Post by phantomshyraz on Oct 10, 2016 9:15:07 GMT
Summary: It started out as an empty lot but it came with that little bit extra. If only Yuusaku had continued being who he was instead of who he has become, it might have spared the grief and heartaches.
A/N: I had a difficult time trimming this. I wasn't going to put it into the competition but since the theme inspired me to write I thought I'd try to snip it into an abridged version. The full version is up on FFN. I suggest you go and read the actual version if this did piqued your interest.
FFN link: www.fanfiction.net/s/12184725/1/Tales2-2-1-Beika
Words: 8351
“Oh, it’s wonderful.” Yukiko kissed Yuusaku passionately on the lips, in full view of the movers who had been busily carrying furniture between the truck and the house. “It looks better than I’ve imagined.” Though the front yard was still barren, the path between the gate and front door had been laid with small decorative ornaments. The large white balls atop of the gate pillars containing the street lights by the gate glistened under the afternoon sun. The white walls contrasted steeply with the black wrought iron gates, that pushed smoothly away as they walked down the path. Stepping into the threshold, there was still the smell of fresh wood and the lingering scent of paint. The large foyer let in light from the upper windows, painting the room with bright sunshine. Everything looked perfect in Yukiko’s eyes, the only thing left was to complete their own little family.
That night, as they shared the large king size canopy bed, skin touching skin, Yuusaku dreamt.
He was standing opposite a dark cloaked figure, which had three lumpy objects leaning onto the hems of his cloak. A bony hand pointed at Yuusaku and two lumps moved, first slowly across the large expanse between Yuusaku and the cloaked figure, then picked up pace. The closer they came, the more Yuusaku could pick up small features of a baby. The faster one, who was already within reaching distance of the young author, had tame hair and bright blue eyes. Reaching down to pick the boy up, the boy giggled and laughed, and Yuusaku could not help but smile. He ruffled the dark locks of hair, noticing the softness and coldness seeping through the tiny body. On instinct, he held the boy tighter to his body. The second baby (Yuusaku also assumed it to be a boy) was struggling slightly but was slowly gaining speed as soon as he saw Yuusaku. The messy brown hair bobbed as the baby attempted to move his arms and legs faster towards Yuusaku. When he was within reaching distance, Yuusaku crouched down to pick the boy up but found the act difficult for he did not want to lose his hold on the already cold boy. Touching the face of the new baby now by his legs, he also felt the iciness, but his hands were already full from dealing with the blue-eyed boy. A hand landed on his shoulders before reaching out to take the boy by his legs. The boy struggled at first, clinging onto Yuusaku but the author forcefully removed the boy and guided the boy towards the outstretched hands. Bright violet eyes looked back up at him as though questioning Yuusaku why he was pushing him away but Yuusaku knew he had to be firm in his decision or the boy would not survive.
Glancing back at the cloaked figure, there was still one bundle struggling to move. It made several lurches, tumbling and turning, but it barely made it into the lit up area that surrounded Yuusaku and the disembodied hands. The two boys looked at the lump, hands reaching out as though calling for it to hurry up or giving it support, but the lump still struggled. Yuusaku could see chains forming from the wisps of mist surrounding them, and holding the boy back.
“Your choice.” A voice echoed in darkness. The bony hand of the cloaked figure once again pointed at Yuusaku, behind him, another more recognisable voice spoke.
“Don’t worry about this young one, I’ll give him a home.”
Turning his gaze towards the small lump, eyes wide but not as bright as the one in his own grasp, he reached out his hands but pulled them back before he could touch the skin. He knew he would not be able to take both boys into his arms, he had to sacrifice one.
“Very well.” The voice in darkness sounded in approval. The mist gathered, obscuring the little lump. The boys wailed in unison, sadness prominent in their voice even if they were unable to form words. “Wise choice for he would not be fit for you or your family. Consider this a gift from us.” As the darkness receded, Yuusaku was made aware of how the little boy in his grasp felt warmer to the touch. There was still a tint of sadness in his eyes, but it was slowly lifting, filling with laughter and joy.
Yuusaku blinked his eyes opened to see light streaming into the bedroom through the sheer curtains. Yukiko was snug against his chest, clinging tight onto his waist. Yuusaku smiled at the general sense of happiness even though he could not remember much of his own dreams save for bright blue eyes and a cheerful smile. He only knew something good had happened.
Two months later, in late autumn just as the leaves have begun to fall, his hunches were proven correct as Yukiko bounded up to him from the front porch after her doctor’s appointment.
“I’m pregnant!” She leapt into Yuusaku’s arms, who was surprised, shocked, and overall very happy at the sudden turn of events. “I’m so so happy!”
Yuusaku quickly brought his wife indoors, not wanting her to catch a cold especially since she did not have her jacket. He then proceeded to admonish her for jumping and dancing all over their living room. The actress was already planning her retirement from show-biz and thinking about the colour scheme for their child’s room.
“So, boy or girl?” She asked as she settled down on the large sofa in front of the TV, which was showing a rerun of one of her older dramas.
“Boy.” Yuusaku said surely. “It’ll be a boy.”
“I think it’ll be a girl.” Yukiko patted her abdomen. “It’ll be nice to have someone to dress up with.”
Shaking his head, he decided not to inform his wife of that dream long ago. If it was premonition about their future child, she did not have to know he gave up the other two who was supposed to be borne into their family. He still had lingering regretful feelings of the dream, how he was unable to save the smallest one. But it was supposed to be a dream and nothing more. Though what bothered him was the cloaked figure, with its bony hands and ominous aura. It did not feel natural nor one that would be giving life.
“Yuu-chan, you’re spacing out again.” Yukiko poked Yuusaku in the cheeks. “I think we should go look for furniture and baby clothing.”
“Isn’t that against tradition?” He remembered reading somewhere it was bad luck to look at baby things so early in the pregnancy. “Shouldn’t we wait until we know the gender at least?”
“But by then, it’ll be difficult for me to go out.” Yukiko pouted, adding the puppy-eye effect.
Yuusaku struggled to stay firm but in the end, he drove the car from the nearby parking lot to pick Yukiko from the front of their home.
In the beginning of May, just as spring was coming to an end and summer was just around the corner, their baby took the first breath. When Yuusaku laid eyes on their baby, the little eyelids opened to reveal a startling shade of blue, the same colour as that in Yuusaku’s dreams.
“Look at him.” Yukiko smiled tiredly from the hospital bed as their son reached out his little hands for something to grab on. The boy had inexplicable amounts of energy for someone who was just borne into the world. “He’s already curious.”
Yuusaku reached out his hands, letting the little digits poke and prod at his palm then finally settling on grabbing a finger all too big for the little fist. He didn’t bother to hold back the smile.
Several hours later, back in the private room of the hospital (for the doctors had wanted to make sure Yukiko was healthy and strong before letting her leave, there had been slight complication during the birth) both Yuusaku and Yukiko were showered with confetti. Streamers rained down from the ceiling and balloons rose from the floor beneath the bed (which Yuusaku had checked beforehand for any listening devices and whatnots, who knows what the paparazzi would do to sniff out a scoop). Yukiko had giggled from her position on the bed as their magician friend made his appearance in a burst of smoke.
“Congratulations friend.” Toichi patted Yuusaku on the back before producing a small teddy bear with flair, catching the baby’s attention. “And hello there young Kudo.”
The baby laughed as he made grabby hands towards the fluffy teddy.
“So what’s his name?” He inquired, letting go of the teddy. The boy latched onto the teddy’s ears, biting and mouthing the small clump of fabric.
“Shinichi.” Yukiko looked lovingly down at the curious boy in her arms who now abandoned thoughts of chewing through the teddy, instead it turned the toy and tried to pull at the arms and legs.
“Quite energetic for a newborn. I heard they normally would be asleep by now.” Blue eyes looked up at the speaker, as though he detected the voice was talking about him.
“Quite. The doctors said it was uncommon. But all considered, he’s healthy and that’s all it matters.” Yuusaku reached out to take the boy from Yukiko so she could rest her arms. Gently, he lifted Shinichi and held it to his chest. “What about your own little bundle? When is your baby due?”
“Chikage is having a check-up, we’re expecting to be in two months but who knows.” Toichi shrugged his shoulders. “Babies are unpredictable.” There was a wry smile on his face, one that told Yuusaku there was more to it than the words spoken. In the young author’s mind, a theory was beginning to form, one that involved the supernatural and precognitive dreams.
During their short conversation, Shinichi fell asleep in Yuusaku’s arms. The drop of the teddy onto the floor notified them the boy was exhausted and Yuusaku promptly returned Shinichi to the small bed by Yukiko’s side. Toichi excused himself, stating he would be bringing Chikage around after the appointment so the wives could chat. Yuusaku saw the magician out.
“Say…” Yuusaku began as he closed the doors behind him, “when your wife asked you whether you think the baby was boy or girl, what did you reply?”
“Boy. Definitely a boy. Without a doubt.” Toichi stated surely. “I saw him myself, that energetic boy from my dreams. I’m quite sure of it. And I’m guessing you know it as well.”
“I’ve never believed in the supernatural before, but Shinichi kind of confirmed it for me.” Yuusaku turned his gaze back towards the doors before waving the magician to go pick up his wife before said wife chewed him out.
Yuusaku would have loved to say the years had gone by like the flow of water as he watched Shinichi grow from the small baby to the now five year old. Unfortunately, each day was filled with adventure.
Before Shinichi’s first birthday, Yuusaku remembered going to the playpen to retrieve Shinichi for an immune shot. He found the playpen perfectly intact but Shinichi was missing from the inside. A frazzled search around the room revealed nothing and only when Yuusaku moved towards the closed doors of the library, had he heard the gurgled sounds of Shinichi somehow sounding extremely excited and happy. Opening the doors, Shinichi was found perched on a shelf tucked between encyclopedias and mystery novels. Yuusaku nearly had a heart attack, his son had escaped and managed to climb up several shelves. From that point on, Yuusaku made sure to stay besides Shinichi, barely stepping out of the house. Yuusaku had dropped his detective work all together, focusing his efforts on his novels.
