Chapter thirteen
Rooftop
ooOO-OOoo
Heiji watched as the helicopter took off with his hands clenched into fists. He really hated how useless he felt right now, and desperately wished there was something he could just do.
But the kidnappers hadn't left them with much of a choice as it was. If a police chopter were to follow them now, a call from the helicopter to the headquarters would seal the hostage's fate. No one was willing to take that risk.
Frustrated, Heiji shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket, shoulders hunched and turned to leave the rooftop with the others.
Hakuba, who held the door open, gave him an evil-eye for his stunt earlier, but Heiji couldn't help himself. He was short tempered to begin with and the thief had dared to say that it was Shinichi's own fault for being kidnapped, when his fellow detective clearly had just tried to help. The nerve!
Why? Why hadn't Shinichi told him anything? According to Yusaku, Shinichi and the thief had worked together for some time now, so why hadn't he asked Heiji for help as well? Hadn't he proven that he could lend a hand in such matters? Okay, so he had been hurt in the whole ordeal with the Black Organization and yes, it had taken him quite some time to heal, but still. He was his best friend, dammit!
A dejected huff left him and he pulled his right hand back out of the pocket to throw away a piece of paper that was in there.
Wait.
Paper? He couldn't remember putting anything in his pocket.
He unfolded the crumpled paper and stared at the hastily written words on it.
'Infinity Casino'
"Hattori-san, are you coming?" startled Hakuba's voice him back to attention as the half-brit watched him a bit impatient. The two of them were the last people on the roof.
Hakuba leaned over to see the paper. "What's that? A commercial? You do know that you're still too young for gambling?"
Heiji shot him an annoyed look, but then just shook his head. "Na, I think KID slipped it ta me when I grabbed him."
So, KID had purposely pushed his buttons to create an opportunity instead of being just an asshole. He wasn't sure if that was better or worse, knowing that he had been so easily manipulated by the thief. Well, it didn't matter right now. He finally had a lead.
A sharp intake of air told him that Hakuba thought the same as him. They now knew where the hostages were and damn, Heiji would not let this information go to waste. He pocketed the paper again and turned sharply to storm off, just to be held back from a hand on his shoulder.
"What do you think you're doing, Hattori-kun?" Hakuba asked sternly. His grip was surprisingly strong and his voice tense.
Heiji tried to bear in mind that Hakuba was acquainted with the thief, Kuroba, and therefore had to be worried as well. He had learned much of what had happened from Shinichi's parents. Like Kaitou KID's real identity, and he had gathered some more from Nakamori-keibu. Kuroba and Hakuba being classmates, Hakuba's suspicions about Kuroba from early on.
He had noticed the absence of a smug 'I told you so' from Hakuba, indicating that he cared more about Kuroba's well-being than about the proof to his deduction. That was telling for a character such as Hakuba's, who craved for approval and acknowledgement.
As calm as possible, Heiji answered. "They have what they wanted. I'm sure as hell not waitin' here until they get it in their heads that they don't need tha hostages anymore and kill them off." He faced Hakuba and gave him a stubborn and determined look. "If tha police can't go there then I will do it! I'm not one ta let my friends hang."
Hakuba held his gaze for a moment. "I'm coming with you. Someone has to make sure that you keep a level head," he said and made to go through the door back into the building, leaving behind a dumbfounded Heiji.
"Coming or not?" Hakuba couldn't resist to tease the western detective, not the least surprised as a loud 'Aho!' sounded behind him as Heiji ran after him.
ooOO-OOoo
Shinichi's head spun. He was sure that he had suffered a concussion, and the bruises from Takamoto's kicking didn't help either. He suspected at least a cracked rib, maybe two. So, basically he felt like shit and tried not to show it, because he didn't want to worry Aoko more than necessary.
They were kneeling on the rooftop of the casino and waited for Kuroba's return. Behind them stood Rat, with his weapon at the ready. A very disturbing situation as Shinichi wasn't able to see what Rat was doing or where he was aiming at. Both Aoko and Shinichi's hands were still tied behind their backs. They really were at Takamoto's mercy and Shinichi hated it. He was sure Kuroba wouldn't do anything that could endanger them, but things could have gone wrong anyway and who guaranteed them that Takamoto would stay true to his word?
Then man stood before them with a phone in his hand. He was talking to Snake at the moment and from the sound of it, Kuroba got the jewel and was on his way back.
