Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He had found it.

He had finally found it.

Biting back a choked sob, KID hurriedly shoved the jewel back into his pocket.  While he may have thrown the police off of his trail, the Organization was still lurking around somewhere.  He couldn't let his guard down.

Had they seen the jewel glow red and reveal another jewel within?  KID hoped not, and there was a long flight before he got to safety.  Taking a deep breath, he unfolded his glider.  Safe location first, then destroying Pandora.  Hopefully that would lead to the arrest of the Organization and his work fulfilling his father's legacy will finally be complete.

Leaping off of the edge, the glider picked up the breeze and carried him upwards.  KID scanned the ground below, watching for any signs of someone pointing a gun at him.  He couldn't afford to make a mistake this time -

A gunshot echoed, and KID gasped as a bullet ripped through his glider.  Frantically searching around, KID's heart sank as he realized his mistake.  While he had checked for shooters below him...he hadn't thought to check for shooters on the same level as him.

A sniper was positioned on a nearby building, and his glider was starting to spin out of control.  KID grimaced, doing his best to go into a controlled descent.  Were there snipers anywhere else -

He got his answer as another gunshot echoed, this time from a different location.  A sharp, burning pain sliced through his chest, and KID gasped again, this time for air as he completely lost control of the glider and began falling in the complete opposite of the direction he was trying to go.  Another gunshot cut through the night and this time KID couldn't hold back a pained cry as his side began to burn with the same pain as his chest.  He had been wearing extra protection, but it didn't seem to be doing anything now.  All KID registered was some trees before he hit the ground, steel rods from the glider stabbing into his back.  He gasped again, not daring to move, black spots beginning to dance around the edge of his vision.

Hazily, KID looked down at his chest.  Red was spreading across it, and not from his tie.  Head dropping back down on the ground, a numb feeling overtook him.

He had failed.  He had found Pandora, but let the Organization get him.  There was no hope of rescue, and they would recover the jewel from his corpse long before the police discovered him.

It was getting harder to breathe.  KID stared up at the full moon, knowing full well it was the last thing he would ever see.  Coughing up blood, he mentally apologized to Aoko.  He could only hope Hakuba would be able to comfort her.

I'm sorry.  I'm so, so, sorry.

Eyes closing, he thought he heard a voice talking, but it was all fading out now.  Maybe the Organization had found him.

Everything faded into blackness.

-

He was waking up.

Kaito blinked blearily, forcing his eyes open.  Was this the afterlife?  He didn't feel like he was in pain anymore, so it must be...

Slowly pushing himself to a sitting position, Kaito blinked again.  It still looked like the forest he had crashed in, only the area was hidden by some large trees and plants.  Huh, the afterlife was a forest.  He hadn't seen that coming.

"Ah, good, you are awake."  A voice said pleasantly.

Kaito whirled around.  A figure was perched on a nearby rock, black robes moving slightly in the breeze.  They had black hair, and their eyes...their eyes were blood red, Kaito noted with slight apprehension.  Maybe this wasn't the good afterlife.  Figures.

"I was beginning to wonder if perhaps I had placed you in a permanent slumber by mistake, but it appears the energy drain from being brought back to life simply knocked you out for a little while.  Excellent."  The figure continued, tone pleasant, as if they were discussing the weather.

Kaito was fairly certain his brain stopped working.

"I'm sorry?"

"Ah yes, you are doubtlessly confused right now."  The figure mused, red eyes seeming to pierce into him.  "Allow me to explain what happened.  You, Kaitou KID, or rather Kuroba Kaito, were shot and killed.  I, Pandora, who was with you at the time of your death opted to leave my previous vessel - the jewel if you had not realized - and make you my vessel instead."

"I - what - you're..."  Kaito trailed off, staring at the figure.

"I am Pandora."  The figure pointed to themself.  "You are my vessel."  They added, pointing at Kaito.

"What."  Kaito crossed his arms.  "Did I die and this is some bizarre dream my brain is coming up with to keep me entertained as I bleed out?"

"You are assuredly not dying."  Pandora reassured him.  "That is quite impossible at this point.  You are immortal now, my sincerest congratulations."

"I'm what?"

Pandora frowned at him.  "I know I chose an intelligent being to act as my new vessel, kindly behave as such.  The jewel I was previously in cracked, due to those bullets being shot at you.  There was really no purpose in fixing it when a much better opportunity presented itself."

"Right, can we just..."  Kaito squeezed his eyes shut a moment, desperately wishing for this to be some horrible nightmare before reopening them.  "Okay.  Let's start from the beginning.  I died.  You brought me back to life."

"Yes."  Pandora nodded.

"Now I -"  Kaito's voice cracked and he paused, taking a deep breath before continuing, "am your...vessel?  Which makes me immortal."

"All correct."  Pandora nodded again.  "My magical essence is now stored within you...my power flows through your veins.  This form you see here is merely a construct I can create to talk to you directly...my actual self is within you.  The construct does feed off of your energy, so it will constantly be draining just a very small amount each moment I hold it, but I thought this form would be more suitable for explanations."

Kaito was silent for a moment, staring at Pandora.  Numbly, he noticed the sun was starting to stream in through the cover of trees.  He must have been out for several hours then.

"So."  He said at last, feeling dull and empty inside.  "You're sentient.  And apparently do more than make people immortal."

"Oh yes."  Pandora told him.  "I have been on this planet far longer than you have been alive.  I am one of the most powerful magical essences in existence.  My tears do have healing powers, but they do not make people immortal.  I am not sure why humans gained the idea I would cry when held up to the moon."

"So...why were you in a jewel then?"  Kaito rubbed his forehead wearily, absently wondering how this became his life.

"There was not a need to be in anything else."  Pandora spread their hands out.  "My purpose had been completed, and humanity would only squabble over me like children.  It was better to simply observe from a distance."

"Your...purpose?"  Kaito narrowed his eyes.

Pandora actually seemed to grimace.  "Ah yes.  About that...it appears my power will be needed yet again.  The day I dreaded would come has now come to pass."

"What day?"  Kaito pressed, apprehension growing.

"You were so distracted with your heist you did not pay attention to the news, did you?"  Pandora gave him a bitterly amused smile.  "The Volley Comet, which comes near to Earth every ten thousand years has come once again.  In doing so, it has disrupted and awakened magic that has been sealed away into dormant states for centuries.  Ten thousand years ago after the last Volley Comet, I sealed all of the magic away to ensure it could never get into the wrong hands and cause destruction...today I must do the same."

"Back up."  Kaito shook his head.  "You're saying that magic that has been inactive for centuries...just woke up again."

"That is correct."  Pandora sounded grim.  "These magic items have the power to bring complete and utter destruction on the world if they are not kept in check.  While the matters of humans are hardly concerning to me, it is in my best interests to keep this planet intact.  Therefore, I must repeat what I did centuries ago and find where these magical items have gone...and seal the magic in them away before they can cause complete chaos and destruction."

"Wow."  Kaito said after a moment of consideration.  "That's really bad.  So you should probably find a vessel that's more suitable for your -"

"I cannot."  Pandora cut him off, expression grave.  "The only thing keeping you alive, Kuroba Kaito, is my power.  The moment I leave you for a new vessel...you will die."

Kaito stared at Pandora, feeling not unlike he had been turned upside down and splintered in half.  "So I'm...stuck like this?"  He demanded, voice rising.  "There's no way around this?  No cure?"

"I am afraid not."  Pandora shook their head. 

"I..."  Kaito stared at Pandora for a moment before raising his hands to clutch at his hair.  "Give me a moment."

"I imagine this must be a shock for you."  Pandora murmured.  "Seeing as you wanted to destroy me and all...now you cannot live without me."

"How do you even know so much?!"  Kaito snapped at them, scrubbing at his face with his hands.

"Oh, that.  I went through the entirety of your memories while you were sleeping, as our consciousness are now intertwined."  Pandora explained, voice conversational.  "I thought I should get acquainted with my new vessel.  Jewels do not have memories, so it was a bit of a new experience.  I will be able to communicate to you in your thoughts as well now."

"You went through..."  Not able to care anymore, Kaito sank back onto the ground.  "Sure.  Why not.  Makes sense."  He said aloud, then nearly giggled at the absurdity of the situation.  Here he was, having died then brought back to life by the apparently sentient jewel he was trying to destroy.

"Are you going to have a breakdown?  Because if so, I can take control of your consciousness and force you to calm down if you so wish."  Pandora stood, moving closer.

"Ah."  Kaito said dully.  "You can completely control me too?"

"If I so wished it."  Pandora sat down by him.  "I will not really have a reason to outside of sealing away magic items however, so it should not be something for you to worry about."

"Hold up."  Kaito snapped, sitting up again so he was looking Pandora in the eyes.  "You are not going to just control me while you go around hunting down dangerous objects.  I don't want you controlling me for anything."

"I could always erase your memories."  Pandora offered.

Kaito felt his eye twitch.  "No."

Pandora sighed at him, lips turning downwards.  "If you do not want me to control you, then you will have to find and seal the items yourself.  With my help of course."

Kaito returned to staring at Pandora.  "So that's it?  I have to either let you take complete control of my mind or hunt down dangerous magical items and seal them away for you?"

"If they are not sealed, they will bring destruction upon the world."  Pandora said quietly.  "I could keep you alive, should those events occur, but no one else.  Everyone you know and love will perish."

Kaito swallowed, staring down at his hands.  Everything was moving too fast, and he felt dizzy.  But they couldn't just keep sitting in a random forest either.  Taking a deep breath, Kaito made a snap decision.

"My house.  We'll work out the details there."

-

Three hours later, Kaito was aimlessly stirring his chocolate milk as he thought over what had happened.

"So."  He said, eyeing Pandora, who was seated across from him.  "Due to a comet that passes by Earth every ten thousand years, magical items everywhere have had their seals broken and come back to life.  If they are not sealed away again, they will bring destruction and kill everyone around them."

"That is correct."  Pandora confirmed.

"While you can create a construct outside of my body, the farther away you get, the more energy it takes to maintain, so that's not an option either."  Kaito sipped his chocolate milk.  "You need my body to properly seal these objects away.  As I'm not letting you take complete control over my mind and body to do so, I am instead going to find these items and seal them away under your guidance."

"The arrangement is acceptable to me as long as the items are sealed away in a timely manner."  Pandora nodded.  "I will train you how to use my powers so that you can defend yourself against threats.  Your civilian life will remain untouched by me, and we will work together to bring down your Organization in the process."

"Right."  Kaito exhaled.  "Now the only problem is KID."

"Problem?  I think it is quite advantageous."  Pandora noted.  "KID's skills will allow you to get to items faster, and the reputation you have built with the police will ensure you have a fairly good idea of how they will react around you."

"KID always returns what he steals."  Kaito pressed his lips together.

"Once the magic inside an object is sealed, it should be safe to return it."  Pandora waved a hand.  "And for any item that cannot be, there are ways to replicate it...I believe I know of an artifact that will do just the trick."

"Fine, but KID also sends out heist notices.  I'm not putting the taskforce in danger."  Kaito pointed out, leaning back in his chair.

Pandora hummed thoughtfully.  "I believe for minor items, the heist shall be perfectly safe for them.  And for the more risky items, you can simply break in, seal it, return it, and leave.  No one will ever know you were there."

"That's not what KID is!"  Kaito snapped, crossing his arms.

"Why not?"  Pandora frowned at him.  "I understand you took on the mantle to honor your deceased father, but you have completed one of your main objectives as KID, have you not?  I am not destroyed, no, but I am out of the reach of anyone who would wish to use me for evil.  And the Organization will be taken down, regardless if you are KID or not.  I agreed to help you destroy it."

Kaito fell silent, gazing into his chocolate milk for a few moments.

"What are you saying?"  He said at last.

"I am saying."  Pandora's voice was gentle.  "It was loyal of you to want to fulfill your father's legacy.  But now that you have...now that you have found what you were looking for...what if KID became part of your legacy instead?  A tribute to your father, and a clear path for your future."

"Turn KID into...still a gentleman thief, but this time looking to seal things away rather than find something?"  Kaito asked hesitantly, raising his head.  "Make KID into what serves me best rather than a ghost of my father?"

"Yes."  Pandora's voice was soft.  "A part of KID will always lie with your father, but...mostly it lies with you.  KID is part of you now.  Make him into the thief you want to be."

"It still honors my father in some ways, and it serves what I need perfectly...a kaitou that can get to anything at any time."  Kaito mused.  "I...I...don't know how I feel about it, but I need something to get to the items...all right.  It will take some adjustments but I believe I can repurpose KID while keeping his reputation intact.  He'll send out heist notices when it's safe, and leave the other things undetected...since it's not really stealing anything to begin with."

"It seems we have a plan."  Pandora sounded delighted.

"Yeah...I'm going to go take a nap now."  Kaito stood up, abandoning his chocolate milk.  "I need some time to process things more...think over all the changes."

"Very well.  I shall let you know when I find our first target."  Pandora nodded at him before disappearing.

Kaito stared at the empty seat for a moment before sighing, turning and trudging up the stairs to his room.  It had been a long night.

-

As Kaito drifted to sleep under his covers, Pandora reappeared, sitting next to him on his bedside.

"Hmm...I know you do not want me to control you, but I do not believe this counts..."  They murmured, and gently tapped Kaito's forehead.  Kaito shifted slightly under the covers, and Pandora watched as the tension melted out of his face, becoming peaceful instead.

There.  A nice, pleasant dream that would help him process the events faster.  The sooner his vessel fully accepted his new life, the sooner they could get to sealing away items.  Luckily, they hadn't all simply erupted at once, so there would be time to get to them before real disaster could strike.  They had a bit of time.

With that, Pandora let the construct fade away again.

Chapter Text

Kaito opened his eyes to discover he was lying in his own bed.  His room was exactly the way he left it before the heist, nothing out of place.  And no Pandora anywhere either.  Had it all been a dream?  Maybe the heist hadn't even started yet, and it all had been one terrible nightmare -

I am afraid not.

Kaito bit back a yelp as Pandora's voice echoed in his mind. 

"What was that?!"  He snapped, raising a hand to his face, feeling slightly disoriented.

I told you, I can communicate to you in your thoughts.  This will likely be the most common form of communication between us, so I suggest you become accustomed to it.

"I hate it."  Kaito scowled, begrudgingly sitting up.  "So what, you can hear my thoughts now?"

That is correct.  You can respond to me in your thoughts as well.

"I guess I have no choice unless I want it to seem like I'm talking to myself all the time."  Kaito grumbled. "I don't even want to know what Hakuba-"  He froze mid-sentence, eyes widening in horror.  "Oh.  Oh shit."

Yes?

"Did any of the police see me get shot out of the sky?  There would be rumors flying everywhere -"  Kaito quickly unlocked his phone, immediately running a search.  "Dammit."  He said after a moment, sinking back against his pillows.  "It's all over the news.  Someone even got a brief video."

Once people see you are alive and well will they not simply assume it was a dummy?

"It's not about that...people will want to know who fired the bullets in the first place.  And if Aoko's dad starts poking around the Organization -"  Kaito broke off, an icy cold feeling spreading up his spine.

...I think, Pandora offered after a moment of silence.  That given the unwanted media attention this will bring, your Organization will fade into the shadows for a little while.  But this is all the more reason to begin sealing away items...new heists will keep him busy.

"Yeah."  Kaito felt his stomach settle slightly at Pandora's words.  "Wait.  Did you just try to comfort me and force me to do what you want all in the same two sentences?"

I am hardly forcing you, I can accomplish the task myself.

"By possessing me, that's not happening."  Kaito shook his head.  "I'm making breakfast."

It is well past noon, my vessel.

Kaito paused, checking the time on his phone.  It was past three in the afternoon.  Luckily, he didn't have school today.  It was a bit surprising Aoko hadn't woken him up though...then he processed the rest of Pandora's sentence and whipped around to face a mirror.

"Fine.  Late lunch.  But never call me that again."

What should I call you?

"Kaito is fine."  Kaito rubbed his forehead wearily.  "I should contact Jii-chan, he's probably worried sick by now.  I just hope he didn't try to find me..."  Pressing his lips together in a grimace, Kaito pulled up Jii-chan's contact.

Jii-chan replied as Kaito was making a sandwich, his relief and joy evident even through a text.  Kaito smiled slightly.  It was nice to know Jii-chan cared so much...although he did feel guilty for putting him through this situation in the first place.

After you consume your food we have pressing matters to attend to.  You must learn to use your new powers as quickly as possible.

Now if only there was a way to get rid of the annoying nuisance in his head...Kaito sighed, taking a bite of sandwich.

I can, in fact, hear you, you realize.

Kaito smirked and did not reply.

-

Do you have a room that can be used in secret?  Such as the room in which you keep your equipment?

Kaito blinked, pulled from his thoughts.  "I guess, yeah...we won't be doing anything that could damage my stuff in there, right?"

Not if you do it right.

"Comforting."  Kaito stood up and stretched, picking up his plate and carrying it to the dishwasher.  "Do I need any supplies, or...?"

Not for our purposes today.

"Great."  Kaito absently flipped a coin across his fingers as he headed to his bedroom.  "So...what are we doing?"

We will begin learning the motions of the sealing spell.  I also need to locate the Shapeshifting Sands.

"The what?"  Kaito asked as he entered the KID room.  The lights flickered on as usual, and given the fact that his world had flipped upside down and shattered, Kaito found the familiarity comforting.

The Shapeshifting Sands.  Created by a sorcerer thousands of years ago.  They are capable of replicating the mass and design of any object.  They are just what we need to make replicas of dangerous magical items.

"Won't they just duplicate the magic itself too?"  Kaito frowned, crossing his arms in irritation.  "And can you just come out right now?  No one else is around."

"Very well."  Pandora said, appearing in a swirl of black cloth.  "The Shapeshifting Sands are capable of making a replica of any object, but they cannot recreate abstract ideas.  Magic, essence, life...none of those can be replicated using them."

"So a magicless duplicate of the original item."  Kaito mused, running a hand along the car parked in the room.  "All right.  What do we need to do in order to locate it?"

"Some deep meditation will suit our needs."  Pandora nodded at him.  "It will allow us to connect with our universe and pinpoint a rough location."

"Like sensing energy signatures?"  Kaito raised an eyebrow.

Pandora peered at him, seeming to consider how to respond. 

"If that is how you can understand it."  Pandora decided on at last.

"Cool.  One last thing before we start."  Kaito eyed Pandora with a narrowed gaze.

"Yes?"

"How did you come into existence anyways?"

Pandora paused, considering him again for several moments.

"I am afraid the exact details would be so complex with your current mortal mind that it would break your very consciousness."  Pandora said after a moment.  "Although perhaps one day you will have attained the necessary mental fortitude.  However, think of me as pure, untainted magical essence.  One of the most powerful in the universe.  You will not be able to access even a fraction of my true power at first, as the energy required for that would render you unconscious immediately.  But it is still there and will eventually be at your disposal to use."

"Why?"  Kaito pressed his lips together.

"Why what?"

"Why just...give it to me?"

Pandora actually seemed taken aback by his question.  "You are my vessel.  The very thing that allows me to exist in a solid form on this planet.  I have read your heart, searched through your mind.  Your intentions are pure, though your methods are not always so.  As you are my vessel, and dependent on me for life itself, it is my duty to take care of you.  Should you ever use my power in ways I do not approve of - I can simply take complete control over you or abandon you altogether."

"I...see."  Kaito resisted the urge to clench his hands.  "So.  Meditation?"

"Indeed.  Sit."  Pandora commanded, settling down onto the floor themself.

"You've heard of the word please, right?"  Kaito grumbled, but mirrored Pandora's posture.

"I have, I merely see no reason to use it.  Close your eyes."

Kaito glowered at Pandora for a moment before closing his eyes. 

"Focus on your breathing.  Take deep breaths."

Kaito obeyed.

"Excellent.  Now clear your mind...begin to feel the world around you."

"How am I supposed to do that right now?"

Pandora sighed.  "Given the events of the past several hours, perhaps it would be a bit much for you to achieve a completely clear mind...I could help you with -"

"No."  Kaito cut them off at once.  "Not happening."

"Perhaps it would be better if I simply did it this time."  Pandora mused.  "You are wondering about that Aoko girl, are you not?  How about you visit her while I find the location?  We can begin practice on the sealing spell at a later time."

"Great idea."  Kaito hastily jumped to his feet.  "Don't appear in front of her though!"

"I will not."  Pandora replied, and vanished again.

-

Kaito didn't even get a chance to ring the doorbell before the door burst open and Aoko jumped out, grabbing him in a tight hug.

"Hey...what's with the assault?!"  Kaito yelped, stumbling backwards, trying to regain his balance.

"Aoko's dad is still down at the station."  Aoko's voice was tight and watery.  "He said that KID was shot out of the sky last night...they're trying to figure out where he would have crashed."

Oh.

"Do they have any leads on the shooters?"  Kaito soothingly patted Aoko's back.  He couldn't even imagine what would have happened had he actually died last night.

"No.  There's no evidence of them anywhere."  Aoko buried her head in Kaito's chest, voice muffled.  "Aoko doesn't like KID, but...he still doesn't deserve to die in such a horrible way."

"I'm sure he's fine."  Kaito tried, going for flippant.  "This is KID-sama we're talking about, there's no way he didn't have a plan!"

"You don't know that!"  Aoko jerked out of Kaito's grip, eyes watery.  "How could anyone prepare for snipers shooting at them?!"

Well...I tried to prepare at any rate.  Shaking those thoughts out of his head, Kaito swallowed.  "I think you should just wait...KID-sama will be back to sending out heist notices in no time!"

"He had better not!"  Aoko snapped, eyes blazing.  "But he had better not have died either!"  She added with a huff, storming back inside her house.  "Dad said he might be back for supper, so you're helping Aoko make it!"  She told him, grabbing Kaito's arm and dragging him inside of the house with her.

"Hey - wait a moment!"  Kaito cried after her.

-

Nakamori trudged in shortly after they had set the table, looking grim and defeated.

"No leads, Dad?"  Aoko asked quietly, pulling out a chair for him.

"None."  Nakamori dropped down onto the chair, staring blankly ahead.  "We searched for hours, checked all around the location KID should have been at...all we can hope is that that bastard survived.  No leads on the shooters either, any trace of them is gone."

"Maybe KID's injuries weren't as bad as they seemed to be?"  Kaito offered, sitting down across from Nakamori.  Nakamori blinked, seeming to notice him for the first time.

"Ah, Kaito-kun."  He said, the usual cheer to his voice gone, replaced with a dead quality.  "Heard the news I see."

"It's kind of everywhere."  Kaito propped an elbow on the table, resting his chin on his hand.  "But if you haven't found him, he probably lived."

"Either that or the people who killed him took his corpse before we could find it."  Nakamori's hands clenched into fists.

"Hey, you don't actually know he died."  Kaito tried, pushing back the guilt bubbling up in his stomach.

"Even that bastard can't survive being shot in the chest and crashing."  Nakamori muttered.  "We can hope he lived, but the evidence isn't pointing to that."

"Maybe he just faked it so the shooters would think they succeeded and leave him alone."  Kaito suggested.

"Maybe."  Nakamori stared down at his plate.  "I don't know what to think anymore.  Damn snipers.  Why were they even targeting KID in the first place?!"

"You should eat, keibu."  Kaito pushed a bowl of food closer to Nakamori.  "You'll be able to think better on a full stomach."

"Ah...thanks Kaito-kun."  Nakamori murmured, almost robotically serving himself the food.  "How are you holding up, Aoko?"

"Aoko's fine, Dad."  Aoko said quietly, watching her father with concern.  Staring at both of the Nakamoris, Kaito swallowed, the wave of guilt harder to push down this time.  He had known all along acting as KID could very well be suicide, but actually seeing the people around him be affected like this...was it worth it?

I have located the Shapeshifting Sands.  Fortunately for us, they are merely in a storage room in a museum in Osaka.  The seal on them has recently broken, therefore we should retrieve them tomorrow.

Pandora's voice cut through his head, and it took all of Kaito's self control to not react.  Tuning out the Nakamori's awkward attempts to make small talk, Kaito attempted to reply nonverbally.

So...I'm just supposed to break in and grab them?  I have school tomorrow.

Very well, but we must go to retrieve them immediately after.  Should someone else get their hands on the Sands before we do...

Pandora's voice was terse and Kaito inwardly grimaced.  Pandora had a point, and it was manageable.  It would just take up his entire day.

All right, fine.  We'll get the sand thing tomorrow after school.

Excellent.

"o-kun?  Can you hear us?"

Kaito blinked, returning his attention to the Nakamoris.  Both Nakamori and Aoko were staring at him, concern evident in their faces.

"Ahaha - sorry, I didn't get much sleep last night."  Kaito said quickly, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.  "I should probably go home after supper, try to get some shuteye."

"Make sure you do...you were completely zoned out there, Kaito-kun."  Nakamori frowned at him.

"You also need sleep tonight, Dad."  Aoko snapped at him.

"I will."  Nakamori replied meekly, averting his eyes.

Kaito smiled slightly at their interactions as he quickly ate the rest of his supper.

-

"All right, going to sleep now."  Kaito announced to Pandora as he plopped onto his bed.  "No taking advantage of that."

"There is no reason for me to possess your body while you are unable to stop me."  Pandora informed him.  "For now."  They added, almost absently.

"...Great."  Too tired to argue about that remark, Kaito pulled the covers over his head.  "You can disappear now or whatever."

Pandora didn't reply, but when Kaito lowered the covers, the room was empty.  Giving a sigh of relief, he closed his eyes, curling onto his side.  It had been a long day.

-

The next day at school, Kaito discovered both Hakuba and Akako were staring at him, faces much paler than usual.  They must have heard the news too, then.

"Kuroba-kun."  Hakuba's eyes swept over his figure.  "What...what happened?"  He added in a lower voice, genuine shock and...was that relief? in his eyes.

Kaito rewarded him with a shiny poker face.  "What are you talking about, Hakubaka?"  He asked, keeping his voice bored and irritated. 

"Don't try to deny it!"  Hakuba hissed at him, hands clenching into fists.  "You were shot two nights ago!  Do you need medical attention?"

"That was KID, not me."  Kaito rolled his eyes.  "Hakuba.  Does it look like I'm injured?"

"You are KID and appearances mean nothing when it comes to you."  Hakuba's eyes narrowed.  "KID crashed from several hundred feet in the air, even if the bullets didn't pierce through his suit."

"Well I'm not KID, so I guess I'm fine."  Kaito snipped, turning away from him.  "Do I need to do a summersault or something?"

"Are you insane?  Don't strain yourself because -"  Hakuba broke off, sounding frustrated.  "Kuroba-kun.  If you are injured or in danger...I can help you."

What?

It appears your classmate is concerned about you.  Pandora murmured in his head.  He could become a valuable resource should -

No, there's no way I'm letting him get involved with this.  If they could kill me, they could easily kill Hakuba.  He's safer being an enemy to KID.  Kaito interrupted Pandora, before refocusing to the outside world.

Hakuba was still standing there, looking concerned about Kaito's zoning out, hand slightly raised as if he were about to wave it in front of Kaito's face.

"I don't need your help."  Kaito told him clearly.  "Because I'm not KID."

Hakuba pressed his lips together, frustrated anger burning in his eyes.

"Have it your way, Kuroba-kun."  He said, voice curt.  "But should you ever be in danger, please seek help." 

With that, he turned and walked back to his desk.  Kaito heaved a sigh, rolling his eyes.  Why did Hakuba care so much anyways?  At least now he would be left alone -

Kaito sat up straighter, feeling eyes burn into him.  He recognized that feeling by now.

I forgot to mention...that witch of yours is likely able to sense you have a magic signature now.  Pandora spoke up.  She has been well trained in magical history...she will doubtlessly recognize me.

You forgot huh?

There was a multitude of other events occurring, as I am sure you recall.

Just be quiet, class is starting.

Pandora was quiet all throughout the morning classes, much to Kaito's relief.  Rushing up to the rooftop for lunch, he desperately hoped Akako wouldn't come after him.

Such hopes were in vain, because not even a minute after Kaito had finished his sandwich, Akako burst out onto the rooftop.

"KUROBA KAITO."  She nearly shouted, stalking over to him.  "What have you done?"

"What are you talking about?"  Kaito snapped at her, in a weak attempt to avoid the conversation.

"Don't play dumb."  Akako hissed.  "Your aura, your essence - it's all tangled up in red."

"Auras?  Really?"  Kaito crossed his arms.

"What happened that night?"  Akako demanded.  "What happened to you?"

"Nothing and why would you even care?!"  Kaito attempted to move past her, but Akako blocked him.

"I don't care but you have magic when you never had it before!  Powerful magic too, not belonging to any of the individual groups, like..."  Akako trailed off, eyes widening in horror.  "Kuroba-kun.  What have you done?"

"I didn't do anything."  Kaito insisted, which was technically not a lie.  "Leave me alone!"

"Let me speak with your other half."  Akako's voice was low and almost had a growl to it.

"You're crazy."  Kaito told her.

You should let me speak with her.

Like hell you are.

I can clear things up with her much faster than you can.

I don't care.

"Pandora's talking to you now, isn't it?"  Akako crossed her arms.

IT?

What else would you be?  I've just been thinking of you as an entity.

Hm...I have no gender.  Therefore I will take yours.

A lovely way to put things as usual.

"Look, unless you know a way to get rid of him, I don't want to talk about it."  Kaito tried to brush past her again, but Akako once again blocked him.

"There is no way to get rid of Pandora, Kuroba-kun.  Your consciousnesses are intertwined.  Your life force depends on...'him'."  Akako sounded grim.  "Do you understand 'he' could possess you at any moment?"

"We worked out an arrangement about that."  Kaito told her.

"And what ensures Pandora has to actually honor that agreement?"  Akako's eyes pierced into his own.  Kaito frowned.

I object...does my word mean so little?

YES.

Your words wound me, vessel.

Stop calling me that!

"Is there no way for the three of us to talk face to face?"  Akako raised an eyebrow.

"No, there's -"  Kaito began, but before he could finish, the familiar black cloth swirled.  "...Never mind."  He said weakly.

"Pandora."  Akako grimly nodded at him.

"Witch."  Pandora replied.

They were silent for a moment.

"If you hurt Kuroba-kun."  Akako said at last, voice containing a murderous edge Kaito hadn't heard since the last time she tried to kill him, "I will end you.  I don't care how powerful you are."

"I was not aware you cared for my vessel so much, Witch."  Pandora tilted his head, a sly smile coming over his face.

"I said not to call me -"  Kaito started, but Akako cut him off.

"I don't.  But Kuroba-kun is the only man who can resist my charm, and someday I will make him mine."  Akako's posture was straight, words firm.

"I am afraid you are too late for that...Kuroba Kaito is, assuredly mine."  Pandora replied, and Akako's eyes narrowed.

"I'm what?  Hold up -"  Kaito tried, but this time Pandora cut him off.

"However.  I will protect and look after my vessel.  I have no desire to harm him...and even should I gain the desire, it would only hurt my own being as well."  He added, voice firm but a soft quality underlaying his words.

Akako stared at Pandora for several long moments before nodding her head.

"See to it that you continue to keep him alive.  Evidently he cannot manage the task on his own."

"With me by his side, he shall never have to fear death again."  Pandora nodded at her.

"Just for the record, I hate both of you."  Kaito announced.  "So. Much."

Akako turned a sickly sweet smile on him.  "One day, Kuroba Kaito, you will regret those words."

"Not nearly as much as you will regret threatening him."  Pandora returned a pleasant smile.

"Hm."  Akako's eyes swept over both of them again before she vanished from the rooftop.

The moment she was gone, Kaito whirled on Pandora.

"Disappear. Now.  What is your problem?"  He hissed.

"That witch could have been a threat to your wellbeing."  Pandora answered calmly.  "Had she attacked you, like she has in the past, I needed to be ready to protect you."

"I don't need your protection.  I can handle her just fine."  Kaito rolled his eyes, returning to his lunch. 

"I understand that in the past you were always a loner."  Pandora settled down next to him.  "However, you are not alone anymore.  I am on your side...Kaito."

Kaito glanced at him, then away, not speaking.  After a moment Pandora vanished, and Kaito resumed munching on his chips, doing his best not to reflect on Pandora's words.

-

After school ended, Kaito rushed home, gathering his supplies.  Pandora was mostly quiet as he boarded the train, only making a few vague comments.

The trip to the museum was just as uneventful, Kaito entering the building without any problems.  Everything was going smoothly, and he was plotting for the best time to sneak into the staff doors when a voice yelled out,

"Kudou?!"

Eyes widening, Kaito whirled around.  What was -

"Ah, wait."  The person that had yelled out stopped and scrutinized him.  "Ya aren't Kudou.  My bad."

Before Kaito could reply, the person stuck out his hand.

"Hattori Heiji.  Nice ta meet ya!  What's yer name?"

Oh shit.  Kaito had only run into him a few times, but it was enough to know Hattori was a fairly good detective.  Of course he was there the day he was trying to break into a room unnoticed.

"I'm Kuroba Kaito.  Nice to meet you as well."  Kaito forced a friendly look onto his face.

"Yer not from around here, are ya?"  Hattori smirked knowingly.

"I'm from Ekoda.  How'd you know?"  Kaito played along, desperately hoping Hattori would get bored soon.

"Yer accent!"  Hattori pointed at himself.  "I'm sure ya have heard of me.  The great detective?"

"Yeah, I've...seen you on the news a couple of times."  Kaito amended quickly.  "What brings a great detective such as yourself to this museum?"  He added with a small smirk.

"I was actually just wrappin' up a case."  Hattori told him.  "What about ya?"

"Ah...I'm a bit of a history fan."  Kaito lied, scratching the back of his neck.  "But if my friends knew, they'd never let me live it down.  So I decided to come out here."

"Some friends."  Hattori shook his head.  "Well, if ya ever wanna try some local cuisine, let me know!  I know all the best places 'round here!"

"Thanks, I will!"  Kaito smiled at him.  Hattori grinned back at him and headed out of the room.

How would you let him know?  He did not leave a phone number.  Pandora pointed out.

Hush, it doesn't matter anyways...I'm not taking him up on the offer. Right now I need to focus on getting through that staff door.

That you do.

A few minutes passed, and Kaito got his opening, quickly slipping inside before anyone or the cameras could notice.  Once inside, he quickly found a spare staff uniform laying around and changed into it.  From there, it was only the matter of entering the storage room.

Getting in was not difficult, and once inside, Kaito looked around.

"All right.  Where are these sands..."  He murmured to himself, lifting up a box.

I can sense magic coming from that shelf.  Pandora spoke up.

"Shelf?  Ah."  Kaito spotted it quickly, hurrying over to it.  "These it?"

Yes.

Kaito exhaled, looking over the sand.  It was in a simple glass vial, filled with pure golden sand.  A thought occurred to him, and he frowned.

"How come the sand didn't just keep duplicating the vial it's in?"

It appears the vial itself has been charmed as to not replicate.  The humans are fortunate they did not move the Shapeshifting Sands to another, unprotected container.

"Hooray for my luck, I suppose."  Kaito picked it up then frowned.  "How am I supposed to replace the vial then?"

Ah.  Good question.  Perhaps I could carefully alter the charm so it allows one duplicate of itself to be made.

"Including the sand itself?  The duplicate shouldn't contain any power, right?"

Correct.  I believe I can, but I will either need the body or my construct.

"Construct it is."

Have it your way.

Pandora appeared, taking the vial from Kaito and examining it closely.  After a moment he motioned, a duplicate appearing in his other hand.  He handed it to Kaito, who put it back on the shelf, blinking as he noticed he suddenly felt much more tired than before.

"Apologies, but my using magic, even through the construct will drain your energy."  Pandora told him, handing him back the real vial.  Kaito carefully slipped it into a special pocket.  "Once you learn how to use magic yourself, you will also learn how to manage your energy levels better."

"That's great, but right now I'm focusing on how to get out of here."  Kaito told him, and Pandora vanished.  Heading out of the room, Kaito walked out of the staff area and straight to the bathrooms, where he discarded the uniform and headed out of the museum.

Back on the train, Kaito gave a sigh of relief, leaning his head back.  It had been a long couple of days and he hoped he could get some real rest tomorrow.  After dodging Hakuba at school, that is.

You did well, vessel.

Don't call me that.

Pandora went silent again, and Kaito busied himself with staring out the window, only paying attention to his surroundings as much as necessary.

-

The next few days passed with no major events.  There was still an ongoing investigation in the case of the 'KID Shooting' as it was being called.  Hakuba and Akako still gave him looks at school, but Kaito ignored them.  Pandora was mostly quiet, only occasionally making a comment or two unless it was during magic training.  Kaito was only learning the most basic of spells, along with the sealing spell. 

Aoko was still worried about her dad, so Kaito attempted to cheer her up during school.

And then, exactly six days after KID was shot down, Pandora popped into existence right as Kaito was about to bite into a chocolate bar.

"I have found a target that needs to be sealed."  He announced.  "While it could be dangerous if activated, it is currently in a semi-dormant state, only awakened once the right conditions are met.  It should be perfectly safe for your taskforce to be around, given that I do not believe any of them have magic.  Therefore, they cannot activate it."

Kaito took a deep breath, lowering his chocolate bar.  "So it's time to show the world that Kaitou KID is alive and well?"  He asked.

Pandora nodded.  "It is time to begin."

Chapter Text

BREAKING NEWS!

Just six days after Kaitou KID was seen toppling from the sky due to a mysterious shooter, he has sent out a new heist notice!  His target?  Not a jewel, but a sword made out of pure silver!  The change in targets have led some to speculate that the heist notice did not actually come from KID.  For more on that speculation, we turn to our expert -

Kaito clicked off of the article, rolling his eyes.  He knew the press would have a field day with it, but...sheesh.  Did they have to keep making the shooting a big deal?

Perhaps that is a good thing.  Pandora commented.  More media attention on the shooting means that the Organization will want to keep in the shadows.

"Maybe."  Kaito said out loud, spinning his tablet on his finger.  "The press wanted to attend the heist, but because of the shooting the taskforce is being really cautious about who they let into the room.  It's going to make sneaking in harder."

Why not just take out Nakamori and go in as him?

"Not this time."  Kaito replied, a heavy weight settling on his chest.  "He needs to see I'm alive and well.  He's the one who can confirm I'm the real deal.  My biggest concern is Hakuba trying to show up...he's been monitoring me in school more than ever."

He is concerned about you.

Kaito scoffed in return.  "Yeah right."

I am not wrong.

"Yes you are."  Kaito turned back on his tablet, ignoring Pandora's sigh.  "I seriously need a way to keep him out though...unless the police force thinks it's too dangerous for him to come, but I doubt it."

Considering who he is the son of, he has a lot of strings to pull in that regard.

"Yeah, it has to be someone outside of the police force, but still someone he'd listen to, like -"  Kaito broke off, eyes widening.  "That's it!"

I am interested in seeing this play out, vessel.

"Don't call me that."  Kaito responded automatically, already starting to plan in his head.

-

"Hey Aoko, I figured you would be worried about the heist tonight."  Kaito said, stopping by his childhood friend's desk.  Aoko blinked up at him in surprise.

"Yeah, Aoko is...why?"  She asked.

"Well, I wanted to be able to come over to keep you company, but Jii-chan called, something urgent came up at Blue Parrot which he needs me to help with tonight."  Kaito explained.  "So I asked Hakuba instead, and he agreed to keep you company in place of me!"

"Oh...really?"  Aoko's eyes widened and she sat up, looking over at Hakuba.

Hakuba looked equally as shocked.  "I didn't -"  He began, but was cut off by Aoko beaming at him.

"Aoko can cook your favorite meal!  Just tell her what it is!"  She exclaimed, eyes bright.  "Aoko also has some puzzle games you might like!"

Hakuba stared at her, and Kaito could practically see the wheels in his head turning.  But if there was one thing Hakuba wouldn't do, it would be disappointing a lady.  Kaito inwardly smirked as resignation flashed in Hakuba's eyes.

"That sounds delightful, Aoko-san."  He told her, giving her a pleasant smile. 

A very strange feeling arose in Kaito seeing the way Hakuba interacted with Aoko.  But he couldn't focus on that right now.  He had a detective to keep away from his heist.

"You guys have a great time together!"  He said cheerfully, not acknowledging the death glare that Hakuba sent his way.

"Aoko's so glad Kaito has started treating Hakuba-kun like a friend ~"  Aoko sang, giving him a bright smile.

"What?  No!"  Kaito sputtered.  "We're not friends!  I'm just trying to look out for you, that's all!"

"Suuure ~"  Aoko hummed in response, a knowing look on her face.

Kaito scowled, turning away.  At least his plan had worked.

-

Is everything set?

"Yeah, yeah, it's all fine.  Jii-chan wanted to be here tonight, but I convinced him to stay at Blue Parrot in case Aoko called to check in."  Kaito replied, checking over his supplies once more.  He couldn't afford to slip up again, even if he couldn't die from his mistakes now...

What a terrifying thought...I don't even want to think about the long term implications for that right now...

Yes, it is better that you do not.  Is there a reason you are keeping my existence a secret from your assistant?

"Stop listening in on all my thoughts."  Kaito grumbled.  "And I just don't want to stress him out more than he already is.  I'll tell him eventually, just...it was hard enough explaining to him I think the sword has some magic power."

Hm...you have the Sands with you, should the need arise?

"Yep, I always carry them with me."  Kaito patted the pocket containing the vial.  "The plan is to steal the sword, throw the taskforce off, seal the magic in the sword away, and return it."

It all seems manageable to me.

"Great, then you can just be quiet until I have to seal it.  I need to concentrate."

Very well.

-

The atmosphere was obviously tense that night.  KID restrained a grimace, patting his mask.  He had put on extra sticky stuff, so it hadn't come off even when Nakamori pulled on it.  It would hurt like crazy to take it off later that night though...KID internally cringed at the thought.

The sword itself was enclosed in a basic glass case, in the middle of the room.  It had been part of a different exhibit in the museum, but it had been moved to what was considered "a more secure room" for the heist.

Studying it, KID found himself remembering what Pandora had told him about the sword.  Originally a gift for a king, crafted to celebrate the kingdom's victory over a neighboring kingdom, it was cursed by a magic user from the conquered kingdom.  Once activated, the sword moved on its own, able to fight by itself.  It stabbed the king through the heart, killing him.  The sword then turned on the guards, but eventually they managed to overpower it and lock it away until Pandora sealed the magic in it away.  Japan had recently borrowed it from another country to display in their exhibit.

"Five minutes until the time stated on KID's notice!  Be on guard!"  Nakamori barked at the taskforce, pulling KID from his thoughts.  "If anyone notices anything suspicious, report it at once!  We may have more people showing up tonight than just KID."  He added grimly.

No, they wouldn't...KID had checked all around the premises, the Organization wasn't here tonight...they couldn't be.  Pandora was still of the opinion the Organization was laying low, although KID knew they would confront him eventually.  He still wasn't entirely sure if the Organization knew he had found Pandora or not. 

The jewel Pandora had been in was safely tucked in a hidden pocket repaired from its previous cracks courtesy of Pandora's magic.  It was ready to be left with the sword once KID returned it.  Hopefully, the jewel would serve as further proof he really was the actual Kaitou KID.  Although the news about the jewel not being returned had had some coverage over the past week, everyone's main focus had been on KID himself.  Even Nakamori had only mentioned it a few times to Aoko in the week, apparently a few taskforce officers had tried to track it down.

The taskforce gave affirmative grunts in response to Nakamori's words, and KID idly glanced around the room.  All he had to do was grab the sword, appear as KID, launch a KID dummy from the rooftop, and act like he ran to the roof when in reality he slipped back into the taskforce.  From there he could alert them to the dummy, watch as they raced to their police cars to follow it, and seal the magic in the sword away before returning it to its case along with the jewel from last heist.  It would be fine.

"One minute!"  Nakamori barked.  KID discreetly moved closer to the sword's case, noting that it wasn't locked.  That was strange, usually the taskforce ensured that a case was still locked.  Were they that distracted tonight?  KID frowned slightly.

"Thirty seconds!"

KID slipped a few smoke bombs into his hands.

"Fifteen seconds!"

A quick flick of his fingers disengaged the safety mechanism on them.

"Ten seconds!"

The slightest shift of his hands, readying to throw them on the ground.

"Five seconds!"

He lifted his hands.

"Zero!"

He threw them down.  Smoke filled the room, and as the taskforce coughed, KID pulled his taskforce uniform away to reveal the KID suit, hurriedly opening the case and grabbing the sword before the smoke could clear.

"KID!"  Nakamori yelled as soon as he saw him.  "You're under arrest!"

KID smirked in response, lifting up the sword.  "Lively as ever, Nakamori-keibu."

"So are you."  Nakamori was staring at him intensely, and KID knew he was checking him over to see if he was the real deal.  "Considering what happened!"

KID kept his smirk, expression revealing nothing.  "Whatever do you mean, keibu?  I went home that night, victorious as usual.  Surely you recognized it was one of my dummies?"

Nakamori paused for a moment, still staring at him.  KID took advantage of the opportunity to plan a clear way to disappear back into the taskforce.

"We'll know what happened for sure after you're arrested!"  Nakamori seemed to decide on at last, pointing a finger at him.  "Get him!"

The taskforce lunged.  KID widened his smirk before exploding more smoke bombs.  In all the confusion that happened in the minutes that followed, it was easy to push the button to activate the dummy glider, hide the sword, and change back into the taskforce uniform.

"Where did he go?!"  Nakamori looked around wildly after the taskforce officers untangled themselves from their tackle-lunge.

"Keibu!"  KID yelled, pointing at the window.  "KID's escaping!"

An unexpected rush of guilt made KID's stomach turn over as Nakamori's face paled and genuine worry filled his eyes.

"After him!  Don't lose sight of that glider!"  He shouted and the taskforce roared in agreement, charging out of the room.

KID followed them out of the room, but paused, turning back as the rest of the taskforce ran outside.  They would be fine, there was no way the Organization would risk anything tonight.  Heading back into the room with the sword, KID returned to his white suit with a sigh.

"All right, sealing time."  He muttered to himself, finding the sword where he had left it...although - had it been moved?  He could've sworn the sword was a couple inches farther than where he had laid it -

A very faint sound traveled through the wall, from the room next to the one KID was in.  He stiffened, listening carefully.  Whatever the sound was, it was getting quieter...he could barely hear it at all.  Another few seconds and the sound died entirely.  KID frowned, glancing around the room.  It had sounded almost like...footsteps. 

Whatever was going on, he needed to hurry and seal the magic away before the taskforce returned.  Pushing his other thoughts away, KID started to reach for it.

Stop.

The command cut through his mind like a hot knife through butter.  Automatically, KID froze, hand still outstretched.

There is more energy coming from the sword than there should be.  Pandora explained after a moment.  And it reacted when you touched it earlier...it is almost as if it has been...activated.

"What?"  KID withdrew his hand, feeling bewildered.  "How did it -"

I am not sure.  However we must exert upmost caution in -

KID didn't hear the rest of Pandora's sentence, because at that moment the sword briefly glowed before rising up from the floor and pointing itself right at KID's chest.  Before he could react, the sword shot forward in one fluid motion, and KID gasped in a mixture of pain and shock as the world tilted around him, pain beyond words coldly slicing through his chest.

"Ves - ...sel!"

Somewhere in the back of his brain, KID noted that Pandora had appeared beside him, evidently having broken his fall.  His words faded in and out, everything sounding oddly like it was underwater.  KID gasped again, then again, oxygen refusing to come into his lungs.

And then the pain subsided and despite the fact he couldn't breathe, he didn't feel like he was running out of air at all.

"I cut off feeling in your chest."  Pandora explained, taking hold of the hilt of the sword.  "Are you able to hear me now?"

KID vaguely nodded, finding he couldn't quite speak, but his thoughts still worked enough.

You did WHAT?

"It was necessary, you were in pain."  Pandora frowned at him.  "I am going to need to pull this from your chest so you can continue healing.  You might pass out."

What?  No, hold on, don't -

Pandora ignored him, beginning to pull the sword out of his chest.  KID's mouth opened slightly, feeling like he was in shock, despite the fact it didn't hurt at all.  The sword was covered in blood, but before KID could say something about it, a heavy exhaustion overtook him.  His entire body felt warm, and the world swirled around him like ink underwater.  He was vaguely aware of Pandora patting his arm before it all swirled away into nothingness.

-

Kaito awoke from a pleasant dream to find himself laying in Pandora's lap, the heavy weight of the sword nestled next to him.   Blearily, he tried to free himself, only to have Pandora grab onto him and force him to lay back down.

Your taskforce is back.  Hush.

What?  What happened?

You passed out, as I expected you to.  With the amount of energy required to heal an injury of that magnitude, it is impressive you have already woken up.  I was able to seal away the magic in the sword myself and used the Shapeshifting Sands to make a replica.  I returned the replica and the jewel, but before I could carry you out, your taskforce returned, having realized they were chasing a fake.  We are currently in a nearby storage closet.  I cast a concealing charm on it that should keep your taskforce away, but it is better to be silent and not risk it.

And...why not return the original sword?  Kaito still felt exhausted, too tired to worry about anything else.

It activated without one of us activating it.  I want to study it and see what happened.  Pandora shifted him slightly, and much to Kaito's groggy surprise, he found Pandora was almost cradling him, the hold unexpectedly comfortable.  I suspect they will be here for a little while.  You may continue to sleep if you wish.

Don't do anything to them...

I assure you, if I am forced to engage with them, I will not injure them.

Good...

Kaito drifted for a little while, fading in and out as he vaguely heard the taskforce puttering about for a little while, talking about the returned sword and jewel.  Half dreaming, he thought he heard Nakamori eventually tell the taskforce to return to the station with the jewel.  The sounds faded out after a moment, and so did Kaito.

He woke up to the sensation of being placed down.  Blinking open his eyes, Kaito discovered he had been laid on a museum bench.  Pandora was seated next to him, studying the sword with a frown.

What...

The taskforce has left.  I can carry you back to your place of residence as you are in no condition to glide.

That's not happening...I'll just text Jii-chan, tell him my glider is acting up so I need a ride...

Would it not be easier to tell him the truth?

...Not yet.

Very well, but are you capable of staying awake long enough?  I am afraid the healing combined with my using a sealing spell has left you quite out of it.

I'm more awake now...I can last until I get home.  Kaito forced himself to sit up.  We're talking about this more once I'm awake enough to process everything.

As you wish.

Pulling his phone out of his pocket, Kaito squinted down at it, typing out a quick message.

Jii-chan responded instantly, telling him he'd be there as soon as he could.  With a tired groan, Kaito let his head fall back against the wall.

"This was not at all how things were supposed to go."

Pandora turned the sword over in his hands, shifting his gaze over to Kaito, blood red eyes grave.

"I suspect someone else was here tonight."

"What?"  On alert, Kaito stiffened, only to have Pandora shake his head.

"They are gone now, I checked for a magic signature.  Whoever it was must have been concealing theirs, as I did not immediately sense it."

"Is it someone in the taskforce?"  Kaito felt cold dread creep up his spine.

"It could be."  Pandora mused, eyes shifting to a more calculating gaze.  "But I suspect not.  It appears someone started the process of activating the sword before your heist...and they finished it during the moment you and the taskforce were out of the room.  I suspect they did not expect you to return so quickly."

"So it probably was the footsteps I heard earlier."  Kaito grimaced.  "But why would someone want to activate it?"

"I cannot be sure."  Pandora laid the sword on his lap.  "However, throughout all of history, humans and other kinds of creatures have sought power.  With the coming of the Volley Comet, and the breaking of my seals, it is the ideal time for these people to strike, collecting as much magic as they can."

"Okay, back up."  Kaito held up his hands.  "First of all, you're saying magical creatures do exist?"

"Of course they do."  Pandora said, as if it were obvious.  "They simply do not announce their presence like you humans."

"...Of course."  Kaito slumped slightly, feeling a numb resignation.  "And there are people and...creatures out there who will also be after the items?"

"Power in general."  Pandora corrected.  "However, it is likely there will be overlap, yes.  Right now we can rely on the fact others do not know where the items are either, and they will be fighting amongst themselves to get to them.  Once you have had enough training you will be able to hold your own against them."

"I'm going to have to fight -"  Kaito broke off, staring at Pandora.  "And there's already overlap, one of them showed up at my heist!"

"I will run more thorough checks in the future."  Pandora said, tone placating.  "Yes, you will have to face these people if you do not want me to take over, but I am more than capable of preparing you so you can not only protect yourself, but the people around you."

"So I have to become skilled at real magic whether I like it or not."  Kaito said glumly, staring down at the floor.

"You will always have the option of simply letting me take over."  Pandora told him.  "We would have to work on energy management, but that is it.  I could merely put you to sleep while I seal away the objects, and you can keep living a normal life, with no memory of what happened."

"I already said no."  Kaito growled, glaring up at Pandora.  "I'm not letting you just do whatever with my body while I'm unaware of it.  I'll learn what you'll teach me, I'll seal away the magic, and I'll be completely in control of myself while doing it."

"If that is what you wish."  Pandora nodded.

"And you said that the others don't know where the items are, but couldn't they just sense them like you did?"  Kaito narrowed his eyes.

"It depends.  Some of them may have the ability, but not everyone does.  I am one of the most powerful magics out there, so I am able to do most anything.  Some have to rely on other means, which are not as effective."  Pandora explained to him.

"All right."  Kaito leaned back against the wall again, exhaling.  "Then -"

At that moment, his phone dinged, Jii-chan notifying him that he had arrived.  Kaito stood up, holding out a hand for the sword.

"Jii-chan's here.  You can disappear now."

Pandora eyed him.  "I can assist you should -"

"No thanks, I'm able to handle myself."  Kaito picked up the sword, hiding a grimace as the room tilted slightly.  He definitely needed to get more sleep tonight.

Pandora disappeared, and Kaito changed into dark clothes before he headed out of the building.  Jii-chan immediately greeted him with a worried look on his face.

"I'm fine, Jii-chan."  Kaito reassured, getting in the backseat with the sword.  "The heist just took more out of me than I thought -"

"Why didn't you return the sword, Botchama?"  Jii-chan's voice was oddly tense.

Kaito blinked, glancing down at it.  "Oh, I...did, actually.  Well, I returned a replica...because the sword is...dangerous."  He finished lamely.

Jii-chan's unimpressed look was reflected in the car mirrors.  "You didn't tell me you made a replica, Botchama.  Where did you get the materials?"

"Um..."

"And I know you've glided in worse conditions before.  I've served your family for years, Botchama, I can tell when things aren't adding up."

"Er..."  Kaito blinked slowly, trying to trudge up a response from his muddled brain.  Nothing came to mind, and he felt too tired to keep pressing.

"Botchama."  Jii-chan's voice was quiet and grave.  "You never gave me the details of what happened that night...are you being blackmailed?"

