they were alive, before it was launched at the plane at high speed, bits flying off from the force of the kick alone.
The plane's route back to the children was cut short as both forces met and a bright orange exploded in front of my eyes, blinding me, and wind and rubble pushed against me, trying to get me to fall back or be swept away. My shoes dug into dirt and the small splashes of the water indicated rubble flying into the Teimuzu River and I opened my eyes – which had instinctively closed against the explosion – to see black smoke filtering above the river, blocking out the view of Ekoda in an unnerving way and the kids huddled in the corner; frightened out of their minds, but safe.
"What the?!" "What blew up?" "Were those fireworks?" "The plane exploded!" Words flew passed my ears and I flinched as something wet and rough slid up my calf and I looked down to see Kin, looking for all the world like something didn't just freakin' explode. I raised a brow at him in amusement as he continued 'grooming' me and I snapped back to attention as Conan's voice spoke up, "An orange explosion! It must be plastic explosives." A ringtone pierced the air and a cellphone was dug out of his pocket before Conan answered his phone, done playing games.
"What are your intentions?" His childish voice had gone deeper, almost sounding like an adult's. Yeah, he was definitely done playing games with this dude. My ears were ringing with the sound of the explosion, but I could somehow still hear the mechanically enhanced voice as it questioned, "What happened to Kudou?" The serious expression on the shrunken detective's face disappeared briefly for a moment of wide eyes, but it was quick to return as he reached for his bowtie, beginning to crank the dial. However, the criminal beat him to it.
"I see. He figures sending kids like you two is enough to deal with me, doesn't he?" Conan paused once he heard these words and so did I. 'Kids like you two'…that means… My eyes darted to a building in the distance and I squinted, trying to see if someone was there. Conan was doing the same as me, trying to see, but it was no use for the two of us. We didn't have binoculars or a telescope and Conan's glasses have yet to be 'digitalized'.
"Listen carefully: another bomb will go off precisely at one o'clock." The voice continued and I could sense eyes on the two of us as Conan asked, "One o'clock?" Flipping his hand over, he checked his watch and I peered over, seeing that it was about 12:46 PM. I clicked my tongue in aggravation. Not giving us that much time to dawdle, huh? A bead of sweat ran down my cheek as I smirked dryly. "It's located at the plaza in front of Beika Station. If Kudou isn't coming, you'd better find it." Oh, is that a challenge mechanical-voice-man? You're going down; you practically signed your prison contract by contacting Kudou Shinichi. Or, in this case, Edogawa Conan.
Phone back at his ear, Conan was quick to coerce the culprit into giving more clues. The kids, finally recovered from shock, ran closer to us, looking at Conan with confused and curious faces as he gained a child-like quality to his voice once more, "Wait. I'm only a kid, I can't do it with just that. Can you give me a hint?" He even leaned forward, fully in kid-mode. It was bit creepy to see, but also very amusing. And cute. You couldn't forget cute. Darn, he was really good at acting like a little kid. "Hello?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone and I leaned closer to hear in, the kids still trying to figure out what was going on from where they stood in front of us. "It's under a tree." The voice spoke up, "But it doesn't mean it's buried under a tree. If you don't hurry, someone may walk off with it." With a gasp at that ending bit, Conan whipped around to try to see the man again. No avail. "Damn!" He cursed, frustrated and angry and he began to run off again and I was quick to follow, Kin latching to me – trying to stop me – but I just decided to take him with me again.
"Conan-kun, Koizumi-san!" "Oi, Conan, Koizumi! Where are you going?"
Quickly making it to our fallen skateboards, we hopped on, pressing the accelerator immediately. With another jolt, we were off on the rough dirt, bumping clumsily – at least, on my part – and I was thankful, once again, for the strap firmly around my back sneaker as I followed Conan's path up the grassy hill to a skidding jump, over the iron gates, back onto concrete. A woman let out a startled noise as we came a bit too close to her for comfort and I internally apologized for Conan and my reckless 'driving'. At least I had an excuse.
Conan simply was someone to drive without a (proper) license.
…Then again, his mother was Kudou Yukiko, so it wasn't that surprising.
ooOOoo
We arrived at Beika station relatively quick, taking many, many, strange – and very unconventional; dangerous – detours. Both of us skidded to a stop and I once again said the command words, my foot being released as I regarded the area, bringing the board under one arm and Kin popped out of my collar and wrapped behind my neck, balancing like always. The place was bustling with people and the sound of trains was covered by the sound of the traffic on the nearby road and I sighed. They never make it a secluded area, huh?