Shinichi had a sense of foreboding and feverishly tried to think of something that could get them all out of this mess without risking their lives. He hoped that maybe Kuroba had some trick up his sleeve and he wouldn't put it past him to pull some crazy stunt to bail them out, seeing he was Kaitou KID. But even the thief could do just so much without any equipment and with the life of his childhood friend on the line. At least Aoko was unhurt so far, just frightened. She hadn't said much and Shinichi was a bit worried how she would react if things got dicey.
Kuroba had told him a bit about the girl, and as much as she resembled Ran on the outside as much she differed in character. She was much bouncier than Ran, though she had a fierce temper when provoked. But she lacked any experience with the evil side of mankind to handle something like a hostage situation. Suddenly, he was a bit thankful for all the cases Ran had been dragged along to with him as Conan. It had strengthened her and he knew she could deal with almost anything.
Thinking of her sent a pang of guilt through him. What would she say when she heard about this? He hoped she would be furious and kick him to Kingdome come, cause that would mean that he had made it out alive at least. Hopefully, she could forgive him for his recklessness. Again.
All Shinichi could do right now, was to wait and watch as the helicopter finally touched down. Just great.
The wind of the rotor blades tousled his hair and he had to squint not to get any of the flying dust and dirt into his eyes. The speed of the blades slowed down and Kuroba, followed by Snake pushing a gun in his back, jumped out of the slide door.
Takamoto opened his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Kaito-kun, Welcome back! I guess you're bringing me a gift?"
Shinichi saw Kuroba bristle at the familiar addressing, though he hid it well behind his pokerface. A pokerface that was crumbling bit by bit due to the stress. KID might be used to keep it together during heists and even during the short encounters he'd had with Snake, but that had always been mostly in a game where he had set the rules. Now, he was a bit out of his depth so to say, but he still managed to pull through somehow. After all, he was just a teenager like Shinichi, even though they both had their fair share of hostile situations and close calls.
He felt Kuroba's questioning gaze on him, trying to find out how Shinichi was holding up. He gave a short nod, indicating that it he would be okay. The thief's eyes set on Aoko and he clearly fought with himself not to run over to her and comfort her. He turned to Takamoto. "I brought you the jewel as agreed, so release them. Now!"
Takamoto took the 'Circle of rain' from Snake and turned it in his hands with shining eyes.
"Snake, go down and take care of the business."
That by 'business' he didn't mean the casino went without saying and Snake left the rooftop, even though he didn't seem to be happy about it. Then Takamoto pocketed the necklace and raised his gun at Kuroba's chest.
"You're such a child," he laughed. "Did you really think I would let you lot go free? Why would I do that? It's best to deal with threats as soon as possible, and if you and your detective friend are no threats then I don't know what is. Rat," he said calmly and Shinichi felt the gun brushing against his hair. His usually quick mind refused to work and his mouth went dry. Just the slight bending of a finger separated him from death now. Had he been alone, he would have tried to roll to the side or fall backwards to unbalance Rat. Whatever good that would have done, that he didn't know; at least it would have been a chance. But he wasn't alone and he didn't dare to make such a risky move.
"What are you going to do with Pandora?"
Shinichi looked back to Kuroba who looked so different in his all black attire. His usually broad grin was nowhere to be seen, his lips just a thin line. He was clearly trying to stall for time and seeing Takamoto's amused smile, he knew it as well. Apparently, he decided to answer nonetheless.
"I'm going to prove them all wrong who doubted me. Who belittled me and refused to work with me." He seemed to be very pleased by that thought and his gaze flickered to the sky.
"As soon as the clouds reveal the moon, I will finally see the red light of Pandora. Her tear will grant me immortality and I will live on while they will grow old and die one by one. I think I will go and dance on their graves." His grin was almost feral and Shinichi shivered. This man really believed in the legend and he had proved more than once that he was willing to kill for it. He had no doubt that he would make his threat real and shoot all three of them.
Kuroba watched him appalled. "You have killed my dad for such a petty reason?" he screamed. "For this shit? For a stone that might in the end be nothing more than a glowing rock? Just so you can stroke your ego a bit?"
Takamoto sobered and gave Kuroba, who was shaking with rage, an ice-cold look. "Keep your tongue in check, boy. Your old man tried to screw me over and was a nuisance to begin with."
He changed the muzzle of his gun from Kuroba to Aoko.
"Let's make this a bit more interesting, shall we? You really have been a little pest for some time now, thief. Seeing you suffer will bring me at least a tiny bit of satisfaction. So, I think the lady has to go first."
The girl gasped soundlessly and was staring at Kuroba with wide eyes, who looked back in horror.
