Before you murder me (and I wouldn't recommend that, because then you'd never know the end of the story^^): I'm sorry this chapter took so long to finish, but I wasn't sure if it would work, so I had to go ahead and write some more for the next chappie. Then my Beta was busy and couldn't check it (she still is, by the way) for any inconsistencies I had planned later in the story. Add that to a bad case of Writers Block and you get some large gap between installments.

By the way, I'm still not sure about this, but I have decided I would speed up the time table a bit. Simply because I can and that way it gets a better flow.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy and will stay tuned for the next chappie. Currently the writing is flowing at a relatively steady pace, so I think it won't be as long until the next chapter is online.

Chapter 4

Sunday, 29th August 2011

Location unknown

There he was. Innocent and unknowing. They all were, if he really thought about it. They were all so naive, so oblivious to the world around them. So unknowing of the danger that hid all around, crouched in bushes, stood in the shadow of tall buildings. He watched as the boy walked with his friends, excitedly talking about that TV-show that was so popular among kids now. Kamen Yaiba.

He couldn't hide the grin any more. It was a vital piece of information he had gathered while watching the boy. This child was obsessed with the character of Kamen Yaiba and therefore the trap was set perfectly.

Seeing them pass him by, his grin grew broader. They didn't even know that he was standing right there, no one knew who he really was. Delightedly he thought about the warning posters all over Tokyo, reminding parents and children alike that he was out there. The papers nearly were beside themselves, nourishing the growing unease among the broad public with their demands for the police to stop him.

Not that those bumbling fools would be able to stop him, he was much too smart for that. Too smart for them. They searched for him, oh yes, they did, checked playgrounds and parks, everywhere a child had disappeared from. But that had been expected. And after all, they could not possibly know which child he intended to take to the Dreamland next. They could not hide all of them, and the parents could only tell their children to be careful.

But that plea was useless in itself. Children were by nature naive and trusting. The first three had even walked with him, had followed him as he told them of the Dreamland. They had been easy to find. But he couldn't take that gamble any more, he had to make sure they came with him.

And so he followed the boy and his friends, his hand cradling the trap he carried with him to be set at a later moment. Walked past newspaper stands screaming out in bold lettering in his glory, asking who he was. At a later point they might be told, but for now, they were oblivious. But the moment would come when the police could no longer conceal his true achievement and then he would finally be permitted to enjoy the wave of true panic that had begun choking this city.

Monday, 30th August 2011

Teitan Elementary School

Afternoon

Sunday had passed by nearly unheeded, nothing of great importance had happened in the Mouri household. Conan had successfully thwarted any suspicion towards him and had even managed to glean some things about the Inspector's visit. It was just so easy to drill Kogoro when he sat at his breakfast or drunk in front of the TV. Though the latter hadn't happened Saturday, strangely enough. He had drunken one beer in the evening and considering his standards at making alcohol disappear, that was hardly worth mentioning. Therefore Conan had asked in the morning, really early, making sure the older detective's mind was still sleep-fogged.

It was as he had suspected, the killer had left no concrete evidence behind. A few bruises on Hanako's body could be measured and they surmised that it had been a booted male foot that had caused them. Also, judging from the degree of violence involved, they had ruled out any female suspects. In a way, Conan had to agree. After all, he'd seen the photos and doubted that a woman could wreak that much damage. It took considerable strength to break bones if no weapons were involved and doing that over a prolonged period of time simply pointed to a man. Forensics still combed through the crime-scene (which meant merely the spot the body had been located in), but for the most part came up empty handed. However, as he had managed to take a peek into the office, when Kogoro wasn't looking, he now knew that this killer toyed with his victims for a rough estimate of three days before he killed them. Another little fact to consider.

So, during the Sunday, he had not been given an opportunity to glean anything more, as Ran had decided to spend the day with him. Normally he would have been delighted to have a whole day with Ran lounged somewhere, lazily whiling the day away, but in this case he had been annoyed. Simply because he knew what she had intended. She simply wanted to keep him as far away from any form of investigating as possible and he'd seen through that trick the moment she had asked him whether he would like to spend the day with her. Though 'asked' wasn't the right word per sé, she had simply decided for him and had twisted his words around until he had to agree with her or brave her wrath. Therefore he had merely called his friends to figure out where they were and what they were up to, but had been calmed to be told they would stay at Genta's house to play with his new videogame.

Sometime during the Sunday afternoon he had received a call from Agasa, telling him that Haibara would be out for a couple of days yet, simply because her cold had worsened and his house was now officially under a state of quarantine at the insistence of the shrunken scientist. So he couldn't even go to Agasa's house, seeing as Haibara's cold was contagious, because the last thing he needed right now would be a case of the sniffles. In the end, he had resigned himself to his fate and had taken to think the facts through while simultaneously putting up the kiddie-act for Ran's benefit.