At age 3, Shinichi was introduced to the small bundle known as Kuroba Kaito. An energetic and overly curious boy. Shinichi, who was on the shy side, had immediately taken a liking to Kaito. They became attached to the point where the two sets of parents were constantly visiting each other. They would often meet at a nearby park, where the wives would have the afternoon off and the husbands were tasked with babysitting. Kaito and Shinichi would busy themselves at the sandpit. But one particular incident had neither fathers wanting to bring their children back. One sunny afternoon, during their discussion on the merits of walking on air, silence suddenly overcame the normally energetic Kaito. They had dismissed it at first until the silence persisted. Toichi was the one who saw what caught the two boy’s attention. Inside the sandpit was a clear plastic bag containing what seems to be a rusty red liquid. The tangy metallic smell seeped through and Toichi hulled the boys away. Both looked up with curiosity, before turning their gaze back at the dug hole and the empty space besides the two kneeled indents made by the playing boys. Yuusaku was quick to report to the police, who later told him the plastic bag contained a fresh dismembered finger but the body had yet to be found. Instead of participating in the investigation, Yuusaku took the boys to a child psychologist, just in case. Neither boys were pronounced traumatized, only very bright and highly adaptive.
When the boys were strong enough to run and play, earning restless afternoons for the parents, the Kurobas and Kudos would often take longer trips. To theme parks, beaches, and camping. The most harrowing experience came during one of their theme park visits, where Yuusaku not only found his son’s love for haunted houses but also Shinichi’s knack of finding trouble. That was not surprising in itself for Shinichi had a very curious nature. Rather than become scared of dark and spooky places, Shinichi would often be found giggling and pointing at dark shadows when he had been younger. Now, at age 5, Shinichi would actively look for such places as though it holds the answers to the world. During this trip, the boys ran around, poked their heads into bushes and hid behind dumpsters and alleyways. The parents had panicked when Kaito nor Shinichi returned to their side and had nearly called security when their children failed to return. The parents were not relieved even as Kaito ran up to them unhurt. Kaito tugged at their shirt to pull them towards Shinichi’s location, who stood staring at an unmarked luggage standing beside a support beam for the rollercoaster. Yuusaku, recognising it for what it was, quickly pulled Shinichi away and pushed him into Yukiko’s arms, instructing them to go as far away as possible. The police later reported the luggage to contain a bomb, part of a threat that was issued that very same morning. They commented that Shinichi had been lucky to not set it off, to which the parents decided to call it a day. Yuusaku never bothered to find out about that incident, only it was reported days later that the culprit was still on the loose.
Their son rarely cries, as a baby the only time he uttered a sound was when hunger strikes. As a young child, tears were only formed when skin was broken. When brought to moody restaurants or places that should set other babies off, Shinichi remained calm with his bright blue eyes, peering into the darkness. Sometimes, Yuusaku had to wonder what goes on inside that brain of his.
“Ne, ‘tou-san.” Shinichi tugged Yuusaku on the sleeve, breaking him out of his reminiscence. Yuusaku looked down at his wide-eyed son clutching onto a picture book of the Great Mouse Detective.
“Yes, Shinichi?” Lifting his son to sit on his laps, he assumed his son wanted him to read the story book but Shinichi did not hand the book over.
“Why is that person always standing so close to ‘kaa-san?” His inquisitive eyes looked up, not registering ahd shock in Yuusaku and taking his silence as need for further information. “You know, the one wearing the black cloak? He’s really really close. I’ve tried asking him but ‘kaa-san was looking at me funny.”
Yuusaku knew Shinichi had a knack of locating strange things, but by far this was the strangest. “Where have you seen this person?”
“Um...he was across the street at first, but last time ‘kaa-san took us to the supermarket, he was standing close. And he followed us home!” Shinichi gripped tighter onto his book. “Who is that person?”
“I wouldn’t worry.” Yuusaku tries to soothe his boy by ruffling his hair. “Just ignore that person and he should be gone.”
“But he’s always been there! That time with that strange package, and at the park, and at the mall…” Shinichi listed all the times he found a crime in action, whether it was dropped goods from a robbery, bombs from terrorists, kidnapped children, and dismembered limbs. Yuusaku had thought it was all coincidences but apparently, Shinichi just never told anyone. “And then there was also the little kid that’s always with the cloaked person. He looked just like me, only a lot smaller.”
“What little kid?” Yuusaku held back the suspicion in his voice.
“Small boy, tiny. Blue eyes that always stared at me. I tried talking to him, asked if he wanted to play but he just disappears.” He replied as though he was saddened by the lost chance at making a new friend. “He looked really lonely and I thought we could be friends.”
Yuusaku wasn’t sure what he could say, instead kissed his boy at the temple and told him not to worry. Shinichi nodded obediently but remained inside the library, taking up residence on the plush beanbag at the corner designated for children’s books. Yuusaku frowned as Shinichi buried his head into the book. Strange circumstances had rattled his nerves.
A week later, Yuusaku received a hurried called from Megure. He had thought it was a request for a case but the inspector’s distressed tone was cause for Yuusaku to rush towards the hospital. The older inspector met Yuusaku at the entrance.
“Yukiko, where is she? Where’s Shinichi?” Yuusaku was out of breath from his run between his car, parked haphazardly in front, and the hospital’s front desk.
“She’s in the OR. Shinichi-kun has been admitted.” Megure rattled off the room number and guided Yuusaku to the children’s ward. “It had been a hit-and-run.” He informed the frazzled author-slash-father plainly, stating how the driver ran a light, hit the mother and child during crossing.
“‘Tou-san.” Shinichi struggled out of his blanket. He had a cast on his leg, bandages wrapped around his arms, and several colourful Band-aids stuck on his cheeks and forehead. Yuusaku rushed to his son’s side, trying to stop him from aggravating the injuries. “It was a black car, really really black car. But had a silver horse in front.”
It was strange for Yuusaku to hear his son able to describe in detail about the car that hit them. He recognized some of the characteristics as being that of the car involved in a series of traffic accidents for the past week. Megure had called him up a few days ago to ask his opinion but Yuusaku was still going through the information that was sent over.
“And ‘kaa-san...she, she hugged me. And...and…” Droplets of tears threatened to fall from his boy’s eyes and Yuusaku carefully hugged him.
“Shh….It’s alright. Everything would be fine.” He patted his son gently, coaxing the boy to calm down. But Shinichi just remained still in his arms, which Yuusaku had to pull away to make sure Shinichi was doing fine.
“It was my fault. If I said something…It was always there when something happens.” Shinichi pulled tighter at Yuusaku’s shirt. “It was my fault, ‘kaa-san was hurt because she tried to protect me…”
“It’s not your fault Shinichi.” It took a good portion of the hour to calm Shinichi down. By the time his son fell asleep, his wife’s operation was over and he left Shinichi in the care of the nurses. He could foresee his son to start panicking the moment he wakes up but he really needed to check on his wife.
Megure was talking with one of the doctors out in the corridor when Yuusaku finally arrived. The doctor had a grim look on his face.
“Are you her husband?” The doctor asked, turning away from Megure’s questioning. Yuusaku nodded, not trusting his voice. “We’ve done all we could be she had suffered extensive injuries. There were mass internal bleeding caused by punctured organs. The impact of the car was by far the worst I’ve seen. There were also minor fractures on the hips, legs and arms. We have to wait until she wakes up before doing any scans or tests for brain damage but so far, we have not found indications that she would have suffered. I can allow the husband to stay with her for now if you want.”
“Thank you doctor. If you could send over your reports to the police, that would be helpful.” Megure then turned to the distressed author. “Yuusaku-kun, go see your wife. I’ll can have Kogoro close by Shinichi-kun’s room. Do you want me to help you call someone more familiar?”
“I can give you the number. I think they would want to know.” Yuusaku rattled off the Kuroba’s home number before following the doctor towards Yukiko’s room.
Yukiko looked extremely fragile tucked in between white starched sheets and bandages, quite different from the boisterous presence Yuusaku was used to. He pulled over a flimsy plastic chair and set himself up for a night of vigil. He somehow knew his wife would not be opening her eyes anytime tonight.
That night, Yuusaku’s mind was cluttered with thoughts of ‘what-ifs’ and ‘could-have-beens’. His son’s words echoed in his mind as he pondered whether there was something he could do. He questioned why such things happened to his lovely wife and whether it could have been prevented, if he had not put it aside that time when Megure called, Yukiko won’t be lying on the bed now. A lone voice echoed in his mind that told him if he had stayed true on his path, became what he was destined to be, none of this would have happened. He shook his head to clear out the thought before returning his gaze to his stilled wife.
His mind ran then on tangents as worry and frustration waged war, wondering from if Shinichi was sleeping or was he crying, to what Yukiko’s first words when she wakes up would be. He must have drifted off as he was suddenly startled awake by the sound of sliding doors.
“You look like hell Yuusaku.” Toichi walked in by himself, settling to stand by Yuusaku as they watched the rise and fall of the blanket. “Chikage and Kaito are with Shinichi at the moment. How are you holding up?”
“I feel horrid.” Yuusaku admitted, cringing as he heard a pop when he moved his neck. “What time is it?”
“Noon. Don’t tell me you fell asleep in here.” Toichi shook his head before urging Yuusaku out of the chair. “Clean yourself up, see your son before coming back. I’ll be here just in case.”
Yuusaku was about to protest but knew his friend would start pulling threats (and pranks) out if he dallied any longer. He complied with much reluctance to freshen himself and check on Shinichi.
His son’s room was slightly more lively with Kaito pulling out tricks and managing to sneak in a dove. Yuusaku wasn’t complaining when he noticed a small smile on Shinichi’s face. He walked over to give his son a kiss on the temple and informed Chikage of the whereabouts of her husband. She laid a comforting hand on his shoulders before directing him to the small bento she made. Graciously, to took the food and settled by the bedside as he listened to Kaito’s stories about the cat next door and his doves and a bottle of food dye (he was surprised that Chikage had not scolded Kaito for the prank). It was late afternoon when the doctors came back to check whereby the three visitors were told to leave. Shinichi looked as though there was something he wanted say and Yuusaku went closer to ruffle the still neat locks.
“‘Tou-san.” Shinchi kept his eyes downcasted. “‘Kaa-san said she doesn’t want you to worry.”
Startled, he turned back to look at his son. “Why do you think that?”
“I didn’t think. I know. She told me just now.” Shinichi stated with a soft voice. “She was here. That small boy brought her here.”
“Shinichi.” Lost for words, and ignoring the annoyed glare from the doctor, Yuusaku went to hug his son once more. “Please, stop this.” His voice must have sounded pained because Shinichi flinched in his arms.
