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A crowd of laughter and the sound of sobs blended into one as something glinted in the setting sun. The shadows of buildings guided him towards shadows that lingered darker still, almost engulfing him. Then, there was a flash of white, like a moon peeking through clouds after a rainstorm, or maybe a shooting star heading straight towards him.
A person reached out to him, their face and voice warped and almost unrecognizable by fog as they called.
“-ichi!”
When he first awoke, it was to pain and darkness.
He couldn’t think, even as he blindly reached for something, anything to help ground him.
Then, something appeared from beyond the shadows, a hand reaching back and grasping his own firmly, an anchor. A voice called out to him, but the words were too soft for him to hear.
Still, he couldn’t help but find it soothing, and soon his eyes closed of their own accord as the adrenaline wore off and deep exhaustion took its place.
When he next awoke, it was to a lingering tiredness and the rhythmic throbbing of a headache. Still, the pain was a bit more manageable than it had been earlier, and he was finally able to hear his own thoughts, as tainted as they were by his affliction.
He tried to open his eyes, but all it did was cause a stabbing sensation on his brain, so he opted to keep them closed for now as he tried to figure out what had happened. It was hard to think through the pain, but he’d have to make do for now.
He tried to think of what he had been doing last, something to hopefully give him a guideline on his situation, but nothing came.
In a panic, he hurriedly tried to find something, anything at all. But there was nothing there; all of his memories were gone, lost to the hollow in his mind.
The only thing he could seem to remember was a name: Shinichi. It was likely his own, but considering it was all he had, he wasn’t sure if that really helped much.
What was he supposed to do with no memories? How was he supposed to figure out where he was or why he was so hurt? How was he supposed to figure out who he was?
His racing mind was interrupted by the sound of a door clicking open. Startled, he whipped his head towards it, but the only thing it accomplished was aggravating the pounding in his head. He could barely even hear the visitor’s sounds of distress over the groans that reflexively accompanied the spike of pain.
He didn’t even notice their approach until a cool hand had already gently touched his forehead, as if checking for a fever. It didn’t remain there long, but he could swear that he could still feel the touch linger even after the hand had definitely pulled away. Somehow, it was a balm to the pain, and he wondered if maybe he really was sick.
The voice was much clearer now that they were right next to him. It was very quiet, likely not meant for his ears, but he couldn’t help but listen anyway. “Fever’s died down a bit… still seems in a lot of pain though, but he should be awake by now.”
At that, Shinichi weakly raised his hand towards the voice (which had sounded noticeably masculine, if he was correct in his observation), though he couldn’t raise it much before he got too tired. Still, he managed to wave halfheartedly in the person’s direction, though he refused to open his eyes just yet. He wasn’t willing to risk another attack on his brain yet, thanks.
The visitor seemed to sigh in relief, though it could have just as well been exasperation. Shinichi was trying to be optimistic by banking on the former. “Oh, you’re awake!” The stranger exclaimed softly, something akin to wonder tainting the surprise in their voice. “How do you feel?”
The best Shinichi could give them was a so-so hand motion, though he honestly felt much worse than that. He just didn’t trust his voice to not give out on him the moment he tried to say something, considering how sore it was at the moment, and offering something like a thumbs down felt both a bit juvenile and extreme. The pain wasn’t that bad, really. He didn’t need anyone to unnecessarily worry.
The person hummed thoughtfully. “Still pretty bad, huh? Think you up for some water?”
Shinichi replied with a slight nod and did his best to sit up. It made him feel like he had run a marathon rather than just simply lifting himself into a sitting position, but the water that the stranger had firmly guided into his hands was exactly what he had needed, and he instantly felt a bit better.
Their fingers brushed as he handed the glass back.
Awkward silence reigned for a short moment before the person cleared their throat. Shinichi could feel the bed shift as they rested their arms next to him. “Anyway, sorry ‘bout the pain. Didn’t think it’d be a good idea, you know, with the poison and all…”
At this, Shinichi frowned. Poison? Was that why he felt so shitty?
The stranger had turned quiet again, and their next words were spoken with such softness, even more so than they already had. They sounded confused, or maybe in shock. “You don’t remember what happened?”
Shinichi shook his head. His head blossomed in pain again at the action, but he figured it was rude to pass out when someone else was checking on your well-being. Another moment passed before said someone asked him another question, said with the same gentleness. “Do you remember anything? Anything at all?”
Reluctantly, he shook his head again. All he had were vague impressions, as if his memories were a dream that he was just on the cusp of recollecting. They were simply shadows of things he must have seen and felt, and he hadn’t been able to get a solid grasp on any of them yet.
There was only one thing he remembered, and that was… “Shinichi. My name.” His throat felt like gravel and he grimaced at the feeling because, yeah, he definitely wasn’t going to be chatting anyone up any time soon.
Maybe the stranger knew sign? Wait a second… did Shinichi even know sign? The pain increased tenfold at the thought. He supposed that would have to be a problem for future him.
“Shinichi…” The stranger said his name reverently, as if it was a precious thing. “In that case, it’s nice to meet you, Shinichi. You can call me Kid!” Kid was a weird name, but Shinichi could hear the smile in their words this time, the sentence overall coming off lighthearted. However, underneath those words had lied a different emotion, something he had a hard time identifying. Sadness, maybe?
Shinichi did his best to give them a smile back, nodding his head in lieu of returning the pleasantry verbally.
The silence that followed was more pleasant this time, and Shinichi almost fell asleep again. Before he could really succumb to the exhaustion though, his visitor slowly moved their arms from the bed and grabbed Shinichi’s hand gently. Instead of the solid support it was before, though, it was instead something loose, hesitant. And yet, something in him still settled at the contact. “I’ll let you rest now.”
And before he could even hear the door click shut behind Kid, Shinichi fell almost peacefully back asleep, his thoughts listlessly fading into nothing.
This time, the pain in his head had subsided enough for him to open his eyes.
Instead of the almost pure darkness he had woken up to the first time around, the room was lit up softly with a ceiling lamp. It was a bit dim, but the warm light leaking through its glass facets was enough to at least make the place seem a bit homely. The best part was that it didn’t make his headache worse, so he’d take it.
The next thing that he noticed was that he was alone. It felt kind of odd, after Kid had been there both of the other times, but he supposed it was to be expected.
He decided to take the time to examine the rest of the room. It was fairly small, holding only a few pieces of furniture, mostly just a dresser, a couple of plush chairs, and a simple nightstand. The walls were covered in a deep red wallpaper, which made the room look a lot darker, but it was probably for the best considering how his head was currently feeling.
The main thing he noticed was that there weren’t any windows at all. It made him wonder if he was underground in a basement or something, or maybe he just happened to be in a room that didn’t have any windows. It wasn’t impossible. He felt like it was more the former, though. There was also only a single door, the same one that Kid had probably entered through the day before. Or, wait, has it even been a day yet?
He groaned. There wasn’t even a clock in here! Though he supposed that was currently the least of his worries.
He hoped that Kid would get here soon, because he had some questions while he was feeling better and he did not have anything else to entertain him at the moment. Not even his memories, so really, he’d probably die of actual boredom.
Speak of the devil and they shall appear. Kid walked through the door, their steps near silent as they approached him. As soon as they noticed he was awake, Shinichi could see the smile on their face as they approached. Oddly enough, they wore a cap on their head, the bill of it tilted downward so that Shinichi couldn’t see their eyes.
Kid took a seat in one of the chairs, the one closest to Shinichi. “You feeling any better today?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I am, actually. Throat still hurts a little, and the headache is really bad, but it’s a lot better than last time.”
The stranger lit up at that. “And you’re able to talk now, good! I was worried it’d take you another day or two to feel this much better, so I was a bit surprised to see you awake already. Sorry if you had to wait, I know there really isn’t much in here. It was kind of a last minute thing.”
Now was as good of a time as any to ask. “About that. Yesterday, you mentioned something about me being poisoned.” He frowned. “What did you mean by that?”
Kid sighed. “Before you lost your memories, you were a detective, and so you had followed these two suspicious guys down an alley. They had caught you following them though, and had knocked you out pretty quickly. Luckily, I was already there, so I was able to take them out pretty easily, but not before I saw them slip something into your mouth. By the time I had gotten to you, it was too late, and you were completely knocked out.”
Shinichi got a flash of watching an exchange, of coats worn in black as one knocked him out and the other sneered. He noticed how none of them had noticed the white clad figure who was striding up from behind them, just as his vision had started to fade…
Their face twisted into an odd expression. “I was able to get a minuscule sample of the drug, but the amount was so small that it wasn’t able to tell me much if anything at all about it. Who knows what kind of stuff they like to put in suspicious capsules, which is why I didn’t want to take the chance with any painkillers or antibiotics. Sure, I know your head is a downright mess right now and your body is probably hurt pretty badly too, but it would be too risky.”
That made sense. Still, he had other questions. “You’re the person in white who saved me, right?”
Kid started. “Yes, I was. You remember it?”
