Remember, Shinichi." Yuusaku spoke to his son who've just turned 2 years old. It's been heaven at the Kudo Household ever since Yukiko gave birth to a cute angel. But with him and his beloved wife being famous among the world, he feared that some stupid fool would kidnap their precious jewel. Or even worse, take him away from them.

So, in order to never let such an outrageous incident happen in the near future, Yuusaku, with the help of his most loyal friend and at the same time, a grandfather figure to Shinichi, did everything they can do in his power to protect him. Of course, his best friend and partner-in-crime, Kuroba Touichi was also there to support them. The Touichi family also had their own baby child. It was always tremendously cute seeing the two angels together since they were very alike like twins.

Young Shinichi looked up at his father who had a somber expression. "Pa—Pa---?" He said in his cute, high-pitched voice, which melted Yuusaku's heart.

He carefully and delicately carried Shinichi in his arms and placed him on his lap.

"Shinichi, you are always cute. Yukiko and I are very happy to have you." He said with a smile.

"Nya?" Shinichi tilted his head. Yuusaku's smile widens.

But he soon returned to his serious and grim expression. It was only a month ago when they found the terrifying truth. Yukiko broke into tears and Yuusaku felt like the world was going to end. He didn't know what to do upon hearing it. His usual cunning and creative brain didn't work at that moment. He hated the world for that. He cursed to the Fates and whoever chose this destiny.

But those evil feelings disappeared as soon as he saw Shinichi's innocent smile.

"Shinichi," He spoke and placed a light kiss on his son's forehead. "You are smart…and strong. I believe you will be. Remember this, Shinichi. You are to choose your own future. You must never follow what road destiny has chosen for you. You must remain strong and courageous. I believe in you. Yukiko believes in you."

Shinichi was playing with Yuusaku's necktie hanging from his neck. It's a mystery whether he understood Yuusaku's word or not. Or whether he was even paying attention to his father's voice. But Yuusaku just smiled and placed another kissed on his soft, clean forehead again.

"We love you, Shinichi. We always will."

Chapter 3: Celestial Blue

"Detective?"

"Kudo-kun?"

Shinichi blinked his eyes. Kid and Haibara were looking at him.

"Huh?"

"You were zoning out, detective." Kid spoke.

Shinichi looked around him. He was still in his room, sitting on the edge of his bed. The lights were out but it didn't matter to him so he let that thought slip away. Haibara was standing beside with a look of pure worry on her face that he just had to smile bitterly at. He knows that after every time she makes that face, she would scold at him in the end for making her worried. Of course, he would feel guilty about it every single time, but he just couldn't help it. He is a detective after all. He is and would be always back-to-back with the dangers of death and if he were to lose his balance, like how would a balloon pop; he would be ending his life just right there.

In front of him, kneeling down on the ground with just one knee and looking up at him was Kid, who had almost basically the same expression as Haibara. But, it was skillfully hidden beneath his pokerface. Of course, being a detective, Shinichi would never do something stupid to miss that.

"So…" Haibara spoke, breaking his thoughts. "Are you going to start telling us the reason why someone might be after you?"

Shinichi smiled bitterly again, "Do I really have to tell you guys? It is really nothing to worry about. I can handle it myself. Worse, those guys might target you along."

"I don't care, Kudo-kun." Haibara said in a firm, icy tone. "As your personal doctor, I must know what might be stressing you. Besides, if it's the people from the organization, you seriously can't just leave me out of this."

"And as your personal bodyguard," Kid spoke, taking Shinichi's hand and placing a light kiss on it, "I have the right to know what is bothering you so I will be able to know what kind of things I will be going against to protect you."

"Who the hell made you my personal bodyguard?" Shinichi quickly let go of his hand, "Besides, I don't need any protection. I can clearly protect myse---"

"I'm sure you know how to protect yourself, detective." Kid intervened, "But as one of the people who are attracted to you, I cannot just sit around and do nothing while you are being chased and targeted by god who-knows-what."

"…" Shinichi just pouted his mouth, not knowing how to counter that.

"Well?" Haibara looked at him, "Are you going to start? Or shall I go get some of my drugs to force you to confess?"

Shinichi flinched in slight fear at her words. "Okay, okay. I will. Let us just…refrain from using any drugs."

