Chapter 11 And for my next trick… I shall disappear
Thanks to Hattori Sei for reminding me that I needed to do this too. Until I had their review, I had actually started to write the next chapter- hence why last chapter I warned you of a plot twist. So that's going to be next chapter.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, faved or alerted this story. Last time I looked this story had 1,502 views, which I don't think is bad for a cross over- although I have nothing to compare it to, lol.
"Bakaito!"
Swish goes the mop.
"Wow, Ahoko. That's a nice greeting"
Jump. Duck. Flip over the table.
"You have been gone for a whole week. More than week, it's been 12 days. I couldn't find you anywhere. Even your mum didn't know where you were." Anger is visible in her body language, the mop a clear sign. But it's the worry in her eyes that Kaito focuses on. He hates to see her like that.
"Haha, what? You've been stalking me." Gasps Kaito, trying to make her laugh again.
Aoko blushes and looks down. But then firm fingers tighten around the mop, and the attack begins anew.
"Gahh!" she roars, bringing the mop down. Kaito quickly evades, jumping around and behind her. "Get back here. This is what I get for being worried" she admits to herself
"You? Worried? Quick the sky must be falling down" laughs Kaito
"Of course I was worried. So, where have you been?" Aoko stands up straight, head raised and folds her arms. She looks haughty, and a little Mum like.
"I thought Mum would have told you. I was out with a friend of mine." Kaito waves her attitude off, walking across the room and taking a seat on the sofa.
"Yeah, she did say that. But you weren't with me, so I checked with Hakuba, and you weren't with him either. We even checked with Akako and some other classmates, but you weren't with any of them. So. Where. Were. You?"
"Indeed, that is something I would like to know as well. Maybe you were using that week to gather supplies, or plan ahead for next time?" comes the questioning voice from the doorway. Kaito turns towards this voice, a look of distain on his face.
"How many times do I have to tell you, I am not Kaitou KID. What are you doing here anyway Hakuba? I certainly didn't invite you." Sharply questions Kaito, not liking this intrusion.
"When Aoko found out you had returned, she gave me a call, and so here I am." He walks over and takes a seat opposite from Kaito. He crosses one leg over the other, and brings his joined hands to tap on his chin- a Sherlock-like thinking pose. "So, answer her question. Where have you been this past week? In fact, she told me that you have been acting funny ever since the last Kaitou KID heist. You disappeared during it as usual, and then proceed to be missing for the next day too. I heard that there were gun shots during this heist, and KID was shot from the sky. So maybe you were resting from your gun wounds?"
"Don't be stupid Hakuba. You can see that I don't have any gun wounds. What are you going to do, strip me and make sure?"
"KAITO!" shouts Aoko, blushing a deep red.
"Haha, don't worry Aoko, he won't do it. I went to find a better place to watch from is all. I even told you that. But I wished that you hadn't stepped on that rose. It was from KID!, I would have taken it. Or imagine how much you could have sold it off for."
"Humph. I don't see why you are such a fan of his, Bakaito. Why would I want to keep a memento from a thief? The only memento I would need is a photo of Dad finally arresting him." Aoko looks disapprovingly at Kaito, before going and sitting next to Hakuba, mop still within reach, just in case.
"Anyway, Hakuba's making it sound as if I've been missing since the KID heist. I was with you for the rest of the week wasn't I?" protests Kaito.
"Yeah, you were, but then you left on Friday. You've been gone since Friday Kaito. Going for the weekend I can understand, but not for the weekend and the whole of the next week." Argues Aoko.
"Who are you my mum?" questions Kaito in a little bit of a mood. "like I've said, I was with a friend all week. I haven't seen him in quite a long time. So we went out and caught up. I knew him before I moved here and met you Aoko. Our parents are friends. I finally met him at the KID heist actually. But enough about that. There is something that I want to talk to you about." Explains Kaito, before leaning forward in his seat.