“It’s not very much to be honest, just those two guys knocking me out and you heading towards them."
Kid was silent for a long while, and Shinichi wondered what exactly they were thinking. Soon enough, Kid sighed and acquiesced. “You probably don’t remember this, but I’m a popular phantom thief that goes by Kaitou Kid. The white outfit that you saw is my usual look when I’m doing it. Usually, I steal gems or paintings, and I’m internationally known. This time, I just happened to be in the area and quickly changed into the outfit to protect my identity.”
So it was Kid who had saved him. It worried him a bit that Kid was a thief, and a famous one at that, but he didn’t have anyone else and he couldn’t really just spurn away his own help. Plus, he had seemed pretty harmless so far.
He would just have to trust him for now.
Kid smiled at him.
Over the course of the next couple of weeks, Shinichi slowly started to wake up more often and for longer periods of time.
Kid wasn’t there for all of the times he was awake, but he was actually there very often, more than Shinichi had expected. On those days, he’d usually be sitting in a chair at his bedside, usually keeping himself busy practicing card tricks or working on a phone or laptop.
Very occasionally, though, Shinichi would catch him doing nothing at all except stare at him, his expression twisted into one of grief or worry as one of his hands hesitantly hovered over one of Shinichi as if he was afraid what would happen if he touched him. Like he would disappear.
Shinichi never called him out for the action, and Kid never seemed keen to explain it, so they wordlessly left it at that.
Still, whenever Shinichi made it clear he was awake, Kid never failed to greet him with a smile.
And a warm meal.
The first day or two mostly consisted of soups since he had a fever, but Kid had made sure to make a variety of them so that he didn’t get sick of the same flavor. And, to his surprise, most of them seemed homemade. Not that he had anything against canned soup, but there was just something about homemade dishes that made him feel a bit warmer on the inside.
And, after he finally fought the fever off, the homemade dishes didn’t stop there. His first day of eating solid foods was practically a whole feast, ranging from traditional foods to ramen and what must have been at least five different kinds of meat dishes, all of them cooked to perfection.
Sure, he still didn’t have most of his memories back, but he was sure that at the very least it tasted amazing.
When he said so as much to Kid, his usually carefully neutral face visibly brightened, and, for that, he would say it was worth it.
After that, though, Kid started showing up less and less.
Sure, he was still usually there whenever he woke up, but he always seemed to leave early, excusing himself to prepare for a heist or tackle other responsibilities that have to do with his civilian life, such as helping a friend or needing to work on a project for a class (which Shinichi was still unsure whether said class was for high school or a university).
If he didn’t know any better, he would almost say that Kid was scared of something.
Despite that though, there were still days in which Kid would stay and talk with him. It didn’t happen often, but it happened enough where they were able to have a few conversations.
Those were the days that Shinichi enjoyed the most.
Kid mostly talked about his heists and what interesting things happened during them. Sometimes it’d be about how he tricked the Inspector into giving him the key to the case where the jewel was behind held, or he’d mention a story about how one of the high elites totally made a complete fool of herself when she tried to bully her boss’s daughter and promptly got fired for it, as she deserved.
Less often, he’d talk about the projects he was working on for his classes, but he never shared enough for Shinichi to get any clear details about any of the people he had to work with. In fact, he rarely even shared what the projects were actually about, just that they’d be for ‘a science class’ or his ‘tech class.’
But sometimes, he would just share current gossip happening around Japan, such as the Suzuki head making another insane purchase for his massive collection, or the famous star Yoko Okino being accused of murdering a childhood friend.
One would think that Shinichi wouldn’t have a lot to talk about, considering the fact that he didn’t really remember much and was confined to his bed most of the time.
Luckily, Kid had been kind enough to bring him something new just about every day. Most of the time, he gifted Shinichi with a new novel, which he could rant and rave about for hours after he finished. It turned out that he loved mystery novels the most, and he always liked to explain the nuances of certain clues, or the use of literary devices when it came to enhancing the plot or if they were used incorrectly.
If it wasn’t a novel, it’d be some sort of puzzle. Sometimes it would be those miniature brain teasers, or maybe sudoku or a similar kind of game. His favorite puzzles were Kid’s heist notes, though. The thief would give him the general details of a specific part of the city, such as buildings and business and pop culture references, and Shinichi would have to try and guess where Kid was going to hold his next heist.
He was right every time.
However, although Shinichi greatly enjoyed their conversations, they weren’t why those days were his favorite.
It was because of the memories that came with them.
Whenever Kid would use gestures to enunciate an action, Shinichi would get a flash of a blurred figure using the same gesture. If he tested a magic trick on him, Shinichi could pick it apart as a memory of it replayed in his mind. Kid flourished another rose to place in the white vase on his nightstand? He’d remember another vase filled with roses, one that was a deep indigo.
Those memories always always felt bright, almost quite literally flashing. They were also the most clear, even though the subject always seemed warped and out of focus.
That didn’t mean that he only regained memories around Kid. Some days, he would wake up with a name on the tip of his tongue, as if about to call out to them, or a shade of blue from the stained-glass lamp would trigger remnants of a blue uniform and a girl’s laughter. Those tended to be more dim, but they always felt warm.
They were also the times that his head tended to hurt the most.
Today was one of those days. This time, it was what must have been a library, the shelves stretching all the way to a tall ceiling. There was also a desk in the middle, a figure hunched over it. They started to look up from their worn novel, and then started to look toward him…
Before it could get any further, his head throbbed again. Ugh, why did memories have to hurt so much??
It was at that moment that Kid decided to enter the room, his usual cap shadowing his face and a steaming plate of food held in his hands, but the moment he saw Shinichi he rushed over and hastily placed the food on the table in order to look him over properly. “Hey, Shinichi, are you okay?!”
Shakily, Shinichi nodded, and did his best to give Kid a reassuring smile. It must not have worked, since the thief only frowned at him as if unconvinced. Which, yeah, that was fair. So, instead, he sighed in defeat. “My head hurts again.”
Kid’s frown deepened. “It’s your memories returning, right?”
His memories actually returning was kind of a stretch, but he supposed it was something. “Yeah, or at least from what I can tell of my memories. I haven’t remembered anyone yet, but I keep getting impressions of places, or things.” And with all of them, he hadn’t been able to tell what made those things important to him.
What was he supposed to do with memories that had no substance to stand on? All he could do was theorize whenever something new came up in his memory.
For example, the memory of the library. It didn’t seem like a conventional one, seeming smaller and somewhat fancier than what Shinichi personally visualized a public library to look like. It seemed more like a room in a home that was renovated to be one.
So, he wondered if he had lived in the place at some point. It’s already been established that he loves reading, and that he has a great grasp of language and vocabulary. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had grown up surrounded by books.
And then there was the figure at the desk. Just how did he know them…?
Pain stabbed his brain again, and he flinched in both surprise and agony. Kid quickly grabbed his hand. “Woah, hey, calm down! I know you want to remember stuff, and I get it, I really do.” At this, his expression turned into one of worry and concern. “But your head is still in a fragile state, and you’ve been recovering so well up until now. So come on. Breath with me for a sec.”
After a few deep breaths, the pain had lessened to a more tolerable level, the throbbing felt more like a loud heartbeat rather than an almost quite literal pounding. Shinichi nodded towards Kid’s direction, confirming he felt better now, and the thief sighed in relief. “Had me worried for a sec there, Shinichi! Now, do you think you’re up for some Tonkatsu?” He lifted the dish he had placed down just moments before, a bright grin on his face. “And after that, I could use a second opinion on something new I cooked up for this week’s heist!”
The meal was great as always, though he didn’t feel very hungry at the moment. There was just something about his headaches that made his appetite disappear. Still, he made it about halfway through the meal before Kid let him put it off to the side to get to their next order of business.
Kid pulled out an odd contraption out of one of his impossibly deep pockets, something metal and twisted that glinted darkly in the dim lighting. It almost looked like a gun, but it was a very odd-looking one if it was. The barrel was short, but it was also tall, as if the ammo consisted of something other than conventional bullets.
Kid’s grin widened, turning a tad mischievous. “Oh, you like what you see? This, my dearest detective, is my world-famous card gun!” He twirled it in his hand professionally, and Shinichi couldn’t stop his snort at the showing off. The thief’s grin didn’t waver. “Impressive, I know. Anyway, usually I don’t try to change too much about it. After all, why fix what isn’t broken?”
At this, he stopped twirling the gun and let it rest in his hand, looking made for his deft fingers. “However, sometimes risks must be taken if I want to surprise my audience, and especially my most prominent critics.” He said the word ‘critics’ as if it left a sour taste in his mouth, but he still continued on, undeterred. “And the thing that’s stayed the most consistent during my adventures as a magician is my trusty card gun here! So, you might ask, how does the mighty Kaitou Kid improve an already flawless invention? I’ll give you three guesses!”
Shinichi put his finger on his chin in faux thought, playing along with Kid’s antics. “Did you increase the ammo storage?”