And now a new week had started, with him again trying to concentrate on school, but finding it increasingly difficult. He very nearly counted the minutes until the bell would ring. Just before they had been allowed to leave the classroom however, Kobayashi-sensei had reminded them to be careful and not go with any strangers. Which had resulted in several looks being thrown back and forth between him and his friends. Now he walked with them down the street, intending to get to some place where they could discuss the case again. Not that it would make any headway, but perhaps something would spring to mind if they chewed down the data again.

"Strange, isn't it? Even Kobayashi-sensei is worried. And did you see how she was looking at us? Really weird, if you ask me." Genta said from his spot behind everyone.

"Yes, it was indeed strange that she was looking at us while she said it. Do you believe she knows that we are investigating this case at the moment?" Mitsuhiko asked, while throwing a questioning glance towards Conan. A weak smile played around the shrunken sleuth's lips.

"I wouldn't put it past her. After all, she knows us. It's natural to assume that we'd be taking an interest in the case." he answered somewhat absently, his mind still grinding against the facts and slowly overheating because he could find no common thread that bound all of those kids together.

"Any news from the police yet? Have they found something?" Ayumi asked from his right side and Conan threw her a quick glance. The girl was worried, and in truth, so was he. It was only a matter of time until the next child would vanish, only a matter of time before the murderer struck again.

Presently he remembered the questions and pulled himself out of his concerned gloom. He had to remain thinking, that was the only way to help.

"Well, no, not really. I heard that Megure-keibu is annoyed also. Forensics found nothing besides some greyish fibers that are not really distinctive. They think the fibers came from the culprit's car, but without something to compare them to, they're useless for now. Police thinks we're dealing with a man, judging by the force involved and I have to agree. It's unlikely that a woman can show so much strength over a longer period of time. But other than that, there's not that much to work with. We can't even narrow the potential future targets for the killer down because we don't know how he finds them. It's no wonder the police is annoyed." Conan explained while walking with his friends. They understood that evidence was critical, without it there was virtually no case. They needed evidence if they ever wanted to catch the criminal and the lack thereof was disturbing in its own right. For a while they walked in silence, just the four of them, Conan in front with Ayumi next to him, Mitsuhiko slightly behind him on the left and Genta in the rear, each wrapped around their own thoughts.

Conan was puzzled by the case so far. Without any solid evidence he could not deduce that much and he hated it. He had spent hours thinking about it and it had availed him not in the slightest bit. He simply couldn't figure this out and it annoyed him immensely. And the fact that both Ran and Kogoro seemed to be aware of his thoughts set him on edge also. After all, Ran had basically kept him close to her for an entire day, and she was far from stupid. She knew, or somehow sensed that he thought about the case.

His thoughts however screeched to a halt as they passed a shopping window filled with TV's, constantly broadcasting the news. Not such an uncommon thing to see in the anthill that was Tokyo, it was the words spoken on screen that drew his entire attention and caused him to stop walking, his friends beside him.

"...no trace of the boy could be located. And for all of you who have just tuned in, we have received information that 8-year old Enode Katsuro has disappeared. The boy was reported missing yesterday and police have now confirmed his disappearance. The police will soon give a press conference regarding their efforts." the anchorwoman announced, causing Conan's thoughts to whirl, while his stomach twisted in a tight knot. Another child missing.

"Holy..." Genta breathed from somewhere behind him, his eyes fixed on the screen as if he could change the words if he only stared long enough.

"Do you think it could be the same culprit?" Ayumi asked, her eyes already tearing up slightly as she turned away from the screen to cast her gaze towards the shrunken teen. And though he hated it with every fibre of his being, he couldn't lie to his friends.

"Its more than likely. Dammit, without evidence we can't even figure out where he has taken the kid!" Anger boiled within him and he found it hard to contain it. He hated feeling powerless, hated it with everything he was, but the way things were at the moment, he couldn't help this kid. He had been inactive for too long, he needed to do something. Anything.