I'm glad Hakuba's here. This way I'll only have to explain once. I don't want him to investigate where I'm going. He's like a bloodhound going after a fox. He wouldn't stop until he gotten to the bottom, and he wouldn't like where he ended up. It's best I stop him now, before he gets suspicious over my disappearance.
"Fine Kaito. What do you want to talk about?" inquires Aoko.
A large grin moves onto Kaito's face. He stands up, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Out of nowhere a pack of cards appear, and Kaito absently starts to shuffle them. "I've got some really good news." The shuffling gets faster and faster, the cards becoming a blur in his hands. Since Kaito seems to be a bundle of energy, the other two assume that it must be really good news.
"Kaito, tell us before you explode" says Aoko, wondering what's gotten him this excited.
"Oh, you won't believe it Aoko. I certainly couldn't. It's going to change my life. It's going to be such an awesome experience." Kaito babbles, jumping up and down, whilst still keeping the cards moving. The shuffling becomes more elaborate, the blur of the cards creating patterns.
"Kuroba, get to the point already" demands Hakuba, shifting nervously in his seat.
"I've gotten a job" the cards fly out of his hands and explode, sending confetti all over them and the table in between them. "It's going to make use of my skills, and I'll get to travel the world too, just like my father did. But… that means that I'm going to have to move away from here Aoko."
"K-Kaito, you're moving." Whispers Aoko.
"A job is nothing to get worked up over Kuroba, although it is an amazement that you got one." Chides Hakuba. Kaito ignores the comment and turns to the shocked Aoko.
"But weren't you and I going to go to University? You've been with me for ages now. It's going to seem weird without you there" She admits.
"Well, I'll just take a gap year or something. I can always go back to do University Aoko. It's not something that I have to do straight away. Lots of people take time off before going. But you are right, it's going to be weird without you there. But this is a once in a life time opportunity. It's not going to appear again. It's something that I feel I need to do."
"But… moving… just for a job. Will I get to see you again?" She asks, looking up at him.
"Well honestly Aoko, I could sugar coat this, but you mean too much to me to do that. The truth is you won't see me again for a while. I'll try my hardest to visit you when I can, but traveling around the world means I won't be able too. I'll send you postcards whenever I enter a new country though. How does that sound?" compromises Kaito, looking at the dejected girl infront of him. A small glitter of hope lights in her eyes at the proposal.
"Well, I suppose I could settle for that. You do seem rather determined to do this." She replies.
"Maybe he'll grow up after traveling around a little bit. A job could be good for him" comments Hakuba to Aoko.
"Well, this job is pretty full on" thinks Kaito out loud. "It's going to take a lot of time and effort. I've got to dedicate my whole self to it or not at all."
Aoko grabs the mop and wields it threateningly at Kaito, standing in the perfect attack position.
"Who are you, and what have you done with Kaito?" she demands, looking deadly serious.
Kaito looks shocked, and eyes the mop carefully.
"Hm, Aoko. What are you talking about?" he asks slowly, not wanting to scare her into action.
"I have never heard Kaito talk about dedication like that before, unless he is talking about magic. You can't be Kaito- you must be an alien." Again there is no sign that she's joking. Hakuba is looking at Kaito suspiciously too.
Kaito hears a small snigger from behind him. He is sat next to the door to the kitchen.
A mop descends into his vision, and Kaito leaps to the side to dodge it. Aoko takes another swing at the Alien, whilst Kaito jumps backwards through the doorway into the kitchen. He gives a stern glare to the person, who is holding their stomach in silent laughter. Seeing another attack, he jumps forwards and away from the door, leading Aoko to the other side of the room- not wanting her to find that person.
"Kaito is the one who usually tries his hardest to get out of doing the work and responsibility. But here you are telling me you are going to dedicate yourself to your work. How am I supposed to believe that?" She shouts, still swinging the mop around the room.