"Did you know that I have personally been there when your father died?" Takamoto asked. His expression morphed into something cruel. If possible, Kuroba blanched even more and gritted his teeth.
"Great show. I really enjoyed myself that evening. Especially when I've heard your desperate screams back then, little Kaito-kun, and I am sure I will hear them again soon. It's kind of fitting don't you think? You and your father – both dying because of immortality." He straightened to pull the trigger and everything happened at once.
Kuroba sprang forward and somehow managed to get Aoko and himself out of the bullets way in a tumbling roll. The same time the rooftop door flew open with a bang. Heiji and Hakuba stormed out and tackled the two other men, who had been standing guard at the door.
Shinichi didn't think too long about how the two had managed to get here, but used the moment of distraction to push backwards hard, ignoring the pain that shot through his upperbody. He collided with Rat's legs and the man stumbled back with a surprised grunt and the shot meant for Shinichi's head went astray, catching Takamoto's ear instead who let out a surprised and pained yelp, and gripped at the wound.
"Kuroba!" Shinichi shouted, motioning at Rat's belt were a knife shaft was visible. The thief was there in a second and ripped the knife out of its retainer, while Rat was still trying to get back to his feet. Before he could manage, Kuroba sent him back down with a blow of the knife's hilt, unconscious this time. In no time, he had freed Shinichi's hands and sprinted back to Aoko to do the same for her.
Behind him, Shinichi heard the tumult of the four fighting men and turned just to see that Heiji and Hakuba had it mostly under control. The moment of surprise had given them the upper hand and they had made good use of it. Heiji held two parts of a broken billiard cue in his hands and used them to land a good hit on his opponents head and stomach.
A curse from Kuroba let his head snap back to the pair. Aoko was free, but Takamoto had regained his wits and aimed at Kuroba's head who was shielding Aoko to his best ability. It looked like an execution with the way Kuroba was kneeling and staring up at his father's murderer with a grim expression.
Shinichi looked around for anything that could be used as a weapon or distraction. A shout from Heiji got his attention just in time to catch the weapon the other teen had thrown to him. It must have belonged to one of Takamoto's men.
He had an awful sensation of déjà vu as he tried to get into a solid stance while his body was aching and his vision was hazy. It felt like shooting at Gin all over again. Just like back then, he didn't really have an alternative if he wanted to save his friend. He raised the gun with slightly wavering arms because his motion control was affected by the concussion, and aimed at Takamoto.
Two shots rang out almost simultaneously and three men fell to the ground.
Shinichi had been knocked over from the recoil and scrambled back to his feet as fast as his shaking limbs allowed. He gasped when he saw Aoko bent over Kuroba, crying and screaming at the unresponsive teen. Shinichi ran over to them and heard the rushing footsteps of Hakuba and Heiji as well. He fell to his knees beside Kuroba's unmoving form and watched in horror how blood poured out of the wound on the left side of the thief's chest. He cursed, shrugged off his jacket and pressed it on the wound to staunch the bleeding.
He was just vaguely aware of the groaning that came from Takamoto, who bled from a hole also in his chest but on the right side, near the shoulder. Shinichi frowned. He had aimed for the upper arm, but it couldn't be helped. He didn't think that the wound was fatal. Heiji and Hakuba could take care of him.
He was more concerned about Kuroba's breathing that grew shallower by the second. He heard Aoko's sobs next to him. She was in a state of shock and would not be of any help right now.
"Hattori," he called out to his friend a bit breathless. The whole day was catching up to him and the adrenaline soaring through him made him feel lightheaded. "Call for an ambulance! We need the…"
"They are already on tha way," came the reply from Heiji. "Actually, they should be here any minute now. We called Nakamori-keibu when we got here. I'm sure they come with an ambulance in tow. If…"
"Too slow," Hakuba cut in. "With this kind of injury, Kuroba won't make it if we wait for them. It takes fifteen minutes from here to the next hospital, longer if they encounter any traffic on the way back. We need something faster."
Shinichi's head swiveled to the helicopter still standing on the rooftop. The pilot had barricaded himself inside, clearly not a trained assassin and watched the scene with wide eyes.
"We're not waiting," he said. "Hattori, get the pilot to get the helicopter ready. We're hijacking it. But call for a rescue helicopter anyway."
Without waiting for a response, he continued to press his jacket on the bullet wound. The fabric was already soaked with red liquid.
Hakuba tried to hold down Takamoto, who was desperate, but weakened from blood loss and pain.