Still standing and absently looking at the screen currently displaying footage of the parents of young Katsuro weeping and pleading for their child to be returned safely, Conan resolved that he'd go have a look at the latest crime scene. Which meant the place where Higuya Hanako was found. Unfortunately, that presented him with a new problem. He couldn't tell the kids what he was up to, they would probably follow him. And if there was one thing he was sure about, it was the fact that they didn't need to see the place where this young girl had been virtually dumped. Least of all Ayumi. He could tune his emotions down, he had learned to do so years ago, had learned to keep a logical way of thinking even when faced with the most horrific of crime scenes or murder victims; but these kids; they hadn't gained that ability. They would be disturbed by the sight of the crime scene, whether there was evidence or not. But they did know about the manner in which those children were found and would be able to picture it. And part of his disappearing was often to keep them away from something like that. He really didn't want to disturb his friends. Also, it was much harder to sneak into a crime scene, the more people were involved. One kid could be overlooked, but four of them... So he had to get away from them.

But to do that, he had to think of an excuse to get away from them, something that allowed him to part ways with them for the day and then go and see the crime scene for himself. And with his finely tuned instincts he wasn't in that much danger when he went about alone. After all, he would notice if someone watched him, he always did. But first of all he had to get away from the others. Choosing upon the first thing that sprang to mind, he amped up the kiddie-act again, actually succeeding in surprising all three kids present to his left and right side.

"Oh no! I totally forgot! I have to study for the math exam we're supposed to have next week! I'm sorry, you guys, but I gotta go! See ya!" he shouted out and took off before they could even blink.

I hope they'll buy that... At least for a while...

Conan heard them shout that he should be careful on his way home, and absently waved back, already choosing the fastest way to the agency, so that he could get rid of his backpack and get his skateboard. Hanako was found some way off and in that case he needed his skateboard as it was too far for him to walk there.

All in all, it took him little more than fifteen minutes to arrive at the agency, sometimes throwing glances over his shoulder to make sure no one saw him coming or going. With all the people around, he really didn't want anyone to notice he went out alone. In that weird show of unnecessary concern displayed by the other two residents of the house he'd receive one hell of a dressing-down if they heard of it. In fact, if he was in luck, Ran would be out still and Kogoro too preoccupied to notice him leaving the house alone. If his calculations were correct (and they usually were) the old man's favourite drama was due to air in less than five minutes and Kogoro never missed an opportunity to watch it. And if he wasn't home by any chance, he set the VCR to tape the thing. Either suited the shrunken sleuth in his plans.

Carefully Conan peeked inside the hallway, to find that there was no trace from either Ran or Kogoro. Their slippers were still neatly arranged and their shoes gone. Meaning that no one was home for the moment. Which meant in turn that he could sneak off and think of an excuse later. He was sure, he'd think of something, but for now his mind whirred with the murder and everything to do with it, he couldn't possibly think of an adequate excuse right now, that would have to wait until he returned.

Quickly stowing his school-bag away he grabbed the skateboard and was out the door again in under three minutes. All in all it had been less than twenty minutes since he had parted ways with the Detective Boys, who were hopefully on their way home.

If he hurried, he'd be back before dinnertime, in which case his absence could be covered by a little white lie. The library sounded about right.

Yet all his careful planning screeched to a grinding halt as he spotted a person, leaning almost leisurely against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, school-bag placed on the ground beside him. It would have seemed casual, almost normal, if it hadn't been for the fact that it was one of his friends, glaring icy daggers at him.

Mitsuhiko... Should have figured it would be him leading the charge...

"What are you doing here?" Surprise won over courtesy hands down and Conan found himself blurting the question out before he could stop himself.

The lean boy's gaze (still glaring, if less intense) bored into him and Conan realized he was caught. Like a deer in the headlights. He didn't know how he knew, there was simply something in his friends gaze that told of it.

"I could ask precisely the same thing. Right after I asked why you thought it necessary to lie to us. Again." Mitsuhiko answered almost calmly, but the subliminal message screamed louder than any words. The kid felt like he'd just been betrayed. And he meant to have that message conveyed, so much was absolutely certain. Also the way he stood spoke whole volumes. The thin kid had pushed away from the wall he had been leaning against and had drawn himself up to his full height of three foot five, arms crossed over his chest, shoulders tightened. The kid was more than pissed, that was obvious. And if Conan was honest to himself, it was slightly unsettling to see Mitsuhiko in that frame of mind. The kid was so rarely genuinely pissed it always seemed unreal. Angered, sure; but never truly and absolutely pissed.

Damn, I thought they bought it...

Throwing a quick glance around, he tried to see his other friends, but found himself only faced with Mitsuhiko.

"Where are the others?" he asked, for the moment ignoring the fact that he'd been found out by a child. Granted, Mitsuhiko with his brainmatter didn't really count as a child any more, but still. It was a blow to his pride, being found out by a child of eight.

His friends slightly less aggravated voice pulled him back into reality again.