Kid groaned. “Ugh, that’s so boring, Shinichi! Come on, think outside of the box! Be creative!” He flourished his hands. “Let your mind be free.”
Shinichi couldn’t help but break character and smile, even as he continued to ‘think.’ “Hmm… does it shoot streamers now?”
Kid dramatically grimaced. “Oooh, nope, but you’re getting closer! One more guess~”
He sighed. “You did something insane with it, didn’t you?”
The thief let out a maniacal laugh at the response. “Why, you know me so well!” Without much warning, he aimed his card gun towards the other side of the room, quickly flicking a switch on the device before he pulled the trigger.
Shinichi had expected a loud bang at the pull and almost covered his ears in reflex, but, to his surprise, the shot was unbelievably quiet, even after shooting out what must have been about twenty playing cards launching out of it on fire.
What.
Before he even had time to panic, the cards… slowed down? And then somehow, they stacked on top of each other to create a small card tower, the cards still burning and, now that Shinichi looked closer, not actually decomposing the cards.
“Ah, that look on your face tells me you noticed!” Kid slipped on a white glove and unflinchingly picked up the two topmost cards, a black clover king and a red diamond ace. The flames started to turn blue. “I was playing around with some chemicals, and I stumbled upon this one! The composition is mostly liquid, but it’s just solid and sticky enough to put on an object of my choosing, like, let’s say, a playing card.”
A flick of his wrist, and the flaming cards disappeared, replaced with ones not on fire, though there was definitely some kind of residue coating them. “Think of it almost like a flammable glue. Though I can’t use it on most objects, since it doesn’t really prevent them from burning. However, it just so happens that my cards are flameproof!” He gestured towards the still-burning card tower.
Shinichi, while impressed by Kid’s ingenuity, frowned. “Isn’t that kind of dangerous, though? What if someone gets hurt?”
Kid’s grin seemed to dim, and he was silent for a long moment. “…I guess I should tell you why I’ve been going out so much.”
He snapped his fingers again, this time making the card tower disappear, and then he took a seat next to Shinichi’s bed, his expression turning serious. “The people who poisoned you… they’re still after you. They know you’re alive and they will stop at nothing until they know for a fact that you’re dead.”
“Because I know too much?”
Kid shook his head. “Because you know they exist. These guys work from the shadows, undetected. Having just one person outside of their usual operations know who they are and what they’re capable of is dangerous for them. There’s a reason why they’re so notorious for being so secretive.”
He looked away, fidgeting with another card in his hand. “In my research, I’ve learned that they’ve infiltrated many of the powerful places in Japan. CEOs of top companies, law enforcement… they’re everywhere.”
Shinichi paled in horror. They were that powerful? Had their hands in that many places in Japan? If it was what he thought it was, then that meant—! “Kid, what about you? Don’t they know you know about them too?”
The thief flashed him a weak smile. “No need to worry about me, Shinichi. I can take care of myself, you know!” His grin grew wider. “And besides, someone’s gotta throw the bad guys off your trail, and I’m the best thief for the job!”
Ah. So the cards weren’t exactly meant to pull off tricks during heists (though he had no doubt that the thief would find some way to use them during one regardless), but they were meant as protection. A way for Kid to defend himself while he was protecting Shinichi. “You don’t have to go so far for me, Kid.”
And really, he didn’t. The fact that he had saved him in the first meant a lot to him, and it likely put Kid in a lot more danger than he already had been. Going this far to make sure he was safe? It felt weird, as if he was unused to be protected by someone else. As if Shinichi was usually the one that did the protecting.
“Ah, but Meitantei…” Kid faltered. Shinichi’s mind flashed, another voice calling him by the same nickname, this one more bright and teasing. He shook his head, willing the memory away for now. It wasn’t the time for that. Kid continued, seeming not to notice his lapse in attention. “I had to. They were going to kill you. And with your amnesia, that was just asking for them to find you. Also, well…” he took a deep breath, his face flushing just the slightest smidge red. “It’s sort of nice to have some company, for once.”
Now that he mentioned it… Kid must be living alone. The fact that Shinichi hasn’t seen or even heard anyone else, or the way he talks about his friends and classmates so vaguely.
It must be hard to make friends when you can’t even let them know the other side of you.
Shinichi nodded. “Then thank you, Kid. I appreciate it.” His gaze caught the glint of the card gun that had been resting on Kid’s lap during the duration of the conversation. “Hey, actually, I think I’ve got a few ideas that you can use with that invention of yours.”
The thief’s whole expression brightened, enough so that Shinichi could almost see his eyes gleaming from behind his cap. Almost. “Tell me!”
They spent the rest of the day exchanging rambling theories and plans, and Shinichi felt that this must be the happiest he’s ever been since he first woke up without a clue of who he was.
He grinned as Kid groaned at one of his ideas. Everything was coming together, slowly but surely.
You know, if Shinichi didn’t know any better, he’d say that he had known Kid before he had lost his memories.
He knew it probably wasn't coincidence that whenever he'd get the most flashes of his old life, it was around the phantom thief. The way his actions matched the blurred ones he remembered felt too close, too similar. Either the two just happened to have very similar mannerisms (unlikely), or they actually were the same person. Still, if that was the case, why hadn't Kid said anything, or at least, why didn't he ever show Shinichi his face? Was he afraid that it would trigger something and cause something to happen to him, or maybe he was afraid of Shinichi remembering something he shouldn't?
It felt so odd, that the thief felt so familiar to him despite not knowing much at all.
Even now, as Kid juggled some of his cards while simultaneously changing them into different colors, Shinichi got a strange sense of deja vu as he watched Kid's smile. He couldn't help but wonder how the two might have known each other, before. Was it Kid who had shown him these tricks, or was it perhaps whoever he was behind the mask? Was Kid the one who had given him roses, or was it someone else who just happened to do the same thing as him?
He wasn't sure if he'd ever know.
Shinichi decided that that was enough speculation for the day and turned his attention back to Kid. However, in a moment that must have been pure luck (or lack thereof), as Kid lifted his hand upwards to catch one of his cards, his arm just barely brushed against his cap. Usually, even in a situation like this, the thief would recover quickly, adjusting the hat back into place before Shinichi could even have a chance of seeing what was under it.
But this time, it was different. The card had slipped out of Kid’s hand at the surprise, and it had been heading straight toward Shinichi. It wouldn’t have hurt him, or at least it wouldn’t have hurt very much, but the thief still prioritized swiping the item from mid air rather than keeping his hat from falling away.
By the time Shinichi had realized what was happening, he was already looking at Kid’s horrified—and completely revealed—face.
It was too late. Just that one second, and Shinichi was able to see indigo eyes, wide and bright as they stared at him right back.
Swiftly, faster than he thought possible, Kid already had his hat back over his head, and it was tilted downward the furthest it’s ever been, shadowing his entire face instead of just the area over his eyes. And, he realized, it was the first time that Shinichi was completely unable to read him.
Still, despite that, he didn't know if it was the action with the hat or if it was seeing Kid’s face in its entirety for the first time, but a floodgate had suddenly opened in Shinichi’s mind. Without warning, memories that had seemed blurry and incomplete flashed through his brain with near-perfect clarity.
He was frozen as he was hit with the scant fragments he had gathered over the last couple of weeks, all of a male teen about his age. Kid’s gestures overlapping his, their smiles identical. Kid’s tricks that Shinichi had been able to see past, done in exactly the same way in his memories. The teenager flicking his wrist to gift him a blue rose to place in the indigo vase, the one that matched his eyes.
The way he and this teen’s hands also brushed together, once, except it was countered with flushed cheeks and laughter instead of the awkward rift that was between him and Kid.
All of that and more played in his mind, over and over, and Shinichi realized all at once who Kid was, or at least why the thief had seemed so familiar.
He had been right; he had known him! And Kid had known him too, all of this time. It was why he knew Shinichi’s favorite foods, his favorite hobbies and novels, right off the bat. It was why he was protecting him, because they had been friends, once upon a time.
Kid had cared about him, and even now he still does, even after Shinichi couldn’t remember him at all anymore.
Unwittingly, he felt a tear fall from one of his eyes, but he was too busy looking at his friend in absolute shock to do anything about it.
Even with the returning memories, though, he still couldn’t read him, and Kid’s voice was near emotionless as he finally spoke. “…I should go.”
The thief turned around to leave, but not before Shinichi reached a hand out towards him, this time not to find an anchor and instead to be one. To keep his friend from walking away forever. A single name slipped from his lips, one that he realized had been only barely out of reach until that very moment.
“Kaito…?”
To anyone else, it would have seemed like Kid didn’t react to the name at all, stoic as a statue. But to Shinichi? Oh, he knew him. He knew him more than he ever thought he could know him.
Kid, self-proclaimed master of the poker face, honest-to-goodness flinched.
Shinichi didn’t have any time to react before he had already closed the door behind him, but that flinch was as good of a confirmation as any.
Kid was Kaito, the teen who seemed to feature in so many of his memories. And Kaito was Kid, the magnanimous thief who had saved him from being killed by an evil organization.
