Lead
"We're back!"
Kaito's announcement was subsequently followed by a Miku-glomp. The girl squealed, alerting Rin of their return. Len's older twin cautiously made her way over from the living room, still not used to the new environment. She greeted the pair with a sweet smile.
"Welcome back."
Kaito saw Len crack a small smile as well. The first true genuine smile he had seen since the twins had moved in. What a shame such rare smiles were only displayed to his precious sister, who happened to be blind.
The moment was ruined when Miku interrupted in an obnoxiously loud voice, "Now that Len-chan's here, let's show him your room, right, Rin-chan?"
"Un," Rin gave a small nod.
"You'll absolutely love it Len-chan! It's so pretty, it's right next to our indoor garden so you'll always be able to see the beautiful flower-ah," Miku abruptly turned towards Rin as she realised her mistake, a blush on her face. "Ah…I'm so sorry Rin-chan! With you unable to see all this, I'm sure I've made you upset and-"
"Miku," Kaito stopped her rambling. "Stop that, Miku-chan, you're making Rin-chan feel worse." He motioned towards Rin, who had her head bowed. Miku also lowered her head in shame. Suddenly, as if a switch had been turned on, she abruptly lifted it, her teal hair flapping around behind her.
"Ah, I just remembered something! Kaito! Show Rin-chan and Len-chan their rooms! I'll be right back~!" and with a wink as if nothing had happened, she bounded off, back to her original overly-cheery self.
There was a short silence afterwards, then Kaito sighed, as if Miku's actions were nothing out of the ordinary. "Well, that's Miku-chan for you. She'll never stay unhappy for long… Come on, you two. Don't worry about her. We'll head over to your room first." He attempted to grab Rin's hand, to lead her, but was intercepted by Len, who stood between them like the protective brother he was. Kaito said nothing and led the way.
"Now where did I put it again…"
The basement was a room with pale walls and rows upon rows of machinery. Cardboard boxes, stuffed with various gadgets, filled the floors, the mountain rising upwards before spilling onto a large metal table that took up a whole wall. Apart from the boxes, the only thing on the table was a small silver laptop, connected to a larger computer screen mounted on the wall by a multitude of black cords. The white walls were soundproof, and the room was silent except for the shuffling of boxes and Miku's mumbles as she searched.
"Aha! I found it!"
The girl's teal hair flipped in an arc as she stood, victoriously holding up a small object. From two glass panels extended various wires and electrical cords. Miku fumbled around in another box, producing some black casing which she attached. The finished product appeared to be a pair of glasses with red-tinted lenses.
Miku squealed as she left the room. Rin-chan will be so happy when I show her this! As she passed the dining room she abruptly stopped. On the dining table was a folded newspaper. It had arrived in the mail while Kaito and Len were on their mission. Miku glanced at the front page, and after a moment of consideration, also took the newspaper with her.
The indoor garden was at the very back of the house, and served as a sheltered backyard. The walls were made of tinted glass, allowing the early morning sunshine to stream through, bathing the gardens with light and warmth. The various plants in the garden appeared to react to the rays: the lushness of the green ferns and grasses became more enhanced, and the plant stalks seemed to stand that much straighter. Yet it was the flowers that stole all the attention. From tiny white daisies that popped up occasionally, to exotic flowers with huge vibrant petals that Len had never seen before, flowers of all different sizes and colours lined the small stone paths of the gardens, so that regardless of where one was in the gardens, they would be treated to a spectacular show.
Unfortunately, the dazzling sight was lost to Rin, and knowing this, Len could not bring himself to enjoy any of it. This left Kaito feeling slightly disappointed and awkward as the group wandered the maze-like walkways until they came to a small house resembling a gazebo.
"Miku-chan and I created this garden ourselves," Kaito began his explanation, "large backyards that take up space are forbidden now due to the population growth, so the two of us modified this house. It's like a secret garden, but Miku-chan likes to call it her Garden of Dreams."
"Garden of Dreams?" Rin put on a wistful smile. "That sounds beautiful…"
"Sounds like an attempt at escaping from reality." Len commented.
"Miku-chan inherited this house from her late grandparents." The blue haired man continued, "We've removed most of the bedrooms to make space for this garden, but a mini bedroom was created here. The outside of the room was made to look like a gazebo. It's part of Miku-chan's fantasy."
"Miku-chan told me it was a special place where the two of you could be together," said Rin.
"Mhm, that's how it was originally," continued Kaito. "We came up with the idea back when we were still young and naïve. We had just entered the adult world and had no idea how busy we would become. Now, we barely spend any time here together."
"Miku-chan says she visits here often," remarked Rin.