Kaito blinked again, suddenly realizing how Jii-chan could have come to that conclusion.  He had miraculously survived an encounter that should have killed him, immediately switched targets from jewels to objects in general, and refused to let Jii-chan participate.  Then he had shown up to the car after suddenly asking Jii-chan to pick him up, carrying the sword he just stole, despite usually returning everything.

Admittedly, without the context of Pandora, it was a logical conclusion.

There is no way to simply lie your way out of this.  Perhaps he would listen if you told him to leave the matter alone, however...it would ruin the relationship you currently have with him.

...Dammit.  I don't need you to tell me that.

What is your choice, vessel?

Kaito took a deep breath.

"I'm not being blackmailed, Jii-chan.  But...something has changed...I'll explain it all to you once we get to Blue Parrot, but please...I'm tired."

Jii-chan's expression was one of grim concern.  "Very well Botchama.  Try to get some rest, I'll wake you once we arrive."

Kaito swallowed, and laid his head back, closing his eyes, trying to take deep calming breaths.  It would be fine, he would be fine, he would figure this all out...

Perhaps this situation may not be as grave as you think it is, vessel.  Sleep now.

Don't call me that...Kaito thought in his head before slipping into sleep.

-

"Botchama...wake up."

Jii-chan's voice gently broke through Kaito's sleep, rousing him from a pleasant dream.

Huh...I seem to be having a lot of those lately...which is kind of strange all things considered.

"Are we here?"  Kaito mumbled sleepily, blinking open his eyes and sitting up.  The car was parked in the parking lot of Blue Parrot, and Jii-chan had opened his door, standing over him with a concerned expression still on his face.

"We are.  Do you need help getting out, Botchama?"  Jii-chan offered him a hand, but Kaito shook his head.

"I'm fine, I feel more rested already."

It was true, he was feeling much better than before.  Unbuckling his seatbelt, Kaito slipped out of the car, stretching slightly before following Jii-chan into the building.

Jii-chan waited until Kaito was settled on one of the barstools with a milkshake before speaking.

"If you're not being blackmailed, Botchama...then why target something that has no potential to be Pandora?  I understand you said before that it had magical properties you couldn't let get out, but you never cared about such things before."

Kaito sipped his milkshake before taking a deep breath.

"Actually, Jii-chan...I found Pandora."  He said, the words thick in his mouth, having to force out each one.

"You did?"  Jii-chan's eyes widened in shock.  "Why did you not tell me before...where is it?"

Kaito could almost feel Pandora stiffen in the back of his mind from being referred to as an 'it'.

"Because I don't...have Pandora like that...at least not as a jewel."  Kaito grimaced, hoping in vain Jii-chan would catch on.

Jii-chan did not, which was reasonable, all things considered.  The actual truth was not a conclusion Kaito would immediately jump to either.

"Then...how do you have it?"  The shock in Jii-chan's eyes replaced itself with concern again.

Kaito was silent for a moment, debating how best to explain what happened before deciding it was best just to get it out there as soon as possible.

"I died, that night, Jii-chan."  He blurted, aware of Jii-chan's eyes widening in horror.  "And when I woke up...Pandora was sitting in front of me, informing me I was his new vessel."

Jii-chan's face grew very very pale, and his hands trembled for a moment before he seized a wine glass from the shelf behind him and began cleaning it with a cloth.

"We talked."  Kaito went on, not knowing what else to do, feeling anxiety welling up inside of him.  "And basically, he...well...he needs me to -"  He broke off, seeing Jii-chan's cleaning intensify.  "But I'm alive and well, and I can't die anymore, so that's not a problem, and I'm working things out, really -"  Kaito rambled on, wanting to reassure him, but also reassuring himself.

"What my vessel is trying to say."  Pandora suddenly appeared on the barstool next to Kaito, and Kaito bit back a yelp.  "Is that he and I have worked out an arrangement suitable for both parties."  Turning to Kaito, Pandora frowned.  "You are not breathing properly."

"Don't call me your vessel."  Kaito gritted at him in response.

"Pandora, I presume?"  Jii-chan set down the glass, hands now steady, expression grave.

"You are correct.  Are you familiar with the Volley Comet?"  Pandora turned his attention to Jii-chan.

"It was on the news the night of KID's last heist."  Jii-chan replied, eyes narrowing slightly.  "It's the first time it has come close to earth in ten thousand years."

"Correct again."  Pandora folded his arms.  "In the past, whenever the Volley Comet has passed Earth, it has disrupted the magic flow of this planet, causing all sorts of fluctuations and problems.  As humanity and other creatures developed, they began understanding how to harness the magic and power of their planet, causing great destruction.  The more magical items that came into existence, the more endangered life became.  While I had never cared for the affairs of the individual human, keeping this planet intact is crucial for the magical balance of this universe.  Therefore, I began sealing away the magic in these items using my power, to ensure they could no longer destroy anything."  Here Pandora paused, sighing again.  "Over the past ten thousand years, I have sealed away many a dangerous item, faced off against creatures that wished to destroy or control us all.  But the coming again of the Volley Comet disrupted all the magic, breaking my seals and releasing their magic upon the world again.  I need a vessel in order to seal them all away once more.  That same night, your 'Botchama' was killed while attempting to escape with me.  To save his life, I made him my new vessel and after he expressed that he wished to maintain constant control over his body, we agreed that he would help me seal away the objects.  In exchange, I would interfere with the rest of his life as little as possible."

Jii-chan was silent for several moments, likely processing what Pandora had just said.  Feeling a bit calmer, Kaito took another sip of milkshake, glaring at Pandora when he patted Kaito's shoulder.

I don't need you to comfort me!

You are clearly in distress, and that is a problematic state to be in.  It does not hurt to accept help.

I don't need you helping me! 

You need someone to help you.

I'm fine.

You are very difficult.

"Is that why you targeted the sword?"  Jii-chan asked Kaito, pulling him from his thoughts before he could mentally reply to Pandora.  "It was a magic item?"

"Yeah, it's able to fight by itself."  Kaito sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.  "It kind of...stabbed me, and the energy it took to heal from all of that kind of knocked me out for a little while."

"I was more than capable of looking after him however, he was not in any danger."  Pandora reassured.

Kaito chose not to think about the fact it meant Pandora had been carrying him around while he was unaware.  He definitely did not think about the fact he had felt strangely safe and comfortable during his moments of awareness.  It had been necessary for Pandora to interfere and Kaito knew it.

"So you're immortal."  Jii-chan dabbed at his forehead with a different cloth.

"Basically...yes."  Kaito glanced down at the counter, not meeting Jii-chan's eyes.

"And you are...now targeting magical objects as KID in order to seal the magic in them away and protect humanity."  Jii-chan went on.

"Yes."  Kaito still did not look up.

"I see."  Jii-chan said, an unreadable quality to his words.  "Then if Pandora is within you, how is -"  Here Jii-chan paused, looking at Pandora questioningly.

"I have taken on the gender of my vessel."  Pandora supplied.

"Don't call me that."  Kaito replied automatically, feeling slightly like a broken record.

"How is he sitting here?"  Jii-chan finished, glancing back and forth between them.

"Ah, that.  I am within my...container, however I can create a construct that allows me to interact with the world outside of him."  Pandora answered.

"Container?!"  Kaito sputtered, whipping around on the stool to face Pandora.

Pandora spread his hands out.  "I would have used vessel, however you wished I did not -"

"Just use my name!"  Kaito squawked in indignation.

"Perhaps the two of you could continue this another time."  Jii-chan smoothly interjected, sounding surprisingly calm.  "I have some questions, if you don't mind."

An hour later, and Jii-chan had been filled in on everything he wished to know.  Kaito didn't gain much new information from it, but a few things were of interest.

Jii-chan had also expressed concern about Kaito being forced into things against his will.  Kaito had assured him that was not the case.  Pandora...mostly agreed with him.

As Kaito finished the last of his milkshake, he leveled an impressed glance at Jii-chan.

"You're taking this much better than I expected you to."  He confessed.

"I was surprised and concerned at first."  Jii-chan admitted.  "But I've known your family for many years, Botchama.  While this is certainly one of the more shocking things your family has done, it's not the most shocking."

"What."  Kaito said, more a statement than a question.  "Would you elaborate more on what was the most shocking thing?"

Jii-chan gave him a kind smile.  "No."

-

When Kaito returned home that night, he collapsed into bed almost immediately and fell back asleep.  Sitting beside him, Pandora smiled slightly, tapping Kaito's forehead with his finger.  His vessel didn't need to know right now, but...he would keep making his dreams pleasant and relaxing.

With the nightmares his vessel would face while awake, Pandora figured it was the least he could do.

Chapter Text

Slowly, Saguru approached the still figure on the ground, desperately hoping that it was a joke, a prank, that maybe it wasn't as bad as it looked.

The figure didn't move as Saguru knelt by him, feeling for a pulse.

There was no movement.  The body felt cold and stiff.

Taking a deep breath, Saguru glanced over the body's face.

Wide open blue eyes, the spark of mischievous life in them gone, replaced with blank emptiness.  The monocle was cracked, reflecting broken moonlight.  A trail of blood dripped out of the side of the mouth, the face unnaturally pale.

Saguru pushed down a sob.  "Kuroba-kun..."

The once white suit was painted red, shredded with holes.  The remnants of a glider were scattered around them, one of the steel rods impaling the back of Kuroba's corpse.

One of Kuroba's hands was still outstretched, as if reaching for something.  As Saguru stared hopelessly at him, it was almost as if Kuroba's eyes shifted to look into Saguru's own, still blank and accusing.

The world around them lit up in red and blue, a wailing scream ringing in Saguru's ears.  The police had caught up. 

The faceless police officers surrounded them, dropping a white blanket over Kuroba.  The blood soaked through the sheet, but the officers ignored it, lifting up Kuroba and carrying him away.

"What are you doing?"  Saguru found himself asking, feeling numb and lost.

A faceless police officer turned to him.  "The KID must be caught."

"He's dead."  Saguru said.

"He's caught."  The officer corrected.

"That can't be the only way to catch him."  Saguru argued, hands curling into fists.

"The KID must be caught."  The officer repeated.

"Even at the cost of his life?"  Saguru gritted his teeth together.

The officer smiled at him, despite having no mouth to smile with.  "He should not have stolen, if he wanted to be free."

"What do you mean -"  Saguru broke off, looking around wildly.

Kuroba was still covered by the stained sheet, being loaded into an unmarked black van.

"This isn't what the police do."  Saguru insisted.

The faceless officer continued to smile.  "We did not do it.  Someone else did."

"Then why aren't you looking for his murderer?  Why are you not looking into why KID was stealing in the first place?  Why have none of us ever looked into why KID would do any of this to begin with?"  Saguru protested, feeling helpless as he reached out for something, what he didn't know.

"The KID must be caught."  The officer said again.  "Why he was caught is of no importance."

"Yes it is!"  Saguru cried out, still reaching out.  "Yes, KID shouldn't have been stealing, but there had to be a reason why -"

"And why does it matter?"  The officer asked him.  "A criminal is a criminal.  Anyone who commits a crime will be brought to justice."

"This isn't justice."  Saguru said weakly, lowering his arms.

"If catching the criminal is not justice."  The officer stared at Saguru with no eyes.  "What is?"

"It's -"  Saguru began, then broke off, gazing helplessly out.  "I - I don't know."

"Then let us take care of it."  The officer replied.  "Continue bringing justice to criminals.  Don't worry about the details."

"What if he needed help."  Saguru whispered, shifting his gaze to stare down at the ground.

"Then he should have expressed as such."  The officer turned away.  "As it is now...you did not care for him...right?"

Saguru didn't answer.

"You'll need to pick a side eventually, Hakuba Saguru."  The officer said.  "You cannot stay in the middle forever."

"Is arresting him the answer?"  Saguru finally said, voice no stronger than a faint whisper.

"Shouldn't it be?"  The officer countered.

Saguru looked up.  The sky had turned red.

Inside the unmarked black van, Kuroba began screaming.

-

Saguru awoke with a sharp gasp that bordered on a scream, shooting upright in bed, shaking like a leaf.

Dammit.  That nightmare had haunted him since the night KID was shot out of the sky, and it got more gory and detailed each time.  He hadn't gone a single night without it.

Feeling for his bedside table, Saguru's fingers found the cup of tea he had placed on it, seizing the cup and taking a sip.

The tea had gone cold, but it still tasted good.  Saguru relaxed slightly.

He blinked, and Kuroba's blank eyes flashed in his mind.  Swallowing, Saguru flipped on his bedside lamp.

The room was filled with a soft warm glow, and Saguru looked around, taking comfort in the familiarity of it all. 

Taking a deep breath, Saguru let the gory details of the nightmare fade as best he could.  Kuroba was alive, had survived that night by some miracle.  He was still being his irritating, confusing self.  And he was refusing Saguru's help, only speaking to him when necessary.

Saguru frowned.  He was still no closer to figuring out what happened that night, or getting Kuroba to trust him enough to tell him.  Perhaps it was justified, given how Saguru had acted in the past, but...Kuroba had been targeted.  Someone had tried to kill him and he was still refusing help.

That implied that it wasn't something new.  Saguru had heard rumors from Division 2 that there had been sounds of gunshots, and there had been that time random shoes had been found when KID and Corbeau faced off, but...there hadn't been any real evidence.

All of it painted a rather nasty picture.  KID had always been targeted.  The only thing that was different is that last time KID hadn't been able to dodge.

Meaning that Kuroba knew his life was being targeted, and he had continued anyway.  Saguru may not be friends with Kuroba, but even he knew that Kuroba wasn't that stupid.  Therefore, there had to be an underlying reason, a reason good enough to steal that Kuroba was willing to risk his life for it.

The first few nights after Saguru had had that nightmare, he spent the rest of the night researching as much as he could about the Kuroba family.  Kuroba's father, Kuroba Touichi, had died around the exact same time KID vanished.  KID's reappearance coincided with Kuroba becoming an older teenager.

It hadn't been hard to piece the clues together after that.  Saguru was amazed no one had noticed it before, but...the police always seemed to think they would get an explanation out of KID after he was arrested, and never truly stopped to think about KID's reasons for stealing.

Saguru wondered what had happened to him.  He had come to Japan to arrest KID, and now...now he wasn't sure if he wanted KID arrested at all.  If KID was arrested, would the people that shot him out of the sky come for him once KID was locked in a jail cell, unable to avoid them?

If Kuroba came to him, asking for help...Saguru genuinely didn't think he'd try to arrest him anymore.  Not after what he had learned.  Not after realizing there were people out to kill Kuroba.

Kuroba was an annoying prankster yes, he had his flaws...but he wasn't truly a bad person.  Saguru had seen the scum of the earth before...Kuroba wasn't it.  He had seen Kuroba cheer up crying kids before, for crying out loud.

Saguru had always cared about the motivations of a criminal - that's why he always asked them about it.  But never before had it truly occurred to him that sometimes...sometimes arresting them wasn't the answer.

But if he wasn't going to arrest Kuroba...if he wasn't going to arrest the criminal...what was he doing?

Saguru stared down at his tea, silently contemplating his options.  So far, attempts to get Kuroba to open up to him were failing spectacularly.  He had done as much research as he could about KID, the Kurobas, and the night KID was shot out of the sky.  Really, there was only one option left.

Confronting Kaitou KID himself.

Except, Kuroba now seemed to be making an active effort to keep Saguru away from heists.  Why, Saguru wasn't entirely sure.  Did Kuroba see him a threat, or...was he trying to protect him from something?  Kuroba had still let the taskforce attend his heist, but from the reports Saguru had read KID had lured them out of the building almost immediately.  And it was easier for KID to fool the taskforce as a whole rather than a single detective.  So KID had been fine with them being there at the beginning...but wanted them gone as soon as possible.  Given the fact KID usually liked to put on some sort of show, it was...slightly unusual.  Not completely out of character, but still worthy of noting.

What was completely out of character was the target.  The sword had absolutely no relation to jewels in the slightest.  Saguru had researched it.  Why would KID, a thief known all around the world as a jewel thief, target something else?  He had still returned it (and the jewel from his previous heist as well) but it made no sense.  Before all this, Saguru had thought he was beginning to map out a pattern in KID's behavior, that KID was perhaps searching for a particular jewel, although how he was supposed to find it stealing random jewels Saguru had no idea.  But now KID had targeted a sword, ruining the theory.

In their first meeting, KID had targeted a painting.  But even that had a jewel inside.  The sword had...nothing.

Saguru grimaced as he finished his tea.  Nakamori reported that KID had claimed it was merely a dummy that was shot down, and not himself.  No one believed it, but the fact KID acted completely uninjured was making some officers question themselves.  Saguru himself had no idea how KID escaped from that unharmed.

...Unless he didn't.

Saguru swallowed, feeling uneasy.  The idea that perhaps Kuroba had been blackmailed had crossed his mind, and he couldn't rule it out.  Especially with the shift in targets.  But KID had returned the sword, if he was blackmailed into stealing it, Saguru couldn't imagine the blackmailer being all right with that.  And the sword was confirmed to be the original, there was no difference at all.  So KID hadn't replaced it with a fake.

With a groan, Saguru shook his head.  None of this made any sense.  He had the urge to shake Kuroba, demand answers out of him.  But all that would do is make Kuroba trust him even less.  Therefore all Saguru could do was keep extending offers of support.

And he meant them.  Saguru clenched his hands into fists.  He had seen that nightmare too many damn times.  If Kuroba was in danger, he would try to protect him.  He would figure out what to do about Kuroba's criminal habits after he was safe.

Saguru paused, swallowing again.  As much as he kept telling himself that...somehow he doubted he could ever arrest Kuroba at this point.

Never the matter.  He had no proof right now regardless.  He would focus on making Kuroba trust him and confronting KID instead.

The Kuroba of his nightmares would never become a reality.  Saguru would make sure of it.

-

"More eggs, Conan-kun?"

Conan glanced up from where he had been attempting to read the newspaper Mouri was currently looking at.

"Ah - yes, thank you Ran-neechan."  He said in his best little kid voice.

Ran smiled indulgently at him and spooned some more scrambled eggs onto his plate.  Conan smiled back before returning to scrutinizing the paper.

"That thief is in the news again."  Mouri grumbled, and Conan stiffened, listening intently.  "Apparently he stole some big sword from an exhibit in Ekoda."

"Doesn't KID usually target jewels?"  Ran glanced over her dad's shoulder to read the article.  "I wonder what happened."

"He probably just ran out of jewels to steal."  Mouri snorted.  "If you ask me, the media has been paying far too much attention to him lately."

"He was shot out of the sky."  Ran frowned.  "And the police still don't know who did it.  Doesn't that concern you?"

"KID probably just ticked off someone..."  Mouri sighed, laying the newspaper down.  "It's strange, but unless someone pays me to take the case, it's not my problem."

Ran sighed, taking his empty plate and carrying it to the sink.  "Sonoko's been talking about it nonstop.  She said her uncle's nearly exploded with how much KID's been on the front page."

"Doesn't that man have anything better to do?"  Mouri scowled, grabbing the newspaper in one hand, crumpling it in the process.  "At least he hasn't bothered any of us about it."

Conan almost wished he would.  He desperately wanted to know more about what happened, but he had no easy way to investigate without using Mouri.  He had already combed through everything the Internet had to offer in terms of research.  And none of his usual connections seemed to know anything either.  What happened to KID was a mystery to the world.

But the fact remained KID was shot out of the sky by snipers that night.  And if there was one thing Conan had experience with, it was mysterious snipers in the shadows.  Snipers that wore all black and belonged to the Black Organization that shrunk him.

If they had targeted KID...that meant KID had gotten onto their radar for some reason.  And Conan wanted to know why.  What would make the Black Organization target a jewel thief?  Especially knowing the attention it would bring?

And if it wasn't the Black Organization, then that meant there could be another organization out there that Conan wasn't aware of.  An organization that KID could have been tangling with all of this time.  Whatever the case was, Conan wanted to know the details.  Except he had no way to get them, because he was currently a seven-year-old expected to go to elementary school and play with other seven-year-olds.

It was maddening.  It was beyond frustrating.  It was his phone ringing -

Conan blinked down at the contact.  Hattori was calling him.  Had he learned something new?  With a quick yell to Ran about what he was doing, Conan hurried to his room and answered the phone.

"Hattori?"

"Kudou."  Hattori greeted him.  "Did ya see the news today?"

"You mean the news that KID successfully stole and returned the sword?"  Conan blinked.

"That's right."  Hattori sounded thoughtful.  "Doesn't he usually target jewels?"

"Yes he does.  For him to target something that has no relation is unusual."  Conan frowned.  "Did you learn anything new?"

"I know what ya know Kudou."  Hattori sounded resigned.  "The Osaka police aren't really involved in this case."

"I don't have that many connections in the KID taskforce."  Conan frowned deeper.  "Division 1 may have overheard some gossip but I doubt they have access to all the information."

"Do ya think it has something ta do with the Black Organization?"  Hattori asked, voice hushed.  Conan sighed.

"I don't know.  Possibly.  They could have targeted him, but there's no evidence one way or the other.  I hadn't heard of the Black Organization planning anything prior to the shooting, but that doesn't mean it wasn't them.  I'd like to find out for certain if it was them or not though...if it was, I want to know why they targeted KID."

"I want ta know why he was targeted at all."  Hattori replied.  "I hadn't really paid much attention ta him before, but...it's actually a kinda interesting case."

"It's a case I want to find the truth behind."  Conan sighed again.  "But Mouri-no-ojisan has no interest in investigating unless he's paid to do it."

"Could ya ask yer parents fer help?"  Hattori suggested.

"I don't know."  Conan pressed his lips together.  "They might cause more problems than it's worth.  I at least want to get some time to talk to KID before bringing them in."

"Hm."  Hattori hummed in response.  "I'm curious about the case too.  I'll tell ya what - when KID announces his next heist I'll go ta it and invite ya.  Yer 'Ran-neechan' will allow that, right?"

"I think she will."  Conan felt his mood lift.  "I can find out if it was the Black Organization or not."

"Ya should also see if ya can convince that Suzuki guy ta challenge him again."  Hattori added.  "That always gets him ta come out."

"I'll try."  Conan agreed.  "In the meantime, I'll keep seeing what I can find online and through my connections."

"Same here."  Hattori responded.  "Good luck, Kudou."

"You too."  Conan replied and hung up.  Taking in a deep breath, Conan glanced out of the window.  He had never really cared too much about attending regular KID heists before, but...it seemed there was much more going on behind the scenes than Conan had previously realized.  As much as KID sometimes irritated him, he had no wish to see him dead, or seriously injured.  Conan still wasn't sure how KID seemed completely uninjured from the shooting, but he wasn't counting on KID's luck holding out for a second attempt.  And if the Black Organization had decided to target him...not only was KID in danger, but everyone he knew as well.  Conan wasn't about to let anyone else get hurt if he could help it.

Whether KID liked it or not...Conan was going to start attending his heists much more often.  And one way or another, he would uncover the truth and expose all of the mysterious criminals and their crimes to the world.

He only hoped KID wouldn't be too difficult about giving him information.

Chapter Text

"Like this?"

"More to the left...very good."

Kaito watched in grim fascination as white light swirled into existence between his outstretched hands.

"You are getting the motions correct."  Pandora mused, studying the light.  "However, your casting time is still slow.  If you needed to seal an item away quickly, it likely would have already slipped out of your grasp."

"Great."  With a frown, Kaito motioned again and the light vanished.  "How do you suggest I do it quicker?"

"Try to go through the motions faster."  Pandora told him after a moment of consideration.  "Eventually your muscle memory will begin doing the work for you."

"Before I get so tired I have to take a nap?"  Kaito raised an eyebrow.

"Your energy management is better today."  Pandora stated.  "You are beginning to understand how it works...I believe your subconscious is starting to help you manage it."

"Fantastic."  Kaito grumbled.  "So do the motions but faster?"

"That is correct."  Pandora nodded.  "Remember, start with your left hand -"

"Yeah, got it."  Kaito ran his hands through the motions as quickly as he could.  White light once again bloomed into existence and Pandora gave a satisfied smile.

"Well done, vessel."

"Don't call me that."  Kaito replied, response more automatic than anything at this point.  "Did I do it correctly?"

"Yes, and much quicker than before."  Pandora nodded in approval.  "I believe you are well on your way to mastering it.  And it will be enough for our next target."

"You found another one?"  Kaito turned to him in surprise.  "And you're just now telling me?"

"I only located it an hour ago."  Pandora told him.  "It is a silk fan."

"That can do what?"  Kaito asked warily.

"It can make strong gusts of wind."  Pandora explained.  "If the magic inside of it gets out of control, it could start spinning out an endless amount of tornadoes."

"That would be bad."  Kaito sighed, dropping onto one of the chairs in the KID room.  "So, where is it?"

"On display in the Ekoda History Museum.  It should not be hard to get to."  Pandora assured him.  "It should be perfectly safe to bring your taskforce to as well.  The magic in it is still stable enough that it will not suddenly activate."

"Unless someone else interferes like last time."  Kaito's eyes narrowed.

Pandora's expression grew grim.  "I will ensure no one will, vessel."

"Don't call me that, and good."  Kaito crossed his arms, deep in thought.  "How soon do I need to get to it?"

"Preferably within the next few days."  Pandora moved closer.  "I cannot guarantee the magic inside of it will stay stable."

Kaito absently nodded, pulling out his phone and checking the calendar on it.  "I believe this Thursday is available.  I'll contact Jii-chan."

"Very well."  Pandora agreed.  "Do you not have supper with the Nakamoris tonight?"

Kaito blinked, glancing at the time on his phone.  "Yes I do.  I'll head over after I finish texting Jii-chan."

Pandora hummed in acknowledgement, peering at Kaito's phone.  "Can it not be tracked?"

"Not easily, no.  Jii-chan and I made all sorts of modifications."  Kaito frowned at him.  "Why?"

"Should you ever have interest, I believe there is a spell I could modify to ensure they stay hidden.  That is all."  Pandora waved a hand.  "I will disappear now."

"Good."  Kaito told him as he sent the text message.  Standing up and stretching, he sighed.  Dinner with the Nakamoris, and then it was going to be a night of studying blueprints.

-

"Hello Kaito-kun."  Nakamori greeted him as he sat down, looking tired and defeated.

Kaito inwardly frowned.  That was strange, shouldn't Nakamori be excited?

"So, I heard the news.  KID got away again, huh keibu?"  He said, leaning forward slightly.

Nakamori sighed, practically stabbing at his food with his chopsticks.  "Yeah, the bastard did.  He's the real deal too, which means he survived, but..."

"But?"  Kaito prompted when Nakamori trailed off and fell in contemplative silence.

"KID claimed it was one of his dummies that got shot down."  Nakamori said, staring at the wall.  "But I saw what one of his dummies looked like during the last heist.  It didn't act the way KID did the night he was shot down."

"Well maybe the other one was more realistic."  Kaito suggested, stomach flopping.

"There's only a few brief clips."  Nakamori mused, as if he hadn't heard Kaito.  "But there was blood.  I saw it."

"KID...faked it?"  Kaito tried desperately.

"Then that means he planned it on purpose."  Nakamori gritted his teeth.  "That he knew someone was going to target him that night.  If he's under attack by some other criminals then I'll have to investigate -"

"No!"  Kaito blurted, then became aware of both Nakamori and Aoko staring at him.  "I mean."  Kaito went on, making his voice calmer.  "What happened was definitely weird, but it's not the first time people have gone after KID before, right?"

Nakamori sighed.  "He has been shot down before.  During that egg heist for example."  He grumbled.  "We weren't sure how he made it out of that one either."

With a lot of bearing through the pain and swimming, and thanking whatever was looking out for me that night that Jii-chan was nearby.  Kaito thought, inwardly grimacing as he remembered the pain.  Luckily his monocle had absorbed most of the impact, and he hadn't permanently damaged his eye.  "So it was probably a one-off thing like that."  Kaito reasoned.  "You'll find out everything if you catch him anyways, so shouldn't you focus on that?"

"Yeah!"  Aoko chimed in from where she was sitting.  "You should focus on catching KID!  He's causing so much ruckus right now."

...Thanks Aoko.  Kaito pushed down the emotions that rose in him at Aoko's words.

"I'll catch him at his next heist!"  Nakamori vowed, clutching his chopsticks in one hand.  "Then I'll find out the truth for sure!"

"Yeah!"  Kaito and Aoko agreed in unison.  With an inward sigh, Kaito took a bite of food.

Great...everyone wants to get answers from KID now.  What's next, the FBI?

I would not necessarily rule it out at this point.  Pandora murmured back, sounding both grim and amused at the same time.  Kaito restrained a twitch of surprise.

What did I say about randomly popping into my thoughts?

Apologies.  I could tell you were feeling stressed.  Pandora responded and fell silent.

Clenching a hand underneath the table, Kaito smiled at Aoko and took another bite of his food.

-

"All right, there's at least three possible exits..."  Kaito mused, staring down at the blueprints.  "Since I sent off a dummy last time, I should probably use the glider this time -"

The memory of his last time gliding came unbidden to Kaito's mind and he gave an inward shudder, still able to recall the feeling of being shot and crashing with perfect clarity.  Usually he praised his perfect memory.  This time, Kaito almost wished he didn't have it.

"Would you like to forget?"

Kaito heaved a sigh as Pandora swirled into existence on the chair across from him.

"You mean let you tamper with my memories?  Not a chance."

"It was merely an offer."  Pandora spread his hands out.  "How is the plan coming along?"

"It's going just fine."  Kaito marked the best exit to take with a marker.  "Jii-chan thinks we can get everything ready in time."

"You will have my power to fall back on, should the need arise."  Pandora added, studying him with his blood red eyes.

"I'd prefer not to use that as much as possible."  Kaito grimaced.  "I'll only need it for the sealing spell."

"As long as you can get to the fan, I do not care how you go about it."  Pandora responded.

A thought occurred to Kaito, and he frowned.  "At all?"

Pandora frowned back.  "I told you, I do not care about individual human affairs.  I am only concerned with two things.  The magic being sealed away and keeping you alive.  As long as you can achieve those two things, I hardly care about the methods."

Kaito pressed his lips together.  "Why do you care about keeping me alive?"  He asked, voicing a thought that had been at the back of his mind ever since Pandora had come into his life.

"You are my vessel."  Pandora stared at him.  "It is my duty to keep you alive.  I needed a human, you need a life force.  It is not any more complicated than that."

"But if that's the case..."  Kaito trailed off, wondering if he should express the next question that came to mind.

Pandora seemed to know what Kaito would have said (did he read his mind again, the bastard) because he tilted his head.

"As long as the magic is sealed and you are alive, I do not care about the methods."  He said again.  "If stealing things in a white suit is how you wish to go about it, I have no reason to stop you."

Kaito swallowed before nodding.  "Right."

-

"Good luck at the heist tonight, Hakuba-kun!"

Kaito froze at his desk, abruptly remembering he hadn't made a plan to keep Hakuba away from his heist.  And it seemed the bastard detective had already anticipated he might use Aoko again and got to her first.  Restraining a grimace, Kaito turned slightly.

"Thank you, Aoko-san."  Hakuba smiled back at her and Kaito once again got a strange feeling in his stomach.  "I very much look forward to getting a chance to confront KID."

That little -

Vessel, perhaps you should not glare at him, if you intend to keep your identity secret.

I know that!  I kept my identity secret long before you showed up - and don't call me that!

Withholding an indignant huff, Kaito faced the front of the classroom again, poker face firmly intact.  So, he would have a detective at the heist tonight.  But it would be fine.  Distracting one detective shouldn't be too hard.

That thought only lasted until he arrived at the museum.

-

"What. The. Hell."  Kaito said with feeling, staring at himself in the mirror.  He had fled to the museum bathrooms after spotting not one, not two, but three teenage detectives at his heist.  "I figured Tantei-san would be here."  He muttered, rubbing his forehead wearily.  "But Tantei-kun and Tantei-han?  They've never come to my regular heists before -"

It seems they would like to know what happened as well.

Kaito groaned.  "Why can't detectives mind their own business?  Would that be too much to ask?"  He muttered, pulling out his phone and typing a message to Jii-chan.  "Ok.  New plan.  I take the fan with me rather than sealing it in the museum.  I'll seal it at home and then return it."

That should work.  I detect no signs of interference, so it should not activate before you can return to your place of residence.

"That's the first bit of good news I've heard all day."  With a sigh, Kaito straightened, checking his disguise.  "Well.  It will be a challenge, but that's what Kaitou KID is all about."

Very well.

As Kaito stepped back into the room, wearing his taskforce officer disguise, he heard Nakamori yelling at Hattori.

"This isn't a place for children to be running around right now!  We still haven't confirmed who shot KID down -"

"Hattori-kun and I can look out for him."  Hakuba interjected smoothly, walking over.  "Can't we?"  He added, looking over at Hattori.

Hattori glared at Hakuba.  "Yeah.  I can."  He said, crossing his arms.

"I'll be perfectly safe with Heiji-niichan and Hakuba-niichan!"  Conan bubbled in response.

Nakamori groaned, dropping his head onto his hand.  "I've got half a mind to throw you out..."

"Yay!"  Conan cheered, evidently convinced they were allowed to stay.

Is that the one who is truly a high schooler?

What is your problem?!  Kaito sputtered in response to Pandora's sudden question.  Yes, he's actually Kudou Shinichi.  Shouldn't you already know that since you went through my memories?

Merely confirming.  His acting could be better.

You're telling me.  Kaito inwardly snorted before abruptly realizing he was being friendly with Pandora during a heist.  What had gotten into him?  Now leave me alone, I have to focus.  Kaito added.  He got something like the sensation of a nod in the back of his head in response, and Pandora fell silent.

While Kaito and Pandora had been having their silent conversation, the three detectives had moved over to study the fan, expressions thoughtful.  Kaito tensed slightly.  Pandora had assured him the fan would not activate, but...

The fan gave no reaction to being stared at by the detectives.  Kaito exhaled in relief.

"Another target that has nothing to do with jewels."  He heard Hakuba murmur.  "It's very strange."

"Do ya think there could be a reason fer the change?"  Hattori asked in response.

"KID never does anything without a reason."  Hakuba replied.  "The problem is finding out what the reason is."

"Ya don't think it's blackmail, right?"  Hattori sounded almost apprehensive.

Hakuba pressed his lips together.  "If it was, why would KID have returned the sword?  However, I can't rule it out..."

What was it with people thinking KID was blackmailed?  Kaito paused, considering the course of events without the context of Pandora and grimaced.  Maybe it wasn't as farfetched as he previously thought.  And he had actually been blackmailed before -

The memory of a hand slipping through his grasp flashed through Kaito's memory, and he restrained a gasp, mentally pulling away.  Bad thoughts, not going there.

 "The fan isn't all that valuable either."  Conan commented.  "There are lots of more expensive things in this room alone he could steal."

"Exactly."  Hakuba sounded grim.  "But there could still be another reason we haven't considered."

"Five minutes until the time stated on KID's notice!"  Nakamori barked, and the detectives moved away from the case.  Kaito took in a deep breath.  It was almost showtime.

-

"KID you bastard!  You're not getting away!"  Nakamori hollered.  KID chuckled from where he was standing on top of the case, fan opened and held in front of his face.

"Ah, but keibu...I already have."  He stated, smirking as smoke exploded around them and he took advantage of the crowd to slip out.  As he began heading to the roof, he thought he heard Hattori directing the taskforce in the opposite direction.  That was strange, usually his detectives were better than that -

KID got his answer as to why when the three detectives burst out onto the roof, no taskforce on their heels.

"KID."  Hakuba took a step forward.  "We need -"

Suddenly a hand flew to his neck, his eyes widening slightly before they closed, Hattori reaching over and catching the blond detective as he crumpled.

KID's eyes narrowed as Hattori laid Hakuba against the door.

"What was that for, Tantei-kun, Tantei-han?  Confident in your abilities to capture me yourselves?"

"We need to talk."  Conan stated, not looking happy about what he had just done.  "But Hakuba can't hear what I need to say."

"We couldn't shake him off."  Hattori added, as if that justified it.

KID pressed his lips together.  "I see.  What is the urgent matter?"

Conan swallowed, looking grim.  "You were targeted by a mysterious group in black -"

KID held up a hand, shaking his head.  "Before you go any further, Tantei-kun - it had no relation to the group you're tangling with.  It was a personal matter, and after they shot down my dummy they moved on."

"That wasn't a dummy glider."  Conan glared at him.  "I know what those look like.  I need you to be honest with me.  If you were -"

"I am being honest with you, Tantei-kun."  KID interrupted.  "You simply don't like the answer."

"That's not true!"  Conan snapped.  "Listen, if you're in danger -"

"I'm always in danger of being arrested, that's hardly -"

"Stop cutting me off!"  Conan's voice rose.  "I know you're just trying to distract me!"

KID fell silent, watching the two detectives closely.  Pandora stirred faintly in the back of his mind, but said nothing.

"If yer being targeted by a group like ours."  Hattori spoke up.  "Then it's not just ya that is in danger.  It's everyone else ya know."

"I understand that."  KID said calmly.  "However, I can assure you, no one is in danger."

"But someone targeted you."  Conan pressed.

KID turned to him, smirking.  "Lots of people have targeted me before, Tantei-kun.  Do you have any idea how many people from law enforcement have fired guns at me?"

"Well that's not right either."  Conan crossed his arms.  "But there's something different about this."

"There's not."  KID's smirk grew sharper.  "I'd appreciate it if you did not meddle in my affairs."

"I'm not giving up on this, KID."  Conan's voice was unexpectedly serious.  "I'll keep demanding answers until you give them to me."

"Of course you will."  KID sighed, waving a hand in Hakuba's direction.  "But in the future, could you kindly refrain from tranquilizing other detectives at my heists?  It's hardly polite."

"Ya knock people out all the time."  Hattori pointed out.

"But it's my heist."  KID turned his sharp grin on Hattori.

"Look, we'll try not ta do it again."  Hattori grimaced.  "We just didn't want him ta hear what we were saying."

"And how do you plan to explain why he was tranquilized?"  KID wasn't entirely sure why he cared so much about what Hattori and Conan had done.

Conan and Hattori looked at each other.

"You may absolutely not blame it on me."  KID crossed his arms.

"...We'll figure it out."  Hattori said weakly.

KID raised an eyebrow at them.  "You do that.  In the meantime, I'll be taking my leave."  He said, moving closer to the edge.

"You're not going to hold the fan up to the moonlight?"  Conan challenged, and KID paused.  "You always held up the jewels you stole to the moon."  Conan added, eyes narrowing.

KID slowly turned to look at him.  "That was because I was admiring them.  Haven't you seen what a jewel looks like when it's held in front of the moon?"

"Then why not continue stealing jewels?"  Conan pressed.

KID smiled at him.  "Because it's more fun if I'm not limited to jewels alone."  He said lightly, and tipped his hat to them, falling off of the edge before Conan could ask another question.

Your classmate had...an odd sense about him.  Pandora commented as KID started the glide home. 

What?  KID asked, feeling concerned and confused.

It is almost as if...Pandora trailed off for a moment.  As if he were being affected by something.

Do I need to go check on him?

Not yet...but soon.  Are you capable of breaking into his place of residence?

Of course I can, but -

Tomorrow night then...it could be an item that needs sealing.

...All right.

-

Kaito landed on his balcony, folding his glider in with a sigh.  So much for a relaxing day tomorrow.  Pushing against the portrait, he headed into the KID room, pulling out the fan from his jacket.

"How do I do this?"

"Lay it on the ground."  Pandora swirled into existence behind him and Kaito ignored the fact he was starting to get used to Pandora's sudden appearances around him.  Setting it down gently, Kaito took in a deep breath.

"Then go through the motions?"

"Just like we practiced."  Pandora nodded.

Raising his hands, Kaito quickly went through the gestures he had been taught.  Pandora had been right, muscle memory was beginning to kick in.  White light bubbled up, surrounding the fan and lifting it off of the ground.  For a moment it stayed there, and Kaito felt almost a kind of resistance from the fan.

"Keep it steady."  Pandora murmured.  "Sometimes the magic in an object fights back."

"Lovely."  Kaito gritted, keeping his hands as still as he could despite the fact it felt like an invisible force was trying to push them back.  A moment later the sensation subsided, and the light vanished, the fan falling back to the ground.  Pandora caught it before it could reach the floor, studying it intensely for a moment before nodding in approval.

"You have sealed your first item away, vessel.  Well done."

"Don't call me that.  And great."  Kaito blinked, suddenly feeling more tired than before.  Not nearly as much as last heist, but there was a definite increase in exhaustion.  "Then I want to focus more on energy management."  He added firmly.

Pandora nodded again.  "A wise idea.  The fan is now safe to return when you choose to do so."  He stated, holding it out towards Kaito.

Kaito took it from him, studying it himself.  "I can probably mail it back to the police.  In the meantime, I'm going to bed."

"Very well."  Pandora waved a hand before vanishing.

Kaito sighed, thinking over his various detectives' actions during the heist the entire time he got ready for bed, thoughts only quieting once he fell asleep.

He would handle it all somehow.

Chapter Text

"If catching the criminal is not justice."  The officer stared at Saguru with no eyes.  "What is?"

"It's -"  Saguru began, then broke off, gazing helplessly out.  "I - I don't know."

"Then let us take care of it."  The officer replied.  "Continue bringing justice to criminals.  Don't worry about the details."

"What if he needed help."  Saguru whispered, shifting his gaze to stare down at the ground.

"Then he should have expressed as such."  The officer turned away.  "As it is now...you did not care for him...right?"

Saguru didn't answer.

"You'll need to pick a side eventually, Hakuba Saguru."  The officer said.  "You cannot stay in the middle forever."

"Is arresting him the answer?"  Saguru finally said, voice no stronger than a faint whisper.

"Shouldn't it be?"  The officer countered.

Saguru looked up.  The sky had turned red.

Inside the unmarked black van, Kuroba began screaming -

Saguru bolted upright, choking back a scream of his own.  Not again.  Not a single night had he managed to get rest without waking up from that damn nightmare.

Why was this happening?  Was his guilty conscience that strong?  Shakily flipping on the light, Saguru exhaled.  The visuals had only gotten worse, the blood and injuries becoming more gory each time.  Evidently his imagination was much stronger than Saguru had previously realized.

Even when he had been knocked out with that blasted tranquilizer, he had still had the damned thing.  There was nothing he could do to escape it.

Saguru briefly debated if he should talk to someone before deciding against it.  That would involve explaining his suspicions about Kuroba to someone he couldn't trust, and if he wasn't going to give all the details there would be no point in seeking help anyway.

Attempting to shift his thoughts away from Kuroba's dead eyes, Saguru thought back to what Conan and Hattori had told him.  Apparently in all of the excitement of the heist, Conan had miscalculated with his tranquilizer and hit Saguru when he had been aiming for KID.

Saguru was not inclined to believe that in the slightest.  He wasn't stupid, and he knew Conan wasn't either.  In fact, the child reminded Saguru a lot of himself at that age.  Much smarter than his peers, but attempting to hide it, becoming frustrated when the adults around him couldn't figure out the same things he could.  Saguru had sympathy for his situation.

But that did not change the fact he was deliberately knocked out by the other two detectives.  Saguru had expected that behavior from KID, but not them...meaning for some reason they wanted to confront KID without Saguru around.

Did they know something he didn't?  Saguru frowned.  They had never expressed interest in attending regular KID heists until after KID had been shot out of the sky.  Those things had to be related...although Saguru highly doubted they actually got anything out of KID, it was still frustrating to be left out of the loop. 

He'd have to be prepared next heist.  He wanted to talk to KID too.  Maybe though...with his father's influence, and his familiarity with Nakamori...maybe he could limit how many detectives could come to KID's next heist down to one?

Saguru wasn't fond of the idea, and it felt more petty than anything.  But if Conan and Hattori were going to try to get him out of the way, he might have to do the same.  He wouldn't try to get them banned from heists permanently, just the next one.

Thoughts settling, Saguru picked up the teacup he had prepped before bed for when he woke up from the nightmare and took a sip.  Two could play at this game, if the other detectives wanted to start playing games like this.

As he tried to close his eyes and go back to sleep, Kuroba's screams echoed in his ears.

-

Does Hakuba seem...more on edge to you?

Without a doubt.  Pandora murmured back to Kaito, voice thoughtful.  However, he has been on edge ever since you were shot down.  It is merely getting worse.

But why...?  Kaito frowned, leaning his chin on his hand as he stared at Hakuba sitting at his desk.  The detective's shoulders were tense, exhaustion was flickering on his face, and he kept rubbing his forehead with one hand, the one hand clutching his pocket watch like it was a lifeline.

That is what we are investigating tonight.  It could be the work of an item...

Kaito paused as he felt a sensation not unlike Pandora going rigid in his head.

What is it?

It is the work of an item.  One I could have caught sooner had I paid closer attention in your classroom.

Kaito took a deep breath.  What does it do?

It forces a person to view their worst nightmare again and again, without ceasing.  Back when it was active, it nearly drove its last owner to death.

Kaito felt his hand hidden under his desk clench.  Like hell it's going to this time.  Will sealing it stop it?

Yes.  Pandora confirmed, voice sounding concentrated.  It is time related magic, which can be tricky, but my power can overpower it. 

Wait.  Kaito felt dread creep up his spine.  You don't mean it's his pocket watch?

That is exactly what it is.  Has it been in his family long?

I'm...not sure.  Probably?

Hmm...last time I sealed it away it was in London.

Hakuba does come from England...wait, how long did it take you to seal everything away?

Oh, centuries.  For a long while it was because new items kept appearing or were made by skilled magic users and creatures.  It got less and less common as time went by, however.  Why do you ask?

Does that mean I'm going to spend centuries doing this?

Well...perhaps, perhaps not.  I cannot tell you what your future holds.

Oh how I hate you.  All right, so I have to steal Hakuba's pocket watch - something that he never lets go of - and seal it, all without him noticing?

That is correct.  However, there must be a time in which he lets go of it.  He has to sleep, if nothing else.  We were going to enter his place of residence tonight regardless.

...Right.

Breaking his attention away from the conversation, Kaito turned to look at Hakuba - only to discover Hakuba was already looking at him, something akin to desperation in his eyes.

Eek.

Quickly turning back to face the front, Kaito inwardly groaned.  Maybe sealing away his apparently magic pocket watch would get Hakuba to stop acting so weird.

-

"Jii-chan!  I need a milkshake!"  Kaito announced, dumping his bag on the floor of Blue Parrot.

Jii-chan blinked at him, lowering the glass he was drinking from.  "Rough heist?"

"Yeah.  But it's not for that, actually."  Kaito gave him an energetic smile.  "I'm breaking into Hakuba's house tonight!"

Jii-chan choked on his drink, setting it down on the counter and staring at Kaito with wide eyes.  "Why, might I ask?"

"Because apparently his pocket watch is evil and forcing him to dream his worst nightmare every time he falls asleep."  Kaito continued to grin at Jii-chan. 

"It needs to be sealed?"  Jii-chan's eyes narrowed.

"That's right!"  Kaito chirped, positively beaming now.

Jii-chan raised an eyebrow at him.  "Are you feeling all right?"

"He is not physically sick."  Pandora swirled into existence next to Kaito, studying him.  "That is not possible.  However perhaps becoming my vessel could have scrambled your brain slightly -"

"I'm being cheerful as a coping mechanism!"  Kaito snapped at him.  "And what do you mean that it could have -"

"Do you need my help?"  Jii-chan interrupted, glancing at Pandora warily.

"I need a milkshake."  Kaito groaned, plopping onto one the barstools.  "And then...I don't think so...the more people there, the easier it will be to get caught."

"Are you sending out a notice?"  Jii-chan began making a chocolate milkshake.

Kaito hesitated slightly before taking a deep breath.  "No.  Hakuba's already being stretched to a breaking point...the sooner it can be sealed the better, and he doesn't need the taskforce yelling and running around his house."

Jii-chan paused, looking at Kaito carefully.  "Are you going in as KID?"

"I have to, Kuroba Kaito breaking in makes no sense.  But I'm going when Hakuba's asleep, so no one should ever know I was there anyways."  Kaito didn't meet Jii-chan's eyes.

Then, much to his surprise, Jii-chan chuckled slightly.

"About time, Botchama.  I'm proud of you."

"What?"  Kaito's eyes snapped up to meet Jii-chan's face.

"You're finally taking KID and making him your own."  Jii-chan elaborated.  "I was afraid you were beginning to think of yourself as nothing more than a shadow of your father."

Kaito swallowed.  "I didn't -"

"There is no shame, Botchama."  Jii-chan said quietly.  "In what you are doing.  KID's legacy was given to you.  It is your choice to carry it as you see fit."

Vaguely, Kaito was aware of Pandora nodding in approval.  Unsure of what to say, he curled his fingers, debating if he should pull out a deck of cards to fiddle with.  He had always thought of KID as a way of carrying on his father's legacy, of finishing his work - but now Jii-chan was saying the same thing Pandora had said.  He should make KID's legacy his own.  He wasn't limited by the rules his father had created - he could use them, but they were not his own.  And KID was merely a mask or a role, interpreted by the actor that was playing him. 

KID could become a thief of magical items, a new legacy born out of an old one.  Keeping the remnants of his father Kaito held in his heart, but becoming a reflection of himself rather than his father.  A brilliant, dazzling, phantom thief in white, able to steal anything, anywhere, facing off against police and wild magic alike.

Kaito found he liked the image.  It didn't quite feel entirely right just yet, but something within him settled slightly.  Jii-chan didn't think he was misusing KID or not carrying his father's legacy properly.

Kaito's thoughts were broken by Jii-chan pushing the milkshake in front of him.

"Botchama?"

"Thank you, Jii-chan."  Kaito said earnestly, taking a sip.

Jii-chan smiled at him, and they both knew what Kaito was truly thanking him for. 

"Would you like a drink?"  Jii-chan added, turning to Pandora.

Pandora tilted his head.  "Are you capable of making green tea?"

"Of course."  Jii-chan nodded, moving to make a cup.

Pandora nodded back at him.  "You are very useful.  I can see why my vessel values you as an assistant."

"Thank you."  Jii-chan raised an eyebrow.

"You are welcome."  Pandora replied.

"Don't call me that!"  Kaito snapped, knowing in his heart it wouldn't do any good.  "And Jii-chan's a trusted family friend!"

Pandora smiled at him in response.  Jii-chan hid an amused smile behind his glass.

-

KID landed on Hakuba's balcony, folding in his glider with a silent click.  Picking the lock in less than a minute, he stepped inside, breathing a sigh of relief when he discovered Hakuba was sleeping soundly in his bed.

Hakuba Manor's security had been fairly easy to avoid coming in by glider.  KID had only had to tamper with a few cameras.

Spraying some sleeping gas in Hakuba's face to ensure he stayed asleep, KID glanced around the room, wondering where Hakuba kept his pocket watch.  Probably in a drawer somewhere...ah, there was one in his nightstand.  Putting the canister back in his jacket, KID knelt, opening the drawer to look inside.

A soft cry made him look over, discovering that Hakuba had tensed in his sleep, brow furrowed.  KID grimaced.  He had hoped that perhaps Hakuba wasn't dreaming, but it seemed he was - meaning he had just been locked into whatever his worst nightmare was, unable to wake up due to KID's sleeping gas.

Well, the sooner he found and sealed the pocket watch, the sooner Hakuba would stop having the nightmare.  Reluctantly tearing his gaze away, KID discovered the pocket watch was in fact in the drawer.  Eagerly seizing it, he placed it on the ground, standing over it, starting to raise his hands -

"Kuroba-kun..."

Alarmed, KID's eyes snapped to Hakuba's face.  The teen detective still looked to be asleep, but he looked even more distressed than before.

KID sucked in a breath.  It couldn't be, but...was Hakuba's worst nightmare...related to him?

I believe so.  Pandora murmured.  I told you he was concerned for you.

No...that can't be right...KID stared at Hakuba, shaking his head in denial.  He couldn't seriously...

"This isn't...what the police do..."  Hakuba's head shifted on his pillow, words slurred, but still understandable.

What...isn't what the police do?  Suddenly KID felt very apprehensive.

Vessel...Pandora said warningly, but KID continued to stare at Hakuba, watching as he continued to twitch uneasily.

"Then why aren't you...looking for his murderer...?  Why are you not...looking into why KID was stealing...in the first place?"  Hakuba's words became even more slurred, but KID could hear them with perfect clarity.  Suddenly it was harder to breathe.  KID took a step closer.

Vessel!

"This isn't...justice."  Hakuba mumbled, brow furrowing even more.  KID continued to stare at him, mind racing.  What was Hakuba seeing -

Kaito!

With a sharp gasp, KID ripped his gaze away from Hakuba.

It is only getting worse.  Seal it before it can continue.

"...Right."  Shoving away his others thoughts as forcefully as he could, KID turned back to the watch, waving his hands.  Once again, white light twirled into existence, winding around the pocket watch and lifting it up.

The resistance was stronger than last time.  KID gasped again, this time from strain rather than shock.

Hold it.  Pandora ordered, voice urgent.

I'm trying -

On the bed, Hakuba suddenly cried out, but KID couldn't risk sparing a glance at him and losing his concentration.  Vaguely he was aware of Pandora appearing behind him and hurrying over to study Hakuba's condition.

The watch trembled in the air.

"I...am not."  KID gritted out, stiffening his hands.  "Losing to a damn pocket watch of all things!"

With those words, the white light brightened to an almost unbearable level before it vanished, the pocket watch falling out of the air.  Quickly reaching out, KID snatched it midfall, turning to look at Pandora.

"The magic was starting to link itself to Hakuba Saguru himself."  Pandora stated, voice grave.  "It affected him when you sealed it as well.  Fortunately, it was sealed back before it could permanently damage his mind -"

Hakuba stirred, eyes opening.  Pandora's blood red eyes widened slightly, and he backed away, vanishing as Hakuba started to look in his direction.

Hakuba blinked, looking bewildered.  "What..."  He mumbled, shifting to turn on his lamp.

KID froze, vainly hoping the shadows would hide him, or that Hakuba would go back to sleep.

Hakuba blinked again, picking up a cup of tea from his nightstand - of course he would have that, could he be any more British - and lifting it to his lips.  As he sipped it, his gaze traveled around the room, landing on KID.

Hakuba choked, dropping the teacup.  Tea spilled all over his bedsheets, but Hakuba didn't even seem to notice, staring frozen at KID, face pale like he had seen a ghost.

...Well.

"Tantei-san."  KID greeted.

Hakuba continued to stare at him.  With how wide his eyes were, it was easy to tell the color.  KID raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly.

"Your eyes are blue."  He noted.  "Not brown."

That seemed to shake Hakuba from whatever frozen stupor he had been in.

"I wear color contacts."  He explained, voice strangled, sounding utterly bewildered.  "KID - what - why -"

"Color contacts."  KID nodded.  "Those are useful for changing your eye color."

And water is wet.  Pandora quipped in the back of his mind.  You should be going, vessel. 

Be quiet.  Don't call me that.

"KID."  Hakuba pressed, an almost desperate look in his eyes.  "What are you doing here?"