My eyes found the clock hanging on the building. Ten minutes left. "You take that side, I'll take this side!" I said quickly, rushing off to the trees on the side as Conan headed another way. First tree, nothing. Second tree, nothing. I found a, 'tch', leaving my mouth as I searched for more trees, only to see no more in the vicinity. Conan's eyes met mine from across the platform and we nodded at each other before heading to a place across the street called Burger Shop – I know, right? What kind of lame name was that? – at the same time; our two minds were working in sync at the moment.
I could dwell about the creepiness later. Now wasn't exactly the right time.
The light turned green, signaling that was could cross the street, and I hurried to with Conan across and into the building that would give us full view of the Beika Station. We ignored the lady working at the counter, who bowed, welcoming us, and we immediately headed for the stairs, getting up them quickly.
Conan hopped onto a stool and I stood on my tiptoes to see over the edge of the counter, the window edge breaking the bottom of my view, but it didn't really matter. We scanned the area and I watched as people continued on with their daily lives; living their peaceful Saturday. Rolling my eyes, I tried to focus on my task at hand. Under a tree, but not buried under a tree…Someone may walk away with it….
My eyes caught sight of an old woman sitting down on a bench, but what more caught my attention was the pink crate underneath said bench. My breath caught as I looked over to Kin on my shoulder. It could very well be…
The woman spotted the pink crate and kneeled down, picking it up gently to read what the piece of paper said on its front. It was too far to read, but I could guess well enough what was written there. 'Someone please take this with you.', most likely. She placed the crate on the bench, opening the latch, and as she opened the door, a cute white cat walked out. The woman picked it up, fawning over it for a moment, before putting it back in the box and standing, taking it with her.
"Oi, Edogawa! This is bad!" I muttered and something in his head clicked as he grew just as panicked. Weird, I had actually gotten that before him. Probably because I'm a cat owner, I mused absently, as we rushed back down the stairs and out of the building to follow the woman. She was carrying a bomb! "Obaa-san, wait!" Conan yelled out, trying to get the woman to stop as she hailed a taxi and got inside. Just as he was about to rush into ongoing traffic, though, the screech of wheels pieced my sensitive ears and Conan fell back to avoid being hit by the motorcycle that had just barely stopped in time. His skateboard hit the road with a clang and I winced. I really hope that didn't break it…
"You idiot! Can't you see the light?!" The man in the motor outfit and helmet scolded Conan in an agitated voice and grabbed his board as he apologized, albeit half-heartedly, "I-I'm sorry!" The motorcycle drove off, the regular flow of traffic following once more. A truck passed just in time for us to watch the old lady's taxi drive off.
"You're kidding me!" I whined as Conan cursed. My eyes darted back to the clock's face, in time with Conan. Five minutes 'till one! "Damn it!" The vulgar curse escaped both our lips and we hopped onto our skateboards once more to pursue the wayward taxi. This was beginning to feel like 'the chase of the skateboard'.
We zoomed out onto the street, not even bothering with the clogged sidewalk and I frowned in concentration as I tried to stay away from the cars. Conan really didn't care, clearing paths through people and riding through the road like he owned it – but, luckily, since I was behind him, just a bit, I was able to just use the path he'd made instead of rushing through like a madman on a turbo-engine skateboard. Conan glanced at his wristwatch. "Four minutes 'till one." He informed me gravely.
From just down the slope of a hill, I saw the lady's taxi stop due to traffic and I grinned. Ye! We'll make it! "Good! We'll catch up while the road is congested! …huh?" I blinked at the end of Conan's sentence, turning to see what was wrong. For some reason, Conan's skateboard had slowed considerably and I quickly removed my foot from the 'petal' so that I wouldn't go ahead without him. "What's going on? There's plenty of sunlight." He questioned, looking down at his board as it got to a sluggish pace.
"That's right! It must have broken when it hit the ground." He gasped in remembrance and I couldn't hold back a face palm. Really…
His board finally stopped and he was quick to get out of the way of ongoing traffic, as was I, as I used my leg to maneuver me back to the sidewalk as honks rang from behind us. "Get on, Edogawa-kun! It should hold the two of us!" I told him, already grabbing his wrist and hauling him onto my board physically. "Hold on tight~!" I chuckled, flooring my foot on the 'pedal' again and we jolted forward, heading downhill swiftly. Arms clutched around my waist tightly as we continued to speed down, the wind whipping our faces.
Suddenly, there was a move in traffic. "Oh no, the cars are moving again!" Conan shouted in my ear and I resisted the urge to back my head into his chin – sensitive ears! Kin seemed to think the same as he hissed from inside the safe confines of my shift. "Three minutes." Conan said, lower this time, as he glanced down to his watch carefully. "Wait a minute, this road curves to the left… Turn here, Koizumi!" He told me and I got his idea and with a reckless grin on my face – we probably looked like a bunch of psychos – I skidded a sharp turn, just narrowly making it into the alleyway with Conan's added assistance.