With all the fights they have had, both have gotten better at noticing their surroundings, and nothing in the room is disturbed. Unlike earlier fights, no vases fall, no pictures get knocked off and no bystanders get harmed. Kaito can see her working though all she's heard in her head, the gears slowly turning.
Light bulb moment.
Kaito can physically see the click in her head, also punctuated by a relaxed grip on the mop. She stops chasing him and looks at him in the eye.
"Unless your new job is to do with magic. Only magic gets you excited like this. You said it would use your skills." She stands there thoughtful for a moment. Slowly Kaito backs away from her and the dangerous mop. Eventually he is the other side of the room again, a safe distance away in case she doesn't like any of the ideas she comes up with.
"You've joined the circus, haven't you Kaito? That's why I won't see you again."
There is a shocked silence in the room as its occupants take in what she has just said. Behind him there is an even bigger snigger than before, close to all out laughter. Kaito moves his hand behind him, through the door, and gives the person the finger before laughing out loud himself to cover the noise the other is making.
"HAHA! Aoko, I'm not joining the Circus! I'll be performing on a different stage that's all. A famous talent scout came to one of my magic shows, and he says he wants to hire me on. He really loves the magic I do. He says it's captivating" From the kitchen comes a snicker, and Hakuba looks over suspiciously. Quickly and loudly, inside fuming at the voice, Kaito covers the noise "I've been told that I'm meant for bigger things than stage shows" That shuts the voice up.
What a way to change the truth. KID and Kaito are good with their words. Those like me in the know would understand, but these civilians wouldn't. The talent scout must be Boss, at the last Kaitou 1412 heist. Performing on a different stage represents his move to the underworld. And captivating, well, he certainly did catch the Boss and his friends in the fake heist the other night. I'm surprised he had that much rope, wire and even chains on his person. And he is meant for bigger things than stage shows. He's going to help me and Boss change Vongola- Pandora says so anyway.
Hakuba and Aoko both finish laughing at the image of Kaito in the circus.
"Okay, not the circus then" laughs Aoko, still catching her breath. "But without me around, who's going to keep you in line? The mop won't follow you to keep you in line you know."
"I'll be glad to get away from your mop, Ahoko. But don't worry, a friend of mine will be there with me." He replies, eyeing the mop again.
"Yes, Kuroba can be rather flamboyant and annoying at times. It depends on how patient and accepting this scout is, as too how long he stays. I can imagine that he'd be kicked out before long. But maybe his secret shadow may keep him in line. He's kept a close eye on Kuroba so far." Muses Hakuba, looking towards the doorway to the Kitchen.
"I'm sorry Kai, but you [chuckle] in the circus… I couldn't help it. I can imagine that so easily. And you'd be perfect. Don't give me that look, you'd love it, you Alien." Gasping with laughter, Shinichi walks around the door and walks into the room. He's rather red from the lack of oxygen.
"See, Shin-chan~. This is how low they think of me. I can behave… on occasion… especially when you are around." Kaito pouts in Shinichi's direction, shocking Aoko and Hakuba. Kaito grabs Shinichi's arm and acts distressed "Shin-chan, tell Hakuba that I won't get kicked out. Boss and the others love me."
"I'm sure that after your captivating performance they do." assures Shinichi, still laughing slightly. "But you know Boss won't kick you out. The others are nearly as eccentric as you are."
"Um, Kaito who's this? He's rather familiar with you." Asks Aoko, not having a clue to who this man is.
Hakuba clears his throat. "Allow me, Aoko. Standing before you is the Detective of the East, the famous High School detective Kudo Shinichi." Hakuba doesn't sound in awe of the man standing before him, but there is a note of begrudging respect.
Shinichi walks over and offers his hand to Aoko. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Nakamori. Kaito has told me a lot about you." She shakes his hand, before Shinichi turns to Hakuba. "I've heard about you too, and not only from Kaito. You are Hakuba Saguru, a detective in both England and Japan. Most recently, you have expressed an interest in capturing the International Phantom Thief 1412. It's nice to finally meet you, after reading about your exploits in the news."