"Leaving."  KID informed him, starting to walk past the bed, discreetly placing the pocket watch as he did so.  "Have a nice night, Tantei-sa -"

He broke off as Hakuba lunged, grabbing KID's sleeve with a determined look.

Evidently, Hakuba was not as ok as he had been acting.  He had hid it for so long, KID hadn't even been able to tell until recently -

With a startled realization, KID realized Hakuba was feeling for his pulse, movements frantic.

Oh hell.

Vessel, be careful. 

I know.  But I also know what nightmares like that can do to someone - Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, KID recalled the nightmares that plagued him after Nightmare himself had fallen, of blood, regrets, Kenta crying, his own father's death - and then waking up alone, with no one there to bring him down from the inevitable panic attack.  He shouldn't have to deal with this by himself.

You are kinder than you act.  Pandora remarked dryly.

KID did not reply, instead opening his eyes and carefully leaning down to look into Hakuba's eyes.

"Tantei-san.  I don't know what you are thinking, but I'm alive and well."  He said firmly, letting Hakuba clutch onto his wrist.  "You seemed...off, during my last heist."

"You noticed -"  Hakuba cut himself off with his own broken laugh.  "Of course.  You're a master at reading people, I should have known - you came here because of that?"

I came here because your beloved pocket watch was torturing you.  KID bit back that reply, knowing Hakuba wouldn't understand.  "You can't chase me if you're having a mental breakdown."  KID pointed out instead.

"Wouldn't that be a good thing for you?  I didn't think you wanted me at your heists."  Hakuba slowly loosened his grip on KID's wrist, some of the desperation leaving his eyes.

KID hesitated.  Because...in a way...he didn't.  But not for the reasons Hakuba would think.

"If someone is going to insist on chasing me."  KID settled on at last, letting his top hat cast a shadow over his expression.  "I expect them to take care of themselves.  A heist is not suitable for people who cannot -"

"Take care of themselves against snipers?"  Hakuba challenged.

KID pressed his lips together, moving away.  "Tantei-san, they didn't -"

"Don't tell me it was a dummy."  Hakuba narrowed his eyes.  "You're afraid I'll get close to something you don't want law enforcement to know just yet."

Yes, but I also don't want you dead because of me -

"Isn't that a bit farfetched, Tantei-san?  You're the one who chooses when to come to my heists."

"Except you tried to keep me away."  Hakuba pressed.  "Your first heist after you were shot down, the sword -"

"I did nothing of the sort, Tantei-san."  KID cut in, voice sharp.  "You did not attend that one, however -"

"Yes you did!  I know it's you, Kuroba-kun!"  Hakuba snapped, something unreadable in his tone.  "And I know you're in danger, and I know you nearly died, and I know you won't accept help dammit."

"Tantei-san."  KID took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm.  "Kuroba is not my name.  I am not in danger.  And I am not going to die."

"You don't know that.  You're not bloody invincible.  And you are Kuroba Kaito."  Hakuba countered, expression tight.

Actually I do know that, and I am kind of invincible, but I can't explain that to you!  KID wanted to say, but instead took in another deep breath.

"I am not Kuroba Kaito."  He said patiently.  "And I am not going to die.  Your only focus should be on catching me, Tantei-san."

Much to KID's surprise, Hakuba shuddered. 

"No.  It's not just about catching the criminal."  He whispered.  "It's about ensuring the criminal stays alive...and true justice is served."

...What?

"I thought you were a detective."  KID tried, curling his lips up into a smirk.

Hakuba looked up at him, eyes blazing.  "I am."  He stated firmly.  "But answer me honestly, KID - if I arrest you, am I endangering your life?"

Hell.  KID hated detectives.  Why did Hakuba have to be so good at his job?!

There was only one answer KID could give.  Straightening, he grinned in amusement at Hakuba.

"You're never going to arrest me, Tantei-san."  He told him, tipping his hat.  "Phantom thieves cannot be caught.  By anyone.  Do you understand?"

Hakuba started to open his mouth to reply.  KID widened his grin and swept out the door.

"Wait - KID - I can help you -!"  Hakuba called after him, sounds of shuffling alerting KID that he was attempting to climb out of his bed. 

KID did not reply, merely closing the door behind him, opening his glider, and flying off into the night.  He had given Hakuba his answer.  There was nothing left to say.

This will not be the end of things.  Pandora murmured, sounding grave.

Whether my detectives like it or not, KID replied grimly.  It will have to be.

Chapter Text

Back in his room and changed into pajamas, Kaito sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands, reviewing what had just happened.

1. He had broken into Hakuba's room to seal the detective's pocket watch.

2. Hakuba's worst nightmare was apparently about him being murdered (and the police were involved somehow?)

3. Hakuba had woken up due to feeling the magic get sealed.

4. Hakuba had then sought reassurance he was alive and confronted him about several things Kaito did not want to share with him.

5. Hakuba was likely not going to leave him alone and keep pursuing answers, just like the other two detectives.

6. Apparently Hakuba's actual eye color was blue, and he wore brown color eye contacts for some reason...Kaito had no idea why.

So all in all, things could be better, but they could also be worse...right?

"He could have been driven mad by the nightmare and harmed himself before you could stop it."  Pandora suggested, appearing next to him.

"Yeah.  That's about the only positive thing about this whole mess.  At least he's alive to annoy me."  Kaito sighed, crossing his arms.  "He didn't see you earlier, right?"

"I do not believe so.  The most he could have received would be a glimpse, and he would likely think he was merely seeing things as he woke up."  Pandora replied, sitting next to Kaito.  "Four magical items - counting the Sands - are now out of the reach of those who would wish to use them for harm.  You should be proud."

"I'm tired."  Kaito groused, falling back on his bed.  "And I hate the fact Hakuba's actually concerned about me, it makes it much harder to hate him."

"You never hated him to begin with."  Pandora raised an eyebrow at Kaito.

"Yes I did -"  Kaito began, then paused, seeing the look on Pandora's face.  "Let me guess.  I'm not able to lie to you the same way I can to others."

"Our consciousness are intertwined.  I can always tell what you are truly thinking."  Pandora told him.  "However, I am quite capable of keeping such knowledge to our private conversations alone.  I do not care about what you wish to share with others."

"Yay."  Kaito grumbled, feeling displeased.  "Oh yeah, I have a question for you."

"Yes?"  Pandora inclined his head slightly.

"Why is it the jewel glowed red in the moonlight, but I don't?"

Pandora blinked at him, looking as though he had just remembered something he had forgotten to share previously.  "Ah, yes.  The moon and I have been linked since the start of our existence...it can cause that side effect.  You do, in fact, have a bit of a glow to you, however it is hidden by your own body.  Even if it were bright enough to pass through your skin, your clothes would then block it.  Using large amounts of strong magic while under the moonlight might cause the glow to become bright enough, but it may not.  The jewel however, was nearly transparent, therefore it had nothing to hide its glow."

Kaito stared at Pandora in silence for several moments before slowly nodding.  "Comforting."  He stated flatly.  "Why are your eyes practically glowing blood red then?"

"It is merely a side effect of the construct."  Pandora blinked again, raising a hand to his face.  "Red is the color most alike to my essence.  For you, it's white, hence why when you use my power it comes out white.  You have some blue in you too, however...perhaps even a bit of gray..."  Trailing off, Pandora leaned forward to study him.

Kaito glared at him, raising his hand in a shooing gesture.  "You told me what I wanted to know, stop analyzing me."

"Very well."  Pandora sat back up.  "Are you going to rest now?"

"I should.  Have you located another item or am I free to actually relax tomorrow?"  Kaito deadpanned.

"We can spend the day practicing using magic."  Pandora told him.

"Fine.  I'm going to sleep now, so disappear."  Kaito vaguely waved a hand at him.

Pandora did, and Kaito turned on his side, closing his eyes.  Hopefully sleep would help him process things better.

-

When Kaito woke up the next morning, he opted to look at the news while he woke up.  This Saturday marked two weeks since the heist when he had gotten shot down.  Hopefully the media had moved on by now...although Kaito was hoping that wouldn't inspire the Organization to make another move.

At least he had the day to relax, with some magic lessons in between.  Considering the pace he had been going at over the past two weeks, it would be a welcome break.

Getting dressed in comfortable clothing, Kaito headed into the kitchen, abruptly realizing it smelled like someone had made breakfast.  Lips curling down into a frown, Kaito raised a hand to his head.

Pandora?  Are you in my kitchen?

Your dining table, but there is no intruder if that is what concerned you.

Kaito hurried into the room, feeling bewildered.  "Why did you -"

He broke off, pausing in the doorway, staring at the sight in front of him.  Pandora was sitting next to the table, staring at a small, winged creature seated on it.  Upon Kaito's arrival, he glanced up, picking up a plate.

"I made you breakfast."  He said pleasantly.

"Pandora."  Kaito said, slowly, calmly.  "Is that a dragon?"

"Not a fully grown one."  Pandora informed him, as if that made the situation better.  "A baby dragon.  Apparently she got separated from her parents by dragon hunters...It has been a few centuries, I should have realized dragon breeding season was occurring once again."

"Ok…now explain that again but in a way someone who knows nothing about dragons can understand."  Kaito ordered, feeling borderline hysterical.

Pandora slowly nodded.  "Of course.  Dragons usually live in their own pocket dimension - I will explain more about those once you have enough knowledge of the mechanics of magic to understand them - but a certain breed of dragon needs the Earth's climate to lay their eggs in.  Normally, once the baby is hatched, the parents will take them back to the pocket dimension, but sometimes the process can be interfered with by other species who know dragons exist.  Dragon parts are quite useful for potion making, so they are a natural target.  Normally dragons use areas humans do not live in to lay their eggs in order to stay hidden, but this dragon's parents must be inexperienced.  She hatched much closer to a city than usual and some witches went after her.  In the process she got separated from her parents."

Kaito took in several deep breaths, willing himself not to scream.  "Ok.  And how did she get here?"

"She sensed my power."  Pandora picked the dragon up, studying her.  "She is part of an extremely rare breed of dragon, which can instinctually sense magic.  She must be incredibly talented to be displaying such tuned abilities immediately after hatching...regardless.  She and her parents are in danger as long as they are in this dimension.  And if her parents decide to invade the city in search of their daughter..."

"I get it."  Kaito groaned, shaking his head.  "We need to find them, right?"

"Correct.  I already have an idea of where they might be."  Pandora nodded, placing the dragon back down. 

"Ok.  That's good."  Kaito took in another deep breath.  "What's her name?  Can she understand Japanese?"

"Not yet.  I have been communicating with her through visual waves."  Pandora told him.  "Her name is -"

"Ri...a."  The dragon croaked, looking at Kaito with wide eyes.

"Ria, evidently."  Pandora finished.

"...Right."  Kaito held up a hand.  "Give me one moment."

"Very well."  Pandora agreed, turning back to the dragon.

Kaito slowly walked into his living room, picking up a pillow.  Burying his face into it, he screamed until he ran out of breath, setting the pillow back down.  Walking back to the table, Kaito smiled at Pandora.

"Where do we begin?"

Pandora raised an eyebrow.  "Well, we need to take her to -"

"KAIIITOOOO!"

"Oh come on!"  Kaito snapped.  Pandora and Ria exchanged glances, Ria's glittering green eyes holding a hint of confusion.

"I have news!"  Aoko continued, the sounds of her removing her shoes reaching the kitchen.

Kaito muttered a curse under his breath.  He should have realized letting Aoko have a key to his house was a bad idea years ago.

"Eating breakfast, come back later!"  Kaito called back, quickly sitting at the table.

"This can't wait!"  Aoko answered, footsteps getting louder.

Kaito turned to Pandora, eyes wide.

Pandora, for his part, looked slightly alarmed as well, picking back up the dragon and glancing at the doorway.

"Of course."  Kaito muttered, looking around wildly.  What could - aha!  Scurrying back up, Kaito snatched a discarded backpack and hurried over with it.  "In here."  He said urgently, and Pandora lowered the dragon into it.

"Do not zip it up all the way, dragons need to breathe."  Pandora murmured before disappearing.  Kaito nodded, leaving one of the sides open enough to ensure airflow, but not big enough for Ria to stick her head out.  Dropping the backpack underneath the table, Kaito hissed a command to stay still before stuffing a bite of food into his mouth.

No sooner after he did, Aoko burst in, grinning brightly.

"Kaito!  Guess what!"

"What?"  Kaito grumbled at her, mentally thanking his father profusely for teaching him how to always keep a poker face.

"Aoko's been talking to Hakuba-kun and Akako-chan ~"  Aoko sang, looking incredibly excited.  "And they agreed to go to Tropical Land today!"

Oh no, Kaito could already see where this was going.

"And you, Kaito."  Aoko added, leaning forward.  "Are coming too!"

"Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun!"  Kaito tried, giving her an awkward smile.  "But I have a lot to do today, and I think Jii-ch -"

"You're coming, Kaito."  Aoko's smile suddenly looked much less friendly.  "It's been a while since we did something as a group."

"Because we're not all friends?"  Kaito protested weakly.

"We are so!"  Aoko huffed.  "Kaito's just stubborn about admitting it."

"Aoko, really, I have a lot -"

"This isn't up for debate."  Aoko continued to smile.

"But -"

"No."

Kaito swallowed, pasting a big smile on his face.  "Great...!  Just let me finish eating and get my stuff together!"

"Aoko will wait in your living room for you."  Aoko beamed at him, skipping out of the room.

The moment she was gone, Kaito sank back against his chair, staring down at the backpack.

"What do I do with..."

Vessel, I understand you value your personal life, but this is -

Perfectly manageable!  How hard can it be to smuggle a baby dragon around an amusement park?  And don't call me that.

Very hard. 

Well I'll figure it out.

Hm...

Forty-five minutes later, Kaito put on a very fake smile as Aoko waved to Hakuba and Akako at the park entrance.  The moment Hakuba made eye contact with him, he gave him a look Kaito couldn't quite decipher.  He just hoped Hakuba wouldn't bother him too much today.

Ria the dragon was tucked securely in the backpack Kaito wore, and Kaito could already feel her starting to squirm.  Great.

"Everyone's here!"  Aoko cheered, looking far too happy.

"Yay."  Kaito said, not bothering to put energy into his voice at all.  Aoko glared at him.

"And we're going to have a great time!"

"Of course, thank you for inviting me, Aoko-san."  Hakuba smiled politely at her, Kaito shaking his head slightly as his stomach made a weird flopping motion.  Was it nerves?  But he didn't get nervous like that -

Akako, meanwhile, was staring at Kaito's backpack with wide eyes.  Oh shit.  Didn't Pandora say Ria had been hunted by witches?  She wasn't one of the -

Seeing that she had caught Kaito's attention, Akako hurried over to him.

"I don't know why you have that with you, but make sure to keep it to yourself."  She hissed.  "There's a lot of people that would attack you simply for having one -"

"I have her because some witches separated her from her parents."  Kaito hissed back.  "And I'm trying to return her before the parent dragons swoop into the city."

Akako frowned, crossing her arms.  "If you're thinking I'm part of a coven that hunts dragons, you're horribly mistaken.  Not even other witches like witches in covens like those.  Do you know where the parents are?"

"Of course they're -"  Kaito paused for a moment.  Pandora?  Where are they?

Currently?  A cave in the forest I believe.  It is in a different part of the forest you yourself crashed in.

"They're in a cave in the forest."  Kaito finished, ignoring Akako's raised eyebrow.  "I'll stop by as soon as I can get away from -"

"What are you two whispering about?"

Kaito restrained a groan, turning to find Aoko staring at them with crossed arms.

"We were just discussing what ride to go on first, Aoko-chan."  Akako smiled sweetly.  "We were thinking about the Mystery House."

"You should be discussing that with us too!"  Aoko huffed, but seemed to accept it.  "Hakuba-kun, is that ok with you?"

"If that's what the group would like to do, it sounds delightful."  Hakuba nodded.

Stuck up little -

Focus, vessel.

I am.  Don't call me that.

"No spacing out."  Akako hissed at Kaito as she walked past him.  Kaito shook his head to clear it and hurried after the group.  In his backpack, Ria shifted and Kaito awkwardly attempted to reach up a hand to pat the backpack. 

"Just stay still.  You'll be home soon."  He murmured.

-

Hakuba seemed unimpressed with the Mystery House, but he had likely already figured out the mechanics behind each of the tricks almost immediately, so perhaps that was to be expected.  Kaito also felt incredibly bored, absently walking over to study one of the walls.  Hearing footsteps behind him a moment later, Kaito started to turn, but before he could, he heard Aoko yell:

"Boo!" as loud as she could.

Inside his backpack, Ria made a shrill screaming sound.  Eyes wide, Kaito whipped around to discover the other three members of the group staring at him with wide eyes of their own.

"Kaito?"  Aoko asked hesitantly.  "Are you ok?  Aoko didn't mean to seriously scare you -"

"Perhaps he's more on edge than usual?"  Hakuba narrowed his eyes at him.  Kaito glared back.

"Not a chance.  I heard you creeping up behind me and was trying to scare you back."  He huffed, aware of Akako shaking her head in dismay.

"Well it didn't work, Bakaito!"  Aoko huffed back, and moved past him, looking at the next attraction in the house.

"Why don't we try the bumper cars next?"  Hakuba suggested diplomatically.

-

As they reached the front of the line, the attendant pointed to a nearby shelf.

"You'll have to leave your bags here."  He told them.  "They're not allowed on the ride."

Kaito swallowed.  "Well actually, I -"

"Don't cause trouble, Bakaito."  Aoko hissed at him under her breath.

Heaving a sigh, Kaito slipped off the backpack, very carefully setting in on the shelf.

"Don't move."  He ordered.  A side of the backpack puffed out in response and Kaito groaned.  Can you make her sit still?

I can ask her to, but I will need either the construct or the body.

Of course.  Can I do it?

Only with training I have not taught you yet.  Some of your messages are transmitting, but that is only my power subconsciously influencing your communication.

It can do that?

Somewhat.  It is not an exact mechanism like most magic.

"Kuroba-kun?"

Kaito glanced up.  Hakuba was standing over him, looking concerned.

"You've just been sitting there.  Is something wrong?"

"No."  Kaito rolled his eyes, standing up.  "Just got lost in thought."

Hakuba spared a glance at where Aoko and Akako were standing, before lowering his voice.

"About last night -"

"What are you talking about, Hakubaka?"  Kaito groaned in exasperation.

"You didn't let me finish what I wanted to tell you."  Hakuba pressed.  "I can hel -"

"I didn't see you last night, Hakuba."  Kaito crossed his arms.  "Have you considered getting help?"

"You're the one who needs help."  Hakuba insisted.  "I know your other identity, and -"

Kaito's backpack fell over onto one side, the top puffing out as if someone had punched it.  Hakuba blinked at it.

"Did you see that?"  He asked Kaito.

Kaito rolled his eyes again.  "No, I didn't.  It's just a backpack, Hakubaka.  See, this is what I mean, you're becoming delusional.  Maybe all those stressful cases are getting to you?"

Hakuba narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to respond, but Aoko interrupted them.

"It's our turn!  What are you still doing over there?"

"Coming!"  Kaito called back, brushing past Hakuba.  After a moment, Hakuba reluctantly followed him.

-

After bumper cars, Kaito was relieved to find Ria was still in the backpack, although she looked a little disgruntled.  Slinging it over his shoulder, Kaito breathed a sigh, looking at the time.  It was lunchtime, hopefully Aoko would get tired soon and -

As they passed by the restaurants, Ria began frantically kicking inside the backpack. 

"Settle down!"  Kaito hissed, frantically trying to block his backpack from the view of the rest of the group.  "Why are you -"

If I had to guess, I would say she is hungry.  Pandora remarked dryly in his head.

Oh, great.  What do baby dragons eat anyways?

...

What?

...You will not like it.

I don't really have a choice!

Very well -

"Kaito?"  Aoko was frowning at his backpack.  Kaito's eyes widened, realizing that while he had been spaced out the group had surrounded him, looking concerned.

"It's, um -"  Kaito began, mind racing frantically.  "A new magic trick, I'm -"

"Is that an animal?"  Aoko's brow creased.

"It's certainly the behavior of one."  Hakuba pressed his lips together.

"Is it a puppy?"  Aoko moved closer, looking interested.

"No, it's -"  Kaito broke off, seeing the look of horror on Akako's face.  "Yes, it's a puppy, but you can't see her!  She's very sensitive to light, and-"

"I want to see!"  Aoko grabbed hold of the zipper before Kaito could stop her, and Kaito's eyes widened even further, feeling panicked. 

"No, don't -"

This time, a sudden drop in energy made him break off, closing his eyes for a brief moment.  When he opened them, he found Aoko had opened up his backpack and lifted out - a puppy, with white and gray fur, similar to the blue and white scales Ria had previously sported.

Huh.

I am sorry for doing that to you, but it was the only way.  It is a simple glamour spell, it will hold for as long as your energy will permit.  Pandora told him, and Kaito vaguely nodded.

"How cute!"  Aoko exclaimed.  "What's her name?  Is she yours?"  She added, looking at Kaito eagerly.

"Her name's...well I'm calling her Ria."  Kaito explained, settling on the ground, still trying to reorientate himself. "I found her outside my house today, and was going to try to find her owners-"

"Why didn't you tell Aoko?"  Aoko petted Ria's head, the dragon-puppy looking very pleased at the attention.  "She would have helped!"

"Er..."  Kaito trailed off, finding that Akako was watching the scene with a raised eyebrow.  "I just didn't want to disappoint you if we couldn't find the owners - I can't take care of a puppy right now, I don't think my doves would like it - so I would have to take her to a shelter."

"Maybe Aoko could keep her."  Aoko laughed slightly as Ria nuzzled her face.

"No!  That's - uh - taking care of a puppy is a lot of work -"  Kaito started.

"Yeah, but if we can't find the owners..."  Aoko hugged Ria to her chest.  "She deserves a loving home!"

This is bad.  Pandora commented, sounding impressed.

You're telling me!

"Let's not be so hasty, Aoko-chan."  Akako spoke up, moving closer.  "And unleashed dogs aren't allowed here, so you should put her back before an employee sees her."

"You're right."  Aoko said, reluctantly placing Ria back inside the backpack.  "What do you say we get lunch here and then try to find her owners?"

"Sounds great!"  Kaito picked up the backpack, hoping his voice didn't sound as strained as he felt.

What were you going to say dragons ate?

Ah, yes.  That would be...

"Fish."  Kaito stood outside the restaurant five minutes later, making a noble effort not to tremble.  "Why did it have to be fish."

"Isn't that a weird food for a dog to like?"  Aoko frowned.

"Not really."  Akako told her, and Kaito really hoped she wasn't expecting something in return for playing along.

"Some fish can be healthy for dogs to eat."  Hakuba spoke up, having been silent until that point.  Kaito blinked, noticing how Hakuba was still studying him closely.  Sheesh, did the detective ever lighten up -

Facing the restaurant again, Kaito swallowed, an endless mantra of pokerfacepokerfacepokerface echoing inside his head.

"Are you scared?"  Aoko murmured at him, quiet enough neither Akako nor Hakuba could hear.

"No!"  Kaito insisted.

Aoko sighed at him.  "Honestly.  Sit on the bench, Aoko will be out in a moment."

The unexpected gesture of kindness made guilt well up inside of Kaito.  All Aoko had wanted was a fun day, and here he was ruining it.  And he would have to figure out a way to keep her from helping him find the 'dog's owners' too.

One way or the other, he would figure out a way to make it up to her.

-

After eating lunch, Kaito pressed his lips together, trying to think of a plan.  How could he get Aoko to -

"Excuse me."

Kaito froze, recognizing the voice.  It couldn't be -

"You've won one of Tropical Land's secret raffles!"  A park employee told him, eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.  "You were the 500th person to enter the Mystery House today.  As a prize, you get a free three hour long behind the scenes tour of Tropical Land!"

"Really?"  Kaito said, clutching the backpack tightly.

"That's right!  But just you, I'm afraid, no one else."  The employee went on.  "Shall we get started?"

"Actually, we were going to leave -"  Hakuba began.

"Sounds great!"  Kaito hopped to his feet.

"Kaito, did you forget about the...you know."  Aoko motioned vaguely towards the backpack.

At that moment Ria burst out of the bag, with a soft bark.  Aoko's and Hakuba's eyes widened in horror, but the employee looked surprised, voice filled with relief.

"Bella!"  He cried, lifting up the puppy.  "We've been looking all over for you!"

"What?"  Hakuba sounded lost.

"Bella belongs to a friend of mine."  The employee explained.  "She was stolen yesterday, and we've been looking everywhere - where did you find her?"  He added, looking at Kaito.

"She was on my front porch."  Kaito assumed the proper expression of shock on his face.  "It's only chance that I came here today - how lucky is that?"

"Almost as lucky as winning one of our secret raffles!"  The employee smiled.  "We can return her while we're on the tour!"

Kaito cast a hesitant glance back at the rest of the group.  "Is that ok...?"

Akako was smirking, Hakuba looked bewildered, and Aoko looked confused but happy.

"Congratulations Kaito!  We can go on more rides while we wait for you to come back, and then we can all watch the fireworks together!"  She exclaimed.

Kaito gave her a genuine smile in return.  "Thank you, Aoko."

Following the employee out, the smile dropped from his face the moment they were out of view.

"Really, Pandora?"

Pandora frowned, lowering his sunglasses slightly to reveal blood red eyes.  "There were only so many options.  We must hurry."

"Do you know where to go?"  Kaito called, hurrying after him.

"Yes, I do."  Pandora didn't break his brisk walk.  "The parents are starting to get restless, I can sense it."

"Fun."  Kaito muttered.

-

Pandora disappeared as soon as they were out of the park and no one was around to see it.  Luckily, there was a bus stop nearby that shortened the time it took to reach the outskirts of the forest.  With a sigh, Kaito leaned against a tree, attempting to catch his breath.

"Now where?"

"They should have sensed their baby by now."  Pandora murmured, reappearing beside him.  "They will be here any -"

The sound of rustling leaves cut him off, two blue and white dragons, slightly taller than Pandora revealing themselves.

Kaito inhaled sharply, taking in the sight before him.  It was like a scene straight out of a fantasy novel.  Although...

"They're small."  Kaito pointed out.

Amusement flashed in Pandora's eyes.  "Not all dragons are as big as castles, vessel."

"Don't call me that."  Kaito unzipped his backpack, watching in fascination as Ria flapped her tiny wings, managing to lift herself out of it.

The two adult dragons gave affectionate cries, hurrying over to meet their daughter.  Kaito couldn't help but smile, watching as Ria was lovingly nuzzled by her parents.

"They will be able to leave now."  Pandora stated, nodding slightly.  "Ekoda is not in danger of being invaded by dragons any longer.  We may go."

"Ah...right."  Almost reluctantly, Kaito turned away.  "It was nice meeting you, Ria!"

Ria made a chirping sound in response.  The two adult dragons paused, and then much to Kaito's surprise, bowed.  After a moment's pause, Kaito bowed back.

You don't owe me anything.

He wasn't sure, but he thought he could almost feel the words 'thank you' echo in his mind before the dragons flapped their wings, a glowing circle opening up in the ground beneath them.  Rising up in the air, the three dragons dove back down into the circle, vanishing.  The circle closed behind them, and Pandora sighed.

"They have returned to their dimension.  And now you must return to the park."  He told Kaito.

"I know."  Kaito replied, but stood there for just a moment, wondering if this was what his future in sealing away magic was going to be like.

-

"Kaito!"  Aoko waved at him as Kaito found the group resting on a nearby bench.  "You missed the dinosaur ride!"

"Aww, really?  Well at least you guys had fun, right?"  Kaito smiled at her, stopping in front of the bench.

"Yeah!  But you missed some really cool scenes ~"  Aoko hummed. 

Oh, I think I saw some exciting things of my own.  Kaito thought.

Dinosaurs are actually a kind of dragon.  Pandora informed him.  Human's definitions of the two are usually incorrect.

...Good to know.

"How was the tour?"  Hakuba gave Kaito a hard look.

"It was great!"  Kaito told them, grinning.  "I got to see how they make the robots for the rides!"

"How exciting."  Akako's lips curled up into an amused smirk.  Kaito side-eyed her in response.

"We still have some more time before the fireworks."  Aoko said, checking her watch.  "Ferries wheel, anyone?"

Finally feeling the stress leave him, Kaito genuinely smiled.  "That sounds fun."

-

As nighttime neared, the four teens settled themselves on the ground to watch the fireworks, ice cream in hand.  Hakuba told them some facts about fireworks, and Akako discreetly magicked herself another scoop of ice cream, much to the confusion of Aoko.  And as they laughed and joked, and watched the fireworks burst, illuminating the night sky in bright colors, Kaito found that just for a moment, everything felt normal.  They were just four normal high school students, looking to enjoy themselves during the weekend.

Hakuba and Akako seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere as well, because they stopped shooting Kaito looks with double meanings, instead talking about the fireworks show.

Aoko looked so happy, eagerly talking about her favorite parts of the day, gestures wide and energetic.

Kaito just sat there watching them for a moment, preserving the moment in his memory as best as he could.  It couldn't always be like this, and for good reasons...but when it was...it was nice.

And I will do everything I can to ensure nothing will ever be able to hurt them.

You have done well...Kaito.  I believe you will be able to protect them.

Yes I will.  But Pandora...

Yes?

Please just let me have one day without a magical emergency.

Pandora chuckled in the back of Kaito's mind.

I believe I can arrange that, vessel.

Don't call me that, thank you.

"Kaito, let's take a photo!"  Aoko bounded over, holding up her phone.

"All right, all right!"  Kaito laughed, as they all crowded around each other to get inside of the frame.

"On three say Tropical Land!"  Aoko commanded, and the other teens humored her, chorusing it in unison.

And if the photo ended up printed and tucked away safely in a drawer in Kaito's house...no one needed to know except for Kaito and Pandora.

Chapter Text

"Shield."

Kaito quickly flicked his hand out, a patterned white circle appearing in front of it.

"Good."  Pandora nodded, crossing his arms.  "Make it larger."

This time Kaito motioned with both hands, the shield widening to cover most of his chest.

"Excellent."  Pandora reached over onto the table, picking up one of the many plush balls on it.  "Hold it steady."

"Got it."  Kaito narrowed his eyes in concentration as Pandora began throwing them at his shield.  The balls bounced off of it, the shield remaining intact.

"Very good."  Pandora nodded again.  "I am going to continue increasing the strength of the balls until your shield cracks."

"It's not going to crack."  Kaito countered, making his shield slightly bigger.  "We've been working on this for three days now, I've got this."

Pandora gave him a sharp, almost wild smile in return.  "Then consider this your test."

"Wait wha -"

Almost faster than Kaito could track, Pandora began launching ball after ball at him, the balls making louder and stronger sounds of impact each time they struck the shield.  Abruptly realizing Pandora was starting to aim for areas not protected by the shield, Kaito reacted, making it big enough to cover his entire figure.

"You are doing very well, vessel."  Pandora called to him, voice almost gleeful with satisfaction.

"Thanks and don't call me that!"  Kaito called back, not averting his gaze from the balls.  "But your attempts to distract me won't work!"

A final ball hit the shield, an old bowling ball Kaito had found in a closet the day before.  It fell with a thud to the floor, the shield untouched.

"Very well done."  Pandora picked the bowling ball back up, studying it.  "This was enough to crack your shield previously.  I launched it at a far faster speed than usual as well."

"I'm a fast learner."  Kaito let the shield dissipate, giving Pandora a tired but elated grin.  "I've gotten the hang of the basic summoning spell too."  Kaito added, flicking a hand.  One of the balls on the floor lifted up and zoomed into his waiting hand.  "What do you think?"  Kaito continued to smirk at Pandora, tossing the ball up and catching it again.

"I think you are well on your way towards mastering your powers."  Pandora nodded at him, placing the bowling ball back on the table.  "Your summoning spell is coming along quite nicely along with the other basic spells we have been learning.  You may be ready for a slightly more advanced spell soon."

"Great!"  Kaito dropped the ball he was holding back onto the table next to the bowling ball.  "And my energy management?  I don't feel nearly as tired as I used to last week."

"It has gotten much better."  Pandora told him.  "You should be able to use basic spells a fair amount before needing a nap."

"Best news I've heard all week."  Kaito sighed, dropping onto a chair.  "Speaking of news...have you found an item yet?"

"I am currently trying to discover the location of an old piece of Snowwood, carved into the shape of none other than a snowflake."  Pandora sounded thoughtful.  "Snowwood trees themselves went extinct thousands of years ago, but pieces of them still remain.  They have the power to freeze anything they touch.  While they were sealed, humans must have found them and carved them into various shapes.  One of which is in Beika."

"Sounds terrible."  Kaito leaned forward.  "So I need to seal it before it can freeze anything?"

"That is correct.  The magic within it appears to be stable, so it should be safe for a heist."  Pandora informed him.  "You will be able to send a notice out tonight?"

"Should be able to, though I'll check with Jii-chan just to be sure."  Kaito replied.  "I'm not going to the Nakamoris for supper tonight, so I should have some time."

"Excellent.  Then you may rest and work on your notice."  Pandora folded his arms.

"I don't need your permission."  Kaito glared at him.

"Of course not."  Pandora said, sounding like he meant the exact opposite.  "I shall leave you to it."

Kaito rolled his eyes, pulling out his phone as Pandora disappeared.  He would have to make extra plans for those pesky detectives too...

-

Two nights later, Kaito was eating with the Nakamoris after a long day of practicing a blasting spell with Pandora and working on heist prep.  Nakamori was fired up about KID's heist the next night, talking excitedly about all of the security measures they would put into place, which Kaito eagerly listened to. 

As they finished supper, Aoko suggested they turn on the news, which Kaito agreed to.  Absently popping a piece of chocolate in his mouth, Kaito watched as the news announcer drawled on about local news and elections, feeling about as interested as Nakamori looked.

Another moment and Kaito nearly choked as Pandora snapped

Vessel! sounding unusually urgent.

What?!  Kaito snapped back, hurriedly swallowing his chocolate. 

It is the Snowwood.  The magic within it has shifted drastically, I fear it is no longer -

"Breaking news!"  The announcer broke through Kaito's concentration, and he blinked at the screen.  "An old wood carving on display in the Beikan Historical Artifacts exhibit has frozen inside of its case, surrounded by ice!  Employees attempted to melt the ice, however all methods have been unsuccessful so far.  This news comes just two days after the well-known criminal Kaitou KID had announced it as his newest target-"

The magic in it activated.  Pandora explained, voice rushed.  The ice cannot be gotten rid of via normal means.  While it means no one else can touch it and therefore are safe, the news is bound to have attracted the attention of beings who are familiar with Snowwood.  We need to get to it as soon as possible.

...I'll cancel the heist.  I can get to it tomorrow night faster if the taskforce isn't around.

Very well.

At that moment, Nakamori's phone began ringing.  Looking bewildered and worked up, Nakamori forcefully pressed it against his ear.

"What is it?!"

Kaito and Aoko exchanged glances.

"I should go."  Kaito murmured, edging towards the door.  "I just realized I...forgot to feed my doves..."

Aoko seemed to be about to reply, but Nakamori's voice rose, sounding more upset than before.  Biting her lip, she nodded her head. 

"I think Dad's going to spend the rest of the night talking about it with the police anyways."

"I'll see you at school tomorrow."  Kaito told her before hurrying out of the door.

You fed them before you left.  Pandora pointed out.

She doesn't know that...and we have bigger problems right now.

Very true.

Jii-chan called him almost immediately after Kaito entered the KID room, and Kaito answered the call, grimacing as Pandora swirled into existence next to him, giving him a grave look.

"Botchama, I just saw the news.  Did it activate?"  Jii-chan's voice was heavy.

"Yes it did."  Kaito picked up a nearby notepad, pressing his phone between his ear and shoulder as he picked up a pen and began scribbling out a rough draft of his cancelation notice.  "It's too dangerous for the taskforce to be around now, I'm canceling the heist, but still going in tomorrow night."

"Is there anything I can do?"  Jii-chan asked him.

"...Moral support?"  Kaito said weakly, feeling slightly overwhelmed.  "I don't know, it all just happened...I don't think Pandora knows of anything..."  Here he paused, glancing over at Pandora.

Pandora shook his head.  "It is better for just you to go.  Your assistant has not had the same training as you."

Kaito nodded.  "Right.  I appreciate the offer, but it's too dangerous."

"All right, but stay safe Botchama."  Jii-chan told him.  "I'll make a hot chocolate for you the next time you come to Blue Parrot."  He added, voice slightly lighter.

Kaito smiled slightly to himself, recognizing Jii-chan's attempt to make him feel better.  "Thank you, Jii-chan."

"Anytime, Botchama."  Jii-chan replied and hung up.

Glancing over his notice, Kaito heaved a sigh.  "All right.  I should be able to send it out tonight."

"Will it actually stop them from coming?"  Pandora raised an eyebrow, walking over to study it.

"...Hopefully.  If not, I'll figure something else out."  Kaito began making the finalized version.  "Some people might try to say this was my doing, but this should convince them otherwise."

"Very well."  Pandora leaned against the table, looking deep in thought.  "The magic within it was stable until now, I do not understand what could have shifted that, unless...someone already went after the Snowwood and it backfired on them."

Kaito paused in his writing, looking up at Pandora sharply.  "Do you think it could be the same person that targeted the sword?"

Pandora glanced over at the cabinet in which the sword was stored, expression grim.  "It is a possibility."

"Great."  Kaito pressed his lips together, putting the finishing touches on the notice.  "All right.  I'll be on guard."

"I will check for a magic signature as well."  Pandora told him.  "Would you mind going to sleep a bit earlier tonight?"

"Why?"  Kaito frowned at him.

"Given the recent events, I believe putting a protective charm on your gloves would be a wise course of action."  Pandora explained.  "It would prevent magic items that activate via touch from affecting you when you pick them up.  I would enchant your entire suit, but I do not believe you have the energy for that yet...the gloves should be manageable, however."

Kaito heaved a sigh.  "Yeah, I see your point.  Fine."

"Wise choice."  Pandora nodded at him.  "Do we have a plan?"

"We should."  Kaito narrowed his eyes, holding up his notice.  "Assuming nothing else happens to throw it off."

"Excellent."  Pandora nodded again before disappearing.

-

The next day, Kaito sat at his desk, ignoring the looks both Hakuba and Akako were giving him.  He knew they wanted an explanation.  But then they should also know they weren't getting one.

Aoko was occupied talking about how KID was clearly a coward for canceling his heist, and how he was probably afraid after hearing the news.

"It is strange though, isn't it?"  Hakuba asked her at one point.

Aoko blinked.  "The ice is...KID being a coward isn't!"

Hakuba didn't seem to know how to reply to that, but he did shoot another meaningful look in Kaito's direction.  Kaito continued to ignore him.

Akako attempted to talk to him, but after a moment seemed to give up, muttering something about him being 'Pandora's problem' anyways.  With an inward groan, Kaito watched her flounce away, once again wondering how all of this became his life.

-

That night, KID was relieved to find that the museum had requested the exhibit be blocked off with the exception of museum security.  Since KID had retracted his notice, the police hadn't been allowed to interfere, although they were stationed in a nearby building in case KID showed up anyways and the museum guards called for backup.

All he had to do was sneak in as a guard, put the rest of the guards to sleep, break the ice, seal the item, and leave.  Pandora had been on alert for any unusual activity or magic signatures, but nothing had turned up so far.

They are all unconscious?

That's right...I knocked them out in the hall just to be on the safe side.  All that's left is sealing the Snowwood.

Good.

Taking a deep breath, KID placed his hands against the ice, concentrating.  Power rushed through his fingertips and into the ice, exploding it into shards across the room which quickly dissolved as soon as they hit the ground.  Smirking, KID started to reach for the carved wood.

Someone's here.

What?

Someone has entered the premises with a magic signature.  It is likely the person from before.

Then I need to seal this quickly.  Hurriedly waving his hands, KID gritted his teeth as the snowflake resisted being sealed.  Of course, right when he needed to get it done quickly -

They are coming this way.

How soon?

Less than a minute, I doubt that -

With a final swirl of white light, the snowflake dropped back down into its case, once again sealed.  KID staggered backwards, looking towards the exit -

"Not bad."

KID whirled around.

Standing in a different doorway was a tall, male shaped figure.  He wore a black cloak, and a silver mask covered the upper half of his face, a single purple jewel embedded in the forehead.

In the back of his mind, KID felt Pandora stiffen, ready to act at a moment’s notice.

"A bit slow, but still very skilled."  The man went on.  "I've heard many things about your magic, Kaitou KID, but never before had I heard about you using real magic."

Readying himself, KID tilted his head slightly.  "It would seem you know who I am, but I'm afraid I can't say the same."  He said lightly.  "You would be?"

"My name is not important."  The man took a step closer.  "You should have never heard of us before.  However, perhaps your other half has..."

I have heard of groups like them, however this exact one is not coming to mind.  Regardless, he knows I exist.

"Pandora is talking to you right now, isn't that right?"  The man's voice turned pleasant, almost entrancing.  "Are you its new vessel?"

Feeling strangely disoriented, KID opened his mouth to answer.

Do not say a word.  He has learned the art of influencing a person through magic.  No wonder his group has managed to remain undetected...think with a clear mind, vessel.

KID blinked, shaking his head slightly as the dazed feeling melted away.

"May I ask what you're talking about, mysterious person-san?"

Sounding disappointed, the man tsked.  "Pandora's able to shield you from my influence, isn't it?"

Do not try to hide this.  It will not work and he should know what he is up against.  Pandora's voice was strangely tight.

"Pandora prefers male pronouns."  KID told the man, narrowing his eyes.

"Does he."  The man replied, more a statement than a question.  "So.  If my suspicions are correct, he has you going around resealing everything that broke open during the Volley Comet?"

How does he know so much?

He likely belongs to a group that disliked the fact I sealed so much away.  They must also be trying to get to the items.

"May I speak to Pandora directly?"  The man asked, voice still pleasant.  "I know he's speaking to you."

"What is it you want?"  KID responded instead, his own voice cold and terse.

The man sighed.  "I wanted that piece of Snowwood.  However, now that it's sealed behind Pandora's power, I'm afraid it's useless.  Unless you would be willing to break the seal?"

"What do you want it for?"  KID raised an eyebrow.

"Power."  The man shrugged.  "All of the power previously sealed away by Pandora is free game again.  We want it."

"And do what with it?"  KID pressed.

The man didn't answer.

"I can't help you if I don't know what you intend to do with it."  KID continued, when the man remained silent.

"With power."  The man said at last.  "Comes control.  We believe this world is run the wrong way...we wish to rule it the way we see fit."

"Who is this 'we’?"  KID pressed his lips together.

"Shouldn't that have been enough information for you to make a decision?"  The man countered, smile becoming slightly less pleasant.  "Will you break the seal on the Snowwood?"

KID gave him a sharp smile in return.  "I believe that is as likely as you telling me your real name."

The man sighed.  "So it is going to come to this.  If this is what you choose -"  Here he motioned, a dagger appearing in his hand.  "I'll have to make you."

With those words he threw the dagger, KID's honed instincts kicking in and with a flick of his hands, the dagger clattered against his shield and fell harmlessly to the floor.

The man raised an eyebrow.  "Not bad.  Pandora has trained you well."

"I'm afraid the Snowwood is far out of your reach now."  KID told him.  "There is no point in pursuing this."

"Tell me, are you able to die?"  The man replied instead, hand starting to glow a deep purple.  "Or am I able to torture you without fear of that happening?"

"You could always simply leave."  KID pointed out, debating what to do.  He doubted the usual sleeping gas would work on the man.

The man gave him a thin smile.  "I will leave once I have a working Snowwood in my possession."

Thrusting his hand out, the purple mist swooped forward, hitting against KID's shield with far more force than KID had previously experienced.  With a sharp inhale, KID braced himself as the shield began to crack.

Vessel, this is not a fight you can win alone.  Let me help you.

How?

Just your arms.  Just let me briefly control your arms and hands.

We didn't agree -

I assure you, I am only suggesting this because I see no other clear option.  If he does not know I can create a construct, it is an advantage we cannot give away just yet.  Your shield is breaking, and if you are hit, you will pass out from the energy needed to heal an injury of that size.  Even if you can keep your shield, you have to fight back eventually.

I can handle it -

Kaito, please.  Trust me.

The shield cracked further as the purple mist pounded relentlessly on it.  The man looked bored, glancing over at the case containing the Snowwood.

KID gritted his teeth and let go.

A moment later, his arms moved of their own accord, and the man cried out as red magic slammed him in the stomach, pushing him back against a wall.  Suddenly feeling much more exhausted, KID attempted to straighten himself.

May I speak to him?

...If you must.

"Let me make something clear to you."

The sensation of speaking without actually controlling what was coming out was jarring.  KID barely resisted the urge to clamp his mouth shut.

"My vessel is under my protection.  This is not a fight you can win.  Leave before I run out of patience."

With that, KID felt the sensation disappear, nearly sighing in relief.  The man stood back up, glaring at KID with dark eyes, any trace of friendliness long gone.

"This isn't over."  He spat.  "We will collect the artifacts before you or your vessel can seal them away."

Completely back in control, KID regarded him coldly.  "I doubt that."

"Until next time, Pandora."  The man hissed, before sweeping out of the room.

Suddenly feeling exhausted, KID sank to the floor.

"What..."

He is leaving.

Should we have tried to capture him...?

Not this time.  Your energy levels could not handle it, and I am not equipped to keep him from escaping without constantly draining your energy.  You did well.

...Thanks.

A moment later, Pandora swirled into existence next to him as KID focused on taking deep breaths.

"Are you all right?"

"Completely uninjured."  KID waved a hand.

"Of course.  But you are not breathing properly again."  Pandora studied him.  "Your energy levels are lower than they should be.  I am sorry."

Hearing the apology, KID blinked, looking up at Pandora.  "You...are?"

"I knew what you would be dragged into when we worked out this arrangement."  Pandora sighed.  "You only understood it in theory.  I worked to prepare you, but...still.  At the time I thought this would be a kinder fate than death...was I wrong?"

Was Pandora...unsure of something?  KID hadn't even thought that was possible.

"No, you weren't."  KID shook his head.  "I didn't want to die...I still don't.  I don't like dealing with this, but you offered me a way I could not be involved.  This is...somewhat my choice as well.  You don't decide things for me."

Pandora studied him for a moment longer before he smiled slightly.

"I chose a very good vessel."

"That sounds so weird."  KID groaned, shaking his head.  "Don't - don't phrase it like that."

"But you see, I am very pleased with myself -"  Pandora started.

"No, no, stop talking, I don't want to hear it."  KID continued shaking his head.

Pandora chuckled slightly.  "Very well.  Can you stand?"

"Oh...yeah."  KID blinked, slowly pushing himself to his feet.  He staggered slightly, causing Pandora to quickly grab onto him.  "I'm fine."  KID told him, trying to brush him off.

"You say that quite a lot."  Pandora informed him.  "Most of the time you are lying."

"Oh lay off."  KID grumbled, straightening himself.  "The guards should still be asleep, but it will probably wear off soon.  We should go."

"A wise decision.  The man has left the premises, and I sense no other threats."  Pandora didn't remove his hold on KID's arm.

KID pressed his lips together.  "Let go."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Pandora."

"Vessel."

"Don't call me that!"

Pandora sighed at him, sounding weary.  "You are very difficult about accepting help.  There is no one who can see me and it makes your existence easier.  What is the problem in this situation?"

KID opened his mouth, then closed it.  "Well -"

"Accept help, vessel."

KID glared at him.  "You know what?  If you keep calling me that, I'm going to start calling you Pandy-chan."

Pandora blinked at him.  KID stared back.

"An acceptable arrangement."  Pandora said at last.  "Now then.  To your place of residence."

"I hate you."  KID informed him as Pandora began guiding him out of the room.

-

Back in his house, Kaito collapsed on his bed with a groan, burying his face into his pillow.

"I was meaning to ask."  Pandora mentioned, sitting beside him.  "Will the police not find it suspicious the guards were knocked out?"

"Oh, they absolutely will."  Kaito stated, not lifting his head up from his pillow.  "They'll also find it suspicious the ice mysteriously vanished as well.  The logical conclusion will be that whoever put the ice there to begin with also removed it...after all, there was no sign of KID, and I used a different sleeping gas than KID's usual one."

"Hm."  Pandora hummed in response.  "Another item is unable to cause harm...and we have learned information about a group that opposes us.  I believe it was the same group that targeted the sword as well, the magic signatures were similar.  It was a very productive night."

"Hooray."  Kaito muttered into his pillow.  "Can I sleep now?"

"You should."  Pandora nodded.  "Sleep well."

"Mmhm..."  Kaito only vaguely hummed in response, drifting off almost immediately.

Pandora studied him for a moment before sighing.  "This is only the beginning..."  He murmured, watching his vessel’s chest rise and fall.  "However, you will be better prepared next time.  I will make sure of it."

They had dangerous magic items that needed to be sealed away as quickly as possible, three determined detectives and the police on their tail wanting to know everything, an Organization out to kill his vessel, and a mysterious group that wanted to control the world, who could use magic and hated Pandora.

It was certainly a lot.  But it would be dealt with, one step at a time.

Chapter Text

"Hit it harder."

Pandora raised an eyebrow at him, from where he stood holding two bowling balls.  "Are you sure?"

"Positive, I need to make sure my shield can't crack in any situation."

"Very well."  Pandora agreed, and threw the bowling balls at his shield at an impossibly fast speed.

Kaito's shield remained untouched.

"Excellent."  Pandora looked satisfied.  "This has been a very productive weekend."

"That's high praise coming from you."  Kaito held out a hand, a nearby chocolate bar zooming into it.  "You seem...less distant lately."

"It has been over three weeks, I am becoming accustomed to my new vessel."  Pandora waved a hand.  "Learning how to communicate properly with you is one of the many things I must learn."

"Mmhm, sure.  So, what's next, Pandy-chan?"  Kaito took a bite out of his chocolate bar.

"Now you sit down."  Pandora crossed his arms.  "Allow your energy levels to rise for a little while.  After that, there is a more complex spell I believe you are ready to start learning."

"I guess I could turn on that show I've been interested in."  Kaito hummed, heading towards the exit of the KID room.  "It's about a teenager trying to hide the fact he can read minds."

"How interesting."  Pandora tilted his head.  "There are a few artifacts that can do that, one of which was used to plan the assassination of -"

"That is more than I ever want to know."  Kaito shook his head.

"Very well."  Pandora said before disappearing, and Kaito headed into his kitchen to make popcorn.

Five minutes later, and as he was watching the opening scene of the show, Pandora swirled into existence on the couch next to where Kaito was sitting.

Kaito blinked at him.  "What?"

"I feel as though I should better understand human entertainment."  Pandora explained.  "Evidently sitting and watching other people move around is amusing to your species."

"..."  Kaito thought about replying, then thought better of it and scooped popcorn into his mouth instead.

"...That is not how physics work for you humans."  Pandora spoke up in the middle of the episode.  "He must have other abilities besides reading minds."

"It's just a show."  Kaito gave Pandora an incredulous look.  "Stop overthinking it."

Pandora hummed in response, crossing his arms as he continued to watch the screen.

As the episode ended, Pandora raised an eyebrow at Kaito.  "It is an...interesting idea."

"I thought it was pretty good."  Kaito shrugged, throwing his empty bag of popcorn away.  "So, about that more advanced spell -"

"Ah, yes."  Standing up, Pandora studied Kaito.  "It will act a bit like your grappling hook.  You can make a string of magic that is capable of grabbing onto things.  Say that you were falling off of a building, you could use it to grab onto a window ledge and hang from it."

"Could I also use it to pull things closer or hold them in place?"  Kaito asked, turning off the TV.

"That is correct.  It is a useful spell."  Pandora told him.  "I believe we can begin work on it today."

"Sounds great.  Are you working on locating an item?"  Kaito questioned as he headed back towards the KID room.

"Yes, a staff that can turn things into snakes."  Seeing the look on Kaito's face, Pandora raised his hands.  "I do not know why someone would make such a thing, regardless it exists."

"Speaking of snakes..."  Kaito muttered as he entered the room.  "It's been a while since I've seen him, and the media is no longer covering news of the shooting."

"You will be more than prepared should your Organization show up."  Pandora sounded confident.  "I could kill him."  He added as an afterthought.

Kaito spun around, feeling aghast.  "Hell no.  I don't do that sort of thing."  He said firmly.  "No murdering anyone.  Got it?"

"If the thought upsets you that much, I shall refrain."  Pandora said, voice placating.  "It was merely an offer."

"No thanks."  Kaito pressed his lips together.  "The spell?"

"Very well.  The key to this spell is form and concentration..."  Pandora began, and Kaito settled into his usual stance.

-

Over the next three days, Pandora located the staff in a museum in Beika, and KID sent out a notice for Wednesday night.  To the relief of both Kaito and Pandora, the mysterious man Kaito ran into last time showed no signs of appearing.

Tuesday morning, Kaito sat plopped at his desk, scrolling through the news articles of KID's newest heist notice on his tablet as he waited for class to start.  The sound of someone clearing their throat caught his attention, and Kaito glanced up.

Hakuba was standing over him, looking determined.  "Here."  He said, placing a card down on Kaito's desk.

Glaring at Hakuba suspiciously, Kaito snatched up the card and scanned it.  "Why are you giving this to me?"

"It's a list of numbers belonging to people I trust."  Hakuba explained, expression tight.  "My number is on there, as well as my father's.  It also contains the numbers of some trusted police officers and doctors."

"So?"  Kaito tossed the card back onto his desk.

"So if you ever get into trouble."  Hakuba pressed his lips together.  "You have some people you can call."

Kaito rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair.  "Sure.  Listen, if you want to ask me out, just say that, ok?"

Wait what?

Hakuba sputtered, not seeming to know what to think of that either.  "Kuroba-kun."  He settled on at last.  "I wasn't trying to - if you -"

"Of course not!"  Kaito snapped back, feeling the tips of his ears redden slightly.  "Why would I ever want to go out with you?!"

The classroom went dead silent, staring at them.

Hakuba's expression hardened.  "If you're trying to humiliate me in the hopes I will leave you alone, it won't work.  You need help Kuroba-kun, whether you'll accept it or not."  He hissed in a lower voice, and moved away from Kaito's desk.

Kaito swallowed, reluctantly dropping the card into his schoolbag.

What just...

That was quite the spectacle.

Oh shut up.

Vessel, are you sure you do not -

"Good morning class!"

The teacher's voice cut through Pandora's, and Kaito blinked, refocusing to the outside world, Pandora falling silent.  He had class and then a heist to worry about, he couldn't think about whatever possessed him to say that.

-

"What?"

"I'm very sorry, but Nakamori-keibu wants as few people that KID can disguise as at the heist as possible."  The taskforce officer looked slightly nervous at seeing the look on Hattori's face.