With Kid's snap of fingers, the light in the room went on. Shinichi wince his eyes slightly from the brightness. He gave a small smile to Kid who gave a short bow in return.

"Okay…how should I start this…" Shinichi made a sigh. There was a moment of silence as Shinichi constructed his thoughts in his head. But Kid and Haibara waited patiently. They know fully well that no matter how much Shinichi hesitates to tell them, he eventually will. "…Before I start, I'm going to ask if you've heard anything about Celestial Blue."

"Celestial Blue?" They both responded quickly at the same time.

"It could just be a rumor…anything." Shinichi added.

"Well…" Haibara was the first one to talk. "I've heard pieces about it when I was still in the organization. I also heard there was a branch in the organization that was in charge of it. From what they say, the Celestial Blue is considered one of the several most beautiful things in the world."

"I've heard of that, too." Kid continued, "That it is also one of the most priceless, irreplaceable things in the world. Many thieves, collectors, kings and emperors, aristocrats, everyone in the dark side is practically searching for it."

Shinichi smiled. It wasn't just a regular smile. Mysterious. Alluring. Bewitching. Mesmerizing. Any of those words would fit in that smile. Kid and Haibara just couldn't help but stare at it, unable to take their eyes off it. But they were pulled back into reality with Shinichi's unbelievable words.

"I am that Celestial Blue."

"…"

"…"

"What?" Haibara asked backed in surprise. Did she just hear that correctly? Kid just remained silent, waiting for Shinichi to answer back.

Shinichi sighed, "I said, I am that Celestial Blue."

"What do you mean by you are the Celestial Blue?" Kid was the one to ask this time.

The detective in front of them just shook his head and sighed. "I knew you guys wouldn't believe me. That's why I didn't want to say anything."

"I think anyone would think it's unbelievable at first, Kudo-kun." Haibara sighed. But she still couldn't shake off from her shocked state.

"Shinichi?" Kid spoke as he followed Shinichi's movement.

Shinichi was off from his bed and walking towards the open window. The white curtains were flowing by the soft wind, and at the same time, making the cold air flowing into the room. Shinichi shivered slightly from the chillness of the night. He stopped right in the center, in front of the window, and looked up. The full moon was at its highest point of the sky, lighting the dark sky, like a light bulb in the middle of a dark room. Shinichi smirked at the sight of the moon and then turned around to face the still confused Kid and Haibara.

"I guess it'd be easier if I just show the proof right here." Was all he said before he went silent.

"What do you mean--" Haibara gasped in shock before she can finish her sentence and involuntarily fell on the floor on her knees. Kid was beside her, his eyes as wide as a plate. It seems even he couldn't hide his shock from the sight before him.

Being exposed from the moonlight behind him, Shinichi's eyes were glowing. It was like there was a small, blue fire in his eyes glowing and dancing mysteriously. His eyes were originally blue, but with the glow, it made it even a brighter blue, like a brand new carved aquamarine being lit in the light. A sort of light which most likely may be the one and only one in the whole world. One can search every single place in the world, but he or she would never encounter such a fascinating, beautiful, tremendously magnificent light like his. Kid and Haibara just stared into his eyes as though they were going to be sucked into it. It was just so beautiful; it looked like it was something that didn't come from this world. Who can have the power to create such a fine, clear marvelous masterpiece? No wonder it was given the name Celestial Blue, Kid thought as he continued staring at the eerie, but fabulous glow.

Only the gods can have such power to create such a thing.

"I…" Haibara was the first to recover. Her lips were trembling as she slowly stood up. "I…never thought the Celestial Blue would be a human being."

Shinichi smiled and slowly moved away from the window. The glow gradually faded when he reached back to his bedside again.

"I always…thought it was a Big Jewel or something like a treasure…" she continued. "I never imagined it'd be a human being. This…this is unbelievable."

Ever since she was in the organization, she'd heard stories of this so-called Celestial Blue. But being a pure scientist, she didn't believe in any of the stories she was told. Supposedly, the Celestial Blue was a clue to immortality. It was told by many that it is a hint to find the cursed jewel, Pandora, which is hidden in another jewel and whoever drank its "tears" will gain immortality.

Ridiculous, was what she thought after hearing it.