"Let go of me!" he yelled and struggled to get out of Hakuba's hold. "I said. Let. Go!"
A surprisingly strong punch connected with Hakuba's chin and he stumbled back, stars dancing before his eyes, what gave Takamoto the chance to struggle to his feet.
The clouds chose this moment to clear the sky and silvery moonlight fell on the rooftop. The comet was so close to the moon, it seemed as if it would collide with it.
Takamoto let out a triumphant cry and pulled out the necklace to lift it up, before the still dazed Hakuba could hinder him. The moonlight filtered through the gem and fell on Takamoto's face. For a moment nothing happened as everyone present held their breath.
Then a bright red light was emitted from the stone and bathed the man in its eerie shine. A manic laughter bubbled out of Takamoto's mouth.
"Finally! It's mine! Pandora is mine!"
Shinichi couldn't help but stare. This couldn't be real now, could it? Pandora existed? It was supposed to be just a stupid legend.
Before he could think more about it, he heard steps from what seemed to be a large number of men hurrying up the stairs and a moment later a group of officers emerged through the door and flooded the rooftop, taking care of Rat and the two others at the door. Nakamori and Megure were leading them and even though the portly Inspector was out of breath, he still managed to look threatening as he, like all the others, raised their guns at the man still standing in the red light.
"Stop right there! You're under arrest!" Nakamori shouted, a bewildered look on his face as if he wasn't sure if the man was a hallucination and if he even could arrest him.
Something drew Shinichi's attention back to Kuroba. A short check and he knew what was amiss.
Kuroba was not breathing.
"Shit! Kuroba, don't do this!" he swore and immediately began CPR, knowing that it was risky with the bullet still in the wound and maybe near the heart, but what choice did he have?
Now, Nakamori noticed too what had happened and paled.
"Kaito," he breathed. "Kaito!" The shout pierced the air and Nakamori ran over to Kuroba and to his daughter, who still was sitting next to her fallen childhood friend with tears streaming down her cheeks, no longer caring about Takamoto.
But the boss of the syndicate had other plans and he lowered the gem and the red light vanished as he stepped in Nakamori's way. "You're not going to help him, it's too late," he stated grinning. "This is revenge for all his interference and there is nothing you can do about it."
Nakamori stared at him. But he wouldn't be Nakamori if he would take something like this wordlessly.
"I can't do anything?" he bellowed. "Step aside or I will show you what I'm fucking capable of doing!"
Takamoto just chuckled. "Do as you please. Shove me, punch me, hey – you can even shoot me. It won't matter. I am immortal now. Pandora has granted me her tear and I will be the last one standing. Literally." The smug expression on his face was sickening and Nakamori really wanted to wipe it off with a good right hook, but he had other priorities right now. Like Kaito, bleeding out in front of him. He decided to leave the clearly delusional lunatic to his men.
"Get him into custody. And where are the freaking paramedics? Get them up here. Now! And call for a rescue helicopter!"
"Already on the way," Heiji shouted from the side. Nakamori nodded and with this he bodily shoved past Takamoto, pushing him in his men's direction.
Takamoto laughed again at the nearing officers with their guns pointed at him. "You will never get me! I will show them all that I was right, and they will be more than sorry they've wronged me!"
The officers were weary and confused, but they neared him anyway. He was just one man, but by what they had gathered so far, he was the head of a syndicate responsible for many deaths, drug deals and black-market activities. Also, he seemed to have lost his mind, blabbering something about immortality, and one never knew what such a person was capable of. So, they surrounded him to leave him no opening to run.
Meanwhile, Shinichi didn't stop with his efforts to get Kuroba's heart beating again. He was panting hard by now and spots swam across his vision. His ribcage was burning.
"Come on Kuroba, pull yourself together!" He didn't even hear Nakamori squatting down beside him after he had checked on his daughter.
"Kudou-kun, let me take over," the Inspector instructed. The teen seemed exhausted and CPR took a lot out of one. Not to speak of the battered state he was in anyway with the blood on his head and neck as well as all over his hands and arms. Kaito's blood.
Nakamori swallowed hard and gently shoved Shinichi aside, resuming his task. "It's okay Kudou-kun, rest. I'll take care of him."
Shinichi sat back and tried to catch his breath and to get rid of the vertigo. His hands were shaking and he didn't want to look with all the blood clinging to them.
Hakuba was sitting beside Aoko and spoke with her calmingly. Shinichi was thankful for that, because he wasn't sure if he could provide any solace right now.