"Speaking of, you have managed to keep yourself out of the news for a very long time now. At one point, it was hard not to find a newspaper without an article about your latest case in it. But suddenly, you disappeared from the media completely." Observes Hakuba, a questioning and 'detective' look in his eye.
Shinichi calmly smiles back, expecting a question about this. Kaito warned me he's sharp and persistent.
"I have been on a very long and hard case. I had to keep my identity a secret or blow my cover. I've still been helping the police, but I asked them to keep my name out of the papers. However now the case is finished and I can return back here." Shinichi answers vaguely, not giving more information than necessary.
"I remember now. Like you said he was all over the media about three years ago. He even helped my Dad with a KID heist once- the one where KID wanted to steal the clock tower." Inserts Aoko, finally recognising the face.
"So how does someone like you know someone like Kuroba?" asks Hakuba, thinking that they are too different to get along well.
"Hm, me and Kai?" says Shinichi. After the moment between KID and Conan a couple of days ago, Kaito had been bugging Shinichi to finally call him Kai again, like he used to when they were younger. In an attempt to get Kaito off his back (literally and mentally), he agreed, but didn't realise how quickly he would fall back into the habit. Aoko and Hakuba were still shocked over the use of such an informal name. "We go back ages, childhood friends and all that. I had finished my case and saw that a KID heist was on. I went to go watch as a change of pace. I hadn't told my best friend that I was back yet, so I didn't help the police that night. Kaito found me and we watched the heist together. I haven't seen him in ages, so it was nice to catch up again."
"Do you know that Kaito will be moving and traveling the world?" asks Aoko, wondering if Kaito will be leaving this friend behind too.
"Of course he does. I told you a friend would be coming with me." Reminds Kaito.
"I think that I'm more your keeper than your friend, Kai. Or maybe your new target. Either way Nakamori, I'll be keeping a very tight eye on him. He won't be leaving my side. He promised." Shinichi gives him a look, warning him to behave himself. But Kaito can also see a note of melancholy in those eyes, a reminder of the real promise he made to Conan.
Aoko laughs at the stern glare Shinichi is giving Kaito, and is reassured that everything will be alright. "Well if it's someone like you, then I'm sure that you'll look after him. He won't be able to hide from you, will he."
Shinichi looks from Aoko to Kaito and gives Kaito a sharp grin- just like Conan would give KID when he thought he had the upper hand. "No, I'm rather good at spotting and diverting his tricks. Also, they never work on me twice. Knowing him from childhood, among other things, does this to you- wouldn't you agree Nakamori?"
"Aoko, please. And yes, I'm sure that knowing Kaito that long makes you good at handling him."
Kaito looks shocked, feeling as if everyone is ganging up on him. Looking mockingly downhearted, he runs to her side, kneels and grabs her hand. Being extremely over dramatic he wails "It's true, it's true. He always knows where I am, and he's always telling me off for my tricks. His punishments are worse than yours too. There is no mop involved, just brute strength. It's abuse I tell you, abuse!"
"Ha, at least I'm not as bad as the tutor" smiles Shinichi. Kaito shudders over thoughts of the Hitman tutor and his chameleon. "And I don't always tell you off, only when you do tricks that aren't appropriate."
Kaito, Shinichi and Aoko continue the conversation, with Aoko and Shinichi sharing ideas over how to control Kaito. Kaito tries to defend himself, but is sadly out numbered.