"Well KID can't disguise as a child can he?"  Hattori crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes.

The taskforce officer looked even more uncomfortable.  "No...but Nakamori-keibu doesn't want children at the heist scene today."

"He's not just any kid!"  Hattori barked.  "He's the literal KID Killer!"

"Look, I'm not the one who decides these things -" The officer broke off as Hakuba passed them, giving a polite nod.

"Oi, they're not letting people in the heist unless they're part of the taskforce."  Hattori told him, crossing his arms.

"Hakuba-san's the exception."  The taskforce officer swallowed.  "His father called today."

At once the situation they were in became clear to Hattori and Conan, and they stared at Hakuba in shocked dismay, Hattori’s hands tightening into fists.

Hakuba's expression was regretful, but his eyes were determined.  "I don't want to risk being accidentally tranquilized tonight.  There is too much on the line."  He said softly, pulling out his pocket watch and checking the time.

"Ya little -"  Hattori started angrily, but Conan shook his head.

"Hakuba-niichan, I'll be more careful this time!  So there's really no reason for me to go home...right?"

Hakuba sighed, the hand holding his pocket watch clenching.  "Next time, Conan-kun.  It's simply too risky."

"I can't believe ya."  Hattori spat.

"You can believe it as much as I believe being knocked out was an accident."  Hakuba's voice hardened, causing Hattori to blink.  "I understand you have your own goals, but I cannot allow them to hinder mine."

The taskforce officer shifted uncomfortably, catching the three detectives’ attention.  With a frustrated sigh, Hattori turned away.

"Come on Conan-kun...we can get some food or something."  He said.

Conan stared at Hakuba for a moment with an unreadable expression on his face before nodding.

Hakuba watched them walk away, stomach twisting.  In that moment...Conan had looked much older than he was.

-

Just one detective tonight?

Apparently...KID surveyed the scene feeling slightly surprised.  I thought I saw the other two earlier, but...less of them makes it easier.  You haven't sensed anything?

There are no magic users around, however I cannot speak for your Organization.

I haven't seen anyone suspicious, but they're harder to detect...Nakamori-keibu's talking, I need to pay attention.

Pulling himself out of the silent conversation, KID listened from the vents as Nakamori barked orders at the taskforce.  Hakuba was examining the case containing the staff with a tight expression.

"One minute!"  Nakamori announced and KID withheld a sigh, pulling out his sleeping gas.  It was hardly the flashiest method, but the plan was to seal the staff before the taskforce woke up and appear in front of them once the staff was no longer in danger of activating and turning everyone into snakes.

...What a terrible thought.  Shaking his head, KID dropped the sleeping gas bombs through the grate, turning his head away and holding his breath.

A moment later he glanced back down to see the taskforce passed out on the floor.  Perfect.

With a small smirk, KID removed the grated cover of the vent, dropping down onto the case.  Now to -

"KID."

KID glanced up to find Hakuba staring at him from behind a gas mask.  Ah.  His detective had come prepared.  Damn him.

"Tantei-san."  KID greeted, hopping down from the case and opening it. 

"I need to talk to you."  Hakuba crossed his arms.

"About?"  KID took out the staff, thoughts racing as he tried to figure out how to seal it without Hakuba noticing.

"Arresting you would put your life in danger."  Hakuba stated.

KID sighed, turning to look at him with a patient expression on his face.  "Tantei-san, I appreciate your concern, but I'm not going to be arrested in the first place."

"You're right."  Hakuba said and KID blinked in surprise.  "I no longer think arresting you is the answer."

"Oh?  Isn't a detective supposed to arrest the criminal?"  KID raised an eyebrow.

"Normally, yes."  Hakuba took a deep breath.  "But you're in danger.  It...makes the situation different."

"Does it now?"  KID's voice turned unreadable.

"Yes, I -" Hakuba broke off, then started again.  "I understand based off of my previous behavior that you have no reason to trust me.  However, I am asking you if we can start again."

"Start...again."  KID's lips tugged downwards into a frown.  "How so?"

"I will still attend your heists...but I will not try to arrest you.  Instead, I will only try to deduce your motives."  Hakuba told him, determination filling his tone.  "And unless I believe you're planning to hurt someone, I will not publicize what I have learned.  I'll be a trustable resource if you decide to seek help."

I told you that he was concerned for you...and that he could become a valuable resource.

But the Organization -

Has not targeted him thus far.

"Why?"  KID asked Hakuba, eyes narrowed.  "Why offer me this?"

Hakuba swallowed.  "Because I've seen you...I've seen you die too many times.  It forced me to reconsider my views."

"Seen me -"

The nightmare.

It appears it affected him more than previously realized.

"Tantei-san."  KID took a step forward.  "Look at me.  I'm alive and well.  Your nightmare is not reality...and I am not going to die."

Ever...

"How can you say that with such certainty?"  Hakuba insisted, but his voice was no stronger than a whisper.

"Because I'm Kaitou KID."  KID smirked at him.  "And no matter what happens, stealing the treasure is my job.  Nothing can stop me."

"Not even death?  How arrogant."  Hakuba inhaled sharply.

"Is it arrogance if it's true?"  KID's smirk grew wider.

Around them, the taskforce began to stir, and KID inwardly cursed.  He'd have to take the staff back home with him instead it seemed.

Hakuba opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, Nakamori yelled

"KID!" in a slurred voice.  Hakuba quickly removed the mask from his face, tucking it back into his jacket.

"Keibu."  KID turned to look at him, holding up the staff.  "As you can see, the treasure is now in my possession ~"

"GET HIM!"  Nakamori shouted and the taskforce pulled themselves up and lunged at KID. 

KID laughed mockingly in return, pushing a button to explode the smoke bombs he had planted earlier.  From there he dropped a rope down from the vent to act as though he had climbed back into it before ducking behind a large display, hiding himself from view of the taskforce.

"KID's escaping through the vents!"  Nakamori cried.  "Close off all possible exits!"

The taskforce ran off, but Hakuba remained standing in the room for a moment longer, a conflicted expression on his face.  Finally, he sighed, looking towards the display KID was hidden behind.

"Consider this an act of good faith."  He stated to no one in particular before slowly walking out of the room.

KID waited until he was certain everyone had left before dropping the staff on the ground.  "I don't know what that was, but at least it makes my life easier."  He muttered, waving his hands.

It is an act of good faith.  He is attempting to behave in a trustworthy manner.

Yes, I know that but I still don't see how a nightmare managed to completely flip his worldview.

You underestimate how realistic of a nightmare it can be...and perhaps that is not the only variable at play here.

What do you mean?

Hm...should you not be focusing on sealing the staff?

Gritting his teeth, KID kept his hands steady as the staff wobbled in the air for a moment before falling back down to the ground.  Catching it in midair, KID headed back to the case, placing it back inside.

"All right, time to go home."  He murmured, heading up to the roof.  "At least it could have gone worse -"

The moment he opened the door to the roof, KID knew something was wrong.  Freezing, he glanced around warily.

"No matter what we do, you just can't stay dead, can you Touichi?"

Shit.  Of course the Organization chose now to show up.

"What is it you want, Snake?"  KID slowly moved closer to the edge, aware of the gun trained on him.  "I'm not targeting a jewel."

"That's the problem."  Snake growled.  "Did you find it, KID?  Is that why you've moved on?"

Vessel -

It's fine.

"I've checked lots of jewels, Snake, Pandora wasn't there...I doubt it truly exists."  KID replied, watching Snake's eyes narrow.

"I don't believe you."  He spat.  "This is the second time you should have died...but this time I'll make sure you stay dead!"

Oh hell he's actually going to -

Acting on instinct, KID dodged as Snake fired, the bullet brushing his shoulder, enough to draw blood, but not enough to slow KID down - except...it didn't really hurt.

Snake's eyes widened, his grip on the gun loosening as he stared at KID's shoulder.

Swallowing, KID glanced over at it himself.  The blood was retreating back into the wound, closing up and vanishing as if it had never existed.

"You're -" Snake started, then broke off, continuing to stare, before his face turned bright red and his eyes filled with rage.  "You bastard!  You used it, didn't you?!"

Dammit.

"Illusions are my specialty."  KID replied instead, grinning.  "You'll have to do better than that to actually hit me."

Snake breathed heavily, furious confusion filling his face.  "I don't know how you did that, but you won't be able to do it again - !"

Snake suddenly broke off, and KID's own eyes widened as Pandora swirled into existence behind Snake, tapping a finger against the back of Snake's head.

Snake collapsed, snores drifting out of him a moment later.  KID stared at Pandora in silence for a moment, thoughts racing wildly through his head.

"He did not see me."  Pandora stated.  "And if he continued shooting you, he would have known the truth regardless."

"What did you do?"  KID settled on at last.

"A sleeping spell."  Pandora glanced down at him.  "You have not done much other magic today, so your energy levels can handle it."

"Why haven't you taught me that one yet?"

"It tampers with a person's mind, it can be dangerous if not done correctly...however, I will begin teaching it to you if you wish."  Pandora explained to him.

"You do that...and I don't need you to save me.  Snake is my responsibility."  KID narrowed his eyes.

"I know you do not.  I promised to help you take down your Organization, so I acted on that promise.  I would not have had the opportunity I did had you not kept him occupied."  Pandora motioned to Snake's still form.  "What do you wish to do with him?"

"I..."  KID trailed off, glancing at Snake.  "I hadn't really -"

"Is it safe for the police to take him?"

"I...don't know.  If he stays silent, but if he starts ranting about my father being KID..."  KID continued to stare.

"We could interrogate him."  Pandora suggested mildly.

"Right...I'm messaging Jii-chan."  KID pulled out his phone, thoughts still whirling around in his head.

-

Half an hour later, Snake had been brought to a secure location that Jii-chan had suggested.  Having met them there, Jii-chan pressed his lips together as he studied Snake's unconscious form, tied to a chair just to be on the safe side.

"This is the one who killed Touichi-sama?"

"He claims he did."  Kaito's voice felt oddly tight.

Jii-chan's hands curled into fists, and for a moment Kaito thought he was going to hit Snake.  Then the moment passed and Jii-chan exhaled.

"I doubt he will talk about his Organization to us or the police without forcing his hand."

"I know of several effective torture methods that -" Pandora began.

"Not happening."  Kaito held up a hand.  "I would turn him into the police, except he knows my father was KID."

"Hm..."  Jii-chan's brow creased as he thought it over.

"Perhaps..."  Pandora ventured after a moment.  "I could alter his memory slightly so he no longer remembers who KID was...it will tire you out quite a bit vessel, however it would allow you to no longer worry about him exposing your family."

"You can do that?"  Jii-chan looked sharply at Pandora.

"I used to alter people's memories all the time when I was actively sealing items."  Pandora told them.  "There is a reason I am only known as a vague legend."

Kaito swallowed.  "If we interrogate him now, could you erase his memory of that as well when you alter it?"

"I could, although you will probably fall asleep afterwards."  Pandora nodded.

Kaito glanced at Jii-chan.

"Perhaps we could manage to get some useful information out of him.  I know how to turn him into the police."  Jii-chan said grimly.  "You already checked for any trackers or microphones planted on him I assume?"

"Of course, he's completely alone."  Kaito replied.  "Pandora...can you wake him up?"

Pandora raised an eyebrow before nodding, tapping the back of Snake's head.

A moment later, Snake jerked awake, eyes blazing.  "What -"

"You made a mistake in not coming with your goons tonight."  Kaito told him pleasantly, sitting down across from him.  "Did your Organization send you, or did you come on your own?"

Snake struggled against the ropes, curses slipping past his lips.

"I'll take that to mean you came on your own."  Kaito tilted his head.  "Who do you work for, exactly?"

"Like I'd tell you, you bastard."  Snake hissed.

"I have a truth spell."  Pandora spoke up.  Snake jerked his head in Pandora's direction.

"Who the hell are you?"

"The one you have been looking for."  Pandora stepped into his view, blood red eyes glowing slightly.

Snake froze, eyes widening.  "Pandora?"

"That is correct.  I suggest you answer KID's question."  Pandora gave him a sharp smile that was all teeth.

Snake stared at him, looking completely bewildered.  "What -"

"Answer the question."

Kaito's mouth nearly dropped open in shock.  He had never heard Pandora use that tone of voice before.  It was...almost terrifying.

Snake gulped, eyes widening even more.  "I don't know all that much, just that there's a boss....and we're looking for Pandora.  I'm not one of the higher up members, I'm only told information related to my mission!"

"Your mission being?"  Pandora pressed.

"Find Pandora and kill KID...or anyone who gets in our way."  Snake swallowed.  "That's all I know...I don't even know anyone's real names."

"Do you know what your Organization calls itself?"  Kaito crossed his arms.

"We don't have a name..."  Snake didn't stop looking at Pandora.  "Sometimes other low-ranking members with the same mission as me call us the Pandora Organization, but that's all!"

"Do you know anything about the higher ups?"  KID leaned forward.

"Only that they want Pandora...I've never even heard their real voices before."  Snake swallowed again.

"You are useless."  Pandora informed Snake.  "Do you know anything about what happened the night KID was shot down?"

Snake rapidly shook his head back and forth.  "No one told me about that...they insisted it was a special operation."

"You were angry they did not tell you and so you went after KID as soon as you could."  Pandora pressed his lips together.

"That's right!  That's all I know - now explain to me -" Snake began, but Pandora cut him off.

"Is there anything else?"

"How did you find out that - I - was KID?"  Kaito inhaled sharply.

"I don't know that either - I was told it over the phone by a higher up."  Snake's eyes darted between Pandora and Kaito.  "Now tell me -"

"Is that all?"  Pandora asked Kaito.

Kaito glanced at Jii-chan who sighed.

"He doesn't seem to know anything useful."

Kaito nodded at Pandora, and Pandora tapped his finger against the back of Snake's head again.  He slumped forward and Kaito exhaled.

"Now what?"

"I can drive you home and then turn Snake in."  Jii-chan offered.  "I had a routine I used to do back in the day with your father whenever he caught unsavory criminals..."

"You will likely fall asleep given the fact the sleep spell has also been draining your energy."  Pandora added.  "However, I can take you inside your place of residence.  You will be up in time for school."

"Does altering memory take up that much energy?"  Kaito asked him.

"It is quite the complex spell.  He has known the truth about your father for eight years, many alterations will be required."  Pandora informed him.  "Is the arrangement suitable for all parties?"

"Probably not to Snake, but he doesn't get a say."  Kaito felt a satisfied grin come onto his face.  The man who murdered his father would be locked behind bars soon...he was sure of it.  It was the start of rooting out the Organization that had escaped justice for so long...it almost felt unreal to him.

Ten minutes later, Kaito was settled in the back of Jii-chan's car, watching as Pandora began the spell.  Pandora had been right, he could feel the exhaustion creep onto him, slowly dragging him under.  The last thing he could recall was Pandora telling Jii-chan he had finished the spell before it all faded away.

-

Setting his vessel down on his bed later that night, Pandora settled down next to him, thinking over the night’s events.  They had eliminated one threat, although the larger threat of the Organization still remained...however, it was a cause for celebration.  His vessel should be proud.

The only question that remained was if Snake would remain caught.

Chapter Text

Kaito woke up the next morning with a lingering tiredness and tears in his eyes.

Confused, he lifted a hand to his face, brushing them away.  He never cried.  Why was he -

Abruptly, the events of the previous night came flooding back, and Kaito gasped slightly, bolting upright.  Snake.  Snake had been caught, had he -

"Your assistant already messaged."  Pandora swirled into existence next to Kaito.  "Police took him into custody after your assistant accused him of threatening him with a gun before passing out drunk."

Kaito exhaled in relief, feeling almost dizzy from all the emotions coursing through him.

"Then he can't hurt anyone else -"

"Your father's murderer is 'behind bars' as you say."  Pandora confirmed.

Taking in another deep breath, Kaito turned his eyes towards his father's portrait.  His father's eyes stared back at him, and Kaito liked to think they were approving.

"Now I need to get rid of the Organization that ordered Snake to do it in the first place."  He stated, feeling determined.  Pandora nodded.

"They will be taken down.  But you are quite emotional right now.  I think it would be best if you took today to rest and recover."

"I have school, that's not an option with Hakuba and Akako around."  Kaito snorted.  "Maybe afterwards though...I could get a milkshake at Blue Parrot..."

"Excellent.  I shall make you breakfast while you get dressed."  Pandora stood up, black robes rustling slightly.

"What?"  Kaito blinked at him.

"You were drained of your energy and went through an emotionally taxing event last night."  Pandora frowned at him.  "Proper procedure afterwards is to take things slow and accept help from others.  Or, rather, that's what an old 'self-help' book in your house stated."

"When did you read that?"  Kaito's eyes narrowed.

"Last night.  While you were sleeping.  I know you like eggs, so I shall go prepare them."  Pandora nodded at him, slipping out of the room.

Kaito stared after him, eyes wide.  "Hey wait!  You can't just go through my stuff while I'm sleeping!  Pandora!"

Fifteen minutes later, Kaito was glaring at the plate of eggs in front of him.

"I hate the fact these taste good."

"I have existed for thousands upon thousands of years, one does tend to learn a few methods over time."  Pandora sat across from him, studying him.  "Will you be all right at school today?"

"Yeah, I've gone to school after worse -"  Kaito paused, unwelcome thoughts of Nightmare rising in his mind.  He tried to push them back down, but he could see Pandora's eyes narrow, an unreadable look in them.  "Besides, this is a good thing, not a bad thing."

"That is true."  Pandora continued to study him.

"What?"  Kaito frowned at him, taking another bite of eggs.

"You have no support."  Pandora noted.  "Except for your assistant, whom you are willing to lie about your wellbeing to.  It is a wonder you managed to stay alive as long as you did."

"I'm sorry, is there a point to this or are you just analyzing me for no reason."  Kaito growled in response.

"I would merely like you to consider accepting help more often."  Pandora folded his hands in his lap.

"Your help?"  Kaito raised an eyebrow at him.

"Preferably.  Perhaps try taking advantage of the resources your classmate has offered as well."

"Yeah, that's not happening.  And I do accept your help sometimes."  Kaito leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"Because you have no other choice."  Pandora added.

"I don't like you."  Kaito informed him, taking another bite of food.

"But do you like yourself?  The book stressed that liking yourself was an important step in the road of recovery."  Pandora leaned forward.

Kaito sputtered, nearly choking on his eggs.  "Go. Away!"

Pandora just sighed, shaking his head.  "We have many issues to work through, it seems..."

Kaito groaned, tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling.  He should have known a free breakfast from Pandora would come with strings attached.

-

As it turned out, Hakuba did not bother Kaito all that much at school.  That was because the teenage detective was seizing every free moment to check his phone, brow furrowed.  Occasionally he sent a troubled look in Kaito's direction, but that was it.

Well that's weird.

But not unwelcome?

I mean yeah, no complaints here...

Akako also seemed slightly subdued, but Kaito genuinely had no idea what that was about.  He wouldn't even pretend to know what went on in her life.

"Kaitooo!"

Kaito bit back a yelp, twisting in his seat to find Aoko standing next to his desk.

"Will you come over for supper tonight?"  Aoko asked him, clasping her hands together.  "I'm trying a new recipe, and I want to know what you and Dad think."

There's no magical emergency, right?

Not at the moment.  The magic is fairly stable.

Great!

"Yeah, I'm available."  Kaito told her, and Aoko beamed at him in return.

"I'll see you then!"

"Yeah...see you."  Kaito blinked slowly. 

What is she so excited about?

I believe she is simply happy, vessel...is that perhaps a foreign concept to you?

Oh don't you even start -

"Good morning class!"

With an inward sigh, Kaito resigned himself to another day at school.

-

Upon returning home, Kaito sped through his homework before glancing in the direction of the KID room.  "Am I able to practice today?"

"You have a desire to?"  Pandora appeared next to Kaito, raising an eyebrow.

"...Not like that, but it's something I need to learn."  Kaito crossed his arms.  "Given the fact we know some group is actively opposing us."

"Very well.  You can work more on your magic string."  Pandora turned and headed toward the portrait, disappearing into the KID room.

"You are getting far too comfortable in my house."  Kaito grumbled, following after him.

Once inside, Pandora placed an empty bottle on one of the shelves.  "Try to grab it using only the string."

Kaito took a deep breath, motioning.  A string of white glowing magic shot out of his hand - and slapped against the bottle, falling back to the ground.

"That is to be expected for a first attempt."  Pandora did not seem concerned.  "Your form is near perfection, but you must get used to the feeling of bending the magic to your will...much like you control a deck of cards."

"Like a deck of cards..."  Kaito mused, slowly moving his hands, shuffling an invisible deck.  "Then..."

With a snap of his wrist, the string lifted back up, this time wrapping around the bottle.  Pandora nodded in approval.

"Excellent.  Are you able to pull it off the shelf?"

Concentrating heavily, Kaito pulled his hand back.  The string moved with it, but became longer rather than pulling the bottle off.

"Focus on the size of the string, instruct it not to change."  Pandora instructed.

Kaito absently nodded, fixated on the bottle.  Moving his hand again, this time the string stayed the same length, sliding the bottle off of the shelf.

The bottle and string crashed to the ground, and Pandora grinned in satisfaction.

"Well done, vessel."

"Thanks, Pandy-chan."  Kaito replied.

"It will be time for supper soon."  Pandora added, glancing at a clock.  "Is there anything else you would like to do?  I think it would be unwise to drain your energy any further today."

Kaito slowly blinked.  "And...there's no heist to plan for?"

"Not at the moment."  Pandora shook his head.

"Then...I just have...free time?"  Kaito blinked again, looking around, feeling bewildered.  "What do I even do -"

"Hmm..."  Pandora raised a hand to his chin.  "Perhaps I have been working you too hard after all."  He mused.

-

"Oh good, you're here."  Aoko smiled at him as Kaito entered, glancing up from a pan on the stove.  "Could you help Aoko out and set the table?"

"Sure."  Kaito shrugged slightly, picking up a few plates from a shelf.

"How's homework going?"  Aoko asked as Kaito began to lay them out on the table.  "We have that big history test on Monday after all."

"I'm not having any problems with it - you?"  Kaito replied, placing down the napkins.

"Neither is Aoko!"  Aoko smiled, carrying a dish to the table.  "After the test was over, Aoko was hoping maybe we could do something with Akako-chan and Hakuba-kun again."

"Ah...maybe."  Kaito swallowed.  "I'm not sure if they -"

"We had so much fun last time."  Aoko went on, not seeming to hear him.  "Aoko thinks we all really bonded!"

Well...it gave them an extra opportunity to hound me I guess.

"It wasn't the worst experience I've had."  Kaito offered, feeling the need to say something in reply.

Worst experience being dying...

Which time?

What?

There was the time you were shot and there was the time you were stabbed.

Wait, the sword actually killed me?

Of course, it went right through your heart.  You merely could not stay dead because of my power.

You choose now to mention this?

Would there have been a more suitable time?

I don't know, do you -

"Kaito?"

Kaito blinked, abruptly realizing Aoko was waving a hand in front of his face.

"Ah...sorry, just thinking about school."  Kaito sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.  "You were saying?"

Aoko frowned slightly.  "Aoko was saying that -"

At that moment, the door banged open.  Aoko broke off, turning alongside Kaito to stare as Nakamori dragged himself in, dropping onto one of the dining table chairs as quickly as he could.  Looking exhausted, he dropped his head into his hands.

Kaito and Aoko looked at each other, then back at Nakamori.

"Rough day, Dad?"  Aoko ventured at last, voice quiet.

"An old man called the police."  Nakamori slowly raised his head.  "He said he had been threatened with a gun by a drunk guy.  The guy was passed out, but had a gun on him, so he was taken into custody.  When he woke up, he started ranting that he had killed Kaitou KID."

Snake.

Taking in a deep breath, Kaito willed his expression to reveal nothing.

"Was he the sniper that shot KID out of the sky?"  Aoko moved closer.

"He claims to be, and given that he's sober now, he's either mentally disturbed or he seriously did."  Nakamori frowned.  "Once he realized he was in police custody, he suddenly went dead silent.  Has refused to say a word nearly all day."

"So you caught the man who attacked that KID dummy!"  Kaito clapped his hands together.  "That's great news!"

"It is, but...it feels like something isn't adding up."  Nakamori frowned, eyes clouded.

"Like what?"  Kaito replied, keeping his tone flippant.

"I don't know."  Nakamori sounded frustrated.  "And the higher ups don't care...they just want the situation wrapped up as quickly as possible."

"Maybe they have the right idea."  Kaito pressed.  "A guy like that shouldn't be on the loose anyways."

Nakamori heaved a sigh, tilting his head back to stare up at the ceiling.  "All I wanted to do was arrest KID."  He muttered, sounding dead inside.  "When did it all get so complicated?"

"I don't think it is."  Kaito sat down across from Nakamori, looking him in the eyes.  "Your job is to arrest KID, right?  Focus on that, and you can ask him yourself."

"I know."  Nakamori's tone turned frustrated, slamming a hand against the table.  "But the bastard gets away every time!"

And he will continue to.

"Eat some supper, Dad."  Aoko pushed a plate towards her father, voice gentle.  "Aoko tried a new recipe!"

"Ah...thanks Aoko."  Nakamori muttered, shoveling some food onto his plate.

Kaito swallowed, suddenly not feeling hungry anymore.  He had thought holding heists so often would keep Nakamori distracted...instead it seemed to be making him more determined than ever.

He needed a chance of pace, but...what could that be?

-

Saguru's Thursday started with the news that a man had been brought into the police station claiming he had killed KID.

The news kept him distracted all throughout school, contacting every person he knew in the police force for information.  They hadn't gotten anything else out of the man, but they were confident the man had at least played a role in the night KID was shot.

Kuroba, however, seemed normal as ever.  He spaced out a few times, but that had become normal behavior from him over the past few weeks.

Saguru paused, thinking that over as he put his schoolbag away.  KID had gotten shot and fallen from a great distance...even though Kuroba had somehow survived, could he have some leftover brain damage?  Saguru dearly hoped that wasn't the case.

There was also the bewildering experience at Tropical Land.  Saguru had asked a few employees while Aoko and Akako had gone on some rides, and none of them knew anything about a 'secret raffle' or 'behind the scenes tour'.  But the fact remained Kuroba had seemingly willingly gone with the employee.  The puppy didn't make sense either, the chances that 'Bella' had simply jumped out of the bag in front of a person that simply happened to know who she belonged to were astronomically low. 

All of the evidence pointed to a setup.  But what would cause Kuroba and some stranger to feel the need to set something like that up?  Unless it wasn't Kuroba's choice, but then why was he going along with it?

And then KID had sent out a heist notice that got withdrawn after the target was frozen in place by ice that mysteriously appeared and disappeared, all within the span of a couple of days.

Finally, KID held a relatively normal heist, although the target was still unrelated to jewels.  He hadn't opened up to Saguru, but once again pressed the point he wouldn't die - which Saguru had his doubts about.

Except then, the man who supposedly shot KID down, who had been impossible to find, was suddenly brought into police custody for a completely unrelated incident.

Unless it wasn't unrelated.  KID could disguise as anyone, after all.  Did he run into his attempted murderer, knock him out, and turn him in?  The man seemed to have no memory of what happened, but police assumed it was because he was so heavily drunk at the time.

But there was no evidence one way or another, and the man was determined to keep silent now.  All Saguru could do was wait.

With a sigh, Saguru glanced over his homework.  It might keep him occupied for half an hour at least -

The doorbell rang.

Saguru blinked, wondering who could be at his house.  None of his classmates visited, and Aoko would ask before coming -

Abandoning his homework, Saguru headed to the front door, glancing out the window.

Hattori and Conan stood in front of it, looking around.  Feeling surprised and confused, Saguru opened the door.

"Can I help you?"

"We need ta talk."  Hattori crossed his arms.  "After last night, we decided we couldn't keep squabbling over KID heists."

Saguru bit back a very immature reply of 'you started it' and instead opened the door all the way.  "Come in."

After they were seated in the living room, Saguru opted to wait for Hattori to speak.  He considered offering them drinks, but given the tense atmosphere, he doubted they would be welcome.

"So."  Hattori began.  "We all know KID isn't being honest about what happened.  Instead he seems ta be trying ta cover it up."

"That's right."  Saguru nodded. 

"And all three of us want answers."  Hattori went on, and Saguru nodded again.  "So us all arguin' amongst ourselves is only going ta make it easier fer him ta avoid givin' them."

"I don't disagree with that."  Saguru folded his hands in his lap.  "However, I could not trust you would not deliberately knock me out again."

Hattori glanced at Conan, who nodded.

"Do ya know about Kudou Shinichi?"  Hattori asked him and Saguru narrowed his eyes.

"The teenage detective who has barely been seen in six months?"

"Right, him.  The thing is, it's more like he's...in hiding."  Hattori grimaced slightly.  "He got involved in a case that could endanger everyone he knew if he was found out."

Saguru turned over that information in his mind for a moment before his eyes widened in realization.

"You were concerned that KID got tangled up in that case too."

"Right."  Hattori said again.  "At the time, we didn't know if we could trust ya...but we're tellin' ya this as a sign of good faith."

A sign of good faith.  Hadn't Saguru used those words at KID only last night?  Perhaps this would be worth listening to.

"But you've confirmed the cases are unrelated?"  He asked.  Hattori nodded.

"As far as we can tell at the moment, they are."

"You keep using 'we'."  Saguru pointed out, shifting his gaze to look at Conan.  "You're involved too?"  He asked directly to Conan.

"He's a relative of Kudou's, so he's -"  Hattori started.

"I asked Conan-kun, not you."  Saguru interrupted.  "I don't know the full story, but I can tell you're much smarter than you let on.  Did Kudou-san send you to watch over his loved ones in his place?"

Conan shifted uncomfortably for a moment before taking a deep breath.  "Yeah.  Shinichi-niichan thought it would be easier for me to get closer to them than anyone else.  How did you -"

"You remind me of myself at your age."  Saguru explained.  "You don't need to hide your intelligence around me...I won't tell anyone who you're not comfortable with them knowing."

Conan's eyes widened slightly.  "Really?"

"I have recently come to understand the importance of some things remaining secret."  Such as KID's identity, given the fact he's being targeted.  "Speaking of which, I assume I tell no one about Kudou-san's situation?"

"That's right."  Hattori crossed his arms, studying Saguru intensely.  "So.  Can we work -"  He broke off for a moment, glowering.  Conan kicked him in the shin, and Hattori glared down at the floor.  "Together."  He finished, grumbling out the last word.

Saguru paused, debating what to do.  He had told KID he wouldn't arrest him...a promise which he intended to keep.  But working with the other two detectives might give KID the wrong idea.  Not to mention he certainly wasn't going to entrust them with KID's true identity.  However, they couldn't keep fighting like this either, and Conan and Hattori could have some valuable insight.  He would just have to be careful.

"I will assist in trying to piece together what happened that night and confronting KID."  Saguru said at last.  "I will not, however, help you catch him.  If I believe you plan to use me to do so, I will withdraw my help."

Hattori and Conan looked at each other, seeming to communicate using only their expressions.  At last, Hattori nodded.

"Fair.  Now we need a way ta talk ta him again -"

"I can help with that."  Conan piped up.  "Ran-neechan has been talking to Sonoko-neechan.  Her uncle, old man Suzuki is planning to challenge KID again - he managed to secure another jewel."

"KID's always accepted challenges in the past, so if he turns it down this time we'll know something has changed."  Saguru mused.  "When is he sending out the challenge?"

Conan smirked slightly.  "That would be -"

-

WHAT?!

Vessel, I sense something has disturbed you.  Pandora murmured dryly. 

Kaito did not respond, already frantically scrolling through the article.  He had just gotten back from school, and had been looking forward to having his Friday afternoon free.  Absentmindedly checking the news, he hadn't expected to see a challenge from Jirokichi Suzuki of all things.

Seeming to realize something was truly off, Pandora swirled into existence next to Kaito, studying the article.

"Ah."  He said, voice unreadable.

"This Sunday."  Kaito sputtered in disbelief.  "He wants me to steal it this Sunday?"

"You do not have to go."  Pandora pointed out.

Kaito scowled, clicking on a different article.  "Of course I do, KID always answers challenges - that part isn't changing.  Apparently he found some big diamond."

Pandora looked at the picture of the jewel, raising an eyebrow.  "I see."

"Does it do anything at least?"  Kaito groaned, turning to look at him pleadingly.

Pandora shook his head.  "I am afraid not.  It is not magical in the slightest."

"Oh come on!  Does it at least glow in the dark?"  Kaito tried.

"It is a very big diamond."  Pandora replied.

Kaito slumped in his chair with another groan.  "Of course.  All the magical items that need to be sealed, and he finds the one thing that isn't magical in the slightest!"

"There there."  Pandora said consolingly, patting Kaito's arm.  "I have plenty of items for you to seal after you finish the challenge."

"That wasn't the part I was complaining about!"  Kaito snapped at him, but felt too tired to put real heat into his words.  "I'm going to Blue Parrot."  He added, standing up.

"Very well."  Pandora disappeared, and Kaito trudged out of his door with a sigh.

-

Jii-chan must have already heard the news, because he already had a milkshake waiting when Kaito walked in the door.

"Are you accepting it, Botchama?"  He asked as Kaito plopped on one of the barstools and sipped it thankfully.

"I have to, KID's never lost a challenge to him yet, and if I don't take it, everyone's going to wonder why.  The media's only barely stopped talking about the shift away from jewels, I don't need to give them anything else."  Kaito sighed.

Jii-chan nodded, looking grave.  "Is it a jewel that needs sealing?"

"It is not."  Pandora swirled into existence, sitting on the stool next to Kaito.  "It is a completely ordinary diamond."

"Completely worthless."  Kaito muttered sullenly, taking another sip of his milkshake.  "Waste of time -"

Jii-chan blinked at him.  "Botchama, it's worth millions of -"

"Don't care, it's not magical, it has no use to me."  Kaito tilted his head back to stare up at the ceiling with a groan.

"If you simply wanted jewels, I could teach you how to make them, or simply use the Shapeshifting Sands on one of them."  Pandora added.

Jii-chan sighed, rubbing his forehead.  "For the sake of my sanity, I will not press this further."

-

And so, Friday night was spent with Kaito going over his equipment and plotting how to collect intel on Suzuki's plans.  Pandora made no comments about simply not accepting the challenge, instead assisting with preparation as much as possible.

And as Kaito went to sleep that night, Pandora ensured that his dreams would be as pleasant as possible.  Given everything that his vessel would have to deal with over the weekend, at least nightmares would not be one of them.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Kaito awoke to discover Pandora had already made him breakfast.  Gratefully eating it, Kaito watched as Pandora read a different self-help book - Kaito hadn't even realized he owned any, had his mother purchased them at some point - and nodded to himself as if he were figuring some things out.

Kaito didn't dare ask, wary of the idea of Pandora analyzing him again.  Pandora was much better at understanding Kaito's inner thought process than Kaito would like.

After eating, Kaito picked up the bag he had prepped the night before and headed in the direction of the building Suzuki was renting.  From what he could tell, Suzuki was showing off his security measures to the taskforce today and he wanted to sneak in as one to learn his plans.

The taskforce was already bustling around by the time Kaito arrived, so it wasn't difficult at all to slip in.  Glancing around, Kaito discovered his three detectives had shown up as well, along with the Mouris and Sonoko.  At least Sonoko's boyfriend wasn't there - memories of Singapore briefly flashed in Kaito's head and he internally shuddered.

No one will lay a hand on you if you so wish it.  Pandora spoke up, sounding oddly protective.  Kaito slowly blinked.

I thought we were only working together to keep the universe from imploding?

You are my vessel, and my only other priority.  Whatever you wish for, I will do everything in my power to give to you.

...What?

Is the concept of having someone looking out for you so foreign to you, vessel?

Ok, no, this is not the time or place to have this discussion.  Table it for later?

Very well.

Suzuki hadn't shown up just yet, so Kaito took the opportunity to glance around the room.  A large metal cage surrounded the jewel, bars big enough to slip a hand into, but not take back out while holding the jewel.

There was also something strange above the doors.  Kaito turned to look at them, wondering what it was...and were those cameras in the corner?

"There you are!"

Kaito shifted his attention to Nakamori, to find him glaring at Suzuki.

"What is the meaning of this?  You can't possibly believe a mere cage is going to keep KID away!"

"Of course not, Nakamori-keibu."  Suzuki grinned, teeth sharp.  "It's no ordinary cage, after all."

"It's not?"  Nakamori cast a wary glance back at it, studying it as if he could see something different about it.

The three detectives (who had all been whispering amongst themselves, that was never a good sign) stopped talking, listening intently.

"When the switch in the other room is flipped…"  Suzuki continued to grin.  "The cage carries electric currents - not strong enough to seriously injure, but enough to knock him out.  It will only activate once the jewel has been lifted up.  So when KID attempts to grab the jewel from behind the bars, the electric shock will be triggered and he'll be knocked out!  Then he'll be the one behind bars!"  Triumphant laughter followed this statement, and Kaito felt Pandora stiffen in the back of his mind.

It's fine, Pandy-chan.

He is plotting to hurt you.

Not seriously, he just wants to knock me out.  It's no worse than what I do to others at my heists.

Others are not my concern.

Pandora.  It's fine.  Really.

Hm...

"But what if KID manages to get it out without touching the bars?"  Conan piped up, and Suzuki turned his wide grin on him.

"Then I can push this button on the remote I keep with me and nets will fall in front of the door!  He'll be trapped like a rat!"

A rat may not be such a bad idea for Suzuki himself -

Down, Pandora.

Only because you wish it.

"And to ensure everyone sees my victory -"  Suzuki pointed to one of the corners of the ceiling.  "Cameras will be recording everything and saving it to a cloud!  The footage will be released to the public after KID's arrest!"

The detectives exchanged glances.  Hakuba seemed oddly tense, casting a troubled glance back at the cage.

Huh.  Come to think of it, Hakuba had never come to one of Suzuki's challenges before.  What had changed?

"So how are we supposed to lure KID in?"  Nakamori crossed his arms.

"By being in the room ourselves."  Suzuki continued to grin.  "He's arrogant, and he always loves to put on a show.  We'll use that against him and make him think we're his helpless audience when in reality we're the ones in control the whole time!"

More triumphant laughter followed this explanation, and Kaito discovered Hakuba's brow had creased, and he was looking at Suzuki then back at the cage.

What was -

He believes your arrest will put you in danger, in case you recall.

I told him I wouldn't be caught...honestly, why is he so stubborn?!

I have asked myself that about you many times, vessel...

Oh hush.

"Has KID stated he was coming?"  Hakuba suddenly asked.  Suzuki's grin faded slightly.

"Not yet...but he will, the arrogant thief can't resist a challenge!"  He declared boldly.

Hm.

HUSH.

"Remember our deal."  Nakamori side-eyed Suzuki.  "You can't announce news about his arrest until the police have a chance to question him and ensure he won't be targeted again."

Out of the corner of his eye, Kaito saw Hakuba relax slightly.

"I haven't forgotten."  Suzuki said sharply.  "And if his life really is in danger, we'll deal with it then."

Oh come on, not even Suzuki believes the dummy story?

You may have to accept the fact they know you were targeted.

Great.

"It seems like a solid plan ta me."  Hattori glanced around the room.  "Now we wait for KID's reply."

Then perhaps it's time I gave it to you...just need to slip out of here unnoticed.

Mumbling an excuse about using the toilet to a nearby taskforce officer, Kaito discreetly slipped out of the room, no one seeming to notice - save for Hakuba, who glanced at him, but pressed his lips together and turned away, engaging the other two detectives in conversation.

Huh.

-

 Back at Blue Parrot, Kaito heaved a sigh as he finished explaining things to Jii-chan.

"And that's the situation."  He said, taking a sip of the juice Jii-chan had offered.  "I've got until tomorrow afternoon to figure out how to get around it all."

"That's not much time."  Jii-chan murmured, looking thoughtful.  "Does Pandora want anything to drink?"  He added, giving Kaito an inquisitive glance.

Pandora swirled into existence beside Kaito, already nodding.  "You are quite skilled at making tea."  He stated.

Jii-chan chuckled slightly, moving over to brew a cup of tea.  "I worked undercover in a tea shop for a couple of years.  One picks up a few tricks over time."

"You did?  Why?"  Kaito sat up straighter.

Jii-chan raised an eyebrow at him.  "That's a story for later, Botchama...shouldn't you be focusing on heist plans?"

"Yeah..."  Kaito groaned, setting down his glass of juice with more force than necessary.  "It's just such a waste of time this go around -"

Jii-chan gave a sympathetic nod.  "So are you going to try to get the power turned off the cage before the heist starts?"

"Maybe."  Kaito absently tapped his glass.  "They'd probably anticipate a move like that though, even though they think I don't know about the electricity.  And all it would take is someone turning it back on without my realizing it for everything to go south."

"There isn't really anything you could wear that could protect you against the currents either."  Jii-chan said thoughtfully.  "Even if you could manage to grab the jewel without activating the cage, there are still the nets to worry about."

"And the only way to deactivate those are to steal the remote Suzuki has...I might be able to do that at least."  Kaito sat up a bit straighter.  "I could replace it with a dummy remote.  But that still doesn't answer the question of how to get around the cage...or rather how to get the jewel out."

Pandora cleared his throat.  Kaito blinked, turning to look at him.

"What?"

"Have you forgotten -"  Pandora pointed out.  "That your new version of KID uses real magic?  You have become quite skilled at the summoning spell I taught you."

Kaito paused, mentally turning it over in his head.  "I wouldn't have to enter the room at all then...just stand in the doorway.  And it's still similar enough to my old tricks that no one would suspect it was real magic -"  He broke off, turning to look at Jii-chan.  "What do you think?"

"I think that you should use whatever method makes it easiest to steal the gem, Botchama."  Jii-chan told him gently.  "You have far too important a mission than to risk getting caught."

"It would make the heist very quick."  Pandora added.  "You could merely show up and summon the jewel into your hand.  Then you could leave before they even realize what happened.  Given that we have many more items to find, the sooner you can complete the challenge, the better."

"Your heart does not seem to be in this one, Botchama."  Jii-chan stated, refilling Kaito's glass of juice.  "Perhaps making this one quicker would be best."

Kaito took the glass back once Jii-chan had finished refilling it, sipping more juice to buy himself time as he thought it over.  He did have other things he wanted to be able to do over the weekend...and he still had that big history test on Monday, which he couldn't afford to bomb, or Aoko would endlessly nag him about it.

Would a smaller show be so bad just this once?  Besides, there would still be some worthy entertainment...Kaito's lips curled up into a smirk as an idea occurred to him.

Yes, that would be the perfect exit indeed.  It would drive his dear taskforce and detectives insane.  And Suzuki...Suzuki would be livid.

"Shall we work on perfecting the spell, vessel?"  Pandora gave him a smile that was all teeth.

Kaito grinned back.  "Sure thing, Pandy-chan."

"You can use whatever you'd like in here."  Jii-chan told them, looking rather pleased himself at the arrangement of plans.

Kaito supposed that would check out.  Jii-chan still got his own thrill from watching successful plans play out.  Maybe he could hack into Suzuki's camera footage and retrieve it for Jii-chan to view.  He would probably get a few laughs out of it.

Sliding off the barstool, Kaito raised a hand, his glass of juice flying into it, not spilling a drop.  "Let's get started then."

-

Saguru watched Suzuki Sonoko eagerly fantasize about KID's arrival to Mouri Ran as he thought over what he had learned.

Suzuki was intending to capture KID, but the police were aware enough of the fact KID might be in danger that they wouldn't immediately make the arrest public.

Although Saguru doubted KID would actually get arrested in the first place.  He couldn't speak with absolute certainty, but he hadn't seen the taskforce officer that slipped out earlier return to the room.  Meaning KID had likely already snuck in and out, learning all about the current security measures.

In the past, Saguru would have spoken up that he believed they had been compromised, that the plans should be reworked.  Now, however...no matter how Saguru looked at it, he doubted the police would be able to adequately protect KID from threats against his life.  Not if they hadn't even realized KID himself had recently been among them.

"This won't get us much opportunity ta talk ta him personally."  Hattori furrowed his brow, glancing around the room.  "And Suzuki's insisting everyone has ta be in the room - so all we can do is try ta catch him as he's escaping."

"I suppose that means you don't think any of Suzuki-san's traps will work."  Saguru raised an eyebrow at him.

"Only if getting shot out of the sky knocked KID's IQ down a few numbers."  Conan snorted, looking completely unimpressed with the layout.

Saguru blinked, coming to the realization Conan could actually be quite snide when he felt like it.  Perhaps that was a way to help him keep his sanity, since everyone around him constantly underestimated him.

"A fall from such heights truly could permanently injure him."  Saguru pointed out, voicing a thought that had been plaguing him for a while now.

Immediately, Conan's expression sobered, looking much more grim than before.

"I kept telling myself there was no way he'd let himself be killed that easily."  He said softly.  "And when the news came out he was still alive, all I could think about was who had done it to him."

Saguru swallowed, suddenly realizing how different it must have been for the other two detectives.  Saguru knew who KID was behind the monocle, had seen him merely two days after the incident.  For everyone else...it had been almost a week of silence, not knowing whether KID was dead or alive, only able to consult news reports which simply aired the same news over and over again.

"Conan-kun."  Saguru said slowly.  "Do you genuinely want to arrest KID?"

Conan swallowed, hands curling in fists.  "I want to know what happened.  I want to know why and how he covered it all up for so damn long."

It was a little disconcerting to see a seven-year-old swear, but Saguru refrained from commenting.  Conan was clearly stressed and wanting explanations, a feeling which Saguru currently understood quite well.

"We'll figure it out."  Hattori said firmly.  "Not even KID can keep the truth hidden from three detectives fer long."

And yet, KID had.  That was what bothered Saguru the most about all of this.  KID being targeted wasn't new; their realization of KID being targeted was.  Meaning that KID had kept the truth hidden from everyone from the very moment he returned to the public eye. 

And if KID was that determined to keep it all hidden...Saguru was at a loss for how to pry it out of him.

"Nakamori-keibu!"

The yell of a taskforce officer broke Saguru out his thoughts, looking over to see the officer waving around a small piece of paper.

"It's from KID!  He's accepted the challenge!"

"He took the bait!"  Suzuki raised a fist in triumph.  "Now all that's left is to watch him fall for my trap!"

While Sonoko squealed in excitement, Saguru exchanged glances with the other two detectives.  Conan looked like he was about to say something, but at that moment Ran broke away from Sonoko, heading over in their direction.

"We'll need to leave to get supper soon."  She told them apologetically.  "Hakuba-kun, would you like to join us?"

"I'm all right, thank you."  Saguru smiled politely at her.  "Is your father assisting the taskforce?"

Ran cast a glance back at her father with a troubled expression.  "I think he knows the only reason he was called in was because Suzuki-san wanted the 'KID Killer' present..."

Ah, so his pride had been injured.  Saguru nodded in understanding, blinking slightly as he noticed Conan stiffen at the name. 

"Well don't let me keep you any longer."  He said, keeping the polite smile on his face.  "I have other plans to attend to today as well."

"It was nice to see you again!"  Ran smiled back at him as Conan hurried to her side.

Saguru felt his smile become more genuine.  Ran was truly a sweet girl...perhaps she would get along with Aoko?

"Likewise."  He replied, watching as Hattori narrowed his eyes at him before walking over to join Conan.  That's right, Hattori was staying with the Mouris over the weekend.

Ran waved at him cheerfully before walking back over to her father, likely to wrangle them all back home for supper.  Saguru had to admire her responsibility.

Suzuki was still triumphantly waving the card in the air excitedly.  Saguru debated if he should try to read it, before deciding that the contents of the reply would likely be leaked to the press regardless.  Excusing himself, Saguru headed home, mentally preparing himself for the events of the next day.  From what he had heard, Suzuki's challenges could become quite chaotic.

-

"They're probably expecting me to slip in with the taskforce."  Kaito noted, watching the room's footage on his burner phone thanks to hacking into Suzuki's cameras.

Pandora raised an eyebrow upon seeing Nakamori seize the cheek of a random taskforce officer and stretch it out.

"That looks quite painful."

"It is."  Kaito absently rubbed his cheek, remembering instances when he had gotten tested for a mask.  "And of course once I realized the weakness, I tried to make the masks stick better...the tradeoff was that they were a nightmare to take off."

"There is a fairly simple glamour spell you could learn instead."  Pandora turned slightly to look at him.  "Or perhaps a spell that could magically keep the mask attached to your face until you wished to take it off."

"I might have to take that into consideration..."  Kaito's eyes widened as he watched Nakamori repeat the motion on another officer.  "I didn't think faces could stretch that far -"

Even Pandora looked mildly disturbed.  "We are to avoid this outcome of events at all costs."

Kaito internally shuddered.  "Agreed."

Checking the time on his phone, Kaito reached into his pocket to check for the sleeping gas canister he had tucked in it.  He and Pandora had been stationed on the rooftop next to the building Suzuki was holding the jewel in, reviewing the footage before Kaito headed in.

"A taskforce officer should be heading towards the bathroom soon.  Would the spell to keep the mask stuck on my face take much energy to use?"

"It should not."  Pandora shook his head.  "I am capable of modifying it so the mask will stretch, but your actual face will not.  Giving the illusion of your cheek being pulled without the resulting pain."

"Huh."  Kaito gave Pandora an appraising glance.  "At least one good thing came out of becoming your host."

"Host."  Pandora repeated, looking miffed.  "You are my vessel, not my host."

"Of course, Pandy-chan."  Kaito said, meaning the exact opposite.  Pandora narrowed his eyes at him.  "All right, I'm going in now."  Kaito added.  "You can disappear."

"That I will, vessel."  Pandora told him, swirling out of existence.

-

Ten minutes later, and the poor taskforce officer that came in to use the restroom was passed out on the toilet seat, Kaito patting on a mask of the officer's face.

Do you need the construct to cast the spell?

Either that or you let me control your hands.

He's not awake, it should be fine.

Very well.

Pandora appeared in front of Kaito, and pressed his hands against the mask.  Kaito bit back a surprised yelp at the sudden close contact, remaining still as Pandora pulled on the mask to test it.

For once, the inevitable pain didn't come, and Kaito nearly sighed in relief.  Finally, his days of cheek pulling were over.  He almost felt bad for the rest of the taskforce, they would still have to endure it.

"Are you ready?"  Pandora murmured to him.

"I got this."  Kaito said confidently, and headed out of the stall, Pandora disappearing behind him.  Glancing at himself in the bathroom mirror, Kaito let himself slip into KID's mindset, walking out of the bathroom with fresh determination in his steps.

-

The room was busy as ever when KID arrived.  Having noticed KID enter, Nakamori eagerly seized his cheek, only to deflate in disappointment when no mask came off.

"You're clear."  He said gruffly, waving a hand.  KID saluted in response, marching past him and bumping into Suzuki on the way.

"I'm very sorry."  He apologized at once, deftly swapping out Suzuki's remote with his own dummy remote.  "I wasn't looking where I was going -"

"Don't worry about it."  Suzuki waved him off, eyes gleaming as he looked at the cage.  "He'll be here any moment!"

KID's announced time was in a few minutes after all - KID spared a glance at his detectives, once again finding them clumped together.  He frowned slightly.  Had they all formed a club or something?

"Three minutes!"  Nakamori barked, looking down at his watch.

KID began to discreetly make his way towards the door.

"Two minutes!"

He was almost outside the doorway now.

"One minute!"

"Stand your ground!"  Suzuki added.

Everyone in the room was on alert now.  KID readied his smoke bombs in his hands.

"Five!"

"Four!"

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

KID dropped the smoke bombs, filling the doorway with smoke.  While still hidden under the cover of it, he swapped out his taskforce uniform with his white suit, letting his signature grin come over his face, standing just outside the doorway.

"Kaitou KID!"  Suzuki yelled the moment the smoke cleared and they could all see him.  "You're not getting the jewel this time!"

"With all of us standing here, there's no way you could just walk in and take it!"  Nakamori added with a victorious grin.

"KID-sama!"  Suzuki Sonoko was practically shaking with excitement.  Beside her, Mouri Ran smiled nervously and shook her head slightly.

Tilting his head, KID took in the expressions of everyone in the room.

"Then I won't come to the jewel."  He stated, watching as the expressions on the occupants of the room turned from gleeful to shocked.  "The jewel will come to me."  KID finished, slowly raising his hand, mentally focusing on the summoning spell.

Several taskforce officers cried out as the jewel rose from its pedestal in the cage - the cage's electric shock triggering, but doing nothing - and flew, almost faster than they could track, straight into KID's waiting hand.

"You dirty thief!!"  Suzuki snapped, looking both bewildered and furious at the same time.  "How did you -"

"I thank you for the jewel."  KID cut in, seeing the taskforce readying to charge.  "And please don't think I have no admiration for your traps ~"  As he spoke, he pulled the remote out with his other hand.

Suzuki sputtered, frantically searching around his pockets, pulling out his own remote - only to find the button on it had the KID doodle drawn on it.

"You bastard!"  Nakamori pointed a finger at him.  "Get him!"

KID widened his smirk, pressing the button, the net dropping down in front of the door before the taskforce could reach it.

"Well then, ladies and gentlemen."  He announced, holding up the diamond.  "As you can see, the jewel is now mine.  Have a pleasant night ~"

"Wait, KID!  Don't -"  Hattori started to call, but KID dropped more smoke bombs, disappearing from sight.

-

The room descended into silence for a moment as the smoke cleared and KID was nowhere to be found.  Saguru glanced around, finding most people bore expressions of shock, rage, and confusion.

Suzuki was staring at the netted doorway, clutching the fake remote tightly in his hand, practically vibrating from fury.

"That arrogant bastard!"  He hissed at last.  "Does he think he's too good for me now or something?!  He didn't even step foot into this room!  He's only got half the fame he does because of my challenges!"

There...was actually a point worthy of noting in what Suzuki had just said.  KID hadn't seemed nearly as into it as he had in the past, and looking around the room again, Saguru could see many others had noticed it as well.  KID's grin had been more...empty than usual.

Conan and Hattori looked immensely frustrated, and Saguru could understand why.  This meant they had no hope of confronting KID this time.  How had KID gotten the jewel to act like that?  Saguru hadn't detected any interference with the setup of the cage, and the cage had been turned on almost constantly...even the slightest touch would have activated it.

With a sigh, Saguru studied the doorway.  Now to figure out a way out of this room...

-

Kaito grinned to himself as he left the scene of his heist, jewel and remote left behind along with a note stating he had returned them.  Admittedly, that had been quite satisfying.  He had given Jii-chan another phone tapped into the camera footage as well, so he could watch the heist in real time.  Jii-chan had already messaged him with a congratulations.

Your summoning spell was flawless, vessel.

With all the practice I put in it, it should be, Pandy-chan.

You did quite well.  You should be proud.

...Maybe I am.

Being proud of your accomplishments is one of the things the book said was crucial in the process of recovery -

Ok, no, no, not doing this.