“‘Tou-san…” Shinichi pushed him away. “I’m not lying. It’s true. She was here. She said she’ll come by again later!” Shinichi gripped tightly on the bedsheet, tears threatening to fall once more.
“Kudo-san.” The doctor sternly reminded Yuusaku to stop aggravating Shinichi and instead of checking up on the boy, he led Yuusaku out of the doors, pausing to explain the situation. “It is normal for the child to experience this, his young mind may be trying to understand what happened and could be conjuring up imaginary scenarios. I would suggest to let him speak his mind for the time being and if it persists, I’ll recommend a child psychologist.”
Nodding, Yuusaku let the doctor do his work as he sat outside with Kaito. Chikage had left to check on her husband moments after they stepped out of the room but Kaito had refused to leave.
“Yuusaku-ojisan, Shin-chan would be fine.” Kaito tried to comfort, producing a tissue flower from his sleeves. “I heard he would be fine, and Yukiko-neechan would be fine as well.”
“And where did you hear that?” Yuusaku decided to entertain the boy and agree with him.
“That’s what they said when they came into the room, when ‘kaa-san left briefly to get juice for us.” His wide violet eyes looked up directly in Yuusaku. “You shouldn’t be sad. They said as long as you’re here, as long as you have Shin-chan, everything would be fine here.”
Chikage came back at the exact moment when Yuusaku wanted to question further. The Kurobas had to leave them since visitation hours were over. Yuusaku decided to stay for a while longer, though this time not returning to Shinichi’s rooms but instead went to Yukiko’s room. He stared down at his wife’s pale face, wondering what Shinichi and Kaito had meant. He was interrupted once again by the nurse, even as he told the nurse this was his wife, the nurse had firmly told him he should not be staying here for two days straight. Sighing, he trudged towards his car and carefully drove himself home.
Looking up at the house, the large mansion felt oppressive. The silence echoing through the rooms was painful to Yuusaku’s ears. Browsing through the cupboard, he made himself a bowl of instant noodles, bland and tasteless but he knew once Yukiko wakes up and knows he had not eaten, there would be hell to pay. Letting the dirty dishes soak in the sink, he returned to his only sanctuary--the library. Here, he tries to begin the next installment of his new novel, the Night Baron, but inspiration was nowhere to be found. Deciding to call it a night, and hoping to wake early for tomorrow’s visitation hours, he turned towards the bedroom.
“You should not have turned a blind eye towards the world.” A whisper cut through the silence in the middle of the night. Yuusaku’s senses told him no one was in the room yet he distinctly heard a voice. “Even with Our prompts, you have not acted.”
Yuusaku reasoned with the voice that he had done so in order to protect everything he has right now.
“Very well, someone else would have to take up your mantle. Let us hope your son would fare better and embrace these new gifts.”
Yuusaku quickly opened his eyes, facing the darkness as dawn was just breaking through their window.
“What have I done.” He asked the empty space, somehow knowing he just condemned his son to a life of misfortune.
Two weeks after the car accident, Shinichi returned home with Yuusaku. His son was still wheelchair bound, much to said boy’s annoyance, and most of the time Shinichi was kept to his own room. The Kuroba’s were a great help, willing to babysit Shinichi as Yuusaku went to visit his now comatosed wife. It was painful for him to walk into the whitewashed room of the long-term ward in the early afternoon and talk to his unresponsive wife. He would bring flowers; lovely azaleas, pink camellias, bunches of white hyacinths, and sprigs of primroses. He would always accompany his bouquet with a bright red rose stuck in between flowers and decorative greens.
Replacing the stale water in the vase by Yukiko’s bedside, he proceeded to give her an update of Shinichi, how he was always restless and trying to alleviate boredom by nearly destroying the room. He let out a bitter laugh.
“You really should have seen how he threw a tantrum when I told him he’s not allowed in the library. Still, he had managed to acquire several books from the library. I’m not sure whether it was Kaito-kun or Toichi who indulged him. The books were always different every time I go into his room.” De remembered one of Shinichi’s books nearly decapitated his head when he walked in, Yuusaku would have never thought his son would have such an arm or such a temper. Then again, Shinichi did inherit half of Yukiko’s genes and she was a born actress who had quite a temper when angered.
Yukiko remained still as ever, nothing in the room moved save for the curtains that fluttered in the wind. Yuusaku looked down at his folded hands.
“He’s always saying you’ve talked to him. Just this morning, he told me you went into his room to wish him good night before he went to bed. I’m...not sure what I should do now.” Brushing aside the stray fringe he rested his palms on Yukiko’s warm cheeks. “I know I should give him time, it’s only been two weeks, but it’s worrying. What would you do Yukiko?” Brushing aside a stray strand of blond hair, Yuusaku gazed at Yukiko’s face as though she would open those startling eyes any moment, as though the women of his heart just fell asleep like sleeping beauty. He bent down, to lay a kiss like the prince but received no response.
Yuusaku left as soon as the nurse came for a checkup. He had stayed for over two hours and he did not want to impose Shinichi on the Kurobas too much. Taking one last look for the day at his lovely wife, he left with heavy heart to pick up that reviewed manuscript and some grocery. It was a relief that his editors had not bothered him since. They had been gracious enough to give him time and space to settle back down. The accident had been published in the papers and he had received many calls and letters of condolences. Several of his international correspondents actually asked if it were anything serious (or possibly an intentional hit on the ex-detective-now-turned-full-time-author and his family) and had suggested doctors for a second opinion. He had declined them so far, hoping that Yukiko would wake up on her own. Even with mass publicity, it grated on his nerves that the culprit was still not found. The thirst for retribution was long gone from Yuusaku’s mind, but it would help him overcome the sense of pain to see the culprit pay for the crime. He had visited the site of the accident the third day after his wife and son was in hospital. All evidences pointed to intention for hurt. There had been no skid marks on the road to indicate the vehicle slowing down, there were no scuff marks on nearby railings or broken glass to show the driver’s panic, and what was worst was that the accident was located in an area without camera surveillance. He knew Megure was pulling many favours from his colleagues to have Yuusaku involved in the case, even in very limited capacity. There were possible conflict of interest to have the victim’s family involved. It had become Division One’s case when it was proven to be intentional rather than a traffic accident.
“‘Tou-san, okaeri!” Shinichi greeted brightly from the foyer. Toichi adjusted his hold on the boy.
“Your son would not take no for an answer. Neither would mine stop bothering me.” Toichi gave a stern look to Kaito who stood close by Toichi’s legs, clinging tight with a dove on his shoulder. Even the dove looked guilty and Yuusaku had to wonder how the magicians managed to train their animals to show emotions.
“Shinichi, you should not have bothered him.” Taking his son into his arms, he walked them towards the dining room where Chikage was cooking them dinner. Since it was the weekend, the Kurobas have decided to stay over to keep the two Kudos company. “How did you know I’m going to step through the doors?”
“I just do.” Shinichi looked guiltily, biting on his bottom lips and not commenting any further. Yuusaku just chalked it up to Shinichi just having a hunch and good sixth sense when it comes to him.
“Still, you should not have asked Toichi-jisan to bring you down.”
“But I wanted to meet you at the door. ‘Kaa-san wante...would want me to I mean.” It seems to Yuusaku that Shinichi was definitely hiding something. The author looked towards Kaito, who always seemed to be able to pick up when Shinichi was lying, even by omission, but the young magician-in-training just hid himself behind the dove he was holding.
“Shinichi. I...talked to your mother today.” Yuusaku decided to use the same language as his son, at least show that he shared his sentiments. “You shouldn’t be so hung up on this.”
“I know.” Shinichi stared down at the table top. “I know you told ‘kaa-san about what I said, I know you asked ‘kaa-san what you should do and she said to…” Shinichi suddenly cut off his sentence and covered his own mouth with both hands. He appeared scared, as though he did something bad and was found out by his parents. Kaito suddenly produced a burst of smoke and confetti, his two doves flew out of his hands and zoomed around the dining room.
“Kaito!” Chikage shouted from the stove. “You’re not supposed to practice magic at the table.”
“Sorry ‘kaa-san.” Kaito muttered as he cleaned up the mess, he spared Shinichi a conspiratorial look. Both boys gathered up the confetti under Chikage’s watchful eyes as Yuusaku was pulled aside by Toichi.
“Yuusaku-kun, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but with the way your son is going, you might want to consider a change of scenery or bring him to the doctors as the case may be.” The normally cheerful magician sounded forced, as though not wanting to consider the possibility of the young Shinichi falling into mental disorders.
Yuusaku turned to look at the boys, who were now conversing in whispers and hushed tones. Every now and then, they would look up at a random direction as though to listen to a silent voice.
“I’m not so sure. Maybe when Shinichi’s injuries are fully healed…” And he hoped by then Yukiko would be awake and Shinichi would return to being the overly curious and polite boy. He would never stop hoping and wishing for his wife’s recovery.
The Kurobas were offered the guest room for the whole family but Kaito insisted on staying with Shinichi. The boys fitted themselves onto the single bed, with Shinichi sleeping sandwiched between Kaito and the wall (Kaito had insisted just in case Shinichi manages to fall over). After seeing the elder Kurobas to their room (they had been worn down thoroughly by the boys that afternoon, something about Shinichi still managed to play hide-and-seek even with a healing leg), Yuusaku decided to see if the boy’s wanted to a bedtime story. He couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation.
“Ne, Kaito.” Shinichi poked at the doves in the young magician’s palms. The white bird hopped between the hands before fluttering away to land on Kaito’s shoulders. “Should I not have said anything?”
“Well...your ‘tou-san said to never lie…” Kaito offered sagely, “and Yukiko-neechan did tell you not to worry Yuusaku-jisan.”
The two looked at a darkened corner of the bedroom. Even though the place was filled with light, one particular corner had been filled with shadows casted by the bookshelves and wardrobe.
“And Yukiko-neechan is nagging you not to do something that makes ‘ji-san too...was the word frazzled Yukiko-neechan?” Kaito cocked his head in question, he was addressing directly towards the shadows. “See, she agrees with me. By the way, have you heard anything from that man?”
Yuusaku had to frown, had the boys left the house during the time he was away and when the adults had turned their backs? But it was near impossible given Shinichi still needs an aide to walk.