"She's had a lot of free time since I've started doing what I do."
"What's that?" Rin still had no idea Kaito was a thief. Len took the first opportunity he could get to change the topic.
"Miku-chan's here."
Not a second after his observation, Miku's high-pitched voice was heard.
"RIIIIIIIIIIN-CHAAAAAAN! COME AND SEE THIS!"
The teal haired girl was some distance away, running on the path lined with flowers towards them. In one hand, she held a rolled-up newspaper. The other hand was stretched high above her head, but Len could not make out what it was holding.
In no time at all, the girl had reached them. Rin took a hesitant step forward.
"What is it you wanted me to…see…?"
First, Miku threw the newspaper at Kaito, who deftly caught it with one hand. Then, she promptly grabbed Rin's hand and placed the other object in it.
Rin felt around with both her hands, a confused look settling on her face.
"A-are these…glasses?"
Miku beamed and made a noise of approval. Len watched his sister warily. Meanwhile, Kaito had opened the newspaper and was intently reading the front page.
"Put them on! Put them on!" Miku chanted.
Rin obliged, and gasped. Miku leaned forward expectantly; Len swore he saw her eyes sparkle.
"What do you see?"
"I-I…" Rin began to tear up. "M-Miku-chan, I…I…"
Miku looked proud. "Well, they're still incomplete and all, but-"
"MIKU! THANK YOU SO MUCH!" cried Rin.
Len gave an involuntary gasp. Was it possible? Had Miku really cured Rin of her blindness?
"Rin…" Len whispered, "Rin…What do you see?"
Miku blushed modestly. "For now, all she can make out are people's outlines. It's like an infra-red camera. She can make out objects and people based on the amount of heat and energy in them."
"Everything is so red," gasped Rin.
"Er, well, that's because the plants we are surrounded by store their energy-"
"I-almost forgot what red looked like…" Tears pooled and fell. "It's like the world is burning, brimming with life. Life I can see." The small girl sniffled a bit. "Miku…Miku-chan…how can I ever repay you?"
Miku grinned, "A happy Rin-chan is all I could ever want."
Rin sobbed, and embraced the girl that had saved her sight. Miku peered over the younger girl's ribbon and saw Len's look of gratefulness. Behind him, Kaito gave her a thumbs-up.
"Miku-chan's really something, isn't she?" Kaito remarked to Len. The boy mumbled his agreement. "The truth is," the blue haired man continued, "Miku-chan graduated high school as one of the top students in the country. She's a genius"
Len turned around in shock. Miku? A genius? It seemed impossible. His gaze kept switching from Kaito to Miku, a look of disbelief etched clearly on his face. Kaito laughed at the comical scene.
"It's strange but it's true! Miku-chan could have continued to University and done some great things…" Kaito's smile turned wistful, "if only she hadn't decided to come with me."
Len's eyes grew sceptical. "Does she work for you?"
Kaito smirked at Len."So you figured it out, did you?" Len said nothing. "Miku-chan's got the skills of a professional hacker." Len flinched at the surprising news. Looking at the cheerful girl comforting his sister, he would have never guessed. "Security cameras, alarms, account passwords…they're all a breeze for her." Len appeared to have been stunned silent. "but that's not all," Kaito continued. "Miku-chan's also a whiz at science."
Len remembered their venture mere hours ago. Now that he thought about it, it would have been no small feat to enter the house of a man so rich. He would have had security cameras, and possibly an alarm, especially in this day and age, where technology was such a necessity. Yet the heist had gone on without a hitch. Save for that dog. Len remembered the sleeping pills Miku created. They worked almost instantly, even on a dog that ferocious. Then there were Rin's glasses. He recalled Miku had announced she would restore Rin's eyesight only the day before. Yet not even twenty-four hours later, Rin was tearing up at being able to see colours again.
With the evidence right in front of him, even Len had to admit he had misjudged the teal haired girl.
Wow, she really might be a genius.
At this moment, said genius cheerfully bounded up to the males, Rin following close behind.
"What are Kaito and Len-chan pondering right now?" she asked.
"Ah, Miku-chan. I was just telling Len about how well you did in school."
Miku immediately took her cue to jump into a rather detailed (and, to be honest, fairly pointless) recount of her life. "Oh yes! School was so fun! There was so much to learn and experiment with! Maths was boring, but easy. English was interesting, but kind of hard. Japanese was a breeze, because, heck! We live in Japan! But then I don't get why we need to learn foreign languages. I've never needed to use them. Nor history for that matter. But then if you think about it, what's happening right now is a lot like a repetition of what happened in the past, like wars and stuff. Oh, but what's different is the technology! Computers are sooo interesting! They are definitely the best inventions made by man! These days we are on the computer our whole lives! I can't imagine living without one-"
"Miku…" Kaito attempted to stop her rambling.