…This called for an investigation.
Kid couldn’t stay away forever. Shinichi knew that, and he knew Kid knew it too.
It wasn’t as if Shinichi wasn’t capable of taking care of himself (or at least, he thought himself pretty capable of it), but he had a feeling that Kid cared too much to not leave him alone for long.
Sure, the thief tried to prolong it by making Shinichi’s meals extra early so that he wouldn’t be there when he woke up to it, and he’d still bring him books and puzzles to probably keep him busy and entertained. But with Shinichi’s sleep schedule being as erratic as it was due to his head injury, and with the thief’s own schedule being nearly as erratic, there had to be a time in which Kid miscalculated, even with his insanely high intelligence.
He was as human as the rest of them, after all.
Shinichi was proven right about a week later, when, while reading one of the newly brought novels, the door was gently pushed open and Kid silently stalked in, another dish balanced on his arm and his cap in its usual spot on his head.
He couldn’t take two steps in before Shinichi held him down with what was hopefully his most withering glare. Kid sheepishly laughed. “Uh, I’ll just come back later—“
Shinichi interrupted him. “No, you’re going to stay here.”
Kid hesitated for one second. Two seconds. Then, he sighed. “You can’t make me explain anything, you know.”
Shinichi let his glare weaken, just enough for Kid to let his guard down. “Oh, I wasn’t going to make you explain.”
He blinked in confusion. “Really? For a second, I was sure—”
Hook, line, and sinker. “ I’m going to be the one explaining everything to you, and you’re going to tell me if I’m right.”
“What…? Wait, that’s not how—!”
Shinichi glared at him again, effectively cutting him off. “No interrupting. And, if you care about me at all, you wouldn’t dare leave until I’m finished.”
Kid was blessedly silent, only taking the time to sit in his designated chair. Shinichi nodded in approval. “I know you’re Kaito. And not just because I saw you flinch at the name when I called you it.”
“First of all, I haven’t exactly been telling you this, since they were pretty unclear for a long time, but I’ve been regaining some of my memories. Most of them were triggered by things you did.”
Kid pouted. “Was that how you knew all of my tricks?! They were supposed to be new!”
Shinichi smirked briefly. “Yeah, sorry, next time you might want to find some actual new material.” He sighed. “Anyway, most of those memories didn’t have a lot of substance and were just fragments. That is, until I saw your face.”
He frowned. “It triggered something in those memories, something that made them clear up and see the person who was inside of them. And everything that person did? They lined up with you. For a magician, you’re not very good at differentiating your habits or changing up your looks enough to not be recognized. Plus, you knew a lot about me, more than what someone who didn’t know me should reasonably know.”
Shinichi looked down in thought. “But then I wondered, why would Kid hide his identity as Kaito from me? I know you claimed that you didn’t want me to remember things because you were worried about the effect it would have on me. However, while that might be true, I felt like it had to be more than that. And, after thinking about it for a few days, I finally found the answer.”
He made sure to look Kid dead in the eyes. “You’re scared about something, aren’t you? Beyond just my fragile mind. No, there’s something bigger at stake. I wasn’t able to quite figure what that bigger thing was, though. I have a few theories, the main one being you’re too worried on what I would think about you if you revealed yourself to me, but I don’t have enough evidence to back it up at the moment. The only thing that I know is that you care, and, now that I think about it, that might just be proof enough.”
He ignored Kid’s carefully blank face as he rambled on. “Regardless, though, to be honest, I still don’t know a lot about you. You haven’t hinted on your motivations as a phantom thief, despite explaining your heists in great detail. I can only guess you’re looking for something, but I can’t confirm it either. And most of the memories I have of Kaito are short and mundane, not enough to tell me if I knew you were Kid or not.”
“So, Kaitou Kid. Or should I call you Kaito? Was I correct in some of my observations?”
The silence that followed Shinichi’s theories was loud, Kid’s face flitting through thousands of micro expressions. Finally, the expression he settled on was something like defeat, and his posture turned into something more casual and loose, different from Kid’s usual elegance. Carefully, he removed the hat from his head, and Shinichi once again saw indigo eyes staring intensely back at him. “So, you’ve figured me out, huh?” Kaito laughed humorlessly, a sad smile forming on his face. “I guess not even amnesia can weaken your detective abilities.”
He wrung his hat in his hands, purposefully avoiding Shinichi’s gaze. “You’re right. On everything. I didn’t want to tell you because I was a bit scared. When you knew me as Kaito, I didn’t tell you about Kid for the same reason. What I do is dangerous, and, you might not remember, but you were a famous detective, one who never failed in bringing criminals to justice. What if I told you I was Kid, and you decided then and there that you wanted to arrest me?” He shook his head. “You were the one good thing about my life. I couldn’t risk losing that too.”
Shinichi frowned. “You don’t like being Kid?”
Kaito huffed. “God, no. Sure, I love the magic, and the tricks and sometimes even the crowd, but as for the reason I’m Kid, well…” His expression darkened, hardening into something almost angry. “That’s a different story.”
He brought out a small notebook from one of his pockets and flicked through it until he found the page he was looking for. He handed it to Shinichi, who read it over as Kaito explained. “I’m looking for this stone, something called Pandora. It’s said to bring immortality, as hard as that is to believe.”
“…But you’re not looking for immortality, are you?”
“No, I’m not. Do you remember when I told you about the Black Organization, the people who are trying to kill you?”
Shinichi sighed. “Let me guess: they’re after the gem.”
“Bingo! I’ve got to try and find it before they do, before they use it to get even more powerful.”
Shinichi was silent for a moment. He couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if the gem wasn’t ever real, and Kaito had to fight against the Organization for the rest of his life?
Perhaps he understood why Kaito didn’t like being Kid after all.
“…Hey, Kaito?”
“Yeah, Meitantei?”
Shinichi smiled at the nickname. It felt familiar and warm. “Before I lost my memories… we were together, weren’t we?”
Kaito didn’t answer, but the sad smile on his face said it all.
The two spent the next few moments in silence, both overwhelmed by secrets shared and revelations revealed. And it was in that time that Shinichi made up his mind.
“So, how can I help?”
Kaito looked up, his eyes gleaming. Shinichi nodded resolutely, and the phantom thief’s sad smile turned into the most mischievous grin the detective had ever seen.
It was only a few days later that Shinichi finally graduated from bed rest.
For the last few weeks, the only times Shinichi would get up was to use the restroom or to let Kaito switch out the sheets, which he had quietly appreciated because whatever that poison was made of really did a number on his body. Now, though, he was deemed healthy and well enough to at least walk around the house without assistance.
He still felt a bit weak, and he still got headaches from time to time, but it was miles better than the constant pain he had been feeling before.
And now that Kaito wasn’t avoiding him, the two spent more time together than ever. Talking about novels that they both enjoyed, exchanging theories on new props or tricks, and, most importantly, working on heists together.
Shinichi wasn’t actively participating in them, but he was surprised to find how good he was at planning them. He could spot several effective escape routes after a single glance at a building’s schematics, or he’d be able to figure out the safest way to retrieve the target without getting noticed by either law enforcement or civilian attendees. And, while he didn’t have Kaito’s same genius for inventions, his skill in finding a variety of uses for them was unmatched.
Alongside mystery novels, planning heists ended up being one of his favorite activities to do with Kaito.
Additionally, it had seemed that remembering who Kaito was opened the door for several more memories to return, quicker and clearer than they had ever been. Sometimes he would remember when they would solve online riddles together, or maybe movie nights where the two would criticize and laugh about shitty detective shows. Or he’d just remember conversations that they would have, or some of their light-hearted arguments as they bantered about something or other.
And on top of all that, some of the memories were those of dates the two had been on, such as eating together in a café that specialized in both coffee and chocolate, or exploring a museum that featured a special exhibit on archaeology or literature.
Shinichi was remembering more and more, and he felt content. Sure, his head still hurt sometimes, as not all of the memories came easily. But he figured that they just needed time to resurface and that he just needed to be patient.
(Sometimes, he’d remember a girl’s smile surrounded in warped blue, and he wondered when he’d be able to see her face, too).
Still, he was incredibly relieved at the pace his memories were returning.
When Shinichi told Kaito about it, the other teen wasted no time in grabbing his hand in support, seeming genuinely happy at the development. “That’s amazing Meitantei! I’m sure you’ll get the rest back in no time, if my name isn’t Kaitou Kid!” He grinned confidently, and Shinichi felt immediately reassured.
And the way Kaito had held his hand, just then, made him think about the way Kaito had held his hand in his memories, gentle yet strong. His smile, his laughter, the way his eyes would light up whenever Shinichi would figure something out or share a new idea. Both in his old memories and his new ones, he couldn't help but feel happy to be in the thief’s presence.
So, he began to wonder.
It took another few days to gather the courage to ask Kaito, his face red and turned away, afraid to look. But softly, ever so softly, Kaito took Shinichi’s face in his hands, and he came face to face with the brightest smile he’d ever seen. He felt blinded, as if Kaito was a spotlight shining only towards him.