“He said it wasn’t time yet. He told me it’ll still be around and…’kaa-san...she…” Shinichi sniffled. “I don’t want her to leave but unless we find that person, she can’t stay forever.”
“Don’t you think you should tell your father then? Maybe he could do something about it.” There was soft cooing in the background, one of the doves landed on Shinichi’s legs and started nuzzling at the soft material
Shinichi shook his head before flopping onto the mattress. “He said ‘tou-san wouldn’t understand.” The dove waddled her way up the torso and began pecking at Shinichi’s nose. “He said I’m still too young as well.”
“But you are! And I don’t like why he choose you when he could have chosen me as well!” Kaito pouted, arms crossed. “I don’t like how you have to face this on your own. I’m sure neither does Yukiko-neechan.”
“But if I can help ‘tou-san, if I can save ‘kaa-san…” The doves suddenly fluttered away and began pecking on the door, startling Yuusaku who had been standing outside. “‘Tou-san?” Shinichi questioned. Kaito opened the door to reveal the eavesdropping author.
“Yuusaku-ojisan. Were you listening in on us?” Kaito’s bright eyes were suspiciously void of accusations. Though it did hold a gleam of protectiveness.
“I wanted to see if you two wanted a bedtime story.” He knelt down to pick the boy up and bring him back to bed. “But it seems I’ll be the one getting a story instead.” Yuusaku maneuvered both underneath the blankets, tucking the sides.
Shinichi bit his lips again, looking between Yuusaku and the shadowed corner. After what seemed like a silent deliberation, Shinichi looked directly at Yuusaku, blue eyes frightening bright.
“He said, if we find the culprit, ‘kaa-san would wake up.” Shinichi muttered as he pulled up his blankets as though to hide. “He said it was the only way. But he also said you won’t be able to do it because you turned your eyes away. Said I’ll have to find it. But he knows I won’t be able to so that’s why he sent ‘kaa-san back to us like this.”
“Like what son.” Kissing Shinichi on the forehead, Yuusaku no longer cared whether it was all made up in Shinichi’s head. What matters is that even his own son finds the incident to be suspicious and his infant mind had already tagged it to be intentional.
“‘Kaa-san is not really ‘kaa-san if she doesn’t coo and hug…” He blushed underneath the blankets. Yuusaku couldn’t help but laugh at his embarrassment.
“I’ll hug for you.” Kaito wrapped an arm around Shinichi and proceeded to squeeze the life out of the boy. “See, I can help!”
Shinichi squirmed around, trying to push Kaito away with his weakened limbs and Yuusaku decided to leave them fight over blankets and pillows, knowing the pair would eventually fall asleep. Behind closed doors, Yuusaku frowned, mouth downturned and jaws locked. He knew his son was becoming slightly delusional but there was very little he could do to help (he doubted bringing the boy to the doctors would do much good). He had initially turned down the offer to help with the investigations, but it seems now he had to find the criminal himself if he wanted to see his son recover from this.
Kaito was reluctant to leave Shinichi behind on Sunday afternoon, clinging onto doorframes and booby-trapping the corridor to Shinichi’s room where the boys had hauled themselves in. Toichi was the one to brave the silly string filled corridor (and had barely avoided the rope trap set in front of the bedroom doors) to retrieve the mischievous boy. It was a tearful goodbye but the Kuroba’s had promised to visit again the coming weekend. It had become harder to separate the boys as they grew, some would think they were blood-brothers by the clingy-ness and the alike looks.
Yuusaku had coaxed Shinichi to return to school on Monday instead of following him to the police headquarters. Yuusaku had initially offered for him to stay with the professor next door, when Shinichi demanded to accompany Yuusaku but Shinichi had refused (the boy had somehow managed to perfect the Yukiko-puppy-eyes that Yuusaku was prone towards). Yuusaku reasoned this was because the boy was bored, therefore resulted in the compromise of letting him go to school. Shinichi had a fierce frown (an achievement for someone so young) but at least his son knew when to back down and accept defeat.
“Be careful and don’t go suddenly running.” Yuusaku warned as Shinichi shuffled out of the passenger seat with a crutch. “You know the numbers to call. The professor will pick you up after school, stay with him until I come back ok?”
“‘Tou-san, I want to stay with you though…” Shinichi’s eyes managed to look watery even if there was not a drop of tear in sight. “I want to find the person who hurt ‘kaa-san as well.”
“You’re still a child. This is not something you should do.” Ruffling his son’s neat hair, he pushed the backpack into his hands. “Now, take care of yourself and no running or soccer.”
Yuusaku watched as Shinichi trudged passed the gates, met by a nearby teacher who promptly took his backpack and ushered the boy indoors. Yuusaku turned his head back towards the road once Shinichi was safely inside the school building. But before he turned his car away, he thought he noticed a cloaked shadow by the lamp post, looking intently at the school entrance. In a blink of an eye, the shadow was gone. A chill set over Yuusaku, hoping it was merely his imagination and not something sinister.
Megure did not have any new information regarding the hit-and-run, but he did offer other cases to take Yuusaku’s mind off, which was quickly turned down. Currently, the only case he wanted to work on would be the one involving his family.
“You used to take up anything that came your way Yuusaku. What changed?” Not too perturbed, merely curious at his friend’s sudden change, Megure lead Yuusaku out of Division One’s office in the police HQ in downtown Tokyo. “You wouldn’t have turned down a case, though you’re the one who normally comes to the police with information about a case.”
“I’m just setting my priorities straight. I don’t want expose Shinichi to these horrors of life.”
Yuusaku thanked his friend, hands heavy with the several manila folders containing a copy of the reports (that should not leave the police HQ but it seems the higher-ups really wanted to be in his good graces). He needed to hide these away from the prying hands of his young son before picking him from the Professor’s.
Closing the car doors, he found the dark shadow close by, standing just outside of the perimeter of the building. He was about to approach the shadow when an officer suddenly rushed out to call his name.
“Thank goodness we caught you on time.” The young officer panted, hair and suit disheveled from the run to catch Yuusaku. “Someone just contacted the inspector at Division One, saying they needed to get in touch with you.”
“Odd, did the inspector say who it was?” Instead of returning to his car, he walked back into the building.
The officer replied with a shake of his head, “he sounded very fatherly on the phone, probably a child…”
Yuusaku blanched, it was likely his son to have called. It must have been an emergency then. Taking the steps two at a time, he nearly crashed into Kogoro who rounded the bend to head back into the office.
“Weren’t you leaving…?” The man’s question was left unaswered as Yuusaku went up to Megure’s desk. The inspector calmly handed the phone over.
“Shinichi? What’s wrong?” Yuusaku kept his voice calm.
“‘Tou-san, we need to get to the hospital quickly! ‘Kaa-san is gone!” Shinichi sounded frantic over the phone. He looked to Megure who shook his head, no doubt Shinichi had told the man the same thing.
“Shinichi, she’s fine. She’s still in the hospital.”
“That’s why we need to go! She’s not here, she’s gone!”
To Yuusaku, it was not making much sense. If there were any changes to Yukiko, the police would know first because she was a key witness to the accident. And yet, his son was claiming his mother to be missing. Sighing, Yuusaku knew his son would not leave matters be. It would be a matter of time before he sneaked away from the school on his own to get to the hospital.
“Just stay in school, I’ll come pick you up once school finishes.” Yuusaku had an inkling of what his son was on about. If he took into account all the things his son said about Yukiko visiting him, then it would mean Shinichi was merely unable to see her.
“But ‘tou-san…” Shinichi was whining, tone just pitched half an octave higher that usual, pleading for his father to come to him now.
“It takes me at least that long to drive back to your school.” Yuusaku reasoned with Shinichi. “You stay in your lessons and I’ll come pick you up. No arguments.” Replacing the handset on the receiver, Yuusaku thanked the inspector.
“If you really need to get there quickly, I might be able to find someone to drive you in the patrol car. Shinichi-kun sounded distressed over the phone.”
“He’ll be fine.” Yuusaku may be worried, but he knew at least his son wasn’t in any kind of immediate danger. “It’s nothing serious.”
“But Shinichi-kun mentioned…”
“Can you keep me updated about the case?” Yuusaku cut the inspector off as wondered if he was too hasty to send Shinichi back to school this morning. He thought his son had put the incident behind him now that he rarely mentions about seeing his mother at home.
Shinichi ran up towards the car even before it came to a stop by the curbside of the school. He quickly let himself in, strapping on the safety belt.
“Hurry!” Shinichi urged.
“Shinichi.” Yuusaku made no move to the steering wheel, even as his son tugged on his shirt sleeves. “This is not...healthy...for you to become like this. Your mother is fine, I’ve called the doctors before leaving the station, they said she’s showing signs of waking up.”
“Yes, but for how long? He said that because you seemed to be taking back up the…” Shinichi suddenly realised he was not supposed to say anything and covered his mouth with both hands.
“What are you saying Shinichi? Tell me the truth.” As there were no cars on the road, Yuusaku can keep it parked just for a while long to interrogate his son.
“You won’t believe me.” Shinichi was not asking, rather the boy knew for certain his father would not trust his words. “He said so.” He added softly.
“Who?”
“That person with the cloak and funny hand.” Shinichi whispered, head bowed down guiltily. “He came with the small boy during break time, said because ‘tou-san was going to do his work that he decided to let ‘kaa-san stay with us a while longer.”
Yuusaku did not like to hear his son reasoning current events with imaginary situations about mysterious cloaked figures and little boys with blue eyes.
“Son, they aren’t real.” Deciding to cut to the chase and stop further nonsense. “They’re all in your head.”
“No they aren’t!” Shinichi nearly screamed, hands clenched into little fists. “Kaito saw him too! And the boy as well! I’m not lying…Kaito’s not lying to me either...” Tears of frustration ran down the cheeks and Yuusaku couldn’t help but feel constricted at his heart.
“You’re not lying,” he hugged Shinichi close, whispering shushing noises to calm him down. “But they are not really here. It’s all in your head.” Yuusaku decided to call up the Kurobas at a later time.
“Can we please just go see ‘kaa-san…” Shinichi mumbled into his shirt. Giving a final pat on his son’s head, Yuusaku turned his eyes back onto the road and drove away from the curbside. He could not help but somehow notice at the edges of his vision that a certain light pole seems to have a larger shadow than the rest. Glancing at the rear-view mirror to check, there was nothing of particular interest; no shady individuals or mysterious being, only a lonely rubbish bin filled to the brim.