"BUT," Miku made an exaggerated motion with her hands. "My favourite subject was definitely Chemistry! Observing the experiments, seeing the reactions happen before my eyes! There were chemicals that changed colour depending on if they were in hot or cold water, and liquids that made a solid when mixed together! Oh, but there weren't any explosions. Nothing we did was really that dangerous. Except when we used toxic substances. We had to work in a fume cupboard 'cause if we inhaled the fumes, you know, we'd-"
"MIKU!" Kaito had to whack her with the newspaper to stop her. The girl stood dazed for a moment, then seemed to find a new meaning in life.
"Kaito! The newspaper! Did you see it?"
"Yes, Miku-chan. I did." The man gave a weary sigh. At least she had stopped rambling.
"What's on the newspaper?" asked Len.
Kaito crouched and placed the newspaper on the floor so everyone could crowd around and see. Rin could not read the words, as the newspaper was only a blank mass of blue to her, with spots of yellow where Kaito's hands had held the edges, but was pleased to be able to see she was part of a group.
Miku jumped up and down as she excitedly pointed at a coloured picture on the front page. It was of a gigantic purple rock that shone under the moon. Len focused on the article:
PREPARATIONS FOR NAITO FESTIVAL NOW UNDERWAY IN TOKYO SQUARE
The Naito Festival, held annually in Tokyo Square, will soon occur, as indicated by the various stalls being set up. The city is in a flurry of excitement as the single remaining official festival in Tokyo is looking to be as spectacular as ever. Occurring in the centre of Tokyo Square, beside the renowned Night Gem, the evening is expected to be just as thrilling as last year's events.
Previously known as Shiba Park, Tokyo Square was constructed when a meteor crashed into the area over fifty years ago. Shops and restaurants were built around the precious Night Gem, a remnant of the disaster, which completely destroyed Tokyo Tower. The jewel is famous for its beauty under the night sky, and its ability to light up the whole vicinity on certain nights. The Naito Festival was created to accommodate this strange occurrence which only happens on the night of a new moon.
"It is a great tourist attraction," claims festival director, Utatane Piko. "The strange power of the gem provokes mystery and interest."
Attempts have been made to find the source of the strange light, in hopes of discovering a new way of energy production, yet they have been in vain. The government has decided to retain the gem as a cultural icon.
"Thanks to the gem, we have been able to resurrect a vital aspect of Japanese culture," Utatane says. "That is the Japanese festival."
"Japan is always looking forward," continues Utatane, "but once in a while, it's worthwhile looking back and enjoying memories of the past."
The Naito festival runs for a fortnight, in the middle of the year. Despite the new moon occurring monthly, low funds result in a much-coveted annual event. Traditional singing and dancing can be observed, and stalls will be selling a variety of souvenirs reminiscent of 'old' Japan. The festival will end with traditional fireworks.
"They're having the festival again!" squealed Miku. "I couldn't go with you last time because you were busy, but you'll come this time, won't you, Kaito?"
However, Kaito's thoughts were now towards another article on the page, as were Len's. Both were small articles in the corners of the newspaper:
TOKYO MUSEUM ENCOUNTERS "BAD LUCK"
The National Museum of Tokyo has experienced a string of mishaps. On June 22, the Pacific Jewel, imported overseas to be on display for three weeks, had gone missing, right after a fire. Security guards confirm the jewel had been present right before they had escaped from the fire. Officials suspect arson and thievery, possibly by the same culprit. As investigations continue, museum manager Hiyama Kiyoteru, expresses his desire to close the museum permanently.
"We barely get visitors anymore," claims Hiyama, "it's absurd somebody would even consider doing this."
Officials have asked that anybody with information concerning the crime contact the police immediately.
Len gave a bitter smile. He was the culprit: he stole the jewel, and set the building on fire. He was a criminal. That really made him no better than Kaito. He glanced at the man, whose eyes held a calculating glint in them. Len followed his line of sight to another article:
DECEASED SINGER'S MANSION BREAKS RECORD
The Toni-Prim Mansion, located in central Tokyo, has broken the record for the most number of visitors in a week in Tokyo.
The Mansion had become a public tourist attraction since the deaths of the occupants, Tonio and Prima Donna. A foreign musician and artist couple, their huge popularity regarding the arts in Japan, as well as their unabashed affection for each other in public, have resulted in a great interest in their lifestyle. The most popular attraction within the mansion is the amethyst carving of a musical note, created by Prima Donna, and known affectionately as Prima, a symbol of the couple's love.