In the alley, we curved around to the point of our destination and as I saw what he was planning, my grin abruptly vanished as I paled. "A-Ah, w-wait! Edogawa-kun!" I removed my foot from the 'pedal', but he merely placed his over it to keep up moving at high speed towards the freakin' gate in front of us. "Edoga–Yahh!" I shut my eyes tightly – and I would deny that scream for the rest of my life – as he guided the skateboard to a small rim on the ground in front of the gate and freakin' popped us up to fly over the fencing and the large staircase that followed.
We landed onto the asphalt of the road once more and my eyes opened, only to shut a second later as a car came speeding at us, the wheels squealing as the break was put into gear. I heard Conan give a short, not-very-scared, scream (it sounded more childish than anything) as he leaned backwards to avoid getting the front of a car in his face. Due to his maneuvering, I ended up falling onto my bottom as he raced to the inside of the car as the driver rushed out. "A-Are you alright, kids?" The man stuttered and I gave a small nod and a weak smile up to him as I stood myself upright again with the man's help (I was still strapped to it, after all).
He was quick to notice Conan in his taxi, though, and went into confused staring. From what I could see, Conan retrieved the case and peered inside, face growing shocked and I really didn't want to hear the, "Only twenty five seconds!" that escaped from his mouth. Ready myself, the shrunken Heisei Holmes hurried back onto the board with me after taking a look around the area and I took the case from his hands so that he could hold on. It felt like the heaviest case I'd ever held in my life, but my gaze faltered to the children's park just on the other side of the road. We can't let it explode here!
I glanced inside at the case, "It stopped…," I uttered, shocked, and in my daze, Conan started up the turbo-engine again after telling the man that he was okay. I let Conan guide us to where he wanted to go as I watched the frozen '16' on the screen. "Ah – it started again!" I informed the navigator as we left the vicinity of the place we'd just been at. The clock ticked swiftly, it seemed, while everything else moved in slow motion.
Conan swerved to the side, splitting right through the road, and I could hear the cars piling up with screeching stops as we continued on. I didn't really care about the cars at the moment – I was holding a bomb with less than twenty seconds! Through a short alley filled with wooden crates – 8, 7 – and up a grassy hill before we were freefalling again.
Conan jumped off, but I was still stuck on my coarse with the strap – hmm, maybe it wasn't such a good idea… "Koizumi, release yourself!" He ordered, frantic now that he realized I was still on a crash course with the bomb and headed downhill (the wrong way) – 6, 5 – and I knew right then, that I wouldn't have enough time to get away, even if I released myself. So, I did the next best thing. My eyes darted to my left wrist and I quickly pressed a small, unnoticeable, button on it – "Koizumi!" – and watched as it extended swiftly – 4, 3… The world seemed oddly silent at the moment – "Koizumi!" – I felt soft fur rub against my neck and sharp, pin, nails dig into my collarbone.
Grasping the newly formed metal bat that was still attached to my wrist, I felt a tingling sensation run through my arm muscles and I swung, a loud clang! assaulting my ears (noise) – 2, 1…
My eyes shut as orange burst and I felt myself being pushed through air, like I was falling in the wrong direction. My ears rung as something thick and putrid filled my lungs and I coughed, still feeling like I was falling in reverse. Sounds returned in short bursts as I continued to fall – fly? Was I dead? – and there was horrified screams and the sound of cars screeching to a stop once more and I almost laughed, but something thick in my throat kept me from doing so and my eyes watered. I didn't dare open them, as they were still searing from the light from before.
A familiar scream caught my attention, though, and I opened my mouth in worry – Conan! "A–" That was all that came out before I began to cough, body convulsing painfully. A comforting lick to my cheek seemed out of place, but I embraced the buddle of fur at my chest, as I was pushed and tumbled through the air with the force of a tsunami. Or, in this case, an explosion. Okay, officially confirmed I'm not dead, I thought somewhat absently as my back collided painfully with something rough and pointy.
As the explosion wind finally died out, the force keeping me flat against whatever I was against left and I found myself falling sideways and I landed on my shoulder. "Keh.." My teeth clenched as I tried to get some fresh air – the air was still polluted with smoke and debris. I groaned, rolling onto my stomach before rolling over once more for good measure and, cautiously, I pried open my eyes. The first thing to enter my view was a blurry tree, standing tall and proud, even as the smoke billowed around it. Strong trunk…
My head turned to the side and I spit out some dirt that had gotten inside my mouth sometime during the explosion. My eyes flitted around, adjusting, and I realized my skateboard was still attached to my feet, still in one piece, surprisingly enough. Kin was sitting next to me head, where I'd spit up foliage, surveying me with concern. He looked virtually unharmed, but maybe that's because he had been inside my shirt, me curled around him. He did, however, have a small nick on his paw, which he was cleaning out half-heartedly.