A/N: I had a difficult time trimming this. I wasn't going to put it into the competition but since the theme inspired me to write I thought I'd try to snip it into an abridged version. The full version is up on FFN. I suggest you go and read the actual version if this did piqued your interest.
FFN link: www.fanfiction.net/s/12184725/1/Tales2-2-1-Beika
Words: 8351
Tales @ 2-2-1 Beika
“Oh, it’s wonderful.” Yukiko kissed Yuusaku passionately on the lips, in full view of the movers who had been busily carrying furniture between the truck and the house. “It looks better than I’ve imagined.” Though the front yard was still barren, the path between the gate and front door had been laid with small decorative ornaments. The large white balls atop of the gate pillars containing the street lights by the gate glistened under the afternoon sun. The white walls contrasted steeply with the black wrought iron gates, that pushed smoothly away as they walked down the path. Stepping into the threshold, there was still the smell of fresh wood and the lingering scent of paint. The large foyer let in light from the upper windows, painting the room with bright sunshine. Everything looked perfect in Yukiko’s eyes, the only thing left was to complete their own little family.
That night, as they shared the large king size canopy bed, skin touching skin, Yuusaku dreamt.
He was standing opposite a dark cloaked figure, which had three lumpy objects leaning onto the hems of his cloak. A bony hand pointed at Yuusaku and two lumps moved, first slowly across the large expanse between Yuusaku and the cloaked figure, then picked up pace. The closer they came, the more Yuusaku could pick up small features of a baby. The faster one, who was already within reaching distance of the young author, had tame hair and bright blue eyes. Reaching down to pick the boy up, the boy giggled and laughed, and Yuusaku could not help but smile. He ruffled the dark locks of hair, noticing the softness and coldness seeping through the tiny body. On instinct, he held the boy tighter to his body. The second baby (Yuusaku also assumed it to be a boy) was struggling slightly but was slowly gaining speed as soon as he saw Yuusaku. The messy brown hair bobbed as the baby attempted to move his arms and legs faster towards Yuusaku. When he was within reaching distance, Yuusaku crouched down to pick the boy up but found the act difficult for he did not want to lose his hold on the already cold boy. Touching the face of the new baby now by his legs, he also felt the iciness, but his hands were already full from dealing with the blue-eyed boy. A hand landed on his shoulders before reaching out to take the boy by his legs. The boy struggled at first, clinging onto Yuusaku but the author forcefully removed the boy and guided the boy towards the outstretched hands. Bright violet eyes looked back up at him as though questioning Yuusaku why he was pushing him away but Yuusaku knew he had to be firm in his decision or the boy would not survive.
Glancing back at the cloaked figure, there was still one bundle struggling to move. It made several lurches, tumbling and turning, but it barely made it into the lit up area that surrounded Yuusaku and the disembodied hands. The two boys looked at the lump, hands reaching out as though calling for it to hurry up or giving it support, but the lump still struggled. Yuusaku could see chains forming from the wisps of mist surrounding them, and holding the boy back.
“Your choice.” A voice echoed in darkness. The bony hand of the cloaked figure once again pointed at Yuusaku, behind him, another more recognisable voice spoke.
“Don’t worry about this young one, I’ll give him a home.”
Turning his gaze towards the small lump, eyes wide but not as bright as the one in his own grasp, he reached out his hands but pulled them back before he could touch the skin. He knew he would not be able to take both boys into his arms, he had to sacrifice one.
“Very well.” The voice in darkness sounded in approval. The mist gathered, obscuring the little lump. The boys wailed in unison, sadness prominent in their voice even if they were unable to form words. “Wise choice for he would not be fit for you or your family. Consider this a gift from us.” As the darkness receded, Yuusaku was made aware of how the little boy in his grasp felt warmer to the touch. There was still a tint of sadness in his eyes, but it was slowly lifting, filling with laughter and joy.
Yuusaku blinked his eyes opened to see light streaming into the bedroom through the sheer curtains. Yukiko was snug against his chest, clinging tight onto his waist. Yuusaku smiled at the general sense of happiness even though he could not remember much of his own dreams save for bright blue eyes and a cheerful smile. He only knew something good had happened.
Two months later, in late autumn just as the leaves have begun to fall, his hunches were proven correct as Yukiko bounded up to him from the front porch after her doctor’s appointment.
“I’m pregnant!” She leapt into Yuusaku’s arms, who was surprised, shocked, and overall very happy at the sudden turn of events. “I’m so so happy!”
Yuusaku quickly brought his wife indoors, not wanting her to catch a cold especially since she did not have her jacket. He then proceeded to admonish her for jumping and dancing all over their living room. The actress was already planning her retirement from show-biz and thinking about the colour scheme for their child’s room.
“So, boy or girl?” She asked as she settled down on the large sofa in front of the TV, which was showing a rerun of one of her older dramas.
“Boy.” Yuusaku said surely. “It’ll be a boy.”
“I think it’ll be a girl.” Yukiko patted her abdomen. “It’ll be nice to have someone to dress up with.”
Shaking his head, he decided not to inform his wife of that dream long ago. If it was premonition about their future child, she did not have to know he gave up the other two who was supposed to be borne into their family. He still had lingering regretful feelings of the dream, how he was unable to save the smallest one. But it was supposed to be a dream and nothing more. Though what bothered him was the cloaked figure, with its bony hands and ominous aura. It did not feel natural nor one that would be giving life.
“Yuu-chan, you’re spacing out again.” Yukiko poked Yuusaku in the cheeks. “I think we should go look for furniture and baby clothing.”
“Isn’t that against tradition?” He remembered reading somewhere it was bad luck to look at baby things so early in the pregnancy. “Shouldn’t we wait until we know the gender at least?”
“But by then, it’ll be difficult for me to go out.” Yukiko pouted, adding the puppy-eye effect.
Yuusaku struggled to stay firm but in the end, he drove the car from the nearby parking lot to pick Yukiko from the front of their home.
In the beginning of May, just as spring was coming to an end and summer was just around the corner, their baby took the first breath. When Yuusaku laid eyes on their baby, the little eyelids opened to reveal a startling shade of blue, the same colour as that in Yuusaku’s dreams.
“Look at him.” Yukiko smiled tiredly from the hospital bed as their son reached out his little hands for something to grab on. The boy had inexplicable amounts of energy for someone who was just borne into the world. “He’s already curious.”
Yuusaku reached out his hands, letting the little digits poke and prod at his palm then finally settling on grabbing a finger all too big for the little fist. He didn’t bother to hold back the smile.
Several hours later, back in the private room of the hospital (for the doctors had wanted to make sure Yukiko was healthy and strong before letting her leave, there had been slight complication during the birth) both Yuusaku and Yukiko were showered with confetti. Streamers rained down from the ceiling and balloons rose from the floor beneath the bed (which Yuusaku had checked beforehand for any listening devices and whatnots, who knows what the paparazzi would do to sniff out a scoop). Yukiko had giggled from her position on the bed as their magician friend made his appearance in a burst of smoke.
“Congratulations friend.” Toichi patted Yuusaku on the back before producing a small teddy bear with flair, catching the baby’s attention. “And hello there young Kudo.”
The baby laughed as he made grabby hands towards the fluffy teddy.
“So what’s his name?” He inquired, letting go of the teddy. The boy latched onto the teddy’s ears, biting and mouthing the small clump of fabric.
“Shinichi.” Yukiko looked lovingly down at the curious boy in her arms who now abandoned thoughts of chewing through the teddy, instead it turned the toy and tried to pull at the arms and legs.
“Quite energetic for a newborn. I heard they normally would be asleep by now.” Blue eyes looked up at the speaker, as though he detected the voice was talking about him.
“Quite. The doctors said it was uncommon. But all considered, he’s healthy and that’s all it matters.” Yuusaku reached out to take the boy from Yukiko so she could rest her arms. Gently, he lifted Shinichi and held it to his chest. “What about your own little bundle? When is your baby due?”
“Chikage is having a check-up, we’re expecting to be in two months but who knows.” Toichi shrugged his shoulders. “Babies are unpredictable.” There was a wry smile on his face, one that told Yuusaku there was more to it than the words spoken. In the young author’s mind, a theory was beginning to form, one that involved the supernatural and precognitive dreams.
During their short conversation, Shinichi fell asleep in Yuusaku’s arms. The drop of the teddy onto the floor notified them the boy was exhausted and Yuusaku promptly returned Shinichi to the small bed by Yukiko’s side. Toichi excused himself, stating he would be bringing Chikage around after the appointment so the wives could chat. Yuusaku saw the magician out.
“Say…” Yuusaku began as he closed the doors behind him, “when your wife asked you whether you think the baby was boy or girl, what did you reply?”
“Boy. Definitely a boy. Without a doubt.” Toichi stated surely. “I saw him myself, that energetic boy from my dreams. I’m quite sure of it. And I’m guessing you know it as well.”
“I’ve never believed in the supernatural before, but Shinichi kind of confirmed it for me.” Yuusaku turned his gaze back towards the doors before waving the magician to go pick up his wife before said wife chewed him out.
Yuusaku would have loved to say the years had gone by like the flow of water as he watched Shinichi grow from the small baby to the now five year old. Unfortunately, each day was filled with adventure.
Before Shinichi’s first birthday, Yuusaku remembered going to the playpen to retrieve Shinichi for an immune shot. He found the playpen perfectly intact but Shinichi was missing from the inside. A frazzled search around the room revealed nothing and only when Yuusaku moved towards the closed doors of the library, had he heard the gurgled sounds of Shinichi somehow sounding extremely excited and happy. Opening the doors, Shinichi was found perched on a shelf tucked between encyclopedias and mystery novels. Yuusaku nearly had a heart attack, his son had escaped and managed to climb up several shelves. From that point on, Yuusaku made sure to stay besides Shinichi, barely stepping out of the house. Yuusaku had dropped his detective work all together, focusing his efforts on his novels.