Hakuba on the other hand, finds this all a bit suspicious. First of all, why was Kudo hiding and not in the room with us? It sounded as if Kuroba didn't want him to be found. Yet he must be wanted here, since Kuroba let him in the house. Morale support maybe, or maybe he really is keeping an eye on Kuroba. And the whole job thing sounds off too. A talent scout finds him and wants to take him around the world. Whilst with Kuroba's talents and skill in magic this is plausible. But it's Kudo's involvement that I find strange. Why would he drop his detective work to babysit Kuroba around the world? Plus, he's only just gotten back from that case. Maybe he wants to travel around the world too? He may want to develop his skills by seeing the detectives of different countries. And he's just going along with his friend for a bit of fun and transport? Those two do seem rather close. Kudo seems different to the teen I use to see on the television. He seems a lot less arrogant and more relaxed when he's with Kuroba. Well, I can't tell with the little information I do know. I don't know him personally enough to tell if what's going on here seems plausible for him as well as Kuroba. I suppose that I'll just accept it for now.
Everyone turns as they hear the front door being opened. Not expecting anyone else to arrive, Kaito tenses, and steps infront of Aoko. Shinichi notices Kaito's behaviour and reaches for his belt. Whilst he may not have the powered shoes, he can still give a football a kick hard enough to make any intruders stop in their tracks. A few footsteps sound in the hallway, and Kaito relaxes, recognising them. In a puff of smoke, both him and Shinichi disappear.
"Kaito, what have I told you about stage smoke in the house?" says a female voice that the others recognise too. Infront of her the smoke clears, to find Kaito lounging over someone else's shoulder from behind.
"Hey, Mum, look who I found" he grins, tightening his hold on Shinichi.
"Ahh, Shinichi. It's so wonderful to see you again." Chikage cries, rushing forwards to hug him too. Kaito lets go, stands back and smiles at his mother. Shinichi takes the hug and pats her back.
"It's nice to see you, Auntie. Kai didn't tell me you were going to be home." Shinichi smiles softly at the woman.
"Auntie?" asks Aoko, peering around the door frame to see the happy reunion
"Well, she's not actually my Auntie, but I used to call her that." Explains Shinichi, slightly embarrassed.
"Alala, those two were as inseparable as brothers when they were younger. They even look like each other enough to pass as brothers. Shinichi was always around our house, so I kind of ended up as a second mother to him, hence the name Auntie. It's nice to know you haven't forgotten me."
She puts down her bags, takes off her coat and hangs it up. "Hm, a lot of shoes here, who else have you got hidden in there Kaito?"
Stepping into view, Hakuba bows. "I'm sorry for the intrusion Mrs Kuroba."
"Now, now there is no need to be so polite. So what are you all here for? Kaito isn't in trouble again is he?" She laughs and walks past the others into the living room and takes a seat. The others follow her and do the same.
"Muuuum! I'm not in trouble again. I was telling them about my new job. I was warning them that I will be moving." Kaito whines.
"Oh, yes. You are growing up to be just like your father." There is a proud gleam in her eyes, but a mischievous smile on her lips. Kaito knows exactly what she is talking about, but sadly she has the wrong idea.
"You are right, Auntie, he is. But I have a feeling he's going to be a little different from his father. This trip we are taking is going to be a vast learning experience for the both of us, I expect." Adds Shinichi, taking a seat next to Kaito.
"Oh. I didn't know you were going with him Shinichi. Well I hope that you two have fun." A bright smile lights her face, really wishing the boys luck. " But look at the time, do either of you two boys need a lift home?"
"Thank you for the offer, but I have a car waiting outside for me. It was very nice to see you Kuroba- san. And you too, Kudo-san. I hope that we can meet again. Good bye, everyone" He grabs his coat on the way out and leaves the house. He needs time to think about what has been said here tonight. Something wasn't adding up right.
"I suppose that I had better leave too. I still need to make dinner for Dad." Says Aoko, looking at the time. "It was nice to meet you Shinichi. Please take good care of Bakaito. Goodbye, Chikage." She too leaves the house, leaving the three of them in the living room.
"So what did you tell them Kaito? A new job was it? Hakuba didn't look too happy when he left. Aoko looked fine though." She gives her son a sharp look. She doesn't want him to lose his friends.