Regardless.  You are well on your way towards mastering magic. In mere days it will be a month since you became my vessel...you have advanced quite far in that time.

It's only been a month?

Quite so.

How...

Well, a month is exactly -

That was a rhetorical question.  I assume this means we'll be going back to targeting magical items?

Correct.  I have already located a few I believe should be our next priority.

All right...and I'll need to be prepared for more encounters with that strange group.

You will be.  You are quite resourceful.

Is the compliment thing something else you learned from that self-help book?

...Perhaps.

You need to give that a rest.

Strong words from someone who does not get an adequate amount of rest themself.

Because you are constantly sending me off to go seal more objects!  Kaito inwardly sputtered.

Whenever you would like a break, I will be perfectly willing to go seal the object myself.

I hate you.

So noted.

Kaito sighed in exasperation, rubbing his forehead.

I get tonight off though.  I need to study.

Of course.  Perhaps we can watch more of that show about the teenager who can read minds?

You...actually want to see more?

I find it entertaining to see the human's portrayal of magical abilities.

I'm sure that's the only reason.

What other reason would there be?

You're invested in the plot.

I am not.

You are.

I am not.

Yes you are.

I truly am not.

Kaito smirked as he neared his house, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.

Imagine one of the 'most powerful magical essences in existence' getting hooked on a random show online.

I have told you many times, I am not.

"Of course, of course."  Kaito said out loud, smile growing bigger.  "Which is why -"

And abruptly, the weight on his shoulders slammed back down as Kaito realized the lights in his house were on.

That's not your doing, is it?

It is not.  Proceed with caution.

Tensing, Kaito slowly walked up to his front door, scanning the area for intruders.  Finding nothing, he slowly opened the door and glanced around warily.

Sounds came from his kitchen.  Steeling himself, Kaito headed towards them, peeking around the corner, to find -

"Mom?!"

Kuroba Chikage turned away from the stove to face her son, a cheerful smile on her face.

"Welcome home Kaito!"  She exclaimed, before her eyes narrowed and her smile turned much sharper.  "We have so much to catch up on."

Chapter Text

"Mom!"  Kaito tried again, this time attempting to put cheer into his voice.  "You're home!"

"Well, it had been so long since you had contacted me."  Chikage's smile remained sharp.  "I thought I would see what was keeping you so busy - especially with all the news reports about you lately."

Kaito didn't let his own smile falter.  "No one seemed to realize it was a dummy."  He said, slowly moving more into the kitchen.  "Typical law enforcement, they don't -"

"You don't honestly think the dummy story will work on me, do you Kaito?"  Chikage's voice was pleasant.  "I was married to your father for many years, I saw plenty of his dummies up close...you were bleeding in the video."

"All right, you caught me."  Kaito raised his hands in surrender.  "I used some of your fake blood packets to make the Organization think they got me -"

"Kaito."  Chikage's voice suddenly sounded far less friendly.  "What really happened?  What made you start targeting things that aren't jewels?"

Not this again...

Vessel -

It's fine, I can handle it.

"I'm not being blackmailed, before you go there."  Kaito shook his head.  "I just...think Pandora could be in something other than a jewel."

Vessel, this is not going to work.

I mean, there's a chance she'll let it go...

"What made you think that?"  Chikage gave him a hard stare.

"Jewels aren't the only items that can be magical, so if -"

Chikage sighed, reaching over and flicking off the stove.  "Where is it, Kaito?"

It...

Again, what else do you expect -

"Where is what?"

"Pandora."  Chikage crossed her arms.  "I know you found it.  I would have been here sooner, but some things came up on my end, and I thought you would have told me sooner."

It -

People think of you as a thing -

They are gravely mistaken.

I don't -

"You're spacing out."  Chikage moved closer, lips turning downwards into a frown.  "Kaito, did you injure your head -"

"I'm fine."  Kaito waved a hand.  "And as for Pandora, I don't know where -"

"This isn't going to work, Kaito."  Chikage pressed her lips together.  "Why aren't you telling me what happened?"

You've been gone for months, why do you care?

Would you like me to clear things up?

No!

I can be quite efficient.

That's exactly why my answer is no.

"Nothing happened."  Kaito tried, moving away from her.  "That's why I didn't -"

"Kaito."  Chikage's voice was grim.  "Don't force my hand."

Kaito swallowed, resisting the urge to reach for a deck of cards.  "Why do you want to know so much?"

"You were shot out of the sky."  Chikage's hands clenched.  "After what happened to your father, why would I not want to know?"

Kaito's mouth opened and closed, unsure of what to say.  His mother hadn't even bothered to come home in months if not over a year except for the Corbeau heist, and yet here she was insisting she cared?  What was -

In the back of his mind, Pandora sighed.

Even this, too, is a complicated relationship.  He murmured.  I would not say she does not care for you at all...however, her ways of showing it are vastly problematic.

Last I checked, you were not a family counselor.

No, although I did possess a counselor once...

That’s not even remotely the same thing -

"Kaito."

This time Chikage's voice sounded weaker.  "Talk to me."

Kaito opened his mouth again, feeling almost helpless - and he hated that feeling, it reminded him of when his -

Let me talk to her, Vessel.

No...

You will not be able to avoid giving her some sort of explanation.

I know that, just give me a moment -

"Are you hurt?"  Chikage said at last, looking incredibly conflicted.

Kaito swallowed, shaking his head.  "No."

"And you're not being blackmailed?"

"No."  Kaito said again.

Chikage exhaled, leaning back against the counter, staring at Kaito with an expression he didn't even want to try to decipher.

"Kaito, did...did you find Pandora?"

Vessel.

I know.

Kaito took a deep breath.  "Yes."

"But you don't want to tell me where it is."

Pandora stiffened in the back of Kaito's mind at being called an 'it' again, but remained silent.

Kaito stared back at his mother, steeling himself.  "No.  I don't."

An interesting decision.

Chikage pressed her lips together, nodding slightly.  "I see."

Staring at his mother, Kaito swallowed again.  If he didn't tell her, he knew she would just try to find the truth out some other way...and if her poking around gained the attention of the groups Pandora had told him about...

But at the same time, Kaito didn't want to tell her anything.  She hadn't told him about his dad being KID after all...it had shattered Kaito's world to find out, and all she had given him was an amused apology.

Did his mother not understand what it was like to discover that the people closest to him had life altering secrets they hadn't shared with him, and the moment he did find out, they simply left him to deal with it?  His mother hadn't even come home when Kaito had told her he knew the truth.  She had been...flippant about it.

Maybe it was the old anger from that that caused Kaito to say what he said next.  Maybe it was because he was just so tired of everyone coming after him when they never seemed to care before.  Maybe in some ways he wanted the unconditional support Pandora seemed to offer.

Regardless, Kaito's words even surprised himself.

"Because Pandora can tell you himself."

His mother's head snapped up, eyes meeting Kaito's own, and Chikage looked briefly taken aback.

"Kaito, what are you -"

"You had a rather sudden change of heart, vessel."  Pandora swirled into existence next to Kaito, studying him with blood red eyes.

Kaito took a deep breath, hating the fact he actually felt some comfort at Pandora's presence.  "You know more about the situation than I do."  He tried.

Kaito could see in Pandora's eyes that he knew that was a lie, but Pandora turned to face Chikage, inclining his head slightly.

"Pandora?"  Chikage asked after a moment, genuine shock and confusion in her expression.

"The same."  Pandora nodded.  "The night your son was shot out of the sky and killed was the same night he found me.  I needed a more suitable vessel than a jewel, and your son needed a life force.  We have made an arrangement acceptable to both parties, and your son is now my vessel."

One of Chikage's hands slowly moved back, gripping the edge of the counter tightly.  Kaito could see the desperation to remain calm in her eyes, and he closed his eyes for a moment, wondering why everything involving his mother had to be so complicated.

"What does that mean, exactly?"  Chikage spoke at last.

"My essence is stored within him and our consciousness are intertwined."  Pandora responded at once.  "My power flows through his veins the same as blood."

"I...see."  Chikage seemed to take a few deep breaths, her death grip on the counter loosening slightly.  "And you...are ok with this, Kaito?"

"Well I didn't exactly have a choice."  Kaito grumbled, side-eyeing Pandora.  Pandora raised his hands slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.  "But we've worked out a system that we both agree on."

"So the reason you started targeting other items -" Chikage began.

"He is sealing away the magic in them."  Pandora cut in, voice shorter than Kaito had expected.  "Before they can bring destruction to this planet."

Chikage slowly nodded.  "And if I may ask...what is the relationship you currently have?"

Kaito paused, brain whirling furiously as he tried to think of a way to explain it.  He didn't know how he felt about Pandora himself, although he had gotten more comfortable accepting assistance from him lately...they weren't friends, but family would be the wrong term...but their relationship didn't exactly fit into 'professional' either.

"He is my vessel."  Pandora answered, pulling Kaito away from his thoughts.  "The bond we have cannot be explained in human terms."

Well, that worked too.

Chikage nodded slightly, tapping her fingers on the countertop.  "I have more questions."

"I am positive you do."

Kaito blinked.  Pandora's voice sounded...almost cold.  Nothing like the way he spoke to Kaito -

"Vessel, do you wish to go study?"  Pandora turned to him, and Kaito blinked again as Pandora's voice once again sounded normal.

"I...do have a history test tomorrow..."  Kaito said slowly, glancing between Pandora and his mother.

Chikage stared back at him, with an expression Kaito had never seen before.  Was that...guilt in her eyes?

"I can...talk with Pandora while you study."  Chikage said at last, averting her gaze from Kaito's.

Pandora glanced at Kaito, mouth drawn in a tight line.

Is that acceptable to you?  You have my word I will not harm her.

Leave Pandora alone with his mother?  While they were talking about him?

Kaito pressed his lips together.  "Let me get my books.  I can study in here while you talk."

"Very well."  Pandora nodded at him, Chikage following the motion.

Swallowing, Kaito hurried up to his room, snatching his supplies as quickly as possible and returning to the kitchen.  Setting his books on the table, Kaito attempted to tune into their conversation while reading about the Edo period in his book.  His eyes skimmed over the page, and he was about to turn to the next page when he abruptly realized he hadn't actually processed any of what he had just read.

With an inward groan, Kaito leaned back in his chair, listening to Pandora explain about the Volley Comet, wondering how his day went downhill so fast.

-

"That went downhill fast."  Hattori said glumly, staring at the wall across from him, arms crossed.

"Indeed."  Saguru rubbed his forehead, attempting to fight off the headache he could feel approaching.

"How did he do that."  Conan muttered, gazing down at his hands, eyes clouded.  "There was nothing around the cage.  No marks or anything...in the past, even if he pulled the equipment back there were always marks..."

Saguru cast a concerned glance at him.  Conan had barely said a word to either of them, instead studying the cage for almost an hour while they figured out how to get out of the room.  Now they were in the Mouri agency, attempting to talk privately about what happened.

Except not much talking was happening...Hattori seemed moody and Conan was completely occupied with how KID did the trick with the jewel.

"KID did not seem as interested in the jewel this time."  Saguru ventured at last.  "Given the fact he's targeted multiple items that aren't jewels, do you believe he's shifted targets permanently?"

"I guess."  Hattori slumped in his seat.  "Although why I have no idea."

"He was looking for something."  Conan finally looked up, expression tight.  "I know he was.  Everything about his behavior revealed a search pattern."

"And now he seems to simply be stealing at random."  Saguru sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.  "I have not been able to find any connection between the items...the only possible connection I can find is that all of them have some sort of history behind them.  However, none of the histories bear any real similarities..."

"And all of it changed after he got shot down by someone."  Hattori added.

"And a man claiming to be responsible for shooting him was recently caught for a seemingly unrelated incident."  Conan propped his chin on his hand.  "He's now refusing to answer any questions."

"And finally."  Saguru concluded with a sigh.  "KID himself is attempting to cover up the incident as much as possible, claiming that it was one of his dummies that was targeted that night."

"Meaning that there's more to this than a random attack."  Conan pressed his lips together.  "And KID doesn't want anyone to know what's going on."

They all fell into silence for a few moments.

"There has ta be a reason fer that."  Hattori spoke up at last.  "He doesn't want the police gettin' involved fer a reason."

Hattori and Conan exchanged a glance at that, and Saguru sighed slightly, feeling like he was missing something.

"He's probably not being blackmailed."  Conan absently adjusted his glasses.  "He's still returning all of the items, and some of them haven't been that valuable to begin with."

"So it was probably his choice ta target other things."  Hattori nodded.

"Now the question is what brought him to that decision."  Saguru concluded.

The three detectives stared at each other for several minutes before Saguru's eyes widened slightly.

"Unless that night he somehow found out new information about what he was looking for."

Hattori and Conan paused, each seeming to think it over before nodding.

"It could be what he's looking for isn't related to jewels after all."  Conan said slowly.  "The question then becomes how he found out and what he is looking for after all."

"We don't know what happened after he crashed."  Hattori pointed out.  "Obviously he somehow remained uninjured...but we don't know how."

"Hm..."  Saguru felt oddly troubled, trying his best to push down memories of the nightmare that had haunted him for so long...it had finally gone away at least, perhaps seeing KID up close and alive had been enough to reassure his subconscious.

"There's a piece we're missing."  Conan said at last.  "There's a piece that will make all of it fit together...and we don't have it."

"But whatever that piece is."  Hattori said grimly.  "It comes from that night."

"Likely either the shooter, or..."  Saguru blinked, a new thought occurring to him.  "The target."

Hattori and Conan gave him sharp glances.  Saguru clenched his hand around his pocket watch as an entirely new idea occurred to him.

"We don't know what it was he was looking for."  He said slowly, and Hattori and Conan nodded.  "But we do know it was likely related to jewels in some way."

Hattori and Conan nodded again, eyes widening as they began to understand what Saguru was figuring out.

"He targeted a jewel...which he held onto until his next heist, something that's unusual for him."  Saguru went on, mind whirling furiously.  "And after returning it, began to target all kinds of items..."

"So then maybe he -"  Hattori sat up straighter.

"Did find what he was looking for."  Saguru finished.  "And it led him to go after something else."

The detectives once again fell into silence, this time from the revelation.

"And the reason he doesn't want anyone to know."  Conan said slowly.  "Is because...he doesn't want someone else to find it first?"

"It could even be he's in a race against the shooters."  Hattori's voice was hushed.  "If there's more of them..."

"Then KID's keeping the police out to protect them."  Conan concluded.

Saguru thought over what he knew about Kuroba, and found that was an accurate assessment.  Both KID and Kuroba showed a strong desire to keep people out of true danger.

"So where do we go from here?"  Hattori's brow creased.  "We have a pretty good idea of what coulda happened...but without KID ta confirm it..."

"We can't prove anything."  Saguru murmured.  "He seems to do that a lot."

"He's good at what he does."  Conan's expression hardened.  "But one way or the other he'll tell us the truth."

"There are still some measures we will not take, no matter how much we want answers."  Saguru said sharply, the nightmare once again flashing in his mind.  Would it ever stop haunting him, even after he stopped dreaming it -

Conan's expression froze and he quickly shook his head.  "Of course, that's not...life is precious, I would never -"  He broke off, and Saguru's eyes narrowed.  Was that...guilt in Conan's eyes?

Hattori glanced at Conan, and he must have known something Saguru didn't, because he patted Conan's arm.

"We know that - Hakuba-kun was just coverin' our bases."  He said reassuringly, sending Saguru a tight expression.

Saguru wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but after a moment of consideration, he nodded.

"Of course.  I do not believe any of us would deliberately inflict true harm upon him."  He stated.

Was it his imagination, or did Conan shudder slightly at those words?  Saguru frowned slightly, debating if he should say something else.

"It's gettin' late, isn't it?"  Hattori said, tone implying the conversation was over.  "Maybe it'd be better ta continue this some other time."

Conan gave a weak nod.  Sensing that Hattori wanted to speak to Conan privately, Saguru stood.

"Of course.  I believe we made much progress today.  I'll speak with you at our next meeting."

With that, Saguru walked out of the room, giving his goodbyes to the Mouris as he passed them on his way out.

Clearly there was something going on with Conan that Hattori knew about...but they didn't want Saguru to know.

Well, never mind that.  Saguru had a lot of secrets he wasn't about to tell them either.

He only hoped they could keep it together long enough to figure out what was going on with KID.

-

Eventually his mother went off to her room to 'think things over'.  Kaito slumped in his seat, discovering he had read about three pages.

"Vessel."  Pandora said quietly, sitting next to Kaito.  "I know you are not well."

"I still don't understand why you care."  Kaito muttered, lowering the book he was holding in defeat.

"Why would I not?"  Pandora asked him instead and Kaito blinked.

"I mean, you don't care about human affairs.  You said that yourself."

"That is correct."  Pandora nodded.  "However, you are not simply some mere human.  You are my vessel."

"And that makes me different how...?"  Kaito glanced up at Pandora questioningly.

"That means I do care about your affairs."  Pandora said matter-of-factly.  "You are the first vessel that I have truly gotten acquainted with rather than simply possessed."

"I -"  Kaito stared at Pandora, at a loss for words.  "I do not understand you."

Pandora gave him an indulgent smile in response.  "You do not have to.  Have you studied much?"

Kaito glanced back down at the page.  "...Yes."

"No.  You are lying."  Pandora informed him.

"Why did you ask if you already knew the answer?"  Kaito groaned, staring up at the ceiling.

"It was an attempt of honest communication."  Pandora's voice had an undertone to it that made Kaito look back over at him.  "Since you seem to be lacking in people to have that with."

"You...don't like my mom, do you?"  Kaito blinked.

"I do not care about other humans."  Pandora pressed his lips together.  "And I do not appreciate it when they bring stress to my vessel."

"She's always been like that."  Kaito sighed.  "I think she cares about me, she's just...bad at showing it."

"That much is clear."  Pandora picked up one of Kaito's books, opening it and studying the page.  "I immediately find three things they got wrong."  He announced.

Kaito rolled his eyes, snatching the book back and slamming it shut.  "We don't exactly have a time machine to check these things y'know."

"Would you like one?"  Pandora considered him.

Kaito paused, looking at Pandora carefully.  "You can do that?"

"If I had to, I am positive I could find a way, although it certainly would not be the easiest task to accomplish."  Pandora nodded.

"I'm..."  Kaito shook his head.  "Not thinking about that right now."

"Very well."  Pandora inclined his head slightly.  "You need to consume food and rest."

"But I barely got any studying done."  Kaito groused, lips turning downwards.

"And you still will not.  I believe you will be fine tomorrow, vessel."  Pandora reached over, tugging the book out of Kaito's grasp.  Kaito let him, feeling too exhausted to protest.  "What would you like to consume?"  Pandora added, setting the book down.

"Eat."  Kaito corrected blankly.  "Say eat.  It just sounds weird when you use that word."

Pandora tilted his head.  "Consuming some form of matter or energy is how creatures survive."

"Yes, but no one phrases it that way..."  Kaito groaned, rubbing his forehead.  "We're going to have to work on the way you talk."

"If you so wish it."  Pandora stood, black robes swishing slightly.  "What would you like to...eat?"

"Chocolate."  The word slipped out of Kaito before he could stop it.  Immediately Kaito dropped his head in his hands with another groan, feeling all too much like a small child.

"Hm."  Pandora studied him for a moment.  "Pasta?"

"...Sure."  Starting to feel past the point of caring, Kaito stared at the cover of one of his books.

Pandora didn't move, continuing to study him.

"What?!"  Kaito snapped after a moment, whirling around to face him.

"I was debating whether or not your energy levels could handle my simply conjuring a pasta dish."  Pandora explained, voice thoughtful.  "I can recall one that was quite popular some years ago..."

"I'm not eating magic food."  Kaito deadpanned.  "What is it - what is it even made of."

"Magic energy, morphed into the exact molecular structure of the item it is being morphed into."  Pandora told him, almost absently.

"Hell no."  Kaito said.

Pandora sighed at him.  "Very well."

Kaito got lost in his own thoughts after that, only stirring once Pandora set a plate down in front of him.

"Cons - eat."

"Did you just stutter?"  Kaito blinked, staring down at his food suspiciously.  "And this is nonmagical, right?"

"It most assuredly is not made from magic.  I am simply following your preferences."  Pandora reassured him.

Even if it was made from magic it smelled really good...Kaito sighed, resigning himself and taking a bite.

Oh.  It really did taste good.

"It is good that you like it."  Pandora nodded.

"Stop listening in on my thoughts."  Kaito hissed, narrowing his eyes.

"It was not deliberate."  Pandora spread his hands out.  "Your consciousness is simply so intertwined in mine I could not help it."

"I no longer want to hear about this."  Kaito grumbled in response, taking another bite.  "But...thanks for making it."

Pandora raised an eyebrow at him in return.  "It was not a problem."

Just as Kaito was finishing his last bites, Chikage stepped back into the room.  Pandora immediately stiffened, and Kaito hadn't even realized how relaxed he had been before -

"Do you need me to stay, Kaito?"  Chikage blurted, before seeming to compose herself.  "I understand it must be a lot for you to -"

"I was able to handle becoming KID by myself, wasn't I?"  Kaito cut her off, setting down his fork.

Chikage took a deep breath.  "You had Jii-chan, I thought -"

"Thought what?  That I didn't need my mom -"  Kaito broke off, turning away.  "Never mind.  Forget it."

Chikage was silent for a moment, looking unusually guilty.  "You were...killed, and...didn't think to tell me."

"You should know why."  Kaito swallowed, still not meeting her eyes.

"Yes.  I do."  Chikage took another deep breath, clearly bracing herself.  "That's why I'm letting you make the decision this time, Kaito.  Do you want me to leave or stay?"

Kaito's head shot up, and he stared at his mother with wide eyes.  "You actually -"  Then remembering himself, he quickly schooled his expression.

Pandora looked at him, but said nothing.  Somehow, Kaito got the feeling Pandora wanted to leave this decision up to him, despite having his own opinion on it.

Kaito swallowed again, thinking it over.  It was nice his mother finally seemed to care...but it was after so much had happened, after she had kept so many secrets from him...did it seriously take him dying for her to realize how strained their relationship had become?

And it was in that realization Kaito had his answer.

"I don't know what you could do if you stayed."  He said clearly, seeing something close to resignation in his mother's eyes.  "But...if I need you for something, I'll let you know."

Chikage's eyes brightened slightly, relief in her expression.  "Of course, I - I'll be leaving tomorrow morning then."  She said, her usual cheerfulness returning.  "You should get some rest - sweet dreams, Kaito!"

"Have a safe trip!"  Kaito called after her.

"You are not going to see her off?"  Pandora asked him.

Kaito shook his head.  "We don't have that kind of relationship yet...but I think we reached a new understanding."

"Very well."  Pandora stood, picking up Kaito's empty plate in one smooth motion.  "You need to rest."

"I know, I know."  Kaito muttered, standing up and holding back a yawn.  "Big test which I'm not prepared for and all."

Pandora hummed in response to that, a meaning which Kaito did not understand seeming to be in his tone.  Feeling too tired to reflect on that, Kaito just accepted the fact he would probably never entirely understand Pandora and headed up to his room.

Pandora reappeared in his room as Kaito was getting under the covers, and Kaito paused, staring at him.

"What?"

"Nothing at all."  Pandora responded.

"Then why are you...out?"  Kaito motioned to his form.

Pandora tilted his head slightly, an unreadable expression on his face.  "I felt like it."

"...Don't touch anything."  Kaito said at last, closing his eyes with a groan.

"I will not interfere with matters you do not want me to interfere in."  Pandora told him.  "Sleep."  He added, tapping Kaito's forehead with a finger.

Before Kaito could protest Pandora's actions, he suddenly found he was really tired...closing his eyes, he slipped off almost immediately.

Pandora sighed as he stepped back from his vessel.  It was not his intention to go against his vessel's wishes and influence him, however he needed the time without interference.

Picking up the books his vessel had taken back to his room, Pandora sat down and began to read.  If his vessel needed to pass this test, Pandora could ensure he did.

Glancing at his vessel's face, Pandora found it was peaceful, free of the tension that had been in it all day.  Good.

With everything that had happened, his vessel deserved a few moments of undisturbed rest.

Chapter Text

Kaito woke up the next morning still feeling thoroughly exhausted.  Recalling the events of the previous night, Kaito grimaced.  He knew exactly why he felt that way too.

"Good morning, vessel."  Pandora practically flowed into his room, a plate balanced on the palm of his right hand.  "I have made toast for you to - eat."

"Is my mom here?"  Kaito groaned, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"No."  There was an unreadable quality in Pandora's words.

Kaito paused, lowering his hands and staring at Pandora, slightly bleary.  "You didn't...talk to her, right?"

"I have made toast."  Pandora held the plate out.

"Pandora."  Kaito said lowly, not taking it.

"She made an attempt to engage me in conversation."  Pandora admitted after a moment, still holding out the plate.  "I spoke as little as I could to her."

Kaito pressed his lips together, giving Pandora a hard stare.

Pandora let him, saying nothing, merely gazing back.

After a moment, Kaito took the plate.  "Did you just decide to become my personal chef or something?"

Pandora motioned, a book laying on Kaito's dresser zooming into his hand.  Opening it to a certain page, Pandora wordlessly held it up for Kaito to see.

>When someone you care about is going through a rough time, consider preparing some meals for them!  People often forget to eat or don't have the motivation to cook when dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event so-<

Kaito snatched the book out of Pandora's hands, slamming it shut and tossing it onto his nightstand.

"Enough with the self-help books!"

"I find them quite useful."  Pandora replied, sounding very honest for a change.

Kaito narrowed his eyes at him, taking a bite of toast.  Yes, Pandora definitely knew how to cook.  Kaito had never been able to make toast this good -

"Would you like cooking lessons?"  Pandora offered.

"Get out of my head."  Kaito groaned, flopping back against his pillows.

"I...quite literally cannot."  Pandora blinked at him.  "Our consciousness are intertwined, which means -"

"I know!"  Kaito snapped, sitting back up.

"Very well."  There was an emotion in Pandora's eyes Kaito couldn't quite understand.  Was that...concern?

Opting not to reflect on that for now, Kaito scarfed down the rest of his toast, hopping out of bed and getting dressed as quickly as he could.

"You are in a hurry."  Pandora observed, watching Kaito rush around the room.

"The sooner I'm ready, the sooner I can cram in more studying -"  Kaito ran a comb through his hair, giving up on it almost immediately.

"Ah."  Pandora nodded slightly.  "I see."

"So is there a reason you're out?"  Kaito groused, going through his schoolbag.

"I suppose not."  Pandora tilted his head slightly.  "Shall I disappear?"

"I guess if you're just sitting there it's fine..."  Kaito trailed off, opening one of his history books.

"You have five minutes."  Pandora informed him.

"I know that!"  Kaito groaned, closing the book again and shoving it in his bag.  "Aoko's never going to let me live this down..."

Pandora sighed slightly, snapping his fingers.  The rest of Kaito's books zoomed into his schoolbag, which then lifted itself up and draped itself onto Kaito's shoulder.

"Your energy management has improved, something small like this will not affect it."  Pandora reassured him before Kaito could say anything.  "Your heart rate and breathing are quicker than they should be.  Take some deep breaths."

"You are not my doctor."  Kaito grumbled at him.

"I am your life force."  Pandora countered, and Kaito found he didn't really have a comeback for that.

Taking a few breaths did help Kaito feel calmer though.  It was starting to get seriously annoying how right Pandora was all the time -

"You should be leaving."  Pandora said quietly before disappearing.  Kaito took one last deep breath, straightening his posture.  Time to bluff his way through a major, important test.

-

Several of Kaito's classmates seemed nervous today, whispering to themselves and checking their books in the few minutes before class started. 

Hakuba on the other hand, seemed distracted with something else entirely, eyes slightly wide as he stared down at his phone.

Then again, Kaito doubted Hakuba really needed to study for something like this.  Detectives usually knew an unsettling amount about history, at least in his experience.  Probably something to do with them being so good at research.

...Was he complimenting detectives? Him? A phantom thief no less?

Shaking his head, Kaito braced himself as the teacher started class.  He could figure this out.  It wasn't like he knew nothing about history after all.

-

What is the name of the city in Nara that became the Japanese capital in 710?

Kaito stared down at the list of possible answers, mind whirling.  He should know this.  The question wasn't that hard, it was...it was...

Heijo-kyo.

What?

The answer is Heijo-kyo.

...That's cheating -

How so?

I'm supposed to be the one taking this test, not -

Our very consciousness are intertwined.  We are, in a way, the same.

But -

Would you like to manage the consequences should you fail this test?

...No -

Let me help you, vessel.

Kaito swallowed, moving his pencil down to the next question.

Just this once.

Very well.

Kaito ended up finishing the test long before the time limit was up.  Taking a deep breath, he pretended to still be thinking over a question in the hopes that no one would notice.  He was known for finishing tests quickly, but not that quickly.

Pandora was quiet, so Kaito stole another glance at Hakuba.  The detective was staring down at his paper, pencil moving, looking entirely too bored and distracted for someone taking an important test.

Aoko was completely concentrated on her paper, lips pressed together and eyes narrowed.  Akako on the other hand, looked supremely confident.

She probably used magic to cheat...

She did.  Pandora spoke up, informing him.  However, she has been doing that all month.

I knew she wasn't really one of the top in the class!

...Vessel -

...Yeah, don't have room to judge right now.

Correct.

Kaito restrained a sigh, turning to look out the window.  What had his life become.

-

After that comment, Pandora remained silent throughout the rest of school, so it was to Kaito's surprise when Pandora immediately swirled into existence as soon as Kaito closed his front door.

"Vessel, something urgent has arisen."  He stated, and Kaito blinked slowly, slipping off his shoes.

"An item activated?"

"Fortunately, not as of yet."  Pandora moved briskly into the kitchen, picking up a newspaper lying on the counter.  "Have you seen the article about the new medieval Europe exhibit in the Ekoda Museum?"

"I think in passing -"  Kaito frowned at the article, mind spinning.  "There's an item that needs sealing in it?"

"A very dangerous one at that."  Pandora's voice was grim.  "This lute was cursed by a sorcerer centuries upon centuries ago...the lute plays by itself, and as long as it is playing, everyone who hears the sound will be unable to stop dancing."

"At all?"  Kaito raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know about the dancing mania that gripped Europe during that time period?"  Pandora asked him.

"I've heard about it..."  Kaito's eyes widened slightly.

"While not the only cause, this lute certainly contributed."  Pandora pointed to the photo of it in the newspaper.  "I can sense the magic in it starting to shift...it is only a matter of time before it activates.  Once that happens, every person who hears it will be forced to dance until they collapse from exhaustion."

On alert now, Kaito snatched the newspaper from Pandora, scanning the article.  "The exhibit opens tomorrow, meaning it will still be on display tomorrow night.  Will it last until then?"

"I believe so."  Pandora's expression was tight.  "However, you must get to it as soon as possible."

"I won't send out a heist notice about it then."  Kaito set the newspaper down, pulling out his tablet instead.  "I'll just break in after the museum closes tomorrow night, seal it, and go home."

"Very well."  Pandora's nod seemed more tense than usual.

"Is something else wrong?"  Kaito questioned, looking up at him.

"Those were rough, unstable times."  Pandora said at last.  "I have no wish for humanity to experience it again, given how close to utter destruction it became."

Kaito inhaled sharply, his grip on his tablet tightening.  "It won't happen again."  He vowed.  "It will be sealed tomorrow night."

"I am sure it will, vessel."  The tension seemed to vanish as Pandora gave him a slightly sharper smile than usual.

"I'll tell Aoko I'm not coming over for supper."  Kaito opened his messaging app, already lost in thought.  "Then I'll go over the layout of the exhibit..."

Pandora tilted his head at him before disappearing.  Kaito barely noticed, busy typing out a message to Aoko.  She replied almost instantly, and Kaito blinked.  Apparently Nakamori wasn't going to make it anyways, something had come up at the station.  Huh.

Too occupied with other thoughts to reflect on it, Kaito turned off his tablet and headed to the KID room.  He had work to do.

-

The next morning, Kaito busied himself with reading over the articles about the exhibit again as he waited for class to start.  It wouldn't be hard to break in at all, he could probably do it with one hand tied behind his back!  Grinning to himself, Kaito examined the picture of the lute.  To think something like that had the power to make so many people drop dead from exhaustion...

A moment later Kaito felt eyes on him, and he whirled around to find Hakuba standing behind his shoulder, also looking at Kaito's screen.  Quickly shutting it off, Kaito scowled at him.

"What do you think you're doing, Hakubaka?!"

"I said good morning to you."  Hakuba said slowly, fingers twitching slightly.  "You did not respond, so I was wondering if you were all right."

"Of course I am!"  Kaito sputtered at him.  "Stop standing over my shoulder!"

"My apologies."  Hakuba hurried back over to his desk, but still cast a concerned glance in Kaito's direction.

Kaito restrained a groan, slumping in his seat.  Great, Hakuba was just not going to leave him alone, was he?

Would you want him to?

What?

Ah...it is nothing.

...I don't have time to deal with this right now.

Luckily for Kaito, at that moment class started, and he had something to distract himself from Hakuba's and Pandora's behavior.

-

Saguru took a deep breath as his fingers tapped at his phone screen, informing Conan and Hattori he had a suspicion about KID's next target.  He had to edit out the reason why, however, given that he discovered it by glancing at Kuroba's phone.

If he was right, Kuroba was going to target the lute on display at the new medieval Europe exhibit.  And if KID was going to send out a heist notice about it, it would be better for them to get an idea of the layout before the heist.  Especially given the news he had received yesterday -

Pushing those thoughts towards the back of his mind, Saguru let himself get distracted by Hattori's reply.  They believed they could get to the museum after it closed, and get permission to examine the exhibit using their standings as detectives to say it was for a case.

Which it was, in its own way.  Saguru found he was doing things less and less by the book each day.  Perhaps Kuroba truly was rubbing off on him -

Conan had wanted to know how Saguru came to such a conclusion.  Saguru informed them it was because the lute had quite the interesting past - which it did, apparently it had been accused of being cursed before.  The other two detectives seemed doubtful, but without any better leads, they opted to investigate.

Saguru wasn't especially proud of the methods he used to obtain the information, but there was only so much he could do when Kuroba was being so difficult about volunteering information.  And considering what he had just learned today, Kuroba could easily be in more danger again...Saguru needed him to accept help before it was too late.  His own arrogance and stubbornness had already caused him to overlook the true risk of what Kuroba was doing once.  It wouldn't happen again.

Besides, if everything went right, Kuroba would never know the detectives had been there in the first place.

-

"Sleeping gas?"

"Always."

"Shapeshifting Sands?"

"Always with me."

"Smoke bombs?"

"Always again."

Pandora nodded, eyes sweeping over the museum guard uniform Kaito had stolen before the closing.

"The lute will likely resist being sealed...you are prepared for that?"

"Of course."  Kaito frowned at Pandora, absently smoothing a wrinkle in his shirt.  "You seem worried."

"I have a foreboding feeling about tonight."  Pandora's expression was grim.  "The magic within the lute has only become more unstable and you neared your breaking point this weekend."

"I'm fine, Pandy-chan."  Kaito attempted to scoff, but it came out weaker than he would have liked.  "This isn't even a heist."

"No it is not."  Pandora's lips turned downwards.  "Do not hesitate to use my power if necessary."

"...Right."  Kaito inwardly sighed, opening the stall of the bathroom.  "The museum's closed now...I'm just going to go seal it, ok?"

"Very well."  Pandora gave him a hard stare for a few moments before disappearing.  Kaito exhaled, finding he was starting to get used to the feeling of blood red eyes piercing into him.

The walk to the exhibit was quick and Kaito experienced no setbacks.  Smirking slightly to himself, he entered the exhibit, eyes narrowing in on the lute's case -

- to find three detectives surrounding it, talking quietly amongst themselves.

What.

I knew tonight would not go well...Pandora murmured, sounding grave.

Ducking behind a much larger display, Kaito swallowed.  It would be fine, he would just wait until the detectives left.  What were they doing here to begin with?

Hakuba.

Hakuba had seen Kaito looking at articles of the lute.

Won't try to arrest me my -

I do not believe he thought you would be here tonight, vessel.  It seems more that he is attempting to gather information on the lute.

Well great for him, but he has horrible timing.

Indeed.

"I can see about three escape routes KID could take."

Conan spoke up at that moment, and Kaito blinked.  The detectives were -

"And we need the one he'll be most likely ta go down...otherwise we won't have a chance ta talk ta him."  Hattori added on, voice thoughtful.

"Of course KID hasn't sent out a notice yet, so this could all be for nothing."  Conan pointed out, absently adjusting his watch.

"That is true."  Hakuba's voice was tight.  "However, given the news, I thought it would be best to investigate regardless."

News?

"What news?"  Hattori asked, voicing Kaito's thought.

"Did you not hear about it?"  Hakuba sounded slightly surprised, turning to look at Hattori and Conan.

"I don't think so."  Conan shook his head.

"The man that was being held as a suspect in KID's shooting."  Hakuba's voice was unreadable.  "He completely disappeared from the station early yesterday morning."

What...Snake...?

Vessel -

Snake -

Vessel.

SNAKE!

Vessel!

Kaito's breathing hitched, heart beating wildly in his chest.  Completely missing the other detectives' replies, Kaito sank down to the floor, world spinning around him.

It couldn't be, no...the Organization risked breaking Snake out?! Or did Snake break out himself...his father's murderer was running around free again?  After everything Kaito had done, all he had endured, just to see his father's murderer get locked behind bars, it was all for nothing?  Snake had gotten free?  Even when he had giftwrapped the man to the police, they still did nothing?

What if Pandora's memory altering spell hadn't been enough?  What if some small part of Snake still remembered, and that was all that was needed to track Kaito down, and kill everyone he -

Vessel, snap out of it, your panic is causing the already unstable magic in the lute to fluctuate -

What had he done?  Snake was free, all of the work he had put into fighting against the Organization was for nothing, and oh hell he was letting down his father -

It must have been the straw that broke the camel's back.  A choked sob escaped Kaito, and he attempted to huddle behind the display, completely missing the fact his hands were starting to glow.

Vessel, if you cannot balance yourself, please allow me to before you cause my magical energy to burst out -

I failed -

I should have known I was overworking you too much.  Vessel, take a deep breath -

With how Kaito's luck was going he was probably going to screw this up too, and now the detectives were here, and Kaito just wanted to go home and not have to deal with this anymore.  Deal with the fact Snake had -

Ohnonononononono.

Snake was gone.

Something inside Kaito snapped, his vision went white, and the next thing he knew, Pandora was knelt in front of him, a stabilizing hand on his shoulder.

Kaito.  You are not alone.  Breathe.

Kaito slumped forward, feeling utterly exhausted; Pandora took on his weight, not saying anything.

"What just happened?!"  Hattori sounded alarmed.  Kaito blinked sluggishly, abruptly remembering where he was.

"The glass shattered -"  Hakuba's voice was stunned.  "Is everyone all right?"

"The glass didn't cut me."  Conan replied, tone confused.  "But I don't understand why it -"

Pandora...did the magic -

It activated, yes.

I -

This is not your fault, vessel.

I lost control.

Yes, you did.  I knew you were at your breaking point and I still pushed this on you.  It was inevitable this would happen eventually.  The fault lies with me.

I insisted on doing it -

It is my duty to protect you, vessel.  Not the other way around.

Kaito was going to reply to that, but before he could, a sound not unlike a lute playing filled the air.  Before Kaito could react, he felt himself standing up, body starting to move -

Pandora seized his wrists at once, hands briefly glowing red, and Kaito felt the urge to move drain out of him at once. 

The detectives.  The detectives would doubtlessly be affected.

Are you able to handle being KID at this moment?

I have to be.

Vessel -

I've got this.  I'll panic later, but for now I got this.

Very well.

Taking a deep breath, Kaito watched Pandora vanish before stepping out from behind the display, museum guard uniform pulling away to reveal his white suit.

"KID?!" 

The detectives recognized him at once, calling out his name in unison, voices a mixture of bewildered and accusing.  KID briefly felt horror flash across his face at the sight - the lute was hovering above the case, playing a lively tune, the three detectives trapped in a helpless dance below it.

Strangely enough though, the detectives didn't seem to find it odd they were dancing - they only seemed taken by surprise that KID was there.

Well the lute also inspires the urge to dance...therefore they think it is their idea.

Ah.

"Detectives."  KID greeted, figuring he should probably take advantage of the detectives' incapacitated state.  "I apologize, this was not supposed to happen."

"What wasn't -"  Hattori began hotly, but KID whisked out his sleeping gas, spraying it in their faces.  After a moment the detectives slumped to the ground, limbs still twitching slightly from the spell.

KID grimaced, turning his attention to the lute and making the hand motions for the sealing spell as quickly as he could.  The lute struggled against it, the strongest amount of resistance KID had encountered yet. 

You - come in here - enchant my detectives - you don't get to - keep doing that!  KID hissed at it mentally, mind still whirling from the news about Snake, and he needed to snap at something.

It is not sentient you realize -

Not helping!

Apologies, vessel.

KID focused, fighting back against the lute’s struggles, bringing his hands together through sheer determination and spite at the situation.

Pretend the lute is Snake.  That works!

After another moment, the white light flared, and then the lute fell neatly back onto its display pillow.

KID breathed a sigh of relief, looking around.  The glass case had shattered, and he had three knocked out detectives, who had not only seen him, but experienced a magical object awakening.

This was...not ideal.

"Is there a way to fix the case?"  KID asked out loud, hoping that all the commotion wouldn't be enough to cause other employees to investigate.

"A simple repair spell."  Pandora swirled into existence by the case, studying it.  "Would you like me to fix it?"

"Yes."  KID exhaled, glancing down at the detectives as the glass began to mend itself back together.  "I don't know what to do about them..."

Pandora paused for a moment, examining the newly repaired case.  "I can...alter things, slightly."  He offered at last.  "Not completely erase, but..."

"I can't do something like that -"  KID swallowed, turning his attention to Pandora.

Pandora gazed back at him.  "If they become curious as to what occurred with the lute...and start gaining the attention of magical groups when they do not believe in magic themselves...if you are not willing to tell them the truth, then it is for their own safety."

KID took a deep breath.  "Would there be a way to simply...take them back to the conversation they were having before the lute activated?"

"Certainly, although such a thing will doubtlessly drain you."  Pandora nodded.

"But I can just slip out."  KID murmured, glancing back down at the detectives.  Had it...had it been less than a week since he had celebrated Snake's capture...?  And now Snake was -

Hakuba shifted slightly on the floor, snapping KID out of his thoughts.  Dammit, his detectives were building up a resistance to his sleeping gas.

If Snake had gotten free somehow...this just proved the fact that the Organization was too dangerous.  They had gotten past the police somehow, without anyone knowing how to track them down…Pandora was right.  His detectives remembering this incident would only cause them to investigate further...and they wouldn't have an immortal entity to bring them back to life.

"I can only resurrect you, yes."  Pandora nodded.  "Shall I erase their memory of the past several minutes?"

KID gritted his teeth, nodding reluctantly.  "But I'm not making a habit out of this.  Unless it's for their own protection, I will not violate them like that."

"Very well."  Pandora's gaze traveled down to Hakuba as the blond detective shifted again.  He almost seemed to be...considering him.

"Is something wrong?"  KID wearily tugged on the brim of his top hat, taking comfort in the familiar motion.

"No."  Pandora's response was blank, void of emotion.  "I shall erase their memories now."  He added, voice regaining some feeling back into it.

KID blinked slowly, too tired to probe Pandora.  "I think they're waking up, you should hurry."

Pandora nodded, briefly pressing a finger to each of the detectives' foreheads, one by one.  After he had gotten all three, Pandora turned back to KID.

"Vessel, do you need -"

At that moment Hakuba's eyes began to open, and Hattori groaned.  Pandora vanished, and KID ducked behind the display, intending to slip out of the room.

The detectives stood up, not seeming to notice the fact they had been knocked out.  Instead, Conan spoke up, voice slightly confused.

"What were we talking about?"

"That would be..."  Hakuba trailed off for a moment.  "Ah.  I think I was telling you that the man suspected of shooting KID down disappeared from police custody yesterday morning."

Biting back a sigh, KID attempted to move forward, discovering his legs felt like jelly and he was utterly exhausted.  Grimacing, he took another step forward, only for his legs to give out from underneath him.  He was vaguely aware Pandora said something in his head, but he couldn't quite make it out because the detectives had heard him and were walking over to find out what the noise was.

Shit.

"Kaitou KID?!"  Hattori yelped, voice an echo of his earlier exclamation of KID's name.

"Detectives."  KID once again greeted, voice feeling weaker this time.

"What are you doing here?"  Conan's hand brushed his watch and KID forced himself to a standing position.

"I suppose I could ask you the same thing."  He stated, keeping his voice as smooth as he could.  "The museum closed well over an hour ago, last I checked."

"We have permission."  Hattori's eyes narrowed.  "Something I bet ya don't have!"

"I don't need permission."  KID attempted to grin. 

"You're going to target the lute, aren't you?  That's why you're here, to scout out the place."  Conan took a step forward.  "Once again, not a target related to jewels."

"I already told you, it's not fun if I limit myself to jewels alone."  KID kept his voice light.

Hakuba was silent, and KID inwardly frowned, noticing there was thinly veiled horror in his eyes.  The detective should have stopped having nightmares, what was his -

He is likely the reason the detectives are here tonight...I suspect he is concerned this will have destroyed what little trust you may have in him.

Well it wasn't exactly sporting of him to pull something like this, but at least it didn't seem to be a plot to capture me -

"Are you even listening to what I'm saying, KID?!"

KID blinked, refocusing his attention onto Conan.  The shrunken detective's lips were pressed tightly together, his small frame practically vibrating from frustrated tension.

"I've already given you my answer."  KID held out an arm, opening his hand as if to say he had nothing left to offer.

"Now give us the truth."  Conan pressed.

"The truth?"  KID tilted his head slightly, fighting the urge to simply close his eyes and pass out on the floor.  "The truth is, Tantei-kun...I have nothing to tell you."

"What is it yer tryin' ta do, KID?"  Hattori laid a hand on Conan's shoulder.  "What are ya lookin' fer now?"

"I'm afraid I don't have answers for the questions you are asking me."  KID shook his head slightly, letting the brim of his top hat shadow his face.  "Because I don't know what you mean in the first place."

"Yes you do."  Hakuba said quietly.

"I do not."  KID's reply was soft.  "Goodnight, detectives."

"Wait, KID!  Don't you -"

Conan's cry was cut off by KID exploding his smoke bombs and hurrying out of the room, mind whirling frantically.  What had Hattori meant by that?  What had the detectives figured out?

The moment he was out of the building and in regular clothing, Pandora swirled into existence next to him.

"Vessel, let me assist you - you are nearing collapse."

"Memory wiping spells take a lot out of a person, huh."  Kaito deadpanned, walking out of Pandora's reach only to have his knees buckle a moment later.  Pandora caught him, lifting him back up to a standing position.

"Your energy management can handle small spells without problems now.  Eventually you will be able to handle these as well."  Pandora told him, not removing his arm.  "Shall I contact your assistant and have him pick you up?"

"I can take the bus."  Kaito muttered, resigning himself to the fact he didn't have enough strength to pull out of Pandora's grip right now.

"Very well."  Pandora began guiding him to the bus stop.

"...You can't get on."  Kaito objected, glancing blearily at Pandora.

"Incorrect, I am quite capable."  Pandora lightly pressed on Kaito's shoulders, forcing him to sit down on the bench.  "You need much sleep tonight."

"What."  A sudden realization struck Kaito, and his eyes widened in disbelief.  "It's only Tuesday."

"It is Tuesday, that is correct."  Pandora nodded.

"A month."  Kaito stated blankly, staring ahead, emotions melting away into deadened exhaustion.

"It has been a month since you became my vessel, yes."  Pandora agreed quietly.  "You have accomplished quite a lot in a rather short time...you have earned a rest."

"He's gone."  Kaito said instead, not replying to Pandora's statement, thoughts turning back to what had just occurred.  "Without a trace."  He added, feeling utterly hollow inside.

"Not for long."  Pandora told him, still quietly, but his voice was firm.  "Focus on breathing right now."

"And the detectives..."  Kaito squeezed his eyes shut, not wanting to reopen them.  "What do they know?"

"Vessel -"  Pandora began, but at that moment the bus pulled up to the stop.  Wordlessly, Pandora stood, holding out his hand to Kaito.  After a moment, Kaito took it, staggering forward, world tilting around him.  Pandora steadied him, leading him onto the bus.  A few people gave them weird looks as they boarded, but Pandora paid them no mind, lowering Kaito onto a seat.  No longer able to focus his thoughts properly, Kaito let him, leaning his head back and staring out the window.

It was starting to rain, he noticed dully.  Pandora settled next to him, still not saying a word.  Maybe that was better, Kaito didn't think he could handle more sympathy right now.

Snake was gone.

His father's murderer had escaped.

The detectives were relentlessly pursuing the truth no matter how much he tried to stop them.

It had been a month since this had all started, and Kaito no longer had any idea what to do to make it all better.

Chapter Text

Kaito woke up the next morning, staring dully at his ceiling.  Some part of him knew he had to get up and get ready for school, but right now lying in bed doing nothing sounded much more appealing.  The idea of putting up his masks and smiling his way through classes was exhausting.

"Vessel."

Kaito didn't even look over, knowing Pandora had settled himself at the foot of his bed.

"Perhaps you should tell the school you are sick."  Pandora went on, sounding like he was choosing his words very carefully.  "I am sure they will not -"

"Hakuba would immediately take it as proof I'm KID."  Kaito groaned in response, debating smothering himself with his pillow.  Pandora must have sensed the thoughts running through his head, because he stiffened slightly, lips turning downwards.

"It is proof of nothing, and your classmate has informed you he will not arrest you."  He stated, voice sharper than usual.  "Do not force my hand."

"Your hand?"  Kaito sputtered, suddenly having the energy to shoot into a sitting position.  "You're the reason this is all happening to begin with!  This is my life stop trying to control it!"

Pandora's eyes flashed, and for a moment something almost inhuman shone in them.  "Control your life?  If I truly wished to do that, you would not even have the power to say that to me -"  Pandora abruptly broke off, seeming to recollect himself.

Kaito froze, narrowing his eyes at him.  "Is that a threat?"

"No, vessel."  Pandora exhaled, shaking his head slightly.  "We have an agreement, and I will not violate the terms of it.  I am merely concerned for your wellbeing."

"Sure you are."  Kaito muttered, flopping back down on his bed, anger draining away back into empty exhaustion.

Pandora was silent for a little while, before he raised his hand.  Kaito groaned as the self-help book flew into it, and Pandora opened the book, flipping through the pages.

"That's not going to -"

"Vessel."  Pandora interrupted.  "What would you do, if in your current state you let something slip?"

Kaito went completely still, staring at Pandora.  "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You are concerned about preserving your identity.  However if you are too exhausted to keep up the act, you are putting it more at risk than if you stopped and took some time to recover."  Pandora said simply, peering at him over the top of the book.

Kaito opened his mouth, then closed it, mind turning over what Pandora had just said.  "...What is in that book?"  He asked at last, glancing at the cover.

"Many useful things."  Pandora nodded slightly, closing it and placing it on Kaito's nightstand.  "I will make you food.  Try to do something relaxing while you wait."

"Do something - Pandora!"  Kaito protested, but Pandora had already swept out of the room.  With another groan, Kaito picked up his phone to send a message to Aoko asking her to take notes for him.  Maybe a day off was the better choice.

-

Saguru sat slumped at his desk, staring at Kuroba's empty seat.  Akako had already made a comment about it, and he had overheard Aoko explain that Kaito was out sick.

That could be a very real possibility, considering the fact KID had for some reason collapsed on the floor last night.  Saguru had hardly ever seen KID stumble, making it highly disconcerting.

But if Kuroba was sick...why had he been scouting the museum last night to begin with?  He wasn't stupid, he wouldn't risk himself like that.  Why was he in such a rush?

Hattori and Conan had clearly been frustrated by KID as well, leaving after a brief, terse conversation.  Conan especially had looked on edge, much as he tried to hide it.

Well he was still a child no matter how smart he was...if the situation was stressful for Saguru, he could imagine it was even worse for a child.  With a sigh, Saguru continued to stare at the empty desk, some part of him feebly hoping Kuroba would suddenly materialize by it.  Although even if he did...Saguru would not be surprised if he got the silent treatment.

Saguru resisted the urge to cringe as he once again recalled the reason the detectives had even been at the museum in the first place.  Kuroba would obviously make the connection between Saguru seeing his tablet screen and them being at the exhibit.  Right after he had just promised he wouldn't try to arrest him too...

With a quiet groan, Saguru dropped his head into his hands.  He should have realized how bad of an idea it was, but he had been so desperate for a chance to talk to KID at his next heist...

"Hakuba-kun?"

Saguru blinked, looking back up.  Aoko was standing in front of his desk, looking concerned.

"Are you all right?"  She continued, brow creasing slightly.  "You don't look well either."

"Ah."  Saguru flashed her one of his usual charismatic smiles he normally used on suspects and the media.  "I'm fine Aoko-san, just a little tired from working on a case." 

Aoko frowned slightly, fiddling with her schoolbag.  "Honestly...both you and Kaito have been acting so strange recently..."

Saguru started to reply, but before he could, Keiko skipped over to Aoko, holding out a sheet of paper.

"Remember that photography class I was interested in?"  She asked Aoko cheerfully, not seeming to realize Aoko had been talking to Saguru.  "I got permission to go!  Want to come with me?"

Aoko paused, glancing at Saguru.  Saguru smiled politely at her in reply, signaling it was all right for her to leave their conversation.

Taking the paper from Keiko, Aoko glanced down at it, eyes lighting up slightly.

"This does look fun...Aoko has some free time!"  She replied energetically to Keiko, walking off with her back to their desks.  Saguru watched them go, catching Akako in the corner of his vision.  Much to his surprise, she was also watching Aoko's and Keiko's bouncy conversation, something he couldn't quite place in her eyes.

Saguru's eyes strayed back to Kuroba's empty desk and he heaved a sigh, absently opening one of his schoolbooks.  He could only hope Kuroba knew what he was doing.

-

"I have no idea what I'm doing."  Kaito muttered, pushing the empty plate away from him.  Pandora's cooking had been annoyingly delicious as usual.

"In what regard?"  Pandora inquired, taking the plate and placing it on Kaito's nightstand.

"Just..."  Kaito paused, gesturing vaguely around the room.  "Everything."

Pandora raised an eyebrow, nodding his head slightly.  "Very clear, vessel."

Kaito groaned, dropping his head into his hands.  "What is...what is even the point of fighting to expose the Organization when the police can't even hold onto a low-level goon?"

Pandora was silent for a moment before tilting his head.  "You are working to ensure they cannot hurt anyone else, correct?"

"Isn't that obvious?"  Kaito grumbled, not budging from his position.  "I'm not going to let someone else lose someone they love like I did..."