At age 3, Shinichi was introduced to the small bundle known as Kuroba Kaito. An energetic and overly curious boy. Shinichi, who was on the shy side, had immediately taken a liking to Kaito. They became attached to the point where the two sets of parents were constantly visiting each other. They would often meet at a nearby park, where the wives would have the afternoon off and the husbands were tasked with babysitting. Kaito and Shinichi would busy themselves at the sandpit. But one particular incident had neither fathers wanting to bring their children back. One sunny afternoon, during their discussion on the merits of walking on air, silence suddenly overcame the normally energetic Kaito. They had dismissed it at first until the silence persisted. Toichi was the one who saw what caught the two boy’s attention. Inside the sandpit was a clear plastic bag containing what seems to be a rusty red liquid. The tangy metallic smell seeped through and Toichi hulled the boys away. Both looked up with curiosity, before turning their gaze back at the dug hole and the empty space besides the two kneeled indents made by the playing boys. Yuusaku was quick to report to the police, who later told him the plastic bag contained a fresh dismembered finger but the body had yet to be found. Instead of participating in the investigation, Yuusaku took the boys to a child psychologist, just in case. Neither boys were pronounced traumatized, only very bright and highly adaptive.
When the boys were strong enough to run and play, earning restless afternoons for the parents, the Kurobas and Kudos would often take longer trips. To theme parks, beaches, and camping. The most harrowing experience came during one of their theme park visits, where Yuusaku not only found his son’s love for haunted houses but also Shinichi’s knack of finding trouble. That was not surprising in itself for Shinichi had a very curious nature. Rather than become scared of dark and spooky places, Shinichi would often be found giggling and pointing at dark shadows when he had been younger. Now, at age 5, Shinichi would actively look for such places as though it holds the answers to the world. During this trip, the boys ran around, poked their heads into bushes and hid behind dumpsters and alleyways. The parents had panicked when Kaito nor Shinichi returned to their side and had nearly called security when their children failed to return. The parents were not relieved even as Kaito ran up to them unhurt. Kaito tugged at their shirt to pull them towards Shinichi’s location, who stood staring at an unmarked luggage standing beside a support beam for the rollercoaster. Yuusaku, recognising it for what it was, quickly pulled Shinichi away and pushed him into Yukiko’s arms, instructing them to go as far away as possible. The police later reported the luggage to contain a bomb, part of a threat that was issued that very same morning. They commented that Shinichi had been lucky to not set it off, to which the parents decided to call it a day. Yuusaku never bothered to find out about that incident, only it was reported days later that the culprit was still on the loose.
Their son rarely cries, as a baby the only time he uttered a sound was when hunger strikes. As a young child, tears were only formed when skin was broken. When brought to moody restaurants or places that should set other babies off, Shinichi remained calm with his bright blue eyes, peering into the darkness. Sometimes, Yuusaku had to wonder what goes on inside that brain of his.
“Ne, ‘tou-san.” Shinichi tugged Yuusaku on the sleeve, breaking him out of his reminiscence. Yuusaku looked down at his wide-eyed son clutching onto a picture book of the Great Mouse Detective.
“Yes, Shinichi?” Lifting his son to sit on his laps, he assumed his son wanted him to read the story book but Shinichi did not hand the book over.
“Why is that person always standing so close to ‘kaa-san?” His inquisitive eyes looked up, not registering ahd shock in Yuusaku and taking his silence as need for further information. “You know, the one wearing the black cloak? He’s really really close. I’ve tried asking him but ‘kaa-san was looking at me funny.”
Yuusaku knew Shinichi had a knack of locating strange things, but by far this was the strangest. “Where have you seen this person?”
“Um...he was across the street at first, but last time ‘kaa-san took us to the supermarket, he was standing close. And he followed us home!” Shinichi gripped tighter onto his book. “Who is that person?”
“I wouldn’t worry.” Yuusaku tries to soothe his boy by ruffling his hair. “Just ignore that person and he should be gone.”
“But he’s always been there! That time with that strange package, and at the park, and at the mall…” Shinichi listed all the times he found a crime in action, whether it was dropped goods from a robbery, bombs from terrorists, kidnapped children, and dismembered limbs. Yuusaku had thought it was all coincidences but apparently, Shinichi just never told anyone. “And then there was also the little kid that’s always with the cloaked person. He looked just like me, only a lot smaller.”
“What little kid?” Yuusaku held back the suspicion in his voice.
“Small boy, tiny. Blue eyes that always stared at me. I tried talking to him, asked if he wanted to play but he just disappears.” He replied as though he was saddened by the lost chance at making a new friend. “He looked really lonely and I thought we could be friends.”
Yuusaku wasn’t sure what he could say, instead kissed his boy at the temple and told him not to worry. Shinichi nodded obediently but remained inside the library, taking up residence on the plush beanbag at the corner designated for children’s books. Yuusaku frowned as Shinichi buried his head into the book. Strange circumstances had rattled his nerves.
A week later, Yuusaku received a hurried called from Megure. He had thought it was a request for a case but the inspector’s distressed tone was cause for Yuusaku to rush towards the hospital. The older inspector met Yuusaku at the entrance.
“Yukiko, where is she? Where’s Shinichi?” Yuusaku was out of breath from his run between his car, parked haphazardly in front, and the hospital’s front desk.
“She’s in the OR. Shinichi-kun has been admitted.” Megure rattled off the room number and guided Yuusaku to the children’s ward. “It had been a hit-and-run.” He informed the frazzled author-slash-father plainly, stating how the driver ran a light, hit the mother and child during crossing.
“‘Tou-san.” Shinichi struggled out of his blanket. He had a cast on his leg, bandages wrapped around his arms, and several colourful Band-aids stuck on his cheeks and forehead. Yuusaku rushed to his son’s side, trying to stop him from aggravating the injuries. “It was a black car, really really black car. But had a silver horse in front.”
It was strange for Yuusaku to hear his son able to describe in detail about the car that hit them. He recognized some of the characteristics as being that of the car involved in a series of traffic accidents for the past week. Megure had called him up a few days ago to ask his opinion but Yuusaku was still going through the information that was sent over.
“And ‘kaa-san...she, she hugged me. And...and…” Droplets of tears threatened to fall from his boy’s eyes and Yuusaku carefully hugged him.
“Shh….It’s alright. Everything would be fine.” He patted his son gently, coaxing the boy to calm down. But Shinichi just remained still in his arms, which Yuusaku had to pull away to make sure Shinichi was doing fine.
“It was my fault. If I said something…It was always there when something happens.” Shinichi pulled tighter at Yuusaku’s shirt. “It was my fault, ‘kaa-san was hurt because she tried to protect me…”
“It’s not your fault Shinichi.” It took a good portion of the hour to calm Shinichi down. By the time his son fell asleep, his wife’s operation was over and he left Shinichi in the care of the nurses. He could foresee his son to start panicking the moment he wakes up but he really needed to check on his wife.
Megure was talking with one of the doctors out in the corridor when Yuusaku finally arrived. The doctor had a grim look on his face.
“Are you her husband?” The doctor asked, turning away from Megure’s questioning. Yuusaku nodded, not trusting his voice. “We’ve done all we could be she had suffered extensive injuries. There were mass internal bleeding caused by punctured organs. The impact of the car was by far the worst I’ve seen. There were also minor fractures on the hips, legs and arms. We have to wait until she wakes up before doing any scans or tests for brain damage but so far, we have not found indications that she would have suffered. I can allow the husband to stay with her for now if you want.”
“Thank you doctor. If you could send over your reports to the police, that would be helpful.” Megure then turned to the distressed author. “Yuusaku-kun, go see your wife. I’ll can have Kogoro close by Shinichi-kun’s room. Do you want me to help you call someone more familiar?”
“I can give you the number. I think they would want to know.” Yuusaku rattled off the Kuroba’s home number before following the doctor towards Yukiko’s room.
Yukiko looked extremely fragile tucked in between white starched sheets and bandages, quite different from the boisterous presence Yuusaku was used to. He pulled over a flimsy plastic chair and set himself up for a night of vigil. He somehow knew his wife would not be opening her eyes anytime tonight.
That night, Yuusaku’s mind was cluttered with thoughts of ‘what-ifs’ and ‘could-have-beens’. His son’s words echoed in his mind as he pondered whether there was something he could do. He questioned why such things happened to his lovely wife and whether it could have been prevented, if he had not put it aside that time when Megure called, Yukiko won’t be lying on the bed now. A lone voice echoed in his mind that told him if he had stayed true on his path, became what he was destined to be, none of this would have happened. He shook his head to clear out the thought before returning his gaze to his stilled wife.
His mind ran then on tangents as worry and frustration waged war, wondering from if Shinichi was sleeping or was he crying, to what Yukiko’s first words when she wakes up would be. He must have drifted off as he was suddenly startled awake by the sound of sliding doors.
“You look like hell Yuusaku.” Toichi walked in by himself, settling to stand by Yuusaku as they watched the rise and fall of the blanket. “Chikage and Kaito are with Shinichi at the moment. How are you holding up?”
“I feel horrid.” Yuusaku admitted, cringing as he heard a pop when he moved his neck. “What time is it?”
“Noon. Don’t tell me you fell asleep in here.” Toichi shook his head before urging Yuusaku out of the chair. “Clean yourself up, see your son before coming back. I’ll be here just in case.”
Yuusaku was about to protest but knew his friend would start pulling threats (and pranks) out if he dallied any longer. He complied with much reluctance to freshen himself and check on Shinichi.
His son’s room was slightly more lively with Kaito pulling out tricks and managing to sneak in a dove. Yuusaku wasn’t complaining when he noticed a small smile on Shinichi’s face. He walked over to give his son a kiss on the temple and informed Chikage of the whereabouts of her husband. She laid a comforting hand on his shoulders before directing him to the small bento she made. Graciously, to took the food and settled by the bedside as he listened to Kaito’s stories about the cat next door and his doves and a bottle of food dye (he was surprised that Chikage had not scolded Kaito for the prank). It was late afternoon when the doctors came back to check whereby the three visitors were told to leave. Shinichi looked as though there was something he wanted say and Yuusaku went closer to ruffle the still neat locks.
“‘Tou-san.” Shinchi kept his eyes downcasted. “‘Kaa-san said she doesn’t want you to worry.”
Startled, he turned back to look at his son. “Why do you think that?”
“I didn’t think. I know. She told me just now.” Shinichi stated with a soft voice. “She was here. That small boy brought her here.”
“Shinichi.” Lost for words, and ignoring the annoyed glare from the doctor, Yuusaku went to hug his son once more. “Please, stop this.” His voice must have sounded pained because Shinichi flinched in his arms.