"We'll have to take you to a vet…," I mumbled weakly, before I stopped short, mouth closing as my eyes widened.
I couldn't hear my voice.
Oh my god, oh my god… Calm. Keep calm. You were just near an explosion, it's probably Nerve Deafness and won't last forever… Hopefully.
Swallowing, I closed my eyes and took deep, smoke-filled, breaths to calm myself before opening my eyes in realization. Conan! I jolted up, regretting it almost immediately as the world spun and blurred. Shoot… "Edogawa-kun?" I called, still not hearing my voice, but knowing I was making noise. "Edogawa-kun?" Once I got my senses back, I searched around me carefully before spotting a prone form near me, at the base of the tree and vertical to how I had landed. "Edogawa-kun!" I crawled over, feeling weak and drained and damn it, my back hurt…
"Edogawa-kun!" I shook him gently – very gently, I don't know what else could have happened to him, after all. When he didn't respond in the least, I bit my lip before trying a different tactic. "Kudou-kun, wake up! Wake up! …Shinichi!" I growled, peering closer to investigate his wounds. His head had a lot of blood coming out, but it wasn't too much to worry about him bleeding to death. The problem was mental health. This could have put him in a freakin' coma, for all I know!
I shook my head, ridding myself of the useless thoughts. What was I doing? I should be calling for help! I reached down into my pockets, feeling for my black cellphone and hoping that it wasn't broken. Low and behold, when I took it out of my short's pocket, it was in pristine condition. It looked new. My eyes narrowed before I shrugged it off. I had gotten it from Akako, after all – no need dwelling on this at the moment. I flipped it open, fingers clumsily pressing the buttons as I felt my consciousness sway unsteadily.
"1…what's…ency?" was all I heard (very dimly), but I got the point and rasped out, "Ah, there's been a…bombing and there are people injured, so we need an ambulance, please…," Oh, wow…the world was suddenly very, very dim….
ooOOoo
Midoridai Police Hospital.
Bombings.
Moriya Teiji.
Symmetrical.
These words drifted in and out of my mind in a sea of black with colorful flashes. I had the strangest feeling like this was all my fault, but I had no idea why… A pain in my back signified the waking of my body andmy eyes flitted behind my lids, searching for one particular answer. And I found it behind every word.
"The…Time-bombed….Skyscraper…," I mumbled to myself as I woke up, even though I couldn't hear it. It just felt reassuring to say something out loud. My eyes felt heavy but I forced them open, taking in the white room surrounding me. A hospital, I concluded, by the ornaments and the object surrounding me. I was in a slightly uncomfortable bed and there was a needle in my arm, connected to an IV. …I'd freak out about that later…
A flash of out-of-place red caught my attention and I focused on a familiar, blurry, figure. The mouth was moving, but I couldn't hear a thing, so I shrugged and tapped my ear slowly and the talking stopped. I think she sighed, too. My vision cleared up and I found myself staring at the devastatingly beautiful Koizumi Akako, writing on a piece of paper. She stopped writing and lifted it up so that I could see. "You're a complete idiot, Alice." I could imagine her saying in a vindictive voice as I read the paper saying the exact same words before she put it back on the table and began to write something else.
You're lucky that they called me instead of Kuroba-kun. As I shivered, she smirked at me and I glared with a pout. It was very lucky, but it wasn't like he wouldn't figure out. He was my caretaker, after all. There was nothing much about my physical health that I could hide; it just wasn't possible. He was the freakin' Kaitou KID. It was an effort in vain.
"Why…is this happening?" I croaked silently. "This. This wasn't ever canon. It was just a non-canon movie…, so why?" My confusion was apparent and I saw her roll her eyes haughtily. She began to write on the slip of paper again. The answer I got wasn't satisfying. I'll tell you when you can hear again, it's a mouthful. I'm going to go get the doctor. Stay there.
Her elegant handwriting had never been more annoying than now and all I could do was do as she said. It's not like I could have a one-sided argument, after all. With a huff, I relaxed back into the plush pillow of my bed before looking down at the IV connector and taking it out of my arm carefully with a smirk. No IVs, thank you~! The world was very…dull without noise. I couldn't even hear the background chatter that was always there or the hum of the air conditioning that was hanging above my bed, dusting me with cool air.