"Then."  Pandora said calmly, voice implying this was a perfectly logical take.  "Is that not that what you are doing?"

Kaito paused, before slowly lifting his head to look up at Pandora.  "Well...yeah, but -"

"You know what you are doing."  Pandora interrupted, leaning in closer.  "You do not know how to accomplish what you are doing."

Kaito stared at him, mind whirling at the words just spoken to him.  What was - since when did -

"I do know what I'm doing."  He said after several moments, trying not to let the wonder he felt at the sudden revelation slip into his tone.  "I just need to figure out how to achieve it."

"And you have many resources to aid you."  Pandora added, something akin to encouragement in his blood red eyes.  It was slightly disconcerting, but Kaito was growing used to it by now.

"You mean you?"  Kaito attempted to joke, lifting his eyebrows.  Pandora gave him an indulgent smile in response, nodding his head slightly.

"My power and wisdom, as well as help from your assistant.  And your classmate -"

"No."  Kaito cut in, lips turning downwards into a frown.  "He'll get himself killed."

"And if he continues investigating, stumbles across something he should not and does not have the necessary knowledge to protect himself?"  Pandora inquired, as if he were asking how the weather was.

"He won't."  Kaito scowled.  "I'll figure something out to distract the detectives - they love staring at clues for hours on end..."

"But in the meantime."  Pandora spoke up, after it became clear Kaito wasn't going to continue his thought.  "You should rest."

"I'm not going back to sleep."  Kaito crossed his arms.

"You do not need to."  Pandora informed him.  "I have discovered what appears to be a fairly mindless game in one of your closets."

"What did I say about going through my stuff?!"  Kaito sputtered, as Pandora produced a small table.  "Is that...miniature air hockey...?"

"Mindless activity."  Pandora mused, floating one of the paddles over to Kaito.  "Humans truly come up with some perplexing ideas..."

"You...want me to...play air hockey with you."  Kaito deadpanned, as the paddle nudged his hand.

"Consider it part of your training.  A healthy mind is vital for mastering magic."  Pandora told him pleasantly.

Kaito stared at him for a moment longer, paddle still bumping his hand, feeling a strong urge to burst out laughing by how bizarre this all was. 

"Two months ago, I wanted to destroy you."  He informed Pandora matter-of-factly.

"Yes."  Pandora nodded.  "Fortunately you moved past that rather quickly after we properly met.  Are you going to take your paddle?"

Kaito glanced down at the paddle, still faithfully tapping his hand and felt an incredulous giggle escape him.  "Sure.  Why not?"  Kaito asked no one in particular, taking it in his hand and placing it on the table.  "This might as well happen."

Pandora sighed slightly, turning on the table.  "Perhaps I should have given you a break sooner."  He murmured.

-

"Kudou, ya can't keep workin' yerself ragged like this."

"I know that!"  Conan snapped, not looking up from his phone.  "I don't understand it...we saw KID clearly casing the place, isn't he going to send out a notice?"

"Maybe not, now that he knows we were there."  Heiji crossed his arms, staring down at the smaller detective.  "Ya aren't going ta help anyone doing this."

Conan groaned, refreshing the news page once again, only to see no news about a KID notice.  "I need to be able to talk to him again..."

"Did what Haibara said affect ya that much..."  Heiji sighed, rubbing his forehead wearily.

Conan pressed his lips together, swallowing.  "It's true though...I exposed him to the Black Organization on the Mystery Train...that could have brought KID to their attention."

"But they didn't know it was KID."  Heiji reasoned, sitting himself down next to Conan.  "And KID himself confirmed it wasn't them...it was about the only thing he did tell us."

"But if KID got curious about it and started poking around..."  Conan trailed off, staring blankly down at his phone screen.  "Even if he didn't attract the attention of the Black Organization, he could have provoked other groups...and if he was targeted because of that..."

"That doesn't make it yer fault."  Heiji argued, frowning slightly.  "Ya don't control what he does."

"I'm the reason why he would have started poking around to begin with."  Conan corrected dully.  "KID hasn't minded his own business before, he could have easily stirred something up."

"Don't ya think he would have said something ta ya if that was the case?"  Heiji pressed, arms still crossed.

Conan groaned, shaking his head.  "Not necessarily...we have...a complicated relationship, to say the least.  I should have warned him more about the dangers of the group he was dealing with..."

"Ya mean ya didn't?"  Heiji sounded slightly surprised, finally causing Conan to look up at him.  "I mean, yer the one who wanted his help."

"I know that."  Conan exhaled in frustration, slumping against his chair.  "I just thought...he's KID, I mean..."

"He's not invincible."  Heiji muttered.

"Not helping!"  Conan snapped at him, dropping his phone and curling his hands into fists.

"Sorry, sorry."  Heiji sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.  "Even if ya had warned him more...would he have listened?"

"I don't know."  Conan turned his gaze to the ceiling, as if it could offer clarity.  "Probably not...but I don't even know if that's what happened in the first place..."

"See, so it's nothing ta worry about."  Heiji concluded, waving his hands.  "We'll get the truth outta him soon enough."

Much to Heiji's dismay, Conan continued to stare up at the ceiling, eyes slightly unfocused.

"The media calls me the KID Killer."  He mumbled at last.  "At the time I didn't mind it, but..."  Here he turned his gaze back to Heiji, eyes haunted.  "It isn't true, is it?"

Heiji swallowed, unsure of what to say.  Obviously it wasn't, as KID was still alive, but...

"Isn't that kinda up ta ya?"  He said at last, fiddling with his baseball cap. 

Conan stared at him for a moment longer before squeezing his eyes shut and nodding.  "...Yeah.  It is."  He got out, each word sounding incredibly pained.

Heiji fidgeted again, not knowing what else to add.  When this had all first happened, Conan had been determined and confident.  But KID's reaction combined with what Haibara had asked...it had shaken him somehow.  And Heiji had no idea how to help him with that.

"Haibara didn't mean it that way, you know."  Conan suddenly spoke, eyes still closed.  "I was just asking for her thoughts...and she asked if the Mystery Train could have exposed KID to them...that was it."

"Then no one blames ya."  Heiji pointed out, watching his friend with concern.  "Nothing ta be worried about."

"...Yeah."  With a sigh, Conan opened his eyes, picking back up his phone and checking the screen.  A defeated groan escaped him a second later and he dropped the phone next to him, crossing his arms.

Heiji observed his actions, before reaching over and snatching the phone away before Conan could pick it back up.

"Hattori!"  Conan sputtered angrily, glaring at him.  "What was that for?!"

"Ya need food."  Heiji said firmly, holding up the phone out of Conan's reach.  "Then ya can have this back."

"I'm not hungry."  Conan replied flatly.

"Too bad."  Heiji glared back at him.  After several moments, Conan withered under his stare.

"...There's leftovers in the fridge, I'll go heat it up."  He muttered, pulling himself to his feet and shuffling out of the room.

"Ya also have ta get some sleep!"  Heiji called after him.  A rather put-upon groan was the only answer he got in response.

-

"I have popped corn."  Pandora announced, gliding into the living room.  Kaito glanced up at him from where he had been playing a game on his phone.

"That is an incredibly unnormal way to phrase something."  He informed Pandora, laying back against the couch he was seated on.  "Why?"

"To make watching the show you are interested in more enjoyable."  Pandora held out the bowl to him.  "Humans enjoy eating while watching television."

Kaito narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Pandora.  "How did you know I was about to turn on...you were in my head again weren't you?"

Pandora gazed at him in return.  "I am always in your head.  Our consciousness are -"

"Intertwined, yeah I know, doesn't make it any less creepy."  Kaito shook his head, taking the bowl from Pandora.

"I find it quite useful."  Pandora informed him matter-of-factly, sitting down next to him on the couch.

Kaito side-eyed him, but didn't press the point.  Arguing with Pandora would take more brainpower than he currently had.  Instead he reached out a hand, letting the TV remote fly into it, pressing the button to turn on the TV.

"Excellent summoning spell."  Pandora remarked, almost absently.

"Thank you."  Kaito replied, just as absently, selecting the next episode in the series.

They descended into silence as the episode played, which Kaito was grateful for.  As much as he hated to admit it, a day off was working wonders for his mental state, and he was enjoying the chance to simply get lost in someone else's problems for twenty or so minutes.

As the episode drew to a close, Kaito popped the last bit of popcorn in his mouth and leaned back on the couch, stretching slightly.  Honestly, this wasn't so bad -

"Vessel."

Kaito groaned, slumping mid-stretch.  "Oh no."

"Now that you are feeling better."  Pandora went on, ignoring his interruption.  "Would you like to talk about what has happened?"

"You're not my therapist."  Kaito deadpanned, sitting back up.

"I could be."  Pandora tilted his head slightly.  "I exist inside of you.  I know every single one of your memories and feelings...I would be very good at it."

"Yeah, I still find that highly disturbing by the way."  Kaito crossed his arms.  "I should get privacy."

"I...have no way of doing that, our -"

"Consciousness are intertwined, yes I understand that."  Kaito grimaced.  "Again, does not change how creepy it is."

"So long as you understand."  Pandora nodded at him.  "Now then, would you like to talk about what is bothering you?"

"What is there to say?"  Kaito sighed, shaking his head.  "Snake is gone, my hard work is for nothing, all I can do is keep trying.  Also I have to figure out how to keep multiple detectives and the entire police force off my back while I deal with dangerous magical objects and general forces of evil, do I have it all covered?"

"Not quite."  Pandora stated, blood red eyes glinting slightly.  "You have learned more about your father's murderer, and ensured he no longer knows your father's identity.  Your hard work was not for nothing.  Rather, it opened up something new for you to look into."

"Like what?"  Kaito frowned slightly at Pandora.

"You know that Snake escaped."  Pandora held up a finger.  "However, you do not know how he escaped."

Kaito stared at Pandora for a moment before his eyes widened.

"You mean figuring out if someone in the police is corrupt?"

"And if so...ensuring they never see the light of day again."  Pandora gave him a sharp smile.

"Because...they'll be in jail.  Right?"  Kaito questioned, giving Pandora a hard stare.

"Of course.  If that is your preferred interpretation."  Pandora murmured.

"It is.  But how do I go about this..."  Kaito blinked, suddenly remembering something.  "Oh, that list Hakuba gave me had the information of some police officers he deemed trustworthy...I can probably eliminate them..."

"You must think your classmate is an excellent judge of character."  Pandora commented, something unreadable in his expression.

Kaito paused, slowly turning his gaze away.  "Well he's the son of the Superintendent General, he's bound to be familiar with the officers...and he is a detective, he would probably notice if one of the officers he's familiar with was corrupt..."

"Naturally."  Pandora agreed, voice completely blank. 

Kaito glared at him.  "Is there a problem?"

"None at all."  Pandora spread his hands out in reply.

"Good."  Kaito muttered, turning on his tablet.  "Now to figure out which officers have the potential to be corrupt..."

"Remember to keep taking breaks, this is your day off."  Pandora raised an eyebrow at him.

Kaito rolled his eyes.  "I'll be fine, I just needed some time to clear my head.  But fine."

"Good."  Pandora gave him a firm nod before summoning the self-help book back into his hand.  Kaito groaned at the sight, throwing his head back.

"Why are you still reading that?"

"It is useful."  Pandora informed him politely, opening the book, seeming to become engrossed in the words almost immediately.  Kaito groaned again, deciding that it wasn't worth fighting over right now.

He had more pressing matters to attend to...with regular breaks in between.

For the first time in weeks, Kaito finally felt as though he was starting to adjust.

-

"Is this the man you wanted?"

The boss glanced up as the cloaked figure strode in, dragging an all too familiar face behind him.

"That's right."  They responded, watching as Snake sputtered and struggled against the purple tendrils wrapped around his body.

"Great."  The cloaked figure unceremoniously dropped Snake on the ground, ignoring the swear words Snake spat at him.

"I appreciate your assistance in this endeavor of course."  The boss added on, eyes narrowing.  "But why is a group like yours offering extraction at no cost?"

"Oh that's simple."  The cloaked figure adjusted his gloves, sharp smile and green eyes the only features the boss could make out with the silver mask that covered half of his face.  "We're not looking for payment.  We're looking for alliances."

"And what makes you think we'll help you?"  The boss questioned, a sharp smile of their own coming over their face.

"Hm."  The cloaked figure hummed, glancing down at Snake.  "You said he was the one in charge of killing KID?"

"That's right."  The boss replied, pressing their lips together.  "We thought he had managed it for a good while too."

"Then he knows KID's identity, I'm sure."  The cloaked figure stated, sounding bored.

The boss stiffened slightly.  "Of course."

"What is KID's real name, Snake?"  The cloaked figure asked, flicking his wrist.  The purple tendrils lifted Snake back off of the ground, holding him in a standing position.

"I told you I don't know."  Snake hissed, sending a burning glare at the figure.

The cloaked figure raised an eyebrow, turning back to look at the boss whose eyes had widened slightly.  "This would be Pandora's doing."  He stated, gesturing vaguely at Snake's form.

At the name Pandora, the boss went rigid, hands gripping their chair so tightly their knuckles turned white.

"It's what?"

"Pandora."  The cloaked figure sighed.  "Pandora's not at all what you imagined it to be...and it's on KID's side now.  Without us, KID could easily crush you."

"I need more details."  The boss ordered, voice firm, but shaking ever so slightly at the edges of their words.

The cloaked figure smiled politely at him in response.  "And you'll get them.  We just want your support, that's all."

"Who are you people really?"  The boss demanded, rising from their chair slightly.

"We're simply a group that wishes the world to be run as we see fit."  The cloaked figure responded, snapping his fingers.  The purple tendrils around Snake vanished, and he gave a cry of relief before looking wildly around the room.

"If you're looking for a weapon with which to attack me, you'll find there are none."  The cloaked figure informed him.  "And even if you did...you're hardly a threat."

"You bastard -"  Snake growled, storming towards the figure.

"Stay still Snake!"  The boss snapped, standing up all the way.  "This is far too important for your blathering nonsense!"

Snake froze, deliberating very hard for several seconds before taking a small step back with great difficulty and reluctance.  The cloaked figure smirked at him in reply, and Snake's hands curled into fists.

"You have yet to give me a name."  The boss said coldly, staring down the figure.

At once, the polite smile returned.  Green eyes glinted behind the silver mask, a horrible contrast to the purple jewel embedded in the forehead of the mask.  "Who, us?"  The cloaked figure purred.  "You can call us...the Silver Knights.  We look forward to working with you."

Chapter Text

A familiar beeping sound broke through Kaito's pleasant dream and he blearily opened his eyes, rolling over to hit the off button.  Slowly pulling himself to a sitting position, he rubbed his eyes sleepily.

"Good morning vessel."  Pandora swirled into existence next to the bed, holding a rather long piece of paper.  "Today is Sunday, you are ready to resume magic training and I am currently locating another item for us to seal."

"Wow, you're just not even going to give me a minute, are you?"  Kaito grumbled, glaring blearily at the black-robed figure.

Pandora blinked once at him before falling silent.  Kaito was about to ask what the problem was before he abruptly realized Pandora was giving him exactly one minute.

With a groan, Kaito threw back the covers, shuffling over to one of his drawers and rummaging through it.  "Never mind.  Just let me get dressed and eat something first, ok?"

"Very well."  Pandora nodded at him, the paper in his hands vanishing.  Kaito didn't bother to ask what it was.  Probably some to-do list of some kind.

The past few days had been fairly quiet, much to Kaito's relief.  Pandora had only let him practice the spells he had already learned, and Hakuba had seemed unsure of where he stood with Kaito, so he had mostly left him alone.  Which was a good thing of course.

"Is it."  Pandora said to no one in particular, almost to himself.

Kaito whipped around, still holding the shirt he planned to wear that day.  "What?"

"It is nothing."  Pandora informed him.  "I shall go make you breakfast while you change."

That was another thing that had become a common occurrence.  Pandora cooked for him regularly now, with no signs of stopping.  Kaito would have complained, but it did make his life easier to not have to worry about making meals.  (Also Pandora was a better cook than him, but Kaito would never admit that).

And Aoko...Kaito had been worried she would bother him more about the changes in his behavior, but she had gotten involved in some photography group with Keiko, which was keeping her occupied.  Kaito supposed he should be grateful for that, but it didn't stop the flipping motion his stomach made whenever he thought about it.  Aoko and him had been so close...he had deliberately distanced himself from her when he became KID and he was starting to see the results.  Aoko was moving on with her life, no longer bothering Kaito to go out every week like she used to.  Even when she did want to do something, it was usually with a group, like with the amusement park disaster.

Akako hadn't really changed, except she had been less vocal towards Kaito lately.  He wasn't exactly going to complain about that however.

And Hattori and Conan...Kaito sighed, unfolding a pair of jeans.  He had told them his mysterious group wasn't related to whatever group Conan was tangling with, but that hadn't deterred them for some reason.  Why did they care so much about what happened to KID?  Neither of them had shown an interest in KID's regular heists before...as much as Kaito hated to admit it, at least Hakuba had a valid reason for sticking his nose into KID's business.  Hakuba had made it clear he came to Japan to chase KID after all.

Except now it seemed like the three detectives had formed an alliance of some kind.  Which was an interesting move for Hakuba to make after he promised he wouldn't try to arrest KID.  But...

Kaito sighed again, starting to get dressed.  He didn't think Hakuba was being dishonest.  Especially not after he considered what Hakuba had gone through.  So if that was the case, why partner up with detectives who did want to arrest him?  Unless Hakuba was using them as help in figuring out KID's motives?  Hattori had asked something that was more closely related to KID’s true goals than Kaito would have liked.

But if their focus was trying to figure out why KID was stealing things other than jewels...Kaito didn't have an easy way to throw the detectives off.  He couldn't stop going after magical items, and he couldn't stop acting as KID now...that would only make them more determined to find him.  And the last thing he wanted was Conan knocking on his front door right now.

At least Nakamori seemed to be mostly focusing his attention on capturing KID...although even he kept expressing concern over KID's behavior.  Hopefully he'd be easier to throw off -

"I have made your breakfast."  Pandora interrupted Kaito's thoughts, causing him to blink as he realized he had just been sitting on his bed.  "After you are finished, we are going to work on sensing magical energy."

"Sounds boring."  Kaito informed him, heading out of his room.

"I believe you will find it most useful."  Pandora replied, folding his hands and following him.

"Are you just going to wander around now?"  Kaito asked after a moment, pausing and turning to look at him.

Pandora tilted his head slightly.  "Do you object?"

"As long as you don't touch anything I guess it's fine."  Kaito grumbled, resuming his walk to his dining room.

Pandora did not reply, and Kaito had not expected him to.  At least Pandora being out meant Kaito wouldn't have a voice randomly speaking up inside his head.

-

As Kaito finished eating, Pandora, who had been reading the same stupid self-help book, lowered the book and glanced over at him.

"Are you ready?"

"Do I have a choice."  Kaito deadpanned.

"You know the answer to that."  Pandora closed the book, vanishing it in his robes somewhere. 

"You're not controlling my body while I'm unaware."  Kaito told him flatly, narrowing his eyes.

"As you wish."  Pandora swept to a standing position, extending an arm in the direction of the KID room.  "Now then."

"I'm going, I'm going!"  Kaito sputtered, quickly moving past Pandora.

The KID room was the same as ever, lights flickering on as Kaito entered.  Kaito allowed himself a few seconds to gaze at the jukebox before directing his attention towards Pandora.

"How are we doing this?"

"Meditation."  Pandora informed him.  "The first time we attempted this, you were still unfamiliar with me and could not clear your mind.  This time you should have the necessary mental preparation."

"Shouldn't I be working more on the string spell?"  Kaito questioned, nevertheless mimicking Pandora as he slipped into a sitting position on the floor.

"You have many spells to work on."  Pandora answered.  "However, they are useless if you cannot discern the proper situation in which to use them.  You need to be able to start sensing if an item has activated yourself."

"...Right."  Kaito said after a moment, blinking.  "How do I do this?"

"Close your eyes, clear your mind, and relax."  Pandora instructed him.  "Begin to feel the world around you rather than observe it."

"That definitely makes perfect sense."  Kaito grumbled, closing his eyes.  "How do I 'feel' the world?"

"You simply do."  Pandora responded.  "You will understand if you concentrate."

With one last sigh, Kaito obliged, attempting to clear his mind as Pandora had told him.  For several long moments nothing happened, and Kaito cracked an eye open irritably.

"Is something supposed to be -"

"Concentrate."  Pandora commanded, and Kaito closed his eye again, drawing in a deep breath.  Pandora had said to feel the world, not observe it...what did that mean exactly?

Well the ground beneath him felt cold...but was that observing or feeling?

"Do not overthink it."  Pandora murmured quietly.

Don't - oh.

Don't think about the fact the floor was cold...just try to feel the coldness.

Kaito took another deep breath, doing his best to simply feel.

He wasn't sure how much time passed in silence before he felt hands press gently on his shoulders.

"Now try to reach for the core of the feeling...what guides it..."  Pandora's voice spoke in his ear, but for some reason Kaito wasn't startled at all.  Instead he did as Pandora instructed, reaching for -

Oh.

The world around him suddenly lit up.  Kaito opened his eyes, finding Pandora was practically engulfed in a red glow.  And Kaito himself...Kaito glanced down to find he was glowing white, blue, and gray, a red hue around the edges.

"Magical energy."  Pandora explained softly.  "Well done, vessel."

Kaito took in a deep breath, gazing around the room, eyes landing on the sword Pandora had sealed almost a month ago.  It was glowing silver, a red outline surrounding it.  Was that...

"The seal."  Pandora stated.  "Keeping all of the magic contained."

"So...an unsealed item wouldn't have the red outline...?"  Kaito stared at it, almost in wonder.

"That is correct."  Pandora told him.

Kaito inhaled sharply, nodding in reply before his eyes settled on something else and he frowned.

"Pandora."

"Yes?"  Pandora questioned.

"Something lights up if it's magical, right?"

"Also correct."  Pandora nodded.

"Then why is my house glowing?"  Kaito demanded, slightly hysterically.

Pandora stared at him for a moment, blood red eyes blank.  "Did I not tell you."  He said, more a statement than a question.

"Tell me what?"  Kaito's voice rose.

"After you were attacked by that magic user."  Pandora folded his hands together.  "I put up a mixture of a glamour and concealment spell around your house, to ensure people could not track KID back to you.  All those with hostile and ill intent towards KID will simply glaze over the name 'Kuroba Kaito' when attempting to discover KID's identity.  Only something direct could break through the spell...such as someone removing your monocle and top hat and seeing your face.  I would have done a more thorough spell, however your energy levels can only handle the drain of the spell I cast, not anything more."

"And you didn't tell me -" Kaito began hotly.

"I apologize, vessel."  Pandora interrupted him, raising a hand.  "You were attacked by Snake not long after I finished it, and I was distracted."

"Distracted."  Kaito muttered.  "In the future, don't cast anything without telling me first!" he added, narrowing his eyes at Pandora.

Pandora nodded at him.  "I will cast whatever is necessary to keep you safe with or without your permission, but as long as it is not essential, I shall get your permission."

Kaito glared at him.  Pandora stared patiently back, blood red eyes undisturbed.

Finally Kaito groaned, tilting his head back to stare at his glowing ceiling.  "I take it no one else can see my house glowing?"

"Even if they did."  Pandora tilted his head.  "They would not think anything of it.  I am quite skilled in concealment spells, vessel."

For some strange reason, Kaito actually felt something within him settle at Pandora's words.  No random magic user would track him down and attack his house.  Kaito didn't doubt Pandora's skills in the matter - he had managed to remain a vague legend for thousands of years after all.

"So how do you tell if the magic is shifting, or whatever?"  Kaito asked Pandora after a moment, looking back down at him.

"Hm...how would it look for you..."  Pandora mused, and Kaito blinked.

"You mean it...looks different for you?"

"I am pure magical essence, one of the strongest in existence."  Pandora informed him.  "You are a mortal that was imbued with my power.  The way you can perceive magic and the way I can perceive magic can vary."

"I...see."  Kaito replied, fingers twitching, as the urge to shuffle a deck of cards resurfaced.

"Perhaps it would..."  Pandora made a vague motion with his hand before nodding.  "Flicker or strobe.  Do you see how the silver glow is stable within the sword?"

Kaito glanced over at the sword and nodded.  Pandora opened and closed one of his hands, a flickering, pulsing red blob appearing over it.

"This is wild magical energy.  Very weak, but present."  Pandora explained.  "Do you see the difference?"

Kaito blinked at it, raising an eyebrow.  "Yeah.  So it's not as stabilized?"

"Correct."  Pandora flicked his wrist and the red blob vanished.  "However, it is not dangerous in the slightest.  Small bits of magical energy often float around without humans realizing it...there is so much more to your world you never see."

"Inspiring."  Kaito deadpanned.  "Am I going to have to meditate every time I want to get this...magic vision?"

"With practice you will eventually be able to slip into it without much preparation."  Pandora told him.  "You will need to concentrate to locate far away items however...we will work on that more once you have a better grasp on how to use this sight."

"And this isn't something other magic users can just do?"  Kaito cast an uncertain look at Pandora.

"It depends on the situation."  Pandora answered him.  "However, your ability to see magical energy is some of the best in the world due to my power."

"Then I guess I'm pretty impressive."  Kaito tried to joke, but Pandora regarded him seriously in return.

"You have what countless people throughout history would have killed for, given up everything for, vessel."

Kaito swallowed as he processed the meaning of Pandora's words.  After all, the very reason he had wanted to destroy Pandora was to keep him out of the reach of people willing to kill to get him...

Seeming to sense his mood shift, Pandora raised an eyebrow.

"I have located another item to seal, vessel."

Relieved at the distraction, Kaito snapped to attention.  "Where is it?"

"It is a rather old statue of a flower."  Pandora informed him.  "Not particularly valuable, so it was simply passed around by humans.  However, once activated, it has the power to make an endless amount of flowers bloom."

"Which could quickly become dangerous."  Kaito finished.  "So it's not in a museum?"

"It is in a flower shop."  Pandora placed a picture in front of Kaito.  "I spotted it in one of the ads they put in the newspaper.  It should be fairly simple to break in after closing and seal it."

"Yeah, probably.  I should text Jii-chan to let him know -" Kaito broke off, eyes widening.

"Is something the matter?"  Pandora asked him.

"I didn't tell Jii-chan that Snake escaped yet."  Kaito grimaced.  "I'll need to do that soon."

"That you will.  But in the meantime, this statue needs to be sealed."  Pandora tapped on the picture.

"Right."  Kaito said, taking a deep breath and standing up.  "I'll do some quick research into their security - erm."  He broke off, eyes darting around the glowing room.  "How do I stop seeing the energy?"

"Ah.  That might take too long to practice right now."  Pandora said apologetically before snapping his fingers in front of Kaito's face.

Kaito blinked as his vision cleared, light melting away.  "Did you just -"

"I forcefully snapped you out of it, nothing more.  In the future, you will need to do more meditation."  Pandora told him.

"If you can force me to switch, then why am I learning how to do it anyways?"  Kaito crossed his arms, glaring at Pandora.

Pandora raised an eyebrow at him, not deterred.  "Because you would like as much control over yourself as possible."

Kaito found he couldn't really argue with that.

-

Do you not need to do more preparation?

"Nope."  Kaito murmured, watching as the storeowner locked the door of the flower shop, rattling the handle to ensure it was really locked before beginning her trip home.  "The place doesn't even have cameras...it's a family business, that statue has probably been there for a while."

Perhaps one of her ancestors had an affinity for magic and could subconsciously sense it was related to flowers...admittedly if they could control it, the statue would become quite useful.

"Yeah, but the problem is they can't control it...so it becomes dangerous."  Kaito checked to ensure no one was looking before slipping around the side of the building to the employee entrance.

And even if they could control it...they would become a target for groups wishing to use the power for far more malevolent means...and should the magic be used recklessly, it risks imbalance in the very planet, spelling destruction for every living thing on it.

"Which is...very bad."  Kaito deftly picked the lock and carefully opened the door, discreetly slipping inside.

"It's by the cash register?"  Kaito questioned, glancing around to find himself in what appeared to be a backroom. 

Correct.

Not bothering to spend more time examining the place, Kaito headed into the main shop area, using a flashlight rather than lighting up the store when it was supposedly closed.  Finding the statue was not hard, and Kaito quickly waved his hands, white light lifting up the flower statue.

The statue did not struggle all that much, which was nice.  Bringing his hands together, Kaito quickly brought them back apart again to reach out and catch the statue before it fell against the counter.  Kaito carefully placed it back where it belonged, wearing gloves just to be on the safe side.

Well done.

"Thanks."  Kaito exhaled, turning to go.  "Going to go home and sleep now."

The sealing spell should not have drained you that much -

"It didn't, I just want to sleep."  Kaito muttered, heading to the backroom.  As he navigated his way through the mostly dark room, he accidentally brushed a letter that had been sticking off the edge of a table.  Bending down to pick it up, Kaito scanned over the contents, lips turning downwards into a frown.

"It's a notice...the owner can't pay the store's bills...it's at risk of shutting down?"

How unfortunate.  You said you wanted to sleep?  Pandora did not sound at all concerned.

"No, hang on."  Kaito's brow furrowed.  "This isn't right...it's been a family business for generations, I checked when I was researching the building.  The owner can't just lose it..."

Things change all the time vessel...nothing stays the same.  Pandora murmured.

"Yes, but..."  Kaito paused, not sure how to put what he was feeling into words.  "It belongs to her family...family legacies are important."

Ah...I see.  Pandora stated, the realization suddenly making his tone much softer.

"There has to be something..."  Kaito slowly dropped the letter back onto the table.  "Something that could bring attention to the shop...no wonder they had an ad in the newspaper...they're desperate."

Considering how many other obligations you have...

"Yeah, but..."  Kaito cast a glance around the room, biting his lip.  "I can't just ignore this."

Then what do you propose?

"I don't know yet, I..."  Kaito trailed off, heaving a sigh.  "I'm not going to get any ideas standing here.  Brainstorm on the way home I guess."

Very well.

The trip home didn't help much either, and Kaito flopped onto his bed with a defeated sigh.  After a moment, Pandora swirled into existence next to him, an inquisitive look on his face.

"How goes the plan?"

"Don't you already know?"  Kaito grumbled, burying his face in a pillow.

"I thought you did not want me to read your thoughts?"  Pandora raised an eyebrow at him.

"You do it anyways."  Kaito shot back, and Pandora tilted his head slightly in agreement.  "But they need something."  Kaito added after a moment with a sigh.  "Something that really gets attention, that's flashy, like..."  Kaito suddenly sat up, eyes widening.  Pandora regarded him with an air of curiosity.  "A show."  Kaito breathed.

"A show."  Pandora repeated. 

"A magic show."  Kaito nodded.  "With lots of flower tricks..."

"How would this attract people to buy from the shop?"  Pandora studied him with an unreadable expression.

"Well if they ask where the flowers are from, I'd tell them the name of the shop, or..."  Kaito's eyes widened further.  "I could go into the shop ordering the flowers necessary for the tricks and ask if they would sponsor it!"

"This all seems rather elaborate."  Pandora commented dryly.

"Listen, I once interrupted a play mid-performance and rewrote the story just to put the spotlight on a mistreated extra, being elaborate is just who I am."  Kaito waved a hand, already lost in thought.  "I could do it tomorrow after school..."

"If that is what you wish."  Pandora nodded. 

"I've actually bought some flowers from them before."  Kaito slowly laid back down, staring up at the ceiling.  "I don't want to see them go out of business like that..."

"You are becoming more tired."  Pandora said quietly.  "You should rest...continue your planning in the morning."

"Yeah, probably."  Kaito muttered, curling onto his side.

"You should change into sleepwear."  Pandora prodded, shifting his position on the bed.

"Ugh.  Can't bother."  Kaito groaned, closing his eyes.

"Your energy levels are not that low, vessel."

"Don't care."

Pandora sighed, rising to his feet and pulling back the covers of Kaito's bed.  "Will I be required to prepare you for bed?"

That was enough to make Kaito shoot back into a sitting position.

"No, that's all right!" he said quickly, waving his hands.  "I've got it all handled!"

"Very well."  Pandora released the blanket, a patient look on his face.

Kaito made sure to give him an extra glare before turning out the light and going to sleep.

-

After school the next morning, Kaito headed straight to the flower shop, not bothering to change out of his school uniform.  The place was empty when he arrived, save for the owner, and Kaito felt a pang as the owner's face lit up upon seeing him.

"Can I help you?"  She asked in a rush. 

"Ah...yes actually."  Kaito shot her a charming smile.  "You see, I'm an amateur magician, and I'd like to do a show showcasing flower tricks...but I'm kind of a broke high school student.  I was hoping to find a shop that might be interested in sponsoring the show..."

Kaito watched as the owner bit her lip, shifting slightly.  A quick glance at the nametag on her chest revealed her name was Hanako.

"I can pay for some of it."  He said quickly, watching her expression carefully. 

Hanako blinked, shaking her head slightly.  "No, no, it's...it's fine, my grandparents loved using this shop to help the community...what can I do for you?"

I'm starting to feel kind of bad about breaking in here.

You have protected her and her family from harm, I am unsure as to where this guilt is coming from.

...It's a human thing, you wouldn't understand.

Perhaps not.

Outwardly, Kaito widened his charismatic smile.  "Oh, I'll need..."

-

You are already ready?

I mean, being KID means I had to learn how to plan elaborate magic tricks with very limited time.  Besides, I've actually had the idea of doing a free show for a while, I just never got around to actually doing it...

So you will...perform magic tricks using flowers in front of people and hope it brings attention to the shop...?

Kaito sighed, doing a once over of his props.  "Every flower I give away has a tag about the shop attached."  He said out loud.  "People in the community have probably known the family for years, they'll want to see how they're doing."

Ah.  Another human thing.

"Probably, yeah."  Kaito paused, holding a black top hat in his hands.  "Unless dragons have some sort of system I'm unaware about..."

They do, but none like this.

"Ah, of course."  Kaito grimaced slightly, testing the hat's secret compartment.  It worked perfectly, and Kaito's lips turned back up in a satisfied grin.  "Time to hit the after-work crowd..."

The first places Kaito headed to were buildings and streets he knew would be popular for people to head after work.  He got many compliments for his tricks, and quite a few people took home flowers much to his pleasure.  As the crowds began dwindling slightly, Kaito set course for the local park.

It was nearing evening, so there weren't as many people, but Kaito began his usual tricks nonetheless.  He was about to consider heading towards a different location in the park instead when a young voice called out:

"Mommy, look!  A magician!"

Turning, Kaito spotted a young girl bounding over to him excitedly, pigtails bouncing along with her.  A warm smile filled Kaito's face at the sight - of all the reactions to his magic people gave, nothing could quite compare to the ones children had. 

"Show me more?"  The girl asked once she had reached Kaito, eyes bright and hopeful.

"But of course."  Kaito extended a hand to her, popping a rose into existence.  "For a lovely young lady such as yourself, how could I refuse ~?"

The girl's mother caught up with them as the girl excitedly grabbed the rose from Kaito's hand, waving it around like a wand.

"Airi..."  She sighed, sounding slightly exasperated but affectionate at the same time.  "Don't run up to strangers like that..."

"But he's a magician!"  Airi exclaimed, pointing at Kaito.  "Magicians aren't dangerous!"

The logic is -

Flawed, yes, she's a little kid.

"The nice magicians aren't."  Kaito corrected gently, kneeling so he was eye-level with Airi, opening and closing his hands to make flower petals appear, swirling around them.  Airi giggled at the sight, turning her attention to Kaito.  "But there are bad magicians too."  Kaito continued.  "You see, some magicians like myself have sworn to use our powers for good...but the bad magicians use their powers to make people unhappy."

Airi paused, frowning slightly.  "But why...?"

"Because they don't understand that magic is supposed to make people smile."  Kaito explained simply.  "It's important to tell the difference between good magicians and bad magicians..."

Especially when you have people such as Spider running around...

Yes, and with magic users becoming more active, it is for the best she does not run up to anyone doing something that looks remotely like real magic...

...Yeah.

"But how can I tell the difference?"  Airi's brow creased.

"Your mother knows the difference."  Kaito reassured her.  "And one day you'll learn how to tell the difference too."  As he spoke, he held out a flower in his hand, raising his other hand and snapping his fingers.  The flower exploded into a bouquet of all sorts of different flowers and Airi squealed in excitement, taking it in her short arms.

"Thank you."  Airi's mother murmured quietly to him.

"My pleasure."  Kaito smiled.  "The flowers actually came from a local flower shop who was kind enough to give them to me for these tricks..."

Okazaki Maki.

What?

The woman's name is Okazaki Maki.  She was in the paper I read while looking for magical items.

Ok, and...?

She's a marketer.  Recently fired from her job for exposing the corrupt practices of the company she worked for.

She's a marketer looking for a job?  Then...

Exactly.

"Oh really?"  The woman - Maki, apparently, gave him a polite smile.  "That was nice of them."

Kaito made a show of glancing around them before lowering his voice.  "Actually...between you and me, I'm not just doing this to show off magic tricks.  The shop's at risk of going out of business, and I'm trying to get it some attention."

Maki blinked, and Kaito could almost see the wheels in her head turning. 

"What was the name of the shop?"  She asked him, and Kaito handed her one of his flowers.

"Here, it has the name and their address on the tag."  He told her, and Maki nodded slowly.

"I'm actually looking for a job in advertising right now."  She admitted, carefully sliding the tag off of the flower and reading it.  "Preferably in a place that doesn't cheat its customers...this might just be the place."

"Wow, then I'm really lucky to have bumped into you!"  Kaito exclaimed, doing his best to look surprised.  "I'm sure they would love to have you."

Maki nodded again, tucking the tag into her purse.  "I'll get in contact with them tomorrow."

"More magic?"  Airi interrupted, before Kaito could respond.  "Can you make a bunny appear?"

Maki laughed slightly, bending down and taking Airi into her arms.  "Not tonight I'm afraid...we have to go home and eat supper, remember?"

Airi sagged in her mother's hold, looking disappointed.  "But I wanted to see a bunny..."

"Please don't be sad, young miss."  Kaito pleaded, extending his hands out in a dramatic gesture.  "Perhaps the show tonight has come to an end, but more are sure to follow eventually..."  With those words, and a few deft twists, a flower necklace appeared in his hands.  Airi's face lit back up as he gently placed it around her neck.

"Pretty!"  She squealed, quickly inspecting the flowers.

Maki smiled at them, shifting her arms slightly to better support Airi's movements.  "What do you say, Airi?"

"Thank you!"  Airi beamed at Kaito, who smiled back, feeling happier than he had in weeks.  There was something truly magical about making people happy with his magic...instead of antagonizing them...

Kaito’s thoughts darkened, and he forcefully pulled himself away from them, smile never faltering.

"Have a wonderful evening, ladies."  He said politely, tipping his hat to them.

"Thank you for everything."  Maki told him sincerely and headed off, Airi still squirming excitedly in her hold.

Kaito watched them go, a strangely wistful feeling overtaking him at the sight.  He could remember acting in a similar manner with his father, meeting him backstage after a show...

Kaito swallowed, taking a deep breath.  He was still reeling from the events of the past month, he didn't have the capacity to become emotional over his childhood too.

As he finished the thought, Pandora quietly swirled into existence next to him.

"What are you doing."  Kaito deadpanned, not asking if anyone had seen, knowing Pandora would have taken that into account.

"You should not be alone."  Pandora said simply.

"I'm never alone thanks to you."  Kaito pointed out almost blandly, turning away as Maki and Airi faded from sight and heading in the direction of his house.

"Yes, but the presence of another is still better suited to your needs in this moment."  Pandora answered, following him.

Kaito just sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets.  "The shop will probably be fine now."

"You are going to pay for the remainder of the flowers she gave you, correct?"  Pandora added, matching his pace with Kaito, so they were side by side.

"Yeah, you should know that already."  Kaito cast a glance up at the sky.  It was early summer, so the sun hadn't set yet, but it was darker than it had been before.

"The store will be fine."  Pandora spoke quietly.  "You did a good job, vessel."

"You still don't understand why I did it, do you?"  Kaito looked down from the sky, glancing over at Pandora.

Pandora hesitated for a moment before replying.  "I can understand to a certain degree...your personal motivations, I can feel the emotions you have...however, you are correct in assuming I would not have done the same in your place.  Perhaps this is one of those things that make a person human."

"Maybe it is."  Kaito agreed softly, absently twirling a leftover flower in his hand.  "So what now?"

"Now?"  Pandora blinked.  "I shall make you supper when you arrive at your place of residence, and you will let yourself rest."

"No, I mean...do you have another item yet?"  Kaito briefly paused in his step, looking at Pandora.

Pandora also stopped, gazing back.  "Nothing you could get to tonight, vessel...rest and I will tell you if I have anything in the morning."

Kaito stared at Pandora for a moment longer before nodding.  "All right, Pandy-chan...just don't spring something on me again."

"I will do my best, vessel."  Pandora nodded back at him and Kaito resumed his trip home, Pandora continuing to walk by his side.

Chapter Text

"Snake escaped?"

"Yeah."  Kaito slumped on the barstool he was seated on, face twisted in a grimace.  "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, some stuff happened..."

Pandora gave him a glance from where he was seated on the barstool next to Kaito, teacup balanced in his fingers, but said nothing.

Jii-chan took a deep breath, nodding slightly.  "Do you know how?"

"No idea."  Kaito replied glumly, staring down into his almost empty milkshake glass, as if it held the answers somewhere.  "Don't know what to do about it either."

Jii-chan and Pandora exchanged a glance.  Kaito inwardly sighed at the apparent understanding the two of them seemed to have.

"As long as you don't give up, you'll find your way."  Jii-chan reassured him, placing a clean glass on the shelf behind the bar. "Touichi-sama always did..."  He added as he turned back to Kaito, something almost wistful in his tone.

Kaito sat up straighter at that, fingers that had been absently tapping his glass curling into a fist.  "I’m not giving up."  He vowed, new determination filling him.  "I've still made progress, and I'm not letting that go to waste."

"Ah, excellent."  Pandora spoke up, setting his empty cup on the bar.  "Because I am currently locating a rather troublesome entity that will need to be resealed."

Kaito blinked, processing Pandora's words.  "...Entity?  I thought we were sealing objects?"

"We are."  Pandora assured him.  "The entity is sealed within a rather elaborate vase, and will need to be resealed."

"Why...?"  Kaito asked warily, before taking the last few sips of his milkshake.

"Not all entities are incredibly powerful like I am, vessel."  Pandora explained patiently to him.  "Most entities are far weaker, and at risk of being absorbed and used by magic users for their magical energy."

"Absorbed?"

"Ah...yes."  Pandora seemed to have noticed Kaito's expression turn horrified, because he waved a hand.  "However, it is not a process you need familiarize yourself with right now, vessel...simply know that it is not a good thing."

"...Where is the vase?"  Kaito groaned, dropping his head into his hands.

"I am locating it right now."  Pandora informed him.

"Great, tell me when you find it."  Kaito wearily raised his empty glass at Jii-chan.  "Jii-chan...can I have another...?"

Jii-chan took one look at Kaito's face before quickly nodding his head.

"Of course, Botchama."

Kaito heaved another sigh, thoughts wandering to a certain group of pesky detectives.  He desperately hoped he could avoid them for this one, an entity would be much harder to keep secret from them.  With any luck the detectives would have gotten distracted with some other case and moved on for now...

-

"We're not movin' on until we solve this."  Hattori said firmly, crossing his arms.

"Have you found any other objects KID might target?"  Conan asked Saguru.

Saguru shook his head wearily.  "I'm afraid not."

It had not been a good week for him, or Hattori and Conan for that matter.  Despite another attempt to talk to him, KID had remained stubbornly silent about his situation.  And Kuroba...Kuroba hadn't actively shunned him in school, but he hadn't been all that friendly either.  Saguru dearly hoped that meant Kuroba was only annoyed with him, not completely distrustful of him now.

Not that Kuroba had trusted him all that much in the first place...but Saguru was determined to find out what happened to KID, so he could better understand how to help the situation. 

"Ya know what's botherin' me."  Hattori kept his arms crossed, lips turning downwards into a frown.  "The fact we only found KID because he collapsed."

Conan nodded, a grim expression on his face.  "KID's usually nothing less than untouchable...he's balanced on tightropes before.  And he was clearly scouting the place, it's not like he would have been exhausted from running from the taskforce."

"And while he could have simply tripped, it's still a rare occurrence."  Saguru murmured.

"And there's the fact he never sent out a notice fer the lute."  Hattori added.  "It was a target he was interested in and yet..."

"If he was going to steal it, he would have sent out a notice by now."  Saguru finished with a sigh.  "Especially knowing that we knew what he was going to target."

"Unless that somehow made him lose interest."  Conan leaned his head back against the couch he was sitting on.  "He still returns whatever he steals...and if he only wanted it because it's somehow related to his goal, maybe...maybe he didn't have to actually steal it?"

Saguru felt himself go rigid as a new thought occurred to him.  "Could it be...KID's targeting items outside of heists?"

"He'd have the skills ta pull it off."  Hattori muttered.  "We only know what he'll steal cause he announces it."

"But why would he..."  Conan trailed off, looking like he was deep in thought.

"He coulda been doing it all along."  Hattori pointed out.  "This could just be the first time we crossed paths with him."

That was a troubling thought.  Saguru didn't think Kuroba had originally been doing that, at least not until he got shot out of the sky...but then again, Kuroba had been acting differently ever since that night.  He couldn't rule out Kuroba had begun stealing without notice.

"But if that's the case, we have no idea when he'll send out his next notice."  Conan stated, voice heavy.  "We can try to guess what he'll target next, but the chances of us running into him while he's scouting a place again..."

"They're not very good odds."  Saguru said softly, and Conan gave a frustrated nod.

Perhaps Saguru could find out more, but he was certain attempting something like he did last time would result in Kuroba never trusting him again.  Therefore...the most he could do was take note of what things interested Kuroba in general.

"Think Suzuki will send out another challenge soon?"  Hattori asked Conan.

Conan rolled his eyes, adjusting his glasses.  "Sonoko-neechan said that he's still bitter about KID's response to his last challenge...apparently he's currently working to one-up his next challenge, but there's no telling how long that will take."

"So we're at a standstill."  Saguru commented, voice still quiet.

The other two detectives fell silent as they all stared at each other, each wondering what step to take next.

-

"Is the plan in order?"

Snake scowled at the sound of the man’s voice, turning slightly to find a hooded figure staring at him.

"Yeah, I've got it handled."  He snarled, stuffing his gun into its case.

"This is a very important item."  The man said sharply, taking a step forward.  "Should Pandora manage to get to it before us..."

"The freak gem won't!"  Snake snapped, hoisting up the case and dropping it onto a nearby table.

"Pandora is no gem."  The man's voice was cold.  "Pandora is an incredibly powerful magical essence, capable of destroying all of our plans.  It should be treated as such."

"Then why don't you do it?"  Snake spat furiously at the man, tempted to attack him right then and there, despite knowing it was against orders.

At once, the man's posture shifted, a chillingly polite smile on his face.

"Oh, we will."  He purred.  "You're just the distraction, should the need arise."

"I'm not your puppet."  Snake growled.

"Oh of course you're not."  The man answered, and his voice was mocking.  Raising a gloved hand, purple sparks danced across it.  "You're the distraction."  The man added, his voice turning smooth.  Too smooth for Snake’s liking.  "Your boss agrees with me after all, don't they?"

Snake glowered, barely stopping himself from slapping the smug smile off of the man's face.  Opening his mouth to swear at the man, he was cut off as the man glanced down at a small device in his hand, tensed, and hurried out of the room.

"Coward!"  Snake cried after him.  He got no reply, and he grinned in satisfaction, adjusting his hat.  It was about time he got one over the hooded freaks.

-

"This is the place?"

"Correct."

KID sighed, absently tugging on one of his gloves.  "All right.  It's nighttime, the museum is closed, and the guards won't patrol this area for another fifteen minutes.  Is that enough time?"

"It should be."  Pandora responded, walking into the display room, scanning the area for the vase.

"You're lucky I already had the necessary equipment to break in tonight rather than waiting for tomorrow."  KID remarked dryly, also looking around the room, kaitou instincts immediately spotting his target.  "This it?"  He asked, heading over to the display table where the vase sat.

"Yes."  Pandora answered, joining him in front of the table.  "Go ahead and seal it -"

At that moment, a rainbow light flared up above the vase, hovering in a wiggling bloblike shape over it.  If KID hadn't already seen literal dragons, he probably would have let out a cry of shock.

"Ah.  They've already broken out."  Pandora sighed, extending a hand out towards the blob.  "Kwiiety."

KID blinked, looking first at the blob then at Pandora.

"The entity is...sentient?  Like you?"

"Correct, but this one is far too weak to protect themself against threats.  It is safer for them to be sealed."

The rainbow blob gave an especially sharp wriggle at that, almost like a punch.  KID blinked again.

"I don't think they want to be sealed."  He pointed out, studying the blob closely.  The blob gave an approving wriggle in response.

"A necessary sacrifice, for their safety."  Pandora tilted his head.  "You remember what happened the last time you were unsealed, Kwiiety."

The blob gave a sad wriggle in response.

"The entity's name is Kwiiety?"  KID asked, still staring at the blob with something akin to fascination.

"Yes.  And due to Kwiiety being able to channel all sorts of magic, it makes them a compelling target for magic users who want to absorb them."  Pandora answered.

KID frowned slightly.  "Still...there's no other way besides resealing them?"

"There is not."  Pandora informed him.  "They will be safe behind my power."

Kwiiety gave a slow, sad wriggle in response.

"This feels somewhat wrong."  KID murmured, raising his hands nonetheless.  "I apologize then, Kwiiety...it's to keep you safe."

Kwiiety's squirms turned frantic, almost panicked.  KID froze, feeling strangely bad about scaring the entity.

"Vessel."  Pandora said quietly.

"Yes, I know."  KID sighed, moving his hands again.

"Not that...someone is here."

"What?"

"I can sense a magic signature, it is moving at a rapid pace towards us."

"Then I should hurry."  KID began waving his hands.  Kwiiety continued to squirm, and KID's eyes widened slightly.  No other item had come close to this level of resistance before...he could barely move his hands at all.

"This is not the time, Kwiiety -" Pandora began, sounding uncharacteristically tense before he abruptly vanished.

"Attempting to seal them, are we?"

That voice.

KID dropped his hands, whirling around.  A hooded figure stood near the entrance of the room, the purple jewel embedded in his forehead and a sharp smile all he could make of the man's face.

"I don't know who you are."  KID said calmly.  "But this entity is already out of your grasp."

"Not when they're unsealed."  The man's grin widened.  "Then they're free game."

KID was vaguely aware that Kwiiety had gone still beside him, giving the impression of shrinking away in fear.  For reasons KID didn't understand, it made his heart twitch.

"I'm afraid that they're under my protection."  He stated, watching the man's movements closely, ready to create a shield at a moment's notice.  "If you want them, you'll have to get through me first."

For a moment, the man almost seemed surprised.  "Oh?  Well in that case -" He began, but at that moment, Kwiiety suddenly lunged forward.  KID twisted in surprise as Kwiiety smashed into his cape, lighting up the white silk in a rainbow glow before it faded, the blob vanishing.

KID stared in bewilderment.  What had just -

Oh dear.  Pandora murmured in his head.  They have gotten attached.

What?

"Well isn't that interesting."  The man said, tone implying the opposite, lips tugging downwards into a frown.  "Hand over your cape KID, and I won't attack you."

Why did the man suddenly want his -

"YOU!"

A new but familiar voice broke the scene and it took all of KID's willpower not to react as Snake of all people stormed into view.

"I thought I was the distraction, bastard."  He hissed at the man, who was starting to appear seriously annoyed.

"Stay out of this, underling."  The man sneered.  "Don't get in my way."

"Underling?!"  Snake demanded.  "KID's mine!  I'm going to be the one who kills him!"

What is going on here?  Snake knows -

Ah...it would appear this group and your Organization may have joined forces, sharing a common enemy...perhaps they were the ones who freed Snake.

It was them?

You cannot be distracted with talking to me right now.  We will discuss this when you are in less danger.

Which was a good point.  Because Snake, trembling with rage, had raised his gun and was - oh shit, he was about to shoot - KID's hands raised, desperate to make a shield, knowing it would be too late to dodge -

A gunshot echoed right as KID felt his cape tug and suddenly his cape was dragging him through the air, into the next room, behind a rather large pillar.

"What the hell."  KID snapped with feeling, legs kicking out helplessly beneath him.  "Pandora, what are you -"

This is not me.  Pandora responded, sounding resigned.  This is Kwiiety.  They have made your cape their new vessel, rather than the vase they were sealed in.

WHAT?

It appears they are able to move your cape and allow you to fly.

The actual hell -

"You can't hide them forever, Pandora!"  The man called out, footsteps echoing throughout the room.

Kwiiety slowly lowered KID to the ground, swishing a little.  For some absurd reason, KID found he understood the gestures perfectly.

"There's a nearby fire exit?"

Another swish.

"That won't stop them from chasing us."

I can.

Not you too -

It will not take long.  I can knock him out.

What is it with me being dragged around by magical entities tonight?!

Apologies vessel, events did not proceed as planned.  May I?

KID cast a desperate look at his now apparently possessed cape.  Kwiiety shrugged at him in response.

"I regret every decision I made that led up to this moment."  KID muttered.

I will make this as short as possible.

"I know you're in here.  Hand over the cape and I'll leave you alone."  The man called, glancing around the room.

Are you sure I can't do it?

You have never held combat against an experienced magic user, and now is not the time to attempt it.  Try to relax, vessel.

I really hate this.

I assure you, I will give you back control as soon as possible.

Before KID could respond, he felt something within him shift and suddenly it was as if he was viewing the world through a glass lens.  He could still see, but none of the movements were his.

Pandora strode out from behind the pillar, hand already raised.

"As my vessel told you, Kwiiety is under our protection.  Leave now or suffer serious harm."  He informed the man coldly.

Although he couldn't move, KID found his thoughts still worked well enough.

Serious -

A necessary threat.

The man paused, suddenly looking a bit more wary than before.  "Ah.  Pandora."

A sharp, unfriendly smile stretched out across KID's face.

"Correct.  Leave now."

"You know I can't do that."  The man's stance shifted, raising his hands.

"Then I will do what is necessary."

A flick of KID’s hands, and bright red light burst out of them, shooting towards the man.  The man quickly created a shield to block it, briefly looking surprised at his success before confidence overtook his expression.

"Is that all you got?"  The man taunted, shield remaining uncracked.

KID felt Pandora tilt his head slightly.

"No.  That was the distraction."  Pandora answered, and the man whirled around, too late, to find red light had gathered behind him as well.  The man tried to quickly create another shield, but his earlier confidence had cost him, and the red light smashed through his shield, slamming straight into his chest.  The man let out a choked cry before sliding to the floor, shield dissipating completely.