“‘Tou-san…” Shinichi pushed him away. “I’m not lying. It’s true. She was here. She said she’ll come by again later!” Shinichi gripped tightly on the bedsheet, tears threatening to fall once more.
“Kudo-san.” The doctor sternly reminded Yuusaku to stop aggravating Shinichi and instead of checking up on the boy, he led Yuusaku out of the doors, pausing to explain the situation. “It is normal for the child to experience this, his young mind may be trying to understand what happened and could be conjuring up imaginary scenarios. I would suggest to let him speak his mind for the time being and if it persists, I’ll recommend a child psychologist.”
Nodding, Yuusaku let the doctor do his work as he sat outside with Kaito. Chikage had left to check on her husband moments after they stepped out of the room but Kaito had refused to leave.
“Yuusaku-ojisan, Shin-chan would be fine.” Kaito tried to comfort, producing a tissue flower from his sleeves. “I heard he would be fine, and Yukiko-neechan would be fine as well.”
“And where did you hear that?” Yuusaku decided to entertain the boy and agree with him.
“That’s what they said when they came into the room, when ‘kaa-san left briefly to get juice for us.” His wide violet eyes looked up directly in Yuusaku. “You shouldn’t be sad. They said as long as you’re here, as long as you have Shin-chan, everything would be fine here.”
Chikage came back at the exact moment when Yuusaku wanted to question further. The Kurobas had to leave them since visitation hours were over. Yuusaku decided to stay for a while longer, though this time not returning to Shinichi’s rooms but instead went to Yukiko’s room. He stared down at his wife’s pale face, wondering what Shinichi and Kaito had meant. He was interrupted once again by the nurse, even as he told the nurse this was his wife, the nurse had firmly told him he should not be staying here for two days straight. Sighing, he trudged towards his car and carefully drove himself home.
Looking up at the house, the large mansion felt oppressive. The silence echoing through the rooms was painful to Yuusaku’s ears. Browsing through the cupboard, he made himself a bowl of instant noodles, bland and tasteless but he knew once Yukiko wakes up and knows he had not eaten, there would be hell to pay. Letting the dirty dishes soak in the sink, he returned to his only sanctuary--the library. Here, he tries to begin the next installment of his new novel, the Night Baron, but inspiration was nowhere to be found. Deciding to call it a night, and hoping to wake early for tomorrow’s visitation hours, he turned towards the bedroom.
“You should not have turned a blind eye towards the world.” A whisper cut through the silence in the middle of the night. Yuusaku’s senses told him no one was in the room yet he distinctly heard a voice. “Even with Our prompts, you have not acted.”
Yuusaku reasoned with the voice that he had done so in order to protect everything he has right now.
“Very well, someone else would have to take up your mantle. Let us hope your son would fare better and embrace these new gifts.”
Yuusaku quickly opened his eyes, facing the darkness as dawn was just breaking through their window.
“What have I done.” He asked the empty space, somehow knowing he just condemned his son to a life of misfortune.
Two weeks after the car accident, Shinichi returned home with Yuusaku. His son was still wheelchair bound, much to said boy’s annoyance, and most of the time Shinichi was kept to his own room. The Kuroba’s were a great help, willing to babysit Shinichi as Yuusaku went to visit his now comatosed wife. It was painful for him to walk into the whitewashed room of the long-term ward in the early afternoon and talk to his unresponsive wife. He would bring flowers; lovely azaleas, pink camellias, bunches of white hyacinths, and sprigs of primroses. He would always accompany his bouquet with a bright red rose stuck in between flowers and decorative greens.
Replacing the stale water in the vase by Yukiko’s bedside, he proceeded to give her an update of Shinichi, how he was always restless and trying to alleviate boredom by nearly destroying the room. He let out a bitter laugh.
“You really should have seen how he threw a tantrum when I told him he’s not allowed in the library. Still, he had managed to acquire several books from the library. I’m not sure whether it was Kaito-kun or Toichi who indulged him. The books were always different every time I go into his room.” De remembered one of Shinichi’s books nearly decapitated his head when he walked in, Yuusaku would have never thought his son would have such an arm or such a temper. Then again, Shinichi did inherit half of Yukiko’s genes and she was a born actress who had quite a temper when angered.
Yukiko remained still as ever, nothing in the room moved save for the curtains that fluttered in the wind. Yuusaku looked down at his folded hands.
“He’s always saying you’ve talked to him. Just this morning, he told me you went into his room to wish him good night before he went to bed. I’m...not sure what I should do now.” Brushing aside the stray fringe he rested his palms on Yukiko’s warm cheeks. “I know I should give him time, it’s only been two weeks, but it’s worrying. What would you do Yukiko?” Brushing aside a stray strand of blond hair, Yuusaku gazed at Yukiko’s face as though she would open those startling eyes any moment, as though the women of his heart just fell asleep like sleeping beauty. He bent down, to lay a kiss like the prince but received no response.
Yuusaku left as soon as the nurse came for a checkup. He had stayed for over two hours and he did not want to impose Shinichi on the Kurobas too much. Taking one last look for the day at his lovely wife, he left with heavy heart to pick up that reviewed manuscript and some grocery. It was a relief that his editors had not bothered him since. They had been gracious enough to give him time and space to settle back down. The accident had been published in the papers and he had received many calls and letters of condolences. Several of his international correspondents actually asked if it were anything serious (or possibly an intentional hit on the ex-detective-now-turned-full-time-author and his family) and had suggested doctors for a second opinion. He had declined them so far, hoping that Yukiko would wake up on her own. Even with mass publicity, it grated on his nerves that the culprit was still not found. The thirst for retribution was long gone from Yuusaku’s mind, but it would help him overcome the sense of pain to see the culprit pay for the crime. He had visited the site of the accident the third day after his wife and son was in hospital. All evidences pointed to intention for hurt. There had been no skid marks on the road to indicate the vehicle slowing down, there were no scuff marks on nearby railings or broken glass to show the driver’s panic, and what was worst was that the accident was located in an area without camera surveillance. He knew Megure was pulling many favours from his colleagues to have Yuusaku involved in the case, even in very limited capacity. There were possible conflict of interest to have the victim’s family involved. It had become Division One’s case when it was proven to be intentional rather than a traffic accident.
“‘Tou-san, okaeri!” Shinichi greeted brightly from the foyer. Toichi adjusted his hold on the boy.
“Your son would not take no for an answer. Neither would mine stop bothering me.” Toichi gave a stern look to Kaito who stood close by Toichi’s legs, clinging tight with a dove on his shoulder. Even the dove looked guilty and Yuusaku had to wonder how the magicians managed to train their animals to show emotions.
“Shinichi, you should not have bothered him.” Taking his son into his arms, he walked them towards the dining room where Chikage was cooking them dinner. Since it was the weekend, the Kurobas have decided to stay over to keep the two Kudos company. “How did you know I’m going to step through the doors?”
“I just do.” Shinichi looked guiltily, biting on his bottom lips and not commenting any further. Yuusaku just chalked it up to Shinichi just having a hunch and good sixth sense when it comes to him.
“Still, you should not have asked Toichi-jisan to bring you down.”
“But I wanted to meet you at the door. ‘Kaa-san wante...would want me to I mean.” It seems to Yuusaku that Shinichi was definitely hiding something. The author looked towards Kaito, who always seemed to be able to pick up when Shinichi was lying, even by omission, but the young magician-in-training just hid himself behind the dove he was holding.
“Shinichi. I...talked to your mother today.” Yuusaku decided to use the same language as his son, at least show that he shared his sentiments. “You shouldn’t be so hung up on this.”
“I know.” Shinichi stared down at the table top. “I know you told ‘kaa-san about what I said, I know you asked ‘kaa-san what you should do and she said to…” Shinichi suddenly cut off his sentence and covered his own mouth with both hands. He appeared scared, as though he did something bad and was found out by his parents. Kaito suddenly produced a burst of smoke and confetti, his two doves flew out of his hands and zoomed around the dining room.
“Kaito!” Chikage shouted from the stove. “You’re not supposed to practice magic at the table.”
“Sorry ‘kaa-san.” Kaito muttered as he cleaned up the mess, he spared Shinichi a conspiratorial look. Both boys gathered up the confetti under Chikage’s watchful eyes as Yuusaku was pulled aside by Toichi.
“Yuusaku-kun, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but with the way your son is going, you might want to consider a change of scenery or bring him to the doctors as the case may be.” The normally cheerful magician sounded forced, as though not wanting to consider the possibility of the young Shinichi falling into mental disorders.
Yuusaku turned to look at the boys, who were now conversing in whispers and hushed tones. Every now and then, they would look up at a random direction as though to listen to a silent voice.
“I’m not so sure. Maybe when Shinichi’s injuries are fully healed…” And he hoped by then Yukiko would be awake and Shinichi would return to being the overly curious and polite boy. He would never stop hoping and wishing for his wife’s recovery.
The Kurobas were offered the guest room for the whole family but Kaito insisted on staying with Shinichi. The boys fitted themselves onto the single bed, with Shinichi sleeping sandwiched between Kaito and the wall (Kaito had insisted just in case Shinichi manages to fall over). After seeing the elder Kurobas to their room (they had been worn down thoroughly by the boys that afternoon, something about Shinichi still managed to play hide-and-seek even with a healing leg), Yuusaku decided to see if the boy’s wanted to a bedtime story. He couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation.
“Ne, Kaito.” Shinichi poked at the doves in the young magician’s palms. The white bird hopped between the hands before fluttering away to land on Kaito’s shoulders. “Should I not have said anything?”
“Well...your ‘tou-san said to never lie…” Kaito offered sagely, “and Yukiko-neechan did tell you not to worry Yuusaku-jisan.”
The two looked at a darkened corner of the bedroom. Even though the place was filled with light, one particular corner had been filled with shadows casted by the bookshelves and wardrobe.
“And Yukiko-neechan is nagging you not to do something that makes ‘ji-san too...was the word frazzled Yukiko-neechan?” Kaito cocked his head in question, he was addressing directly towards the shadows. “See, she agrees with me. By the way, have you heard anything from that man?”
Yuusaku had to frown, had the boys left the house during the time he was away and when the adults had turned their backs? But it was near impossible given Shinichi still needs an aide to walk.
“He said it wasn’t time yet. He told me it’ll still be around and…’kaa-san...she…” Shinichi sniffled. “I don’t want her to leave but unless we find that person, she can’t stay forever.”