Shinichi raises his eyebrow at Kaito. I know that there is something about his mother that is different. He hinted it at a case a few years back. But how much does she know? That Kaito's KID? That he's joined the mafia? And what about me?
"Hakuba's Hakuba and is still determined to prove I'm KID even after three years. Plus I expect it was a shock for him to see Shinichi here. They didn't know I knew him. And the new job is a cover story. But not for the reason you think. I know that Dad was called International Phantom Thief 1412, but this new job isn't a cover story for me going international with KID heists" Chikage looks a little confused: What other reason could there be?
"The cover story is that a talent scout found me at one of my magic shows, and wants to take me to perform around the world. Shinichi is coming with me, although we never explained why. Aoko thinks he's coming with me to keep me out of trouble. I expect that's why Hakuba was a little dubious. However, in actuality, I'm going to be moving out of the house, and the area. You know about what happened at my last heist" wondering over the sudden change of topic, she nods.
"Well, as you know, I didn't return the jewel. It's because it's Pandora." His mum goes to make a move, excited over this news. Kaito holds up a hand, stopping her next action. "Finding Pandora has led me down a path that seems harsher than Dad's. The man who saved me at the heist when my glider was shot down is part of the mafia, and we've decided that we are going to join too."
"Kaito, what are you saying? You can't join the mafia. You have no reason to. The mafia is full of blood, and violence, and drugs and it's all about power and money. None of that has ever bothered you before. What's this man done to you to make you want to join in? You finally found Pandora. You can get out of this world now Kaito. You don't have to steal again of you don't want too. So why take a step in the opposite direction? And you are even dragging Shinichi with you. How could you do this to him?" She shouts, standing up, hands in fists by her sides.
"Auntie, please. It's not like you think it is. And technically I joined first. He's coming to protect me in this if anything. So if you need to blame someone then blame me. If I had never held Pandora then none of this would have happened."
"Shinichi?" she stutters, not quite believing the law abiding boy she once knew would be the first to join. Plus as far as she knew, he wasn't even at that heist.
"Auntie, let me finish first. Like I said, it's not like you think it is. Our new Boss is… different than the rest." Shinichi tries to calm her down. It's important to explain this properly. Yet thinking of Tsuna as a mafia boss brings a very small smile to his face. "He didn't want to become a mafia Boss, but got forced into the position. He's going to use his power and influence to change the mafia, and the Family he leads, into what they call a Vigilante group. Basically he wants to use the power of the mafia to protect people where the police cannot. There will always be people who are greedy, and want more power and money. There will always be people with a thirst for blood. Our Boss wants to protect innocent people from this kind of person."
"But there is more to it than that, Mum." Kaito takes over, nodding in appreciation for Shinichi's help "Whilst it is a noble cause, you know Shinichi and I wouldn't join the mafia just for that reason. The reason I joined, apart from Shinichi, was because they will help me destroy the Organisation that killed Dad. His killers will come to justice, and no one will be harmed by them again. Shinichi joined for a similar reason, but the organisation he's chasing is a lot bigger and worse than the rest. It's like the biggest criminal organisation in Japan at the moment. Shinichi has been trying to take them down for nearly three years now. Even the FBI and the CIA are involved in bringing them down. But our Boss… there is a very good chance that he could do it." Kaito looks defiantly into her eyes, trying to make her see this from his point of view.
"Kaito, you can't do this. Neither can Shinichi. You guys might die in the Mafia. Kaito, you'd be crossing the line even more than you already do. Are you sure that you can do that?" she roars, not wanting her Baby to have this kind of lifestyle. Allowing him to be KID was different. She knew from personal experience what the risks were, and she knew how to keep Kaito away from them. "You can't do this with your life Kaito. Let the FBI and the CIA take care of it."