A moment later and KID felt something shift again, and suddenly he was fully back in control of his body.  Nearly doubling over in relief, he exhaled shakily.

"He is unconscious."  Pandora informed him, swirling into existence beside him.  "In different circumstances I would suggest an interrogation, but it is critical we get Kwiiety to the shields of your place of residence before more of them arrive."

"Right."  KID swallowed, as Kwiiety wrapped around his shoulders, pushing him towards the exit.  "But Snake..."

"If he is aligned with this group then the police will never be able to hold him."  Pandora told him grimly.

"I know, but - would you stop?!"  KID snapped at Kwiiety.

Kwiiety melted in response, cape sliding off his shoulders and draping from the attachments.

KID groaned, taking a deep breath.  "I can move by myself, thanks."  He said, in only a slightly calmer voice.

Kwiiety gave a wriggle that KID somehow knew was a nod and stopped pushing him.  KID breathed out another sigh, desperately attempting to collect his thoughts as they made the journey home.  This was shaping up to be a very long, hard night.

-

The moment they were inside Kaito's living room, Kaito spun around to face Pandora, whose expression was unreadable.

"What the hell just happened?"

"Ah."  Pandora raised a hand to his forehead wearily.  "Let us start at the beginning.  You were about to seal Kwiiety, when a member of that group arrived."

"And demanded I give Kwiiety to him.  I refused, and then..."  Kaito cast a glance back at his cape, eyes narrowed.

Kwiiety unlatched from his shoulders, giving an apologetic wiggle.

"You don't want to be sealed."  Kaito said flatly.

Another wiggle.

"So you decided to make my cape your vessel instead of the vase, so I could protect you."

Another wiggle.

"And you want to stay."

"They like you."  Pandora added, sounding slightly exasperated.  "And now that they have attached themself to your cape, it would be difficult to pull them out.  I could manage it, of course...however it would likely be painful for Kwiiety.  I will do it if you so wish."

"Couldn't I technically seal them inside the cape...?"  Kaito slowly sank down onto his couch, adrenaline wearing off into exhaustion.  Pandora had used more powerful magic than usual after all.

Kwiiety gave a very alarmed shake.

"How do I understand what you're saying."  Kaito groaned, burying his head into his hands.

"That would be my power, allowing you to perceive what others cannot."  Pandora explained, settling himself on one of Kaito's chairs.  "Considering the fact Kwiiety is a target, it would be safer to seal them -"

Kwiiety dropped to the floor, cape making a motion like -

"Are you bowing?"  Kaito asked in absolute bewilderment.

"Begging."  Pandora corrected, almost blandly.

Kaito slumped back against the couch with a groan.  "But I mean, they're...they're sentient and they're not a threat, I can't just seal them away against their wishes..."

"Now is not the time to allow emotions to cloud your judgement."  Pandora pressed his lips together.

Kwiiety didn't stop their motions, and it was absolutely absurd, seeing his cape of all things, moving around on its own.

"It would have made things easier for you to simply take over me and seal things yourself."  Kaito mumbled, feeling something inside him twist.  "But you respected my wishes to remain in control of myself...I know what it feels like, I can't seal Kwiiety away without being a hypocrite."

"They make it more likely you will be exposed."  Pandora warned him.

Kwiiety made a fluttering motion.  Kaito blinked, sitting up more.

"You can make me fly?  Like you did earlier?"

Kwiiety made a nodding motion, rising above the floor and wrapping around Kaito's shoulders.  A moment later, Kaito felt himself get lifted up above his seat and his eyes widened.

"So this means I can fly now...?"

"As long as Kwiiety is holding you, yes."  Pandora looked up at them, resignation in his eyes.  "Does this mean you are keeping them?"

"Ok, this is cool, but put me down now."  Kaito muttered to Kwiiety, and Kwiiety carefully sat him back down on the couch, zooming to hover in front of Kaito and Pandora, trembling with...was that hope?

Kaito took a deep breath, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, wondering once again how this became his life before he reopened them.

"We'll need to agree on a few things first."  He said firmly.  Kwiiety bobbed up and down in agreement.  "One, you can't move unless we're alone or I tell you to."  Kaito crossed his arms.  "No one can see my cape moving by itself, especially the detectives."

Kwiiety nodded.

"Two, I can't take you to school with me, so you'll have to be alone during the day.  In which case you have to stay inside my house and don't let yourself be spotted.  Actually, you can stay in the KID room while I'm gone, no one should know it exists."  Kaito continued.

Kwiiety nodded again.

"Three, I am in control of my movements.  Do not drag me around like you did earlier."  Kaito narrowed his eyes at the cape.  Kwiiety nodded a third time, this time a bit meekly.

"Four, don't touch any of my things, especially in the KID room.  If you want something to do, I might have some things you can play with, but only touch something if I approve it."  Kaito said firmly.  "And if I say to do something, do it without question.  You're going to have people targeting you, and it's for your own safety."

Kwiiety eagerly nodded.  Kaito sighed, rubbing his forehead wearily.

"Do you agree with the conditions?"

Kwiiety gave an enthusiastic shake.  Kaito glanced uncertainly at Pandora.

"Not the wisest choice, but perhaps one you would make."  Pandora mused.  "I can extend the effects of the glamour to shield Kwiiety's presence here as well...and it is likely they will give up on retrieving Kwiiety once it becomes evident they are yours."

"All right."  Kaito nodded.  "One last thing then."  He added, turning to look back at Kwiiety.  Kwiiety gave an inquisitive shake in response.  "Should you violate the conditions of our agreement without a good reason, or should it really become too dangerous for you to be unsealed...I will seal you in the cape."  Kaito narrowed his eyes.  "I can't risk being exposed, it would endanger everyone around me."

Kwiiety made a solemn folding motion.  Kaito exhaled, relaxing slightly.  So, he now had a sentient entity possessing his cape and allowing him to fly...this was fine.  What could go wrong?

A laugh, almost like a giggle slipped out of him as he considered the sheer absurdity of the situation.  And he had thought his life before Pandora was crazy.  Witches attempting to kill him seemed positively normal compared to this.

"Take a moment to breathe, vessel."  Pandora told him, studying Kwiiety carefully.

"I'm fine."  Kaito muttered.  "At least Kwiiety can't read my thoughts."

"No they cannot."  Pandora agreed.  "Now then...onto the other matter of the night."

"Snake."  Kaito leaned his head back, staring up at the ceiling.  "Snake works for the Organization...meaning they must have joined forces with whatever this group is...hell.  I guess this means that there wasn't corrupt police involvement in his escape."

"It is rather concerning, I suppose."  Pandora murmured.  "The police have no chance of arresting them right now, even though it appears there was no double agent interfering with their affairs.  However...this does not change your original goal.  If both groups are destroyed -"

"One of them is magical, how am I supposed to ever get them arrested?"  Kaito swallowed, fingers curling slightly.

"If their goal is not met, they will disband naturally."  Pandora stated calmly, voice patient.  "I have seen it happen many times.  We must find out what their goal is and ensure they never reach it."

"And in the meantime?"  Kaito asked, an empty, exhausted feeling filling him.

"Keep doing what you are doing."  Pandora said simply.  "Go to school.  Seal items.  Learn how to use magic and how to defend yourself.  The rest will happen as it happens."

"Will it?"  Kaito said dully, still staring at the ceiling.

"Yes."  Pandora's voice held no note of uncertainty.  "It will."

Kaito didn't reply to that, sitting in silence before a thought occurred to him, and he slowly dragged his gaze away from the ceiling to look at Pandora.  "How long did that whole thing take?"

"To escape with Kwiiety?"  We left in under an hour."  Pandora informed him.

"But it still took longer than fifteen minutes."  Kaito frowned.  "The guards should have patrolled that area..."

"Likely the group did something to them."  Pandora said mildly, before seeing Kaito's expression.  "Not kill.  Perhaps a subtle influence so they changed their route, or rendered them unconscious.  They would not have killed the guards, it would draw too much attention."

Kaito slowly relaxed back against the couch with a sigh.  "Good...I should have thought of it sooner."

"You have a lot on your mind, vessel."  Pandora commented, glancing at Kwiiety. 

"Like how the Organization that murdered my dad has apparently joined forces with a group of magic users that want to stop us from sealing items?"  Kaito groaned, rubbing his forehead.  "They'll be gone before anyone could notice them, right?"

"My spell would not have rendered him unconscious for long, as I had to make it weaker to preserve your energy."  Pandora told him.  "I am sure he collected Snake and cut his losses."

Kaito looked over at Kwiiety, who gave a little shake in return.  It was...kind of cute, Kaito supposed.

"I'll have to talk this over with Jii-chan soon."  He said at last, stretching slightly, resisting the urge to yawn.

Pandora nodded, rising to his feet.  "That you will.  However, for now, vessel...you need rest."

"Yeah yeah, sure Pandy-chan."  Kaito muttered, only half-aware of what he was saying.

Kwiiety gave an inquisitive shake.

"No I don't need you to carry me to bed, thanks."  Kaito gave into the urge and yawned, slowly pushing himself to his feet.  "We'll talk about this more in the morning."

"You have school tomorrow vessel, perhaps it would be best to cover everything once your assistant is present."  Pandora pointed out, voice almost coaxing.

"...Fine."  Kaito allowed, starting to walk to his bedroom.  "And Pandora?"

"Yes, vessel?"  Pandora asked him, blood red eyes staring at him patiently.

"You're sure they can't just track us with the 'magic signatures' you keep referencing?"

"I am positive."  Pandora answered, softly but firmly.  "They cannot find you or Kwiiety.  You are safe."

Kaito exhaled, nodding slightly.  "Right.  Going to bed now."

"A wise idea."  Pandora tilted his head.  "I will ensure Kwiiety does not touch things they are not supposed to."

"You aren't supposed to touch things either!"  Kaito called as he began heading up the stairs to his room.

He got no response, not that Kaito had expected one.  After getting ready for bed as quickly as he could, Kaito heaved a sigh, flopping under his covers.  So today hadn't gone as planned...maybe, just maybe, if he was lucky, tomorrow wouldn't throw anything else at him.

Though given the events of the past month, Kaito figured that hope was probably in vain.

Chapter Text

"No, you may not touch that either."

Pandora's voice broke through Kaito's pleasant dream, and he stretched his arms slightly, wondering why Pandora was out.

...And who was he talking to?

Abruptly the events of the previous night flooded his brain, and Kaito's eyes shot open to find Pandora sitting on his desk chair, watching Kwiiety zoom around with an almost bland look on his face.

Kwiiety hovered over another item questioningly.  Pandora shook his head.  "No, you may not touch that one as well."

"Has this been going on all night?"  Kaito demanded, groggily sitting up.

Pandora glanced over at him, his expression becoming far more friendly as he looked at Kaito.  "Ah vessel, you are awake.  To answer your question, Kwiiety rested for a few hours before they began inquiring about possible items to touch."

Kaito sighed, shaking his head before a thought occurred to him, and he looked back at Pandora.  "Do either of you sleep?"

"I have no need.  Kwiiety is capable of it, and could perhaps benefit from it."

Kwiiety gave the impression of glaring as best they could, given the fact that they were in a cape.  Kaito just nodded, still bleary from having just woken up.

"Right.  I think Mom kept my old baby toys somewhere..."  Slowly, he pushed off the covers, all but sliding out of his bed. 

"The closet nearest to her bedroom."  Pandora supplied, also rising to his feet.

Kaito whirled around, glaring suspiciously at Pandora.  "How do you know that?"

"I went through the entirety of your memories when I first made you my vessel."  Pandora said, as if it were obvious.  "I know where everything is."

"Oh of course."  Kaito kept glaring at Pandora.  "Then would you happen to know what happened to that deck of cards I lost five years ago?"

"When you were in a rush to straighten your room before your mother returned to your place of residence, you shoved them in a box on the top shelf in your closet.  You have not touched that box since."  Pandora informed him pleasantly.

"I hate you."  Kaito replied, making his way to his bathroom to freshen up.

"Do not touch that either."  Kaito heard Pandora say to Kwiiety as he stepped into the bathroom.  Sighing, Kaito studied his reflection.  He looked...tired, Kaito supposed.  He could always use some makeup to hide it if necessary though.  With that thought in mind, Kaito got dressed before heading to the closet Pandora had told him the toys were located in.

Much to his annoyance, the boxes of toys were indeed in the closet.  Shaking his head, Kaito opened one to find a set of colored plastic blocks inside.  Those could work...there were some toys that rattled or lit up as well.

Gathering them all into one box, Kaito returned to his bedroom to find Kwiiety still zooming from one object to the next and Pandora continuing inform them that they couldn't touch anything.

"You."  Kaito addressed his possessed cape.  Kwiiety paused, hovering almost uncertainly.  "Watch what I do carefully."  Kaito instructed, holding the box in his arms.  Kwiiety bobbed up and down in agreement.

After a moment, Kaito walked over to the portrait of his father.  "See this?"

Kwiiety gave an affirming shake.

Kaito pushed on the portrait, and it spun around once before locking back into place.  Kwiiety gave a surprised wriggle.

"This is where the KID room is hidden."  Kaito told them.  "Follow me."

Kwiiety floated over agreeably, and Kaito pushed on the portrait again, this time stepping through.

The moment they entered the KID room, Kwiiety began flying around excitedly, not quite touching anything, but getting close. 

"Stop."  Kaito set the box down on the ground.  Kwiiety stilled, and Kaito was vaguely aware of Pandora materializing behind him.  "This is the KID room."  Kaito went on, opening the box.  "It's where you'll stay whenever I'm not here.  You may not leave, except in a true emergency.  Got that?"

Kwiiety gave a frantic shake of confirmation.

"And you absolutely can't touch anything in here."  Kaito continued, Kwiiety giving the impression of melting from disappointment.  "It's sensitive equipment, and you triggering something could cause serious harm."

Kwiiety made a sad nodding motion.

"Everything in this box you can touch though."  Kaito finished, and Kwiiety immediately brightened, zipping over to investigate the contents.  "Just make sure you don't touch anything else in here while you're playing."  Kaito added sternly.  Kwiiety shook happily in agreement, cape folding around one of the plastic blocks and pulling it out.  The cape made a flicking motion, throwing the block up in the air and catching it again and Kwiiety vibrated, seemingly from excitement.

"Are they like a child or something...?"  Kaito muttered quietly to Pandora.

"No, they have existed for many, many, years."  Pandora answered, then seemed to reconsider.  "However, they were sealed for the majority of their life...perhaps it affected their development so they appear childlike to you."

"So they were aware but unable to interact with their environment...?"  Kaito questioned, feeling a bit horrified.

"Well...perhaps a more muted awareness, however...to a certain extent yes."  Pandora murmured.  "I ensured they were safe, not entertained."

Kaito watched Kwiiety continue to throw around the blocks, attempting to juggle them and swallowed.  To live like that...Kaito was certain he would have gone mad.

"You are kinder than you will admit to yourself, vessel."  Pandora stated quietly, also watching Kwiiety, something unreadable in his blood red eyes.

"Is there a way to ensure they really don't touch anything while I'm gone?"  Kaito changed the subject, not wanting to reflect on Pandora's words.

Pandora eyed him, but went along with the subject change.  "They will not."  He said confidently.  "They would not want to risk being sealed again, and I will know if they touch something they were not supposed to have touched." 

As Pandora spoke, his blood red eyes narrowed at Kwiiety.  Kwiiety froze, one edge of the cape giving a small flick of terror.

"Don't intimidate them, that's just mean."  Kaito sighed, abruptly remembering something he meant to ask.  "Right...Kwiiety."

Kwiiety visibly relaxed at the sound of his voice, turning slightly with a questioning wiggle.

"Do you prefer to be referred to a certain way...?  I know Pandora prefers male pronouns..."  Kaito began awkwardly, feeling utterly absurd for asking a cape what their preferred pronouns were.  Kwiiety technically wasn't actually a cape though, he guessed.

Kwiiety went still for a moment, seemingly considering the question before giving an answering shake.

"The way I've been referring to you is fine?  Good to know."  Kaito exhaled, checking the time.  "Oh crap, I have to get ready for school!"

"That you do."  Pandora agreed, tilting his head slightly.  "Remember the rules, Kwiiety."

Kwiiety mimicked a salute as best they could with the cape.  Somehow, Kaito was sure he would have thought of the situation as far more bizarre just over a month ago.  Things really had changed, he guessed.

"You adjust quickly."  Pandora spoke up.  "It is one of the factors that allows you to be so successful as KID."

"Read my thoughts one more time -" Kaito began.

"Apologies, vessel, it was not deliberate."  Pandora raised a hand.  "You should be getting ready for school."

"I'm going!  Only touch what's in the box, Kwiiety!"  Kaito called as he hurried out of the KID room.

-

Kaito made it into his classroom right before class began, the teacher eyeing him as he slipped into his seat.  Kaito briefly wondered why Aoko hadn't pestered him about it before remembering she was working on morning photoshoots with Keiko.  It was a good thing, he supposed, but...putting distance between them would always hurt.

As he settled into his seat, Kaito could feel a pair of eyes on him.  Turning ever so slightly, he inwardly grimaced.  It appeared Hakuba was getting over his apprehension of talking to him, as he was discreetly watching him.

One more thing to avoid...if Kaito hadn't been in his classroom, he would have let out a sigh.  Pretending to be incredibly interested in what the teacher was saying, Kaito opted to pretend he hadn't noticed Hakuba for now.

The moment there was a lull between classes, Hakuba made a beeline for his desk.  Alarmed, Kaito tried to pretend he was engrossed in studying his homework, but Hakuba was not deterred.  Kaito hadn't really thought it would work anyways.

"Kuroba-kun."  Hakuba took a deep breath, voice firm.  "I need to talk to you after school."

"I have plans."  Kaito replied instantly, not looking up.

"Can they be postponed?"

"No."

"Are you lying?"

"Are you trying to imply something?"

Hakuba let out a noise of frustration.  "I'm not going to accuse you of..."  He paused, glancing around the classroom to ensure no one was paying attention before continuing.  Kaito blinked in surprise at the fact Hakuba was displaying...consideration?

As I have told you, he would like to help you.

You know why that isn't possible.

Nonetheless, you are actively hurting a potential resource.

...I'll keep that in mind.  Now hush, I need to hear what he's saying.

Very well.

"I'm not going to accuse you of being KID."  Hakuba went on.  "I am...stuck on a case, and believe talking to someone could help clear my head."

"Why me then?"  Kaito scoffed, crossing his arms.

Hakuba stared back at him, brown eyes determined (although as Kaito now knew, they were actually blue underneath the contacts).

"You and I are top in the class.  I need someone who can understand some more...complex concepts."  Hakuba said carefully, and Kaito easily picked up the true meaning.  Hakuba still wanted to discuss something only Kaito would have the necessary information for.

"Not interested."  Kaito rolled his eyes, twirling his pencil in his hand.

Vessel.

What?

"Please."

Kaito blinked, pencil slowing to a stop in his fingers.  "What?"  He said again, this time in response to Hakuba rather than Pandora.

"Please allow me to have a conversation with you after school."  Hakuba said slowly, as if each word pained him.  "It is important.  To me."

Kaito stared at him, slowly lowering the pencil, thoughts whirling.  This was...not the Hakuba Saguru that had been in his classroom a few months ago.  There was no snooty air about him, no confident smile, no smug victory.  There was just...a very tired teenager, at the end of his rope.

Kaito swallowed, setting the pencil down.  "If it's so important to you."  He muttered, scarcely believing what he was saying.  "I can spare a few minutes I guess."

The immediate relief that spread across Hakuba's face was disconcerting, and it made Kaito's stomach twist.  He had been so determined to keep Hakuba safe by keeping him far away from what was happening...but what had it been doing to the detective's mental state in the meantime?

Maybe, just maybe, he could ease some of Hakuba's concerns so he would finally focus on something else.

He will not.  However, it is wise to let him have this.

Do you like him or something?

No...I do not.

Then why are you pressing for this so hard?

Hm...it is for your benefit.

How?

You will see, eventually.

No, you can just tell me now -

"Kuroba-kun?"

Kaito blinked, Hakuba's voice cutting through his and Pandora's silent conversation.  Dammit, he hadn't meant to space out in front of the detective of all people.

"What is it?"  Kaito kept his voice bored, not betraying anything was out of the ordinary.

"I asked if the school roof would be an acceptable place to meet after classes end."  Hakuba clarified, studying Kaito with a look of concern.  "Are you feeling all right?"

"Just fine, and the roof's fine."  Kaito snapped, before quickly reeling himself in.  "I'll talk to you then."  He added with less heat, turning back to his homework.

Hakuba slowly nodded, the concern not entirely leaving his face.  "Yes.  Talk to you then, Kuroba-kun."  He replied quietly, returning to his desk, body language tired but victorious.  Kaito recognized the look, having seen it many times in the mirror.  Resisting the urge to groan at the sight, Kaito rested his chin on his hand as he thought things over.  When had his relationship with Hakuba gotten so complicated?  When had they crossed the line from detective and thief to...whatever they were now?  They weren't friends, but...this certainly wasn't enemy behavior either.

He wants to be an ally.

Yeah...not happening.

But not because he is a detective.

No, because he'll get himself killed.

So did you.

And he won't have an immortal jewel to bring him back.

Perhaps not...however, you have very little faith in his abilities.

Why do you keep -

Your class is starting, I will not distract you further.

Kaito gave a huff of annoyance as Pandora fell silent, the teacher beginning the lesson.  Of course this was the one time Pandora was actually considerate about his school.

-

As the final class ended, Kaito took his time in packing up his books, letting the other students naturally filter out of the classroom.  Hakuba seemed to have adopted the same strategy, only looking at each other once the classroom was empty.

Taking a deep breath, Kaito wordlessly slung his bag over his shoulder and started walking up to the roof.

"The door will probably be locked."  He said at last, as they traipsed up the stairs.

"You can open it, can't you?"  Hakuba replied, as though it were obvious, before seeming to catch himself.  "Because you're a magician.  Not because you're a thief."  He added slowly, tone containing an edge to it.

"...Yeah, it was one of the things my dad showed me, so I dabbled in it after his death."  Kaito muttered, willing to be a little more gracious after Hakuba's clarification.

"He seems like he was a great man."  Hakuba commented softly.

"The best."  Kaito corrected, swallowing.  "No magician could ever top him."

"Not even you?"  Hakuba's voice was still soft, as though he were afraid of saying the wrong thing.

Kaito swallowed again, vaguely shaking his head as they approached the roof door.  That wasn't something he wanted to think about...his father would still be the best if it wasn't for the Organization, he was sure of it...

Making sure he took more time than he actually needed to pick the lock, Kaito eventually clicked the door open.  While he could have opened it in seconds, such speed was associated with KID, not him.  While Hakuba might not arrest him or accuse him of being KID, it was still a risk he had no desire to take.

Are you ready for this, vessel?

Pandora's voice suddenly spoke in his head, and Kaito resisted the urge to blink in surprise.

I have to be.

Pandora did not reply, and Kaito stepped out onto the roof, glancing over at Hakuba.

"Well?"

Hakuba took a deep breath, nodding slightly.  "Well...first, I wanted to apologize for staring at your tablet screen last week.  It was not my intention to violate your privacy."

Translation: Hakuba was apologizing for bringing the other detectives to the museum and he hadn't intended for it to interfere with KID's plans.  Kaito pressed his lips together and nodded his head.

"Just don't do it again."

"I will not."  Hakuba took another deep breath, appearing to steel himself.  "The case I wanted to talk to you about involves KID."

Immediately, Kaito tensed.  Then Hakuba -

"Not that you are KID."  Hakuba said quickly, and Kaito stared at him in response.  "But as one of KID's biggest fans, I thought I could get your opinion on some concerns I have..."

Ah, so they were hiding behind a weak veil of lies for this conversation.  Kaito narrowed his eyes.

"Like what?"

"For example."  Hakuba folded his hands, sitting down on the rooftop.  After a moment of hesitation, Kaito followed his lead.  "I agreed to work with two other detectives to decipher KID's motives.  I have informed them I will not help them catch him, however...I am afraid my intentions could be misinterpreted."

Kaito studied Hakuba for a moment before shrugging his shoulders.

"I don't think so."  He said bluntly.  "KID-sama isn't stupid.  If you've made it clear you don't intend to arrest him, then he knows that."

"Yes, I..."  Hakuba exhaled, looking like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders.  "I suppose that is true."

"Anything else?"  Kaito crossed his arms.

"Yes."  Hakuba tensed again.  "The other detectives and I have deduced KID was looking for something, likely related to jewels."

Kaito kept his posture deceptively unconcerned, but inside, his brain was whirling.  Why was Hakuba -

"We believe that he perhaps found what he was looking for and it led him to start looking for something else."  Hakuba went on.  "It is also likely another group is trying to find it before him, and KID is racing against time."

Definitely not on the mark, but closer than Kaito would have liked...he resisted the urge to curl his fingers and nodded slightly.

"So what's the concern?"

"He has no backup."  Hakuba pressed his lips together.  "Other than perhaps his assistant.  If KID is facing a group out to kill him and has no one watching his back...you can see how dangerous that is."

"But you don't actually know if that's the case."  Kaito pointed out, leaning his chin on his hand.  "This is just your speculation.  You can't really accurately determine how dangerous it is without knowing the full story."

"KID refuses to give it to us, and he was shot out of the sky by someone."  Hakuba's voice was sharp.  "And even if it was somehow a dummy that was shot down, it does not change the fact someone targeted him.  As KID's biggest fan, wouldn't you want him to stay alive for more heists?"

"I have confidence in him."  Kaito replied shortly, sitting back up.  "KID-sama won't let himself get killed that easily.  You don't give him enough credit."

"He's arrogant."  Hakuba countered, also growing more heated.  "Believing he can't be killed -"

"Well maybe he can't."  Kaito interrupted, his hands curling into fists against his will.  "He's a phantom thief, maybe he can't -" abruptly realizing what he was saying, Kaito broke off, clicking his mouth shut. 

Hakuba stared at him incredulously, before barking out a short, sharp laugh.  "You can't seriously believe that."

"If you came here to mock me -" Kaito began, forcibly uncurling his fingers.

Hakuba took a deep breath, shaking his head.  "No, I did not.  Apologies."  He said much more calmly, folding his hands once more.  "There is something else."  He added after a moment, almost hesitantly.

"Which would be?"  Kaito leaned back slightly, studying the detective.

"KID may be stealing outside of announced heists."  Hakuba looked like he was bracing himself.  "I don't believe he was doing it before, but after he was shot down...do you have any idea why that might be the case?"

"Of course I don't."  Kaito snorted, heart racing.  "Maybe he doesn't want to deal with the taskforce or something."

Hakuba considered him for a moment, as if he were analyzing Kaito's words for some hidden meaning.  Kaito resisted the urge to scowl.

"Yes...that is a possibility."  Hakuba murmured, looking lost in thought.  "However, it may be deeper than that..."

"Or you're a conspiracy theorist."  Kaito added unhelpfully.

"Kuroba-kun."  Hakuba said slowly, meeting his eyes.  "Would KID get help if the situation truly became too much to handle?"

Kaito met his gaze evenly, not allowing his voice to waver.

"KID-sama knows what he's doing.  If he thought he needed help with it, he would have gotten it by now."

Hakuba held eye contact for a moment longer before breaking it, turning his head away.

"I see.  But he understands my intentions with his heists?"

"Someone can understand something and not like it, can't they?"  Kaito asked casually, glancing up at the sky.  "You need to learn how to tell the difference."

"I suppose so."  Hakuba replied quietly.  "Do you think I've made my offers of help clear to him?"

"It sounds like you have."  Kaito kept his voice flippant.

Hakuba swallowed, still looking conflicted.  "Kuroba-kun...can you promise me something?"

"What?"  Kaito shot him a suspicious glance, steeling himself.

"Promise me you won't just disappear someday."  Hakuba spoke clearly, voice brimming with an emotion Kaito couldn't quite name.  "I couldn't...I do not think I could handle it if you did."

Kaito stared at the teen detective, for the first time truly feeling as though they were worlds apart.  Hakuba was so close...he could reach out and touch him...but all of the unspoken messages hung between them, creating a divide so vast Kaito had no idea how they were even having this conversation.  Some part of him ached to clear it all up, to wipe that expression off of Hakuba's face, that was making him feel something he couldn't place, but...

But it was for Hakuba's safety.  No matter how he personally felt about the detective, he couldn't let Hakuba get killed because of him.

"Of course I'm not going to disappear."  Kaito replied simply, Hakuba's eyes widening.  "Aoko would kill me if I did.  Besides, I need to graduate."

Silence descended over the two of them for a moment, before Hakuba's hands tightened.

"Of course.  If there's ever anything I can do...please tell me."

"Why do you care so much anyways?"  Kaito pushed himself to his feet, keeping his movements carefree.

"Because somewhere along the way, KID became less of the thief I was trying to catch, and more of an intellectual equal I matched wits with.  He's not..."  Hakuba closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them.  "Kaitou KID is not a bad person."  He stated firmly.  "And I have no desire to see anything ill befall him."

The unexpected confession made Kaito's insides twist and before he knew what he was doing, he blurted out -

"KID-sama could feel the same way you know."

Hakuba slowly turned to stare at him in disbelief, carefully pushing himself to his feet. 

"What?"

"Not wanting anything bad to happen to you."  Kaito swallowed.  "I think KID-sama thinks that too."

Hakuba's mouth opened and closed, before at last he just nodded.  "I will not stop until I uncover the truth."  He told Kaito firmly, determination ringing out in every word.  "However...I will be careful in my pursuit.  I...I will not mysteriously disappear either."

You're damn right you won't, I'll make sure of it.

Do you believe me yet, vessel?

...I won't rule him out for the future, but...not yet.  I have to make sure.

Very well.

"Of course you won't."  Kaito replied easily.  "Because Aoko would probably kill you too."

Hakuba gave a dry chuckle at that, sun illuminating his hair and eyes, giving him an almost warm glow.  "I suppose we'll both have to keep coming back then."

"I guess so."  A brief, sharp grin flashed across Kaito's face.  "Is that everything?"

"For now."  Hakuba nodded.  "Would you be opposed to more conversations like this in the future?"

"Just don't ever imply I'm KID."  Kaito told him, opening the door to the roof.  "I'm heading home then, if we’re done."

"Be safe."  Hakuba said quietly, and those two words carried far more meanings in them than Kaito cared to count.

"You too."

Two words of his own, carrying the same number of meanings and perhaps more.  It would have to do for now.

As he left the roof, Kaito adjusted the strap of his schoolbag, thinking over the conversation.  He certainly didn't like what Hakuba was doing - but now, at the very least, they better understood where they stood with the other.

Do not write off this opportunity just yet, vessel.

You know I won't.  Now I need to go home and make sure Kwiiety didn't touch things they weren't supposed to while I was gone.

I do not believe they did.

Better safe than sorry.  And I still have to tell Jii-chan about all of this.

And then you have magic training.

...It never ends.

It never does, vessel.

Comforting.

Hm.

With a sigh, Kaito exited the school, sparing the briefest of glances back at the building before firmly gripping his schoolbag and beginning the trip home.

And although Kaito didn't know it, Hakuba was still standing on the roof, pocket watch clenched tightly in his hand, staring over the railing, a determination like never before filling him.

Chapter Text

"You mean to say your cape is..."

"Sentient, yes."  Kaito sighed as Kwiiety zoomed around Blue Parrot, investigating everything they could.  At least they stayed still until after Kaito could explain the situation with the Organization and the mysterious group to Jii-chan.  "Although technically it's the essence that's sentient, they're just inhabiting the cape."

"That is correct, vessel."  Pandora nodded from where he was sitting on the barstool next to Kaito.  "Kwiiety is what makes your cape move, not the cape itself."

Jii-chan breathed out a heavy sigh, setting down a freshly cleaned glass.  "You do always manage to surprise me every time you come here, Botchama."

Kaito gave him a weak smile in return.  "Good magicians always manage to surprise their audiences..."

"Not their assistants."  Jii-chan countered, but his tone only contained amused resignation.  "Touichi-sama was the same way, always managing to come up with something I hadn't thought of..."

At the mention of his father, Kaito turned his gaze back to Kwiiety, attempting to distract himself from thoughts he knew would do him no good.  No matter how much he wanted his father here, it simply wasn't possible.

Kwiiety was currently investigating under a table, practically vibrating from curiosity.  As Kaito shifted on the barstool, he saw Pandora watching Kwiiety with a raised eyebrow out of the corner of his eye. 

"And this is the entity you were going to seal?"  Jii-chan asked, and Kwiiety abruptly tensed in apprehension.

"I was, but things changed."  Kaito replied, and Kwiiety sagged in relief.  "As long as they behave, I won't seal them away...they don't want to be sealed and they have the right to choose what happens to them."

Kwiiety gave an ecstatic wiggle at that, zipping over to Kaito and wrapping around his shoulders. 

"As long as you behave."  Pandora emphasized firmly, an intimidating aura surrounding him as Kaito awkwardly patted the cape.  Kwiiety gave a shake of fear.

"They know."  Kaito sighed at Pandora, attempting to soothe his cape.  "You don't need to scare them."

"I am merely making sure they completely understand the terms of our agreement."  Pandora returned pleasantly, the intimidating aura melting away.

"Are they like you?"  Jii-chan turned to Pandora, placing a cup of green tea in front of him.  "I understand they can't talk, but can they understand Japanese?"

Kaito blinked, staring at Jii-chan in confusion.  "Of course they can, they've been reacting to everything we've been saying."

Jii-chan stared back at him, looking confused himself.  "They've moved around a lot, but I wouldn't call it communicating, Botchama."

Kwiiety lifted themself from Kaito's shoulder and gave a clarifying shake.

"See, they just said they can understand Japanese."  Kaito motioned at his cape. 

Jii-chan slowly blinked, eyes trailing from Kaito to Kwiiety.  "They...shook a little, I suppose..."

"What?  No, they -"  Kaito started to say, but Pandora cleared his throat.

"Vessel...the only reason you can understand Kwiiety is because of my power.  To the ordinary human, Kwiiety's form of communication is not understandable."

Kwiiety gave a sad shake of agreement.

"...Oh."  Kaito said after a moment, Jii-chan nodding slightly.

"I can see Kwiiety is moving, but I cannot understand any of it.  I'm sorry, Botchama."

"Nothing to apologize for."  Kaito muttered, wishing he had a milkshake to distract himself with.  "I keep forgetting I can do things others can't."

"You will adjust eventually."  Pandora reassured him, before taking a sip of his tea.

"Is there anything else Kwiiety can do?"  Jii-chan asked, kindly changing the subject.  Kaito nodded, grateful at the opportunity to shift his thoughts away to something more fun.

"Yes, with Kwiiety I can -" Kaito broke off, vaguely motioning at Kwiiety.  "Can you show Jii-chan what you can do?"

Kwiiety nodded seriously and quickly picked up the three blocks that had been stacked on the Blue Parrot counter, throwing them up in the air and juggling them.

"Impressive."  Jii-chan commented politely, watching the action.  "It takes dedication to learn something like juggling so quickly -"

"Not that!"  Kaito sputtered, aware of Pandora hiding an amused twitch of his lips behind his teacup.  "The other thing!"

Kwiiety slowly set the blocks back down, hovering blankly.

"The thing you do with me."  Kaito elaborated, rubbing his forehead wearily.

Kwiiety gave a wiggle of sudden realization, and zoomed over to Kaito, latching onto his shoulders and raising him up.

Jii-chan raised his eyebrows, looking far more impressed than he had earlier.  "You can fly?"

"As long as Kwiiety is holding onto me."  Kaito answered him, hovering above the bar counter.

"Are you retiring the glider?"  Jii-chan questioned, absently picking up a new glass to clean still looking up at Kaito.

Kwiiety carefully lowered Kaito back onto the stool and Kaito shook his head. 

"No, the detectives are already suspicious of me, suddenly gaining the ability to fly will only give them more questions.  Kwiiety is for emergency situations only, unless I'm alone."

"I assume you've worked out a deal then."  Jii-chan nodded, the glass in his hands glinting as he cleaned it.

"They won't move unless it's safe or if it's an emergency."  Kaito nodded back.  "And I'll keep them safe from groups that want to absorb them."

"We will keep them safe."  Pandora corrected, voice firm but gentle.  "You do not have the necessary knowledge and skill to protect them by yourself yet, vessel."

Kaito glared at him, although there was no heat behind it.  "I thought that was implied."  He muttered indignantly.

At that moment his phone lit up with a new notification.  Kaito quickly picked it up, reading over the text message he had received.

"It's from Aoko."  He said in surprise.  "She wants to know if I'm coming over for supper tonight."

"I know of no items that need to be sealed today."  Pandora stated, folding his hands together.  "However, I would recommend leaving for your place of residence so we will have time to practice magic before supper."

"I think we covered everything?"  Kaito glanced over at Jii-chan uncertainly.

"You answered all of my questions earlier, Botchama."  Jii-chan confirmed, setting down the freshly cleaned glass in his hands.

"Then we should be able to head back."  Kaito hopped to his feet, picking up the bag he had left by the stool and opening it.  "Back in here, Kwiiety."

Kwiiety gave a resigned shake and morosely folded themself into the bag.

Pandora set his teacup on the counter before vanishing.  Kaito slung the bag over his shoulder, nodding at Jii-chan before heading out of Blue Parrot.

-

Once they were back home in the KID room, Kwiiety eagerly shot out of the bag the moment Kaito opened it, shaking themself out and picking up one of the baby rattles. 

"Are you...celebrating not being in the bag?"  Kaito asked, somewhat dumbfounded.

Kwiiety wriggled in agreement.

"If you believe a bag is difficult, try being in his head."  Pandora remarked dryly to Kwiiety, swirling into existence beside the cape.

"Hey!"  Kaito sputtered.  "It's not like I want you there!"

"Indeed you do not."  Pandora agreed, inclining his head slightly.  "Now then.  How is your magic string coming along?"

Kaito flicked his hands, and a white light shot out of his hands, wrapping around a drawer handle.  Kaito pulled on the string and the drawer opened, displaying the contents inside.

"Well done."  Pandora nodded in approval.  "Now, can it support your weight?"

"What?"  Kaito asked blankly, but Pandora reached out and seized his string, giving it to Kwiiety.

"Lift him up."  Pandora told his cape.

"What are you doing -" Kaito started, but Kwiiety obeyed, flying up to the ceiling.  Kaito bit back a yelp as the string lifted with them, and since he was still holding onto one end, began to lift him up as well.

A few seconds later and the string snapped, sending Kaito tumbling back to the ground.  Kwiiety quickly swooped down, sliding between Kaito and the floor, breaking his fall.

"What the hell was that for, Pandy-chan?!"  Kaito snapped, slowly regaining his footing.

"It was a test."  Pandora informed him matter-of-factly.  "You are able to control your string quite well, but it lacks strength."

"A little more warning next time?"  Kaito shot back, narrowing his eyes at Pandora.

Pandora did not look disturbed in the slightest.  "When in combat with other magic users, there is no warning.  You must be prepared for anything, at any time."

Kaito exhaled, creating another magic string in his hands.  Pandora had a point, he wouldn't learn if he was coddled.  And he was positive by now Pandora wouldn't cause him permanent harm.  But it was still exasperating.

"So how do I make it stronger?"  He asked out loud, rolling the glowing white string back and forth in his hands.

"Practice."  Pandora flowed over to one of the cabinets, taking out one of the bowling balls they used to practice shielding.  Setting it down on the floor, Pandora gestured to it.  "Try to roll it towards you using only the string."

Kaito pressed his lips together, carefully wrapping the string around the ball.  Once he had it secured, he tugged on the string.

The bowling ball didn't budge.

Kaito sighed wearily, glancing over at Pandora.

"Close your eyes.  Visualize the string becoming stronger."  Pandora instructed.

Kwiiety gave an encouraging wriggle before picking up a plastic block to play with.

Kaito took a deep breath, doing as Pandora told him.  Not entirely sure how to visualize it, he focused on the light of the string, imagining it becoming brighter, firmer.

"Try again."  Pandora's voice cut through his thoughts.

Reopening his eyes, Kaito grasped the string firmly and pulled.

The bowling ball slowly rolled towards him, and Kaito felt a triumphant grin spread across his face.

"Well done, vessel."  Pandora nodded, extending a hand in Kaito’s direction.  "You are improving every day." 

"Thanks, but I don't think it can support my weight yet."  Kaito replied, letting the string vanish.

"You will get there soon."  Pandora said confidently, one of the wooden boards Kaito had bought for magic practice some time ago flying into his extended hand.  "Your blasting spell?"

Kaito pressed his hands against the board, the wood bursting into splinters a moment later.

"Very good.  Summoning spell?"

Kaito flicked a hand, and the wooden shards rose from the floor and landed next to each other on the table.

"Excellent.  Repair spell?"

Kaito waved his hands over the wooden shards, and the pieces shifted, melting back together, reforming the block of wood.

"Very good."  Pandora picked back up the board, and Kaito felt his triumphant grin widen.

"Considering how much I've been training - hey!"

The wooden board, which Pandora had just thrown at him impacted against the shield Kaito instinctively put up, falling to the floor with a thud.

"And your shield reaction time has improved as well."  Pandora nodded in approval.  "Excellent work, vessel."

"I hate you."  Kaito muttered, slowly letting the shield dissipate.

"You are lying."  Pandora informed him pleasantly, floating the wooden board back to the stack of wooden boards in the corner.

"Whatever you say, Pandy-chan."  Kaito rolled his eyes, noticing Kwiiety had stopped their play and was watching them.  "What is it?"  He asked, and Kwiiety gave an answering shake.

"Flying practice?"  Pandora raised an eyebrow.  "Perhaps that is not a bad idea..."

"But where?"  Kaito asked, leaning against the table.  His energy levels didn't drop nearly as quickly now, but he definitely felt more tired than before.

Kwiiety made a dramatic billowing motion.

"Pocket dimensions are out of the question right now."  Pandora shook his head.  "My vessel is not equipped to handle such a journey just yet.  He is still a human, remember?"

Kwiiety gave a sad shake of agreement.

"Still, it's not a bad idea, like Pandy-chan said."  Kaito added, and Kwiiety perked up again.  "I want to look into it, but..."  Checking his phone, Kaito's eyes widened.  "It's much closer to supper than I thought!  We'll finish talking about it some other time!"  He called back to them, already running back up the stairs to the main section of his house.

"No touching anything."  Pandora informed Kwiiety before disappearing.

Kwiiety exasperatedly folded the cape in response.

-

"There you are!"  Aoko exclaimed, opening the door after Kaito rang the bell.  "Aoko was beginning to think you had forgot."

Swallowing back the guilt that bubbled up at Aoko's words, Kaito shook his head.  "I just got caught up in practicing a new magic trick."

Aoko nodded, letting Kaito step inside the house.  "Aoko finally understands what you mean...Aoko never knew how interesting photography was until now!"

"Ah, you've been doing photoshoots with Keiko, right?"  Kaito asked, heading into the dining room.

"That's right!  We've gotten some amazing sunrise photos..."  Aoko bubbled, checking something on the stove.  "Dad should be here any moment -"

True to her words, Kaito heard the sound of the door opening and Nakamori's footsteps.  Settling himself on a chair, Kaito gave a small sigh.  He didn't want to admit it, but...he had missed this.  Sealing magic away really was taking up a lot of his time.

If not for it being sealed, they would all perish.  Pandora murmured.  Still, you should have this at least.

...Thanks.

"Kaito-kun!"  Nakamori greeted upon entering the dining room.  "It's been a little while since you were here!"

"Yeah, school and stuff has been keeping me occupied."  Kaito laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.  "How was work today, Nakamori-keibu?"

"Slow."  Nakamori grumbled, face darkening.  "KID hasn't shown up since that idiot old man challenged him..."

I've stolen plenty of things since then, what is he -

But you did not announce them publicly.

Kaito paused, mentally reviewed the past two weeks, and it was only thanks to his ingrained habit of poker face that he was able to keep the look of horrified realization off of his face.

Have I been that disconnected from everything that was happening?!

...Admittedly, I may have kept you so busy we forgot about other obligations...

This can't happen again.

Agreed.

"That's a good thing!"  Aoko bustled back over to the table, setting down a large dish.  "You haven't been having to work late hours again!"

"I suppose so..."  Nakamori muttered, sinking into his seat.  "But who knows what dastardly scheming that scoundrel is up to..."

...He's right, I should be planning a heist.

You are supposed to be taking breaks.

Yes, but if he gets bored waiting and decides to start poking around...

Very well.

"How is photography going?"  Nakamori asked his daughter, and Aoko beamed in response.

"It's going great!  Keiko and I are heading to the park after school tomorrow to get some nature photos!"

"Sounds fun!"  Kaito spoke back up, pasting a smile on his face, even as his stomach twisted.

"Yeah!  What are you doing, Kaito?"  Aoko replied bouncily, and Kaito restrained a wince.

Tracking down another item probably, but...

"Going to keep working on practicing new tricks."  Kaito answered, quickly stuffing a bite of food in his mouth to prevent himself from having to answer further.

"With how much work you put in, you could be a professional magician, Kaito-kun."  Nakamori observed, taking a bite of food himself.

Kaito swallowed, willing his hands not to twitch.

"Yeah, maybe after I graduate high school..."

The conversation turned mundane after that, and Kaito mostly let the Nakamoris talk, focusing on eating his food.  And although he tried to push it down, some part of him wondered why things had to become so complicated.

-

"Aoko."  Keiko said thoughtfully to her friend, as they snapped photos of the wildflowers after school the next day.  "What happened between you and Kaito-kun?"

Aoko froze, turning to look at the other girl, eyes wide.

"What do you mean?"  She tried, but Keiko shook her head.

"You two aren't nearly as close as you used to be."  Keiko pressed, before her lips curled into a mischievous smile.  "Troubles in paradise ~?"

"Keiko!"  Aoko sputtered, flailing a little.  "You know I don't like him like that!"

"I'm just teasing you."  Keiko replied lightly, before she grew serious again.  "But really Aoko...what happened?"

Aoko swallowed, looking away.  "Kaito's just a big idiot."  She muttered.  "Besides, this is more fun."

"What did he do?"  Keiko's brow furrowed.

"It's not one specific instance."  Aoko's shoulders sagged a little.  "He's just...changed.  Always busy.  More irritable.  And he insists on supporting KID even though he knows what that awful thief does to my dad..."

"Are you worried about him?"  Keiko ventured cautiously, after a moment.

"Of course Aoko is."  Aoko whispered.  "But Kaito doesn't want help."

"Maybe he doesn't know how to accept it."  Keiko suggested.

"He doesn't."  Aoko snorted, before sighing.  "But he wouldn't listen to Aoko, even if Aoko tried...and besides.  Aoko's finding other things she likes to do!"

"So you're not going to do anything?"  Keiko asked, giving Aoko a hard look.

"Not yet."  Aoko pressed her lips together.  "He'll come around eventually."

"And if he doesn't?"

"Then..."  Aoko sighed again, absently adjusting the lens of her camera.  "Aoko will figure out what to do then."

"Want to focus on getting your life in order first?"  Keiko said knowingly, tilting her head.

"Yeah!  Aoko has other things to do if Kaito's busy."  Aoko huffed, and snapped a photo of a nearby flower.  "Aoko doesn't need him."

"Yeah!  So what should we photograph next?"  Keiko replied supportively, holding up her own camera.

"Hm..."  Aoko glanced around, eyes settling on a nearby tree.  "What about those leaves?"

"Sounds great!"  Keiko smiled, but the moment Aoko turned and started running over to the tree, the smile dropped from her face and she sighed.  "I guess Aoko has her own internal problems to work through before taking on someone else's."  She murmured, heading after her friend.  "I just hope Kaito-kun has a good reason for all of this."

-

"I realize you are stressed over not planning a heist, however you had a good reason for not doing it before."  Pandora informed Kaito, as Kaito scrolled through various news articles on his tablet.

"Is this magical?"  Kaito asked in response, ignoring Pandora's statement as he showed him a picture of a statue on display.

Pandora sighed, shaking his head.  "No, vessel.  Neither were the previous eight items you asked about.  I will tell you if I find something, perhaps you should take a break?"

"I have taken breaks."  Kaito muttered.

Pandora glanced at Kwiiety, the two of them seeming to share exasperated looks despite the fact Kwiiety had no eyes.

"You do realize throwing yourself into heist planning will not distract yourself from your breaking relationship with the Nakamoris?"  Pandora pointed out mildly.

"I'm not doing that!  You're the one who stressed how important sealing everything is!"  Kaito snapped.

Pandora held out a hand, the irritatingly familiar self-help book flying into it.  Kaito groaned, leaning his head back.

"Why do you still have that thing?"

"Because it is useful."  Pandora informed him.  "Vessel, you remember what happened the last time you experienced burnout, correct?"

"...I would have revealed the existence of magic to the detectives if you hadn't altered their memory."  Kaito admitted, sinking down into his seat.

"Therefore, we understand how dangerous it can be for you to stretch yourself thin."  Pandora said the last part while staring down at the book.  Kaito blinked, sitting back up.

"Did you get that term from the book?"

"Many useful things."  Pandora nodded, still looking down at the page.  "Humans are such curious creatures..."

Kwiiety bobbed up and down in agreement.

"Then what should I do?"  Kaito set down his tablet, narrowing his eyes.

"Rest."  Pandora said firmly.  "You already completed your homework for the weekend, and your magic training is going well."

"I'm not tired."  Kaito grumbled.

Pandora raised an eyebrow.  "Consider going out, then."

"Where?"  Kaito challenged, crossing his arms.

Pandora appeared to think over the question for a moment before nodding.  "Why not check on the flower shop you helped?"

"That's..."  Kaito paused.  "I guess my flower supply is a little drained after doing all those tricks..."

"Excellent, it is decided then."  Pandora snapped his fingers, Kaito's bag zooming over to them.  Another snap and Kaito's hair settled, looking about as combed as it ever did.  "Off you go."

"Right now?"  Kaito said in disbelief, but Pandora was already pushing him towards the door.  "Pandy-chan!"

-

Upon arriving at the shop, Kaito's mood lifted at seeing several customers in the shop.  At least some things had worked out like they should.

Except then, one of the customers turned, and Kaito froze as Hakuba Saguru of all people locked eyes with him, looking just as surprised as Kaito felt.

"Kuroba-kun?"  Hakuba questioned, walking towards him.  "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to pick up some roses for my magic tricks."  Kaito grumbled, crossing his arms.  "What are you doing here?"

"Ah...it's my Baaya's birthday tomorrow, and I wanted to get her something nice..."  Hakuba faltered, looking a bit uncertain at Kaito's behavior.

Abruptly realizing he was coming off as more defensive than necessary, Kaito uncrossed his arms.

"That's nice of you I guess."  He muttered, not really knowing what else to say.

Hakuba shifted awkwardly, before speaking again.

"Thank you again for speaking with me."  He said, and Kaito swallowed.

"I said as long as you didn't accuse me of anything it was fine."  He replied, feeling Pandora shift in the back of his mind.  "So.  Your Baaya likes flowers?"

"Carnations."  Hakuba nodded at the flowers in his arms. 

"Those are nice."  Kaito offered lamely, still not knowing what to say.

Hakuba's mouth opened and closed, as if he wanted to say something but didn't know what words to say it with.  After a moment he shifted the carnations he was holding, nodding again.

"I suppose I should purchase these.  It was good to see you, Kuroba-kun."

"Yeah, you too."  Kaito replied automatically, before realizing what words had left his mouth.  At seeing the relief on Hakuba's face however, he bit back any correction he might have made.  Maybe the guy was more insecure than Kaito had initially thought.

It appears the business is flourishing.  Pandora commented as Kaito moved to study the rose selection.

Did you just make a pun?

What do you mean?

Flourishing...like a flower?

Ah, evidently I did.  How unfortunate.

I will never understand you.

Perhaps that is for the best, vessel.

"Oh, it's you!"

A new voice broke though Kaito's silent conversation and he blinked, turning to see who it was.  Much to his surprise, Okazaki Maki was standing behind him, a friendly look on her face.

"I checked to see if they had an opening like you suggested, and they did.  There's a lot of work to do, but the marketing we've done so far has worked wonders."  Maki continued.  "So I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for bringing this place to my attention."

I'm just running into everyone here...but I'm relieved to know the shop is doing well.

"It was my pleasure."  Kaito gave her a charming smile, picking up some roses he was interested in.  "I'm happy to know this place is in good hands."

Maki chuckled slightly, waving a hand.  "They just needed a little boost.  It was nice to see you again."

"You as well!"  Kaito replied cheerfully, and Maki headed off to the shop's backroom.

Ah, a perfect example of some of the good you have done. 

I know sealing items is a good thing!  I just think I need to be better about holding public heists...

Because KID does not have Kuroba Kaito's problems?

What?  No, what are you trying to imply -

Are you going to pay for the flowers, or are you going to stand here, staring blankly into space?

You're going to explain what you meant by that.

Eventually, vessel, you will know the answer yourself.

You -

The flowers.

Kaito resisted the urge to scowl, instead giving the cashier a pleasant smile as he approached the counter, flowers in hand.

-

"We're back!"  Kaito announced to Kwiiety, stepping into the KID room. 

Kwiiety eagerly zoomed over to him, giving a welcoming wriggle.

"Do you want to see what we got?"  Kaito asked, noticing Kwiiety was hovering near his bag.  Kwiiety shook in agreement.

"Did you know humans make a profit selling flowers now?"  Pandora said conversationally to Kwiiety, swirling into existence next to them.  "It is astounding how much changes after being sealed away for so long, isn't it?"

Kwiiety gave a sad but hopeful shake in response.

"Yes, you'll have plenty of time to catch up."  Kaito pulled the roses out of the bag, holding them up so Kwiiety could see them.  If they could see that is.  How was Kwiiety seeing anything without eyes?

"Kwiiety is not human, vessel."  Pandora informed him, looking over at Kaito.  "They do not see the same way you do."

"I know our consciousness are intertwined and all, but seriously get out of my head."  Kaito grumbled.

Kwiiety meanwhile, was excitedly examining the roses, practically vibrating.  Kaito smiled slightly, setting them down on the table.

"I need to watch the news, but as long as you don't touch them, I'll leave them out for you to look at."  He told Kwiiety, and Kwiiety briefly wrapped around his shoulders in a hug before hovering over the flowers.  Kaito blinked, unsure of how to react, before deciding Kwiiety wasn't expecting a reaction and headed back to his living room.

Flipping on the TV, Kaito leaned back against his couch, feeling somewhat bored as the reporters droned on about various stories.  Nothing about any sort of exhibit or strange behavior that could be of interest...looking at the other side of the couch, Kaito could see Pandora was thinking the same thing.

The atmosphere was almost peaceful, and Kaito relaxed slightly, thoughts wandering to how to spend his weekend.

And so, of course, the moment instantly shattered.