It was so, so bright, but it was also electric.
Shinichi smiled back, hoping it was as bright as Kaito’s.
The relationship took a bit to get used to, seeing as Kaito wasn’t used to Shinichi knowing both of his identities, and Shinichi didn’t have a lot of his memories back yet, but he knew it would be alright. They had time.
However, that didn't mean that they got along all of the time, despite their strong connection.
One such moment was when they were working together on the plans for one of Kid’s heists, the target being a large red ruby. Kaito had needed input on a few of his tricks, a second, unbiased opinion that could offer new or alternate solutions.
Shinichi was marking some notes down next to one of the tricks when he noticed the next one, and he frowned. He twirled the pen in his hand in thought. “Hey, Kaito? What’s this about your ‘rose galaxy’ trick?”
Kaito, who had been working on a new disguise, paused in order to grin at Shinichi. “I’m glad you noticed it! I’ve been playing around with some fireworks lately, and I figured out how to make designs with them! At first, I was just going to launch them from the roof of the venue, but then I got to thinking.” He leaned over the table and circled a room on the building’s schematics. “The Black Organization hasn’t been following my movements lately. I think they’re on to me, so I need to do something big to recapture their attention, and launching a large red firework inside the building is bound to grab it.”
“But Kaito, that’s the main room where the gem is found. Aren’t people going to be hurt?”
Kaito’s grin faded. “Shinichi.” He almost never used his given name anymore, usually preferring the term ‘Meitantei,’ so he was a bit surprised. “No one is going to get seriously hurt, and absolutely no one is going to die. They’re low caliber fireworks that’s more meant to be a distraction rather than an explosion. But Shinichi, an explosion would still be absolutely nothing compared to what the Organization can do.” He glared at the table. “Like I mentioned before, they would stop at nothing to kill those who stand in their way. Right now, this is the best way to keep them from going after others. At least I know I have a chance against them.”
Kaito made an excellent point. Shinichi didn’t like it, though. In fact, he kind of hated it. But he couldn’t think of any alternatives, and he trusted Kaito. He’s been fighting against the Organization for much longer than Shinichi has known they existed. And since he had promised that no one would get seriously hurt, he’d have to take it.
Kaito was right when he said he had the best chance against the Black Organization. But that didn’t mean that Shinichi wanted him in the line of danger, either.
Unlike most phantom thieves (at least according to Kaito), Kaitou Kid struck very often, holding heists at least once a week and sometimes even more. It meant that the two were kept busy, especially as more and more gems seemed to migrate to Japan.
And with each heist came more danger, something to keep the Organization on Kid’s tail. It was working for now, but they would need to think up another solution soon if they didn’t want Kaito to have to commit actual murder. As it was, a lot more people were starting to get hurt, and some of them had ended up getting seriously treated.
Shinichi knew it was for the greater good, though, so he grit his teeth and did his best to avoid the news when he could.
His chance to change their strategy ended up coming from Kaito himself.
It had been another busy day of heist plans, though this one was very rushed because, for some reason, one of the potential Pandora candidates was only going to be available for a single day, tomorrow, and they had only announced anything about it today, so, yeah, both of them were a bit miffed.
Especially because they had already had another heist planned on the same day. It was going to be hell.
Shinichi groaned as he wrote down some of the new weaknesses he’d seen in Kid’s task force. Kaito always made sure to have footage available of their heist locations, and the main benefit of it was so that they could observe the task force or any other new elements. However, they have to change their plans because the task force also has to change their plans, splitting up the team in order to tackle Kid in both places. “It’s too bad we can’t be in two places at once like they can. It would make it so much easier to do this.”
Kaito sighed, making a few adjustments to his card gun so that the sound of the grappling hook was quieter. “Yeah, if only… Wait.” He paused, and he looked up at Shinichi as if seeing him for the first time.
Shinichi looked back, wondering what Kaito was thinking about. “What is it?”
At this, the thief smirked. “We can be in two places at once! Why didn't I think of this before?” He slammed his hands on the table in excitement. “Hey, Meitantei, you said you’ve been feeling a lot better, right?”
He knew where this was going. It’s not like it was a terrible idea, but it definitely had its flaws. “Are you suggesting I play Kid too? But won’t someone get suspicious if there are two of us running around at the same time?”
“Shinichi.” Kaito gazed at Shinichi imploringly. “You know all the plans. You know the venues. You know most of my tricks almost as well as I do. You’ve been a great help in planning the heists, but I also know that you’re capable of more. Sure, I’d have to teach you how to actually act, and where I keep everything in my suit as well as how to create a disguise on the fly, but I have a feeling you’ll be a master at them in no time at all.”
Shinichi thought about it. He didn’t have as much confidence in himself as Kaito seemed to have in him, and especially if the Black Organization decided to show up. All he’d been doing so far were simply plans, and who knew how well they’d actually apply to a real situation, especially when he didn’t have the experience.
His hesitation must have shown on his face. “Shinichi, I really think you’re ready! Plus, with the two of us working directly against the Black Organization, we’ll be able to distract them more and hopefully catch them off guard. Two heads work better than one, and we’re probably the equivalent of at least five heads, so I think we’ve definitely got this.” He held his hand out to Shinichi. “Together.”
Well, if he put it that way… He wrapped his hand around Kaito’s, and he grinned, trying to seem more confident than he actually felt. At the very least, he had to try. “Alright then. Where do we start?”
Kaito grinned right back.
The next day, the second Kaitou KID made his official debut, causing headlines the world over.
The next few subsequent heists were adrenaline-inducing, and Shinichi never felt so free. Kaito had given him a crash course on everything from acting to disguises, just as he promised, and, also just like he said, Shinichi surprisingly got the hang of the role quickly.
It was honestly a bit scary doing something so huge without Kaito there, but his partner always reassured him that he was capable of this, so he did his best to believe in Kanto’s trust in him. At least, if nothing else, it only made the heists more exhilarating.
He’d never done anything like this before, and he was forced to think on his feet more often than not, but he found that the challenge made his blood rush, even as he narrowly missed an officer’s jump at him. Kaito made dodging these guys seem so easy and effortless. Shinichi was sure that he’d never reach that level, but he wouldn’t give up on that hope, either.
His fourth heist as Kaitou Kid had him working together with his partner on the same heist, and the results were staggering.
The two worked together like a well-oiled machine, hyper aware of each other and everything going on around them. Shinichi almost ran into a camera at the end of a hallway? Kaito was there to get rid of it so that he didn’t have to stop his momentum. Kaito was getting overwhelmed by the members of the task force? Shinichi was there to take some of the load off to allow him some breathing room.
Shinichi had said this a lot about Kaito over the past few months, but he had never felt so alive and exhilarated.
They were two halves of a whole, outsmarting the force with ease and gliding off the roof together while fireworks muffled the shouts left far behind them.
From then on, they still tended to host heists separately, but sometimes the heist location was particularly large, or it was an overly complex trap set by those that needed to see them captured, they’d work together again.
Still, all good things must come to an end.
The Black Organization was starting to stray their focus somewhere else again, and the two were forced to pull more dangerous stunts in order to distract them again.
The first time someone had gotten caught up in an explosion that Shinichi had caused, tears had streamed down his face for the rest of the night, Kaito comforting him and reminding him that the Black Organization would do so much worse. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a choice. Shinichi had to steady his resolve, then.
And then there was a second time someone got hurt due to him. And then a third time. And a fourth, and a fifth, and a sixth…
After a few months, Shinichi started to lose count.
But, in the end, it all paid off.
Shinichi was reading another mystery novel when Kaito suddenly burst into the room, slamming the door open and looking rather manic. Worriedly, Shinichi stood up and walked over to him. “Kaito? What’s wrong?”
“The Black Organization. They’re going after the Lenz Diamond.”
The Lenz Diamond. It was abnormally large for a diamond, colored a deep blue. The man hosting it in his museum was very selective on his guests, only inviting nearby schools to allow them to celebrate the end of exam season. They guy had a teen daughter himself, so it made sense.
Of all gems, why would they go after the Lenz Diamond? Still, if Kaito’s sources were to be believed (which they usually were), then they had no time to lose. “What day?”
Kaito walked to their planning table and rolled out the schematics. “Two days, at 7 pm.” He pointed to a large room in the front of the building. “During that time, the host will be holding some kind of raffle in the lobby, requiring all guests to be there. And the jewel is held in this room.” He moved his finger towards the back of the house, still large but somewhat smaller than the lobby. “The owner does have security measures placed around it, but he’s refusing to let the task force in and doesn’t want to hire any extra bodyguards.”
“So security will be minimal, and the Organization will have the perfect chance to sweep in.”
“Right.” Kid looked at Shinichi, determination burning in his eyes. “We have to stop them.”
Shinichi nodded, and the two got to work.
The days passed by in a blur as they prepared for the heist, plans thrown out or reworked and the schematics thoroughly studied. Kaito was the one who found their ins to the event, and the two practiced their roles until they were the person themselves.