There is no way a human can obtain eternal life. Moreover, immortality. She wondered why the Elders in the organization would believe such a crazy, ridiculous story. She never believed in fantasy nor fairy tail stories because since a child she knew the reality is always cruel and harsh. But now, as she looked at Shinichi, who was sitting on the edge of the bed again, she can't help but believe it. After seeing his so-called "proof". She knew Shinichi wouldn't try to trick them at a time like this.

"So…" She spoke, trying to hold herself from trembling, "You…were the Celestial Blue."

"I guess I am." Shinichi smiled. He held a hand over his eyes. "Ever since I was a kid, I remember that stupid father of mine telling me to always be careful when going out at night, especially when the moon is out. I never understood why though. I always thought he was just telling me to watch out for kidnappers or something. Until…I guess it was when I was 10 years old, I went to stay over at my friend's house. It was a full moon that night, and I guess I was so excited, I forgot what I was told. My friend looked in my eyes when I was under the moonlight. I didn't know what he saw, but he looked shocked. He then started attacking me…saying things like, "I want your eyes!" "Don't let anyone else take your eyes!" I was shocked and terrified. I tried resisting but…he was so strong. I was lucky my friend's mother came to check onto us. Oyaji (Father) told me to never show my eyes to anyone when I am out at night, especially when the moon is out, ever since that incident. My friend was put into hypnosis to forget about everything. After that…I never saw him again."

"But…but your eyes, when you were Conan…they weren't glowing!?" Haibara said.

"I don't really know but…" Shinichi placed his hand under his chin, his usual thinking pose, "I think it's because of the drug APTX-4869. Maybe some side effect or something. In truth, the whole time I was Conan, I completely forgot about my eyes, until I returned back into my normal self."

Haibara made a thoughtful expression. Kid stepped up beside her.

"Wait…" He said "I still don't get why they are after you."

Shinichi smiled, almost self-mockingly. "Well…The Celestial Blue was always known to be a clue to finding Pandora. But in truth, that's not the whole story. I can't tell you any further because that is something you guys don't need to know."

"But detective…"

"Kudo-kun…"

"It's already late." Shinichi cut it off before both of them can say anything. When he saw their anxious expression, he just made a small smile. "I promise I will tell you guys…when the time comes. But now is not the time. There is still a lot of time…I think."

Haibara raised an eyebrow. "What 'time' is this are you talking about?"

But Shinichi just shrugged off her question and slipped into his blankets. He looked back seeing that the two are not leaving his room yet. "Okay, you two just leave now. I need to sleep. I have school tomorrow. Same with you, Kid. Good Night."

And with that, Shinichi fell into a deep sleep in just three seconds.

"He sure does sleep fast." Haibara made a small sigh as she headed towards the door. "I'm guessing the reason is because that even if his mind is fully awake, the body needs more rest. Oh, Kudo-kun… When will you ever take a break from all these cases?" She looked back to see Kid placing his foot on the window still.

"You're going?"

"…Yes" The thief answered after a second of silence. "I must find out more about this 'Celestial Blue' …and if possible, find a way to help detective."

"…I guess I should do my own research, too. I'm pretty sure Kudo-kun is not telling everything. I think he's hiding the most important information."

"…Which is why I should leave now and start working on looking for that 'hidden' information." Kid said with a smile and jumped off the window. Haibara rushed to the window just in time to see the familiar, white kite flying away into the dark sky. She looked back at Shinichi as she slowly closed the window.

"Kudo-kun…" She stood beside the bed and carefully stared at his beautiful face for a while. "…Do you remember that promise you made to me the night before the final battle against the organization?"

*** ***

" Kudo-kun…"

Edogawa Conan turned his head back to see Haibara Ai standing behind him. He was just going through the vast amount of information since tomorrow will be the day they sneak into and exterminate the organization. It took almost a full year but he has been waiting for this day to finally bring out this dark organization into the light of justice.

"Haibara? You're still awake?"

"Kudo-kun…take me with you."

Conan (Shinichi) sighed. "Haibara….we've talked about this already…"

"No, Kudo-kun." Haibara rushed to his side. "You don't understand, Kudo-kun. Normally…you shouldn't be doing this! I've told you this before but you are merely a victim! I, who was actually working for that organization, should be the one doing this!"

"It doesn't matter to you anymore, Haiba— "

"What do you mean it doesn't matter? I am the one who made that drug…that almost killed you!!!"