Everything was just utterly silent.
I blinked as the door slid open, revealing a young looking doctor, probably in his mid-twenties with a nurse by his side. He raised a hand in greeting, probably already informed by my dimensional not-sister that I was currently deaf. He took my heartbeat and other vitals – I cleared all fine – before he checked my ears, frowning a bit before smiling. He wrote something down on his notepad and lifted it for me to see. Temporary Deafness was checked and I internally cheered. Good, I'd been correct earlier about that. It was Nerve Deafness.
He turned to talk to Akako about something and I stared at the white ceiling, wishing Kaito was here. At least everything wouldn't be so…white. I think I'd go insane if I had to stay here for one more hour. Once the doctor finished conversing whatever with Akako, he left and soon, my wish came true. After a few hours alone in the room with Akako – she'd been oh-so-kind to inform me that I'd be let off of questioning due to my deafness and that I had to wait for my actual guardian to get checked out – Kaito had suddenly come gallivanting into the room like he owned the place, face concerned and stern at the same time.
And as his lips were flapping with unheard words, I found myself smirking under my blankets as he just continued on and on. There were colorful interjections between the scolding and worried mother-hen moments – doves randomly appearing, confetti falling from the ceiling, the nurses' and doctors' outfits randomly changing to different colors before switching back. Overall, it was very amusing and since I was so tired, I ended up drifting in and out of sleep the whole day. Before I knew it, it was already dark outside and I woke to Aoko in the room with Kaito. Akako had left to go get Kin at the vet and to take him home for the evening, since animals weren't allowed in the building.
Spotting a bird feather on the ground, I couldn't help but laugh a bit at the notation. A bit too late for that…
Interestedly, I watched as Aoko had a silent, happy, conversation with Kaito and he seemed to light up at her idea. I blinked as the wild-haired teen turned to me with a mischievous grin and soon, I was scooped out of the bed into warm arms and I could feel chuckles vibrate through him as he carried me to the door, being sneaky about it. I peeked at Aoko over Kaito's shoulder, seeing she was in on it.
…Was I seriously being smuggled out of a hospital?
ooOOoo
I definitely liked Aoko and Kaito's idea of fun a lot more than staying in the stuffy hospital room. They had brought me back to Kaito's house and we were all going to have an all-night, black-and-white, silent film, movie marathon. I sat between the two of them, warm and cozy, and even though I realized things probably weren't going so smooth for Shinichi at the moment, I knew it would be okay. Because I knew how the case ended. The Time-Bombed Skyscraper movie. I'd really have to ask Akako about this; especially since the movie had occurred in April and it was only March.
Oh well…
My eyes drifted shut as the black-and-white movie continued. I was too tried to watch anymore… A warm, fuzzy, body curled up against my side and everything was perfect.
Review Replies:
To: Kudo Shinichi Tanteisan – Yesh, I'm a Whovian! 8D (Laughs) I couldn't resist adding that part. XDDD I absolutely adore the Tenth, but Nine is still my favorite – he's so witty and sarcastic, even though we're not with him for long. XD Haha, he does need to work on them, they're horrible! XD I cringe every time I hear his Osaka-ben because even though I'm not native, it's so bad that you can hear it… (Shivers) XDDD Yeah, I had to~! Too fun to resist, really~! XD (Grins as Snowflakes fall and eats cyber cookie) Thank you, E-chan! 8D
To: Echo Andalice – (Laughs) Yes, now he has two! (Maniacal Evil Laughter) ….(Coughs) Thanks for your review! o^^o
To: Iriss-sama – It's okay~! I'm glad you were able to get a review in before I updated the next chapter. XD (Laughs) Yes, poor Midori is a trouble magnet, along with her little-self, Alice. XD They go down in style, lol. I had to add that cause it was just too fun to resist~! Giving characters spoilers is breaking the fourth wall! XD I'm glad you loved it! Ah, this trouble is not all~! Lots and lots more trouble to come~! 8DDDD And thank you, to both you and your sister~! You're both wonderful – thank you both for reading my story. ^^ I'm glad she likes it so far. 8D (That's okay; it happens. XD) (Gathers Luck and Creates Pot of Gold) Thank you and here's the next chapter~! 8D
To: kittyfinatic515 – Thank you so much! Here's the update. ^^
-(1) "dorei" literally means "slave". So, Akako's calling her butler 'slave'. Just thought I should clarify, if anyone was interested. XD
-I'm incredibly curious. Can anyone crack Midori/Alice's signature code? XD (It's pretty darn lame, lol)
-Happy (hour early) Birthday, Shinichi! 8D (Tiredly spreads confetti; passes out on the floor)