“Don’t you think you should tell your father then? Maybe he could do something about it.” There was soft cooing in the background, one of the doves landed on Shinichi’s legs and started nuzzling at the soft material
Shinichi shook his head before flopping onto the mattress. “He said ‘tou-san wouldn’t understand.” The dove waddled her way up the torso and began pecking at Shinichi’s nose. “He said I’m still too young as well.”
“But you are! And I don’t like why he choose you when he could have chosen me as well!” Kaito pouted, arms crossed. “I don’t like how you have to face this on your own. I’m sure neither does Yukiko-neechan.”
“But if I can help ‘tou-san, if I can save ‘kaa-san…” The doves suddenly fluttered away and began pecking on the door, startling Yuusaku who had been standing outside. “‘Tou-san?” Shinichi questioned. Kaito opened the door to reveal the eavesdropping author.
“Yuusaku-ojisan. Were you listening in on us?” Kaito’s bright eyes were suspiciously void of accusations. Though it did hold a gleam of protectiveness.
“I wanted to see if you two wanted a bedtime story.” He knelt down to pick the boy up and bring him back to bed. “But it seems I’ll be the one getting a story instead.” Yuusaku maneuvered both underneath the blankets, tucking the sides.
Shinichi bit his lips again, looking between Yuusaku and the shadowed corner. After what seemed like a silent deliberation, Shinichi looked directly at Yuusaku, blue eyes frightening bright.
“He said, if we find the culprit, ‘kaa-san would wake up.” Shinichi muttered as he pulled up his blankets as though to hide. “He said it was the only way. But he also said you won’t be able to do it because you turned your eyes away. Said I’ll have to find it. But he knows I won’t be able to so that’s why he sent ‘kaa-san back to us like this.”
“Like what son.” Kissing Shinichi on the forehead, Yuusaku no longer cared whether it was all made up in Shinichi’s head. What matters is that even his own son finds the incident to be suspicious and his infant mind had already tagged it to be intentional.
“‘Kaa-san is not really ‘kaa-san if she doesn’t coo and hug…” He blushed underneath the blankets. Yuusaku couldn’t help but laugh at his embarrassment.
“I’ll hug for you.” Kaito wrapped an arm around Shinichi and proceeded to squeeze the life out of the boy. “See, I can help!”
Shinichi squirmed around, trying to push Kaito away with his weakened limbs and Yuusaku decided to leave them fight over blankets and pillows, knowing the pair would eventually fall asleep. Behind closed doors, Yuusaku frowned, mouth downturned and jaws locked. He knew his son was becoming slightly delusional but there was very little he could do to help (he doubted bringing the boy to the doctors would do much good). He had initially turned down the offer to help with the investigations, but it seems now he had to find the criminal himself if he wanted to see his son recover from this.
Kaito was reluctant to leave Shinichi behind on Sunday afternoon, clinging onto doorframes and booby-trapping the corridor to Shinichi’s room where the boys had hauled themselves in. Toichi was the one to brave the silly string filled corridor (and had barely avoided the rope trap set in front of the bedroom doors) to retrieve the mischievous boy. It was a tearful goodbye but the Kuroba’s had promised to visit again the coming weekend. It had become harder to separate the boys as they grew, some would think they were blood-brothers by the clingy-ness and the alike looks.
Yuusaku had coaxed Shinichi to return to school on Monday instead of following him to the police headquarters. Yuusaku had initially offered for him to stay with the professor next door, when Shinichi demanded to accompany Yuusaku but Shinichi had refused (the boy had somehow managed to perfect the Yukiko-puppy-eyes that Yuusaku was prone towards). Yuusaku reasoned this was because the boy was bored, therefore resulted in the compromise of letting him go to school. Shinichi had a fierce frown (an achievement for someone so young) but at least his son knew when to back down and accept defeat.
“Be careful and don’t go suddenly running.” Yuusaku warned as Shinichi shuffled out of the passenger seat with a crutch. “You know the numbers to call. The professor will pick you up after school, stay with him until I come back ok?”
“‘Tou-san, I want to stay with you though…” Shinichi’s eyes managed to look watery even if there was not a drop of tear in sight. “I want to find the person who hurt ‘kaa-san as well.”
“You’re still a child. This is not something you should do.” Ruffling his son’s neat hair, he pushed the backpack into his hands. “Now, take care of yourself and no running or soccer.”
Yuusaku watched as Shinichi trudged passed the gates, met by a nearby teacher who promptly took his backpack and ushered the boy indoors. Yuusaku turned his head back towards the road once Shinichi was safely inside the school building. But before he turned his car away, he thought he noticed a cloaked shadow by the lamp post, looking intently at the school entrance. In a blink of an eye, the shadow was gone. A chill set over Yuusaku, hoping it was merely his imagination and not something sinister.
Megure did not have any new information regarding the hit-and-run, but he did offer other cases to take Yuusaku’s mind off, which was quickly turned down. Currently, the only case he wanted to work on would be the one involving his family.
“You used to take up anything that came your way Yuusaku. What changed?” Not too perturbed, merely curious at his friend’s sudden change, Megure lead Yuusaku out of Division One’s office in the police HQ in downtown Tokyo. “You wouldn’t have turned down a case, though you’re the one who normally comes to the police with information about a case.”
“I’m just setting my priorities straight. I don’t want expose Shinichi to these horrors of life.”
Yuusaku thanked his friend, hands heavy with the several manila folders containing a copy of the reports (that should not leave the police HQ but it seems the higher-ups really wanted to be in his good graces). He needed to hide these away from the prying hands of his young son before picking him from the Professor’s.
Closing the car doors, he found the dark shadow close by, standing just outside of the perimeter of the building. He was about to approach the shadow when an officer suddenly rushed out to call his name.
“Thank goodness we caught you on time.” The young officer panted, hair and suit disheveled from the run to catch Yuusaku. “Someone just contacted the inspector at Division One, saying they needed to get in touch with you.”
“Odd, did the inspector say who it was?” Instead of returning to his car, he walked back into the building.
The officer replied with a shake of his head, “he sounded very fatherly on the phone, probably a child…”
Yuusaku blanched, it was likely his son to have called. It must have been an emergency then. Taking the steps two at a time, he nearly crashed into Kogoro who rounded the bend to head back into the office.
“Weren’t you leaving…?” The man’s question was left unaswered as Yuusaku went up to Megure’s desk. The inspector calmly handed the phone over.
“Shinichi? What’s wrong?” Yuusaku kept his voice calm.
“‘Tou-san, we need to get to the hospital quickly! ‘Kaa-san is gone!” Shinichi sounded frantic over the phone. He looked to Megure who shook his head, no doubt Shinichi had told the man the same thing.
“Shinichi, she’s fine. She’s still in the hospital.”
“That’s why we need to go! She’s not here, she’s gone!”
To Yuusaku, it was not making much sense. If there were any changes to Yukiko, the police would know first because she was a key witness to the accident. And yet, his son was claiming his mother to be missing. Sighing, Yuusaku knew his son would not leave matters be. It would be a matter of time before he sneaked away from the school on his own to get to the hospital.
“Just stay in school, I’ll come pick you up once school finishes.” Yuusaku had an inkling of what his son was on about. If he took into account all the things his son said about Yukiko visiting him, then it would mean Shinichi was merely unable to see her.
“But ‘tou-san…” Shinichi was whining, tone just pitched half an octave higher that usual, pleading for his father to come to him now.
“It takes me at least that long to drive back to your school.” Yuusaku reasoned with Shinichi. “You stay in your lessons and I’ll come pick you up. No arguments.” Replacing the handset on the receiver, Yuusaku thanked the inspector.
“If you really need to get there quickly, I might be able to find someone to drive you in the patrol car. Shinichi-kun sounded distressed over the phone.”
“He’ll be fine.” Yuusaku may be worried, but he knew at least his son wasn’t in any kind of immediate danger. “It’s nothing serious.”
“But Shinichi-kun mentioned…”
“Can you keep me updated about the case?” Yuusaku cut the inspector off as wondered if he was too hasty to send Shinichi back to school this morning. He thought his son had put the incident behind him now that he rarely mentions about seeing his mother at home.
Shinichi ran up towards the car even before it came to a stop by the curbside of the school. He quickly let himself in, strapping on the safety belt.
“Hurry!” Shinichi urged.
“Shinichi.” Yuusaku made no move to the steering wheel, even as his son tugged on his shirt sleeves. “This is not...healthy...for you to become like this. Your mother is fine, I’ve called the doctors before leaving the station, they said she’s showing signs of waking up.”
“Yes, but for how long? He said that because you seemed to be taking back up the…” Shinichi suddenly realised he was not supposed to say anything and covered his mouth with both hands.
“What are you saying Shinichi? Tell me the truth.” As there were no cars on the road, Yuusaku can keep it parked just for a while long to interrogate his son.
“You won’t believe me.” Shinichi was not asking, rather the boy knew for certain his father would not trust his words. “He said so.” He added softly.
“Who?”
“That person with the cloak and funny hand.” Shinichi whispered, head bowed down guiltily. “He came with the small boy during break time, said because ‘tou-san was going to do his work that he decided to let ‘kaa-san stay with us a while longer.”
Yuusaku did not like to hear his son reasoning current events with imaginary situations about mysterious cloaked figures and little boys with blue eyes.
“Son, they aren’t real.” Deciding to cut to the chase and stop further nonsense. “They’re all in your head.”
“No they aren’t!” Shinichi nearly screamed, hands clenched into little fists. “Kaito saw him too! And the boy as well! I’m not lying…Kaito’s not lying to me either...” Tears of frustration ran down the cheeks and Yuusaku couldn’t help but feel constricted at his heart.
“You’re not lying,” he hugged Shinichi close, whispering shushing noises to calm him down. “But they are not really here. It’s all in your head.” Yuusaku decided to call up the Kurobas at a later time.
“Can we please just go see ‘kaa-san…” Shinichi mumbled into his shirt. Giving a final pat on his son’s head, Yuusaku turned his eyes back onto the road and drove away from the curbside. He could not help but somehow notice at the edges of his vision that a certain light pole seems to have a larger shadow than the rest. Glancing at the rear-view mirror to check, there was nothing of particular interest; no shady individuals or mysterious being, only a lonely rubbish bin filled to the brim.