The arrival of the police had convinced the pilot to comply and he had opened the sliding door of the helicopter, letting in two of the officers, so Heiji was able to hurry back to his friend. He frowned in concern as he took in the battered sight of the eastern detective. At least he didn't seem to be that badly off and he was conscious, even though Heiji had no idea how after all what had happened today.
Kuroba however was a completely different story. Counting the minutes since the thief had been shot, Heiji's expression darkened. The task force seemed to have a handle on the situation and so he opted to stay where he was in case he was needed.
After what seemed like ages, the paramedics finally ran to them and took over Kuroba's treatment.
One was talking to Aoko and another looked Shinichi over.
"Hey there," he said, kneeling down and opening his first-aid box. "My name is Amaya. How are you doing?"
Shinichi watched how the paramedic took out a small flashlight and winced as he gently examined his headwound.
"Don't really know," he sighed honestly. He had learned that it didn't pay off to lie about any possible injuries or downplay them. "They got me pretty hard there and I've been unconscious for quite some time, don't know how long though. Some kicking to the stomach and ribs. Aching all over, nausea, vertigo, it's difficult to focus and I'm just plain tired."
Amaya hummed in understanding. "Alright, lie down please. I want to have a look at your abdomen."
Shinichi did as asked and grimaced. It hurt as hell when the paramedic carefully prodded here and there to evaluate the damage done to his ribs and organs. Then the man sat back on his heels.
"Well, you don't seem have any internal bleedings, but I sure want you in the hospital for a few days anyway, because of…"
"No!"
Shinichi started at Inspector Nakamori's outcry and shot up in a seating position. Heiji and Amaya steadied him as he hissed in pain and swayed, while he watched in horror how the paramedic next to Kuroba shook his head in sympathy.
Nakamori's breath came out in small huffs. "No, it can't be. I promised Toichi to watch over his son, he can't be…" With desperation, he turned back to Kuroba and began to perform CPR again.
"Kaito! Don't you dare to leave my Aoko! She needs you!" Push. Tears began to form in his eyes. "You're like a son to me." Push.
Something rustled beside Shinichi and before he or anyone else knew what was going on, Aoko already had sprung to her feet and was running straight at Takamoto.
The officers keeping him in check didn't see her coming and she broke through them.
"The jewel!" she yelled as she tackled Takamoto full force, making them both topple to the ground. "Give me the jewel! Kaito needs it! If it can make you immortal it will help him too!"
"Aoko, get away from him," Hakuba shouted, while she struggled to get her hands on the necklace, Takamoto was still holding firmly in his hand.
"No," she sobbed. "I will help Kaito, no matter what!"
The task force took the opportunity to close in on their target, as he was occupied with the girl clawing at his arm.
When Takamoto saw them, he gave Aoko a harsh shove, sending her tumbling in the task force's direction and ran to the edge of the rooftop.
"Kaitou KID is dead, face it little girl," he said with a manic grin. "I prevailed in the end and killed not only one, but two internationally wanted thieves. You should be thankful. And now," he announced with a bow and voice as if he wanted to mock KID even after his death. "I will take my leave. Don't worry, we will have all eternity, but I don't feel like spending it in jail," he claimed and took a step back, falling over the edge.
"What the…?" Megure stuttered and then turned to the stunned officers. "Go! That idiot might have a way to escape. Get him!"
They saluted. "Yes, Keibu!" and stormed off.
Hakuba retook his place at Aoko's side and Megure sighed and went over to his colleague, who was still trying to reanimate the poor teen, yelling at the paramedics who wanted to convince him to stop.
Megure hesitated for a moment and then placed a hand on Nakamori's shoulder. "Let him go, Ginzo. Don't do this to yourself. And to your daughter."
Nakamori stiffened. Tremors ran down his arms and he let himself fall back.
"Aoko," he whispered and his daughter ran over to him, hugging him tightly while she cried her heart out. After a few moments, she lifted her head and looked at Kaito. The boy she loved and who had feelings for her too. She felt anger rise in her. Anger about the missed chances and all the shared moments they could have had. About their lost future. It was so unfair!
She let go of her father and folded over Kaito, crying, screaming and not caring about the blood she got all over herself. One hand balled to a fist, she unconsciously banged it against his chest over and over again and repeated his name pleadingly.
In the distance, they could hear the nearing rescue helicopter. They had been fast to arrive, but still too late. No one knew what to do or say. Just watching Aoko was painful for all of them.
Abruptly, Aoko stopped. Stilled. Listened.