"Breaking news!"  The announcer onscreen announced, an all too familiar face filling the screen.  "Jirokichi Suzuki has issued another challenge to the infamous thief Kaitou KID -"

"What?!"  Kaito demanded incredulously, shooting upright.  "It's only been like two weeks, why is he -"

"Suzuki-san recently acquired the large jewel Ocean's Green, which he plans to use as bait to lure KID in."  The announcer continued, and Kaito heaved a sigh, seeing the picture of the jewel flash on screen.

"Oh great, another useless gem to steal.  Well at least it's not magical, right Pandora?"  Kaito grumbled, looking over at Pandora.

Much to Kaito's surprise, Pandora looked vaguely horrified, staring at the screen with rapt attention.

"Such a jewel...where did he even manage to find such a thing?"  He murmured, sounding almost aghast.

"What?"  Kaito asked nervously, but Pandora continued as if he hadn't heard him.

"The power that jewel holds...no human should be anywhere near it..."

"Pandora, what does it do?"  Kaito tried not to snap, chest tightening.

Pandora finally looked over at him, lips pressed together.  "Krakens."  He said simply.  "It summons krakens."

Kaito stared at Pandora in silence for a long moment before letting out a loud groan, dropping his head into his hands.  "Of course it does."

Chapter Text

"So."  Kaito ventured after a moment of silence.  "Krakens exist, huh."

"That they do."  Pandora nodded, folding his hands together.  "Normally they live in the deepest parts of the sea...they have not bothered humans for centuries.  However, if one is summoned..."

"How does that even work?"  Kaito questioned, shaking his head.  "Why would someone need to make that?"

"When activated, the jewel will release a humming noise, on a frequency specifically tuned to appeal to krakens.  Humans cannot hear it."  Pandora sighed, looking over at Kaito.  "The magic amplifies it so it can be heard for miles upon miles and well below the sea.  As for why someone would need such a thing...magic users sought to bring various legendary beasts under their control.  They failed, and I sealed away all of the summoners, as otherwise humanity would be overrun by these creatures."

"There's more than one summoner?"  Kaito felt dread slowly creep up his spine.

Pandora shook his head slightly.  "Most of them were destroyed, through various means.  This is one of the only surviving ones, although perhaps there are others which would still function...This summoner in particular was created in a jewel, as it would be easy to get ships to take it out to sea."

"If it's that useful..."  Kaito trailed off, a grim thought occurring to him.  "You don't think that group will try to get it, do you?"

Pandora considered his words for a moment before shaking his head.  "Not with this much public spectacle.  No, they would simply take this as a sign to track down any remaining summoners, if they decided to pursue it at all."

"Small mercies."  Kaito muttered.  "And he wants me to steal it tomorrow?"

"He likely does not want to give you time to prepare."  Pandora pressed his lips together.  "His last challenge to you did not go the way he expected."

"Yeah, probably."  Kaito grumbled.  "But if he's barely giving me a day, I'm definitely going to have to rely on some magic for something like this...it's too risky to leave things up to chance."

"That is correct.  Should it activate and summon a kraken..."  Pandora tilted his head.

"But if it's on land, it shouldn't be as much of a problem, right?"  Kaito pointed out, turning on his tablet to find more news articles on Suzuki's challenge.

"Not as much no, but still something to be wary of -" Pandora paused, seeing the look that had appeared on Kaito's face.  "Is something wrong, vessel?"

Wordlessly, Kaito turned his tablet around to show Pandora the article displayed on the screen.

Pandora studied it for a moment, before sighing.  "Ah.  Of course.  He has put the jewel on a boat."

"He's sailing the boat out into the middle of the ocean with the jewel on it?"  Kaito demanded incredulously, finding his voice.  "I knew the old man was elaborate, but this -"

"Perhaps your last response to his challenge was not satisfying enough to him."  Pandora murmured, sounding grim.  "This is his attempt to make it more difficult."

"He's bringing a kraken summoner out to sea."  Kaito said, staring at the wall in front of him blankly.

"That may be so."  Pandora agreed, nodding his head.  "However, you are not alone in this, vessel.  You will have my power at your disposal."

"As much as I hate to admit it."  Kaito muttered, sinking back against his couch.  "I think I'm going to need it."

-

"Hakuba-niichan!"

Saguru glanced over to find Conan waving at him cheerfully, Hattori standing next to him, hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Good morning."  Saguru greeted, looking around at the taskforce bustling around them.  "I must admit I was surprised to receive your message this morning.  I almost couldn't make it, but my Baaya insisted I should go."

"It also came as a shock ta me."  Hattori grumbled, glancing down at Conan, who at least had the decency to look sheepish.

"Suzuki insisted it be kept as secret as possible...he didn't want to give KID any time to prepare."  He explained, shifting his feet slightly.

Saguru barely restrained a frown.  Kuroba wouldn't have any time to prepare.  And while Kuroba had rejected his offer of help yet again, Saguru had called him about heists before...Remembering their conversation about Chat Noir, Saguru reached a decision.  With the new understanding they had, he didn't think Kuroba would begrudge him for this.

"Is Suzuki-san around?"  Saguru asked Hattori, maintaining a polite tone despite Hattori rolling his eyes.

"He's on the boat already."  Conan spoke up, pointing at the large, cruise-like ship.  "Ran-neechan is waiting for Sonoko-neechan to arrive, so we haven't boarded yet."

Ah, that would suit Saguru's needs perfectly then.

"Then if you don't mind, I think I'll go ahead and board."  Saguru informed them politely.  Hattori rolled his eyes again but nodded.

"Sure, whatever."

"Fill us in on anything we might miss!"  Conan called after him as Saguru headed towards the boat.

Once inside, Saguru was greeted with the sight of Nakamori barking orders at his men, hand clenching his walkie talkie so tight his knuckles turned white.

"Don't go wandering off by yourselves idiots, I don't care how much the -"

Saguru coughed into his hand, looking at Nakamori expectantly.  Nakamori froze, turning to look at him, before he stormed over and grabbed a firm hold of Saguru's cheek.

"Nakamori-keibu - I'm not KID -" Saguru grimaced as Nakamori pulled, letting go after several painful moments and nodding to himself.

"Had to make sure!"  The inspector huffed, crossing his arms.  "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to inspect the area where the jewel is being held."  Saguru told him, and Nakamori let out a heavy breath of air, shaking his head.

"Good luck with that."  He muttered.  Saguru furrowed his brow, wondering what the inspector meant.

"Is there something I should know?"

"Old man isn't letting anyone near it."  Nakamori groused, looking disgruntled.  "Insists that if no one can enter the room it must be safe."

So Suzuki was completely reversing his strategy from last time...rather than everyone being with the jewel...the jewel was away from everyone.

Saguru nodded grimly in understanding.  "I'd still like to talk to Suzuki-san."

"No one can reason with that old man."  Nakamori warned him as Saguru started to move past him.

"I do not intend to."  Saguru replied, and headed down the passageway.

It didn't take him long to find Suzuki, as the man was rubbing his hands together in glee as he stared at a closely guarded door, eyes glinting.

"Suzuki-san."  Saguru greeted, and the man turned around, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Nakamori-keibu already checked -" Saguru began, but Suzuki had already seized his cheek and pulled.

"Had to be sure!"  Suzuki said firmly, sounding a lot like Nakamori.  "You could have just been saying that - as you can see, the jewel is safely secured."

"I...actually cannot see it."  Saguru pointed out awkwardly, rubbing his cheek.  Suzuki blinked at him before letting out a hearty laugh.

"I suppose that's true!  You want to know my strategy this time?"

"Of course."  Saguru nodded, shifting slightly as he took note of how many guards were in front of the door.

"The goal this time is to not let KID anywhere near the jewel."  Suzuki cackled, rubbing his hands together again.  "Instead we'll catch him as he tries to get near it!"

"I take it that door is the only entrance."  Saguru inclined his head towards it, and Suzuki nodded.

"And all of the guards are equipped with gas masks too!  There's no way to enter the room without getting through them, and they're under strict orders not to let anyone in without checking for a mask first!  KID stands no chance!"

"But what if he does manage to get the jewel?  How will you know?"  Saguru pointed out, but Suzuki did not seem concerned.

"The room has cameras in it, and the footage is constantly being streamed to my device."  He said proudly, pulling out his phone to show Saguru.  "If anyone is in there, I'll know.  There's also an alarm system in the jewel's case that will send alerts to the taskforce if the case is opened."

"I see."  Saguru mused, glancing at the door again.  He was sure Kuroba could think of ways around it with enough time, but with such short notice -

"Is there a bathroom nearby?"  Saguru asked, changing the subject.  Suzuki didn't seem bothered, instead pointing down the passageway.

"To your left."  He informed Saguru, and Saguru nodded his thanks, heading down that direction.

The moment he was safely inside, Saguru inhaled a deep breath before entering a familiar number in his phone and pressing call.

The line rung for a few moments before Kuroba's voice, sounding bewildered, answered:

"Hello?"

"Kuroba-kun."  Saguru said quickly, before Kuroba changed his mind and hung up.  "You said I could talk to you again about KID related matters as long as I did not accuse you of being KID, correct?"

"...Is something up?"  Kuroba asked after a moment, and there was an odd shuffling noise on the other end of the phone.  Saguru ignored it though, gathering his nerves.

"As you may have heard, Suzuki-san challenged Kaitou KID, seemingly out of the blue."  He stated, the shuffling noises on Kuroba's end quieting.

"Yeah, I heard."  Kuroba's tone was not defensive, giving Saguru hope.

"I just spoke with Suzuki-san about the security measures."  Saguru went on.  "The jewel is being kept in a room with only one entrance.  The entrance is guarded by taskforce officers with gas masks, and orders to not let anyone in without checking for a mask.  The room itself has cameras streaming footage to Suzuki's personal device twenty-four seven, along with an alarm built into the case that will set off alerts to the taskforce the moment it is opened."

Kuroba was silent for a moment, before he sighed.

"So this guy wants to keep KID away from the jewel and try to catch him that way, not lure him into the room with the jewel, is that right?"

"Correct."  Saguru exhaled, feeling the tension drain out of him.  "I am uncertain about how KID could get around this -"

"So you contacted me...why?"  Kuroba's voice grew more wary, and Saguru internally cursed.

"Because, I -" Saguru broke off, before swallowing.  "Because as I told you, I have no wish to see KID hurt.  I am...worried about him."

Kuroba went silent again, and Saguru desperately hoped he hadn't made a misstep.  Then, at last, he heard a chuckle escape Kuroba.  Saguru blinked in surprise.  Why was he -

"Hakuba."  Kuroba's voice grew unexpectedly serious.  "I believe in KID.  You should too."

Saguru slowly breathed out, the weight from his shoulders lifting ever so slightly.

"I'll try."  He promised.

"But uh..."  Kuroba shifted slightly, tone the verbal equivalent of a shrug.  "It's cool to hear about the heist stuff, given that I'm a fan and all.  I guess...thanks."

Saguru's eyes widened, scarcely believing what he had just heard.  Kuroba was - thanking him?

"...I'd be willing to tell you more, sometime." 

The words slipped out of Saguru before he knew it, and he blinked in surprise.  He hadn't meant to say that, but he didn't think Kuroba would take offense.

"Maybe one day I'll take you up on that offer."  Kuroba muttered, and Saguru got the feeling Kuroba didn't intend for him to hear that at all.  Before he could reply however, there was a rather loud crashing sound over the phone.

"Kuroba-kun?  Is everything all right -" Saguru began, but Kuroba cut him off.

"Yeah, yeah, just a trick I'm working on is being difficult - I should go deal with it, don't you have a heist to get to?"

Saguru once again got no chance to reply as Kuroba hung up.  But he had at least achieved what he sought to do, so that would have to do for now.  Checking the time on his pocket watch, Saguru swallowed.  He could only hope Kuroba had it all handled.

-

"KWIIETY!"

Kwiiety shifted, almost guiltily as Kaito stared in horror at the bits of his glider scattered around.  Pandora heaved a sigh, shaking his head.

"Perhaps we should have trained them on how to attach themselves to the glider before now..."

Kaito covered his face with his hands for a moment, groaning.  Hakuba's information had been useful yes, but he had the worst timing.  He would think about the strangely friendly tone of the phone call some other time.  Right now, he had a lot going on.

"Okay!"  Kaito said, all bright, fake cheerfulness.  "We're going to try this again!"

Gesturing with both hands, the glider parts flew back together, mending back to their proper positions. 

"Gently this time."  Kaito instructed, and Kwiiety slowly began arranging themself on the glider frame. 

"Good."  Kaito sighed, glancing down at his watch.  He had never responded to Suzuki with a time - or at all, people who gave him such short notice would not be receiving that courtesy, gentleman thief or not - but the ship would be setting off in about an hour.  It wasn't great, but he didn't have time to prepare Kwiiety any longer.

"Are we leaving then?"  Pandora asked him.

"Yeah."  Kaito sighed again.  "Some of the taskforce is coming a bit later, due to some overtime they pulled in some other case, so I'm slipping in with them."

"Very well."  Pandora nodded.  "Shall I get your mask in place?"

"After I get this put away -" Kaito blinked as Pandora snapped his fingers, the various parts folding back to where they belonged.  "Never mind.  Now is fine."

"You will figure it out."  Pandora told him quietly, as he brushed a hand over Kaito's face, making the mask magically stay in place.

Kaito swallowed, fingers twitching as he longed for a deck of cards to fiddle with.  "I hope so."  He muttered.

-

By the time Saguru had returned, the other two detectives had boarded and been filled in on the security measures.  Hattori and Conan had been talking amongst themselves over on one side of the room, but looked over as he entered.  Saguru quickly hurried over, not wanting to draw attention from the rest of the room to himself.

"So what do ya think?"  Hattori nodded his head towards Suzuki.

Saguru pressed his lips together, trying to think of a good answer.

"I think it could potentially make it difficult to talk to KID."  He said at last.  "All of his attention will be focused on getting through that door."

"Agreed."  Conan did not sound happy.  "If we could catch up to him after he gets the jewel however..."

Saguru glanced down at him in surprise.  So Conan wasn't even worried about whether or not KID would get to the jewel, he believed KID would get to it no matter what.  Although, Saguru supposed knowing KID's civilian identity made it easier to remember that KID wasn't all knowing and cunning underneath the monocle...and Conan was still a child, despite all of his intelligence.

"We wanted ta do that last time."  Hattori sounded grim.  "It didn't work out that great fer us."

Saguru restrained a wince.  Yes, last time had been...rather pitiful, he had to admit.  They still hadn't figured out how KID had gotten the jewel to behave like that either, which he was sure was driving the other detectives mad.

"Then maybe..."  Conan raised his head, glasses catching the light and reflecting it off of the frames.  "Our best option would be to figure out what his disguise is."

Saguru swallowed.  That could likely throw off Kuroba's already hastily made plan...but he had no better solution, and Hattori and Conan would only suspect him if he objected.  Steeling himself, Saguru nodded, letting his usual polite smile overtake his face.

"I believe that would be worth a try."

Hattori shot him an unimpressed look before eagerly scanning the room.

"Should we get ta it then?"  He smirked.

Saguru withheld an exasperated sigh.  Kuroba was not going to be happy about this.

-

"Man, Hakuba wasn't kidding about the door being heavily guarded."  Kaito muttered, studying his reflection in the bathroom mirror.  He had discreetly slipped away from the rest of the taskforce after observing the door and the guards around it.  "The cameras are a problem too, they can't see me sealing the jewel."

"Speaking of the jewel, it is highly unstable."  Pandora murmured from where he had appeared by the sinks.  "I fear it could activate at any moment."

"Even better."  Kaito groused.  "Well, we've set sail now.  All we can do is work with what we’ve got."

"Which is not a small amount."  Pandora raised an eyebrow.  "As for the cameras - can you not simply make them loop?"

"Without being able to access the cameras themselves?  I don't know."  Kaito heaved a sigh.

"I see."  Pandora murmured.  "Perhaps..."

"What?"  Kaito turned, facing Pandora.

Pandora tilted his head slightly.  "There are such things as freeze spells and stasis spells...perhaps if modified enough, the spell could freeze the cameras in time in a way, making it so the cameras only continue showing an empty room."

Kaito blinked.  "That's...that could work."  He said.  "Do you know how to do that?"

Pandora actually chuckled slightly at that, blood red eyes regarding him with amusement.

"Vessel, I am one of the most powerful magical essences in existence.  There is little I do not know how to do."

"All right, cameras are taken care of then."  Kaito resisted the urge to glare at Pandora.  "I still need to figure out a way around the guards though..."

"Yes, they could be -" Pandora started, but abruptly broke off.  "Someone is coming."  He murmured to Kaito before disappearing.

No sooner had he, then the door opened, revealing a taskforce member.  Kaito quickly turned on the sink, investing himself in the process of washing his hands.

The officer for his part just sort of nodded wearily at Kaito before trudging into a stall.  After drying off his hands, Kaito hurried out of the room, eager to leave before the officer thought to ask questions.  He would be improvising a lot tonight, it seemed.

-

As nighttime drew closer, people were clearly growing antsy.  Suzuki kept tapping his foot, looking around expectantly like he just expected KID to drop out of the sky.  The detectives on the other hand...

KID's eyes narrowed.  The detectives were making the rounds tonight it seemed.  They were talking to just about everyone, which usually meant they were trying to figure out who he was disguised as.

Not like they'd be able to tell by checking for a mask ~

KID withheld a grin at the thought, continuing to monitor the scene.  He still needed a way past all of the guards though...

At that moment, Hakuba locked eyes with him.  KID inwardly tensed, keeping his face neutral as he stared back.

Hakuba's mouth opened slightly, before he closed it again and he turned away, directing Conan's attention to another random taskforce officer.

KID blinked, wondering why Hakuba was intentionally keeping the other detectives away from him.  Unless...Hakuba was worried about KID not having enough time to plan, right?  Was this his way of attempting to allow KID to scheme in peace?

As I have said many times, he could make a good ally.

...I will give this more thought when I am not focused on pulling off a heist on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

Very well.

The next hour passed relatively peacefully.  Some people began questioning if KID was going to show.  Suzuki was starting to look ticked, and he kept checking his phone - likely for the camera footage.  KID pressed his lips together, still debating what to do about the door when Hattori and Conan began approaching him.

Snapping his attention to them at once, KID switched his voice to one of an older male's, asking in a somewhat bored tone of voice:

"Something I can help you with?"

"Yeah, actually."  Hattori's eyes narrowed as he studied him.  "What's yer name?"

Well, crap.  KID hadn't exactly replaced one of his taskforce officers, he had merely blended in as an extra.  Mentally recalling which members of the taskforce he had seen today, KID selected the name of one he hadn’t seen.

"Okita Toshio."

The detectives froze.  Dammit, he had fallen for some kind of trap, hadn't he -

"That's funny."  Conan widened his eyes, almost comically.  KID resisted the urge to grimace.  "Another officer told us he was out sick today ~"

Oh how KID hated that fake childish tone of Conan's.  If they weren't on opposite sides of the law, he might seriously consider giving him some acting lessons.  As it was though, he was going to need to do some serious improv before things got much worse. 

And then, as if fate had decided to play a very cruel joke on him, things got much worse.  As he opened his mouth to answer, KID was cut off by the boat shifting as if something had stirred beneath it.

What the -

Vessel, the summoner has activated.  A kraken is on its way.

...Shit.

Nothing else mattered now.  He needed to get to that jewel, and he needed to get to it now.  KID grinned a wide, sharp smile at his detectives before purring,

"You found me out detectives ~ catch me if you can, will you?"

Slipping some smoke bombs out from his sleeves, KID dashed out of the room, already changed into his trademark white suit.  Kwiiety to their credit, remained limp as they were supposed to.  Several people started yelling, and there was the heavy sound of footsteps as they began chasing him.  Good, the further he got them away from the door the better.

Vessel, you are going up to the deck.

I know, I need to lead them as far away as possible before losing them.

Very well, but hurry.

I know -

Suddenly feeling himself gain a burst of speed, KID glanced down to find Kwiiety was pushing him along, making him cover more ground.  Normally he would have complained - but he should be out of sight of his pursuers by now, and Kwiiety was careful to keep their movements as natural as possible.  Given the situation, KID needed all the help he could get.

KID skidded to a halt as he approached the railing of the deck, casting a glance over it.  There was definitely something in the water all right - and if it kept up, the existence of magical creatures was about to be revealed to a whole lot of people.

Pandora swirled into existence next to him, joining him by the railing as he gazed grimly down at the water. 

"You can see it, vessel?"

"Can the others not?"  KID asked sharply.

Pandora shook his head.  "Not until it gets closer to the surface, I have temporarily enhanced your ability to see such things.  It will not be long until they can, however."

"Even if I seal the summoner, the kraken won't just go away, will it?"  KID questioned, feeling dread creep up his spine.

"No."  Pandora pressed his lips together.  "Vessel.  Can you handle sealing the summoner?"

"That's what I'm trying to do, why are you -" KID broke off as Pandora leapt onto the railing, looking down at him, blood red eyes searching.

"What are you doing?"  KID asked warily.

"Delaying the kraken."  Pandora's lips curled up slightly.  "I trust that you can handle the rest."

"What?  No wait, you can't just -" KID started, but Pandora turned, gracefully diving into the water.

"Pandora!"  KID yelled out, clutching the railing, staring at the spot where Pandora had disappeared into the waves.  "How do I -" KID muttered shakily, turning in circles as his thoughts raced.  "I could - no, that wouldn't work, it -"

"He must be on the decks!!  Find him, he couldn't have gone far!!"  Nakamori's shout broke through KID's thoughts and his eyes widened.  It wouldn't be long before they caught up with him -

A sudden motion drew his attention, and KID turned his head slightly to see Kwiiety wiggling at him in encouragement.  KID stared at them for a moment, before a new thought entered his mind.

"Kwiiety."  He murmured, pulling out one of his inflatable KID dummies and letting the dummy inflate on the ground.  "Do you think you can puppet this enough to make it look real?"

Kwiiety hovered over it for a moment before making a nodding motion.  KID took a deep breath, steeling himself.  "I need you to distract them."  He said firmly as Kwiiety attached themself to the dummy.  "We're going to sneak back to the door, and I need you to lead the guards away.  Whatever happens, do not get caught.  Do you understand?"

Kwiiety gave a serious shake.  KID exhaled, watching as Kwiiety quickly adjusted themself to the dummy.

"We need to go, they'll search the decks first."  He instructed, already hurrying away.  Kwiiety followed him, the dummy's footsteps looking more and more realistic with every step.

When they reached the door, only the guards were left.  KID exhaled in relief, turning to look at Kwiiety.

"I'm relying on you."

Kwiiety made a saluting motion before racing into full view, KID dummy carefully angled not to reveal the face.

"Kaitou KID!"  The guards yelled out, eyes widening.  Kwiiety raised one arm in a mocking wave before hurrying down the passageway.  The guards all exchanged wide-eyed glances, as if unsure of what to do.

"Get him!"  KID yelled out in a gruff masculine voice from his hiding place, throwing his voice to make it sound like it came from the guards.  That was all it took for the taskforce to make assenting grunts, charging after Kwiiety.

KID breathed out a sigh of relief, racing to the door and grasping the handle before he abruptly remembered - the cameras.  Which Pandora had never had the chance to put a spell on.

Hell.

Mind whirling, KID found he couldn't think of a different option, not with how little time he had - but even though the construct wasn't here, Pandora's...'essence' was still supposed to be within him, maybe he could still -

Pandora are you there?

Is something wrong, vessel?

KID breathed a sigh of relief at Pandora's familiar voice echoing in his head, before pausing.  Since when did he feel relieved about -

Vessel, I am quite occupied, if there is something wrong -

The cameras.  Are you able to -

Ah.  I am afraid my concentration is focused on delaying the kraken, I cannot cast the spell at the same time.

Then how am I supposed to -

You can cast it, vessel. 

You haven't taught this one to me.

I know.  Listen to me, vessel.  Close your eyes and focus, much like when you were meditating to view magical energy.

...All right.

Do you feel it?

Feel...?

Eyes still closed, KID's hands clenched.  He wasn't feeling anything except a whole lot of stress and -

Feel my power.

Pandora's power?  What was that supposed to mean, how did he feel -

The same way you can feel your heartbeat, vessel.  Do not let the stress of the situation overtake you.

KID wanted to grumble out a 'too late' in response, but instead took a deep breath, trying to feel his heartbeat.  It certainly was thudding in his chest, echoing in his ears -

...And there was something beneath that too.  In each beat, there was something else, flowing through his veins the same as blood.  A presence KID hadn't even noticed until now because it felt so natural.

Guide it.  For this instance, my will is the same as yours.

Guide the...feeling?  KID shuffled awkwardly for a moment before slowly extending his hands.  A faint glow surrounded them, white with a tinge of red.

You know what to do now. 

I do?

Pandora did not answer, and KID took in another deep breath, focusing on the thought of freeze the room in time. Don't let it notice my presence as he pressed his hands against the door, one hand sliding down to twist the knob.

The door opened, and KID froze, only to notice the room was bathed in the same faint glow his hands had recently been engulfed in, and he felt much more tired than before.

He had done it.

Not sparing a second to enjoy his victory, KID rushed to the jewel's case, finding the alarm had also been affected by his spell.  Finally, something had gone right.

The jewel was glowing a faint, pulsing green, but luckily KID didn't think the light was strong enough to show up on the cameras.  Quickly waving his hands over it, KID grimaced as the jewel fought back against being sealed.  Nope, this wasn't happening.  Not after all the trouble it had caused.  KID leveled a glare at the jewel as he brought his hands together, and the jewel dropped neatly back into its case.

Breathing out a sigh of relief, KID briefly leaned against the case as he tried to catch his breath.

You did it, vessel.  The kraken is already retreating.

At last -

KID abruptly straightened, remembering his cape wasn't with him.

Kwiiety is still out there, they're distracting the guards for me.

Pandora abruptly swirled into existence next to him, and KID barely restrained a yelp.

"How did you -"

"I merely ended the construct in the ocean and reappeared here.  I can form wherever you are."  Pandora answered.  "Now then - I suppose we should let them know the summoner has been sealed."

"Right -" KID took a step forward, only to immediately stagger, swaying slightly.  Pandora quickly reached out, grabbing onto him.

"Breathe."  He murmured.  "Kwiiety may not be as incapable as you believe."

"Weren't they sealed for...years?"  KID grimaced, attempting to take deep breaths.

"And before that, a lifetime of escaping and dodging magic users who wished to do them harm.  They know more than you might think."  Pandora told him, blood red eyes scanning the room.

"Your spell is excellent, but we should leave this room so you can end it.  It is draining your energy."  He said quietly, carefully nudging KID forward.  KID nodded, already feeling more clearheaded as they made their way out of the room, remembering to swipe the jewel on the way.  The moment he released the spell, KID felt the persistent tiredness fade slightly, and he glanced over at Pandora.

"Taunt them about having stolen the jewel and then Kwiiety flies me home?"

"A wise plan."  Pandora nodded.  "I sense Kwiiety is nearby - I believe I am capable of sending a message to them to come here."

"Finally, things are working out."  KID muttered with a sigh.  Pandora tilted his head in acknowledgement before disappearing.  A moment later and Kwiiety burst in, KID dummy skidding to a halt in front of KID.

"Only a room away, huh?"  KID asked them, quickly deflating the dummy and stuffing it away as Kwiiety resettled around his shoulders.

Kwiiety gave a weary shake in response.

"You did well."  KID murmured, before realizing how much like Pandora he had just sounded.

Kwiiety wiggled happily before going limp, KID readying himself as the footsteps grew louder.

Another few seconds and the police burst in, looking out of breath and determined.  KID smirked, holding up the jewel.

"As you can see, the treasure is mine..."  He purred, enjoying the expressions of his pursuers.

"KID!  You're under arrest!"  Nakamori yelled angrily, jabbing a finger at him.

KID smirked wider, readying his smoke bombs.

"Not today I'm afraid, Nakamori-keibu...but you may have the jewel back, since you're so determined ~" He sang, and tossed the jewel back at the group, who scrambled to catch it.  Taking advantage of the distraction, KID dropped his smoke bombs, smoke exploding around them as he hurried away.

Now just to get to the decks, and he would be free to fly home -

"KID."

KID skidded to a halt, inwardly cursing.  Shit, he should have suspected something was up when he hadn't noticed the detectives with the police -

"Meitantei."  KID greeted, not letting his wariness show.  "You missed the show."

Conan snorted, rolling his eyes.  "I'm sure we'll be filled in later.  We realized after the first few minutes of the chase you would likely make your escape here, and decided to wait for you."

"I see."  KID kept his face neutral as he considered the situation.  It - wasn't looking good.

"We want ta talk ta ya."  Hattori crossed his arms.  "And I'm tired of always travelin' down from Osaka ta try ta catch ya."

"I am not sure what there is to say."  KID replied lightly, watching his detectives carefully.

"You were looking for something, weren't you?"  Conan pressed, taking a step forward.  "And then something happened that night you were shot down...something that either made you switch targets or change your goal..."

Shit, his detectives really had pieced together some things.  With the context of Pandora, they would likely have a fairly good idea of what happened - but they did not, and KID would ensure it stayed that way.

"That is certainly an interesting deduction, Meitantei."  KID raised an eyebrow.  "Tell me, are all of your deductions this dramatic?"

"Evidently they are, when they involve you."  Conan was not to be deterred.  Hakuba, standing nearby, had his lips pressed together and was remaining silent.

"Now, how about givin' us some answers?"  Hattori added.  "If yer in danger, we can help ya, ya know."

"Detectives?  Help a thief?"  KID's eyebrow raised even higher.  "Forgive me for being skeptical."

"Listen, if it's -" Conan cast a look at Hakuba before continuing.  "We might be detectives yes, but none of us want to see you dead.  And if you have information on some...shady groups, we have better resources to take them down than you do."

Oh, I don't know about that...

"Why are you so convinced I'm tangled up in something, Tantei-kun?"  KID tilted his head slightly.

Conan shifted, something showing for the first time in his eyes that wasn't irritation or confidence.  It was - regret? worry?

No, it was something else.  Guilt.  It was guilt.  But why -

"You seem like the type to poke around."  Conan said at last, and swallowed.

KID stared at him for a moment, before realization clicked in his brain.  Oh. Oh.  The Mystery Train.  Conan was worried he had poked around after encountering the Organization he was dealing with, wasn't he?

"Meitantei, I'm hurt."  KID dramatically placed a hand over his heart.  "You don't honestly believe I would be so foolish as to draw attention from certain groups, do you?  I sometimes have encounters with other criminals of course, but they are all related to me."

Conan stared back, and KID could see the wheels in his head turning.  At last, Conan breathed out a sigh, shaking his head.

"That still doesn't explain why you won't accept help though."

"Oh, that's simple."  KID grinned at them, hearing the sound of the taskforce heading up to the deck.  "I don't need it."

"KID!  There you are, you bastard!"  Nakamori shouted as the police piled out onto the deck.

Before the detectives could answer, before the police could charge, KID let out a mocking laugh, readying a flash bomb.

"Better luck next time ~" He called, and threw it on the ground.

Several people cried out as they were blinded, but KID was already on the move, intent on getting to another part of the deck where they couldn't see him.  He was eager to get home and finally get some sleep.

Luckily for him, the detectives and police left the deck soon after, eager to see if KID had tried to escape to one of the rooms inside.  KID let out a large breath as Kwiiety lifted him up high enough in the air for him to open his glider and start the trip home.

At last, the crisis was averted.  Although -

Pandora?  How did you delay the kraken?

Hm...I will tell you some other time vessel, you should rest for now.

You've been saying that a lot recently.

And I mean it every time.

...I'll argue with you when I'm less tired.

Very well.

KID closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in the night air, letting some of the tension leave his body as his thoughts slowly settled.  The heist was over.  Against all the odds, he had still pulled it off, and nothing too drastic had happened.

Maybe Pandora was right - he was adjusting to his new life after all.  KID smiled slightly, reopening his eyes and glancing up at the stars.  The stars twinkled merrily back at him, and for the first time in several weeks, KID found he was genuinely enjoying the flight home.

Chapter Text

"Are ya feelin' better now, Kudou?"

Conan heaved a sigh, taking his glasses off his face and rubbing his forehead wearily.

"KID doesn't seem to think the Mystery Train played a factor in his situation at least...but that doesn't mean that it didn't..."

Heiji observed his friend for a moment before shaking his head in exasperation.

"I think ya really need ta let this one go, Kudou."

"Maybe so."  Conan grimaced, replacing his glasses on his face.  "And none of that changes the fact KID blatantly refused help."

"He reminds me of ya."  Heiji muttered, not really intending for Conan to hear that.  Conan sent him a rather irritated glare, and Heiji laughed nervously, waving his hands.  "He's much worse though!  Much worse!"  He said quickly, and Conan rolled his eyes.

"We are on the right track though."  He said, sounding determined.  "Even if KID won't admit it, we are."

"Yeah, and fer some reason that Hakuba guy was just silent the whole time."  Heiji grumbled, wondering for the umpteenth time what Hakuba's problem was.  Not to mention he had the feeling Hakuba knew more than he was letting on, something which was immensely frustrating.

"He has his own goals."  Conan crossed his arms.  "He has an interest in learning KID's motives, but displays no real desire to arrest him."

"Why do ya think that is?"  Heiji raised an eyebrow, sinking into a nearby chair as he thought it over.

"I'm not entirely sure."  Conan shook his head.  "But he has gone to a lot of KID heists we haven't...before KID got shot down, I only attended the ones Suzuki held.  Otherwise I only ran into KID when our paths crossed.  But Hakuba...Hakuba actively sought him out, even moved to Japan to continue chasing KID."

"So ya think they have something goin' on?"  Heiji crossed his arms, thinking about what Conan had just said.  The new information only made it more likely Hakuba was keeping things from them.  Heiji scowled slightly at the thought.

"More like..."  Conan hesitated, as if trying to find the right words.  "They seem to understand each other better.  I don't know.  And Hakuba's silence makes me think he didn't think it was a good idea to pressure KID."

"So what, you want ta follow his lead now?"  Heiji nearly recoiled at the thought of having to listen to Hakuba of all people.  Working with him was one thing, letting him be the leader was a whole other.

Conan looked exasperated at Heiji's reaction, rolling his eyes and sighing.

"I'm just saying, maybe we should observe what he does as well.  Not just KID."

Heiji stared at him.  Conan stared back, eyes narrowing.

At last, Heiji withered under his stare, letting out a reluctant groan.

"Fine.  Only cause ya think it'll help."  He muttered.  "Speaking of the heist, any new speculation on how KID got the jewel?"

"None."  Conan shook his head.  "The cameras show nothing, and the alarm in the case didn't go off, yet KID had the jewel...it's likely he simply tampered with them beforehand, and grabbed the jewel while he was leading the police all around the ship."

"Yeah, but how?"  Heiji pressed his lips together, feeling frustrated.  He knew KID was a magician and all, but there was always an explanation behind a trick.  The fact neither he nor Conan could figure it out was...disconcerting, to say the least.  Agitating for sure.

"He was disguised as a taskforce officer."  Conan replied dully.  "It wouldn't be implausible for him to have gained access that way."

"I guess."  Heiji frowned slightly, staring up at the ceiling.  "Man, these cases are gettin' complicated."  He muttered.  "I'd like ta start gettin' some answers soon."

"We all would."  Conan responded grimly.  "If there's really another group out there like the Black Organization...they need to be dealt with as soon as possible."

"Before someone gets shot down again."  Heiji mumbled, feeling a weight settle around his shoulders.

Conan didn't respond to that, but Heiji knew he felt the same way.

-

"We're what?"

"We're taking a break."  The man replied, light catching the purple jewel embedded in the mask on his forehead.  "Pandora's far more powerful than any of us originally estimated.  He's easily taken down both me and one of our better knights."

"We can't just take a break."  The woman hissed, sitting upright and slamming her palms on the table she was sitting at.  "There's too many artifacts to get to -"

"We're not giving up.  We're just doing some research and focusing our efforts on finding better ways to avoid Pandora."  The man sighed, crossing his arms.  "The Organization we're working with has not been as useful as we hoped, but they still have some resources we should take advantage of.  I realize this is not what you wanted to hear, but it is necessary if we want to see our goals achieved."

"We're behaving like cowards."  The woman snapped.  "How are we supposed to reshape the world with magic power if we can't even stand up to -"

"Pandora is an immortal, all powerful magical essence that as far as we can tell, has existed since the dawn of time."  The man's hand clenched.  "Frankly, if he followed our beliefs, he should be the one in charge.  And if there is one thing that seems to anger him, it's attacking his vessel.  We don't have a way to win against him yet, and continuing to go up against him unprepared could lead to capture, or worse.  There are such things as strategic retreats."

"Lose the battle but win the war."  The woman muttered sarcastically.  The man smiled a sharp, unfriendly smile at her in return.

"Exactly.  Glad to know we're on the same page."  He said pleasantly, tilting his head.  "Now then.  Shouldn't you be studying?"

"I am stop nagging me about it, you bastard."  The woman grumbled, picking up one of her books off the table.  A second later, she screamed, dropping the book as an excruciating pain ripped through her skull.

"In case you'll recall, you are a lower rank than me."  The man told her, still pleasant and smiling.  "Speak to your betters like that again, and the pain won't be temporary."

Biting back several curses and inappropriate responses, the woman gritted her teeth.

"I understand."

"Good."  The man purred, before sweeping out of the room.  The woman sat back in her chair, glaring daggers at his back, fingers slowly tracing the cover of her book.

"Just you wait."  She muttered.  "Someday soon I'll be a higher rank than you...and then we’ll see if you still treat me like that."

Thoughts wandering to various fantasies of achieving the highest rank and ordering around her fellow knights, the woman grinned and opened her book.

In order to reach that goal, she would have to continue her studies.

-

Kaito blinked open his eyes on a bright Tuesday morning, blearily turning his head to look at the time.  He still had some time before school started, maybe he could get some more sleep -

"Good morning vessel."  Pandora flowed into his room, holding a tray filled with breakfast food.

"Shush, I'm going back to sleep."  Kaito muttered irritably, closing his eyes and rolling onto his side, turning his back to Pandora.

He heard Pandora sigh, setting the tray down on a nearby surface.

"I was careful to ensure our magic training over the past few days did not lower your energy levels to a problematic point - you should not need extra sleep."

"I want to sleep."  Kaito grumbled.  "Now shush."

"Do you also want to eat?"  Pandora pointed out.  "The food I have prepared will become cold."

Kaito paused, considered Pandora's words, then with a groan, rolled back over and opened his eyes.

"All right fine but in the future I get to sleep later!"

"Very well."  Pandora said agreeably, picking back up the tray and carrying it over.  "I have also gathered your school things, they are in a bag by your door."

"You've gotten comfortable."  Kaito muttered, eagerly taking a bite of his breakfast.

"So have you."  Pandora remarked quietly.

Kaito chose to ignore that comment, instead focusing on eating his food.

"I am currently working on locating another object."  Pandora informed him after a few minutes.  "Are you available tonight?"

"I don't have any plans..."  Kaito glanced over at Pandora questioningly.  "What is it?"

"A box."  Pandora answered, blood red eyes grim.  "That has the ability to wipe one's memories and store them inside."

"That...does not sound good."  Kaito admitted, swallowing a bite of food.

"It is not.  It is also active, meaning the next person to touch it will immediately lose their memories."  Pandora continued.  "I believe it is currently on display in the Ekoda Museum, meaning that is unlikely someone will touch it soon, however it should still be sealed as quickly as possible."

"Understood.  I'm pretty used to breaking in there after closing by now, so it shouldn't be difficult to get in..."  Kaito trailed off, sighing.  "I guess since it's active, I can't really hold a heist for it, right?"

"I would not consider it wise."  Pandora shook his head.  "Your taskforce is quite...eager."

Kaito snorted at that, rolling his eyes.  "I can handle them.  But it's probably better not to take a risk on this one.  I really do need to hold a heist outside of Suzuki's challenges soon though!"

"Very well, I am sure there is an item suitable for such purposes."  Pandora nodded at him. 

"Good."  Kaito replied automatically, before pausing as he considered his response.  Good?  Since when had he felt pleased about finding an item to seal -

"You are adjusting."  Pandora murmured quietly.  "It is becoming part of your routine."

"That's hardly comforting."  Kaito huffed before stuffing another bite of food into his mouth.

Pandora tilted his head.  "It is better than not adjusting at all."

"That doesn't make it better."  Kaito informed him, checking the clock next to his bed.  "I need to get ready for school soon, will you have all the details after classes end?"

"I believe so."  Pandora answered.  "Will you inform your assistant about this?"

"I'll keep him updated on what KID's doing, but I don't think I'll need his help this time."  Kaito replied, finishing the last of his breakfast.  "It sounds like it'll be an easy job."

"That would be preferable."  Pandora agreed.  "I will let you get ready for school now."  He added, taking the now empty tray and standing.

"I don't need your permission!"  Kaito called after him as Pandora flowed out of the room.

Pandora did not reply, and Kaito sighed, slowly pushing himself out of bed.

"Stupid immortal jewel-essence thingies."  He grumbled, heading over to his bathroom to freshen up.  "Even if he does make good food."

-

After getting ready for school, Kaito checked his watch, nodding to himself.  He still had time to check on Kwiiety before leaving, which Kwiiety would probably be happy about.  Plus, it would give him some time to check his supplies for the heist tonight too.

"Good morning Kwiiety!"  He called, stepping into the KID room.

His cape, which had been pushing a big plastic car around the room paused, turning to look at him.  Kaito smiled slightly at the sight, heading over to his drawer of smoke bombs.

"We're going to be sealing something tonight."  He informed them, taking some smoke bombs out of the drawer and bringing them over to his KID suit.

Kwiiety gave a curious wriggle, zooming over to Kaito and hovering at his eye-level.

"It's a box."  Kaito answered, stuffing the smoke bombs into his suit jacket's hidden pockets.  "Apparently it takes a person's memories and stores them inside."

Kwiiety wiggled in shock.  Kaito nodded, checking over his work with his suit.

"Yes, Pandora also thinks it's dangerous - that's why we're going to seal it tonight.  I'll need you to behave while we're doing that, okay?"

"And no touching anything."  Pandora added, swirling into existence next to Kaito.  Kaito sighed as Kwiiety gave a serious shake.

"They know."  He said, looking around for his sleeping gas.  He must have left it somewhere, but maybe it got moved during magic training...absently holding a hand out, Kaito willed it to fly into his hand.

A few seconds later, the canister rose up from behind some other heist supplies and zoomed in his waiting hand.

"The summoning spell comes naturally to you now."  Pandora observed, nodding his head.  "Well done, vessel."

"Thanks Pandy-chan."  Kaito replied, setting the canister by his jacket.  "The box isn't something that group will target, is it?"

Pandora pressed his lips together, considering Kaito's question.

"Perhaps, but I do not believe they know about it yet."  He answered at last.  "The box only activated very recently."

"Good."  Kaito sighed in relief, glancing down at his watch.  "All right, I really do have to leave now - is there anything else we have to cover?"

Kwiiety shook part of the cape back and forth.

"No?  I'm heading off to school then."  Kaito stretched his arms slightly, hoping nothing too eventful would happen today.  Hakuba hadn't really bothered him on Monday, he had actually been...kind of friendly.

"Hm."  Pandora said, voice unreadable.

"Listen."  Kaito began, crossing his arms.  "Maybe I'd be okay with him giving me some inside info for heists.  But it's too dangerous for him to know about everything."

"If it had not been for him, the situation with the kraken could have gone much differently."  Pandora pointed out.

"That's why I said he could give info."  Kaito pressed, not to be deterred.  "But he doesn't even really believe in magic, he'd stand no chance against half of the things we deal with."

"Neither did you."  Pandora remarked quietly.

"I knew magic existed."  Kaito scoffed, turning to leave.

"Yes.  However, you did not stand a chance against most of it."  Pandora said, still quietly.  "Your witch classmate was one thing.  Something like the group we are facing is another."

Kaito swallowed, refusing to turn back around.

"I died because I got involved with something bigger than I initially realized.  You think I'm going to let Hakuba go down the same path?"

"He would not be alone."  Pandora countered, and his voice was still so soft.

"And I was?"  Kaito tried, already knowing the answer, a sudden sinking feeling making him swallow.

"Yes.  You were."  Pandora answered, firm but gentle.  "You had your assistant, but even then you often kept him at a distance when it came to how you truly felt."

"...I'll let Hakuba keep giving me info for heists."  Kaito said at last, hands clenching.  "I'll see how that goes before letting him any closer than that."

"Very well.  You should leave for school now."  Pandora murmured, before disappearing.

Kwiiety flew over and gently wrapped around Kaito's shoulders in a hug before detaching and giving him an encouraging wriggle.  Kaito smiled slightly, feeling his stomach settle a little.

"Thanks."  He said, checking his watch again.  "I'll see you after school."

Kwiiety nodded in agreement, going back to pushing around the plastic car.  Kaito sighed, heading back up to the main part of his house.  Now for another long day of classes...

-

"Oooh that was a really good angle, Keiko!"

Aoko's voice was the first thing Kaito heard as he stepped into his classroom.  Quickly scanning the room, he found her standing by Keiko's desk, looking down at some printed photos.

"Thank you!"  Keiko replied, her eyes sparkling.  "I saw it on the way home from school yesterday and knew I just had to photograph it -"

"Aoko knows the feeling!"  Aoko laughed, a bright smile on her face.  "The sunset the other day was so pretty -"

Kaito watched them for a moment, a bittersweet pang in his chest.  He was glad Aoko was finding other things to keep her busy...he just sometimes wished things had turned out differently.  That he didn't always have to hide a part of himself.

After a moment, Kaito realized he was not the only one watching the pair, and turned slightly to see Akako was also gazing at them, something unreadable in her eyes.  Kaito frowned slightly, wondering what was going through her head.  She had better not be planning some sort of hex or spell for them -

I do not believe she is, she is not showing any signs of casting a spell.

Good.  She had better stay away from -

"Good morning, Kuroba-kun."  Hakuba's voice broke through Kaito's thoughts, and he turned to find Hakuba entering the classroom, schoolbag in hand.

"Morning Hakuba."  Kaito replied, eyeing him as the detective made his way to his desk.  "Solve any cases lately?"

Hakuba seemed somewhat surprised by the question, but not bothered.

"I ran into a minor theft case after school yesterday, but that is all."  He answered, then seemed to consider him.  "Aside from the KID heist, but you already knew about that."

"Yeah."  Kaito slowly moved towards his desk, steeling his nerves.  He had said he would let Hakuba give him info, and he wasn't going to change his mind now.

"If it really helps you that much, you can keep calling about that sort of stuff."  He said at last, doing his best to sound uncaring.  "But don't push it any further than that, okay?"

Hakuba blinked at him, looking astonished.  Kaito gritted his teeth, already wondering if he had made a mistake.

Then Hakuba smiled, and he looked so relieved that Kaito felt his stomach twist.

"Thank you, Kuroba-kun."  He said earnestly.  "I appreciate it."

Thanking Kaito for letting him give info on heist measures?  Kaito internally winced, wondering if maybe he had been a little harsh on Hakuba before.  The guy used to have a sense of pride -

That was before he watched you die every night, until you sealed his pocket watch.

...Yikes.

"Kuroba-kun."

Kaito blinked, realizing he had yet again spaced out in front of Hakuba.  Who once again looked concerned, and a bit disconcerted.

"Yeah, you're welcome, whatever."  Kaito grumbled, hurrying to his seat.  "Don't read too much into it."

"I won't."  Hakuba replied, but his tone said otherwise.  Kaito withheld a sigh, resting his chin on his hand.  He supposed detectives read into everything after all.

I believe this was a wise choice, vessel.

...We'll see.

Classes were uneventful, and Kaito idly jotted down notes as he listened to the teacher drone on and on.  Thoughts wandering to the upcoming heist, Kaito almost didn't notice when classes ended.  Standing up and stretching slightly, Kaito glanced around the classroom to see Aoko and Keiko walking out together, talking excitedly.  Akako stared after them for several moments before shoving her books inside of her bag, ignoring the male classmates that had started to approach her.  Kaito blinked, once again wondering what her problem was.

Hakuba took his time in gathering his school things, seemingly lost in thought.  He didn't say anything to Kaito though, other than a generic

"Have a nice day Kuroba-kun." as he walked out.

"You too!"  Kaito called after him, opting not to give him a rude response since Hakuba hadn't really done anything to earn one.  He doubted Hakuba even heard him though, he seemed to still be lost in his own world.

Shrugging to himself, Kaito picked up his bag and headed out the door, waving goodbye to his remaining classmates.  He had a box to seal, he didn't have time to reflect on Hakuba's behavior.  Maybe he was thinking about what Kaito had said to him.  Kaito only hoped he hadn't made the wrong call after all.

-

"We're home!"  Kaito called, stepping into the KID room.  Kwiiety eagerly shot up from where they had been laying, zooming over to him in excitement.

Huh, Kwiiety really did remind Kaito of a dog sometimes - filing that information away for later, Kaito pulled out his homework.

"The museum won't close until tonight, so we'll leave after supper."  He informed Kwiiety, looking over his assignments.  Nothing too difficult, he should finish within an hour or so.

Kwiiety nodded in understanding, settling themself next to Kaito on the table as they looked down, seemingly at his homework.

"Can you understand any of it?"  Kaito asked them, and Kwiiety shook in agreement.

"Really?"  Kaito replied, slightly surprised.  "What about this?"  He questioned, pointing to one of the math problems.

Kwiiety gave an answering shake.

"Yeah, that's correct...huh."  Kaito blinked down at his paper, filling in the answer.

"Despite their behavior, Kwiiety may be more intelligent than you think."  Pandora told him, swirling into existence next to him.  "In some matters."  He added, narrowing his eyes at Kwiiety.

Kwiiety flapped indignantly in response.

"I just thought that being sealed would have made it hard to learn this stuff."  Kaito replied, focused on filling in the answers to the rest of his math homework.

"In some ways, yes."  Pandora answered.  "However, it also means they were left in their own head for quite a while...plenty of time to reflect on what one picked up before being sealed."

Kwiiety slowly shifted back and forth, almost antsy about Pandora's words.  Kaito absently gave them a reassuring pat.

"You're not getting sealed away again, as long as you behave."  He said, writing down an answer to a math problem.  "Calm down."

Kwiiety settled at that, remaining silent for a few minutes before giving an inquisitive shake.

"No, we are not leaving yet."  Pandora told them.

Kwiiety nodded, waiting a few minutes before shaking again.

"No, we are not leaving now either."  Pandora told them again.

Kaito restrained a groan, putting his head in his hands.  So much for getting homework done quickly.

-

Pandora made him supper, which Kaito ate while going through the rest of KID's supplies, and practicing a few basic spells to warm up.  Kwiiety eagerly zoomed around during the whole process, seemingly excited about going out.

Kaito reloaded his card gun, watching Kwiiety's antics with a mixture of amusement and resignation.  He supposed it made sense Kwiiety would like going out, after being sealed for so long - and even though they weren't sealed anymore, they were still expected to stay in the KID room unless Kaito took them somewhere.

"Are you almost ready?"  Pandora asked, appearing beside him.

"Yeah."  Kaito packed the last of his supplies in his bag before turning to look at Kwiiety.  "You're going to have to be in the bag for the trip."  He told them, holding it up.

Kwiiety deflated slightly before morosely folding themself into the bag.

Kaito sent a quick text to Jii-chan to let him know he was heading to the museum before stuffing his phone into his pocket.  It was time to head out.

-

The trip to the museum was not all that eventful - most people didn't even glance at Kaito as he headed towards the museum. 

Kaito knew the security measures by heart now, so it wasn't difficult to get past those either.  Kwiiety waited patiently inside the bag, but was clearly excited once Kaito changed into the KID suit, shaking themself out a little before settling around KID’s shoulders.

The box should be in the next room.  Pandora informed him, and KID nodded, heading that direction.  To his relief, there was no sign of another person, and Pandora did not detect any other magic users nearby.  Finally, a relatively simple heist.

As KID began to open the case of the box, Kwiiety suddenly began shaking frantically.  Bewildered, KID twisted slightly, being pulled around by Kwiiety's actions.

"Stay still -" He began, opening the case entirely, but Kwiiety’s squirming only grew worse.

"What's wrong?"  KID tried, staggering slightly as he almost lost his balance.  "What are you -"

The box's magic is active...I did not realize it was alluring magic however...that must be how it lures in its victims.  Since Kwiiety themself is made of weaker magical essence, they are drawn to it like a magnet.

Great...how do I snap them out of it?  KID grimaced, trying to grab onto Kwiiety and force them back.  Kwiiety struggled, clearly trying to touch the box.

"No - touching things, remember?!"  KID sputtered, turning in a circle as Kwiiety continued to push.

If they touch that box, they will lose all of their memories.

I know that, a little help here?

Pandora swirled into existence next to him, right as Kwiiety shot forward with a speed KID had never experienced before, almost touching the box -

"NO!"  KID cried out, panicked, tilting his weight in an effort to throw Kwiiety off.  He crashed against the case, barely regaining his balance, but Kwiiety was not deterred.

"Kwiiety snap out of it -" Pandora began, reaching for the cape.  Kwiiety swerved, going for the box one more time -

Just before Kwiiety could touch the box, KID lunged, covering the box before Kwiiety could get to it.  Kwiiety wrapped around him instead, before going still.

KID blinked, feeling a little dizzy as he wondered what had made Kwiiety stop, blearily looking down.

The box beneath him was barely visible underneath his gloves, which were enchanted to resist magic items - but also...brushing the skin in between his gloves and his sleeves.

That couldn't be good.

KID's vision was abruptly blinded by a bright white light, mind going blank.

-

"Vessel!"

Pandora quickly grasped his vessel's shoulders, pulling him back up as Kaito blinked in confusion. 

"W - who..."  His vessel stammered, eyes darting around in a mixture of terror and bewilderment.

Kwiiety detached from Kaito's shoulders, giving a horrified shake.  Pandora sighed, reaching over and picking up the box.

"Apologies vessel, it appears you have been affected by the box...your memories will return shortly."  He assured him, red magic illuminating his hands as he tried to open the box.

The lid did not budge.

Pandora blinked, staring down at it.  Well.  That was most peculiar.

He tried again.  The box still did not open.  In front of him, his vessel shifted nervously, a scared look in his eyes.

"It is caught on something."  Pandora said grimly, hands tightening around the box.  "With enough power, I could force it open...but it would put you in a comatose state for quite a while, vessel...and the only way to free your memories is to open this box."

"What does that even mean?"  His vessel's voice was trembling.  "Where am I?  Who are you?"

Kwiiety melted to the floor, looking as utterly ashamed and upset as a cape could.  Pandora once again tried to open the box, to no avail.

"Well."  Pandora spoke after a moment, considering the situation.  What was the word his vessel always used when things went wrong?  Ah yes.

"Shit."  Pandora said.