The night before the heist, the two found themselves on the sofa, cuddled under the blankets as they watched a horror movie. The protagonist had just found out that the killer had already murdered all of her friends and that he was going after her next. Shinichi and Kaito scoffed in unison. So cliché.
The movie ended with the girl dying, a subversion of expectations. It wasn’t a great movie, but the twist made it automatically better than the trashy films that they’d usually watch together, so Shinichi would count it as a win.
He was about to say so as much to Kaito, but he found that the thief was unusually silent, giving Shinichi an odd look as if hesitating to tell him something. He felt distant, despite the two being squeezed together. Shinichi reached a hand towards him. “Kaito? You ok?”
Kaito snapped out of whatever thought he must have been distracted with and lazily waved Shinichi off. “Ah, it’s nothing really. Just wondering how you’re settling into your identity for tomorrow, that’s all.”
Ah, yeah, that. It had been unexpected, but when Kaito had handed over the details of who he’d be disguising as, it had caught Shinichi by surprise.
Because it was him.
Turns out that, before he had lost his memories, he had gone to one of the schools that had been invited to the event. The papers had more information about him than he could have ever dreamed of, things he would have been ecstatic to learn just a few months ago. His friends, his family, his career…
But now, he realized that he hadn’t even been looking for those clues anymore, too focused on Kaito and helping him with heists.
Kaito had looked at him very apologetically. “Sorry it took so long for me to give these to you. I know you were getting better, but you still had headaches sometimes, and I was worried that something would happen. But I think it’s about time you got these.” He smiled, though Shinichi could tell it was fake. “You deserve this.”
It was… surreal, to get into character for someone that he used to be. The old him was cockier, a hotshot teenage detective who had taken the country of Japan by storm. He had had not a care in the world except for his few friends and solving murder cases. He was well-known for being a Sherlock Holmes superfan.
He had gone missing over seven months ago.
Today’s Shinichi was different. He had had to create his new self by scratch, using the few pieces he had of his old self as a foundation. He was calmer, more meticulous, fighting against death itself alongside the person he’s always been the closest with. He found that he enjoyed other novels besides Sherlock Holmes, and he had other hobbies that he liked to do, such as riddles or planning a heist.
His past self was so confident in himself that he was sure that he’d never make mistakes. His current self worked to the bone to make sure none were present.
Shinichi, he found, had changed from the person he used to be, but he hoped that it was for the better.
He relayed his observations to Kaito, who seemed a bit surprised. “You didn’t remember anything by looking at your file?”
Shinichi shook his head. Shockingly enough, he hadn’t. Still, maybe it was for the best. He thought of the girl who had been featured on the first page, a Ran Mouri who had been his best friend back then. The smile in the photo had made his heart twinge, but nothing else came of it.
It wasn’t like he could exactly go back to anyone in his old life. Not until he knew they were safe. So at least, with his memories still half-missing, he couldn’t miss them.
Still, when he fell asleep that night, he could have sworn he dreamt of cherry blossoms and a warm smile.
The next day, the two sent Kaitou Kid’s calling card at 3 pm, hoping to catch the Organization off guard by their abrupt timing. It definitely caused chaos amongst the host and his guests, but it was too late for them to cancel and shut the venue, so some security guards were hastily hired and placed through the building.
It wasn’t enough, though. Not nearly enough, and they definitely weren’t competent enough to handle either Kid or the Black Organization.
However, that was the easy part. The hard part was getting to the gem before they did, and making sure they got away from the encounter unscathed.
For now, though, it was time to infiltrate. It was 6:30 pm sharp when the two arrived, fashionably late and hoping to blend into a larger crowd. However, before they went in, Kaito, dressed in a school gakuran according to dress code, placed a hand on his shoulder. “Meitantei, I need to tell you something first.”
Shinichi was dressed up in the Teitan school uniform, which had felt oddly nostalgic to wear. He shook it off and gave Kaito his full attention. “What is it?”:
The thief took a deep breath, looking a bit shamed. “Look, you remember how we were together before you lost your memories, right?”
Shinichi nodded, not sure where he was going with this. Kaito continued. “Look, I… Ugh, it’s kind of awkward to admit, but nobody knew we were together. We lived in different cities, and how we met was an absolute fluke of the highest degree. You didn’t know my friends, and I didn’t know yours. And I asked you to keep it a secret because I didn’t know how far it’d go. And by the time I realized I was in it for real, it felt too late.”
Kaito squeezed his shoulder, his expression twisted into one of hurt. “So please, act like you don’t know me. People might suspect something if they notice, and we can’t risk that right now, not when we’re so close!”
He was thrown for a loop by Kaito’s confession, but he got the gist of it. “I got it. I’ll find some other people to talk to until the start of the heist, maybe poke around and double check some of those entry points.”
Kid’s expression turned back into that signature bright grin of his. “Now that’s my Meitantei!”
The inside of the building was both spacious and beautiful, having been a museum turned into an event space. There were hanging chandeliers everywhere, glowing golden onto the guests mingling below them. The walls were a deep mahogany, and the railings lining the corners and the stairwells were carved with rich and intricate designs.
Despite the clearly affluent decor though, most of the students milling about were wearing school uniforms, same as Shinichi. There was a good variety, and he was even able to catch some Teitan uniforms amongst the crowd.
He’d try to avoid those people as much as possible because he did not think he was ready for an impromptu reunion just yet.
He made his way through the lobby and into the back most room, where the gem was being held.
Shinichi could see Kaito on the other side of the room, laughing as a gaggle of guards watched in awe as he performed some simple card tricks on them. He watched in fascination as Kaito effortlessly made each of them individually warm up to him, and soon he was holding five different conversations at the same time without missing a single beat.
Seeing his partner at work was always so impressive to watch. Kaito was capable of charming even the grumpiest of people, and he was capable of flicking from one persona to the next without preamble. Every word, every gesture, and even every miniscule micro expression was curated very particularly for any and every situation imaginable.
He’s never seen the phantom thief falter, not even once.
Kaito caught Shinichi’s gaze and smiled, giving him a brief wink before he continued on to the next conversation.
After watching him work for a bit longer, Shinichi decided to finally move on himself and head for tonight’s target. A large crowd of people had formed around it, blocking his line of sight, but he was luckily able to squeeze past most of them without issue.
No one paid him any mind or noticed him.
It didn’t take too long to reach the front of the crowd, but he couldn’t exactly push past them at this point. He tapped the shoulder of the girl standing in front of him, about to ask her if she could move a bit so he could see the gem.
But then the girl turned around, and… oh.
Ran Mouri gasped when she saw him, her face pale as if coming face to face with a ghost. Well, he thought sardonically, he might as well be. “Shinichi?!”
The girl next to her, also wearing a Teitan uniform, whipped around at hearing the name. Sonoko Suzuki. “Shinichi-kun?!”
His head hurt again. Shinichi ignored the growing pain and instead sheepishly laughed. “Hey, Ran. Sonoko.”
Without warning, Ran jumped at him, and if Kaito hadn’t trained him, he would have heavily flinched. Instead, he caught her in his arms as she hugged him, tears streaming down her face. Inwardly though, he grimaced, shame coursing through his body. He couldn’t remember her. And he would have to leave her behind again.
Shinichi wondered how much she had cried, how much sleep she lost when she learned he was missing. And he’d have to do that to her for a second time, this time intentionally.
Maybe he should have tried to convince Kaito to let him attend as someone else. He was sure they would have been able to figure out a different method for their plan,
It was too late now, though. Ran pulled away, still crying, but she now had a smile on her face. In contrast to Kaito’s blinding bright spotlight, she was a sun, all-encompassing and warm. He remembered that smile. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Sonoko was also crying, though her expression was more on the absolutely furious side. That seemed in-character for her, based on Kaito’s files. He had done good work. “You idiot, where in the hell were you?! Ran was worried sick about you this whole time, and you didn’t even have the decency to call her!” She glared at him. “Give me one good reason I shouldn’t have you kicked out right this very second.”
Ran sputtered, turning to her best friend. “Sonoko, you don’t have to do that!”
He gave the two his best apologetic look, though he made sure to not make it too apologetic. “I got pulled into a case, but it got a bit too dangerous, even for me. So I had to lay low for a while. But when I heard about the event here, I knew I had to at least see you, Ran.” He grinned. “Sorry I took so long!”
Sonoko huffed and turned away, though he could still see the tears reforming in her eyes. “You dumbass, of course it was a case. Just don’t do it again!”
Ran’s smile softened. “Welcome back, then!”
Shinichi let his grin soften too. “I’m back.”
Their moment was interrupted by Sonoko’s frantic yelp. “Ah! It’s almost time for Kid-sama’s entrance!”
Ran turned to her friend, her smile curling a bit. “Why do you even like that guy, Sonoko? He’s hurt a lot of people.”