"I took your advice when it came to being KID since I knew that you had experience from being the Phantom Lady. But I don't think that you have experience in this matter. It's my life, and I'm going to choose how to live it." Kaito stands up to, wanting to get his point across. She didn't know the full story, she didn't know the people involved, and she had no right to say what he could do with her limited knowledge.
"You have just as much experience with the Mafia as I do. I do not want you walking into that kind of life style alone. How dare you talk to me like that Kaito!" she shouts at him, tears in her eyes. She raises her hand.
SLAP!
The noise reverberates around the room. But it wasn't Kaito that she hit. Shinichi had stepped in and taken the blow for him.
"Auntie, Kaito will not be entering that kind of life alone. I will be with him every step of the way. There is no way that I'm going to let him become the kind of criminal that you associate with the mafia. You shouldn't be so quick to shout at him, when you are one of the people he is trying to protect with this move. Surely you don't believe that Kaito would turn to money and power and drugs. Do you not know your son well enough to realise that Kaito would never do something like that? Kaito steps over your 'line' every time he does a KID heist, but he always returns to the 'good' side of the line. You don't see him abusing his skills as a Kaitou to steal money or gems for personal gain. Like his father he always returns them. I never heard of Phantom Lady returning what she stole." Chikage takes a few steps back, both at the shock from slapping Shinichi, as well as the mental blow from the words he is saying.
"What ever Kaito does, he always has a reason. Even being KID was to keep Pandora away from people who would abuse it's power." Shinichi's face softens as does his voice "Kaito is a fine young adult. Surely it's time to let him out into the world and let him make his own choices. As a parent that's all you can do. If he makes mistakes, then he'll learn from them. Between the two of us, we will be fine. The underworld's not going to change or break us. I promise that the next time you see your son, he'll be an even better man than when he leaves." He walks over to Chikage and takes her hand. "I promise, Chikage"
Chikage looks like she's about to burst into tears.
Kaito rushes over to Shinichi, picks him up and spins him around, overjoyed at the words Shinichi has just said. "Shin-chan, that was amazing. Do you really think that?"
Shinichi holds on for dear life, whilst he answers "Of course I think that. I wouldn't have said it otherwise. Plus KID helped me out the other day, so I'm just returning the favour. Kaito, put me down!"
Chikage laughs at the affectionate display infront of her. I suppose if Shinichi is there then Kaito will be alright. He'll be too busy making sure Shinichi is alright to get into too much trouble. And I think that Shinichi cares enough about Kaito to stick with him, and not abandon him. The underworld is a harsh place, the mafia even more so, but together, they'll get through it. They won't be the same, but I'm sure the change will be for the better.
"Kaito, are you sure you want Shinichi to do this? I can call up his parents and make him stop if you want him too." She offers.
"Mum, me and Shinichi are going to do this together. He's already shown me so much trust, and shown me things that even his best friend hasn't seen. He's gone through tougher times than I have, and he needs the mafia more than I do. Shinichi is important to me, and I don't want to see him hurt. But stopping him isn't the best way. Not now at least. I promised him that I wouldn't leave his side, and I intend to keep that promise. Don't worry Mum, we'll keep each other safe; we'll watch each other's backs, and well, two heads are better than one. There is no one I'd rather have at my back than Shinichi." Chikage has never seen her son look so serious before. Finally she gives in completely.
"That's what I wanted to hear. So go with my blessing Kaito, and Shinichi too. Just make sure to make your Dad proud."
Wow this chapter was hard to write. The bit between Aoko, Hakuba and Kaito wasn't that bad. But convincing Chikage… Well I've done at least 3 re-writes all taking different approaches. I'd write a bit and then not know where to go next, so I'd re-do it and find the same problem. But I like what I've ended up with.
I've also changed the rating to a T, since a reviewer suggested that I M worthy has happened yet, and maybe I'll get some more readers.
Remember that even those without an account can review O.O
Phantom Hitman 1412.
First published 15 Jan 2012.