Chapter Text
Shinichi cannot stop thinking that pain has invaded his life in the most tortuous ways. Sore muscles, unbearable headaches, hasty breaths, but alive after all. The constant beeps of his own heart beating prove that nothing here is an elaborated illusion. Raising hopes that this means a future where he can be himself.
Doctors and nurses visit the room everyday. Secrecy fills even the narrowest gaps in every corner. Shinichi tries to ignore the high freezing temperatures, covering himself under the warm bed sheets. That quietness is interrupted by the gentle creak of the door opening.
Haibara appears in front of him. It is notorious that she has been able to get proper rest for the first time in her life, considering all the horrors that the black organization has made her go through in the past.
"How are you feeling, Kudou?" Haibara asks, following the same spontaneous routine since he has been admitted to recover from his wounds.
"Better, the analgesics surely have worked for me."
"That is a good improvement, perhaps you might want to consider the doctor’s advice about taking physiotherapy."
"I will, I want to get back to my life as soon as possible!"
Haibara slightly smiles due to his enthusiasm. Each situation might have not been solved at once, but that is not an obstacle to relearn how to live as a human being. They are not targets whose lives are taken over by fear anymore. A genuine beginning for everyone.
"Keeping this pace, it is just a matter of time until you are discharged. Have you thought about…?
They immerse in a casual conversation about trivial topics such as school and everyday life for an hour until Dr. Agasa informs that they have to go. The vast sky displays a range of tawny tones that filter through the curtains. Shinichi cannot feel more eager to come back to his life as a teenager, tasting the freedom closer than ever.
Conan will never be able to tie him up again.
Of course, he is not as naive as before to believe that nothing has changed in his absence. Probably all his former friendships are gone. A oppressive lump in his throat returns when Ran crosses his mind. Each lie, spat on her face, has been confessed four months ago after taking a temporal antidote. Shinichi does not know if her lack of reaction means anything. Every broken promise, every unread message, every call where their feelings fade away have lead to this point. It is impossible to avoid a confrontation. Ran deserves to know the truth, regardless of his egoistical actions over the course of these two years.
Forgiveness is not expected at all. If a thread of trust still exists between them, it needs space, as she responds several seconds later in silence. They understand that their connection is not the same anymore. Breaking-up is not the worst case scenario. She is safe and that is what matters. Shinichi learns to accept this truth for once. Even if he regrets his previous mistakes in Tropical Land.
—
The night has finally arrived. The uncomfortable pillows do not help him deal better with his insomnia. He does not try to sleep early. He remembers that, a week before, a kind-hearted nurse suggested taking pills to solve this issue.
But Shinichi refuses to take pills.
Repulsive.
Having a night rest is not the most thrilling activity he can think of anyway even if his body demands it. When he is not fighting against the draining regret, he has to deal with the constant vivid nightmares — let him rephrase that word, memories. — of getting shot over and over again like a suffocating loop from which he cannot run away. It does not matter who is the one pulling the trigger. Drops of sweat run down his pale face despite the cold. It is nauseous.
In short, sleeping or not, his mind is against him. Nevertheless, that is what impulses him to keep moving forward too. These difficulties remind him of the importance of not giving up. The final operation is a prime example of that.
He remembers to be inside the building where the place has turned into a living hell. Flames are devouring the concrete from the center — where the human flesh spreads a bloody odor he wishes to forget. Jodie deduces that the electrical room is where the fire ignited. It remains undetermined if the cause was accidental or someone’s attempt of arson as their last option to vanish evidence.
Allies are yelling for back-up in result of injured agents. There are bullets coming from both sides. One of them pierces Shinichi’s abdomen. Blood flows from the wound. Oxygen is not reaching his lungs which, in consequence, accelerates his breathing. A hand is suddenly placed on his shoulder. Shinichi does not need to turn around. He recognizes that presence anywhere.
Kaitou Kid, whose usually impeccable white suit is tainted in soot.
"I know an exit, come with me." Kid’s tone of voice does not leave room for discussion. Kid uses his weight to help stabilize Shinichi’s gait, avoiding the debris on their way outside. The adrenaline has relieved the sensation that Shincihi feels of needles being introduced into his body.
They leave the massive building on fire, trembling as the fresh air at midnight replaces the smoke.
Many black organization members have been captured. Shinichi is surprised to be conscious enough to witness their downfall. Handcuffs around the wrists from the same people who tried to shatter each aspect of his life.
Not so far away, he spots the characteristic long silver hair. Gin must have noticed his gaze upon him because he stares back. Those same eyes that remain unmoved in the face of death.
Everything starts moving like a sequence of low-quality frames. Perhaps it is a side effect of not getting proper treatment for hours. His ears catch his name being called.
"Meitantei, there are paramedics here, let’s go with them." Kid gives off a strong sense of confidence, acting like an anchor in a sea full of despair.
And then, it is over.
More Vague memories cross his mind. Doctors mumbling unintelligible things while they are entering the operating room.
"Blood" "Transfusion"
"Loss" "Severe"
Shinichi somehow feels like Conan again when he got shot in that cave protecting the Shounen Tantei.
He falls unconscious because of the anesthetic effects in what can be considered the blink of an eye. People have scolded for his behavior because he cannot simply jeopardize his safety without thinking further more in the consequences.
He knows that, he has learned that lesson a long time ago.
"Anybody, call the police!!!" This known statement takes him out of his thoughts. Shinichi ignores the pain caused by his unrecovered abdomen as he stands up. If it is what he thinks it is, he will go.
He opens the door, revealing the corridors where the dead body is found on the floor.