Toni-Prim Mansion became open to the public in 2498 and receives an average of two-hundred visitors daily. However, since the start of the month, the figures have risen to a maximum of almost ten-thousand.
"Business is very good," states the inheritor of the Toni-Prim Mansion, Tonio Junior Donna, "I believe it is due to the Naito Festival."
The annual Naito Festival is scheduled to begin at the end of June. Since the event's commencement, tourism levels have skyrocketed around the middle of the year.
"I'm sure that's all there is to it. Soon, all these visitors will go see the Festival, and the Mansion will be left empty," says Donna, "This happens every year. I'm not surprised it broke a record."
Len could guess Kaito's thoughts as soon as he saw the words "amethyst carving". The Naito Festival would provide the perfect distraction for the heist, as well as reduce the chance of witnesses. Yet one thing nagged at Len's mind.
"You're going to go for Prima, right?" Len murmured so Rin would not be able to hear.
"Oho, smart boy." Kaito commented.
"But why Prima? Why not the Night Gem? It's much more prestigious, isn't it?"
Kaito glanced at Miku and Rin before leading Len to another part of the garden where they would not be overheard.
"It seems Len-chan's not as smart as I thought."
Len bristled with indignation. "Well, with your skills and Miku-chan's abilities, I'm sure it isn't impossible."
Kaito gave a cheerful smile. "Ah well, who knows, but I'm really not interested in stealing something like that."
Len huffed. The man's carefree attitude really ticked him off. More so because it wasn't an impossible feat for the man who seemed to have everything at his fingertips. "Have you no pride as a thief?" he demanded.
"Pride?" Kaito scoffed. "Who are you to talk about pride?"
Len was fuming. Of course he had pride. Despite having lived in poverty all his life, migrating from living on the streets to hiding out in run-down apartments, he had managed to survive, and keep Rin happy too. He risked his life stealing precious gems, he bore all the cruelty and harshness of society, in order to keep Rin naïve and safe. And he was damn proud of what he had achieved so far, without even the genius minds or gadgets at Kaito's disposal.
The blue haired man seemed to notice the tense atmosphere, and attempted to change the mood with an explanation. "You see, I didn't become a thief out of the need to survive. That's what makes us different, Len."
Len remained silent so Kaito continued: "I should have been satisfied with my life as it was. I had good grades and lived in a stable household…But I guess that was why I changed. Life was too stiff. When I graduated high school, I made my decision. I wasn't going to live an ordinary, boring life. I wanted thrills and excitement." The blue haired man hesitated before saying: "My dad's actually a cop…"
Len stiffened and his eyes widened a fraction, but he did not say a word.
"My parents probably hate my guts for running out on them. But I'm not a good enough criminal to grab my dad's attention…" Kaito chuckled, and then smiled wistfully, "I escaped on the day of the entrance ceremony…with Miku-chan…"
Miku? Despite her excellent academic results, Len knew the girl was a bit dense, but leaving the path of success for a life as a criminal seemed absurd, especially for someone with her potential.
Unless…
"Miku-chan really loves you, doesn't she?" the boy mumbled.
Kaito's smile faded as he thought of the ever-cheery girl.
"Yeah…she does…What an idiot, huh…"
"KAITOOOOO" The man was assaulted by a Miku-glomp as soon as the two males returned to the girls. "Kaito, Rin-chan's happy again!"
The blonde girl smiled and bowed. "Thank you very much for taking us in, Kaito-san, Miku-chan." Her bow bounced as she got back up. Her twin walked over and patted her hair, a soft smile adorning both their faces.
The sight gave Miku a great idea.
"Guys, let's go on a family trip!"
Len froze while Rin tilted her head in confusion.
"Family?"
"Yup , yup," Miku was nodding her head like a broken robot. Rin and Len backed away a step cautiously. "Rin-chan and Len-chan are siblings right? Us four should go somewhere, like a family picnic. It'll be so fun, won't it, Kaito~"
Kaito smiled awkwardly. If that was the case, didn't that make him and Miku the pseudo-'parents' of the twins? He mentally grimaced, but openly smiled.
"It's a great idea." Len was shocked at Kaito's reply, coupled with the fakest smile he had ever seen. "Though Miku-chan, I think you're a little young to be thinking of such things as a family."
"Aw Kaito," whined the girl, "I just want us to hang out together. It's been ages since we've gone out. But with Rin-chan and Len-chan there, it wouldn't be much of a date ne?"