A moment of silence went by as Haibara stared fiercely into his blazing, blue eyes.

"…Haibara."

"Why?" She cut him off before he can say anything. "Why you? Why are you the one doing this? Why do you always have to put your head in such dangerous things!?"

"That's because I am a detective." He said firmly with his striking blue eyes emitting a small glow. Haibara just held her breath and stared at the mysterious pair of sapphires in awe. "And as a detective…I can't just turn my back away from a case. Especially something as big and important as this one."

"Kudo-kun…"

"…Haibara" Conan spoke softly. He had a very soft and gentle expression. "Isn't it enough? You've suffered long enough. Aren't you satisfied? The life…the normal but peaceful life you've longed for is right here. In your hands. In reaching distance. Why are you trying to throw it away? It's okay, Haibara. Nobody is here to blame you. Nobody is here to condemn you. You are free now, Haibara. You don't have to hide in the darkness anymore. You don't have to shiver in fear anymore." He laid his small but strong hands on her shoulder. "I will set you free, Haibara."

"But still…" Haibara insisted. She held back the tears that were about to flow with all of her might. Why do his words always touch her? Why must he bear the sins for her? Why is he so…

"Why you? Why do you always stick your head into reckless, dangerous actions? Aren't you scared of dying?"

"Of course, I am."

"Then why!!?" She nearly screamed. An image of her sister, Miyano Akemi, flashed through her mind.

"…Because I want to live, Haibara." Conan said with an unusual soft tone.

"…Eh?"

"Haha, you see…like I said, I am a detective after all. And for me, chasing after cases and mysteries is some kind of a proof of living. Surviving. Without it, I will just wither away and die. If I were to die through the course of solving the mysteries, then I'd be damn happy to do it. Plus, I hate losing. So, I'm not going to die easily without letting those organization bastards know who they're putting up a fight with." Conan smirked. One of those bold and daring smirks. Almost like one of those smiles he'd make when he finds a solution to his favorite mysteries.

Haibara widens her eyes at his expression. She can see the fierce, glowing fire of determination flickering in those glass-like, sapphire eyes. She closed her eyes and silently cried in her heart. 'Ahh…Kudo-kun. Even though you try so hard to hide it…I can see it. The fear…you're really scared, aren't you? You want to cry, don't you? Because even if you managed to destroy the organization…you will never return to living a normal life. That…you will always be chasing after mysteries…leaving your family, your friends, and your regular life behind. You've realized it, haven't you? That no matter what you do, since you are a detective, you will always be at risk of endangering some others' lives. Isn't that why the first thing you did as soon as the news of sneaking into the organization got through, you've said your farewell to Ran-san? So…she won't have to cry waiting for you anymore?'

She stared at the little detective's back as he went back into looking through the lists of data. 'You are really an awkward person, Kudo-kun. You care for others but don't care what happens to you. So for now…I will cry for you. Silently. In my heart. Since you are the type of person who cannot cry…I will cry for you, Kudo-kun.'

"…Can you promise me one thing?" Haibara spoke.

"What is it?" He answered with his back still facing her.

"Please don't die."

"…"

"I will do my best in making the antidote. I will do anything and everything I can do help you. Anything. I will even offer you my life if you need it."

"Haibara…"

"In exchange for all those, I only ask you to promise one thing."

"…"

"Don't die. Don't ever die, Kudo-kun."

"…"

"Kudo-kun."

Conan slowly turned around. His eyes were swaying as though about to cry but Haibara wasn't sure. He slowly made a smile. At first, it was a kind of smile in embarrassment. But slowly turned into a smile Haibara have never seen. A beautiful smile. Like how a rose slowly blooms into its familiar, magnificent shape.

"Kudo-…"

"I promise, Haibara."

Haibara widens her eyes. She didn't really think he'd make it.

"Kudo-kun."

"I promise."

*** ***

Haibara stared down at the beautiful face. She noticed his body was slightly shivering so she pulled up the blankets and quietly closed the window.

"You remember the promise, right, Kudo-kun?" She whispered softly so she won't wake him up.

"I will never forgive you if you break it."

…to be continued.

**********

-Hikaru

I support Shiho x Shin, too. (Shin-chan is still uke. LOL)