The Detective Prince

137

Door Opened

The area was darkened, nothing but the sound of the wind brushing past the window on the other side being the only reminder of his whereabouts. There were many things circulating throughout the mind, almost startled by the sound of something coming from the other side of the room. His head was slightly turned, wondering just what it was.

The seconds to come revealed just that, listening as it became louder in result giving him a clear indication of what it was.

"Someone's coming."

He pushed up with moderate difficulty, shaking off the sleepiness that had washed over him since finding his way to the room just over an hour ago. The steps that could be heard trotting throughout the walls came to a stop soon after, not surprised when a knock came at the door with no warning given.

"Hold on, I'll be right there."

With a push he stepped up from the bed, maneuvering his way through the dark room to find his hand grasping hold of the door knob a short time later. The door was immediately pulled to the side to find him standing there with a pleasant smile.

"Good evening Shinichi," Alfred started. "The master wishes to see you."

"No doubt for the second sample of blood to be collected." Shinichi guessed having a step out to join him. "Is he down in the study?"

"Yes," Alfred enunciated. "I'll escort you there."

He found no wrong in this, simply following him as the two began their walk down the hall.

"I couldn't help but notice the light being off when you greeted me at the door," Alfred pointed out. "Did I by any chance wake you?"

"Not at all, I was only thinking."

"About what," Alfred posed. "If you don't mind me asking of course."

"… Everything."

There was no other way of wording, fully understanding the response in full.

"That seems to be the case for us all." Alfred said as the door at the end of the hall was reached.

Silence came back to the fold moving forward, carefully walking down the stairs just like any other time. Once at the bottom they headed straight for the study, finding the door unlocked upon reaching it. The two walked in while looking toward the left side of the room to see him standing there with his arms crossed, staring up at the moon which could be seen gazing down at them through the window.

"Master Bruce I've returned with Shinichi as requested."

"Thank you," Bruce replied. "Would you mind leaving us, I'd like to speak with him alone."

"Very well."

He did as asked of him, closing the door on the way out giving the two privacy. A wait ensued, one which lasted for several moments to come. He chose not to speak, waiting for him to deliver the first word. The first move came without warning, watching as his once crossed arms fell down to his sides.

"I assume you know why you were summoned?"

"Of course," Shinichi replied. "To extract another sample of blood from my system to give us an update on my current state."

"Is that all?"

"What do you mean," Shinichi inquired with a change in expression. "Isn't that why you called for my appearance?"

"Yes but that is not all, there is something else," Bruce continued. "Something that may require your service."

This caught him by surprise, feeling his hands falling from where they clung at the sides of his pockets.

"You need my help?"

"Yes, but before we can proceed there's something you need to see," Bruce replied finally looking away from the window side to face him. "Come with me, it's time."

"Where are we going," Shinichi asked as he approached. "And what do you mean it's time?"

"We're going to where we will commence," Bruce replied closing the gap further. "I've waited long enough in withholding all secrets; it is time you learned… that you know everything."

To Be Continued