"Hopefully on their way home by now. I told them I had to give you something, which isn't a lie per sé, but on the way the thought occurred to me that you once again may have been aiming to investigate on your own. It appears my assumption was an accurate one after all." the boy explained, looking for all the world as if he was talking about the weather. And that polite way of speaking did the rest, causing the shrunken sleuth to accept that there was no backing out now. Anything he might have thought of to use as an explanation wouldn't work now. Not after the kid had figured out that he had lied to them in the first place.

"What tipped you off then?" Conan asked, wanting to understand just where the error had been. He'd been convinced they had bought it, but somewhere he must have gone wrong, or else Mitsuhiko wouldn't have figured him out.

"In actuality it was the math excuse you gave. True, we have an exam next week, but if there is one thing you do not need, it is to study for math. You do even complicated equations in your head, while the rest of us trail behind all of the time. Also, there was the thing that we know you never back down when a case has you interested, schoolwork or no schoolwork. So I figured I would head you off and come see what your real intention was and why it required to keep us out of it."

Conan had to quell the urge to facepalm. Of course, he had forgotten that he was great at maths. When he had invented the character of Conan, he had changed some things to make it less obvious that he was way smarter than the average schoolkid. However, math had always been his pet subject and he simply couldn't pretend to be bad at it. So he had chosen that Conan would be a little math genius also. His error had simply been that he forgot it.

But the shrunken tantei had to give his friend's surmise credit. He had accurately found the error in his statement and had drawn correct conclusions. And even if it interfered with his initial plan, he couldn't stop himself from feeling proud of the boy. Mitsuhiko was truly a diamond in the rough, if the kid kept that up, he could become a brilliant detective one day.

Sighing Conan hung his head, knowing he had to play with open cards now.

"Okay, I'll admit it. I told a little white lie to have an opportunity to check on something by myself."

"But why? And why was it necessary to keep the rest of us out of it?" Mitsuhiko asked him confused, clearly lost to such a concept of thought.

Of course, Conan couldn't tell him the root of his reason as to why he always went off by himself, but he could at least explain his actions for the immediate moment, hoping to put the tall boy off the idea to follow him. He was still convinced that it was no good idea to take him along for a peek at the scene.

"I wanted you guys out of it because I didn't think you could handle where I'm about to go today. I wanted to check on the place where Hanako-chan has been found. And I didn't want you all along, because I won't be responsible for Ayumi being upset."

Badly abbreviated, Kudo...

So much was certain, but it was at least part of the truth, as he couldn't tell Mitsuhiko that it was his intent to keep the kids away from any form of danger. That would lead to further questions and he had no time for that.

Yet he spotted something in Mitsuhiko's eyes that made him halt. Though there was revulsion at the fact Conan wanted to visit a crime scene (and granted they were used to him creeping around murder victims), there was also determination surfacing. Immediately several alarm bells went off in Conan's head, he knew that kind of look.

"Don't even think about it, I am not taking you with." he stated, fully intending to jump on his skateboard and lose Mitsuhiko in a cloud of dust. However, the determination in his friends gaze suddenly turned to something so out of place with Mitsuhiko, it took him several second to identify. Then it clicked. The expression the lean boy sported was nothing less than pure mischievousness. Along with the smug grin on his face it worked quite the disturbing image. Whatever the kid had thought up, it surely wouldn't be good. At least not for him.

"You don't really have a choice in this matter I would think. Either I come with or I will wait for Ran-oneesan." the grin got broader as Conan felt himself blanch. That was one low blow.

You deserve that, Kudo...

"You wouldn't." he dared to contradict, on some small level believing that at least Mitsuhiko would never rat him out on anything. But one look in his face told the truth. He would rat Conan out, unless he took him with. On one side he wanted to protest, deter the kid and try later, but the problem was that time was of vital importance in this case. If he found something that pointed in one way or the other to the killer he might be able to save Katsuro's life.

So whether he liked it or not, if he wanted to make headway, he had to take Mitsuhiko along.

"Thats a nasty thing to do, you know. Ratting someone out. Thought that was beneath you." Conan said, accepting the fact that he now had someone to tag along.

"And it usually is. Desperate times call for desperate measures, that is all." Mitsuhiko replied, relaxing slightly, as the kid understood he'd be permitted to go along.

Well, at the very least I now have a slightly more believable excuse as to why I was gone...

Like I said, I'm not sure about this chapter and how it fits into the story in general. And the last scene between Conan and Mitsuhiko just sort of happened and it still has me grinning somewhat. Because, seriously, thats the only way to blackmail that chibi. Telling Ran. Admit it, Shinichi, you're terrified of her sometimes...^^

Well, review if you like, I would be greatly honored to know what you think of it so far...