And. Ouch. She wasn’t wrong, but yeah, way to hit him in the insecurities when they meet again for the first time in several months. However, Sonoko wasn’t the only one that was a Kaitou Kid fan, despite a lot of danger he and Kaito had put civilians in. He was surprised to find that a lot of their fans liked that ‘dark side’ of the phantom thief, finding it poetic when they compared his actions to his crisp white suit.
(He and Kaito had spent one memorable evening looking at Kaitou Kid fanart and fanfiction, letting curiosity get the best of them when it came to their fanbase. It had been… something, that was for sure.
He didn’t think that he’d be able to see the Kid’s grappling hook the same way ever again. Chills still sometimes rushed through him at the thought.)
Sonoko seemed to have some of the same reasons Shinichi had noted. “That just means he has a dark possessive side to him! You know, the kind of guy that would always treat you right, but will also stop at nothing to make sure you're his and his alone or keep him from ever getting hurt.” She swooned. “It’s kind of romantic!”
Ran rolled her eyes, clearly used to the argument as she calmly responded back. Knowing they would be sufficiently distracted for the next couple of minutes, Shinichi took the opportunity to slip behind her to look at the gem and the rest of his surroundings.
The Lenz Diamond was encased in a glass barrier, likely thicker than usual due to the haziness of the glass. It made the jewel look a bit dull under the white light shining on it. And the platform it rested in did not match the rest of the room. It was a cold silver, likely hiding a contraption or two to hinder would-be thieves from snatching it for themselves.
But as he glanced around the rest of the venue, he knew that it would simply be child’s play for Kid, and likely to the Black Organization as well.
The lights in the room soon dimmed, leaving nothing but the spotlight over the jewel. A flash bomb went off on top of the case, and out from the light stepped out the Kaitou Kid, not a wrinkle out of place as he smirked. Not a single guard was in sight. “Welcome, everyone, to tonight’s show! Now, before we begin, I’ll need to select a volunteer.”
Whispers echoed across the room, most of them murmurs of worry or fear that Kid would harm whoever was selected. Some of the whispers were spoken with a manic frenzy, though, and a notable chunk of the crowd raised their hands and voices in excitement at the chance to be selected by the Kaitou Kid himself.
Kaito, for his part, did an excellent job pretending at scanning through the audience thoughtfully. After giving them the perfect amount of anticipation, he finally locked eyes with Shinichi, his grin upticking ever so slightly. “You in the blue uniform! Come join me.” The thief reached out his hand as the spotlight moved to Shinichi, making sure there was no misunderstanding amongst the other guests.
Shinichi acted confused, but at Kid’s insistence, he reluctantly walked forward, past the barrier and with the light trailing behind him. He felt all eyes following as he made his way to Kaito’s side, making sure he gave an annoyed glare in his direction before he faced the crowd.
Their looks and gossip didn’t scare him. There were far greater threats out there.
Kid bowed towards Shinichi, his eyes in deeper shadow than normal. “Would you honor me with a dance, detective?”
Shinichi rolled his eyes, but he acquiesced, letting their hands lock as Kaito led him in a dance circling the gem, soft music blaring from hidden speakers. The dance wasn’t anything too complex, but he found himself enjoying it anyway. Kaito was a much better dancer than him, and one could tell by the way he moved gracefully across the floor. Shinichi, in contrast, tended to stumble here and there, though this time he let himself do it purposefully.
Couldn’t let people suspect that the whole thing was staged.
Kaito leaned closer, close enough that Shinichi could see his eyes as they gleamed. “They’re here. You ready?”
Shinichi tapped a finger against Kaito’s hand in confirmation, focusing his senses on the most likely vantage points. Just as they made another pass around the diamond’s front, he caught a dark glimmer from the corner of his eyes through the glass’s reflection.
Immediately, both he and Kaito jumped in opposite directions as a bullet pierced through the space where Shinichi had stood not a second before. It shattered the glass holding the gem into a million sparkling pieces, scattering across his body and the nearest onlookers.
Kaito wasted no time in grabbing the free gem, stuffing it into the pocket that Shinichi knew was the most secure, the one closest to his heart. At the same time, with his other hand, he tossed one of his newest inventions up into the air, a small explosive purely meant for breaking through tough walls. It hit the ceiling, dust and debris coating an already frantic crowd.
Screams rang throughout the room, not noticing how Kaito used his grappling gun to lift himself through the hole he had created to the next floor.
Shinichi couldn’t use the same method, not when he wasn’t disguised as a kid himself at the moment, but he knew the fastest alternative. He ran and jumped over hunched over onlookers as he raced towards the stairs on the furthest side of the room.
But he didn’t get very far before a hand grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks with its strength. Startled, turned around, ready to fight off whoever had stopped him.
The fight left him a bit as soon as he saw who it was. It was Ran, her grip tightening as she looked at Shinichi directly into his eyes and anguish filling her expression. “Shinichi, where are you going?”
He looked directly back, serious and genuine this time. “I need to stop them.”
Ran sighed. “What will I ever do with you?” She loosened her grip, and Shinichi raced off again towards the stairs, already mapping out the building in his head and going over their next plans.
A voice called out from behind him, almost shrill as she called his name, a warning. “Wait, Shinichi!”
Her cries fell on deaf ears.
The roof’s access was already unlocked and open, moonlight spilling into the hall as Shinichi burst through the door.
Kaito greeted him with a dark grin. “Just in time, Meitantei!” He stepped aside as a bullet hit the ground next to him.
The next few minutes was a flurry of running across rooftops and dodging bullet hell, but, as always, the Kaito and Shinichi worked flawlessly together. Everything was going exactly according to plan.
Of course, that was when things went to shit.
The two huddled behind an air conditioning unit as another bullet bounced off the nearest corner. Kid had lost his card gun to a bullet to the hand. It was just a graze, but with the additional chaos happening around them, he hadn’t been able to risk holding on to it. Shinichi still had his, though, and he propped it in his hands, waiting for an opportunity. He was steady, ready.
The rain of bullets stopped for just a moment, and Kaito yelled at him to go. Shinichi swiftly poked his head out from behind the unit, ready to aim at their main sniper. He had already calculated the trajectory of the bullets, so he knew exactly where they would be hiding.
And, sure enough, on the rooftop across the alley, there was the gleam of a sniper’s scope. For the sniper himself, only his head was visible, a hardened face set into indifference and anger as he loaded his next bullets.
Now, it must be known that Shinichi was a great shot. He wasn’t sure where he had gotten the lessons, but in some situations, Kaito claimed that he was a better shot than even himself, and he had had years of experience being Kaitou Kid and using the card gun.
So, by all accounts, Shinichi should have been able to make the shot. However, all he could focus on was the fact that only the head was visible, that any shot he made had chances of only causing death. His hands, usually steady, shook as he raised the card gun.
They might not be actual bullets, but with the kind of power their shots held, they might as well should be.
In no time at all, the sniper had reloaded his gun and started to aim straight at Shinichi. His hands still shook. Was it really worth taking a life here? Was it worth it to become judge, jury, and executioner, even for a man who seemed unredeemable? He had already hurt so many people, so what was different about this? This man was a killer, more than that, even. So didn’t that mean he deserved it?
He slumped his arms in defeat, letting his gun fall with it. No, he just couldn't do it. Why couldn’t he do it?!
A shot rang out across the roof, and Shinichi shut his eyes, prepared for the worst.
The pain in his head increased tenfold as the bullet hit him. He screamed in agony as he fell to the floor, his hands clutching his head in reflex but only serving to make him all the more aware of the warm liquid staring to coat them.
A sigh sounded out next to him, defeated and condescending all in one. “And here I had such high hopes for you. I must say, I’m disappointed.”
Kaito’s voice was flat, not a hint of emotion to be heard in his words. Stunned, Shinichi watched as the thief picked up the discarded card gun and unflinchingly flicked a switch and pulled the trigger, launching a flaming card straight towards the sniper’s head.
The most visceral scream Shinichi had ever heard echoed in his eardrums, and it only got worse as he saw the man’s head burst into flames. The cool blue tone of the night fell into amber licks of orange and red. He looked at Kaito, who watched the sniper burn without a single hair out of place. Uncaring and cold. Shinichi was hurt, confused by his partner’s actions. “Kaito, what…?”
Kaito looked at him, smiling, though it had an edge to it, lined with darkness. “You were doing so well. You’re smart, Shinichi, smarter than anyone I’ve ever met. I was drawn to your mind since the day we met. So when the Black Organization was about to kill you? I took my chance.”
“I had initially planned on holding you hostage until I had a friend slowly place your old memories with new ones. It would have been risky, and it would have taken a long time, but I needed to examine your brilliant mind and have it for myself.” Shinichi felt himself grow cold, and it wasn’t because of the blood loss. Kaito continued, undeterred. “I couldn’t have ever predicted that you would lose your memories. It was as if Lady Luck had shone down on me, and I couldn’t let the opportunity go to waste. And you went beyond my expectations. You trusted me, loved me, almost surpassed me, even…”
Kaito frowned. “Today was a test of your resolve, of the strength your past life still had on you, and it doubled as a perfect distraction for the Black Organization. The fact that you hardly even genuinely acknowledged your closest friends, that you refused to let your mind trigger their memories? You were passing with flying colors so far.” He sighed. “But, alas, it seems that your morals still stuck with you all this time.”