A breath. A whisper. A sliver of dulled indigo where previously had just been closed eyes.
"Ahoko…"
Time stopped.
Just to spring back in action vigorously.
Aoko scrambled back to make way for the paramedics who rushed forward, but didn't let go of Kaito's hand, clutching it like a lifeline – for Kaito and for herself. Everything around her was rushing past her like she wasn't really involved. She had just eyes for Kaito, who had miraculously come back to her. She didn't dare to let go or to avert her gaze for even just a second, afraid he could be gone again if she did so.
The paramedics placed him on a foldable stretcher and hurried to the rescue helicopter that just had landed. Aoko ran beside the stretcher with determination in her eyes. She would not leave Kaito's side. Period. The paramedics must have realized that much already as no one even tried to hinder her as she climbed in after the stretcher had been secured inside the helicopter.
They took off immediately, leaving the rest behind and headed for the nearest hospital.
ooOO-OOoo
Omake
Their steps were echoing up and down the staircase, Hakuba hot on Heiji's heels. They were running against the clock and they knew they could already be too late.
Heiji had zipped through the traffic on a borrowed bike (stolen if you asked Hakuba. Heiji had just jumped on the bike, which's owner was about to do the same, throw his ID-card to him and told him to wait at the station) and Hakuba had held on with a vicelike grip, giving him directions. More than once, he had cursed Heiji's driving style when the Osakan teen cut another corner at neck break speed. But he had brought them here in record time. Just before entering the casino, Hakuba had called Nakamori to tell them where they were. By the time the police would get here, it wouldn't matter if the kidnappers noticed them. Hopefully, by then the hostages would be save anyway.
Till now it had been surprisingly easy to get in and to the staircase leading to the roof. Might be because the casino was open for customers and it stood to reason that most of the staff working there didn't even know that there was something illegal going on behind the scenes.
They just had to hide once or twice not to run into waitresses and card dealers. Two running teens would be suspicious and they couldn't afford to be held up. At one of these occasions they happened on a storage room where Heiji took a billiard cue as makeshift weapon.
"Do you have a plan, Hattori? … What are we going to do … once we reach the rooftop?", Hakuba asked panting.
Heiji frowned to himself. He really hadn't thought about that. All he knew was he had to be there as fast as possible. "No clue. … Burst in and go with tha flow?"
Hakuba snorted. "You're impossible, … you know that?"
"And still you are following me," Heiji grinned.
"Yes, yes, whatever," grumbled Hakuba in response. He didn't like it, but he had to admit that he hadn't a plan either. He looked up. There were just two flights of stairs left. His eyes widened when he saw that the door to the rooftop opened.
"Hattori," he hissed, but the other had it seen as well and pressed himself into a darker corner. Hakuba followed suit.
They heard the man talking to himself in a grumpy tone. "Go and take care of the business. Pah! Without me he wouldn't even know that the brat is KID. How dare he send me away like a lowly lackey?"
Hakuba nudged Heiji's arm and nodded to the other side of the stair, motioning what he intended to do. Heiji understood and nodded back.
ooOO-OOoo
When Snake rounded the next banister, he came face to face with a wide eyed blond teenager, who looked at him aghast and turned to run.
It took only a second for him to collect himself and he ran after him. "Hey, brat! Stop!"
Snake was sure that he had seen the boy on a heist before and that he had some connections to the police. No way would he let him get away.
He gave chase and was more than surprised when the next moment pain exploded on the back of his head and the world turned black.
ooOO-OOoo
With a sigh, Heiji eyed the broken cue in his hands. These things just didn't do as well as a bokken. Whatever. He looked at Hakuba and they both started to run again. Ten seconds later they burst through the door to the rooftop.
A/N: We got over the kidnapping and are off to the last chapter. And an omake for the first time. The scene just didn't go well with the flow of the story, but I wanted to put it in somehow anyway. So, here you go :-)
For Aoko's characterization: I can practically hear you complaining about her being OOC, but that is how I see her. She doesn't strike me as someone who would keep a level head when confronted with such a situation, daughter of an inspector or not. I think Ginzo would try to hold all the bad stuff as far from her as possible and she seems to be a well-protected girl. I mean, she even talks very childlike with how she refers to herself as Aoko when she speaks instead of using 'I'. Aside from that she is very kind and caring and would do what she can to help and I just imagine that her temper would spike when she is desperate.
What else? Oh yeah – all medical stuff is totally made up and I don't have a clue if it is even possible the way I wrote it, but please just roll with it for the sake of the story.