"Miku-chan…"
Len frowned. Family trip? I knew it. This girl is nuts. And how insensitive. Rin and I are practically orphans…
The boy looked over to his sister anxiously, but was shocked to see a bright smile planted on her face. She even giggled as the two bickered like a married couple.
"Miku-chan, I'm not saying we can't go." With Miku whining and clinging onto Kaito's shirt, the scene greatly resembled a parent trying to talk sense into a child. "In fact, I've got the perfect place in mind."
Miku's emerald eyes glistened with hope.
"…Toni-Prim Mansion."
Len's breath hitched.
"Kaito, I'm so excited for tomorrow's trip," a cheerful Miku trilled. It was just past midnight, and the blonde twins were fast asleep. Miku was curled up on the sofa, and Kaito was lazily skimming through the morning's newspaper while sitting on an armchair opposite her.
"Yeah Miku-chan, it'll be great." Times where the two could be alone like this were rare, and Miku made sure to treasure them. Thus she immediately noticed the troubled look that suddenly marred the face of the man she loved.
"Something wrong?"
"Eh, no," Kaito attempted to cover his distress with a smile and a joke. "Make sure you're not too hyper when we go out tomorrow, ok? Wouldn't want to attract too much attention-"
"AHA!" the petite girl's cry startled Kaito, who almost dropped the newspaper in his hand. "I knew it…" Miku's voice was tainted with bitterness. "You're preparing for another one of your heists, right?"
"Miku, that's not why-"
"You are, aren't you?"
Kaito didn't want to lie, and solemnly nodded at the accusation. Miku gave a sigh.
"Kaito, I don't want you to keep things from me. Even if it's bothersome, we're in this together, okay?"
Kaito couldn't stop his smile. Miku was charming, but could also be incredibly mature at times. Her words allowed him to make up his mind.
"Alright Miku, then I won't keep this from you, either."
Miku's large emerald eyes watched as the blue haired man opened the newspaper to the second-last page. She felt a small blush form as Kaito moved from his seat and sat himself down beside her without warning, but the man's attention was focused on the small inky print. The girl leaned over as Kaito wordlessly pointed to an article, and began to read:
APARTMENT ARSON KILLS THIRTY-TWO
An apartment on the outskirts of Tokyo has been the victim of arson in the early morning of June 23. Police have confirmed and identified thirty-two dead with no survivors. The purpose of the arson is alleged to be murder, as one middle-aged woman, identified as Matsuda Lily, has been found with seventeen stab wounds to her chest.
The fire is believed to be closely related to another incident concerning the National Museum of Tokyo. Police are still investigating.
With the date clearly shown, it didn't take Miku long to piece the puzzle together.
"N-No way, could this possibly be…"
Kaito nodded stiffly. "Miss Lily was Rin and Len's former landlady. From what I know, they've been hiding out at her place, and bribing her with stolen jewels." Len did not object at all when Kaito suggested they give the Pacific Jewel as a farewell present before leaving, despite knowing it would make the news, regardless of how insignificant the museum he stole it from was. After all, the jewel was a rare treasure, from overseas, no less.
But that was the bit that disturbed Kaito.
"Miku-chan, you've heard of the stolen Pacific Jewel, right?"
"Yes, that was the one you were going to steal, wasn't it?"
Kaito paused, and decided to give a short explanation. "Len got to it before me. I was impressed by his skills and convinced the two of them to join us. But they left the jewel with their landlady…"
"They've searched the apartment for survivors, and even identified them. But they didn't find the jewel…" Miku reached the conclusion herself.
Kaito had shared his troubles with Miku, but the thought still weighed heavily on his mind.
Lily should have had the jewel, or at least, it would have been in the room before the apartment caught on fire. Lily was found in the apartment, which means she must have returned and seen the jewel. Furthermore, the way they advertised its strength, I don't think it would have been destroyed in the fire. Did she hide it outside? No, it seems unlikely. The way Len behaved made it seem completely normal to just leave it in plain sight for her. But a more troubling thought is…
Why was only she stabbed?
If anyone else in the apartment had injuries other than burns, they would have mentioned it. Was it because she was the landlady? Was it a personal grudge?
It was too much of a coincidence. Lily was murdered; she was obviously the intended target. And the only conclusion Kaito could reach was that the murderer had escaped with the jewel.
The jewel that Len stole…
Kaito glanced at Miku, whose face was marred with anxiety, mirroring his own, but there was nothing that could be done for now.
Kaito sighed. "Miku-chan, please don't mention this to Rin or Len, we don't want them to worry…"
Miku solemnly nodded.
Rin, and Len…What sort of baggage have I picked up?