This time, Kid grin was sharp and wild, and Shinichi was able to see his eyes from underneath the hat, almost glowing with the backlit fire. “So, you failed! Everything between you and me? It was a dream you were never supposed to wake up from.”
Shinichi couldn’t stay awake anymore. He was going to die and Kid wasn’t going to help him. And yet, gloved fingers brushed against his face, and he struggled to open his eyes to see Kid giving him a soft look, laced with sadness. “I did truly like you, you know.” He stood up, and Shinichi felt his consciousness start to leave him.
“Sweet dreams, Meitantei.”
And all of his pain finally disappeared.
Shinichi woke up with a gasp.
How was he…? Didn’t he get shot in the head? It’s not like it was impossible to survive a headshot, but he had thought his chances were too slim to actually happen. Unless he was in heaven, or maybe hell where he probably belonged.
“Shinichi!”
Ran walked toward him, that relieved expression visible on her face again. She reached an arm to him, looking like she wanted to hug him, but in the end she probably thought better of it and instead folded her hands in front of her. She smiled. “You’re awake! The doctors said you’d be out for a lot longer, but I guess if anyone could out-stubborn an injury as serious as that, it’d be you.”
“Ran…” he coughed, his throat dry.
She gasped “Oh! Let me get you some water! And I should probably call the doctors in here too…”
The next few months were a whirlwind of doctors, staff, and visitors and they worked to get him back into good health. The room he had been placed in was on one of the hospital’s upper floors, with large windows that offered a clear view of the blue sky and let in plenty of sunlight. It made the place seem less clinical, and more like someone’s guest bedroom.
He always requested to leave the windows open, even at night.
Additionally, Shinichi was never alone when he was awake. It was usually a nurse who was watching over him to make sure he didn’t go under again, but sometimes it was a doctor or another specialist noting down his healing progression. On a lot of the days, though, he’s get visitors in the form of Ran or his parents.
Even though he hadn’t remembered her almost at all, he knew that there had to have been something between them, once upon a time. He could still see the ghost of her smile in the deepest parts of his memory, but even then, he knew it could never be the same.
Ran must have sensed it, too, as she started to visit him less and less.
The thing that Shinichi had been most surprised about, though, was his parents visiting him. Last he knew, the two hadn’t been in the country of Japan in months. Though he guessed it made sense that any parent would come back if they heard their missing son was found in a critical condition.
His mom had violently sobbed at seeing him awake, and she had hugged him with all her might as if he’d disappear again if she let go. His dad had been less emotional, but he shared a few secret tears with Shinichi and told him how grateful he was that Shinichi was alright, and that he was sorry they hadn’t been there for him sooner.
He didn’t remember his parents or how often they were around, but he could tell he was telling the truth. At least they were trying.
When he was finally discharged and allowed back home, Shinichi had to physically refrain from looking around. In the end, he never got around to telling anyone that he had lost his memory, or at least any from before last year. They were under the impression that he had forgotten what had happened over the past several months, due to his head injury, but he hadn’t had the heart to tell them that it went well beyond that.
Kaito’s file that he had heavily studied about his own life was really paying off, honestly. That, and those acting lessons.
He was too good at faking who he was, now.
It took another month for him to settle into a new normal. He took online courses for his high school so that he could catch up to the rest of his class, and that was on top of actually attending his current classes in person. He mostly tried to keep to himself, but then Ran or Sonoko would come over to talk, and he’d be ‘back’ to his old self.
The love that his few friends and family showed him was warm, a warmth he had been missing until now. They had genuinely missed him, and they enjoyed spending time with him. They invited him to things and worried about him and encouraged him to try and open up to other people. It didn’t all work, but Shinichi was able to see how much they were trying, too.
And he actually did end up making some friends and meeting new people. Ran had introduced him to the Detective Boys, a group of kids who admired Shinichi and became inspired to become detectives themselves. When meeting him for the first time, he could swear that there were stars in their eyes as they asked Shinichi to recall some of his past cases.
He had done some more research into himself and some of his past, but he only relayed one or two before he turned the question back on them, and from then on they’d drag him along to their own mysteries. In both this life and the last, he was sure he didn’t have any experience working with kids, but the Detective Boys were different. They were surprisingly smart and intuitive, and he learned to not underestimate them very quickly.
They were the main lights in his life.
Another friend who had come along was one Hattori Heiji, another popular high school detective from the west who seemed to want to compete with Shinichi over the title of best high school detective. The other teen was hot-blooded and brash and a little too confident, but so was Shinichi not too long ago. After a particularly difficult mutual case, Hattori seemed to respect Shinichi a lot more, and the two became fast friends.
The other detective would always invite Shinichi to Osaka, or he’d go to Beika to surprise Shinichi himself. They were unstoppable when it came to a case, always finding the culprit in record time.
It felt freeing, to have someone on his own level on the same playing field, but it only served to remind him of his teamwork with Kid and how well they had worked together during heists. It just wasn’t the same…
He had grown to really appreciate Hattori, though, and he greatly enjoyed his presence.
The last person he met was a young girl named Haibara Ai, who had joined the Detective Boys after a little too much probing from the other members. Still, she didn’t seem to hate it there, but Shinichi had always found it difficult to read her expression, so he could be wrong. She was also a new ward of the professor who lived next door, to his surprise.
At first, it had felt like she didn’t like him at all, always avoiding him and refusing to come over to his house if he was going to be there. But then one day, he had rescued her from a dangerous situation, and she then confessed that she knew that he had had an altercation with the Black Organization.
She had needed an out from them, so she had taken a dose of her own poison, the same kind that they were supposed to use on Shinichi at Tropical Land all that time ago. But instead of dying, she had shrunk into her current child-like form, and she knew she needed to find some help. Luckily, she knew that Shinichi had to be alive and in hiding somewhere, though she hadn’t known where to start.
So she had moved to Shinichi’s hometown and hoped for the best.
After that, Haibara became the person closest to Shinichi. She was almost always able to see right through him, and she was the only person who knew that he hardly had any memories of his old life. In return, Haibara would talk about her past and about the Organization. One time, she mentioned that the Organization had been fighting against someone for many months, once who kept dismantling their operations.
Shinichi had a feeling he knew who was responsible for that.
Kaito had continued to do heists without him, though every time he heard about them, they were always more and more dangerous than the last. Although Shinichi tried to remind himself that Kaito had used him, he couldn’t help but hope that the guy would be alright too.
Besides, he had new people, friends who would always have his back and support him no matter the situation. The way they lit up his life was warm and soft, golden rather than unnecessarily bright. That feeling alone almost made living this life worth it.
…Almost.
For some reason, he always found it difficult to sleep nowadays. He didn’t know whether it was due to his head injury, or if it was connected to the late sleep schedule he had while he was working with Kid, or maybe it had to do with his memories, but it didn’t like to come to him easily.
Tonight was one of those nights, the moon full and bright as Shinichi lay awake, thinking about memories.
He had miraculously gained a few of them back, though it honestly wasn’t much at all compared to all of his fake memories of Kaito. He could remember Ran surrounded by cherry blossoms as they walked home from school, as well as his parents taking him on a flight to Hawaii. He had also remembered several more cases, each one giving him insight into his thought process before Kid had ‘saved’ him.
Somedays, he couldn’t help but wonder if those memories he had of Kaito truly were fake? They had always felt so real to him. And they hadn’t exactly disappeared, either. Some of them had faded a bit, but they were still there, like any other memory would be.
He soon became lost in thought, thinking about both this life and his last one.
The curtains in his room fluttered silently on the breeze, and the moon’s rays filled the room with a soft light. He could hear a wind chime in the distance, its twinkling sound reminding him of stars and smashed glass flying through the air. He could also hear a heavier fabric whipping in the wind, sounding like a cape as the sound traveled to his window…
The thought was interrupted by a quiet thump just outside. What, what?
Shinichi glanced towards his window, and his breath caught in his throat. A figure was perched on the windowsill, perfectly silhouetted against the moonlight as a cape waved behind them.
He couldn’t so much as breath as the person jumped into his room with the grace and elegance of a cat, their landing as silent as the curtains flowing behind them.
The person became bathed in the moonlight, instead of shadowed by it, and…
There he was, Kaitou Kid in the flesh.
The thief took off his hat, and his eyes shone with manic delight as he looked at Shinichi, as if he had just discovered a miracle, or maybe an interesting specimen. It was an expression that he had only seldom seen, usually reserved for when he discovered a new impossibly difficult trick to master, or when he would admire Shinichi’s strategic abilities.
He didn’t know what the thief was so enamored with, this time.
Shinichi watched as Kid held out his hand towards him, his grin looking a bit dimmer than he was used to, but it was still that same blinding bright all the same.
“Hello again, Meitantei. Did you miss me?”